Govt forms two committees to probe Padma bus tragedy

Two separate probe committees have been formed following a passenger bus accident in which a bus plunged into the Padma River from the pontoon at Daulatdia ferry ghat in Goalanda, Rajbari, claiming 25 lives, State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan said on Wednesday night.

One committee, headed by Additional Secretary Mahidul Islam of the Ministry of Shipping, and another led by Additional District Magistrate Uchen Me, have been tasked with conducting investigations.

The Additional Secretary-led committee has been asked to submit its report within three days, while the district administration committee is expected to submit its findings within 3–4 working days.

The government will provide Tk 25,000 to each family of the deceased and Tk 15,000 to the injured, the minister added.

The incident occurred around 5:30 pm on Wednesday when a Sowharda Paribahan bus lost control and plunged into the Padma River near ferry ghat No. 3 with around 50 passengers on board. The bus sank instantly.