A tragic road accident in Sherpur claimed the lives of two individuals on Wednesday, including a junior election official, after a head-on collision between a pickup van and a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw. The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. in the Shimultoli area of Sherpur Sadar Upazila, leaving six others injured.
The deceased, Rokonuzzaman, was a resident of Sarishabari Upazila in Jamalpur district. He served as a junior instructor at Sherpur Polytechnic Institute and was fulfilling his duties as an assistant presiding officer at the Sherpur Government Girls’ High School during the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. The second victim, Mahfuza Begum, was the wife of Nirab Mia from Matiapara village in Melandah Upazila, Jamalpur.
According to the police, hospital authorities, and local eyewitnesses, Rokonuzzaman, Mahfuza Begum, and three other passengers were travelling from Jamalpur to Sherpur in a CNG auto-rickshaw when the collision occurred. As the vehicle approached the vicinity of Muslihe Umma Women’s Madrasa in Shimultoli, a pickup van coming from the opposite direction collided head-on with the auto-rickshaw, causing severe damage.
Several passengers sustained critical injuries in the crash. Locals rushed to the scene and transported the injured to Sherpur District Sadar Hospital. Upon arrival, medical personnel declared Rokonuzzaman and Mahfuza Begum dead. The six injured passengers remain under hospital care, with their conditions reportedly stable.
Sherpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Sohel Rana, confirmed that legal proceedings in connection with the accident are ongoing. He stated that the driver of the pickup van has been taken into custody and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision. Local residents have expressed concerns over speeding and inadequate road safety measures in the area, urging authorities to implement stricter traffic regulations to prevent such incidents.
For clarity, the details of the victims and injured are summarised in the table below:
| Name | Age (Approx.) | Occupation/Role | Residence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rokonuzzaman | 35 | Junior Instructor, Assistant Presiding Officer | Sarishabari, Jamalpur | Deceased |
| Mahfuza Begum | 42 | Housewife | Matiapara, Melandah, Jamalpur | Deceased |
| Others | – | – | – | Six injured, hospitalised |
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and poorly maintained roads. Authorities have called on commuters to exercise caution, while local law enforcement continues their investigation into the accident.