Vessels to operate at half capacity from July 14 midnight

Vessels will carry passengers at half capacities and maintain health guidelines from July 14 midnight to 6am on July 23.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) issued a notice on vessel movement on Tuesday following a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on lifting restrictions for eight days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

BIWTA requested vessel owners, masters, drivers, staff and passengers to follow the health guidelines during the period.

However, strict restrictions will resume from 6am on July 23, and will continue till August 5,midnight as per the Cabinet Division's order.

During the period, BIWTA ordered all passenger carrying vessels (trawler, speedboat, launch etc) to suspend their movement in the inland waters.

Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated on July 21 amid the Delta variant of Covid-19 wreaking havoc across the country, shattering records every day.

A record rise in the number of Covid cases and fatalities in recent days prompted the government to enforce a nationwide stringent lockdown suspending all outdoor activities unless there's an emergency.