Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain has said security will be ensured on all inland waterways with the cooperation of the River Police.
He made these remarks on Sunday during a meeting to review the overall situation of inland vessel operations in Bangladesh.
The adviser expressed condolences over the seven lives lost on board MV Al Bakhera on the Meghna River in Chandpur, and prayed for the eternal peace of their souls.
He also expressed deep sympathy for the grieving families.
The adviser said that the district administration has already provided Tk20,000 to each of the families, adding that the police have given Tk10,000 for burial expenses.
He also said: "RAB has already arrested one suspect in connection with the murders. An investigation is ongoing to determine if anyone else is involved in the crime."
He called for the continued operation of the shipping sector to keep the country's economy functioning. He also instructed the River Police to promptly receive complaints in accident-prone areas.