Adventure-9 seized in Jhalakathi after Meghna launch collision, four crew detained

The river police have seized the launch Adventure-9 in connection with a collision on the Meghna river in Chandpur that left four people dead. The launch was detained on Friday, December 26, at around 10am after it arrived at Jhalakathi launch terminal.

According to the river police, Adventure-9 was intercepted when it anchored in Jhalakathi while returning from Dhaka following the accident, and law enforcement agencies took immediate action.

Earlier, on Wednesday, December 24, BNP-nominated candidate for Jhalakathi-2 constituency Elen Bhutto travelled to Dhaka with party leaders and activists on board Adventure-9 to attend a public rally of Tarique Rahman. The collision occurred on Thursday, December 25, while the launch was returning from Dhaka on the Meghna.

Elen Bhutto’s personal assistant, Nazmul Haque Lablu, said the launch had been hired to transport party leaders and activists to Dhaka for Tarique Rahman’s rally.

Barishal river police superintendent Nazmul Haque said he came to Jhalakathi after receiving news of the incident and that Adventure-9 had been seized as part of the investigation. He said the exact cause of the collision is being examined.

Jhalakathi Sadar police station officer-in-charge Imtiaz Mahmud said that after the launch anchored in Jhalakathi, the master, helmsman, supervisor and engine driver fled. Four cabin crew members are currently in police custody and are being questioned.