'Last year, 158 people died in 132 boat accidents, 38 went missing'

Chairman of Paira Port Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal speaking at an opinion exchange on Naval Security Week 2026 on Tuesday

Patuakhali: Commodore Mohammad Jamal Uddin Chowdhury, Harbor and Marine Member of the Payra Port Authority, said, 'In 2025, about 132 small and big boat accidents occurred across the country. At least 158 people lost their lives in these accidents. 139 people were injured. Approximately 38 people went missing in accidents. Small and big accidents and robberies on waterways have increased compared to before. The risk of accidents has increased due to mismanagement at ferry piers and over-capacity passenger transport. Therefore, it is possible to prevent these accidents if boat drivers are aware.' He gave this information in his welcome speech at the meeting held at the seminar room of Payra Port in Kalapara, Patuakhali at 11 am on Tuesday to conclude the Maritime Safety Week 2026.

In his speech as the chief guest, Payra Port Authority Chairman Real Admiral Masud Iqbal said that although accidents on waterways are less than on roads, these accidents are happening due to the carelessness of boat drivers and unfit boats. Therefore, if boat drivers, owners and passengers are aware, it will be possible to prevent these accidents.

Kalapara Upazila Executive Officer Kausar Hamid, Press Club President Nesser Uddin Ahmed Tipu, along with boat owners and drivers, spoke at the event.

At the end of the event, Payra Port Chairman distributed leaflets among fishermen to create awareness about boat safety in Mahipur, a fishing port in Kalapara. - Gofran Palash