Ferry catches fire, doused quickly

SHARIATPUR, June 11 (UNB): A fire that broke out at 'Begum Rokeya' ferry near Majhirkandi channel while heading towards Majhi Ghat in Shariatpur on Saturday.
There were around 50 people and 36 vehicles on the ferry during the fire incident but no causalities were reported.
"Damages were prevented through the timely use of fire extinguishing equipment and water pump," said Shafiqul Islam, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority at the Shimulia Ghat.
BIWTC authority has said that the fire originated from a locked room inside the ferry's canteen.
"Nothing serious happened except a little burn on the canteen's ceiling. The Marine Department of BIWTC has inspected the spot. The ceiling of the canteen will be repaired later. At present, the ferry is being operated on Shimulia-Majhirkandi route," said Shafiqul.
It later docked at the Majhirkandi terminal in Shariatpur to safely unload vehicles and passengers on board, Shafiqul said.
Preparations are underway to bring the ferry back to the Shimulia terminal. The authorities are working to determine the cause of the fire.