Bangladesh Inland Waterways Passenger Carriers Association (BIWPCA), the association of vessels' owners, enforced the boycott programme protesting what it said an "indecent" remark of the shipping minister about its chairman.

Minister Akbar Hossain yesterday withdrew the remark, saying he also called off his "uncle-nephew relationship" with Giasuddin Al Mamun, the chairman of the BIWPCA.

In withdrawing the remark, the minister said, "I had said I don't dare even Mamun's father. Mamun is my nephew. Since the BIWPCA called to withdraw the comment, I am withdrawing it, but at the same time I am calling off the uncle-nephew relationship with Mamun."

Reacting to Akbar's latest

statement, Giasuddin Al-Mamun said he does not give importance to the minister's remark as he always talks like this. He, however, said he was never a nephew of the shipping minister.

"I do not take his (minister's) comments into cognisance as he often makes such worthless speeches," he told the private news agency, adding that the other BIWPCA leaders decided to enforce the token boycott of terminals protesting the minister's remark.

Senior Vice-Chairman of the BIWPCA, Mohammad Badiuzzaman Badal also termed the minister's remark unfair and unexpected.

He said the statement withdrawing the remark will not solve the problem, rather it will deepen the crisis as it reflected the ego problem of the minister.

The BIWPCA leader said they will also call fresh action programme in a meeting on May 31.

Witnesses said all the vessels were kept off the pontoons during the terminal boycott programme. Hundreds of passengers had to reach the launches and terminals by hiring boats.

At least six boats capsized while carrying passengers from Sadarghat terminal to the launches anchored in the middle of the Buriganga.

However, no casualty was reported.