The devastating bus accident at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari, where a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River, continues to unfold as authorities confirm the identities of 12 passengers from Kushtia district. However, five of those identified remain missing, raising grave concerns that the death toll may rise further as rescue operations persist under extremely challenging conditions.
The ill-fated vehicle, operated by Sohag Paribahan, began its journey from the Kumarkhali Municipal Bus Terminal in Kushtia with an initial group of eight passengers. As it travelled towards the ferry terminal, four additional passengers boarded at the Khoksa counter, bringing the number of identified travellers to twelve.
Among the affected is the family of Gias Uddin Ripon from Shomsapur village in Khoksa. He was travelling with his wife, Lita Khatun, and their two children—Abul Kasem Safi (17) and Ayesha Binte Gias (13)—as they returned to Dhaka after celebrating Eid. In a tragic turn, Ayesha Binte Gias is still missing, leaving the family in anguish.
Another family caught in the disaster is that of Nuruzzaman from Khondokbaria village in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah. He was accompanied by his wife, Ayesha Akter, and their two young children, Nawara Akter (4) and Arshan, a seven-month-old infant. According to relatives, both Ayesha Akter and baby Arshan remain unaccounted for.
Further passengers include Rajib Biswas (28) from Janipur Khagorbaria, Delwar Hossain from Dhusundu village, along with his wife and their three-year-old son, Israfil. Of these individuals, both Rajib Biswas and young Israfil are reported missing, while the whereabouts of others are still being confirmed.
According to Tanmoy Ahmed, the Kumarkhali counter manager, the bus initially departed with only a handful of passengers but continued to pick up travellers along the route. By the time it reached the Daulatdia ferry terminal, it was carrying approximately 50 passengers, including the driver and the assistant.
Rescue operations are being led by fire service personnel under the command of Md Belal Uddin, who confirmed that two bodies—both women—have so far been recovered from the river. However, there remains a strong possibility that many passengers are still trapped inside the submerged bus.
Specialised diving teams are working tirelessly to locate and recover victims. Officials estimate that around 40 passengers may still be missing, many of whom are believed to have been trapped inside the vehicle as it sank rapidly into the river.
The Padma River’s strong current, combined with poor underwater visibility and the depth at which the bus has settled, has made the rescue efforts extremely difficult. These environmental challenges are significantly slowing down recovery operations and increasing the risks faced by rescue personnel.
Identified Passengers and Status
| Category | Name | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family 1 | Gias Uddin Ripon | From Khoksa | Alive |
| Lita Khatun | Wife | Alive | |
| Abul Kasem Safi (17) | Son | Alive | |
| Ayesha Binte Gias (13) | Daughter | Missing | |
| Family 2 | Nuruzzaman | From Shailkupa | Alive |
| Ayesha Akter | Wife | Missing | |
| Nawara Akter (4) | Daughter | Alive | |
| Arshan (7 months) | Infant son | Missing | |
| Others | Rajib Biswas (28) | From Janipur | Missing |
| Delwar Hossain | From Dhusundu | Alive | |
| Israfil (3) | Son of Delwar | Missing |
The tragedy has left families devastated, with many still waiting for news of their loved ones. Eyewitnesses report that the bus sank very quickly after entering the river, leaving passengers with little time to react or escape.
Authorities have pledged to continue rescue efforts until all missing individuals are accounted for. At the same time, an investigation is expected to be launched into the circumstances surrounding the accident, as concerns grow over safety measures at ferry terminals and the prevention of similar tragedies in the future.