Once again a ferry has capsized and sunk in Bangladesh. Initial reports indicate at least 43 people have drowned.

The accident happened in the north of the country, around 150 kilometres from the capital Dhaka. The ferry, which was carrying, around 100 people collided with a smaller boat on the Daira river and capsized.

Last week, a ferry capsized in southern Bangladesh, killing 87 people.

Hundreds of people drown every year as a result of ferry accidents on the 230 rivers which criss-cross the impoverished country.

Often too many people are allowed to board and safety regulations are disregarded.

Photo: Bangladeshi ferries - BBC World Service Bangladesh Creative Commons