MV Bowali launch with 85 passengers stranded on a Padma River sandbar, rescued after 4 hours

On the night of June 27, 2026, the launch 'MV Bowali' carrying 85 passengers en route from Daulatdia to Paturia became stranded on a sandbar in the Padma River near the Kushahata area. Following a distress call to the 999 emergency service, a coordinated rescue operation involving the Naval police and BIWTA successfully evacuated all 85 passengers using another vessel, 'MV Chishtia'. The rescue concluded safely around 11:30 PM, approximately four hours after the incident began. No injuries or casualties were reported.