Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 29, 2026 (BSS)- Six lives had returned from the bosom of the Padma that day. But Afsar Ali and his son Ziarul could not return. Now there is only weeping and wailing surrounding the two people lost in the dark waters of the river.

Having lost her husband and child, Jahera Begum's home seems to have been extinguished in an instant. Carrying that burden of grief, she now also has to think about the future of her two granddaughters who have lost their father.

In such a helpless time, Rajshahi Metropolitan Jubodal has come forward to stand by her side.

On the instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the Metropolitan Jubodal has taken responsibility for Jahera Begum's two fatherless grandchildren. At the same time, one month's worth of food supplies has been handed over to the family.

Besides, life jackets have been handed over to the boatmen so that no other family has to face such grief.

At the Barokuthi Ghat in the city, Member Secretary of Rajshahi Metropolitan Jubodal Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Robi distributed life jackets among the boatmen.

The day before, on Tuesday noon, a boat capsized in the middle of the Padma River in the Barokuthi area of the city.

According to local sources, eight people were returning by boat after cutting Jhau trees from the Padma char Majardia area. In the middle of the river, the boat lost balance due to strong waves and sank.

When the passengers jumped into the water, other boatmen and locals came forward and rescued six people alive. However, boatman Afsar Ali and his son Ziarul were swept away by the strong current.

Receiving the food supplies, Jahera Begum said in a tearful voice, 'In the boat capsize, I lost my husband and my beloved son. Losing two loved ones together, my house has become empty. I don't know how I will bear this pain.’

In this difficult time, on the instructions of the Prime Minister, ‘Jubodal has stood beside us, arranged for food, and taken responsibility for my two fatherless grandchildren. I am deeply grateful to them. May no other mother's chest be emptied like mine.'

Expressing gratitude after receiving a life jacket, Shariful, a boatman from the Barokuthi area, said, 'Every day we operate boats in the Padma River for our livelihood. We know about the risks of the river.’ But many times, due to passengers being in a hurry or due to unawareness, safety issues are ignored.

 "We are deeply saddened by the recent boat capsize incident. We are grateful that life jackets have been provided by Jubodal. From now on, besides using life jackets ourselves, we will also encourage passengers to use them.'

Member Secretary of Metropolitan Jubodal Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Robi said, 'We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. On the instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we have taken responsibility for Jahera Begum's two fatherless granddaughters.’

‘Our support for the family will continue. At the same time, to reduce loss of life in the future, we have distributed life jackets among the boatmen. We do not want any more of my mother's chest to be emptied due to a boat capsizing in the Padma.'

Present at the time were Metropolitan Jubodal Joint Convener Masdul Haque Mridha Momin, Mojibul Haque Milan, Member Robin Hossain, Boalia West Jubo leader Minhajul Islam Manik, along with other members of the Metropolitan Jubodal