Schoolboy dies, cousin still missing after Jamuna River tragedy in Pabna

One of two schoolboys who went missing while bathing in the Jamuna River in Pabna's Bera upazila has been found dead, while search efforts are continuing for the other teenager, authorities said on Wednesday (August 5).

Divers recovered the body of Prabhat Sarkar, 15, on Tuesday afternoon from the Dashpara point near the Kazirhat–Dhalarchar stretch of the Jamuna River. Prabhat was from Gazipur Sadar. The second missing student, Binoy Roy, 15, from Dhaltosha village in Tangail's Nagarpur upazila, remains unaccounted for.

The two boys, who were cousins and both ninth-grade students, had travelled to Khanpura Madhyapara in Aminpur to visit relatives.

According to police and local residents, the incident occurred on Monday afternoon when they entered the river at the Natakhola area for a swim. Strong currents swept both boys away before they could return to shore.

Residents launched an immediate rescue attempt but were unable to locate them. Fire Service personnel, police and a diving team later joined the operation.

Kazirhat Naval Police Outpost chief Aravinda Sarkar said Prabhat's body had been handed over to his family after recovery. The search for Binoy was suspended on Tuesday evening due to fading light but resumed on Wednesday morning.

Authorities said the rescue operation will continue until the missing student is found.