For the first time, a sea-truck service has been launched on a trial basis on the Cox’s Bazar–Moheshkhali waterway, significantly improving travel connectivity to the island upazila. A pontoon has also been installed at the Moheshkhali jetty to support the service.
The trial run took place on Friday morning (April 18), with the sea truck reaching Moheshkhali jetty just 35 minutes after departure. Locals gathered at the terminal expressed excitement and joy at the vessel’s arrival.
Island residents have long demanded a safer, more reliable ferry service for the 10-kilometer sea route. Many are hailing the sea-truck launch as a hard-earned victory born of years of advocacy.
“This route has seen frequent accidents involving speedboats,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Hwanok in Moheshkhali. “A sea-truck was the only viable solution to prevent such incidents. Now, people of Moheshkhali can travel safely.”
According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), efforts to introduce sea-truck service on this route were obstructed for over 15 years by a syndicate operating around the Moheshkhali jetty.
Commenting on the trial, AKM Arif Uddin, BIWTA’s Director of Administration, said, “Today marks the beginning of the trial run of the sea-truck service on the Cox’s Bazar–Moheshkhali route. We plan to officially launch the service soon.”
Former chairman of Moheshkhali Upazila Parishad, Joynal Abedin, also welcomed the initiative. “It’s heartening to see the first sea-truck arrive at the Moheshkhali jetty carrying passengers. The joy among locals is overwhelming. We must work together to ease the suffering of our people,” he said.
SM Suza Uddin, Joint Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), added, “We’ve been waiting a long time for this. The launch of this sea-truck service fulfills a long-standing dream of islanders. It will significantly reduce their daily travel hardship.”
BIWTA has announced that the official inauguration of the sea-truck service, with the presence of the Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, is scheduled for April 25.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
