A family journey from Sylhet to Dhaka ended in unimaginable tragedy after a devastating head-on collision between two passenger buses left eight people dead and at least 25 others injured. Among the victims was three-year-old Jaifa, whose parents remain unaware of her death as they continue to receive treatment for serious injuries in hospital.
Sixteen-year-old Jannatul was travelling with her family aboard a Unique Paribahan bus on Friday morning. Seated by the window, she was watching the passing scenery while her younger brother, Mohammad, sat beside her. Their parents, Jahangir Alam and Nurunnahar, were seated on the right-hand side of the bus, holding their youngest daughter, Jaifa, on their laps.
The accident occurred shortly after the bus reached the Kashikapon area of Osmaninagar on the Dhaka–Sylhet Highway. According to police, the Unique Paribahan bus collided head-on with a Bengal Paribahan bus travelling towards Sylhet. The impact forced the Unique Paribahan vehicle off the road and into a roadside ditch, leaving passengers trapped and causing widespread casualties.
Jannatul, who sustained relatively minor injuries, recalled the terrifying moments leading up to the crash while standing outside Ward 27 of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.
“My little sister was in our parents’ arms. Suddenly there was a loud crash. Before we could understand what had happened, the bus had fallen into the roadside ditch,” she said, breaking down in tears.
Although Jannatul and her younger brother escaped with comparatively less severe injuries, both of their parents suffered serious trauma. Jaifa was also critically injured and was rushed to hospital with the other victims. Doctors later confirmed that the three-year-old had died from her injuries.
Jahangir Alam is currently receiving treatment in Ward 27 of the hospital, while his wife, Nurunnahar, has been admitted to another ward on the fourth floor. Both remain in serious condition. Family members have chosen not to tell them about their daughter’s death, fearing the emotional shock could worsen their already critical health.
Jahangir Alam runs a tyre repair business in South Surma, Sylhet. His neighbour, businessman Hasan Ahmed, said he received a telephone call from Jahangir’s younger brother at around 9:30 a.m. informing him of the accident. He immediately rushed to the hospital with several others.
“When I arrived, I saw that everyone had been injured. Later, I learned that the little girl had not survived,” Hasan said.
Relatives are now caring for the couple’s surviving children while remaining by the bedsides of the injured parents. Jahangir has suffered injuries to his head and several other parts of his body and is reported to be drifting in and out of consciousness. Nurunnahar has sustained injuries to her face, head and other parts of her body and continues to receive medical care.
Anisur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Sherpur Highway Police Station, said the collision took place at approximately 7:30 a.m. in the Kashikapon area. He confirmed that seven people died at the scene, while another victim later succumbed to injuries in hospital, bringing the death toll to eight. At least 25 people were injured in the crash, several of whom remain in critical condition.
The tragedy is the latest in a series of fatal road accidents that continue to raise concerns over highway safety in Bangladesh. While investigators are expected to determine the precise cause of the collision, the immediate priority remains the treatment of the injured and support for the bereaved families. For Jahangir Alam’s family, the physical injuries may eventually heal, but the loss of their youngest child has left a wound that will endure long after the wreckage has been cleared.
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