Vessel accidents kill 6,000 in 25 years, says study

8 July 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

At least 6,000 people lost their lives in 535 vessel accidents during the last 25 years in the country, said a study of Safe Water Way Implementation Movement. The study also revealed sheer negligence of the authorities concerned, tendency of making extra profit of the vessel owners, corruption of some government officials and ignorance of passengers as the major reasons for the accidents. The study report was unveiled yesterday at a discussion meeting organised at the Jatiya Press Club marking the seventh anniversary of the capsizie of MV Nasrin in the Meghna. Presenting the keynote paper Aminur Rasul, member secretary of the organisation, demanded formation of "recommendations implementation committee" to implement probe reports' suggestions made after different vessel accidents. The government is indifferent to the water transport sector despite being the cheapest medium of carrying goods and passengers across the country, he added. Aminur also demanded increasing the budgetary allocation for the sector to ensure its security and development. The session also made some recommendations including installing radar in every launch, amendment of existing law related to water transport system, introduction of wireless communication system, regular dredging of waterways, introduction of government-run launches and arrangement of training for the launch drivers. Assistant member secretary of the organisation Jibonanondo Joyonto said the shipping ministry at a meeting in 2002 decided to implement 10 recommendations on urgent basis but nothing was done. The speakers urged people to initiate social movement to put pressure on the government for ensuring safe waterways.