Photo : Collected
Ferries on the Paturia-Daulatdia route are facing severe operational challenges, posing risks to the lives of passengers navigating the Padma River. Investigations reveal that a majority of the ferries on this route are outdated and in poor condition, with malfunctioning fog lights—installed at a cost of Tk 5 crore to enhance winter navigation—adding to the difficulties.
On October 27, 2021, the 'Amanat Shah' ferry, which was unfit and aged 41 years, sank near Paturia's ferry pier number 5, carrying 17 vehicles. Notably, it lacked a survey certificate. Many ferries on this route exceed 35 years, with the 'Rajnigandha' being over 47 years old, 'Khan Jahan Ali' from 1987, and 'Keramat Ali' at 36 years. Despite the significant expenditure on fog lights, they prove ineffective in the thick fog, causing disruptions to ferry services.
Recently, the 'Rajnigandha' ferry, stuck in fog, experienced a bottom burst, leading to its sinking with nine trucks. Witnesses, including truck drivers and helpers, claimed the ferry was unfit for operation. Disturbingly, out of 53 ferries under the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation's (BIWTC) jurisdiction, 47 lack a charter, and 14 out of 18 Ro-Ro ferries lack fitness certificates, violating safety regulations. Many ferries lack necessary safety equipment, and a majority are over 40 years old, surpassing the legal limit for fitness certificates.
Despite the installation of high-power fog lights in 2016, costing Tk 5 crores for 10 ferries, most of these lights were soon destroyed. Fog-induced disruptions force ferry services to halt for 3 to 9 hours daily, impacting the 16 ferries operating on the Daulatdia-Paturia route, serving 17 to 18 hundred vehicles.
Ferry operators, speaking anonymously, revealed that each ferry's age ranges from 35 to 40 years. The installed fog lights failed to address navigability issues, leading to frequent closures. Moreover, they criticized the authorities for stopping ferries when river visibility is compromised. The sinking of the 'Rajnigandha' highlighted the inefficacy of the costly fog lights.
Eyewitnesses, like Majnu, recounted the sinking incident, attributing it to the ferry anchoring mid-river due to fog, leading to water rising and eventual sinking. The negligence of authorities in managing the route and maintaining ferry conditions is apparent, resulting in such incidents. BIWTC Aricha Office DGM Shah Mohammad Khaled Nawaz denied claims of the sunken ferry's age and condition, emphasizing the proper documentation and fitness of ferries on the route.
The Ministry of Shipping requires ferries to be docked every five years, with 'Rajnigandha' having undergone docking in 2021. BIWTC Chairman A. K. M Matiur Rahman promised an investigation into the ferry's fitness and the cause of the accident.
Following the accident, a 5-member High Commission of Inquiry was formed to investigate, and Manikganj District Commissioner Rehena Akhter assured appropriate action based on the inquiry report. Rescue operations are underway, led by the BIWTA with recovery efforts for vehicles and personnel, including the missing second master of 'Rajnigandha,' Humayun Kabir.
Messenger/Fameema
