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Govt sincere to ensure justice for launch victims’ families: Khalid
DHAKA, July 7, 2020 (BSS) – State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury today said the government is very sincere to ensure justice for the families of the people, who died in the launch capsize in Buriganga river recently.
He said the reasons behind the launch capsize mentioned in the probe commitee were supposed to be disclosed today.
But it could not be revealed for the sake of proper investigation of the case filed by the law enforcement agency in connection with the incident, he said adding the investigation report of the case will be published on August 17.
The state minister said this at a press briefing on the probe committee at his ministry conference room here.
Giving assurance of the implementation of the 20-point recommendations of the probe committee, Khalid said the government is making its sincere efforts to create safe river routes considering the interests of all including workers, owners and the people.
Earlier, the probe committee submitted the report to the ministry last night.
On June 29, the Shipping Ministry formed a seven-member high-powered probe committee immediately after a launch capsized in Buriganga river in Shyambazar area adjacent to Sadarghat.
Ministry’s joint secretary (development) Md Rafiqul Islam Khan was made convener of the committee while Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) director Md Rafiqul Islam was member secretary.
The body was asked to submit its report within seven days.
The launch capsized with more than 100 passengers on board and 34 bodies have so far been recovered.
The following day, Shamsul Alam, sub-inspector (SI) of Sadarghat River Police Station, filed the case with Keraniganj Dakshin Police Station.
The seven accused are Moyur-2 owner Mosaddek Hanif Swad (33), his employee Abul Bashar Molla (65), launch master Jakir Hossain (54), engine driver Shipon Hawlader (45), Shakil Hasan (28), Sukani Nasir Mridha (40), and Ridoy (24).
Although the law-enforcers have detained the Mayur-2 launch, its owner and driver have managed to flee.
BSS/pr/KAK/RY/21:30hrs