Master’s carelessness behind ferry hitting Padma Bridge pillar: Shipping Secretary

The ferry hitting a Padma Bridge pillar occurred due to the master's carelessness, Shipping Secretary Mohammed Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury said today.

The shipping secretary came up with the comment while talking to reporters after he visited the site -- pillar no.17 -- hit by ro-ro ferry Shah Jalal on Padma river.

He said, "Such accident could have been avoided if he (master) had been careful. They are used to operating ferries in the situation… He (master) needed to be careful."

"There is no scope for incompetence as they are trained," said Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Chairman Commodore Golam Sadeq, BIWTC Director (Finance) Shahinur Rahman Bhuiyan and concerned officials of Padma Bridge project were present during the visit.

According to the inspection team, the water flow between the pillars of the Padma Bridge is being measured. The ferries will be directed between the two pillars where the current will be less and convenient.

At least 20 passengers were injured after a ro-ro ferry, Shah Jalal, hit pillar no. 17 of Padma Bridge while going to Shimulia ghat of Munshiganj from Banglabazar ghat of Madaripur yesterday.