Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan said the authorities concerned are in hardship to prevent river accidents for want of adequate manpower.
On the other hand, accidents are taking place for not complying with existing laws, he said this on Sunday while speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting on the occasion of River Safety Week-2014. Shipping Ministry and Department of Shipping jointly organized the discussion meeting at BIAM auditorium in the city. Presided over by Shipping Secretary Manzurul Islam, the meeting was attended by Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Shipping Ministry Maj (Retd) Rafiqul Islam as special guest.
Department of Shipping Director General Commodore M Zakiur Rahman Bhuiyan, Internal River Transport Agency President Mahmub Uddin and Golam Kibria Tipu, MP, also addressed the meeting. Referring to the recent river accident in storm, the shipping minister said the on-duty officers and launch owners and workers failed to discharge their responsibilities.
He said directives have been issued to increase manpower of the Department of Shipping to prevent river accidents.
River accidents would reduce, if all become aware and abide by the law, he added.
Before the discussion meeting, a rally was brought out from in front of the National Museum that ended at BIAM auditorium via Banglamotor.
