Rangamati, Jan 08 (V7N) – Expressing grave concern over a series of accidents involving tourist boats on Rangamati’s Kaptai Lake, the Rangamati Magistrate Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter following reports published in national media. The court has ordered the Rangamati Naval Police to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report within the next 15 days.

The order was issued on Tuesday by Senior Judicial Magistrate Asif Alam Chowdhury of the Rangamati Magistrate Court after media reports highlighted serious irregularities in the operation of tourist vessels on Kaptai Lake. The reports drew attention to inadequate safety measures, the absence of life jackets, the operation of unregistered boats, and negligence by the authorities concerned.

The matter came under judicial scrutiny following a boat accident that occurred on December 25, 2025, in which 19 tourists, including women and children, narrowly escaped death. According to media reports, the accident took place in the afternoon while an engine-driven boat was returning to Rangamati town from the Subalong tourist spot. The boat capsized with 19 passengers on board, including four children. None of the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident. Eyewitnesses stated that the accident may have been caused by the driver’s lack of skill and excessive passenger load.

Subsequent reports published in national newspapers and broadcast by private television channels revealed that more than 150 unregistered and non-compliant boats are operating regularly on Kaptai Lake. These vessels are allegedly carrying passengers far beyond their permitted capacity, operating without sufficient life jackets, and routinely transporting passengers on rooftops despite an existing ban.

Media reports further noted that boat accidents on Kaptai Lake have previously resulted in fatalities. Serious accidents were reported in 2014, 2020, and 2023, causing the deaths of tourists. Although a ban on carrying passengers on boat roofs was imposed in 2020, it has not been effectively enforced.

After reviewing the reports, the court observed that Kaptai Lake is the largest man-made lake in Bangladesh and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Despite this, there appears to be widespread indifference among government authorities, boat owners, and tourism-related entities in ensuring the safety of visitors. The court noted that such negligence contradicts the right to life guaranteed under Article 32 of the Constitution of Bangladesh and constitutes punishable offences under the Penal Code of 1860, the Inland Shipping Ordinance of 1976, the Bangladesh Tourism Board Act of 2010, and the Consumer Rights Protection Act of 2009.

Exercising powers under Section 190(1)(c) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the court directed the Inspector of the Rangamati Naval Police to investigate the matter. The investigation has been instructed to examine the negligence of boat owners and drivers, the legal registration status of vessels, the availability of life jackets and safety equipment, passenger capacity compliance, the training and licensing of boat drivers, and the number of registered and unregistered boats operating on Kaptai Lake.

The court also ordered the Superintendent of Police (Tourist Police), Rangamati, and the concerned Upazila Nirbahi Officers to provide full cooperation in the investigation. The naval police have been directed to submit the investigation report within 15 days.

Sources said the court remarked that merely “discouraging” unsafe practices is insufficient to ensure tourist safety. The court emphasized that strict enforcement of the law and an effective monitoring mechanism are essential, warning that failure to do so could lead to more severe and fatal accidents on Kaptai Lake in the future.

GR Officer ASI Taj Uddin of Rangamati Magistrate Court-1 confirmed the matter, stating that the court’s order was formally communicated to the relevant authorities on Wednesday. He added that once the investigation report is submitted within the stipulated timeframe, the court will take further action accordingly.

END/AMR/SMA/