A devastating incident in Mehendiganj upazila of Barishal has resulted in the death of two young siblings after they drowned in a pond, leaving their family in profound grief. The tragedy occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Andharmanik Union under Kazirhat Police Station, according to local reports.
The deceased children have been identified as five-year-old Shahad Hossain and three-year-old Shafiya Akter. They were the children of expatriate Saiful Hossain Hawlader, who currently works abroad in Saudi Arabia, and his wife, Sumona. The family originally hails from the Borojalia village in Hizla upazila.
Following the father’s overseas employment, Sumona had been residing with her two children at her parental home, the residence of Harun Bepari. On the day of the incident, the mother reportedly fed her children before sitting down to have her own meal. In the meantime, the two siblings went outside the house to play.
After a short while, their absence raised concern, prompting family members to begin searching for them. Despite efforts to locate the children, they could not initially be found. Eventually, the lifeless body of little Shafiya was discovered floating in the pond located behind the house. While attempting to retrieve her, Shahad was also found submerged in the same water body.
Both children were quickly taken to Muladi Upazila Health Complex in an attempt to save their lives. However, attending physicians declared them dead upon arrival, confirming that they had succumbed to drowning.
The incident has plunged the family into deep shock. Witnesses reported that the mother, Sumona, has been repeatedly fainting since learning of the loss of her children, unable to cope with the unbearable grief.
Police confirmed that no formal complaint has been lodged regarding the incident. The bodies were handed over to the family following necessary procedures.
Victim Details
| Name | Age | Parents | Home Location | Incident Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahad Hossain | 5 | Saiful Hossain Hawlader & Sumona | Borojalia, Hizla Upazila | Died by drowning |
| Shafiya Akter | 3 | Saiful Hossain Hawlader & Sumona | Borojalia, Hizla Upazila | Died by drowning |
The heartbreaking loss has cast a shadow of mourning over the entire community, highlighting once again the persistent dangers posed by unguarded ponds in rural households.
