A collision between a high-speed passenger boat and a steel sand-laden bulkhead vessel along the Bemalia River in Brahmanbaria has left two men dead and another injured. The head-on impact occurred at approximately 10:00 pm on Monday, 14 September, near Khagalia village under Bhalakut Union in Nasirnagar upazila.
The deceased have been identified as Doyal Miah, son of Raihan Bhuiyan from Chatalpar village in Nasirnagar upazila, and Sojib Miah, son of Hanif Miah hailing from Borarchar village under Kuliarchar upazila in neighbouring Kishoreganj district.
Local residents and police authorities reported that the speedboat had originally transported a critically ill patient to the Nasirnagar Upazila Health Complex. Following the medical transfer, the vessel embarked on its return journey towards Chatalpar carrying several passengers. As the speedboat negotiated a stretch of the Bemalia River near Khagalia village, it collided head-on with an unlit steel bulkhead travelling in the opposite direction.
The violent impact severely crushed the smaller craft under the cover of night, throwing occupants against the metal hull and causing catastrophic injuries to three passengers onboard.
Hearing the loud impact across the water, residents from Khagalia village mobilized immediately, launching small wooden boats to perform a rescue operation in the dark. Volunteers pulled the three unconscious and severely injured individuals from the water and transported them directly to the emergency department of Nasirnagar Upazila Health Complex.
Upon arrival, the attending physician examined the victims and pronounced both Doyal Miah and Sojib Miah dead on arrival. The third injured passenger received immediate medical treatment for minor trauma before being discharged.
Dr Shafiqul Islam, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at Nasirnagar Upazila Health Complex, confirmed that two of the casualties were brought to the facility without vital signs.
Addressing the riverine tragedy, Officer-in-Charge of Nasirnagar Police Station, Md Shahinul Islam, confirmed that police units were dispatched to the hospital and the crash site shortly after the incident. Authorities have initiated legal procedures to determine vessel compliance, inspect the wreckage, and hold the operators of the steel bulkhead accountable under existing maritime traffic laws.



