HC questions role of BIWTA in MV-Obhijan launch fire

The High Court has questioned the role of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in the fire that engulfed the Barguna-bound MV Obhijan-10 launch from Dhaka.

The court said, "There is irresponsibility. Without paying heed to the condition of the ship, the officer gave permission to start the voyage. Does BIWTA have any responsibility here? ”

At the hearing of two separate writ petitions seeking directions to compensate the victims, Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md. The High Court bench comprising Mostafizur Rahman asked the role of BIWTA in this regard. 

At one stage of the hearing, the court agreed to give a rule on the question of inertia of the defendants including BIWTA to ensure adequate security to prevent fire in that launch.

Then Deputy Attorney General Bipul Bagmar said the owner should have ensured security. There is no government inaction or irresponsibility here.

Addressing the Deputy Attorney General, the court further said: Here, not the government, but all concerned, including the owners, are responsible for the launch incident. The person who gave the certificate (permission to start the launch) had to be arrested first. "

Last week, a fire broke out on the Barguna-bound MV Obhijan-10 launch on the Sugandha river in Jhalakathi. At least 42 people were killed in the blaze and others died jumping into the river. Several passengers are missing. The Barguna district administration has 33 missing persons on its list. 

However, according to the list made by Jhalokati district police, 40 people are missing and in the list made by Jhalakathi Youth Red Crescent, 51 people are  missing.