The incident occurred at approximately 9:10 pm on Friday 11 September. A group of 123 excursionists had departed from Katla Gari Ghat in Shailkupa, Jhenaidah, aboard a converted bulkhead vessel to visit the shrine of Solaiman Shah in Bheramara upazila. Along with the holidaymakers, the vessel carried several crew members, including the boatmen.

Disaster struck during the return journey. Strong river currents swept the vessel off course near the Hardinge Bridge, forcing the stern of the boat into a heavy collision with Pier No. 4. The force of the impact threw three passengers into the water: Rocky, Liton, and Ohab. While fellow passengers and local rescuers managed to pull Liton and Ohab safely from the river, Rocky was swept away by the swift currents.

Following the collision, the remaining passengers disembarked safely at the old ferry ghat in the Bahirchar area. Joint rescue teams comprising the Ishwardi Fire Service, Bheramara Fire Service, and members of the River Police quickly deployed to the scene to conduct search operations along the Padma.

Anisuzzaman, a friend traveling with Rocky, recounted the terrifying moment. “When he fell overboard, I reached out to grab him, but I couldn’t hold on,” he said, holding out hope for his friend’s survival. “He is physically strong and a skilled swimmer, so we are praying he manages to make it back.”

Local authorities confirmed that emergency services are using all available resources to locate the missing student leader. Officer-in-Charge of Bheramara Police Station, Muhammad Zahedur Rahman, stated that multiple specialized units were closely monitoring the stretch of the river.

Bheramara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Md. Amirul Arafat, who coordinated administrative operations at the site, noted that darkness and strong river swells severely complicated overnight search efforts. He assured that civil administration units remain present on-site as the joint emergency operations continue.