Four dead after boat capsizes in Padma River

Four people died and at least 20 to 25 went missing after a boat capsized in the Padma River in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district on Wednesday afternoon.

Among the deceased, three were identified as Nilufa Begum, wife of Khairul Islam, a resident of the upazila, and two children - Asmaul, 5, and Ayesha, 3, of Fitu of Narayanpur area in Sadar upazila.

However, at least 25 people were rescued alive in the capsize.

The shallow machine-run boat sank in the middle of the river in a strong current on the way to Dosh Roshia under Paka union from Boglauri ghat around 2:15 pm. 

Locals said it carried at least 60 passengers.

Being informed, a diver team from Shibganj Fire Service and Civil Defence rushed to the spot and started a rescue operation.

Shibganj Police Station officer in-charge Farid Hossain confirmed the incident.

Sohan Mahmud/SU