The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) has demanded a proper investigation over a ferry capsize near Paturia  ghat in Manikganj district early Wednesday.

President of the organisation Md. Shahid Mia and General Secretary Ashis Kumar Dey issued a statement in this regard on Friday.

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The civic organisation also called for finding out whether there was any fault during the making of the sunken ferry ‘Rajanigandha’ without blaming an unidentified bulkhead.

According to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), the ferry was sunk after being hit by a bulkhead which could not be detected.

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Terming BIWTC’s statement as unacceptable, the statement said that for the sake of an impartial inquiry, it is necessary to verify the data related to the ferry's construction defects and the latest fitness survey.

The ill-fated ferry was built in 2014 in a private dockyard, the statement said, noting that the National Committee has been closely monitoring the entire issue including rescue operations since the accident.

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"It is unbelievable that the hull of such a large vessel would be cracked open after hit by a bulkhead (small vessel carrying sand) and sink into the river in such a short time".

The leaders of the National Committee urged all authorities concerned to immediately rescue the sunken vehicles including the ferry and ensure maritime safety.