‘Pinak’ tragedy marks 2 years today

Capsized Pinak-6 is seen in the Padma River near Mawa Ghat in Lauhajang upazila of Munshiganj on Monday. TV grab Though two years have elapsed since ‘Pinak-6’ sank in the Padma River in Louhojong of Munshiganj district claiming at least 49 lives, punishment is yet to be meted out to those who are responsible for the incident, frustrating the families of the victims.

The overloaded launch with over 250 passengers on board from Kewrakandi Ferry Ghat capsized in the Padma River as it was only 800 yards off Mawa Ferry Ghat on 4 August 2014, reports UNB news agency.

As per the government information, 49 bodies were recovered from the Meghna and Padma rivers after the capsize of the launch.

At least 53 passengers remained missing while the identities of 21 bodies recovered from near the capsize spot could not be confirmed yet. Various rights groups alleged that capsize took place because of overloading and held the launch owner, its master and officials concerned responsible in this connection.

Madaripur civil surgeon Dr Dilip Kumar told reporters that they have collected the DNA samples of the 21 unidentified persons.

Nurul Haque, father of Hira and Swarna who have been missing since the capsize, told UNB’s correspondent in Shariatpur, “Two years have passed very quickly. I can’t imagine the loss of three daughters at a time. Everything subsides to fate.”

Owner of the capsized vessel Kalu Mia and his son Limon are on bail in a case filed in this connection. Deputy commissioner of Madaripur Kamal Uddin Biswas said the government has compensated the families of 27 dead passengers with Tk 1,05,000 each.

If the rest of dead passengers can be identified, compensations will be paid to their family members, too, he added.

Prothom Alo

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