DHAKA - At least three people were drowned and dozens went missing after a boat capsized on Friday morning in the Mahishkhala river in Bangladesh's Kalmakanda sub-district of Netrakona district, 158 km northeast of capital Dhaka.

Survivors were quoted by website of leading English newspaper The Daily Star as saying that the boat with 35 people onboard sank after being hit by strong river current. Several passengers managed to swim ashore.

Local people found three bodies while dozens of passengers still remained missing.

Ferry and boat disasters are common in Bangladesh, which is criss-crossed by about 250 rivers. Ferry is still a key means of transport in the South Asian country.