A large area in the Meghna River is currently covered by furnace oil due to a vessel with 1.1 million litres of oil sinking in the river early on Sunday.
The oil spill from the submerged vessel is reportedly causing extensive damage to the surrounding community and marine biodiversity.
The spilt oil has created a thick layer on top of the river water, causing a stench in the area.
Fishermen are failing to catch fish in the river, disgusted by the smell.
Residents of Meghna banks have not been able to use the river water for a couple of days.
Md Rubel, a fisherman who came to fish in the Meghna River, said he has not been able to fish at his usual spot for the past two days because of the oil spill.
He was forced to fish in the Meghna River near Doulatkhan upazila.
Md Rakibul Islam, a resident of Tulatuli, said he used to bathe in the river all the time, but for two days he has not been able to do so.
The lighter vessel "Shagor Nandini-2" sank after being hit by another vessel in the Meghna due to dense fog in Bhola Sadar upazila on Sunday morning.
All 13 crew members of the vessel were rescued by another vessel passing through the area.
Since then, efforts have been made to salvage the sunken vessel. Even two days after the incident, the vessel has not been recovered.
Three rescue vessels, "Sagar Badhu-3", “Sagar Badhu-4” and “Shagor Nandini-3”, alongside two barges have already reached the spot to lift the sunken vessel. Padma Oil Company is facilitating the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, three investigation committees had been formed by the BIWTA, Petrobangla and Padma Oil Company to probe into the incident till Tuesday afternoon.
Md Shahjahan, director of the naval conservation and management department of the BIWTA, said “Sagar Nandini-2” violated the Marine Act. The driver of the ship was not on board. A case will be filed against “Sagar Nandini-2” for violation of marine law, he said.
The ship or boat that hit "Shagor Nandini-2" is yet to be identified.