Strict steps to check unfit vehicles sought

Some environmental and rights organisations yesterday demanded the government's strict monitoring to prevent unfit vessels from plying during this Eid rush.

Their other demands include: vessels should not be overcrowded, sufficient life-saving equipment be stored in vessels, names of all passengers be enlisted before their boarding, travelling on roofs and boarding vessels from small boats in the mid river be stopped, and access to round the clock weather forecast and surveillance of law enforcers be available.

The country's waterways are still in a shabby condition due to poor maintenance and negligence of the authorities, the speakers alleged at a press conference at Jatiya Press Club. Some unscrupulous owners operate their unregistered and unfit vehicles with the help of some people in authority. Stern actions should be taken against both the groups, they said. Eleven organisations, including COAST Trust, Green Belt Trust, and Safe Waterway Implementation Alliance, organised the press conference.