DHAKA, April 15, 2024 (BSS)- State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury today said the concerned surveyors of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will be brought under punishment if found any negligence against them over the launch accident that left five people dead at Sadarghat on Thursday last.

The state minister told reporters while replying to a query on the first day after the holy Eid-el-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh vacation at his secretariat office here.

On the afternoon of Eid-ul-Fitr, two launches were moored at pontoon number 11 of Dhaka's Sadarghat. Although there was not enough space between the moored launches, another launch recklessly tried to enter the pontoon through them.

At this time, one of the ropes mooring the launch shattered and thrashed the five passengers waiting on the pontoon, who died on the spot.

Khalid said step has been taken in every accident that took place in inland water areas. Different types of punishment were given to those responsible persons, he added.

The state minister said every person was in festive mood on the Eid day. But such type of accident on the Eid day faded the festive mood, he said.

He said many responsible persons were fled after the incident, but the law enforcers arrested many of them. A case was lodged and a probe committee was formed over the incident, Khaled added.

He said route permit of the launch has already been cancelled.

About the Bangladesh-flagged vessel MV Abdullah which was released by Somali pirates, Khalid said the vessel is now en route to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).