Families of scores of people presumed dead after their ferry capsized in central Bangladesh accused authorities of launching a feeble rescue effort and leaving their loved ones trapped inside the vessel for more than 24 hours.

A river ferry carrying about 250 passengers capsized early today during a tropical storm in south-eastern Bangladesh and most of those aboard were feared dead, police said.

Pilots, cabin crew and air traffic controllers who drink on duty will now face police breathtesting under strict new Government alcohol limits which take effect today.