Dhaka - Tens of thousands of people heading to their hometowns for the holidays at the end of Ramadan were stranded at ferry stations as tropical squalls battered the fragile Bangladeshi coastline at the weekend, officials said Monday.

Gale winds forced the suspension of ferry services along the southern coast while half a dozen fishing boats that ignored storm warnings capsized in the high waves.

About 50,000 holiday makers were trapped at ferry stations across the country as the river boat service was suspended.

The Disaster Management Department said more than 50,000 people left for home to spend the week-long Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

At least 12 fishermen were missing in the Bay of Bengal after high winds devastated thatched homes, rice plains and animal farms. (dpa)