Shimulia Ghat in Munshiganj must be protected: Khalid Mahmud

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has emphasised the importance of protecting Shimulia Ghat in Munshiganj.

He said that even if the Padma Bridge is built, there will be demand for ferries for the transportation of goods-laden vehicles, according to a press release. 

The state minister gave the directive, on Tuesday, during a meeting at the ministry to protect the Shimulia Ferry Ghat area from erosion and relocation/construction.

Mentioning that the activities of Shimulia Ghat should be continued with rapid protection, Khalid Mahmud directed BIWTA to complete the work of the riverbank protection before the next monsoon, it read.

Senior secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Kabir bin Anwar, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Mohammed Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury, among others, were present at the event.

The Shimulia-Kanthalbari ferry route links the capital to 21 districts in the south-west part of the country.

There are four ferry ghats, a launch and a speedboat dock available in the Shimulia ferry terminal area.

Due to heavy rains this year, the Ferry Ghat's area number three and area adjacent to the VIP Ghat were washed away by the river, read the statement. 

In order to maintain communication with the 21 districts in the south-western part of the country, it is necessary to protect the shores in the Shimulia ferry area on an emergency basis.