Tragic Bus Submergence in Padma River Leaves Dozens Missing in Rajbari

At least 35 passengers are reported missing after a passenger bus sank while boarding a pontoon at the Daulatdia Ferry Terminal in Goalanda, Rajbari. Relatives of the missing have gathered along the Padma riverbank, their anguished cries filling the area. Videos of their grief have spread widely on social media, while live broadcasts on various electronic media platforms, Facebook Reels, and YouTube streams have moved netizens worldwide.

On 25 March, Wednesday, from around 11:00 pm, video footage showed rescuers gradually pulling the submerged bus from the river, capturing the tense atmosphere. At the time of this report, the front half of the bus had already been lifted above the water by the crane of the rescue vessel Hamza. Recovery operations are ongoing.

The bus, operated by Souhardya Paribahan, had its doors broken during the incident. Inside, school bags, shoes, sandals, vanity bags, and other belongings were seen floating. Three ambulances have been deployed on-site.

Earlier, at approximately 10:00 pm, Deputy Assistant Director of Rajbari Fire Service and Civil Defence, Dewan Sohel Rana, reported that the bus, submerged nearly 90 feet deep in the river, had been lifted around 50 feet above the water level with the help of the rescue vessel Hamza.

Sohel Rana stated, “The bus was 80–90 feet underwater. Using the Hamza, we have pulled it approximately 50 feet above the riverbed. We still need to lift it another 30–40 feet. The operation is proceeding slowly and carefully.”

He added that divers could not enter the bus because its windows and doors were closed, necessitating the entire vehicle to be pulled up.

Rana also confirmed that three bodies surfaced immediately after the submergence, including two women who were deceased. One individual was rescued in injured condition and is receiving hospital treatment. Approximately 35–40 passengers were on board at the time.

The deceased have been identified as Rehena Akter (60), wife of Ismail Hossain Khan of Bhabanipur Lal Mia Road, Rajbari Municipality, and Marzina Begum (56), Billing Supervisor at the Pangsha Zonal Office of Rajbari Palli Bidyut Samity. Although the rescue vessel Hamza arrived promptly at the site, rain has slowed the recovery operation.

Faridpur Fire Service Commander Md. Belal Uddin noted that preliminary estimates suggest the bodies of around 33 passengers remain submerged. Two divers and two assistant divers from the Faridpur Fire Service, along with a five-member rescue team, are participating in the recovery operation.

DBTech/SM/EK/OR