Does the minister take responsibility?

Enough is enough. In the past 10 years there have been over 4000 deaths in launch accidents with the last three years having seen mounting casualties. The numbers of missing and injured were horrifying as well. The shipping minister must be called to account for this appalling record.

There have been too many deadly incidents. We understand that the recent inclement weather has made the waterways more dangerous, but that does not absolve the authorities of their responsibility. Had the launch been operating as per regulations, the tragedy could have been averted.

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Unregistered launches routinely ply the waterways of the country without route permits and fitness certificates. They have neither signaling nor safety equipment and are always dangerously overloaded. Despite repeated warnings, there appears to be no government oversight and no punishment for those at fault.

The minister is on record as saying that government orders are not complied with by the owners and operators. But this begs the question as to what action the government has taken further to the non-compliance.

We understand that the launch owners are a politically powerful lot. The owner of the Prince of Patuakhali is reportedly a local ruling party leader. But does their power grant them immunity for culpability in thousands of deaths? Surely not.

What has the minister's response to multiple launch disasters been? He appears to be either incompetent or uncommitted. He has certainly been ineffectual. If he is unable or unwilling to fix things, why does he not simply vacate the office in favour of one more capable of effective stewardship? In any other country, a minister with his record would have resigned long ago.

We expect a full parliamentary inquiry and we would like to see the minister on the floor of parliament explaining in detail how Sunday's disaster could have happened and what defence does he have against the ringing indictment on his failure as shipping minister.