Still no trace of sunken launch

The location of the sunken launch has not yet been spotted since the time it capsized with over 200 passengers in Padma River near Mawa ghat in Munshiganj on Monday morning.

The angry relatives of the missing passengers blocked the Mawa ghat for about one hour in the morning bringing allegation of negligence in rescue operation.

Till filing of this report at 9:20am, the rescuers couldn't identify the place underwater where the launch was.

The rescue ship Rostom reached at the spot at 9:30pm on Monday.

The rescuers are trying to trace the capsized launch with the help of "Eco-sounder" and "side-scan sonar".

Rescue operation is being hampered due to strong waves in the river, BIWTC Director Md Hossain said.

According to the government estimate, the number of missing in the launch capsize is 127.

However, the number is more than 127 as per unofficial counts.

The divers' team of Navy, fire service and coast guard are conducting a search and rescue operation.