River accidents have killed 4,052 people and injured 807 more in Bangladesh over the past 35 years. Over the same period, 47,606 cases were filed and action taken against vessels. Currently, 9,935 cases remain pending in court.
Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam shared the information Monday during the question-and-answer session in parliament, in response to a question from reserved-seat lawmaker Sabikunnahar.
The minister said that of the 47,606 cases filed against vessels over the past 35 years, 37,671 have been resolved through trial at the marine courts. Currently, 9,935 cases filed against vessels remain pending.
252,000 registered vessels
Responding to a question from Chattogram-15 lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury, the shipping minister said the country’s first-ever vessel census recorded 252,813 registered vessels. The census has created an opportunity to build a comprehensive database on the number and types of vessels in the country, which will allow for more effective registration, safety and management of vessels going forward.
National ulama advisory committee to be formed
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) said the government will consider forming a national ulama advisory committee bringing together scholars from various schools of thought, aimed at resolving religious confusion, maintaining religious harmony and preventing social conflict.
Responding to a question from Chattogram-15 lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury, the religious affairs minister said upazila-based research and ifta (religious ruling) activities are being implemented to bring together prominent scholars from various schools of thought, obtain necessary advice and exchange views, with the aim of maintaining religious harmony, resolving religious confusion and preventing social conflict. He said the government will consider forming a national ulama advisory committee for this purpose as needed.
The religious affairs minister also said awareness programs are being conducted to prevent extremism, militancy and violence carried out in the name of religion, and to maintain mutual respect and religious harmony among people of all faiths. He said the government continues necessary legal and awareness activities to maintain religious harmony and social peace and prevent the misuse of religion. Messages of peace, tolerance, humane values and mutual respect are being spread through Friday sermons, religious discussions, training and exchange-of-views sessions.
70 million taka in zakat collected
Responding to a question from Kishoreganj-1 lawmaker Mohammad Mazharul Islam, the religious affairs minister said 70 million taka in zakat has been collected in the current fiscal year. Of that, 15.9 million taka has been deposited in the government zakat fund, with the remainder deposited in divisional and district office zakat funds.