Munshi Firoz Al Mamun | Special Correspondent | March 26, 2026
What authorities have described as a “weather-related accident” at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat is increasingly being viewed as a preventable tragedy rooted in systemic mismanagement and institutional failure. On March 25, a passenger bus carrying around 40 people plunged into the Padma River after being struck during ferry operations—an incident that has once again exposed critical flaws in Bangladesh’s river transport system.
A System Under Less Pressure—Yet More Dysfunctional
The Daulatdia-Paturia route once served as a vital transport corridor connecting southern districts to Dhaka. However, with the introduction of the Padma Bridge and the Bangabandhu Bridge, a significant portion of vehicular traffic has shifted away from ferries.
Despite this reduced pressure, conditions at ferry ghats have not improved. Instead, passengers and drivers report persistent disorder, long delays, and unsafe practices. The expectation that fewer vehicles would lead to smoother operations has not materialized, raising questions about operational efficiency and oversight.
Revenue Over Safety? Growing Allegations
Passengers and transport operators allege that ferry management frequently prioritizes informal cash collection over structured vehicle movement. During peak travel periods, especially around holidays, large numbers of foot passengers are reportedly allowed to board ferries without proper ticketing.
This practice not only contributes to overcrowding but also delays buses and heavy vehicles, forcing them to remain parked on unstable pontoons for extended periods. Witnesses of the recent incident claim that the ferry involved was heavily loaded and operating under challenging weather conditions when the accident occurred.
Coordination Failures at the Core
One of the most critical issues highlighted by transport users is the absence of a centralized coordination system at the ghats. Drivers often receive no guidance on which terminal to approach, leading to confusion and repeated repositioning of vehicles across multiple entry points.
This lack of direction creates congestion on narrow, sloped access roads. In the case of the March 25 accident, reports suggest the bus had been waiting on such a slope after missing a ferry, leaving it exposed when another vessel docked and struck the pontoon.
Recurring Accidents Signal Deeper Problems
The Padma incident is not isolated. In recent months, similar ferry-related accidents have occurred in different parts of the country, including a December 2025 incident in Narayanganj where multiple vehicles fell into a river after a ferry departed unsafely.
These repeated events indicate a pattern of negligence rather than isolated operational lapses. Experts point to failures in enforcing standard safety procedures, including vehicle securing protocols and controlled boarding systems.
Infrastructure Gaps and Risky Conditions
Despite reduced traffic demand, several ferry terminals continue to operate with damaged or temporary infrastructure. Slippery pontoons, steep approach roads, and inadequate safety barriers remain common concerns.
Drivers navigating these areas often face hazardous conditions, particularly during low river levels when gradients become steeper. Without proper management or physical safeguards, even minor operational errors can escalate into major accidents.
Accountability প্রশ্নে নীরবতা
Allegations of corruption and irregularities within ferry management have persisted for years. Critics argue that financial mismanagement and lack of accountability have hindered meaningful reforms.
Although investigations are typically launched after such incidents, outcomes rarely lead to systemic change. Even when action is taken against lower-level employees, structural issues often remain unaddressed.
Understanding the Operational Divide
Ferry operations in Bangladesh involve two key entities:
- Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority: Responsible for infrastructure, river navigation, and terminal management
- Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation: Operates ferries and manages vessel movement
The lack of coordination between these bodies is frequently cited as a contributing factor to operational inefficiencies and safety lapses.
Conclusion: Time for Structural Reform
The sinking bus in the Padma is more than a tragic accident—it is a reflection of long-standing systemic weaknesses. Without comprehensive reforms, including improved coordination, stricter enforcement of safety standards, and greater transparency in operations, such incidents may continue to occur.
As rescue efforts continue and families await answers, the focus now shifts to whether this tragedy will finally prompt meaningful change—or become another addition to a growing list of avoidable disasters.
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https://thereporter24.com/news/special-report-rowning-in-negligence-how-systematic-rot-turned-a-routine-padma-crossing-into-a-tragedy
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