Thursday, 21st May 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 19th March 2026, 11:04 AM
In the wake of a tragic collision between two passenger launches at Sadarghat in Dhaka, the Ministry of Shipping has constituted a six-member investigation committee. The committee has been instructed to determine the cause of the accident, identify those responsible, and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations within the next three working days.
The announcement was made on Thursday, 19 March, via an official ministry statement. According to the release, the incident occurred on 18 March near pontoon number 14 at Sadarghat. The vessels involved were the Asa-Jaoa-5, operating on the Dhaka–Ilsha (Bhola) route, and the MV Zaker Smart-3, servicing the Dhaka–Daulatdia–Jashorehat route. The collision resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, though exact figures have not yet been confirmed.
The investigation committee will be chaired by Md. Abul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping. Other committee members include officials from key maritime and safety agencies, ensuring a multi-disciplinary approach to the inquiry.
| Name | Position | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Md. Abul Islam | Chairperson | Additional Secretary, Ministry of Shipping |
| Abdullah Al-Mamun | Member | Superintendent of Police, Dhaka Naval Police |
| S.M. Shahed Reza | Member | Director (Procurement & Stores), BIWTA |
| Mohammad Ehteshamul Haque Fakir | Member | Engineer & Ship Surveyor (Sadarghat), Department of Shipping |
| A.K.M. Shamsuzzoha | Member | Assistant Director (Operations), Fire Service & Civil Defence |
| Md. Mehedi Hasan | Member Secretary | Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Shipping |
The Ministry has also directed all relevant departments and agencies to provide full assistance to those affected by the incident, ensuring that victims receive the necessary support and compensation. Authorities emphasised that safety protocols and operational procedures will be thoroughly reviewed as part of the investigation to prevent similar accidents in the future.
This collision has reignited concerns over maritime safety at Sadarghat, one of Dhaka’s busiest river ports, where congested waterways and high passenger traffic often pose risks to navigational safety. Experts have stressed the importance of strict enforcement of maritime regulations, crew training, and improved vessel monitoring to avert such tragedies.
The Ministry of Shipping has pledged to make the investigation findings public promptly and implement measures recommended by the committee to enhance passenger safety on Bangladesh’s inland waterways.
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