Probe report on Daulatdia bus sinking submitted

The investigation committee formed by the district administration has submitted its report on the bus sinking incident at Daulatdia ferry ghat's pontoon in Rajbari. The report details the causes of the accident and specifies the responsibilities of those involved.

District Administrator Sultana Akhter confirmed the matter late on Wednesday, April 1.

Earlier on Tuesday night, committee head and Additional District Magistrate Uchhen May formally handed over the investigation report to District Administrator Sultana Akhter.

According to the committee's findings, several factors, including mechanical failure of the bus, contributed to the accident.

Additional District Magistrate Uchhen May, head of the investigation committee, said they spoke with local residents and eyewitnesses. They also consulted several institutions to ensure a proper investigation.

The investigation identified several issues, including mechanical failure of the bus. It also made several recommendations, including installing railings on the ferry ghat pontoon, developing approach roads and modernising the ghat.

The committee head declined to provide further details but said they had made recommendations on the causes of the accident and measures to prevent future incidents.

District Administrator Sultana Akhter said they had received the investigation report. "The committee has presented detailed findings. We will send the report to the Ministry of Shipping and other relevant government departments. Legal action will be taken based on instructions received from there."

A passenger bus of Sauhardya Transport, travelling from Kumarkhali in Kushtia, plunged into the Padma River from pontoon number 3 at Daulatdia ferry ghat on March 25, killing 26 people.

Following the accident, District Administrator Sultana Akhter formed a five-member investigation committee that night, headed by Additional District Magistrate Uchhen May, with the Goyalanda Upazila Executive Officer as member secretary. The Ministry of Shipping also formed a separate six-member investigation committee.