Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 26, IPU International Update News : A massive tragedy has struck Bangladesh. A bus carrying approximately 50 passengers lost control and plunged into the Padma River. This horrific accident occurred near the Daulatdia Ferry Terminal in the Rajbari district. Reports indicate that the death toll from this accident has risen to 23. Rescue operations are currently underway.

According to the details, a bus belonging to ‘Souhardo Paribahanbwhich was bound for Dhaka was waiting on the pontoon at Ghat No. 3 to board a ferry (ferries are utilized at this location for vehicles like buses to cross the river). At that moment, a small utility ferry named ‘Hasna Hena’ approached at high speed and violently collided with the pontoon. Due to this sudden impact, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle. Consequently, the bus drove straight into the Padma River and submerged. As the bus was plunging into the river, some passengers managed to save their lives by escaping through the windows. This accident occurred as people were returning to the capital, Dhaka, following the Eid festival holidays.

Upon receiving the information, the Bangladesh Fire Service, the Navy, and the River Police immediately mobilized and launched rescue operations. After nearly six hours of strenuous effort—aided by a rescue vessel named ‘Hamza’—they successfully retrieved the bus, which had been completely submerged in the water. Police Inspector Russell Molla informed the media that 23 bodies have been recovered.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed deep shock over the incident and ordered an inquiry. Search operations for the remaining missing passengers are continuing.

— M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist