The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) on Saturday suspended the operation of all types of water transport services across the country due to formation of cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ over the Bay.

The movement of launches, ferries and speedboats will remain halted on all waterways throughout the country until further notice, said Md Jahangir Alam Khan, senior information and public relations officer of the Shipping Ministry, the UNB reported.

The BIWTA also cancelled leave of its all officials and employees posted at river ports to tackle the situation.

Besides, the department and offices under the Shipping Ministry will remain open on May 3, 4.

Khulna and adjoining southwestern coastal areas will feel the peripheral effect of ‘Fani’ by Friday morning, the Met Office says, advising Mongla and Payra ports to display danger signal number seven.