DHAKA: The Department of Shipping (DoS) formed a three-member probe committee on Thursday to investigate into the launch sinking in the Meghna River on the day.

The Ministry of Shipping (MoS) issued a notification in this regard on Thursday evening, hours after the capsize incident that claimed at least 11 lives and dozens more feared missing. 

MV Miraz-4, carrying over two hundred passengers, capsized in the river in Rosulpur area under Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj at 3:00pm of the day after it was caught in a storm.

MoS information and public relation officer Jahangir Alam Khan told banglanews, “MoS’ Mercantile and Marine department engineer and ship surveyor A.F.M. Sirajul Islam has made convener of the committee.”

“DoS special officer marine safety and executive magistrate Mohamamd Saiful Hasan is the committee member while DoS chief inspector Shafiqur Rahman is the member secretary” Jahangir added.

The committee was asked to submit its report within next seven working day, finding out the reasons of capsize and the people who are responsible for the accident, estimating damages and recommending the preventive ways for future accidents.

Shipping minister Shahajan Khan visited the spot. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority chairman Dr. Md. Samsuddoha Khondaker is supervising the rescue operations.

BDST: 1040 HRS MAY 15, 2014