JS body seeks report on Ro-Ro ferry mishap in Manikganj

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Shipping today asked the authorities concerned to submit a report over the cause behind the Ro-Ro Shah Amanat ferry accident that took place at Paturia ferry ghat in Manikganj district yesterday.

The parliamentary watchdog came up with the direction at its 36th meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban with committee Chairman Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam, Bir Uttam, in the chair.

Committee members Md Mazaharul Hoque Prodhan, Shajahan Khan, Ranajit Kumar Roy, Dr Shamil Uddin Ahmed Shimul, Md Aslam Hossain Saudagar and SM Shahjada joined the meeting.

A sub-committee consisting of four members has been constituted for submitting a report to ascertain the cause of the Ro-Ro Shah Amanat ferry accident.

Committee member Shajahan was made the convener of the sub-committee. The remaining members are: Ranajit, Shamil Uddin and Aslam.

The committee members recommended taking necessary steps to enact a single law for all seaports.

Besides, they also recommended taking appropriate steps to make all rivers of the country free from the occupiers in phases and present a presentation on the overall activities of the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) at the next meeting.

The meeting also discussed in detail the 'Mongla Port Authority Bill, 2021'.

Secretary to Shipping Ministry Mohammad Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury, chairmen of Mongla Port Authority and NRCC, Additional Secretaries to Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division and Ministry of Shipping and officials concerned of the JS secretariat were also present.