Buriganga launch capsize: Sukani of Moyur-2 launch gave confessional statement

Nasiruddin Mridha, sukani (launch employee), today confessed before a magistrate that it was his negligence which led to vessel Moyur-2 hitting another launch--Morning Bird--in Buriganga river on June 29, killing at least 34 people.

"I was steering the launch even though Abul Bashar Mollah, master of the launch, signaled me to stop," Nasiruddin said according to court sources.

Senior Judicial Magistrate Shahjadi Tahmida recorded the statement after Md Shahidul Alam, a sub-inspector of River Police and also the investigation officer of the case, brought him at her chamber.

After recording his statement, the magistrate sent Nasiruddin to Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj.

Earlier on July 16, Bashar, master of Moyur-2 launch, confessed to another magistrate that Nasiruddin was steering the launch violating the signal he gave.

On June 30, Shamsul Alam, a sub-inspector of Sadarghat River Police Station, filed the case in this regard with Keraniganj South Police Station against seven people, including the owner of the Moyur-2-launch.

Police have so far arrested six people in connection with the case filed over the launch capsize.