At least 35 people are feared dead after a boat capsized on a river in northeastern Bangladesh, an official said yesterday.

The boat, carrying dozens of labourers, hit an cargo-laden ship and sank in the middle of the river Surma at Alipur, 240 kilometres northeast of the capital Dhaka, in Sunamganj district, government administrator Mohammad Abul Hashem said.

“I have talked to an elected local official in the area. He told me at least 35 people have died and all of them are day-labourers. I am sending officials to help with the rescue operation and confirm the deaths,” he told AFP.

Local police chief Jane Alam said the accident happened in one of the most remote areas of Bangladesh and that it would take hours for officials to reach the site.

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