Bus sinks in Bangladesh river, killing at least 18

The bus was travelling to the capital from the southwestern district of Kushtia as people return to work after the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr.

Fire official Dewan Sohel Rana said many of the passengers swam to safety after the accident but others were trapped. 

A rescue vessel joined the operation late on Wednesday and lifted the bus, he said, and rescuers worked overnight to recover bodies, finding 18 by Thursday morning. 

Strong currents and rain disrupted the rescue operations, he said. 

It was not clear if there was still anyone missing.

Ten women and two children were among the dead, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department.