Shawdesh Desk:

Defying the government restriction amid the coronavirus pandemic, a large number of homebound people are crossing the Padma River in a mad rush to reach home to celebrate upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

As the government halted launch and speedboat services as part of an effort to limit the coronavirus pandemic, leaving ferries the only mode of transportation for many Eid holiday makers.

People are continuing to crowd the ferry terminal at Shimulia and are trying desperately to board the vessels, putting their lives at risk to go home.

Although authorities had previously suspended daytime ferry services, they were forced to walk back the decision due to the huge influx of travellers, according to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC).

A total of 15 ferries are operating at the ghat where around over 400 vehicles, including ambulances and vehicles carrying patients and dead bodies, are waiting to cross the rivers, ghat sources said.

The BIWTC official said the authorities cannot operate ferry services properly due to the huge rush of people at the ghat.

There were massive crowds at the terminal over the last few days and the rush only increased on Wednesday. The shutdown of public transport has not prevented people from spending extra money to find alternate means to make it to the port.