Dhaka: A passenger ferry capsized in a river near the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka, after it collided with a small cargo vessel, killing 39 people on Thursday, police said.

A police officer said the rescue operation was complete and that 39 bodies had been recovered, adding that the ferry was carrying about 100 people.

Police officers, firemen and residents joined together to recover the survivors, some of whom were feared trapped inside the ferry.

Some survivors were rescued, while others swam to safety. Most of the victims were women.