Rakibuzzaman Rocky (35) the Member Secretary of Shailkupa Municipal Chatra Dal in Jhenaidah went missing after a boat collision on the Padma River in Bheramara, Kushtia. The Boat carrying 130 passengers struck a pillar of the Hardinge Bridge around 9:15 PM on Friday, September 11.
The boat had set out from Katla Gari Ghat in Shailkupa to visit the Solaiman Shah Shrine in Bheramara. On the return journey with strong currents pushed the vessel's rear section into the bridge's fourth pillar. Three passengers Rocky, Liton and Wahab fell into the river. Liton and Wahab were rescued but Rocky remained missing as of 1:00 AM.
Surviving passengers gathered near the old ferry terminal in Bheramara's Bahirchar area. Teams from Ishwardi Fire Service Bheramara Fire Service and River Police launched a joint search operation.
Rocky's friend Anisuzzaman said he tried to grab Rocky as he fell but couldn't reach him also adding that Rocky is a strong swimmer and expressing hope for his safe return.
Bheramara Police OC Muhammad Jahedur Rahman said multiple units including River Police and Fire Service were working to locate Rocky. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Amirul Arafat said darkness was hampering rescue efforts, though all administrative units remained on site continuing the search.
