Extensive flooding in eastern Bangladesh has left two people dead and nearly three million people stranded, the government reported on Thursday.

Heavy rains and water surges from upstream hilly areas caused local rivers to burst their banks, leading to widespread flooding.

Over the past three days, rescuers have evacuated about 75,000 people to safety out of an estimated 2.9 million affected by the floods, Ali Reza, a senior government official said.

Mr Reza confirmed two flood-related deaths, though local media reports suggest the death toll has risen to four.

The floodwaters have submerged homes, croplands and roads across vast areas east of the country.

Authorities have suspended railway service between the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram, as many sections of the railway tracks are submerged, railway official Mohammad Moniruzzaman said.

Footage shows army troops and volunteers from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society rescuing flood-affected people by pulling them onto speedboats from chest-deep water in a remote village.

The local weather office reported on Thursday that major rivers in the north-eastern and eastern regions of Bangladesh are continuing to rise.

While some areas are still experiencing heavy rainfall, it is expected to taper off by Friday morning, the weather office said. 

(dpa/NAN)