Hatirjheel water taxis halted again as workers strike over pay to leave thousands stranded

Dhaka’s Hatirjheel water taxis, a lifeline for thousands of office-goers trying to avoid the capital’s crippling traffic jams, have been suspended for the second time in just six weeks -- this time by workers striking for higher pay.

The stoppage, which began on Monday, has left commuters stranded and angry at being forced back into clogged roads, losing hours from their daily routines.

Since Monday, over 60 staff involved in running the service, including boat operators and ticket sellers, have stopped work, demanding higher salaries.

The strike has effectively paralysed one of the capital’s key alternative transport links.

“Operations have been shut since Monday,” said Masum Zaman, a senior executive of operator Karim Group. “Our higher management is in talks with them, but we don’t know when services will resume.”

The service is managed under the supervision of RAJUK, Dhaka’s urban development authority.

Asked about the disruption, RAJUK’s Executive Engineer Abu Sayeed Khondaker told bdnews24.com: “The stoppage is due to Karim Group’s internal issues, most likely related to staff salaries.”

He did not confirm whether RAJUK planned immediate action.

Only six weeks ago, RAJUK itself halted the service for five days after Karim Group fell three months behind on its lease instalments. Operations resumed only once the arrears were cleared.

Currently, 15 water taxis operate along two routes, from FDC Gate to Rampura and Badda Link Road, and between Rampura and Badda Link Road, carrying an estimated 20,000 passengers daily.

On Wednesday, bdnews24.com reporters found Hatirjheel’s stations deserted, with boats tied up at jetties, pontoons padlocked, and passengers turned away by security guards.

Many expressed anger at the sudden closure without prior notice.

“I normally get home in Rampura within 10 minutes by water taxi,” said Sumona Bonik, a government employee. “Now it takes me an extra hour in traffic. There was no announcement. It’s really frustrating.”

Businessman Kazi Milon, a daily commuter, echoed the frustration. “People walk half a kilometre to catch these boats. When they arrive to find services shut, it’s suffering. They stop and restart at will.”

Others warned that the disruption would push more pressure onto Hatirjheel’s circular bus service, already under strain.

RAJUK officials privately told bdnews24.com that Karim Group is contractually bound to maintain services.

“We issued them a notice on Monday asking for an explanation within three days,” said one official. “If they fail to reply, we will send a warning. Continued non-compliance could even result in lease cancellation.”

Launched in December 2016 under the Hatirjheel Integrated Development Project, the water taxi service was intended as a modern commuting alternative for Dhaka. But repeated interruptions have left passengers questioning its reliability.