Almost 450 speedboats operating on the Shimulia-Kathalbari and Shimulia-Majhikanda routes do not have permits; the drivers do not have licences and these vessels are often involved in accidents.
Between 2013-2019, according to available reports, 10 persons died in 9 accidents with 77 wounded. This year, 4 persons lost their lives in speedboat accidents and 46 were wounded.
Despite BIWTA restrictions, these boats operate after dark without lights, evading the law . as a result, they often collide with other boats or dredger pipes.
Since passengers do not have life jackets, mortality risk is high.
Many passengers are not willing to wear jackets either.
Traffic inspector of Khathalbari jetty, Akhter Hossain says: “BIWTA did not give permission for the movement of speed boats on this route but considering the convenience of general people, we do not take strong action.”
Louhajang Union Parishad chairman, Ashraf Hossain said: “We have told the ministry about registering speedboats; the drivers have two years experience and, sometimes boats stall on the water because of the poor quality of petrol.”
UNO of Louhajangm Kabirul Islam Khan adds: “These boats do not have registration; when we hear about clandestine operations we carry out mobile courts and take action.”
UNO of Shibchar says: “Boats are allowed to operate till 6 pm and police have been told to stop vessels after that."
Though the rate is fixed at Tk 120, lessors are ruling and exact charges as per their wish with fares going up to Tk 180 to Tk 200.