Tourist Movements Banned After 6 PM at Padma Bridge and Mawa Ghat

The local administration has banned all tourist-carrying watercraft from operating after 6:00 PM in the river areas adjacent to Shimulia Ghat and the Mawa point of the Padma Bridge in Lauhajang Upazila, Munshiganj. The decision was taken to prevent accidents and enhance security.

Farzana Boby Mitu, the Lauhajang Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), announced the measure on Wednesday afternoon, October 28, after inspecting the overall river safety situation around pillars 3, 4, and 5 of the Padma Bridge and the Shimulia Ghat area. During the inspection, several warning signboards were installed in the Mawa Ghat area and near the Padma Bridge pillars to ensure the safe movement of tourists.

According to upazila administration sources, the Padma Bridge and Shimulia Ghat attract a large number of visitors daily. Risks arise as tourists frequently venture extremely close to the bridge pillars aboard engine-run trawlers and speedboats. To prevent unwanted accidents on the waterway, ensure overall security, and maintain order in the ghat area, the administration has taken this strict measure.

Regarding the restriction, Lauhajang UNO Farzana Boby Mitu stated that Mawa and Shimulia Ghat are key hubs for river-based tourism. Prioritizing the safety of visitors and the general public, the administration decided to suspend the operation of all trawlers and recreational watercraft after 6:00 PM. Law enforcement agencies have also been directed to maintain strict vigilance in this regard.

Among others present during the inspection were Lauhajang Upazila Engineer of LGED, Shantanu Ghosh Sagar; BIWTA official Newaz Mohammad Khan; River Police Inspector Md. Malek Khasru, Tourist Police Inspector Md. Delowar Hossain, and Shimulia Trawler Ghat lessee Md. Kawsar, alongside representatives from various local agencies.