Bangladesh cyclone death toll reaches 1,723

DHAKA, Nov 17, 2007 (AFP) - Bangladesh said Saturday that 1,723 people had been confirmed dead in the cyclone-hit south of the country, with the toll from the disaster expected to rise further.

"The number of deaths so far is 1,723 and it is increasing still," said Major Emdadul Islam of the armed forces control room.

Officials have said they expect "thousands" of bodies to be recovered over the coming days as relief workers reach badly hit areas.