Fire on launch: Probe body records statements of 22 eyewitnesses 

The probe body formed by the shipping ministry has recorded statements of 22 eyewitnesses in connection with the MV Abhijan-10 launch fire at Jhalakathi that left at least 41 people dead.

The four-member committee headed by the ministry's Joint Secretary Md Tofail Islam recorded the statements at the Barguna Circuit House auditorium today, reports our Patuakhali correspondent.

Barguna-1 MP Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu, and Barguna Deputy Commissioner Habibur Rahman were present at the circuit house at the time. 

"Apart from the 22 eyewitnesses, we will visit Barishal's Sher-e Bangla Medical College Hospital to take statements of the injured passengers," said Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Additional Director Md Saiful Islam, a member of the probe committee.

"We can't say anything at the moment because of the ongoing investigation. We are trying our best to find out the actual cause of the fire," Tofail Islam said.