Investigation Committee on Padma Bus Sinking Incident

The government has formed an inquiry committee into the incident of bus sinking at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat of Golanda Upazila of Rajbari District.

The investigation committee has been given the responsibility of investigating the cause of the accident, determining the responsibility, making necessary remedial measures and recommendations to prevent such accidents in the future and giving opinions on related issues.

This information has been informed in a notification of the Ministry of Shipping on Friday (June 5).

According to the notification, a SB Super Deluxe Paribahan bus lost control and fell from the pontoon into the Padma River while boarding the ferry at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat in Golanda Upazila of Rajbari District. In this incident, the Ministry of Shipping has formed an investigation committee to find out the cause and determine the responsibility.

Mohammad Rafiqul Karim, joint secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, has been convened by the investigation committee.

Besides, one representative each of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) will be included as members. Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping. Zakir Hossain will serve as member secretary.

The Committee may, if necessary, co-opt members and take assistance from concerned persons or institutions. Instructions have been given to submit the investigation report to the Ministry of Shipping within the next seven working days.

According to the instructions of the Ministry of Shipping, there was no casualty in the incident as the safety provision of dropping off the passengers before boarding the bus and other vehicles on the ferry was properly implemented.