Heritage Paddle Steamer to Sail Again on Dhaka–Barishal Route from Nov 15

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC)’s century-old paddle steamer PS Mahsud will be recommissioned on the Dhaka-Barishal river route from 15 November, said M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping. The adviser said the heritage steamer is to join river-based tourism services on the Dhaka–Barishal route, linking Bangladesh’s river culture and historic waterways in a unique travel experience. After long preservation work, the vessel has been refurbished with modern amenities and safety systems.This week at a morning trial run from Sadarghat on the Dhaka–Munshiganj route, Sakhawat declared the vessel fully ready, and said its mechanical and navigation capacities are now being tested. A formal inauguration will take place on 15 November, followed by regular service.In PS Mahsud we see not just a craft but a living symbol of our river-based heritage. We want the new generation to rediscover how rivers once were the lifeline of our culture and ...

• 24 Oct 2025