The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has temporarily suspended the registration of a bus operated by Showhardo Paribahan following a tragic accident at Daulatdia ferry ghat in Rajbari that claimed 26 lives.
The bus plunged into the Padma River on 25 March while boarding a ferry, leaving five passengers critically injured.
The BRTA said the suspension has been issued under the Road Transport Act-2018 and Road Transport Rules-2022.
Authorities have instructed the bus owner to submit all legal documents, including the registration certificate, fitness certificate, tax token, route permit, and the driver’s license, at the BRTA office within three working days.
Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to permanent cancellation of the registration and further legal action.
BRTA Rajbari Circle Assistant Director (Eng) Muhammad Ahidur Rahman said, “Our motor vehicle inspector conducted an on-site investigation and submitted a preliminary report.
The bus registration has been temporarily suspended, and the owner has been served a show-cause notice. Legal measures will follow if a satisfactory reply is not received within three working days.”
Two separate investigation committees have been formed to probe the accident.
A five-member committee, formed by the Deputy Commissioner’s office, is headed by the Additional District Magistrate, with the Goalanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) as member-secretary.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member committee tasked with determining the exact cause of the accident. Both committees are required to submit their reports within three working days.
The accident occurred around 5:15pm when the bus lost control while boarding a ferry at Daulatdia No. 3 ferry ghat. Rescue teams have recovered 26 bodies so far, while five passengers remain in critical condition.
