MV Bangali hits waters

This March 28 photo shows MV Bangali anchored at Sadarghat launch terminal in the capital. Photo: STAR file

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today commissioned a new passenger vessel, MV Bangali, on the Dhaka-Barisal route via Chandpur.
The Prime Minister also travelled to Mohonpur, Chandpur by the new 750-capacity river vessel which was launched at Sadarghat in the capital, .
The new vessel, built with local resources costing Tk 26.80 crore, has been added to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), aiming to improve its passenger services.
Local shipbuilding company Western Marine Shipyard Limited under a project of BIWTC built the 75.50-metre long and 12.50-metre wide vessel in 16 months.
There are four single VIP/family suits, 34 double cabins and four single cabins, 18 double cabins and 84 chairs apart from the capacity to accommodate 550 normal passengers in the vessel.
The fare of its air-conditioned single cabin is Tk 1,050 while that of double cabin Tk 3,740. The fare of single cabins without air-conditioner is Tk 630, while that of VIP cabins is Tk 2,000.
The vessel, which the capacity to carry 100 tonnes of goods, has a maximum speed of 11.50 nautical miles or 21.298 km per hour.
The second new watercraft, MV Modhumoti, is likely to join the BIWTC’s fleet next month.
The new vessels are expected to bring much-needed relief to the BIWTC fleet of five worn-out paddle steamers.