Youth Missing After River Boat Attack

A violent incident unfolded in Hathazari, Chattogram, late on Saturday night when passengers returning from a local urs festival were attacked on a boat. During the assault, one young man fell into the river and has remained missing for more than 24 hours. Authorities and local residents recovered his jacket and mobile phone floating approximately three kilometres downstream from the scene.

The incident occurred between 1:00 and 2:00 am on Halda River near Ramdas Munshi’s Hat in the North Madarsha Union of Hathazari. The missing youth has been identified as Mohammad Sabbir, 19, the son of Abdul Mannan from Moishkorm village, Ward No. 7, Urkirchar Union, Raujhan.

According to family members, local residents, and police sources, a verbal altercation broke out between two groups of young men at the urs festival in Ramdas Munshi’s Hat. Later, while returning to Raujhan by boat, one group attacked the other. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants pulled the boat towards the riverbank and began physically assaulting the passengers with sticks. During the chaos, three individuals fell into the river. Two of them managed to swim to safety, but Sabbir reportedly sank. Other passengers claimed that he had been struck on the head with a stick during the attack.

Local witness Anowarul Azim told reporters that Sabbir and a few friends had travelled from Raujhan to attend the urs festival. “The attack happened while they were on the boat returning home. Residents later found Sabbir’s mobile phone and jacket floating about three kilometres downstream near Jelepara,” he added.

Hathazari Halda River Police Sub-Inspector Mohammad Ramjan Ali said, “After boarding the boat, some individuals pulled it towards the riverbank. Others began striking passengers with sticks, causing some to jump into the river. CCTV footage has captured the incident, but we have not yet identified the attackers.”

The fire service dive team and police continue their search operations, combing the river to locate the missing youth. Meanwhile, Sabbir’s family remains at the riverbank, anxiously awaiting news of his fate.

Recovered Items from Halda River

Local authorities have increased patrols along the river, urging residents to remain cautious while travelling by boat until the investigation concludes.

The incident has raised concerns over safety at local festivals and highlights the risks faced by river commuters in rural areas. Investigators continue to review CCTV footage and interview witnesses to identify those responsible for the attack.