Launch Accidents
Trial of people responsible demanded
Some non-government organisations (NGO) activists yesterday demanded trial of people responsible for Thursday's launch accident that occurred in the river Meghna in Brahmanbaria.
The accident, claiming at least 33 lives, occurred due to negligence and corruption of some government officials and profit-mongering vessel owners. It is an offence similar to committing murder, they said.
They were speaking at a rally organised by Safe Waterway Implementation Movement in front of Jatiya Press Club in the city.
The movement Member Secretary Aminul Rasul alleged that mismanagement and corruption of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and Department of Shipping (DoS) turned the country's riverine transportation sector risky.
Citizen Rights' Movement Secretary General Tusher Rehman, Nirapod Development Foundation Chairman Ibnul Sayeed Rana, Green Belt Trust Director General Jashim Katabi and Campaign for Development Foundation Chairman Mashiur Rahman Rubel also spoke.
Their other recommendations include increasing budgetary allocation for development of water transportation sector; increasing ship surveyors; regular checking of vessel fitness; formation of marine safety committee; and modernisation of Inland Shipping Ordinance, 1976.
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