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The government is discouraging the operation of single-engine launches to reduce accidents on waterways and ensure passenger safety, Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam told Parliament on Monday.
In a written reply to a question from MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, the minister said launch owners were being advised to operate vessels equipped with two engines instead of single-engine ones.
The minister said necessary measures are taken during severe weather in line with the “Standing Orders” issued by the Ministry of Shipping.
He said waterway accidents had declined significantly as private entrepreneurs have added larger passenger vessels equipped with modern facilities to the fleet.
To ensure vessels leave for their destinations on time, route declarations are being issued and public awareness campaigns are being conducted through megaphones, he said.
The minister also said mobile courts led by executive magistrates are regularly operating at river ports, while the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is conducting drives to stop unregistered vessels.
He said authorities have also retained the power to immediately suspend journeys to prevent vessels from carrying more passengers than their permitted capacity.