The body of a 70-year-old woman was recovered from a pond in Hathazari upazila of Chattogram district on Tuesday (31 March), in an incident that has prompted local police to open an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death. The deceased, identified as Bibi Ayesha, was found floating in the water near a brick kiln in the Noapara area under Ward No. 5 of Mirzapur Union.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the discovery was made in the afternoon when local residents noticed a body floating in the pond situated beside the eastern boundary of the brick kiln. Alarmed by the sight, they immediately informed law enforcement authorities. A team from Hathazari Model Police Station subsequently arrived at the location and recovered the body from the water.
Locals described Bibi Ayesha as an impoverished elderly woman who survived by begging in the area. She was reportedly well known within the community and often seen moving slowly through nearby streets despite her frail health and advanced age.
After recovery, the body was formally identified as that of the wife of the late Abu Sama of Monar Bari in Ward No. 2 of Mirzapur Union. Her identity was confirmed by family members after police contacted them following the recovery operation.
Key Details of the Incident
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of deceased | Bibi Ayesha (70) |
| Residence | Monar Bari, Ward No. 2, Mirzapur Union |
| Reported occupation | Begging (locally stated) |
| Location of recovery | Pond beside brick kiln, Noapara, Ward No. 5, Hathazari |
| Date of recovery | Tuesday, 31 March |
| Time of discovery | Afternoon |
| Police station involved | Hathazari Model Police Station |
| Initial condition | Body recovered floating in pond |
Family members of the deceased have stated that Bibi Ayesha had long been suffering from epilepsy. They believe her medical condition, combined with her physical weakness, may have led to an accidental fall into the pond, ultimately resulting in her drowning.
Adding further detail, local Union Parishad member Abdul Halim said he had seen the elderly woman walking in the area around midday on the same day her body was discovered. He also noted that she had been suffering from mental health difficulties in addition to her chronic illness, which may have further impaired her mobility and awareness.
Police officials have confirmed that the exact cause of death has not yet been established. While early indications suggest the possibility of accidental drowning, investigators have emphasised that all potential explanations remain under review pending further inquiry and post-recovery procedures.
Officer-in-Charge of Hathazari Model Police Station, Jahidur Rahman, stated that the body was recovered following information provided by local residents. He confirmed that after completing the necessary legal formalities, the remains were handed over to the family for burial.
Authorities have so far reported no immediate signs of foul play. However, standard procedures relating to unexplained deaths have been initiated, including witness statements and a review of the surrounding circumstances.
The incident has cast a shadow over the local community, particularly as Bibi Ayesha was regarded as a vulnerable and familiar figure in the area, often seen navigating daily life alone due to her poverty, advanced age, and deteriorating health condition. Investigations remain ongoing as authorities seek to determine the precise sequence of events leading to her death.