DHAKA: The governmenton Monday formed two probe committees to look into the launch capsize in the river Padma near Mawa Ghat at Lauhajang upazila in Munshiganj district.

The Ministry of Shipping formed a seven-member probe committee headed by its joint secretary Nurur Rahman while Mercantile Marine Department formed another one.

Representatives from Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), Mercantile Marine Department and deputy commissioners of Munshiganj and Madaripur districts will comprise the committee.

On the other hand, Mercantile Marine Department formed a four-member committee with engineer and ship surveyor Nazmul Haq as its head.

Other three members include Nautical Surveyor and Examiner of the Department Captain Mohammad Gias Uddin Ahmed, Executive Magistrate Mohammad Saiful Hasan and Inspector of Mercantile Marine Department Mohammad Shafikur Rahman.

Public Relations Officer of the ministry M Jahangir Alam Khan said the two committees were asked to submit their reports over the launch capsize within the next 10 working days.

The probe bodies were also asked to submit a report on the reasons of the accident as well as the loss from it. They were also asked to suggest how to avoid these kinds of unwanted incidents.

Earlier in the morning, police recovered two bodies from the Padma river after a launch, named Pinak-6, carrying over 200 passengers, capsized on Mawa-Kawrakandi route in Munshiganj district.

Besides, at least 40 passengers were rescued from the river and many more remained missing.

Shipping minister Shahjahan Khan visited the spot immediately after the incident.

BDST: 1910 HRS, AUG 04, 2014