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Don't ply vessels with excess passengers: PM

UNB, Barisal
***Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurates two-storey launch terminal in Barisal**
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the owners of launches and ships, port authorities and also the passengers to remain vigilant about excess passengers on vessels to avert accident.
“Don't ply launches with excess passengers.. .pay special attention so that no more people die in accidents,” she said while inaugurating a newly built two-storey launch terminal in Barisal yesterday.
Hasina said steps have already been taken to stop plying vessels without fitness certificates. A modernised system has also been introduced for registration, survey and inspection of vessels, she added.
She also underscored the need for imparting proper training to those who are involved in operating launches.
Hasina stressed ensuring the usual flow of rivers while constructing any infrastructure over them.
She said a dynamic internal river transport system is very important as the waterways are more affordable, easy and safe.
Hasina mentioned that her government had also taken
steps to dredge the rivers procuring 19 dredgers through public and private initiatives.
Hasina recalled that soon after the liberation, father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took the initiative to reactivate the country's river ports, put priority on removing
mines from the Chittagong Port and had procured dredgers for river dredging.
After taking office this time, she said the Awami League government had also enhanced the capacity and efficiency of the two sea ports, constructed bridge on Mahesh Khal, conducted capital dredging in the channels, expanded jetty and increased the number of national flag carrier ships to 61 from 18.
Hasina said dredging on 53 river routes across the country had already begun while development programmes for all the river ports, including Narayanganj and Ashuganj, are being carried out.
The premier said initiative had been taken to establish Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Maritime University adjacent to the Chittagong Marine Academy. This will enable the marine cadets to take higher education in the country.
Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, former chief whip and Awami League leader Abul Hasnat Abdullah and Barisal City Corporation Mayor Shawkat Hossain Hiron addressed the function as special guests. LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the prime minister laid the foundations of Muktijoddha Park, a water treatment plant and Barisal Marine Academy.