Father, son missing after boat capsizes in Padma River in Rajshahi

A mechanised boat has capsized in the Padma River in Rajshahi. While six passengers were rescued alive, a father and son remain missing.

The accident occurred around 12:40pm on Tuesday (July 24) in the middle of the Padma River.

The missing individuals are Md Afsar Ali and his son Md Ziarul Haque. They are residents of the Katakhali area in Shyampur Balurghat.

According to eyewitnesses, a mechanised boat carrying eight passengers and a load of Jhau trees set off from the Char Mazardia area of Rajshahi for Lalon Shah Muktamancha around noon on Tuesday. When the boat reached mid-river, it lost control due to excessive waves and sank.

Other boatmen waiting on the riverbank at Padma Garden and local eyewitnesses rushed to the rescue. With their immediate assistance, six of the eight struggling passengers were rescued alive. However, Afsar Ali and his son Ziarul were swept away by the strong current within moments.

A Fire Service diving team arrived at the scene after receiving the news. As of the last update, no trace of the missing father and son or the boat had been found. Fire Service personnel are continuing their rescue operation at various points along the Padma River.