Launch accident and permanent solution

We are shocked to know the drowning of 'MV Miraj-4' at the Meghna river due to heavy storm. We pray for the departed soul and express deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Hearing the sad news shipping minister and high officials of the ministry and the BIWTA visited the accident area, formed an investigation committee, and declared a lump-sum compensation for the bereaved families.

This is not the only incident of launch capsize in Bangladesh. It is happening frequently and authorities concerned play the same rule repeatedly. It can not be a permanent solution. This kind of accident happens due to bad weather or because of carrying more passengers than the capacity of the vessel.

The question is: how a vessel is allowed to leave during bad weather and carry more passengers than its capacity from an authorised terminal? If the BIWTA and other relevant agencies had been alert, launch owners would have no choice and accidents could have been averted. If launch owners do not comply with the norms, the authorities concerned must take tough measures against them.

We hope that BIWTA and other agencies will take strict measures and set a permanent solution to avoid this kind of unwanted disaster in future.

Md Abdullah-Al-Mamun (Badshah)

Daffodil International University, Dhaka