The Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member investigation committee following a fatal bus accident at Daulatdia Ghat in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila. The incident occurred on March 25 when a passenger bus fell into the Padma River while boarding a ferry. According to the ministry’s order issued on Thursday, at least 26 people have been confirmed dead, and the toll may rise further.

The committee is led by Additional Secretary Md. Mahidul Islam of the Ministry of Shipping. Other members include representatives from the Rajbari district administration, the river police, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), and the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department. The committee has been tasked with identifying the cause of the accident and determining those responsible.

The ministry has instructed the committee to submit its report within three working days. It may co-opt additional members if necessary to complete the investigation.