BIWTC ferry 'Rajnigandha' capsizes in the Padma River near Manikganj early Wednesday — Focus Bangla A ferry sank with nine trucks on board in the Padma river at Paturia ferry terminal point under Manikganj district on Wednesday morning.
The ferry, Rajanigandha, was anchored at jetty number 05 near the terminal due to dense fog, it was learnt.
Twenty people were rescued from the river.
However, the engine operator of the capsized vessel remained missing till the filing of the report at 9:00 pm.
Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, state minister for shipping, told the media that the ferry sank in the river after being hit by a bulkhead.
Sources at the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) also confirmed the sinking of the ferry hit by a bulk carrier.
However, while visiting the spot, Manikganj deputy commissioner Rehena Akter told the media that the reason of the incident was not ascertained immediately.
The actual reason would be known after an investigation, she said.
The survivors claimed the ferry capsized in the Padma as water was seeping through a hole developed in the vessel, according to local media reports.
On information, fire service officials rushed to the spot with a trawler.
Those who jumped into the river managed to swim ashore the riverbank.
In another development, two separate committees - one by the BIWTC and the other by the district administration - have been formed to probe the incident.
The committees have been asked to submit reports within the next seven working days.
Ferry service got suspended on the Paturia-Daulatdia route following the incident.
Nine vehicles were rescued, but an operation to salvage the ferry did not start till the filing of this report.
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