The people of Mosjidia village in Khaiyachhara Union, Mirsharai, are mourning the untimely death of Nafiz Ahmed, a promising young student whose dream of becoming a mariner was cut short in a tragic road accident. Nafiz, the youngest of two brothers and two sisters, had aspired from childhood to work on seafaring vessels. To realise this dream, he was enrolled at the National Maritime Institute in Madaripur and was due to embark as a trainee engineer on a ship in just three months.
Tragedy struck in the early hours of last Thursday when a bus travelling from Mirsharai to the institute collided in Chittagong. Nafiz, aged 20, was among three passengers killed in the accident. The others were 19-year-old Shabitun Nahar, daughter of Md. Helal from Chandgaon, Chittagong, and 21-year-old Mintu Mia, son of the late Noya Byapari from Katlamari, Gaibandha. Another five to six passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Speaking through tears, Nafiz’s father, Nurul Alam, said, “He was brilliant from a young age and earned A+ grades in his secondary examinations. He had a burning desire to become a mariner, and we were already preparing his passport. He came home for the holidays on 29 December and bade us farewell with a smile when he left for his institute that Thursday night. By morning, he had returned in a coffin.”
Nafiz had previously completed his studies at a polytechnic institute in Chittagong before enrolling in the National Maritime Institute on 25 September. His admission had brought long-lasting joy to his family, who nurtured his ambition with pride.
Yesterday at 11:00 am, a sombre atmosphere enveloped Nafiz’s family home as relatives, neighbours, and classmates gathered to pay their respects. Following the Jummah prayers, his funeral rites were performed, and he was laid to rest in the family cemetery.
In response to the accident, Nafiz’s brother-in-law, Mobarak Hossain, filed a formal complaint with the police. Borhan Uddin, Sub-Inspector of Jorarganj Highway Police Station, confirmed, “The bus and the truck involved in the collision have been seized. Both drivers have fled the scene. Investigations are ongoing.”
The following table summarises the victims of the accident:
| Name | Age | Village / Address | Relation / Identity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nafiz Ahmed | 20 | Mosjidia, Khaiyachhara | Student, National Maritime Institute | Dreamed of becoming a mariner |
| Shabitun Nahar | 19 | Chandgaon, Chittagong | Daughter of Md. Helal | Passenger on the bus |
| Mintu Mia | 21 | Katlamari, Gaibandha | Son of late Noya Byapari | Passenger on the bus |
The incident has left a profound mark on the local community, highlighting the fragility of young lives and the importance of safe travel for students and youth. Nafiz’s family, and particularly his father, continue to grieve the loss of a son whose potential was only beginning to unfold.