Child's body recovered 9 hours after being dragged by crocodile in Bagerhat pond

The body of a young girl, Fatema Akter, who was dragged into a pond by a crocodile at the historic shrine of Khan Jahan Ali in Bagerhat was recovered early Tuesday (June 2), nearly nine hours after the attack.

Her body was recovered at approximately 4:40am on Tuesday from near the same ghat by shrine caretakers and members of the Fire Service.

Earlier, she was pulled underwater by a crocodile around 8:30pm on Monday while she was near the women’s bathing ghat of the shrine pond in Bagerhat Sadar Upazila.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, Fatema and her mother had been staying in the shrine area for several days. The child reportedly approached the pond when a crocodile suddenly attacked and dragged her into the water. Visitors and locals immediately launched rescue efforts using boats, while firefighters later joined the search operation.

Authorities said Fatema was the daughter of a mentally challenged woman who had been living around the shrine premises. Further details about her family could not immediately be confirmed.

Witnesses described scenes of panic following the attack. Despite cries for help from those present, no one was able to intervene as the crocodile disappeared into the water with the child.

Local shopkeeper Bina, who was present near the scene, said the recovered body bore several bite marks consistent with a crocodile attack.

Confirming the recovery, the shrine’s chief caretaker Fakir Tarikul Islam said the body had been placed at the women’s ghat and that further arrangements, including burial procedures, would be decided in consultation with the district administration and police.

The latest tragedy has renewed concerns over safety around the shrine’s pond, which is known for its population of crocodiles. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including the death of a teenage boy three years ago and a mentally ill woman who was dragged into the water more than a decade ago.

Authorities have yet to announce whether additional safety measures will be introduced to prevent future attacks at the popular religious and tourist site.