A 13-year-old schoolboy has tragically died after falling into a water-filled sand excavation pit while bathing in the Matamuhuri River in Chakaria Upazila of Cox’s Bazar District. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The deceased, identified as Ador Das, was a seventh-grade student at Chakaria Korak Vidyapith and the son of Pradip Das, a resident of Khodarban Hindu Para under Chakaria Municipality in Chakaria.
According to local witnesses, Ador had gone to the river with peers for bathing when he suddenly slipped into a deep, unmarked pit created by sand extraction activities. What appeared to be shallow water masked a hazardous cavity beneath the surface. Onlookers initially assumed he was diving, but quickly realised he was struggling and drowning.
Local resident Salাহউদ্দিন, who took part in the rescue attempt, said he initially mistook the boy’s movement for playful diving. “Within moments, it became clear he was sinking. We rushed into the river and pulled him out, but he had already swallowed a significant amount of water,” he recalled. The boy was immediately taken to the Chakaria Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
A former municipal councillor, Mujibul Haque, blamed the tragedy on uncontrolled sand extraction along the Matamuhuri River. He explained that extensive digging has left behind numerous deep pits which often remain hidden under soft sediment and water. These unstable formations can trap swimmers, particularly children, making the river highly dangerous during bathing.
The victim’s father, Pradip Das, who had recently returned home from abroad after two months, expressed deep grief. He stated that relatives had gathered at their home and several children from the family went to the river together for bathing when the accident occurred.
Police confirmed that the body was recovered shortly after the incident and an inquest report was prepared. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Monir Hossain of Chakaria Police Station said the body was later handed over to the family following formal procedures.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Ador Das |
| Age | 13 years |
| School | Chakaria Korak Vidyapith |
| Location of incident | Matamuhuri River, Chakaria Upazila |
| Time | Around 12:30 p.m., Monday |
| Cause | Fall into sand excavation pit while bathing |
| Outcome | Death by drowning |
| Action taken | Body recovered, post-incident formalities completed |
The tragedy has reignited concerns over unsafe riverbank excavation and the urgent need for stricter monitoring of sand extraction activities to prevent further loss of young lives.