River police arrest drivers involved in launch accident

A team of river police arrested drivers of MV Mayur-2 from city's Sutrapur area early hours of today.

The arrestees were identified as Shipan Hawlader, 45, and Shakil Hasan, 28.

On June 29, MV Mayur-2 collided with Morning Bird in Buriganga River in Shyambazar area, adjacent to Sadarghat, killing at least 34 people.

Morning Bird was carrying 50 passengers at the time.

Rezaul Karim, officer-in-charge (OC) of River Police Sadarghat Terminal, said a team of police conducted a raid in the aforesaid area today and arrested engine drivers -- Shipan and Shakil.

He said police produced them before a court seeking seven days remand.

Earlier, police arrested Mosaddek Hanif Swad, owner of Mayur-2 launch, launch Master Bashar Molla and supervisor Abdus Salam.

A day after the launch capsized, Shamsul Alam, sub-inspector of Sadarghat River Police Station, filed a case with Keraniganj Dakshin Police Station against seven people, including Swad.

The OC said police have arrested five accused so far in this connection.