Hatia (Noakhali) Correspondent 

A human chain has been formed in Dhaka to demand the launch of a permanent ferry service to ensure safe communication between Hatiya, an isolated island upazila of Noakhali, and the mainland. The program was organized by the Hatiya Sammilita Social Organization in front of the National Press Club on Saturday  morning. More than 500 expatriates and students from Hatiya residing in different parts of the country participated in it.

The speakers said that the only hope for the island is the waterway, through which thousands of passengers and a large amount of goods are transported every day. But due to the lack of ferry services, the locals are forced to travel in risky trawlers and speedboats. This leads to regular accidents, and there are also many fatalities. When boat traffic stops due to adverse weather conditions, the islanders are completely isolated.

They alleged that harassment of passengers, extortion of fares and inhumane treatment on waterways have become daily occurrences. Emergency patients, students, workers and businessmen are suffering immensely due to this. The speakers urged the government to immediately launch ferry services on the Hatia-Noakhali waterway and announced a larger movement if there is a delay.

Abdul Hannan Masud, senior joint chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and candidate for Noakhali-6 constituency, said, "The arms transportation system is like Gaza, where there is no guarantee of life. Emergency patients or pregnant mothers are losing their children or even losing their lives while crossing the river."

The organization's coordinator, Dr. Md. Jobayer, said, "Safe waterways are essential for improving the quality of life, education and health system in Hatia. There is no alternative to ferries in this regard." Another coordinator, Md. Ayat Hossain Jewel, said, "The launch of ferries means ensuring the lives and safety of about 1 million people, which is a fundamental right given to them by the constitution."

Coordinators Ismail Hossain Tafsir and Mohammad Ali warned that if the ferry service is not implemented, a larger program will be announced soon.

Professor Naeem Shamim Khan presided over the human chain. Present were BNP leader and former VP Amirul Haider Chowdhury Sajjad, Jamaat candidate for Noakhali-6 constituency Advocate Shah Mahfuzul Haque Chowdhury, General Secretary of Hatia Dwip Samity in Dhaka Anwar Hossain Jaton, Upazila Jubo Dal member secretary Fahim Uddin, Upazila Chhatra Dal convener Mohammad Arefin Ali, member secretary Riaz Mahmud, Hatiar Kotha newspaper editor Md. Kefayet, Md. Riday, Md. Himel and representatives of social and cultural organizations.

The banners and placards read: "We want ferries, not deprivation," " We want direct connectivity between the mainland and the island," and "Stop maritime harassment . "