Drowning deaths surge across Chandpur's eight upazilas

CHANDPUR, Sept 28: Drowning incidents have sharply increased in all eight Upazilas of Chandpur district, claiming the lives of 153 people-mostly children-over the past eight months, according to a recent survey.
The victims ranged in age, highlighting a widespread safety concern in the area. Senior Medical Officer Dr. Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain and Statistical Officer Tahmina Begum of the Chandpur Civil Surgeon's Office confirmed the figures based on records from the district's Upazila Health Complexes.
Experts, including veteran swimming mentor Sanaullah Khan and District Sports Officer Rafiqul Islam, urge the public to learn swimming as a vital life-saving skill amid the rising death toll.
Authorities attribute many drowning cases to negligence, particularly from mothers, who are urged to exercise greater caution over their children. According to district officials, carelessness remains a leading cause of these tragic incidents.
A breakdown of drowning fatalities reveals 35 deaths in Sadar Upazila-nine of them students-33 in Faridganj, 25 in Hajiganj, 15 in Haimchar, 18 in Kachua, nine in Matlab Uttar, eight in Shahrasti, and ten in Matlab Dakhshin.
Strong river currents frequently sweep victims away beneath the water surface. Rescue teams from Chandpur Naval and River Fire Station often conduct extensive searches to recover bodies from the rivers.
Rakibul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Chandpur River Fire Station, reported that in the 5-kilometer stretch of the Dakatia riverbank-from Meghna Mohona to Ghoramara village in Chandpur Sadar-around nine to ten college and school students drowned while bathing or swimming. Most victims reportedly lacked swimming skills.
In response, the local administration has designated this riverbank area as a "Danger Zone" to raise public awareness and prevent further tragedies.
Dr. Shakhawat Hossain also cautioned that many drowning cases from remote locations go unreported, meaning the actual death toll could be higher.
Among recent incidents, Mizanur Rahman drowned while plucking water lilies in a beel near his house in Upadhi village, confirmed by OC Saleh Ahmed of Matlab Dakhshin Police Station.
Additionally, 13-year-old Mozammel Hossain, a class V student from Ramdaspur village, drowned in a pond at his grandfather's residence. His mother, Mansura Begum, said Mozammel had gone to wash his hands after playing with friends when he suddenly fell into the pond and drowned.
Authorities continue to call for heightened vigilance and swimming education to prevent further loss of lives.

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