Dhaka, Feb. 23 -- The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has inducted two new vessels into its fleet ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The state-owned company added to its fleet the "MV Sugandha" and "MV Rupsa" to boost passenger-handling capacity before the holiday rush.

Built by domestic shipbuilder New Western Marine Shipbuilders Limited at a combined cost of Tk 677 million, the vessels were formally handed over to the BIWTC on Sunday.

According to a media statement released by the shipbuilding company on Monday, these are "the largest passenger vessels currently in the country".

Each ship is designed to accommodate 764 passengers and a 44-member crew.

The vessels each feature a range of seating and lodging options, includi...