Speedboats continue to ply illegally on the Teknaf-Saint Martin’s Island route, putting the lives of commuters at serious risk. Speedboat owners, without approval from relevant government authorities, are running this racket under protection from a local influential quarter.
The recent death of a female passenger, who was commuting on a speedboat on this route, has drawn widespread criticism from the dwellers of Teknaf.
Locals say more than 50 illegal speedboats ply on the Teknaf-St Martin route. A syndicate controls it.
Teknaf Upazila UNO Adnan Chowdhury said, “Action is being taken against illegal speedboats and legal action will be taken against those who are involved with the syndicate after investigation.”
“An influential person controls the illegal speedboat syndicate in Saint Martin,” said Saint Martin Union Chairman Mujibur Rahman.
Office in-charge (OC) of Teknaf Model Police Station Mohammad Zobair Syed said, “No one has complained to the police station about the speedboat sinking so far. Necessary action will be taken if complaints are received.”
A speedboat sank with 24 passengers including locals and tourists on the Teknaf-St Martin route last Friday.
As the sea was rough due to rain and stormy winds, soon after reaching the estuary of the Naf River the bottom of the boat split open and sank when it reached Golgara.
On a tip-off, a Coast Guard team reached the spot and rescued the victims. They were taken to a local hospital where a woman died while undergoing treatment.
The deceased is Feroza Khatun, a former UP member of Ward 3 of Saint Martin Island.
A local person, on condition of anonymity, said, “The owner of the speedboat is Nurul Alam, a resident of St Martin Island. Several speedboats have been operating illegally on this route for a long time without permission.
“Although there is an obligation to run a double-engine speedboat, no one obeys it.”
The locals have demanded government agencies increase their supervision to stop such illegal speedboats to ensure the safety of passengers.
