Child gone missing after wedding boat capsizes in Sunamganj

A six-year-old child went missing after an overcrowded boat carrying wedding guests capsized in a river in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj.

The incident took place around 5:00pm on the Patlai River while a group of wedding guests was returning home with a newlywed bride on Friday afternoon (May 29).

The missing child has been identified as Obaidul Shah, son of Touhid Nur Shah of Baliaghat village in North Sreepur Union.

According to local residents, the wedding ceremony took place earlier in the day between Hablu Shah of Baliaghat village and the daughter of Nasir Mia from neighbouring Nayabandha village. In the afternoon, a small boat carrying an estimated 20 to 25 passengers, including women and children, traveled to the bride’s home.

While returning with the bride, the overcrowded vessel reportedly overturned and sank in the Patlai River.

Most passengers managed to swim ashore safely, but Obaidul went missing in the water during the accident.

Relatives and local residents immediately launched a search effort and continued looking for the child for several hours. However, no trace of him had been found by Friday night.

Confirming the incident, Tahirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam said police had been informed and were heading to the scene.

“We have received reports that a child went missing after a wedding boat capsized. The Fire Service has also been notified. Due to darkness, a rescue operation cannot be conducted safely tonight. Search and recovery efforts will begin on Saturday morning,” he said.