The body of a nine-year-old boy was recovered from a fish enclosure in Andhariapara village under Phulbaria Upazila of Mymensingh on Monday afternoon, bringing a tragic end to a frantic morning search by his family.
The deceased, Abdullah Hel Fuad (9), had been reported missing earlier in the day. According to relatives, local fishermen were casting their nets in a fish farm adjacent to the family’s home at approximately 12:30 p.m. when the child’s body became entangled in the net and was pulled ashore. Shocked villagers immediately alerted family members and rushed the boy to Phulbaria উপজেলা Health Complex.
He was taken to the emergency department at around 1:10 p.m., where the attending physician declared him dead. Medical officials indicated that, based on preliminary observation, the child is believed to have died from drowning.
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Family Background and Circumstances
Fuad was the only son of Humayun Kabir, younger brother of Phulbaria Union Parishad Chairman Zainal Abedin. The boy had been residing with his parents in Mymensingh town, where he was enrolled at a local madrasa. Two days prior to the incident, the family travelled to their ancestral home in Andhariapara village. They had reportedly planned to return to the town later that same afternoon.
When Fuad could not be found from the morning onwards, family members began searching nearby houses, open fields, and water bodies. Despite their efforts, there was no trace of him until the grim discovery at the fish farm.
His uncle, former Upazila Vice-Chairman Md. Rafiqul Islam, stated that the family suspects the child may have accidentally fallen into the water while playing near the pond or fish enclosure. “We believe he slipped into the water at some point while playing and drowned,” he said, adding that there were no indications of foul play.
Official Statements
Dr Hasanul Hossain, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, confirmed that the child had been brought to the hospital deceased. “Initial findings are consistent with drowning,” he remarked.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saifullah Saif of Phulbaria Police Station stated that there were no visible signs of injury suggesting criminal involvement. As the family raised no formal complaint, the body was handed over without post-mortem examination for burial in accordance with their wishes.
Incident Overview
| বিষয় | বিবরণ |
|---|---|
| Name of deceased | Abdullah Hel Fuad |
| Age | 9 years |
| Location | Andhariapara village, Phulbaria Upazila |
| District | Mymensingh |
| Time body recovered | Approximately 12:30 p.m., Monday |
| Time declared dead | 1:10 p.m. |
| Preliminary cause | Suspected drowning |
| Legal action | No post-mortem; body released to family |
A Wider Concern
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children in rural Bangladesh, particularly in areas dotted with ponds, ditches, and fish farms that often lack protective barriers. Experts frequently stress the importance of vigilant supervision and basic water safety awareness, especially for young children in village settings.
Fuad’s untimely death has cast a pall of grief over the community. Neighbours described the boy as lively and affectionate. For his parents, who had been preparing to return home with their only child, the loss is immeasurable. The village now mourns a young life cut tragically short.