To avoid fateful accidents like the Pinak 6 launch capsize just after Eid-ul-Fitr, the Ministry of Shipping is going to set up additional special monitoring cells at every launch terminals and ferry ghats centring Eid-ul-Azha so that the vessels do not carry passengers beyond their limit.
The new move would be start five days before Eid and will continue for ten days at a stretch at the launch terminals and ferry ghats in 21 districts, Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan said in a view exchange meeting with the high officials of the ministry and other ministries concerned, the DCs, the SPs, the BIWTA, the BIWTC, the RHD, the DMP, the DCCs and leaders of transport owners, workers in Ramna Restaurant in the capital yesterday.
During the meeting chaired by the minister, the officials discussed pros and cons of the earlier adopted work plan to ensure the safety of homeward bound passengers during Eid.
Sources said most of the DCs and SPs opined that the shortage of ferries and launches is the major threat in ensuring the safe journey as the largest Hindu festival of Durga Puja will also be observed at the same time.
They also stated that it could be quite impossible to maintain ferry service on the Padma River when huge number of buses will throng on both sides of the road.
The officials urged the minister to increase the number of ferries and vessels, particularly at Paturia, Doulatdia, Arcicha, Mawa and Kaorakandi launch terminals and ferry ghats. However, Shahjahan Khan assured them of trying his best to solve the problem.
Afterwards, the Passengers Welfare Association of Bangladesh has produced a 12-point recommendation paper before the minister.