5 missing as boat capsizes in Shitalakkhya River

Five young men went missing as a boat sank in the Shitalakkhya River after being hit by a cargo vessel in Narayanganj’s Rupganj Upazila Friday night. One of the missing youths was identified as Jasim Mohammad Raju, son of late Sirajul Islam of Dhaka’s Bashabo area. Quoting witnesses, ward councilor of Tarab Municipality Hamidullah said a group of 14 youths hired the boat from Demra for a pleasure trip. The boat sank in the middle of the river in Rupashi Kazipara area after a sand-laden bulkhead hit the boat from behind around 9pm, leaving the five youths disappeared in the river. However, nine others managed to swim ashore. A team of three divers from Demra Fire Service and Civil Defence is conducting a search to rescue the missing people.