Dhaka: Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan on Sunday urged people heading home on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha to refrain from travelling in overcrowded launches and avoid rooftop journey.

The minister came up with the call while talking to reporters during his visit to Sadarghat Launch Terminal on Sunday.

During the visit, Shahjahan Khan asked the launch owners and workers to refrain from charging extra fare from passengers.

The authorities concerned of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Coast Guard, River Police and local law enforcement agencies are working to ensure safe movement of passengers on river routes, he said.

No major river accident occurred in the last four years due to coordinated efforts of all, Shahjahan Khan claimed.

There are 20 platoons at Sadarghat Launch Terminal for people in addition to building a parking yard there, he added.

BIWTA Chairman Commodore M Mozammel Haque was present.