BNP forms committee to probe Sundarbans oil spill

The BNP has formed a 7-member strong committee at the behest of the party Chairperson Khaleda Zia to investigate the sinking of an oil tanker in Sundarbans in Bagerhat district and its impact on the mangrove forest. The committee has been asked to submit its findings and recommendations by December 25. Oil-tanker ‘OT Southern Star 7’ with 9 crew and 359,000 litres of furnace oil sank in Shela River in Sundarbans’ Chandpai Range in Mongla Upazila on Dec 9. Environmentalists fear the mishap would endanger mangrove’s fragile ecosystem. The government temporarily shut the riverine route and started mopping up oil with locals’ help. The BNP claimed the accident was planned. Party Vice-Chairman and former water resources minister Hafizuddin Ahmed is heading the committee. He said they would visit the Sundarbans to ascertain the effect of the oil spill on forest's ecology, according to a news agency.