95 waterways accidents killed 149 in 3 months
Says report by 2 orgs
Although launch capsizes have decreased, accidents involving different types of vessels take place on inland waterways round the year, and deaths continue, said a report of two non-government organisations yesterday.
At least 149 people, including 22 women and 44 children, were killed, while 26 were injured and 58 remained missing in a total of 95 waterway accidents in the last three months.
The 58 missing victims were considered deceased, as they were not found, later raising the death toll to 207, revealed a survey of Green Club of Bangladesh (GCB) and National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways.
The fatal accidents took place in different inland waterways and coastal areas between July 1 and September 30 across the country.
The survey was conducted by taking information from 24 national and 10 regional dailies, and nine news portals and agencies, says a press release.
The report said 86 people, including 10 women and 31 children, lost lives, while six were injured and 23 remained missing in 48 accidents in August.
At least 18 people, including madrasa teachers and students, were killed in a trawler capsize in Netrakona's Uchitpur haor on August 5.
According to the report, 41 people, including six women and five children, were killed, while 10 were injured and 17 remained missing in 37 accidents in July.
As many as 10 accidents took place in September, where 22 people, including six women and eight children, lost lives, while 10 received injuries and 18 were missing.
Ashis Kumar Dey, general secretary of GCB, said deaths continue due to accidents of trawlers and other small vessels. He blamed lack of proper monitoring, a huge number of illegal vessels, unskilled operators and drivers for the accidents.
Ashis, however, said waterway accidents are decreasing.
He identified some major reasons for decreasing waterway accidents: publishing reports in different mass media regarding shipping sector's irregularities, and strengthening coast guard and river police petrol, among other factors.