24 killed in Panchagarh boat capsize

Some 24 people were killed and many others went missing in a boat capsize in the Karatoya River in Boda upazila of Panchagarh district on Sunday afternoon.

The deceased included eight children, 12 women, and four men.

The incident took place in Aulia Ghat area under Mareya union.

Additional superintendent of the district police Shafiqul Islam and deputy commissioner Md Zahurul Islam confirmed the incident.

Locals said the Hindu community people of Boda, Panchpir, Mareya, and Banghari areas were going to Badeshwari temple on a boat this afternoon on the occasion of Mahalaya.

When the overloaded boat reached the middle of the river, it capsized, leaving 24 dead and many others missing.

Boda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Soleman Ali said the shallow engine-run boat carrying 70-80 passengers was heading towards Badeshwari temple.

After going some distance from Awlia Ghat, the boat began to sway. The sailor tried to return the boat to ghat but it sank, he said.

The process is going on to identify the bodies, the UNO said, adding that Tk 20,000 will be given to the families of the victims each.

Shafiqul Islam/SU