Collecting samples for DNA tests could be the only way to properly identify the missing passengers of Pinak 6 in the future, according to a DNA expert.
Professor Dr Sharif Akteruzzaman, head of the National DNA Profiling Laboratory at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said it would be a miracle if any of the missing people were found alive.
“If all the missing passengers have died by now then not a single body would remain fresh. All the bodies must have severely been decomposed. This is why only DNA test could help identify the missing bodies, if found,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.
The launch with more than 270 passengers on board sank in Padma river near Mawa ferry terminal on last Monday. According to the government list, the death toll reached 43 until yesterday noon. Of the 43, only 27 identities could be confirmed till yesterday while the remaining 16 remained unidentified.
The number of missing people is 122 on the government list.
Dr Sharif said collection of samples was vital for DNA test and to detect the identity afterwards.
“Collecting gum from both upper and lower part would be the best way to collect samples for DNA test from any dead body found now,” he said.
“Samples of gum should be kept in a bottle, or somewhere else. However, the bottle should be filled with a normal saline first and the sample should then be dropped in it. It is the best way to send the sample to the DNA laboratory,” explained Sharif.
He also said samples of an organ or clothes would not be useful as the body might be found in a badly decomposed state and DNA would not be found in the vesture.
Fariduddin, superintendent of Madaripur police, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that 15 unidentified bodies were buried (12 on Friday and 3 yesterday) at the municipal graveyard of Shibchar.
“We collected DNA samples of the bodies that might be used in the future if any relatives approach us. We will send the samples to laboratory when the rescue operations will come to an end,” he said.
“Teeth, nails and tissues of the unidentified bodies were collected. We also marked each of the graves with separate numbers to easily identify the buried people following DNA tests,” added Farid.
Dr Sharif said nobody from either the Shipping Ministry or police officially contacted them till yesterday noon.
In addition to Jarip 10 and Kandari 2, rescue vessel Shandhani of the BIWTA, and two ships of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Agnibinash and Agnishashak joined search operations to locate the launch.