Another launch tragedy!

It is a tragedy that another launch has capsized in the Shitalakshya river, Narayanganj, this week. The launch with at least 50 passengers on board was on the way to Munshiganj from Narayanganj. It sank after being hit by a cargo vessel. Both the vessels were heading towards the same destination. As the launch was in the lead, the cargo vessel hit it from behind. There was no chance for the small vessel to change its direction. A video grab of the accident showed the ill-fated passengers of the launch throwing their arms up in the air and crying for help when the launch began to sink. Some jumped into the water to save their lives. It took the launch a few minutes to submerge in the water. Only a handful of passengers could make it to the bank. So far, only 10 dead bodies have been recovered.
The accident again shows that the waterway is quite risky for the thousands of regular commuters. Once considered a cheap mode of transport, the journey by river-vessels has now become a risky one. Careless driving along with passenger-overload makes the journey perilous. The authorities need to take some strict measures to ensure passenger safety on the waterways.

Nazu Bhuiyan
Bikrampur, Munshiganj