**Ferry Service on the Chilamari‑Roumari River Route Suspended for 16 Days**
*Kurigram, Bangladesh – August 30, 2026* – Passenger and cargo ferries on the Chilamari‑Roumari river route in Kurigram district have been out of operation since August 14, 2026, citing low water levels at the Roumari ghats. The suspension, now in its 16th day, is affecting traders and commuters who rely on the service for transport across the Brahmaputra River.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) announced the closure, attributing it to “naval crisis” conditions. Akib Sohail Akash, assistant manager of the BIWTA’s Chilamari office, explained that water scarcity at the Roumari ghats and the “two‑hundred‑bigha” (approximately 33 hectares) area has forced the halt.
**Background of the route**
The Chilamari‑Roumari ferry service was inaugurated on 20 September 2023, with three ferries initially scheduled to operate. For more than a month and a half after the launch, two ferries ran regular passenger and cargo trips. Subsequently, the ferries *Begum Sufia Kamal* and *Kunjolta* were withdrawn, leaving only the *Kadam* ferry in service.
According to Akash, the route has experienced frequent interruptions since its inception. Between 20 September 2023 and 30 August 2026—a period of 1,065 days—ferry operations were suspended for 542 days because of navigational challenges.
**Impact on local traders**
Trucks awaiting loading at the river port have been stranded. Muhammad Rashidul Islam, a driver of a cargo truck from Bhurungamari, reported that about 15 trucks have already returned to their points of origin after learning of the ferry shutdown. “I came here, saw that the ferry was not operating, so I am heading back,” he said.
Rabiul Islam, a driver from Rangpur, added, “I have been waiting at the ghats for several days. I heard the ferry might resume, but it has not. If the ferry does not run, we will have to take a much longer route to Dhaka, which will increase both time and cost.”
**Efforts to restore navigation**
BIWTA officials said that dredging work is underway at the Roumari ghats and the surrounding two‑hundred‑bigha area. Akash noted that on 15 August the authority contacted the dredging contractor, which promised to dispatch two additional dredging machines, though none had arrived at the time of reporting.
“Three or four days ago I visited Roumari; the dredging work there has been halted,” Akash said. “If the ferry remains closed, the hardship for the local population will only grow. Our agency is a service‑oriented institution, and we are working to resolve the issue.”
The executive engineer (retired) of the dredging project, Samar Chandrapal, identified obstruction by local residents as a factor limiting excavation to only the two‑hundred‑bigha zone. He said he has reported the matter to higher authorities and that legal action may be taken if the obstruction continues.
Local residents, however, disputed the claim of obstruction. Asadul Islam, Anisur Rahman, and Jahid—who live near the Roumari ghats—asserted that no one has impeded the dredging work and that delays are due to administrative negligence.
**Political response**
Mustafizur Rahman, Member of Parliament for Kurigram‑4, appealed to the Minister of Shipping and the Prime Minister to ensure 24‑hour ferry service on the route, describing the suspension as a source of “public hardship.” “I hope the authorities will take prompt action,” he said.
The BIWTA has not announced a specific date for the resumption of ferry services. Stakeholders continue to monitor water levels and dredging progress, while traders and commuters await restoration of the river crossing.
Article and image source: bd-journal.com
