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NARAYANGANJ, June 7, 2025 (BSS) - The bodies of two passengers who went missing after a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw fell into Meghna River from a ferry in Araihazar have been recovered around 6pm today about 13 hours after the accident  occurred at Bishanandi Ferry Ghat in the upazila.

The deceased were Khaleda Begum, 55, and her daughter-in-law Farzana Akhter, 22. They are residents of Rasullabad village in Nabinagar Upazila of Brahmanbaria.

Khaleda Begum's son Kamal Hossain, 19, was rescued soon after the accident. He is currently undergoing treatment at Araihazar Upazila Health Complex.

Officer-in-charge of Araihazar Police Station Nasir Uddin said that the CNG-powered auto-rickshaw was recovered from the Meghna River around 6 pm. The bodies of two women were found inside the CNG.

Kamal's cousin Mosleh Uddin said, "My uncle and aunt live in Jatrabari in the capital with their families. My aunt, her two sons and daughter-in-law were returning home in a CNG auto-rickshaw during the Eid holidays. After boarding the ferry, the CNG fell into the Meghna River due to a jolt. My cousin Kamal managed to board, but my aunt and sister-in-law could not get out.

He also said at the time of the accident, the auto-rickshaw driver Kuddus and Farzana's husband Sagar were standing next to the CNG.

“Kamal, Khaleda Begum and Farzana Akhter were inside the CNG. Since there was no railing at the back of the ferry, the CNG tilted and fell into the river due to the jolt,” he said.

Araihazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sazzat Hossain said, "We reached the spot in the morning after receiving the news of the accident. An investigation is underway to determine whether there was a security breach on the ferry. Necessary legal action will be taken.”