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
Faridpur-3 MP Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf has provided assistance to families who lost their homes and land to severe erosion along the Padma River in North Channel Union of Faridpur Sadar Upazila.
The affected families received rice and cash assistance at a programme held in Ward No. 3 of North Channel Union on Saturday (September 26).
The programme was organised by the North Channel Union BNP and its affiliated and associate organisations, with MP Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf attending as the chief guest.
The MP handed rice and cash assistance to members of families affected by the river erosion. He also spoke with the victims and inquired about their difficulties.
Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf said people affected by disasters and crises must be supported at every stage. Many people have become helpless after losing their homes and land to river erosion, he said, adding that assistance for their rehabilitation, medical needs and other necessities would continue in the future.
He also called for collective efforts to reduce the suffering of people affected by river erosion, saying that standing beside vulnerable people is not only a responsibility but also a humanitarian duty.
Local BNP leaders and activists, affiliated and associate organisation representatives, and prominent local residents were present at the programme.
Recent reports have also documented severe Padma River erosion in North Channel Union, with homes and farmland affected by the ongoing erosion.
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.
