In a heartrending incident on Friday, 20 March, a 15-year-old schoolboy lost his life in a lightning strike in the central area of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila. The tragedy occurred around 11:00 a.m. in the Kendua Kalibari locality, as the boy, identified as Hridoy Hasan—the son of the well-known local resident Madhu Mia—was returning home after cutting grass for cattle.
Hridoy, a diligent student of Class Seven at Mukul Niketon School, had been working in the fields early in the morning. According to local sources, dark storm clouds gathered abruptly, followed by heavy rainfall and lightning. Attempting to make his way home quickly, Hridoy was struck by lightning and severely injured. Villagers rushed to his aid, bringing him home in an urgent effort to save him, but tragically he succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.
Confirming the incident, Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Mizanur Rahman said, “Hridoy’s death was caused by a lightning strike during the morning rain. This is a very unfortunate event. Support is being provided to the family.”
Locals have noted that lightning strikes have been a recurring hazard in the region this year, particularly affecting students and farmers working in open fields. Authorities and experts continue to urge extreme caution during thunderstorms, advising that children, the elderly, and field workers avoid open areas and seek shelter indoors at the first sign of stormy weather.
The following table summarises lightning-related fatalities in Jamalpur over recent years:
| Year | Number of Deaths | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | Jamalpur Sadar & various areas | Predominantly farmers and students |
| 2024 | 3 | Sadar, Mahishmari | Occurred while working in fields |
| 2026 | 1 | Central Jamalpur Sadar | Hridoy Hasan, school student |
Family members and neighbours described Hridoy as a calm, gentle boy with a strong focus on his studies. His untimely death has left the entire village in mourning. Local authorities and the police have already extended support to the bereaved family and have begun awareness campaigns on lightning safety.
Community members emphasise that this tragedy should serve as a stark warning. Students and farmers, in particular, are urged to remain vigilant and avoid fieldwork when storms are approaching. Seeking immediate shelter during lightning and heavy rain remains the most effective measure to prevent such devastating incidents.