The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has ordered the suspension of all types of watercraft, including ferries, in coastal areas due to the low-pressure system in the sea and the potential development of cyclone Remal.
However, no directives have been issued yet for ferries and other watercraft on the country’s inland water routes.
BIWTA Joint Director Joynal Abedin confirmed this information to journalists on Saturday afternoon.
He stated that the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal could potentially develop into a cyclone. As a precaution, all necessary measures have been taken. Ports have been instructed to display a Level 3 warning signal, and the operation of all launches and watercraft in coastal areas has been banned. Future directives for launches operating on internal river routes will depend on the evolving situation.
Additionally, the leaves of all BIWTA officers and staff have been cancelled.
A control room has been established on the 6th floor of the BIWTA building to manage the potential cyclone Remal and the deep depression. Officers and staff in the control room will maintain continuous communication with the meteorological office, control rooms at all river ports, focal officers at ports, control officers of various departments at river ports, and control officers at dredger bases.
For communication with the control room, the telephone number +8802223352306 and mobile number 01958658213 have been provided.
