M M Jasim :
A good number of unfit and old passenger launches are operated in different waterways violating the government rules and regulations. Some dishonest and corrupt launch owners are allegedly operating their run-down launches.
It is alleged that Chief Engineer and Surveyor of Department of Shipping AKM Fakhrul Islam used to give approval of the unfit water vessels receiving huge amount of money from the dishonest owners.
However, the Shipping Ministry has suspended AKM Fakhrul Islam on charge of taking bribe. Fakrul was caught red-handed while taking bribe on August 3.
“But Fakhrul used to demand Tk 5 lakh-Tk 16 lakh for each ship, depending on the size. Without bribe, he did not approve any design,” according to Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).
Either the Shipping Department or the Anti-Corruption Commission does not exactly know how many water vessels got approval through underhand dealings.
As a result, the passengers are in fear of journey in waterways, especially during the rainy season, because of faulty and date expired launches.
Alauddin Ahmed, a passenger from Hatia, told The New Nation, “We know that Chief Engineer and Surveyor of Department of Shipping gave many date expired launches route permits. Now we are worried and in fear about our launch journey.”
Kamal Uddin, another passenger from Mirzakalu in Borhanuddin upazila, said, “We feel nervous in launch journey as engines of many launches which have been plying for long period sometimes develop mechanical faults. So it will be positive for us if the government ensures new launches in the coastal areas.”
It is strictly prohibited to ply any water vessel in the coastal areas if it’s longevity is over 15 years. But Farhan-2, a passenger bound-launch, has been built in 1982. It is now being operating in Dhaka-Betua route. MV Tipu-5 was built in 1980, MV Panama was built 1986.
Both launches are being operating in Dhaka-Betua and Dhaka Hatia routes.
Like these launches, a number of unfit and date expired launches are also operating in the country’s waterways.
There are as many as 1,183 passenger launches in the country. Usually, 25,000-30,000 passengers use the Sadarghat terminal daily on normal days, the official of the Shipping Department said.
According to the corresponding ordinance, an approval of the design of a launch should be given within 45 days with modification, if necessary.
ACC Deputy Director (Dhaka Division Combined Activities) Md Ibrahim told reporters recently that the case filed against Fakhrul Islam is under investigation. The progress of the case is good, but it is difficult to say anything before the charge sheet, he said.
A good number of unfit and old passenger launches are operated in different waterways violating the government rules and regulations. Some dishonest and corrupt launch owners are allegedly operating their run-down launches.
It is alleged that Chief Engineer and Surveyor of Department of Shipping AKM Fakhrul Islam used to give approval of the unfit water vessels receiving huge amount of money from the dishonest owners.
However, the Shipping Ministry has suspended AKM Fakhrul Islam on charge of taking bribe. Fakrul was caught red-handed while taking bribe on August 3.
“But Fakhrul used to demand Tk 5 lakh-Tk 16 lakh for each ship, depending on the size. Without bribe, he did not approve any design,” according to Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).
Either the Shipping Department or the Anti-Corruption Commission does not exactly know how many water vessels got approval through underhand dealings.
As a result, the passengers are in fear of journey in waterways, especially during the rainy season, because of faulty and date expired launches.
Alauddin Ahmed, a passenger from Hatia, told The New Nation, “We know that Chief Engineer and Surveyor of Department of Shipping gave many date expired launches route permits. Now we are worried and in fear about our launch journey.”
Kamal Uddin, another passenger from Mirzakalu in Borhanuddin upazila, said, “We feel nervous in launch journey as engines of many launches which have been plying for long period sometimes develop mechanical faults. So it will be positive for us if the government ensures new launches in the coastal areas.”
It is strictly prohibited to ply any water vessel in the coastal areas if it’s longevity is over 15 years. But Farhan-2, a passenger bound-launch, has been built in 1982. It is now being operating in Dhaka-Betua route. MV Tipu-5 was built in 1980, MV Panama was built 1986.
Both launches are being operating in Dhaka-Betua and Dhaka Hatia routes.
Like these launches, a number of unfit and date expired launches are also operating in the country’s waterways.
There are as many as 1,183 passenger launches in the country. Usually, 25,000-30,000 passengers use the Sadarghat terminal daily on normal days, the official of the Shipping Department said.
According to the corresponding ordinance, an approval of the design of a launch should be given within 45 days with modification, if necessary.
ACC Deputy Director (Dhaka Division Combined Activities) Md Ibrahim told reporters recently that the case filed against Fakhrul Islam is under investigation. The progress of the case is good, but it is difficult to say anything before the charge sheet, he said.
