Meghna Launch Capsize
Resignation of shipping minister demanded
Some civil society members and non-government activists yesterday demanded resignation of the shipping minister alleging that he failed to ensure safety of commuters over the riverine routes.
They also demanded the government provide Tk 3 lakh to the family of each victim of the recent launch capsize in the Meghna while, in addition, ensuring rehabilitation for those who lost more than one member.
The demands were placed at a press conference organised by Nou-Sarak and Rail Khat Rakkha Jatiya Committee (national committee to protect rivers, roads and railway sector) at Moni Singh-Farhad Trust Bhaban in the city.
MV Shariatpur-1, a double-decker launch, capsized in Meghna with over 250 passengers at Char Kishori under Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj after a collision with a cargo vessel on March 13.
A total 145 bodies were recovered till filing of this report at 9:00pm last night.
Former director general of Bangladesh Water Development Board Engineer M Enamul Haque emphasised proper implementation of laws and setting up police stations besides major rivers and riverine routes to ensure river safety.
Barrister Sadia Arman, a Supreme Court lawyer, advised the affected families to take legal help to secure compensation.
Green Club of Bangladesh President Nurur Rahman Selim stressed the need for ensuring lifebuoys and necessary lifesaving equipment in vessels to protect lives.
Moderating the programme, the committee Convenor Asis Kumar Dey placed a 15-point recommendation for riverine safety.
They include -- introducing computerised ticketing system to keep record of passengers, strengthening vigilance of Department of Shipping, launching drives against unfit and unregistered vessels and arranging training for masters.
Bangladesh Inland Waterways Association acting chairman Badiuzzaman Badal, Vice-Chairman Shahbuddin Milon and the committee Chairman Tushar Rehman also spoke at the programme.
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