The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has cancelled the route permits of three launches operating in the Barishal region following two separate fatal river accidents. The affected vessels are Sundarban-16 on the Barishal–Dhaka route, Adventure-9 on the same route, and Zakir Samrat-3 on the Bhola–Dhaka route. The decision came after a head-on collision between Adventure-9 and Zakir Samrat-3 on the Meghna River in Chandpur’s Haimchar area early Thursday, which left four passengers dead. A separate incident occurred the same night in Narayanganj’s Fatullah, where Sundarban-16 collided with a sand-laden bulkhead on the Buriganga River, causing the bulkhead to sink and killing two workers.

BIWTA’s Barishal traffic inspector Md. Julfikar confirmed the cancellation and said a committee has been formed to investigate the accidents. Police have seized the Sundarban-16 launch and detained its staff following the Buriganga collision. Preparations are also underway to file legal cases related to the incidents.

The cancellations reflect BIWTA’s immediate response to the recent fatalities and aim to ensure accountability and safety in inland water transport operations.