A tragic accident claimed the life of a three-year-old boy, Al Amin Uddin Nahiyan, after he drowned in a pond in Dohazari Municipality, Chittagong. The incident occurred on Thursday (19 February) at around 3:30 pm in Nasir Mohammad Para, Ward No. 7 of the municipality. Nahiyan was the only son of local florist Md. Belal Uddin.
According to local sources, the child had been given a bath by his mother in the afternoon. She then sent him to play in the courtyard while drying laundry. Unnoticed by the family, Nahiyan wandered off towards a nearby pond while playing. Within minutes, he slipped into the water and sank.
Family members initially did not realise he was missing. It was only after some time, when they noticed his body floating, that they rescued him and rushed him to a local hospital. Despite immediate medical attention, doctors declared the child dead upon arrival.
The tragic event has cast a deep shadow of grief over the community. Neighbours described Nahiyan as lively and beloved by all. Local representatives expressed profound condolences and urged parents to exercise heightened vigilance to prevent such accidents.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of child mortality in Bangladesh. Studies and public health reports indicate that every year, a significant number of children lose their lives in open water bodies, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where unprotected ponds and water reservoirs are common. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable.
The general pattern of child drowning in Bangladesh can be summarised as follows:
| Risk Factor | Relevant Information (General Trend) |
|---|---|
| Vulnerable Age | 1–5 years |
| Common Location | Ponds or water bodies near homes |
| Typical Time | Afternoon to evening |
| Primary Causes | Negligence, unprotected water |
Experts emphasise that leaving young children unattended, installing barriers around ponds, and teaching basic swimming and water safety skills could significantly reduce such incidents. Strengthening community awareness campaigns and local administration vigilance is also crucial.
The Dohazari tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how a brief lapse in attention can result in irreparable loss. Nahiyan’s untimely death has left not only his family but the entire community in mourning. Ensuring the safety of children demands a collective effort from families and society alike.