In Kurigram’s Chilmarhi area, a sudden and violent monsoon storm on Saturday night tragically claimed the life of a local man, while another remains missing. The deceased has been identified as Mintu Mia, aged 38, and the missing individual is Farid Hossain, aged 32.
According to local sources, around 8:30 pm on Saturday, the skies over Gaziarpur in the Kodai Barishal Union of Chilmarhi Upazila darkened abruptly, unleashing heavy rain accompanied by fierce winds characteristic of a monsoon squall. At the time, Mintu Mia and Farid Hossain had gone to inspect their boat along the riverbank.
The extreme weather caused a rope from a moored boat to snap and fall onto Mintu Mia, inflicting severe injuries that proved fatal at the scene. Farid Hossain reportedly fell into the Brahmaputra River during the commotion and has not yet been found.
Angur Mia, a member of the local Union Parishad, confirmed the incident. Mintu Mia’s funeral took place on Sunday morning at 9 am, while family members and local residents continue an ongoing search for Farid Hossain along the river.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Asma Akter of Chilmarhi Model Police Station noted, “We currently lack detailed information regarding this incident. Further updates will follow once our investigation progresses.”
Officials from the Upazila administration highlighted that such monsoon squalls and boat accidents are a recurring issue in Kurigram during the rainy season. Local authorities regularly advise boat owners and passengers to exercise caution while navigating the rivers.
Storm and Incident Details
| Serial | Name | Age | Incident | Location | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mintu Mia | 38 | Hit by falling boat rope | Gaziarpur Ghat, Kurigram | Deceased |
| 2 | Farid Hossain | 32 | Fell into river, missing | Brahmaputra River, Kurigram | Missing |
Local witnesses reported that panic erupted along the densely populated riverbank immediately as the storm hit. Boat owners rushed to secure their vessels, but the intensity of the squall made control impossible.
Authorities, including local police and rescue teams, continue their search operations for Farid Hossain. Residents have been urged to avoid riverbanks during such sudden storms and to remain vigilant about boat traffic and river conditions.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures at Kurigram’s river ghats, particularly during the monsoon season, to safeguard both boats and passengers against unpredictable natural hazards.