The routes are those connecting Dhaka to the four district towns of Barisal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur and Bhola.

The decision was taken yesterday at a meeting of senior members of the association, source said.

In the beginning the operation would be on a test basis to get an idea about the viability, the source added.

"The decision was taken following the government's request. But launch owners are demanding that similar action be taken in respect of road vehicles", said Alhaj Kalim-ullah, chairman of the association.

Launch owners apprehend passengers would shift to travelling by road when the launch plying restrictions are put into effect, he added.

"We will give route permit to any launch operating during the day," said Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Abul Hossain Chowdhury.

He said the government has also decided to operate some state- owned steamers.

Following the decision, a steamer of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation, M V Shila, is to start plying between Dhaka and Hularhat via Barisal from today.

Shipping Minister Akbar Hossain is scheduled to inaugurate the new route at the Sadarghat Launch Terminal this morning.

According to BIWTA sources, the number of passengers in river routes have fallen by 25 per cent following the recent M V Nasrin-1 disaster on July-8.

The launch sank in the confluence of the rivers Padma, Meghna and Dakatia with around 750 passengers.