BLAST demands proper investigation into Jhalakathi launch fire incident

Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) called for the proper investigation into the launch fire incident on the Sugandha river in Jhalakathi that killed at least 37 people.

The body also urged exemplary punishment for those who were responsible for the incident in the early hours of Friday.

Firefighters have so far recovered 37 bodies and 72 others injured from the charred launch after Barguna-bound MV Abhijan-10 caught fire, according to the Fire Service.

BLAST, one of the leading legal services organisations in Bangladesh, also demanded proper compensation for the victim’s family in the incident, according to a statement.

Many passengers jumped into the river in a desperate bid to save their lives as the fire raged for about three hours. Survivors say the launch was packed with passengers.

A review of the number of casualties that have taken place in the country so far due to launch sinking, fire and various other reasons has revealed that the Inland Shipping Ordinance 1976 is being violated by the ship owners, operators and the caretaker authorities, the statement pointed out.

The MV Abhijan-10 violated a provision of Inland Shipping Ordinance 1976 by not safeguarding the passengers from explosion and fire, it said.

In addition, it also demanded that the authorities take appropriate action in prohibiting shipping without a survey certificate under section 33 and also prohibit shipping without insurance or maritime accident trust fund, under section 58 (a) of the law.

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