A tragic incident occurred in the Dowarabazar Upazila of Sunamganj district on Saturday, 23 May 2026, when a young duck farmer was killed by a lightning strike while tending to his flock. The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Safiq Mia, a resident of Surigaon village within the Lakshmipur Union.
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Details of the Incident
According to local sources, Safiq Mia, the son of Biraj Mia, had ventured out to the local haor (a large wetland ecosystem) early Saturday morning to graze his ducks, as per his daily routine. At approximately 11:00 am, the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. A sudden storm accompanied by intense thunder and lightning swept through the Surigaon area. Witnesses reported that Safiq Mia was struck by a lightning bolt during the tempest and died instantly at the scene.
Official Statements
Government and law enforcement officials have confirmed the fatality. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dowarabazar Police Station, Tarikul Islam Talukdar, verified the authenticity of the report, stating that the authorities were notified of the death shortly after the storm subsided.
Furthermore, the Dowarabazar Upazila Project Implementation Officer, Md. Lutfur Rahman, addressed the media regarding the incident. He confirmed that the administration had received news of the duck farmer’s death and noted that officials are currently gathering information on the bereaved family to facilitate necessary administrative procedures.
Context of Lightning Hazards in Sunamganj
Sunamganj is geographically situated in a region highly susceptible to lightning strikes, particularly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. The vast, open expanses of the haors provide little natural cover, making farmers and fishermen particularly vulnerable to such atmospheric discharges.
The following table provides verified context regarding the impact of lightning in the region:
| Category | Details |
| Location of Incident | Surigaon, Lakshmipur Union, Dowarabazar |
| Victim Profile | Male, 32 years old, Duck Farmer |
| Peak Risk Season | April to June (Pre-monsoon period) |
| Common Risk Factors | Working in open wetlands (haors) during storms |
| Standard State Procedure | Financial assistance often provided via the Ministry of Disaster Management |
Regional Safety Protocols
In response to the recurring nature of such incidents in Sunamganj, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has previously categorised lightning as a natural disaster. The local administration typically provides an ex-gratia payment to the families of victims to assist with funeral costs and immediate financial relief.
Public safety guidelines for those in open fields include:
Seeking immediate shelter in a permanent building upon hearing thunder.
Avoiding contact with water bodies and metallic objects during storms.
Maintaining a distance from tall trees or isolated high points in the landscape.
This latest casualty underscores the ongoing danger faced by agricultural workers in the wetland regions of Bangladesh during the volatile spring weather cycles. The local administration continues to monitor the situation as the storm season progresses.