Published : 20 Mar 2026, 01:45 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:29 PM
One passenger has remained missing 24 hours after an engine-run boat was crushed between two launches at Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal, with Fire Service officials announcing a temporary suspension of rescue operations.
The victim, 52-year-old Miraj, identified with a single name, disappeared into the Buriganga River after the small vessel he was on was squeezed between two large launches around 5pm on Wednesday.
Kotwali Police chief Shah Md Faisal Ahmed said, "One person has died, another remains missing, and a third victim is currently undergoing treatment at Mitford Hospital."
Witnesses reported that as one of the launches involved in the accident began reversing to depart, it pinned the boat against the other vessel.
The impact was so severe that one passenger lost a limb, while another was crushed before falling into the water.
According to police, the deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Sohel, identified with a single name.
His pregnant wife, identified only as Rubi, survived the crash but remains hospitalised.
Zahirul Islam, senior station officer of Sadarghat Fire Station, explained that rescue efforts were thwarted by environmental and logistical hurdles on Thursday morning.
"We attempted to resume the search at 6am,” he said.
The operation was officially put on hold after 8am due to the high risks posed by tidal changes and overcrowding at the pontoons, he added.
"Our divers cannot stay under the water safely under these conditions. We will resume once the congestion of launches clears," Zahirul added.
State Minister for Shipping Razib Ahsan announced that the route permits for both launches have been cancelled. Two separate committees have been formed to investigate the tragedy.
