Two women have died and three others gone missing after a boat capsized in Jamuna river in Sariakandi upazila of Bogura.

Confirming the matter, Sariakandi police station Sub-Inspector (SI) Shadhak Chandra Roy said that the boat capsized in Kuripara area around 10:30am on Tuesday.

The deceased are Jahura Begum, 40, wife of Yusuf Ali, hailed from Poylakandi village in Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur, and Amena Begum, 55, wife of (late) Manzer Sheikh, hailed from Manikdair village of Sariakandi.

The identities of the missing persons are yet to be ascertained, the SI added.

Quoting witnesses, he said: “Strong and swirly tides in Jamuna caused the shallow engine-driven boat, carrying about 100 passengers, to capsize mid-river. While most passengers managed to swim ashore, five went missing.”

Later a rescue operation was launched by members of the Police and Fire Service.

Rescuers recovered two bodies and are still searching for the other three, he added. 

Sariakandi Fire Service Station Officer Mozammel Haq said: “The rescue operation is still ongoing as we are yet to find the missing persons.