The shipping ministry is facing difficulties as the Sadarghat terminal is under the Kotwali police station of the DMP but the river beside it happens to be the responsibility of the Keraniganj police station.

"We are unable to check the faulty launches and excess boarding of passengers which are the major causes of launch accidents, as the river is not under the DMP's control," said the director port.

A high official of the ministry said that the file in this regard would be placed before the cabinet shortly. The DMP is formed by an ordinance and that is why the matter has to be approved by the cabinet and then it has to be implemented through gazette notification.

The decision came following requests from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).

"The Home Ministry has agreed to set up police outposts by the Buriganga and has also decided to bring the river under DMP control. We have submitted a proposal to the Commissioner of Police," said Syed Monowar Hossain, director port and transport of BIWTA.

The Metropolitan Police holds the right to exercise magistracy power while enforcing the law. That speeds up the procedure. But policemen at non-metropolitan police stations like the Keraniganj have to wait for the magistrate's ruling before they can file a case.

The BIWTA wants the Buriganga to come under the DMP before traffic start moving on the circular waterway.

"The circular waterway will definitely require quicker police action which can be handled by the DMP," said Monowar Hossain.

The first phase of the circular waterway project will be completed by December this year. Already 70 percent work has been completed. Land has also been acquired for the three major landing stations at Gabtoli, Aminbazar and Ashulia.