State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan has said the decision to have passengers disembark before boarding the ferry helped prevent any fatalities after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia ferry terminal.
He made the comments while speaking to journalists after visiting Daulatdia pontoon No. 7 in Rajbari on Friday.
During the inspection, he commended the preparedness and response efforts of the agencies involved at the terminal.
Razib said a major tragedy was avoided due to coordinated efforts, public awareness and prompt rescue operations.
He noted the swift response by the River Police, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Fire Service, district administration, and law enforcing agencies.
