The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) closed a pier on the opposite side of its Dhaka Sadarghat terminal on the river Buriganga on Sunday instantly sparking protests among the people who felt their interests were ignored. At a point the protesters turned violent, clashed with members of law enforcing agencies and set two motor launches ablaze. The launch owners suspended operations in protest against damages caused. After the authorities decided to keep the pier operational for some more days, the agitation subsided. The pier is said to have been causing traffic congestion and accidents.

The violent outburst raised a number of questions regarding the whole episode. It is expected that the stakeholders be taken into confidence while taking such decisions. The landing station that faces closure is claimed to be nearly 200 years old and is convenient to the people of the area. So the authorities should have consulted the concerned people before closing the same. They failed to read the public sentiment. The mass agitation and damage of properties were the outcomes of the hasty decision. IWTA authorities made no alternative arrangements for landing in the area. They did not serve notice to the people before the closure. Thousands of people found their movements stopped all on a sudden. Many shops and factories located near the station supply readymade garment and other necessary items to city markets using the same. Abrupt closure of the pier caused serious inconvenience to their trade and business.

In the face of the violent reaction, the authorities decided to keep the said station operational for another month and shift it to a convenient place in consultation with all concerned. The unwarranted incidents and loss of properties could have been avoided if the wisdom was used before.