A tragic incident in Cox’s Bazar’s Chakaria upazila has claimed the lives of two young children. On Thursday, 18 December, in the Saharbil Union, a water-filled pit in the courtyard of a house became the site of a heartbreaking accident in which Mohammad Noman and Jannatul Ferdous, both aged five, tragically drowned.
The deceased, Mohammad Noman, was the son of Abdul Mabud from South Para, Ward No. 8 of Saharbil Union, while Jannatul Ferdous was the daughter of Belal Uddin from the same area. Both children were playing near the pit when the mishap occurred.
Noman’s grandfather, Nuruch Shafa, explained that a large pit had been dug next to the house a few days prior. Rainwater had accumulated in the depression, creating a small pond-like hazard. Around noon on Thursday, the children were playing at the edge of the pit when they suddenly fell into the water.
Jannatul’s mother witnessed the terrifying incident from nearby and immediately sought the help of local residents to rescue the children. Despite their swift efforts, both children were pronounced dead upon arrival at the local hospital.
Azizul Haque Prokash Sona Mia, a local Union Parishad member, confirmed the incident, stating, “We visited the scene immediately upon learning about the tragedy and informed the Officer-in-Charge of Chakaria police station. The loss of these two young lives has cast a sombre shadow over the community, and funeral arrangements are now underway.”
Local residents expressed profound grief and urged heightened vigilance to ensure children’s safety in and around homes. They emphasised the need to keep children away from waterlogged areas, especially during rainy conditions, to prevent such devastating accidents.
This incident serves as a stark and important warning for the wider community. Authorities and families alike are now committed to implementing stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies and ensure that children can play and grow in a safe environment.