Five held over fatal Sadarghat launch collision, one passenger remains missing

Police say the arrestees were responsible for operating the vessels

Police have arrested five staff members from two launches following a collision at Dhaka’s Sadarghat that killed one passenger, left another missing, and several others injured.

The arrests were made after Siraj Fakir, the brother of the missing passenger Miraj, identified with a single name, filed a case at South Keraniganj Police Station on Friday.

The case names seven individuals and 4-5 unidentified suspects, citing “reckless navigation and death by negligence”.

Sadarghat River Police chief Sohag Rana confirmed that the five detainees, who were responsible for operating the vessels, have already been sent to court.

Their identities were not immediately available.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when an engine-driven boat carrying passengers was squeezed between two launches.

Witnesses said the boat was trapped as one of the launches began to reverse to leave the terminal.

The impact was severe – one passenger’s leg was severed, while 52-year-old Miraj was crushed and fell into the river.

Miraj remains missing despite 48 hours of rescue efforts.

He is the father-in-law of Shohel, identified with a single name, who died in the accident.

Shohel’s pregnant wife Rubi is currently undergoing treatment at Mitford Hospital.