A tragic maritime accident unfolded in the bustling river port of Sadarghat in Dhaka on Wednesday evening, leaving at least two people dead and two others missing. The collision occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m., when two passenger launches reportedly crashed head-on, triggering panic among those on board and plunging several individuals into the water.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene in which both vessels appeared to lose control moments before impact. Within seconds of the collision, passengers were thrown off balance, with some falling into the river amid cries for help. Witness accounts suggest that the launches may have been travelling at excessive speed, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
Emergency response teams, including the Fire Service and specialised river rescue units, were swiftly deployed to the scene. উদ্ধার operations began almost immediately, with divers and rescue personnel utilising advanced equipment to search for the missing individuals. According to rescue official মো. শহীদুল ইসলাম, efforts are ongoing and authorities fear that additional passengers may still be trapped underwater.
Several injured passengers were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. While most sustained minor injuries, officials have not ruled out the possibility of more serious cases emerging as rescue operations continue.
The accident has caused widespread alarm among commuters and transport operators in the Sadarghat এলাকায়, one of the busiest inland water transport hubs in the country. In response, authorities temporarily suspended launch movements in the vicinity to facilitate uninterrupted rescue efforts and ensure public safety.
A preliminary assessment by the inland water transport কর্তৃপক্ষ suggests that both vessels may have been operating at unsafe speeds. তবে, weather conditions, navigational errors, and potential overcrowding are also being examined as contributing factors.
Below is a summary of the incident:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | 18 March, 5:30 p.m. |
| Location | Sadarghat, Dhaka |
| Confirmed Dead | 2 |
| Missing | 2 |
| Rescue Authorities | Fire Service and river rescue units |
| Suspected Cause | High speed and loss of control |
In the aftermath, the government has pledged financial assistance to the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Shipping has formed an তদন্ত committee tasked with identifying the precise causes of the দুর্ঘটনা and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This ঘটনা has once again highlighted longstanding concerns regarding safety standards in Bangladesh’s inland water transport sector. স্থানীয় সূত্র indicate that overcrowding and lax enforcement of regulations continue to pose serious risks.
Passengers and residents alike are now urging authorities to strengthen monitoring ব্যবস্থা, enforce capacity limits, and ensure that vessels adhere strictly to safety protocols. As rescue operations continue, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved oversight on the country’s busy waterways.