Godagari (Rajshahi), April 22 (V7N) — A severe shortage of diesel for shallow engine-powered boats has brought normal life to a standstill in the char areas of Godagari upazila. The fuel crisis, which has intensified over the last several days, has effectively cut off the primary transport link for thousands of residents across five unions in the Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts.

The disruption heavily impacts Char Ashariadah Union in Godagari and the Char Alatuli, Debinagar, Islampur, and Shahjahanpur Unions of Chapainawabganj Sadar. Residents who rely on Rail Bazar, Hatpara, Sultanganj, and Fultala Ghats for access to healthcare, education, and essential supplies are now finding themselves stranded as the majority of boat traffic has ceased.

Local boatmen report that they are unable to procure the 3 to 4 liters of diesel required for a single trip due to supply rationing and restrictions in border areas. Abu Taleb, a boatman at Rail Bazar Kheya Ghat, expressed his desperation, stating that he can no longer launch his boat despite waiting in long lines for fuel, leaving his family's livelihood at risk.

The crisis has trickled down to every sector of the community:

  • Education: Students, like college student Sumaiya Akhter, report being unable to reach their institutions on time, significantly hampering their studies.

  • Healthcare: Patients and their relatives face dangerous delays. Ambia, a resident of Char Alatuli, described waiting four hours at a ghat while trying to transport a sick relative to the city.

  • Economic Impact: With only a handful of boats operational, passengers are being forced to take long, expensive alternative routes, while boatmen have seen their daily income disappear.

Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nazmus Sadat Ratna stated that the administration is actively investigating the cause of the shortage. She warned that strict action will be taken if any artificial crisis is being created by hoarders and assured the public that initiatives are underway to normalize the fuel supply as quickly as possible.

Residents continue to demand immediate government intervention to restore the flow of fuel and prevent a total humanitarian and economic collapse in the river-dependent char regions.

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