Body of missing passenger recovered 48 hours after Sadarghat launch collision

The body was found floating near a salt mill in Keraniganj, police say

Police have recovered the body of 52-year-old Miraj, identified with a single name, two days after he was knocked into the Buriganga River during a horrific collision between two launches at Dhaka’s Sadarghat.

The body was found floating near a salt mill in Keraniganj, over half a kilometre away from the accident site, around 7pm on Friday.

"Police recovered the remains near the Babubazar Bridge area. Relatives confirmed the identity of the victim at Mitford Hospital," said Sadarghat River Police chief Sohag Rana.

Miraj was the father-in-law of Shohel, also identified with a single name, who died in the same accident.

Shohel’s pregnant wife, identified only as Ruby, remains hospitalised at Mitford.

The accident occurred Wednesday afternoon when an engine-driven boat, carrying passengers wishing to board a launch in mid-river, was crushed between two launches.

Witnesses said the boat was trapped as one of the vessels began reversing to leave the terminal.

Miraj’s body was recovered hours after his brother Siraj Fakir filed a case with South Keraniganj Police Station on Friday against seven named and several unidentified individuals.

The suspects face charges of reckless navigation and death by negligence.

Police have already arrested five staff members from the two launches in connection with the case.