BSF rescues 10 Bangladeshis after boat capsize in Padma

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has been praised for rescuing 10 Bangladeshis, including a 20-day-old newborn, alive after a boat capsize in the Padma river in Chapainawabganj. The newborn Tanisha was quickly provided medical treatment and recovered, while all 10 Bangladeshis were returned to the country through a flag meeting. An elderly man, however, remains missing in the incident.

Local sources said a boat carrying 12 passengers set off from Bakherali in Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila towards Joharpur-Tek around 5pm on Saturday. Upon reaching mid-Padma, the boat sank due to strong current and gusty wind. The passengers fell into the water and started drifting with the current.

Among the victims was Tanisha, the 20-day-old daughter of the couple Sohel and Tania Khatun. With the strong current, Tanisha along with 10 Bangladeshis crossed the border into Indian waters. Later, locals saw them floating in Taranagar area under Lalgola police station in Murshidabad district.

Receiving the information, members of BSF’s Khandoha camp quickly launched a rescue operation and brought them ashore from the river. At the time of rescue, newborn Tanisha had become almost lifeless. BSF members later took her to a local medical centre. After necessary treatment, the child recovered.

Commander of Chapainawabganj Battalion (53 BGB) Lieutenant Colonel Kazi Mustafizur Rahman said contact was made with the Indian authorities immediately after the accident. Later, after completing the formalities of a flag meeting at the company commander level, the 10 rescued Bangladeshis were brought back to the country and handed over to their family members.

The initiative of BSF in rescuing the 10 Bangladeshis including the newborn alive and arranging treatment for the child has also been praised on social media. Many have described the incident as a shining example of humanity and expressed hope for further strengthening cooperation and neighbourly relations between the border forces of the two countries.