Sadarghat Launch Terminal

Leasing to be withdrawn to lessen passengers' suffering

Says shipping minister

18 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

When the Maritime Safety Week 2010 is being observed pompously, women and children as well as elderly people along with their belongings land on the Sadarghat launch terminal in the city risking their lives. The photo was taken yesterday.Photo: STAR

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan yesterday said the government has decided in principle to withdraw the leasing system of Sadarghat launch terminal from next July to lessen harassment of passengers as well as to provide better services. “Leaseholders harass passengers in different ways, especially charging huge tolls from them, who carry goods through the launch terminal. It has tarnished the image of the terminal. So, we've taken a decision in principle to withdraw the leasing system of Sadarghat terminal.” He further said that the lease system would be withdrawn and the controlling power of the terminal be handed over to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). The minister said this as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of 'Maritime Safety Week 2010' jointly organised by BIWTA and Department of Shipping at Sadarghat in the city yesterday. The theme of the week this year is 'Security in waterways will bring success in the country'. Saying that leaseholders deprive workers of their just wages, he said the government would introduce a new system by 2010 through which BIWTA will appoint workers, enlist them and will fix the rate of carrying goods. About dredging of rivers, Khan said the government plans to procure 17 more dredgers soon for digging river beds to restore navigability of the waterways across the country. “We need 50 dredgers to dig all the rivers. We have already started the process of procuring three dredgers and planning to procure 17 more dredgers. We are encouraging the private sector to procure dredgers," he said. Pointing out different positive initiatives of the government, he said: “The government has allocated Tk 22.64 crore for making the rivers pollution-free and digging the river beds. We have started dredging in this connection and are hopeful to achieve success gradually.” The minister emphasised arrangement of training for shipmasters, proper monitoring of fitness survey of ships, making all the ships mandatory to be registered and public awareness to ensure maritime safety. Presiding over the session, Shipping Secretary Abdul Mannan Hawlader said their major aim was to ensure security in the waterways across the country and the government was working hard for that. He also called on all involved in this sector to work together to ensure safe waterways. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Chairman Golam Mostafa Kamal, BIWTA Chairman Abdul Malek, Department of Shipping Director General Rear Admiral (retd) Bazlur Rahman and representatives from different water transport bodies also spoke.