5 killed in Sadarghat launch accident, 5 detained

At least five people were killed after a launch rope reportedly tore down during a faulty parking attempt by another launch in Dhaka's Sadarghat. Police have detained five individuals in connection with the incident.

River Police Superintendent of Police Ashik Saeed confirmed the death toll to the Business Standard stating that five people who were critically injured initially, are now dead.

"Five persons have been detained from the two launches over the incident. Police will verify their involvement in the incident," he added.

Zainal Abedin, joint commissioner, Traffic-Sadarghat River Port. said, "The incident occurred at around 2:54 pm today (11 April)." 

Photo: Courtesy

"Two launches, MV Tasrif-4 and MV Pubali-1, were tied to the ghat with ropes. When another launch named Farhan tried to enter between the two launches, the rope of MV Tasrif-4 tore down."

"The Farhan launch was reportedly parking too fast, which caused the rope of the Tusharif 4 to break," the joint commissioner said.

Meanwhile, The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) formed a three-member probe committee to investigate the incident.

The committee headed by BIWTA Director (Purchase and Conservation) Md Rafiqul Islam has been asked to submit a report within seven working days, said Md Jahangir Alam Khan, senior information and public relations officer of the Shipping Ministry.

The other members of the committee are Joint Director of Naval Conservation and Management Department Md Azgar Ali and Joint Director of Port Branch Md Kabir Hossain.

Shipping minister expresses grief 

State Minister for Shipping​​ Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of the 5 passengers.

In a condolence message today, the minister prayed for the peace of the departed souls and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The minister said that the guilty will be brought under the law and punished.