A woman has died after being struck by lightning in Maheshpur upazila of Jhenaidah district in southern Bangladesh.
The incident occurred on Thursday (16 April) at around 1:00 pm in Bathangachi village under Mandarbaria Union. The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Rozina Khatun, wife of Mijanur Rahman of the same village.
According to local sources, Rozina Khatun was engaged in cooking inside her home when a sudden thunderbolt struck during inclement weather. The lightning reportedly hit the premises while she was carrying out household work, leaving her severely injured on the spot. Family members quickly rushed to her aid and transported her to Maheshpur Upazila Health Complex. However, the attending doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
Local Union Parishad member Humayun Kabir confirmed the incident and stated that the sudden death of the homemaker has cast a shadow of grief over the entire village. Residents expressed shock at the tragic and unexpected nature of the event, as the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly within a short span of time.
Police also confirmed the matter. Officer-in-Charge of Maheshpur Police Station, Mehedi Hasan, said that the body was handed over to the family after legal formalities, as no complaint or suspicion of foul play was reported.
Victim Profile
| Item |
Details |
| Name |
Rozina Khatun |
| Age |
35 years |
| Residence |
Bathangachi village, Mandarbaria Union, Maheshpur upazila |
| Occupation |
Homemaker |
| Spouse |
Mijanur Rahman |
| Incident time |
Thursday, around 1:00 pm |
| Cause of death |
Lightning strike |
| Place of incident |
Inside residential house (kitchen area) |
| Outcome |
Declared dead at Maheshpur Upazila Health Complex |
Context of the Incident
Bangladesh experiences a significant number of lightning-related fatalities each year, particularly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons when thunderstorms are frequent and often severe. Rural areas are especially vulnerable due to a combination of open landscapes, limited lightning protection systems, and widespread engagement in outdoor or semi-outdoor household and agricultural activities.
Incidents such as this often occur suddenly, with little or no warning, making prevention and timely shelter crucial during storms. Experts generally advise people to avoid using electrical appliances, remain indoors, and stay away from open spaces, trees, and metal structures during thunderstorms.
The tragic death of Rozina Khatun adds to the continuing concern over lightning safety awareness in rural communities, where sudden weather changes can pose serious risks to life and property.
Authorities have not reported any further developments regarding the case, and funeral arrangements are expected to be conducted in accordance with family wishes.
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