A pall of grief has descended upon Puladeshi village in Nakla upazila of Sherpur district after two farmers were fatally electrocuted while attempting to rescue a neighbour. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 17 February, in Ward No. 5 of Baneshwardi Union.
According to physicians at Nakla Upazila Health Complex, three men were rushed to the hospital shortly after the accident. Dr Maliha Nujat, the attending medical officer, confirmed that Mintu Mia, 45, and Angur Mia, 50, were declared dead upon examination. A third man, Samidul Islam, who sustained serious injuries in the same incident, received primary treatment before being transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced care. His condition is reported to be critical.
The deceased, both residents of Puladeshi village, were well-known locally for their diligence and integrity. Mintu Mia was the son of Umed Ali, while Angur Mia was the eldest son of Kubed Ali. Both men earned their livelihoods through agriculture, supporting their families through seasonal farming and irrigation-dependent cultivation.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the tragedy unfolded while Samidul Islam was attempting to repair an electrical connection linked to his irrigation pump. Retired Army Sergeant Rezaul Karim Mintu, a neighbour, stated that Samidul had climbed a ladder to fix a faulty wire. Inadvertently, he came into contact with a live cable and was electrocuted, falling to the ground. Hearing his cries, Mintu Mia and Angur Mia rushed to assist him. In the course of their rescue attempt, they too were exposed to the live current and suffered fatal shocks.
Local residents transported the three men to Nakla Upazila Health Complex without delay, but medical staff were unable to save the two rescuers.
Tarikul Islam, duty officer at Nakla Police Station, confirmed that officers visited the scene and prepared an inquest report. The Officer-in-Charge, Ripon Chandra Gop, stated that preparations were under way to file an unnatural death case and that a formal investigation would follow.
A summary of the incident is presented below:
| বিষয় | তথ্য |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 17 February |
| Time | Approximately 5:30 p.m. |
| Location | Puladeshi Village, Baneshwardi Union, Nakla, Sherpur |
| Deceased | Mintu Mia (45), Angur Mia (50) |
| Injured | Samidul Islam (critical) |
| Cause | Electrocution while repairing irrigation pump wiring |
Residents have expressed concern over the recurring risk posed by poorly maintained rural electrical systems. In many agricultural communities, irrigation pumps rely on improvised or ageing connections, often handled without adequate safety precautions. Experts emphasise that before undertaking any electrical repairs, the main power supply should be switched off, insulated tools and protective gear should be used, and, where possible, trained technicians should be consulted.
The bereaved families now face not only emotional devastation but also financial uncertainty, as both deceased men were primary earners. Local authorities and elected representatives have reportedly assured the families of necessary assistance. Nonetheless, the tragedy stands as a stark reminder of the lethal dangers associated with unsafe electrical maintenance in rural farming areas.