Schoolboy Dies in River Sand Pit

A 13-year-old schoolboy died after falling into a dug-out sand pit while bathing in the Matamuhuri River in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Monday at around 12:30 pm.

The deceased has been identified as Ador Dash, son of Pradeep Dash of Khodarkum Hindupara area under Chakaria municipality. He was a Class Seven student of Chakaria Korok Biddya Peeth.

According to local accounts, Ador Dash entered the Matamuhuri River for bathing along with several peers and relatives at around midday. While bathing in shallow water, he suddenly went underwater. Witnesses initially did not realise the severity of the situation, but later became aware that he was drowning. Local people then raised an alarm and rushed to the river to recover him.

He was rescued from the river by locals, including a resident named Salahuddin, and taken to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex. On arrival, attending doctors declared him dead.

Salahuddin stated that he was present nearby when Ador Dash and others entered the river. He observed the boy bathing in knee-deep water before suddenly seeing him submerge. He initially assumed it was intentional diving, but later understood that the boy was drowning. He, along with others, entered the river and recovered him, though by that time he had already ingested a significant amount of water.

A former local councillor, Mujibul Haque, attributed the incident to unplanned sand extraction from the Matamuhuri River, which has resulted in the formation of deep pits across various sections of the riverbed. He noted that although silt accumulates in these pits, it remains soft and unstable. According to him, individuals stepping into such areas may become trapped and submerged.

The victim’s father, Pradeep Dash, who works overseas, returned home approximately two months ago. He stated that family relatives had gathered at his residence, and Ador Dash had gone to the river for bathing with peers. He added that the incident occurred when the boy fell into a river pit during bathing.

Police from Chakaria Police Station confirmed that the body was recovered and a post-mortem inspection report was prepared. The body was subsequently handed over to the family.

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