A horrific ferry accident on the Dhaleshwari River in Narayanganj has claimed the lives of three individuals after five vehicles, including a truck, plunged into the water. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 20 December, around 2:00 a.m., according to authorities. Divers from the River Police recovered the bodies of two victims shortly after the tragedy, while a third succumbed to injuries at hospital, confirmed Additional Superintendent of Police (C Circle) Md. Hasinuzzaman.
The deceased have been identified as Masud Rana, 30, a Singapore-based expatriate; motorcycle rider Md. Rafik, 35; and van driver Swadhin, 25. Masud Rana, a native of Gopalnagar in the Baktabali Union, had returned to Bangladesh from Singapore just a month ago and was reportedly planning to travel back. He had recently completed driver training in Narayanganj city before boarding the ferry, which became the scene of the fatal accident.
According to police reports, the mishap occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday as the ferry departed from the Baktabali area of Fatulla. A truck, a motorcycle ahead of it, two battery-operated auto-rickshaws, and a van all plunged into the river midstream. While the truck driver managed to swim to safety, three others went missing.
Motorcycle rider Rafik was promptly rescued and taken to Narayanganj General Hospital. However, while being transferred to a private facility at Signboard for advanced treatment, he tragically passed away. After an exhaustive search lasting over four and a half hours, river police divers recovered the bodies of Masud and Swadhin. Authorities noted that Masud’s body bore multiple injuries and had become lodged against the ferry’s railing.
The accident has cast a pall of grief and anxiety over the local community. Residents have criticised the inadequate safety measures on the ferry and expressed concerns over the lack of proper oversight for passengers and vehicles. Police have launched a full investigation into the causes of the incident.
Local administration and bereaved families have conveyed their profound sorrow, mourning the tragic loss of life. The Dhaleshwari ferry disaster has reignited urgent calls for stricter safety protocols and improved vigilance to prevent future tragedies on the river.