At least 35 passengers are still missing after a bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ghat in Bangladesh

Two people have died and at least 35 others are missing after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia ghat in Rajbari’s Goaland aupazila on Wednesday afternoon, with rescue operations ongoing amid rain and strong winds.



The bus, operated by Souhardo Paribahan on the Dhaka-bound route, fell into the river from pontoon number 3 around 5:15 pm while attempting to board a ferry. Fire Service officials said the vehicle sank to an estimated depth of around 30 feet after losing control.


So far, 10 people have been rescued alive. One of them, a 29-year-old woman named Nusrat, who is a doctor by profession, is undergoing treatment at Goalanda Upazila Health Complex in critical condition, officials said.

Goalanda Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Md. Maruf Hossain said: “Three people were rescued from the bus accident and brought to the hospital. Of them, two were found dead. The other one is receiving treatment.”

The deceased have been identified as Rehana Begum, 60, of Bhabanipur in Rajbari, and Morzina Begum, 55.

Faridpur Fire Service Commander Md Belal Uddin said at least 35 people remain missing. “We have learned that at least 35 people are missing. Rescue operations are underway,” he said.

Fire Service and Civil Defence officials said the submerged bus has been located. A unit from Goaland Fire Service Station and a diving team from the Aricha station are conducting the rescue operation. Additional diving units from Dhaka and Faridpur are also heading to the scene to assist.

Rescue operations are being hampered by rain and strong winds, officials said.

Meanwhile, the rescue vessel Hamza, stationed at Daulatdia ferry ghat number 2, did not begin operations until around 8 pm, hours after the incident, drawing anger and frustration from local residents.

Terminal’s Transport Supervisor Md. Monir Hossain said the accident occurred following a sequence of events involving ferry movement at the ghat. “Shortly after 5pm, the Souhardo Paribahan bus arrived at pontoon number 3. At that time, a ferry had already departed for Paturia carrying vehicles. As the bus could not board that ferry, it was waiting for another one. Around 5:15 pm, a utility ferry named ‘Hasna Hena’ arrived and struck the pontoon forcefully. The impact caused the bus to lose control and fall into the Padma River,” he said.

Eyewitnesses and surviving passengers said five to seven passengers managed to escape the bus at the beginning. However, they said many others remain missing, with some estimating the number to be as high as 40.

Authorities said rescue operations are continuing and casualty figures may change as efforts progress.