Overview
- The passenger bus, which went off the Daulatdia ferry landing on Wednesday, carried about 40 to 50 people and sank in the Padma River near Rajbari.
- Rescuers reflated the vehicle overnight and recovered 23 bodies from inside, and two rescued women died at a hospital, with some outlets now reporting a total of 26 dead.
- Strong currents and heavy rain forced pauses in the search, and fire crews, divers, police, the coast guard, the army and the state river transport agency all took part.
- District authorities formed a five-member team led by Additional Magistrate Uchen Mey to examine procedures and determine if negligence at the terminal or on the ferry played a role.
- Local reports say the ferry Hasna Hena struck the pontoon, which may have caused the driver to lose control, and the tragedy renews concern about recurring risks at Bangladesh’s river crossings.