30 fertiliser-laden vessels stranded in Jamuna

Around 50 cargo vessels loaded with chemical fertilisers have remained stranded for days at different places of the Jamuna River leading to Baghabari, biggest river port in the northern region, due to the poor navigability in the ongoing dry season.

"Movement of vessels is hampered in the 50 kilometre river route from Aricha to Baghabari port from January to April every year as huge shoals appear due to fall of water level. Char Latifpur, Baterir Char, Nakalia, Char Safulla, and Hurasagar points see the worst situation," said Md Azmal Huda, Baghabari port officer.

"Fertiliser supply in the northern districts in the peak boro season is likely to be hampered as big vessels carrying 1000 to 1200 tonnes of fertiliser cannot reach Baghabari now. Lighter boats are used to unload fertiliser from the stranded cargo vessels to enable them to reach the river port," he said.

It adds to the carrying cost of fertilisers, besides causing one or two weeks delay in the work, said the stakeholders.

If smooth movement of vessels cannot be ensured within a short time it will not be possible to meet the increasing demand of fertilisers in the northern districts in the peak boro cultivation period, Baghabari port sources said, adding that dredging by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority is too scanty for the purpose.

"Only one dredger is functioning in the 50 kilometre river route from Aricha to Baghabari port whereas three machines should work simultaneously to keep the channel navigable. Despite our request, the higher authority is yet to arrange extra dredgers here," said port officer Azmal Huda.