Driver has no licence, all papers expired: Padma houseboat ‘Sonar Tori’ halted
Photo: Collected
Allegations have been raised that the Rajshahi tourist houseboat ‘Sonar Tori’, anchored in the Padma river, had become a den of illegal and anti-social activities. According to the allegations, the houseboat authorities were giving underage young men and women opportunities for anti-social activities in exchange for money.
When the river police and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) conducted a joint drive on Wednesday, the allegations were found to be true, and widespread administrative irregularities also came to light.
Local sources say anti-social activities had been going on in the houseboat for some time under the cover of ordinary tourism. Various packages were offered there for business. From 3pm to 8pm, the public package cost Tk 800 and the family package Tk 1800. For the whole day (9am to 8pm), Tk 1800 was charged for the public package and Tk 3000 for the family package. Taking advantage of these packages, the houseboat operators took money on contract to give young men and women a place to stay and facilities for anti-social activities.
On receiving the allegations, officials of the river police and BIWTA went to the houseboat together. When they asked for valid papers for operation, those concerned could not show them. Checks found that the driver has no driving licence, and all papers needed to run the houseboat had already expired (date fail).
About the drive, river police inspector Bikash said, ‘No illegal activities or irregular business of any kind will be allowed in the name of tourism. As valid documents could not be shown, an order has been given to keep the houseboat’s movement suspended for now. Further legal action will be taken after the necessary papers are submitted and the overall investigation is completed.’
A BIWTA official said its movement has been suspended for now as the driver has no licence and all the houseboat’s papers have expired. The houseboat can be run again only after showing all updated clearances from the authorities concerned and necessary papers to BIWTA and getting permission.
Sources
Original report: Bangladesh Pratidin
