Soldier Tasnim Rifat buried with full military honours in Rajshahi

The funeral of soldier Tasnim Rifat, who was killed in an accident during firing practice in Hathazari, Chattogram, has been completed. He was buried with full military and social honours at the family graveyard in Bindarampur village of Damkura union in Paba upazila, Rajshahi, after Zuhr prayers on Thursday, September 10.

Earlier, around 11am, Rifat's body was brought to Rajshahi Cantonment by a special helicopter of the Bangladesh Army, where he was given a guard of honour. Later, when the body reached his birthplace, Bindarampur village, by road, a sombre atmosphere descended among relatives and villagers.

After Zuhr prayers, Rifat's funeral prayer was held with the participation of family members and locals. Following the funeral, he was buried with full military honours at the family graveyard under army supervision.

Senior army officers, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), leaders of various political parties and local dignitaries attended the funeral prayer.

Earlier, the accident occurred around 12pm on Wednesday, September 9, during tank firing practice at the Hathazari Field Firing Range in Chattogram. A shell exploded inside the tank during the exercise, killing two soldiers, including soldier Tasnim Rifat of the 15 Independent Armoured Squadron of the Bangladesh Army's Armoured Corps, on the spot.

Tasnim Rifat was 28 years old. He had lost his mother to cancer three years ago. Now his father, Asadul Islam, has been left speechless by the loss of his son. Rifat is survived by his wife and a daughter of about two and a half years.