Dhaka, Mar 19 (V7N) — The Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member investigation committee to determine the cause of the launch accident at Sadarghat and identify those responsible. The decision was announced in a press release on Thursday.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Md. Abul Islam has been appointed convener of the committee. Other members include:

  • Police Superintendent of Dhaka Region Naval Police Abdullah Al-Mamun

  • Director (Purchase and Conservation) of BIWTA SM Shahed Reza

  • Engineer and Ship Surveyor (Sadarghat) of the Department of Shipping Mohammad Ehtesanul Haque Fakir

  • Assistant Director (Operation) of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defense AKM Shamsuzzoha

  • Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Md. Mehedi Hasan

The committee has been instructed to submit a detailed report within three working days, outlining the root cause of the accident, identifying those responsible, and recommending measures to prevent future incidents.

Meanwhile, all concerned departments and organizations have been directed to provide assistance to the victims. The Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased, and conveyed condolences to their families. It has also ordered prompt and advanced medical treatment for the injured.

The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon (March 18) when two passenger launches, MV Asa-Zawa-5 and MV Zakir Samrat-3, collided near Pontoon No. 14 at Sadarghat, resulting in multiple casualties. The route permits for both launches have been canceled pending investigation due to their primary responsibility for the collision.

END/SMA/AJ