BAGERHAT, May 20, 2026 (BSS) - A wave of anxiety has gripped the local community after at least seven to eight Export Processing Zone (EPZ) workers went missing following a collision between two trawlers in the Pashur River on Tuesday evening.

The accident occurred on the busy waterway when a trawler transporting workers home from the Mongla EPZ collided with another vessel, throwing several passengers into the fiercely flowing river. While a number of passengers managed to swim to safety last night with the help of locals and early rescuers, seven to eight workers remain unaccounted for more than 24 hours after the incident.

The Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard have since intensified their joint rescue operations. 

Speaking to BSS, Coast Guard Officer Lieutenant Commander Mahbub Hasan confirmed that rescue teams deployed immediately upon receiving the news and are systematically searching the river. Navy officials added that operations are being conducted in close coordination with the local administration.

In the wake of the accident, residents and local journalist Atanu Chowdhury expressed deep frustration, blaming frequent accidents on uncontrolled trawlers routinely carrying passengers far beyond capacity. 

Locals are urging the administration to enforce strict surveillance on the waterway, while highlighting that the long-delayed promise of a suspension bridge over the Pashur River remains a major disappointment for commuters and tourists alike.