CHANDPUR. Aug 28: Sheikh Hasina today deplored the irresponsibility and negligence' of the government in salvaging the sunken launch that capsized in the Meghna Dakatia confluence last week, reports UNB.

She also questioned the way investigation was being conducted by the enquiry committee.

How this government could ensure security to life and property of the people when It failed even to locate the launch that sank with around 300 passengers eight days ago? she told a condolence gathering at Chandpur rail station al Chandpur in the afternoon.

The Awami League President also pointed at the Prime Minister and her cabinet colleague; who waste crores of taka in fuel for helicopter to attend their party rallies did not even visit the place of accident and stand by the victims families

She said while relatives of the launch victims were searching frantically for bodies of their kins the government seemed totally indifferent at the gravity of the situation.

She alleged that mystery shrouded over the failure tn salvaging the launch that sank on August 20 and asked why

the launch could not be located.

Even the enquiry committee is trying to suppress the facts about the accident, she said accusing that the authorities were trying to conceal the number of passengers who were onboard.

She was also critical of the government for not taking any measures for burial of the recovered bodies

The Awami League chief said after the BNP assumed power, a series of natural calamities and mishaps took place including April 29 devastaring cyclone In Chittagong. But on each occasions the government utterly failed to protect the lives and property o( the people, she blamed

This government is not competent and can’t bring any wellbeing for the people, the Opposition leader observed.

Hasina demanded adequate compensation to the families of the Chandpur launch vic tims.

The condolence meeting, organised by Chandpur district Awami League, was also ad dressed by Abdul Mannan. Col (Rtd) Sawkat All MP. Begum Matia Chowdhury MP. ShamsUr Rahman Khan Shajahan. Ashiquer Rahman. Abdul Awal and Mohammad Shafiqullah.

Hasina after seeing the accident spot visited the grave yard where some unidentified victims were buried and offered /ateha there.