Dhaka: Bangladeshi Police on Monday arrested a crowded ferry owner who was burned and killed at least 39 people last week, after investigators blamed the victim to neglect.
The fire broke out in the middle of the night on Friday when many of the 700 ferry passengers were sleeping near the South Barguna district.
The victim expressed terrible stories about having to jump to the Sugandha River from the three-story ferry, which was only designed to carry 420 people.
Most of the victims burned to death while others drowned in cold waters while trying to escape.
The owner of the ferry Hum Jalal Sheikh was arrested on Monday, a police spokesman told reporters, the day after the court issued an arrest warrant for eight people including Captain and Obhija-10 crew.
Mahbubur Marine Police Officer Rahman said the ship did not have adequate fire extinguishers and buoys to face accidents in a large river.
“We talked to the survivors and they said the ferry driver made the ship move for almost an hour after the engine room was burning,” he told AFP.
“If they stopped the ferry and immediately anchored, it could save all this valuable life.” Experts in Bangladesh blamed poor maintenance, loose safety standards in shipyards and densities for the maritime disaster of the South Asian nation.
At least 21 people were killed in August when a ship packed with passengers collided with a wooden cargo ship.