Sundarbans, Nov 13 (V7N) — The local administration has given boat owners and tourism operators in the Sundarbans a two-week ultimatum to comply with safety and licensing regulations following the tragic death of an expatriate tourist in a boat capsize. Officials have warned that strict action will be taken against violators who fail to meet the requirements within the given time frame.

The move came after the death of Bangladeshi-born former Biman Bangladesh Airlines pilot, Riana Azad, who drowned when a tourist boat capsized in the Pashur River near Mongla last Saturday. Her body was recovered on Monday, two days after the accident.

In response, a joint operation was carried out on Wednesday morning across Mongla Ferry Ghat, Pashur Channel, and the Karamjal tourist center. The operation involved teams from the Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy, Police, River Police, local administration, and the Department of Shipping. During the daylong drive, officials inspected boats, spoke with operators, and issued a two-week deadline to meet key safety and registration requirements.

Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Naosina Arif, who led the operation, said that all tourist boats must obtain valid fitness certificates and licenses, ensure the availability of sufficient life jackets and lifebuoys, and strictly avoid carrying passengers beyond capacity. “We have set a two-week timeframe for full compliance. After that, legal actions will be taken against those who fail to follow the instructions,” she said.

Inspector Md. Rashedul Alam of the Department of Shipping in Khulna said that most of the boats operating in the Sundarbans lack registration, and many drivers do not hold valid licenses. “We have been trying to bring these vessels under registration for a long time, but progress has been slow. After this tragic incident, we have again instructed all operators to regularize their documents and follow safety rules to prevent further accidents,” he stated.

Authorities have emphasized that these measures aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of tourists visiting the Sundarbans, one of Bangladesh’s most popular ecotourism destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

END/AHS/SMA/