The launch named "Morning Bird" capsized after collision with the launch named Mayur-2 on June 29, 2020 in the Buriganga. A total of 34 passengers on that launch lost their lives in that incident. A case was registered at the South Keraniganj police station on June 30, 2020. Today, June 30, marks five years of that case. Even so far, the trial of that case has not been completed.
"This case would have been decided by this time. However, the trial has not yet been completed due to the procrastination of the accused," claimed the lawyer of the state, Bimalchandra Samaddar.
"We brought all the witnesses to the court and took their testimony except for two-four witnesses in the case. But the accused has repeatedly taken time from the court to testify. They also gave a list of 8–10 people to the court for clearing evidence. Arguments will be presented after the evidence is completed. According to the judicial process, then the judgment of the case will be announced," he told the Khaborer Kagoj on Saturday.
In response to another question, the lawyer said that the accused has asked for time by talking about the evidence. This is to prolong the case. But if the court does not grant time, they will go to the High Court with this application. It may take more time.
"Out of 42 witnesses in this case, 36 have completed their testimony. The maximum sentence for the accused is expected to be life imprisonment. The evidence made it clear that the killer Mayur-2 launch hit the Morning Bird while speeding towards the pier. So many people have died because of this deliberate push," says a source of the court.
The Naval Police filed this case alleging negligent homicide in this incident. The accused in the case are Mosaddek Hanif Sowad, launch owner of Mayur-2, Master Abul Bashar Mollah, Assistant Master Zakir Hossain, Driver Shipon Hawladar, Shakeel Hossain, Sukani Nasir Hossain Mrdha, Giza Hriday Hawladar, Supervisor Abdus Salam, Salim Hossain Hira, Abu Saeed and Delwar. Hussain Sarkar.
"Among the 36 witnesses, there is no eyewitness. All in all, I hope that the accused will be acquitted. The case is currently under trial in the court of Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Sheikh Helal Uddin. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for July 4," said their lawyer, Sultan Naser.
The launch called Morning Bird left Munshiganj for Dhaka on June 29, 2020. However, it capsized after collision with the Mayur-2 launch, which was going to Chandpur. A total of 34 passengers lost their lives in that accident.
