The Collapse of Barishal’s Launch Industry: Waterways and the Vanishing Legacy Worth Millions?
Barishal Correspondent | Barishal Sangbad | Published: 28 December, 2025
Photo: A luxurious launch lying empty at Barishal River Port.
Barishal: The city of rivers and launches, Barishal, has now become a silent witness to the decline of its glorious heritage. Just three years after the opening of the Padma Bridge, Barishal’s century-old launch industry is on the brink of collapse. Passenger-less waterways and rising operational costs are suffocating vessels worth millions of taka.
Frightening Statistics
According to the latest data from Barishal River Port, the number of passengers in 2025 has dropped by nearly 70% compared to 2022. Earlier, 12–15 launches used to depart daily from Barishal Ghats to Dhaka; now only 3–4 operate.
| Indicator / Subject | 2022 (Pre-Padma Bridge) | 2025 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Launch Operations | 12–15 | 3–4 |
| Average Passengers (Daily) | 10,000+ | 2,500–3,000 |
Why This Massive Decline?
Launch owners say that passengers now prefer buses due to shorter travel times. Rising fuel prices and passenger shortages are causing losses of several lakh taka per trip for owners.
“The launch industry is the lifeline of Barishal. To preserve this heritage, the government must integrate river travel into the tourism sector.” — Barishal Launch Owners Association
