The government has ordered a temporary suspension of launch operations during dense fog following a deadly collision between two passenger vessels on the Meghna River in Chandpur that left four people dead.

The directive was issued by Shipping Ministry Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, according to an official press release on Friday.

An eight-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the incident and has been asked to submit its report within seven working days. The adviser said stringent legal action would be taken against those responsible.

He also confirmed that five crew members of MV Adventure-9 have already been taken into police custody, adding that further action will follow based on the findings of the investigation.

The ministry has instructed relevant authorities to ensure that all passenger launches are equipped with operational fog lights and side lights, while the Department of Shipping has been directed to strengthen monitoring of vessel fitness, safety compliance and licensing.

The collision occurred at around 2:30am on Thursday amid heavy fog, when the Dhaka-bound MV Zakir Samrat-3 collided with MV Adventure-9 near Haimchar in the Meghna River. At the time, Adventure-9 was travelling from Dhaka to Jhalakathi.

Four passengers of Zakir Samrat-3 were killed in the crash, while several others were injured and are receiving treatment at different hospitals.

Following the incident, Dr Sakhawat visited Sadarghat in Dhaka on Friday morning to inspect the damaged vessel and meet families of the victims. He expressed deep condolences and assured them of government support.

The ministry announced immediate financial assistance of Tk 1.5 lakh for each deceased victim’s family and Tk 50,000 for the injured. The adviser also directed that the owners of both launches be summoned, assuring that compensation would be ensured from those found responsible.

Authorities said enforcement of the fog-related restrictions would continue to enhance safety on inland waterways.