At least 125 now feared dead in ferry sinking, says Bangladeshi minister

At least 125 people are now presumed dead following the capsizing of a crowed ferry in central Bangladesh on Monday, the country’s shipping minister has said.

Shajahan Khan told reporters on Tuesday that around 110 people either swam to safety or were rescued.

It is estimated that more than 200 people were on board the M.V. Pinak when it went down on Monday morning. Ferry operators in Bangladesh rarely maintain passenger lists.

"We have heard that the ferry was overloaded with passengers and the river was rough," local police chief Tofazzal Hossain told news agency Agence France-Presse.

Ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh, with overcrowding, poor ship design and maintenance often to blame.

Bangladesh has more than 230 rivers, and boats are the main form of travel, especially in the southern and northeastern regions.

Wire services