Dhaka, June 21 -- Widespread concern is growing over unsafe river travel as desperate passengers continue to board unauthorized and risky vessels during ongoing disruptions to legal water transport services caused by monsoon-related rough weather.
With official launch and sea-truck services suspended under cautionary signal No. 3, many travelers-particularly post-Eid returnees-have turned to illegal trawlers and speedboats to cross dangerous river routes. These makeshift vessels often lack basic safety equipment, such as roofs, life jackets, or regulated capacity, posing serious threats to passenger lives.
Eyewitnesses report that many of these boats are operated without proper licensing and charge exorbitant fares, taking advantage of st...