Buriganga launch capsize: Moyur-2 launch master gives confessional statement

Abul Bashar Mollh, master of Moyur-2 launch, today confessed to a magistrate that he was on board but sukani (launch staff) Nasiruddin Mridha was steering the launch behind even though he gave a signal.

"As he (Nasir) violated the signal, it hit and sank another launch--Morning Bird--in Buriganga river on June 29, that left 34 people dead," Bashar said in his confessional statement, court sources said.

Senior Judicial Magistrate Mishqat Shukrana recorded his statement after Shahidul Alam, a sub-inspector of River Police, also the investigation officer of the case, brought him to his chamber.

After recording his statement, the magistrate sent Bashar to Dhaka Central Jail in Keranigonj.

Meanwhile, the same magistrate today placed Nariuddin Mridha on a three-day remand after the IO produced him before his court with a seven-day remand prayer.

The members of Rapid Action Battalion arrested Abul Bashar (65) from a house in South Keraniganj area on July 13. The following day, he was placed on a three-day remand for quizzing about the incident.

He was one of the seven persons charged with negligence -- causing the death -- in a case filed by River Police with South Keraniganj Police Station following the launch capsize on June 29.

Police have so far arrested FIR-named five and one suspect in this connection while two accused --Jakir Hossain and Ridoy -- have been absconding since the case was filed.