The death toll from the fire that broke out in a Barguna-bound launch carrying some 800 passengers rose to 39, according to the police and fire service. The incident took place at around 3:00am on Friday.
Around 75 people sustaining burn injuries were admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital and 15 others in Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital in Barishal. Many are still missing. Deputy commissioner, Johar Ali, and senior police officials are supervising the rescue work.