Two siblings died in the Padma river in an area of Shariatpur district during the Eid holiday when they went to swim there. As Mahfuza Ayesha (13) was sinking in the middle of the river, her brother Sharif Bepari (18) went to rescue her but both drowned. It seems that knowing how to swim is not enough in such a situation. There might have been strong current in the river against which it was difficult or impossible to swim.
We often see the reports of incidents of drowning in Bangladesh. Immediately before the Eid, two students - Ariful Islam of Rajshahi University of Science and Technology (RUET) and Rafiqul Islam of International Islamic University Chittagong -- died in Cox's Bazar sea beach area. Both were from Cox's Bazar town's Rumaliarchhara area.
In a riverine country like ours, people are dying even with knowledge of swimming. Obviously, many died since they didn't know how to swim. However, the recent cases indicate that our youths are not aware about when they should not go to waters. As the houses of many people are near water bodies all over the country, all need to be conscious of dangers of swimming. We also need to ensure that everyone learns how to swim. The ones who know can swim should be careful as well about going to the waters. It is important that the guardians monitor the movement of their children.
Zahidul Islam
Lalmatia, Dhaka
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