A tragic boat accident in the Baulai River, Jamalganj Upazila, Sunamganj, has claimed the lives of two women and two children, while another child was injured.
The accident occurred on Saturday (March 30) at around 8:30 pm at Teganga, located between Ahsanpur and Madanakandi villages in the Baulai River under Beheli Union of Jamalganj Upazila.
The deceased have been identified as:
Beauty Chakraborty (45), wife of Tapas Chakraborty from Noapara village, Beheli Union, Jamalganj.
Kalpana Sarkar (45), wife of Nirod Sarkar from Hatni village, Mohanganj Upazila, Netrokona.
Rudra Sarkar (6), niece of Nirod Sarkar.
Ganga Sarkar (6), daughter of Sujit Sarkar from Bhatipara village, Kalmakanda Upazila, Netrokona.
Additionally, Nirod Sarkar's son, Nirab Sarkar (10), was injured and admitted to Jamalganj Upazila Health Complex.
According to local sources and police reports, the boat was carrying 50-60 passengers, along with construction materials such as rods and cement. The boat was traveling from Madhyanagar Bazaar's weekly market in Sunamganj to Madanakandi village, Beheli Union, and Jamalganj, when it capsized due to excessive weight and overloading.
While most passengers managed to swim to safety, the two women and two children drowned. Locals later recovered the bodies and rescued the injured child.
The deceased individuals from Mohanganj and Kalmakanda were visiting their relatives in Durgapur village, Jamalganj, while Beauty Chakraborty was returning to her home in Noapara from her father's house in Madhyanagar.
Local resident Rantu Talukder expressed grief, stating, "They were coming to visit us, but the boat sank just before reaching the village, leading to this heartbreaking loss."
Beheli Union Parishad member Debashish Talukder commented, "The accident happened due to overloading and the darkness of night. Fortunately, more lives weren't lost.”
Jamalganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Saiful Islam confirmed the cause of the accident, stating, "The boat sank due to excessive passengers and heavy cargo. Locals rescued most of the passengers, but unfortunately, four lives were lost. Since no formal complaints were lodged, the bodies were handed over to their families."
The community remains in mourning over this tragic loss.
