DHAKA -- Rescuers recovered 28 bodies Tuesday after a ferry sank during a storm in northeastern Bangladesh, taking the confirmed death toll to 32, a police official said.

"Divers began work at first light this morning and found 28 bodies. We believe about 20 people are still missing," said Kishoreganj district police chief Mizanur Rahman.

Around 100 people were believed to be aboard the M.V. Nazimuddin when it went down Monday afternoon in the Ghorautra river.

Four bodies were recovered immediately after the accident.

A 100-strong team of fire service divers, army and police personnel were involved in the search operation, Rahman said.

Officials believe that about 50 passengers swam to safety but warned that with nearly two dozen people still missing the death toll could rise.

The scene of the accident is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northeast of Dhaka.

Ferry accidents due to poor safety standards and overloading are common in Bangladesh, which is crisscrossed by a network of 230 rivers.