Editorial
Another launch tragedy
Is there no way out?
There has been another launch accident in the Meghna, that has taken the lives of a dozen, and many are still missing. Reportedly, there were about 60 to 70 passengers on board, although government sources put the figure between 35 and 50.
We note the fact that as usual the ministry of shipping has formed a four-member committee to investigate the incident and submit a report to it within five working days.
This is not the first time that a tragedy has occurred in the river. And this not the first time an enquiry into the causes of the accident will be conducted which will duly submit its report. And then what? May we ask the disposal of the enquiry report of the MV Shariatpur -1 tragedy where nearly 200 passengers were drowned in the Meghna on 12 March 2012? That was one of the most serious launch accidents in recent times, and we know of no action that has been taken against the defaulters.
It seems that a good percentage of travelers, whether by road or waterways, are destined to perish in accidents while traveling. Regrettably, no punishments are meted out to the guilty party, and very little corrective measures are taken to plug the loopholes in the administration and management of the river transport service in the country.
We are not at all surprised by the fact that the trawler, which caused the accident, was not registered. Such a situation is bound to prevail, and indeed continue when the number of registered vessels is slightly more than 8000, and unregistered vessel plying the rivers is in the region of 2- lakhs, for which there are only four fitness inspectors. Is this not a cruel joke, and seems more so when the government is quick to announce a small sum a compensation for the deaths.
Please implement the recommendations and increase the Department of Shipping's manpower and efficiency.
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