The once bustling Sadarghat, a historical river port in Dhaka and a center of trade for over two centuries, faces an existential crisis as development bypasses traditional waterways.

Once the heart of Dhaka's river-based economy, Sadarghat served as a vital hub for transporting goods and passengers, particularly fish, vegetables, and fruits. Its embankments were a testament to its thriving commercial activity.

Urban experts warn that Sadarghat, a significant contributor to the nation's development and economy, could face extinction if not revitalized with a strategic plan.

"If this area is not planned in a way that integrates with modern transportation infrastructure while preserving its historical significance, it will not survive," said a prominent urban planning expert.

Sadarghat's decline is evident in its dilapidated infrastructure. Despite its historical significance, the port lacks adequate facilities for both passenger and cargo transportation, hindering its potential as a vital link in the city's transportation network.

With the Buriganga River flowing beside it, Sadarghat holds immense potential for revitalization. A comprehensive development plan that preserves its heritage while integrating modern infrastructure and services could breathe new life into this once-thriving port.

The sirens of launches and the voice of coolies are no longer heard at Sadarghat,. The entire area is quiet. Due to passenger shortage, no launch leaves for Barisal and Chandpur during the day. Fewer launches are left on other routes but it is much less than before.

At the same time, the dependence on transportation of goods has also decreased in Sadarghat. Due to the wholesale crisis, products have decreased in Shyambazar. This Shyambazar was the main market for various raw materials including onions, vegetables, betel nuts. Now much has lost its charm.

Talking to the workers and owners of boats and trawlers bringing goods to Shyambazar, Badamtali, Soarighat near Sadarghat, the main river port of the capital, the stories of despair were found.

According to them, even 20 years ago there was a flourishing situation in river transport of goods. With the passage of time, the system of transportation of goods by sea has lost its charm.

At present, goods are mainly transported by sea to river-based markets. But almost hundred percent of it is agricultural products. Mainly marginal areas where road communication facilities have not yet been developed, only waterways are used to transport goods from those areas.

Kaleem Mia, a boatman at Shyambazar Ghat, said, “I have been on a boat at this ghat since I was a child. My father used to have a boat at this ghat. The amount of goods that used to come by boat to this Shyambazar Ghat now does not come as before. We also went to different ghats with potatoes and onions in big boats. I see goods arriving by boat from Chandpur, Munshiganj, Barisal, Khulna. Now that is no longer the case. All come in trucks, pickups.”

Sikdar Miah transports goods by boat in Shyambazar. He said, “I have been working in this market for 30 years. But in the beginning, a lot of goods used to come to this Shyambazar. Very little now. However, traders take some vegetables from Barisal center from this market. Very few come. All products now come by road.”

In this regard, BIWTA Joint Secretary Member (Planning and Management) Md Salim Fakir told Bangladesh Pratidin, “Sadarghat was once the main transportation hub of South Bengal. It was also a commercial center. But now the enthusiasm has decreased a lot. Because of the improvement of transportation system, the transportation of common people and commercial goods is done by road.”

“However, plans are underway for a new Sadarghat. We had an internal meeting on how to decorate Sadarghat. Since Padma Bridge was inaugurated only a few days ago, let's take this year for now. Later, a feasibility study will be done to plan what can be done.”

Adil Mohammed Khan, Professor at Department of Urban & Regional Planning of Jahangirnagar University said, “Sadarghat was once a commercial hub. Due to the development of roads including the Padma Bridge, the ever-known hum of Sadarghat has reduced a lot. But the government needs to make a detailed plan about it. And sea route is one of the ways of world trade.”

“All countries of the world have strengthened this path. The government should also take a plan in this regard. Among them, Old Dhaka including Sadarghat should be redeveloped and beautified. A development plan should be taken to preserve the heritage of old Dhaka. At the same time, if we establish old Dhaka as tourism, then Sadarghat must be developed. The government should establish Sadarghat as a commercial hub by combining waterways and roads.”

(The report was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on December 13 and rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan) ​​