Luxury launch on Dhaka-Barisal route without passengers

News Desk: The number of passengers on the luxury launch of Dhaka-Barisal route has decreased. The launches are not getting passengers even with less than the fixed fare. Every day 50 to 65 percent cabins are empty at both ends of Dhaka-Barisal. Concerned people say that the Padma bridge has affected the naval route. Passengers are becoming more interested in traveling across the Padma Bridge. Although the owners hope, the situation will return to normal soon. Passenger drought on the Dhaka-Barisal water route since the inauguration of the Padma Bridge. Throughout the year, half of the launch cabins are empty. The deck rent of 300 rupees has been reduced to 200 rupees and the rent of the cabin has been reduced to 400 rupees. Yet passengers are not available. Khalilur Rahman, a customs guard at the Barisal river port, said two launches of the MV Parabat were scheduled to leave for Dhaka on Tuesday night, but one was canceled due to a passenger crisis. Passengers, meanwhile, say launch travel is comfortable, but people will be more interested in launch travel if fares are reduced. Saidur Rahman Rintu, leader of the Bangladesh Launch Owners Association, said passengers would be on the launch again in a month or two. There are 24 launches approved for Dhaka-Barisal route. However, the owners are operating 6 launches from both ends through rotation.