Photo: BSS

KHULNA, March 12, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna University (KU) will observe a mourning 
day tomorrow (March 13) marking the anniversary of the tragic Katka incident 
in the Sundarbans in 2004, when 11 university students drowned during an 
educational tour.

On this day in 2004, a group of students from the Architecture Discipline of 
KU and two students from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology 
(BUET) went on a study tour to Katka, a scenic area in the Sundarbans.
 
During the visit, 11 students were swept away by the sea and drowned in a 
tragic accident.

Among the victims were nine students from the Architecture Discipline of 
Khulna University. 

They were Arnaz Rifat Rupa, Md Mahmudur Rahman, Maksumul Aziz Mostaji, 
Abdullah Hel Baki, Kazi Mueed Bin Wali, Md Kawsar Ahmed Khan, Munadil Raihan 
Bin Mahbub, Md Ashraful Zaman and Md Touhidul Enam.

The two students from BUET who also lost their lives in the incident were 
Samiul and Shakil.

Since the tragedy, Khulna University has been observing March 13 every year 
as a mourning day to remember the students who lost their lives in the Katka 
tragedy.

Marking the day this year with due respect and solemnity, the university 
authorities have taken several programmes.
 
The programmes include a special prayer session after Jummah prayers at the 
university's central Jame Mosque.

In addition, an iftar and dinner will be arranged in the evening with orphans 
as part of the commemorative observances.

The university community is expected to recall the memories of the departed 
students and pray for the eternal peace of their souls during the programmes.