In a heart-rending incident in Chuniakandi village of Badiakhali Union, Gaibandha Sadar Upazila, two young children drowned in a canal on Thursday, 19 March. The tragic event occurred around 12:30 PM, leaving the local community in deep shock. The victims were identified as Anuruddha Chandra, aged seven, son of Noschandra, and Apoorva Chandra, aged four, son of Robin Chandra, according to Sana Mia, the ward member of Ward No. 1 of Badiakhali Union.
Eyewitnesses reported that in the early afternoon, several children were playing near the temple grounds in Chuniakandi. Anuruddha and Apoorva left the group to fetch water from a nearby canal using bottles. The other children eventually returned home, unaware that the two boys had wandered to the canal. When family members realised they were missing, a frantic search ensued. The children were eventually found in the canal and were pronounced dead upon retrieval.
Abdullah Al Mamun, Officer-in-Charge of Gaibandha Sadar Police Station, confirmed that law enforcement promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and initiated preliminary investigations. “The canal is not ordinarily used by children for play, and at the time of the incident, there were no safety measures in place,” he said.
The tragic deaths have once again highlighted the urgent need for a safer environment for children in the community. Local residents have called for protective barriers along canal banks and riversides, as well as increased vigilance in public spaces such as temple compounds. They stress that stronger parental supervision and community awareness are crucial to preventing similar incidents in the future.
The following table summarises key details about the victims:
| Name | Age | Father’s Name | Village/Union | Time of Accident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anuruddha Chandra | 7 | Noschandra | Chuniakandi, Badiakhali | 12:30 PM |
| Apoorva Chandra | 4 | Robin Chandra | Chuniakandi, Badiakhali | 12:30 PM |
In the aftermath, the entire union has been plunged into mourning. Local authorities have arranged psychological support for the bereaved families. Community leaders emphasise that implementing precautionary measures around water bodies and strengthening supervision of children must be a priority to avert such tragedies in the future.
This sorrowful incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young children and the importance of vigilance, safety, and community responsibility.