The government has suspended the route permits of two vessels and formed separate probe committees following a fatal launch collision at Sadarghat in the capital that left one person dead and two others missing amid the pre-Eid rush.
The accident happened around 5pm on Wednesday when a launch, Zakir Samrat-3, rammed a passenger trawler from behind as commuters were boarding vessels on the Dhaka–Ilisha (Bhola) route.
According to police and Fire Service sources, passengers arriving from Keraniganj were attempting to board a launch when the collision occurred.
The launch reportedly left the terminal shortly after the impact.
At least two people were injured in the incident.
A woman rescued from the scene was taken to Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, where she remains in shock and unable to speak.
Authorities said at least two people are still missing, and search operations are ongoing.
State Minister for Shipping Mohammad Rajib Ahsan visited the scene later at night and said those responsible would face “exemplary” punishment.
He said the Shipping Ministry and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) have each formed a probe committee, both of which have been asked to submit reports within three working days.
The minister added that the injured belong to the same family from Mehendiganj in Barisal, including a pregnant woman, and assured proper medical care and government support for the victims.
