A ship carrying up to 200 passengers has sunk in a river in southern Bangladesh.

Most of the passengers were rescued or swam ashore, but at least five people died after the boat went down near the Bay of Bengal.

Local government administrator Kazi Tofayel Ahmed said the boat was on its way to a coastal landing station on the River Payra in Barguna district.

Mr Ahmed, quoting survivors, said rescuers recovered at least five bodies from the water and two people were missing. Most of the passengers either swam ashore or were rescued by fishing boats.

He said many of the passengers were travelling to join an Islamic discussion when the boat capsized.

Ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh because of overcrowding and safety measures.