Speedboat capsize: Body of one passenger found in Kirtankhola river, 4 others still missing

The body of a young man was recovered from the Kirtankhola River in Barishal late last night (5 December), several hours after the speedboat he was on capsized following a crash with a sand-carrying vessel, while four people remained missing. 

The accident took place at the estuary of Kirtankhola and Kalabadar rivers at around 3:30pm yesterday, police said. 

The deceased was identified as Jalis Mahmud, an HR professional working for a company in Bhola, according to his colleague Mostafizur Rahman. 

The Barishal-bound speedboat was carrying at least 10 passengers when it collided with the sand-laden vessel, said Mansur Ahmed, a police constable who was among the injured survivors. While five of them managed to swam ashore, the other five went missing. 

Barishal Sadar river police Officer-in-Charge Sanatan Chandra Sarkar confirmed that one body have been recovered and one injured passenger was admitted to a local hospital. “The search operation is underway to find the four missing passengers.” 

“Rescue efforts are being carried out by river police and other agencies. Legal action will be taken against those responsible for the incident,” he added.