The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Kishoreganj

The death toll from Monday's launch capsize in Nikli upazila rose to 48 with the recovery of two more bodies on Thursday night.

The deceased were identified as Moni Mia, 20, of Bajitpur and Ripon, 26, of Tarail.

Mithamoin-bound launch MV Chandpur, carrying more than 150 passengers, was caught in a storm and capsized in Ghorautra River near Singpur of Nikli upazila on Monday (May 12) afternoon. Earlier, bodies of 46 passengers were recovered.

The one-member committee headed by Nikli UNO Kazi Saiful Islam has made its inquiry report public saying that the reason of capsize was mainly due to overloading of passengers and goods by the launch.

Meanwhile, the district administration provided Tk 4,000 as grant to each of the 33 families of the capsize victims. Remaining families will also be provided with the money.

Officer in-charge of Nikli thana Jahangir Hossain said a police boat was patrolling the river looking for more bodies.