The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) is counting profit by running a passenger ship on Chittagong-Sandwip-Hatiya-Barisal route.

This for the first time that BIWTC is earning profit by operating a passenger ship, 'MV Baro Awlia', a speedy coastal vessel, officials said here on Wednesday.

In the last week of May, MV Baro Awlia made a net profit Taka 44,220 by plying between Chittagong and Barisal via Hatiya and Sandwip. Earlier, this route was completely non-profitable due to high fuel cost.

In the public interest, BIWTC has been operating ship and sea truck services between coastal islands and districts and the mainland.

On May 22 last, MV Baro Awlia earned Taka 2.84 lakh against fuel cost of Taka 2.78 lakh making a profit of Taka 6,000. On May 29, the ship earned Taka 3.17 lakh against fuel cost of Taka 2.78 lakh and the profit margin stood at Taka 38,220.

On every Thursday, MV Baro Awlia leaves Sadarghat in Chittagong for Barisal via Swandip-Hatiya at 9am and it reaches the destination at 11pm. On Saturday, the ship starts for Chittagong via Hatiya-Sandwip from Barisal at 8.30pm and arrives in Chiitagong at 5pm.

Besides, the ship runs from Chittagong to Hatia via Sandwip on Monday and Tuesday every week.