A devastating accident at the Daulatdia ferry terminal has left at least 18 people dead after a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River on the evening of Wednesday, March 25, 2026. While initial reports feared dozens missing, a massive overnight rescue operation involving the Fire Service, Navy, and local authorities has led to the recovery of the submerged vehicle and several victims.
The Incident: A Fatal Impact on the Pontoon
The accident occurred around 5:15 PM at Pontoon No. 3 of the Daulatdia Ghat in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila. The Dhaka-bound bus, operated by Souhardo Paribahan (also reported as Showhardo Poribohon), was waiting to board a ferry to Paturia.
According to terminal officials and witnesses, a small utility ferry named Hasna Hena struck the pontoon with significant force while attempting to dock. The impact caused the bus driver to lose control, sending the vehicle carrying approximately 50 passengers veering off the edge and into the deep waters of the Padma River.
At least 35 passengers are missing after a bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ghat, Bangladesh; two bodies have been recovered so far as rescue operations continue.
— Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) March 25, 2026
People live like cockroaches and die like cockroaches
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Rescue Operations and Casualties
Immediately following the plunge, about 11 to 12 passengers managed to swim ashore or were rescued by local residents. However, many remained trapped inside as the bus sank to a depth of nearly 30 to 90 feet.
- Initial Recovery: Two women, identified as Rehena Begum (60) and Morjina Begum (55), were recovered shortly after the incident but were declared dead at the Goalanda Upazila Health Complex.
- The Salvage Operation: The rescue vessel Hamza arrived at the scene and, despite delays caused by heavy rain and turbulent waves, successfully lifted the bus around midnight.
- Grim Discovery: Upon retrieving the vehicle, rescuers found 16 additional bodies trapped inside the wreckage. The current confirmed death toll stands at 18, including 10 women, four men, and two children.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Rajbari District Administration has initiated a high-level probe to investigate the cause of the disaster. Local residents and relatives of the victims have expressed outrage over the perceived delay in the arrival of the salvage vessel Hamza, which was reportedly stationed nearby but took several hours to begin operations.
As the search continues for any remaining passengers who may have been swept away by the river's current, this tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter safety protocols and impact-resistant barriers at Bangladesh’s busy ferry terminals.
