Tk 0.1m for each launch accident victim

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan Thursday said the government will provide Tk 100,000 for each dead launch accident victim.

The government had provided Tk 10,000 for each dead launch accident victim, which was later increased to Tk 30,000. Tk 45,000 was given to each dead passenger in case of a number of dead people in a single family. And the amount was also raised to Tk 50,000.

"We don't want people to die in launch accidents. But such incidents happen around the world. If a sole breadwinner of a family dies in accident, the family faces disaster. The financial compensation will be helpful for the victims' families," he said at the coordination meeting for development of Madaripur on the day.

He distributed cheques to the family members of the victims of MV Miraz launch that recently capsized in Gazaria, Munshiganj.

The minister mentioned different measures taken by the government for ensuring smooth travel of homebound passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

He said the launch owners have decided not to allow passengers to travel on rooftop of launches during the festival.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will engage 40 ships to ensure passengers' security. Besides it will give 10 speedboats to the police for patrolling the rivers routes, he further said.