In Tanore Upazila of Rajshahi, after an intense and exhausting 32-hour rescue operation, child Sajid was retrieved unconscious from a 50-foot deep pit, but tragically, he could not be saved. He was recovered at around 9:00 pm on Thursday and immediately taken to the Upazila Health Complex, where the duty doctor at the emergency department declared him dead at 9:50 pm.
Dr Barnabas Hasda stated that the child had already passed away before arriving at the hospital. The primary causes of death were extreme cold and lack of sufficient oxygen.
Sajid’s maternal uncle, Ayub Ali, recounted, “At the time of rescue, Sajid was alive. The fire service officials confirmed he was breathing, and I myself saw him alive. But after reaching the hospital, he was declared dead. His body has been taken to his home in Tanore Kurirhat Purbo Para.”
Earlier, the Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, said, “We rescued the child in an unconscious state at 9:00 pm. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
He further explained the challenges of the rescue operation, saying, “This rescue was completely different from fire or water incidents and far more hazardous. The pipe had a diameter of only 6 to 8 inches. Before the fire service arrived, local residents, driven by emotion, attempted to help, which unfortunately worsened the situation. Their actions caused a significant amount of soil and debris to fall inside the pipe, trapping Sajid beneath the earth.”
Reports indicate that the pit digger is named Kachir. Sajid’s mother, Runa Khatun, has accused him of fleeing the scene after the incident.
Runa Khatun expressed her grief and anger after her son’s death, stating, “He dug three pits and left them open for two years. Why were they left like this? I want Kachir punished and justice served. He came once after the incident but has not returned since. He has escaped.”
Sajid’s father, Rakibul Islam, has been left mentally devastated. He is alternately silent and inconsolable, unable to stand without assistance.
Tanore Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Shaheenuzzaman, said, “We have not yet located the pit digger, Kachir. Investigation into the matter is ongoing.”
This tragic incident has sparked profound grief and anger within the family, while local authorities continue to investigate, aiming to ensure accountability and prevent similar accidents in the future.