A Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member and his cousin remain missing for over 24 hours after a sudden riverbank collapse swept them into the Meghna River in Bhola.
The missing youths are BGB member Md. Amjad (26) was on leave and his cousin Md. Rakib (20).
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday evening near the Shibpur fish landing center in Bhola Sadar Upazila. Five friends were sitting on sand-filled geo-bags along the riverbank when a large section suddenly gave way. While three managed to swim to safety Amjad and Rakib were dragged away by the strong currents. Relatives noted that Rakib did not know how to swim.
Coast Guard and Fire Service diving teams launched immediate search operations. However, Khandaker Riazul Islam the Station Officer of the Bhola Fire Service stated that rescue efforts are being severely hampered by dangerous river currents and the heavy soil and geo-bags that buried the riverbed during the collapse.
"The strong currents are preventing our divers from accessing the exact spot of the collapse but our search operation continues despite the adverse conditions," he said.
Bhola’s Superintendent of Police Md. Shahidullah Kawser alongside local political leaders visited the site to oversee the ongoing rescue efforts also assuring the families of full administrative support.
Meanwhile the distraught family members remain gathered on the banks of the Meghna for a second day also desperately waiting for any news of the missing pair.
