We express deep shocks and sorrows at the loss of lives in a boat capsize in the Teesta River in Ulipur upazila of Kurigram district. A child drowned and seven others went missing after the boat capsized in the mighty river.
The engine-run-boat with 26 passengers on board sank near the Sadua Damarhat area of the upazila on Wednesday evening. Of them, 18 managed to swim ashore immediately. The seven people who remain missing are feared dead. We are worried over frequent accidents on the waterways and expressing sadness over the deaths of people. Apart from the Teesta River, travelling by boats on the country’s most waterways has now become risky due to desperate plying, an increase in the number of vessels and lack of adequate steps.
This accident raised a question about the safety of passengers once again. Besides, it reminds us that there is no let-up in the boat capsize in the country.
Soon after the accident, hundreds of villagers thronged the spot while many were desperately looking for their relatives. A pall of gloom descended on the spot following the tragic accident.
The
authorities concerned should
take necessary steps
immediately to ensure safe journey
for the
passengers
The authorities concerned should take necessary steps immediately to ensure safe journey for the passengers as their negligence is resulting in deaths on other waterways. We also demand stern action against those responsible for the boat capsize and urge the government to form an ‘effective probe’ committee to determine the cause of the accident. Unskilled boatmen and lack of fitness are the main reasons for accidents.
Most of the boatmen, trawler men and workers of water vessels violate the laws and are responsible for the casualties on waterways but they remain untouched. The families of ill-fated people, who die in the launch or trawler capsize, do not get justice.
Apart from boats, thousands of launches and engine-driven trawlers ply different waterways across the country. Their number increases especially during the monsoon season from June to September. All concerned, including the owners of boats, its workers and passengers, must cooperate with the government in stopping accidents on waterways.
