Ferry capsized in river Padma in Bangladesh with more than 100 people on board
Ferry capsized in river Padma in Bangladesh with more than 100 people on board (Twitter / breakingnewsak

A ferry in Bangladesh capsized in the river Padma with more than 100 passengers on board.

Early reports said at least one young child has been killed and dozens are missing as rescue efforts continue.

Police in the district of Manikgani, where the accident happened, said the ferry was struck by a cargo vessel.

The capsized ferry was making a one hour crossing journey across the Padma river in Daulatdia, to Paturia in Rajbari.

Ferry disasters with heavy losses of life are not uncommon in low-lying Bangladesh due to a lax safety standards and the popularity of boat travel for negotiating waterways in the deprived country.