A large crowd was seen from early Thursday at the Sadarghat Launch Terminal as homebound passengers gathered in significant numbers ahead of Eid travel rush.
Even before the situation fully stabilized following Wednesday’s launch accident, thousands of passengers continued to arrive at the terminal, creating heavy congestion.
Although launches kept operating on southern routes, including Barishal, Bhola, and Patuakhali, the overall passenger pressure showed little sign of easing.
Many travelers said that despite lingering fear after the previous day’s accident, they were compelled to travel home due to urgency surrounding the Eid holiday.
Several also noted that such overcrowding is natural during Eid season, adding that they had no option but to undertake the journey as they have no relatives in the capital.
Earlier on Wednesday around 5:30 PM, one person was dead and several others injured in an accident at the terminal, while some individuals are still missing.
Following the incident, the Fire Service launched a rescue operation which was later suspended at night due to darkness and adverse conditions.
On Thursday morning, efforts were made to resume the rescue operation. However, strong river currents, heavy launch traffic, and dense passenger crowds hampered diving operations.
Authorities from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence said the rescue operation has been temporarily suspended due to unsafe conditions.