A 58-year-old farmer Uzir Mondal went missing after falling from a wooden boat into the Padma River in Bheramara Upazila, Kushtia on Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 12:00 PM in the Barmail area while Mondal along with three fellow farmers was crossing the river toward Dadapur Char to cultivate black gram (maskalai).
According to eyewitnesses on the boat, a massive wave struck the 33-cubit-long vessel in the middle of the river, causing it to spin abruptly. Mondal was steering at the time, was thrown overboard. Although his companions saw him gesturing for help about 50 cubits away, strong river currents prevented them from maneuvering the boat back to rescue him.
Upon receiving the news, the Bheramara Fire Service and the Lakshmikunda River Police initiated a search and rescue operation. However, turbulent waters and heavy currents have significantly hampered recovery efforts.
"A rescue operation is currently underway, and a specialized team of divers is being brought in from Khulna to assist" said Shariful Islam the Station Officer of the Bheramara Fire Service.
Local police and river outpost personnel confirmed they are closely monitoring the situation as search efforts continue along the riverbanks.
