Unfit vessels as usual

Launches in the 'C' category, considered barely river-worthy, are operating through turbulent waters as the shipping and inland water transport authorities have failed to stop their perilous journeys even during this season of nor'westers. The launch operators are reported to have obtained route permits and other documents by striking shady deals with officials.

The point is, the best way to prevent accidents is not to let the vessels that were declared unfit to ply rough waters any chance to operate at all. The concerned DG has admitted that they have yet to eliminate the unfit launches. We believe it is precisely this issue that the emphasis should be on. The corrupt practices can under no circumstances be allowed to endanger human lives.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The authority should work on its survey report which revealed that out of the 312 launches plying different routes in Dhaka region, 210 were unfit. The faulty vessels had been built in violation of the standard design. Moreover, navigation rules are being generally flouted, and regularly, too.

The shipping ministry never tires of claiming that they have adopted measures to ensure safety of launch passengers. But it has been reported that members of the vigilance team are not performing their duties with a sense of commitment. This again puts a question-mark on the steps touted to have been taken to prevent accidents.

The government will have to make sure that the precautionary measures adopted to avert launch mishaps produce desired results. River craft owners and operators must be made to comply with the rules set for them. Any lapse in this respect has to be dealt with severely.