Launch capsize in Buriganga: master of Mayur-2 on 3-day remand

Abul Bashar Mollah, the master of Mayur-2 launch that hit and sank another vessel in Buriganga river on June 29 killing at least 34 persons, was placed on a three-day remand by a Dhaka court today.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate AFM Maruf Chowdhury passed the order after Md Shahidul Alam of River Police, also the investigation officer of the case, produced him before the court with a 10-day remand prayer.

In today's remand prayer, the IO said Bashar was on board but sukani (launch staff) Nasir Mridha was steering the launch when it hit another launch -- Morning Bird -- on that day. So, he needs to be remanded to find out vital clues about the incident, the IO added.

On the other hand, defence lawyer submitted a petition, seeking bail along with cancellation of the remand prayer.

After hearing both sides, the magistrate turned down his bail petition and placed him on remand.

Rab arrested Abul Bashar (65) from a house in South Keraniganj area around 1:00am on July 13.

He was one of the seven persons charged with negligence -- causing the deaths -- in a case filed by River Police with South Keraniganj Police Station following the launch capsize.

Most of the 34 victims, who drowned in the river, were from Munshiganj district.