A private car plunged into the Shitalakshya River at the Hajiganj-Nabiganj ferry ghat in Narayanganj on Thursday afternoon while attempting to board a ferry.
The driver escaped unharmed by breaking the window glass and getting out of the vehicle.
According to witnesses, the vehicle lost control while approaching the ferry at Hajiganj ghat and fell into the river with the driver inside.
The car remained afloat for some time as it did not immediately sink.
Local residents quickly rushed to the scene and, with the help of two small boats and a trawler engaged at the ghat, managed to secure ropes and pull the vehicle closer to the riverbank.
Confirming the incident, Bandar Fire Service Station Officer Sanjoy Khan said members of the fire service diving team, along with locals, recovered the car from the river using ropes. He confirmed that no casualties were reported.
Footage of the incident later went viral on social media, sparking widespread reactions and concerns over safety measures at ferry terminals.
The video shows a man emerging from the submerged vehicle through a window before being rescued by nearby boatmen.
Fire service officials said the car was traveling from Bandar towards Hajiganj. After boarding the ferry, the vehicle owner reportedly got out, while driver Zaker Hossain briefly stepped out and then re-entered the car.
Officials suspect the vehicle may have accidentally shifted from neutral gear, causing it to roll into the river.
The incident has raised questions on social media regarding safety arrangements at ferry ghats, with users pointing to alleged lack of supervision, safety protocols, and monitoring during vehicle crossings.
