Bangladesh government starts inquiry into the Padma ferry capsize

The government has started an investigation into the sinking of a passenger ferry in the Padma River that has left at least 43 dead.

Shipping ministry’s PRO Md Jahangir Alam Khan said the three-member committee would submit its findings within 15 business days.

MV Mostofa-3, carrying over 100 passengers, sank on Sunday noon after being hit by cargo vessel MV Nargis-1 on the Paturia-Daulatdia route.

Until night, 43 bodies, mostly of women and children, had been pulled out with many others still unaccounted for.

Police have arrested the master of the cargo vessel along with two others.

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have offered condolences to the bereaved families.

In a message, the prime minister ordered proper investigation into the accident.

Shipping ministry’s permanent 11-member investigation committee will also probe the matter.

Manikganj’s Additional Superintendent of Police Mijanur Rahman said a five-strong committee, headed by shipping department’s nautical surveyor 'Capt Shahjahan', had been ordered to submit their findings within seven days.