A passenger bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari on Friday morning, but no passengers were injured after they had been required to disembark before the vehicle attempted to board a ferry.
Officials said the incident highlighted the effectiveness of a government safety directive requiring passengers to get off buses and other public transport vehicles before river crossings.
According to the Ministry of Shipping, the accident occurred at around 9:30 am when an SB Super Deluxe bus travelling from Kushtia entered the convention pocket area to board the ferry Kabari at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat No. 7.
While attempting to board the ferry, the bus reportedly lost control, broke through a ramp barrier on the opposite side and plunged into the river.
All passengers had already left the vehicle and boarded the ferry separately in line with instructions from local authorities and law enforcement personnel stationed at the terminal. As a result, no passenger casualties were reported.
A ministry spokesperson said the bus driver and his helper were rescued immediately after the accident and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Daulatdia River Police Officer-in-Charge Trinath Saha said officers deployed at the terminal had ensured that all passengers got off the bus before it proceeded towards the ferry.
“Shortly afterwards, the bus broke through the ferry barrier and fell into the river. The driver and helper were rescued and sent to hospital,” he said.
Following the incident, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) launched a recovery operation. Salvage vessel Hamza was dispatched to recover the submerged bus, while divers began rescue and recovery work at the site.
Officials said a BIWTA engineering member was supervising the operation.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the accident and are taking steps to recover the vehicle. Officials said no reports of passenger or other casualties had been received and the situation remained under control.
The Ministry of Shipping said the safety directive introduced under Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, requiring passengers to disembark before ferry crossings, had significantly improved safety and helped prevent loss of life in the Daulatdia incident.
The ministry added that the measure would continue to be strictly enforced at ferry terminals across the country to ensure passenger safety during river crossings.
