Probe blames unfit vessel, unskilled driver

MV Miraj-4 sank due to the driver's whim and inefficiency and the vessel's faulty design, according to the initial findings of a four-member investigation committee of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.
The death toll reached 55 as the Shariatpur-bound passenger launch from Dhaka was capsized during a storm in the river Meghna at Daulatpur in Gazaria of Munshiganj on May 15.
As the design of the vessel was faulty, it did not deserve the shipping department's approval, said a member of the investigation committee requesting anonymity.
The committee, led by BIWTA finance member Moniruzzaman, submitted the report yesterday three weeks after it was formed.
Golam Kabir, in-charge of BIWTA secretary, who received the report, said he had forwarded it to the higher authorities.
He has not gone through it thoroughly, he said, adding that the director for Marine Safety and Traffic Management knew it better.
The Director Shafiqul Haq said, “I am not aware of the findings, as I am not supposed to get the investigation report.”
BIWTA Chairman Md Shamsuddoha Khandaker could not be contacted for his versions despite attempts over his mobile.