8 bodies recovered, search work continues for missing people

The death toll from a picnic trawler capsized in the River Padma in Munshiganj’s Lauhajang rose to eight after divers recovered four more bodies.

Due to rough weather, Fire Service and Civil Defence members stopped their rescue drive around 2am on Sunday. They again started the search this morning, said Fire Service headquarters media divisional acting officer Shahjahan Shikder.

The deceased were identified as Mokseda, 42, Popy, 26, Sakib, 8, Happy, 28, Rakib, 12, Sajibul, 4, Farihan, 10, and Sajib. All were the residents of Sirajdikhan upazila.

The trawler with 46 passengers was going back to Sirajdikhan upazila after a daylong picnic in the Padma Bridge. Around 8pm on Saturday, when it reached Roshkati area under Eider Para union, the trawler capsized after a collision with the bulkhead.

Thirty-four people were rescued alive and some are still missing.

Meanwhile, a probe committee has been formed where an additional deputy commissioner has been made the chief of the team. The team has been asked to submit the report within three days.