LGRD and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir -File Photo

DHAKA, Mar 25, 2026 (BSS)- LGRD and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic incident in which a passenger bus carrying around 50 people plunged into the river while boarding a ferry at Daulatdia Ghat in Rajbari district.

In a statement signed by BNP Assistant Office Secretary Muhammad Munir Hossain, the BNP Secretary General said the accident has triggered widespread concern and anxiety across the country, with fears of heavy casualties.

The accident occurred this afternoon when the bus fell into the Padma River while boarding a ferry at the ghat.

While 5 to 7 passengers managed to swim ashore, the fate of the remaining ones is still unknown. Several bodies have already been recovered.

Fakhrul said that repeated loss of lives in such incidents stems from negligence and lack of proper oversight by the authorities concerned.

He said that timely precautionary measures could have averted such loss of lives and damage.

He urged the authorities to expedite rescue operations and take all necessary steps to locate the missing passengers.

He also called for the formation of a probe committee to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice through exemplary punishment.

Expressing deep condolences, Fakhrul prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved families.