DHAKA: Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina Saturday inaugurated country’s first own financed steamer MV Bangalee.

The premier unveiled the curtain of the watercraft in a colorful ceremony at Sadarghat river port in the capital at 10:00am.

The triple-decker Bangalee, which was built at the local Western Marine Shipyard, has four family/VIP suits, 34 double-bed and 34 single-bed first class cabins, 18 double-bed second class berths and 550 seats on dock.

The vessel will travel on Dhaka-Barisal route. The 75.5-metre long, 12.5-metre wide ship can ply at the speed of 11.5 nautical miles or 20.37 kilometers per hour.

Some 34 crews will operate the watercraft that weighs 200 metric tons, has a capacity of 950 metric tons and can carry 150 tons of goods.

The vessel set its first sail to Chandnpur after the inauguration carrying Prime Minister.

BDST: 1132 HRS, MAR 29, 2014