Investigation launched after bus plunges into Padma river

The Ministry of Shipping has established a formal probe committee to investigate a bus accident at the Daulatdia ferry ghat in Rajbari on Friday.

The incident occurred at the ferry terminal in Goalanda upazila when a vehicle operated by "SB Super Deluxe Paribahan" lost control while boarding the ferry Karabi. The bus veered off the pontoon and plunged into the Padma River.

Despite the severity of the accident, the Ministry confirmed that no lives were lost. In accordance with existing safety protocols, all passengers had disembarked from the vehicle before it attempted to board the vessel, preventing a potential tragedy.

To determine the cause of the mishap, a high-level committee has been formed, led by Joint Secretary Mohammad Rafiqul Karim as convener. 

The team includes representatives from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC). Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Md Zakir Hossain, will act as the member secretary.

The probe team is tasked with identifying the root cause of the accident, assigning responsibility, and recommending specific safety measures to prevent recurrences at ferry terminals. 

The committee has the authority to consult experts and must submit its final report to the Ministry within seven working days.