The Ministry of Shipping has established a six-member investigation committee following the collision of two passenger launches at Sadarghat, Dhaka, on 18 March. The committee has been instructed to submit a comprehensive report within three working days, detailing the causes of the incident, identifying those responsible, and providing recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
A press release issued by the ministry on 19 March confirmed that the collision occurred near the 14th pontoon at Sadarghat between the Asa-Jawa-5, operating on the Dhaka–Ilsha (Bhola) route, and the MV Zaker Smart-3, servicing the Dhaka–Doulotdia–Jashorhat route. The incident resulted in several passenger injuries, with authorities reporting a number of casualties.
The investigation committee is chaired by Md. Abul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, and includes senior officials from maritime, police, and civil defence organisations. The members of the committee are as follows:
| Position | Name | Affiliation / Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Md. Abul Islam | Ministry of Shipping, Additional Secretary |
| Police Superintendent | Abdullah Al-Mamun | Dhaka Regional River Police |
| Director (Procurement & Preservation) | S. M. Shahed Reza | BIWTA |
| Engineer & Ship Surveyor (Sadarghat) | Mohammad Ehteshamul Haque Fakir | Department of Shipping |
| Assistant Director (Operations) | A. K. M. Shamsuzzoha | Fire Service & Civil Defence Department |
| Member Secretary | Md. Mehedi Hasan | Ministry of Shipping |
The committee’s primary responsibility is to determine the exact cause of the collision, identify accountable individuals, and submit actionable recommendations to enhance navigational safety and prevent future accidents.
The Ministry has also directed all relevant departments and agencies to provide immediate and full assistance to those affected by the incident. Passengers injured in the collision received treatment at local hospitals. Preliminary reports suggest that strong currents and operational mismanagement may have contributed to the crash, a claim that the committee will thoroughly investigate.
All operators of passenger vessels have been instructed to adhere strictly to safety protocols and exercise heightened vigilance to ensure passenger protection. The ministry emphasised that upon submission of the committee’s report, appropriate legal and administrative actions will be taken against those found responsible.
Additionally, the committee is tasked with reviewing current maritime operations and passenger transport regulations and proposing measures to ensure strict compliance, thereby minimising the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future.