Noman Mosharef :
The maritime accidents have been increased significantly in the recent time in the country. At least 64 people died in 15 river transport accidents within one month.
Of them, 35 lives died when a small passenger launch-MV Sabit Al Hasan-capsized in the river Shitalakkhya in Narayanganj on April 4. The ill-fated vessel met the accident when a large cargo vessel had rammed into it from behind near an under-construction bridge on the river in broad daylight. And 26 people died on May 3, after an overcrowded speedboat collided with a sand-laden bulk carrier and sank in the Padma River near Madaripur.
In view of the two river transport accidents, the questions are raised as to why frequent accidents happen in the country? People want to know who are responsible for these tragedies.
May 3 incident’s rescue operation leader and Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defence’s Deputy Assistant Director Mofazzal Hossain said, the speedboat lost its control due to capacity beyond passengers, mechanical fault or any other reason. But the important question is how does a river transport cruise when the country is under lockdown.
The public transport experts also raised such question.
Over the issue, Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity Secretary General Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury said, amid lockdown how do speedboats operate with passengers beyond capacity?
He said, none of the ghat leaseholder, River police, Coast Guard and BIWTA could avoid responsibility.
He also urged to file a case against the BIWTA officials for their negligence over the issue.
Denying the allegation, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said, they have no responsibility for Madaripur incident.
BIWTA’s Marine Safety and Traffic Management Director Rafiqual Islam said, we have closed all launch and boat terminals. But if anyone operates passenger transport what can we do?
He also said, we have control on terminals only. Coast Guard and River Police are responsible for control of crime in the river.
He further said, passengers are also responsible for such types of accident.
Bangladesh Coast Guard Rescue Officer Lieutenant Asmadul Islam said, all launches and all types of shipping from the ferry terminal are closed at the lockdown. The Coast Guard is patrolling the waterways regularly. Even then, they are stealthily picking up passengers from other places and unloading them outside the wharf. He also commented that the Coast Guard’s eyes may have escaped because of the tactical late night sailing.
River police are reluctant to take responsibility for stealth operation. Md. Atiqul Islam, DIG of River Police, said, “I am sure this speedboat did not follow the navigable route. They are moving horizontally from an unknown place. He could have held us accountable if we had let anyone down.
“The waterway is not a small road that we can control,” he said. We cannot take responsibility if someone disobeys the route and puts himself in danger.
