BANGLADESH

At least eight people including seven children were killed and 15 went missing after a trawler capsized in Surma river at Jamalganj upazila in Sunamganj district.

Upazila chairman Yousuf Al Azad told that the Sajna-bound motorboat, packed with passengers beyond its capacity, from Sunamganj Sadar upazila sank midway in Durlavpur area on Wednesday around 4:15pm.

Azad said that the passengers were returning by the trawler after enjoying a wrestling competition at Durlavpur Bazaar. The trawler was also carrying several sacks of potatoes.

Seven of the deceased were identified as 'Moshahid', 1, son of Azad Mian of Sreepur village under Bimkhali union council of Jamalganj upazila; 'Jesmin', 5, and 'Jannat', 3, daughters of Babul Mia of Kamlabagh village under Jamalganj Sadar union council; Puja Dutta, 3, daughter of Shankar Dutta of South Sreepur village of Taherpur upazila; Ritu Dutta, 3, daughter of Satyaranjan Dutta of Jhanjail village of the same upazila; Nioti Paul, 12, daughter of Mohadev Paul of Lakkhansree village of the Sadar upazila; and Ria Dash, 2, daughter of Akshay Dash of the same village.

However, the identity of a women aged around 35 could not be established immediately.

Officer in charge of Jamalganj Police Station Jane Alam told bdnews24.com that they had recovered eight bodies until 7pm. At least 20 passengers injured in the accident were given first aid at the Jamajganj Upazila Health Complex.

He said that the police and fire brigade teams were carrying out the rescue operation in the river with the help of locals.

"Over 15 passengers are still missing. The rescue operation will also be conducted on Thursday morning," the police official added.