Sandwip, a picturesque yet isolated island in the Bay of Bengal, has witnessed the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream as the much-anticipated ferry service was inaugurated on March 24, offering new hope and ease of travel to its residents.
For years, the people of Sandwip faced numerous hardships due to the lack of a reliable transportation system. The treacherous sea route, which often left residents stranded or unable to reach hospitals in time, was a constant source of suffering. Tragically, many lives were lost in these conditions, including those of pregnant women and the critically ill. But on March 24, the history of these struggles was rewritten with the launch of the ferry service.
The ferry terminal was inaugurated at 8:00 AM by the Advisor to the Ministry of Shipping, Retired Brigadier General M. Sakhawat Hossain. This marks the realization of a long-standing dream for the people of Sandwip, who have fought for years to secure a safe and accessible route to the mainland. The ferry service connects Sandwip to the mainland through the Bashbariya Ghat in Sitakunda, a journey of just one hour.
This new development is not just about a new transportation route; it’s the end of an era of hardship. The change is a relief for many, as it puts an end to decades of struggle.
Manjur Morshed, a resident of Harispur in Sandwip, shared a heart-wrenching story of his uncle’s death during the pandemic, when his condition worsened, and there was no way to get him to the hospital in time. “If there had been a ferry, my uncle would have survived,” he said, reflecting on the painful loss.
Similarly, Akram, a resident of the Bauria Union, recalled the tragic night when his wife, who was in labor, couldn’t be taken to the hospital due to the lack of transportation. “If the ferry had been operational back then, my child might still be alive,” he lamented.
These tragic memories are still fresh for many. In 2017, a small boat capsized while disembarking passengers from a sea-going vessel, killing 18 people, including a mother and her 7-year-old child, who were swept away in the stormy sea. If the ferry service had been available, many of these lives would have been saved, Sandwip residents believe.
In another heart-wrenching incident in 2022, three children from Sandwip died when a speedboat capsized. Their father, in vain, had jumped into the sea, hoping to rescue them. “If there had been a safe way to travel, my children wouldn’t have died,” he said, as he stared at their tiny coffins.
After years of protests, petitions, and unrelenting struggle by the people of Sandwip, the ferry service is now a reality, marking the end of decades of suffering and the beginning of a new chapter in the island’s history. The people of Sandwip can now look forward to safer, more reliable travel, and the chance to say goodbye to the horrors of the past.
Liberty News’ local correspondent states that at 12:00 PM, the main adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, will address the Sandwip residents via video conference, joined by several other officials who will give speeches, including those from the Ministry of Power, Water Resources, Local Government, and other sectors. Today, their struggles have turned into celebration.
LND/BG
