However, identity of the victims could not be confirmed as the bodies decomposed beyond recognition, sources said.

Rescue ship MV Rustam has started to search for MV Diganta. Rescuers have found its location, but gave up their operation due to lack of proper equipment, they added.

Divers of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) failed to continue their work due to heavy current in the river. The BIWTA yesterday sought help from naval forces, another source said.

A total of 34 bodies of the victims of MV Lighting Sun were sent to their relatives in Madaripur. Social Welfare Minister Ali Ahsan Muzahid handed over the corpses to their relatives, BIWTA sources said.

Some BIWTA officials yesterday started for Madaripur to a make a list of the victims in the twin launch capsize for compensation, said a press release yesterday.

MV Lighting Sun and MV Diganta capsized in the river after a strong nor'wester hit the launches early Sunday.