Editorial
Fake launch crew
Where is the promised improvement?
The issue of safe river journey received a lot of attention following a series of launch disasters in the country over the last few years. The authorities concerned promised that they would take the necessary steps to remove the risk factors. But a report published in the 'Prothom Alo' gives a different account of things. A number of launch operators are reported to be working with fake qualification certificates. This is true even about the so called category-A vessels, with the capacity to carry a large number of passengers. The news is disquieting since untrained and inefficient launch crew have been identified as one of the major reasons behind frequent launch capsize. Thousands of lives have been lost; yet the authorities have apparently failed to enforce a modicum of discipline and compliance with the rules in an area as important as issuance of certificates to the launch crew. The shipping ministry and BIWTA often talk about their limitations when the question of efficiency is raised. But issuance of fake certificates clearly shows that corruption is still the prime factor responsible for poor management of river transportation and the failure to enhance passengers' safety. It is really shocking to learn that the great number of deaths has not sensitised the men at the surveyors' office to the need for being honest. They are playing with the lives of launch passengers, which amounts to a culpable crime. It seems the launch accidents have had little effect on those who are in charge of ensuring safe river journeys. The promised changes and improvements are far from visible. Launches with faulty designs are still plying the rivers and violations like overloading are taking place. Furthermore, the vessels have not been properly equipped with gadgets and devices that could lessen the number of casualties in the event of a mishap. Against this backdrop, we observed the World Navigation Day on September 30, with a plethora of pledges to bring about a qualitative change in the existing services. But the launch crew with fake documents tell us a different story. We draw the attention of the government to the pressing need for an end to the corrupt and dangerous practice.
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