by Sumon Corraya

The boat was carrying over 300 people when it capsized due to bad weather. So far, seven bodies have been recovered and 44 people rescued. A joint team from Navy, Coast Guard and fire department are involved in search and rescue operations.

Munshiganj (AsiaNews) - More than 200 people are missing after a ferry capsized this morning in Bangladesh's Padma River. The boat had more than 300 people on board.

The accident occurred near Munshiganj, not far from the capital Dhaka. According to police, the ferry overturned because of bad weather. Rescuers have recovered so far seven bodies.

Md Saiful Islam, deputy commissioner of police in Munshiganj, said 44 people were rescued as of 1 pm today (local time), but rescuers continue their search for more survivors.

A joint team of Navy divers, firefighters and coastguard are taking part in the search and rescue operation. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has sent a helicopter to support the investigation.

Such accidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh, where obsolete vessels ply the rivers and coast with excess human cargo.

On 15 May, another ferry sank in the Meghna River, near Munshiganj, killing 58 people.

• bangladesh
• padma
• river
• munshiganj
• ferryboat
• capsized