Rajshahi Metropolitan Jubo Dal has extended support to the family of a man and his son who died in Tuesday's boat capsize in the Padma River, while also distributing life jackets to boatmen in an effort to promote river safety.
The organisation provided one month's food supplies to the family of the deceased boatman, Afchar Ali, on Wednesday at Shyampur Balurghat in Rajshahi city. Later, life jackets were distributed among boatmen at the Borokuthi river terminal by Rajshahi Metropolitan Jubo Dal Member Secretary Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Robi.
According to local sources, the boat carrying eight people was returning from Char Mazardia after collecting casuarina trees when it capsized in rough waters in the middle of the Padma River on Tuesday afternoon. Six passengers were rescued by nearby boatmen and local residents, but boatman Afchar Ali and his son, Ziarul, went missing. Their bodies were later recovered.
Receiving the food assistance, Afchar Ali's widow, Jahera Begum, said she had lost both her husband and son in the tragedy and expressed gratitude to Jubo Dal for standing by the family during their difficult time.
Boatman Shariful Islam, one of the recipients of the life jackets, said those who operate boats on the Padma face risks every day. He hoped the safety equipment would encourage greater awareness and help reduce casualties in future river accidents.
Speaking at the programme, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Robi said the assistance was provided following the directive of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. He claimed that the organisation had also taken responsibility for supporting the deceased family's two grandchildren and would continue to stand beside them. He added that the distribution of life jackets was intended to improve safety for boatmen and help prevent future loss of life in river accidents.
Among others present were Metropolitan Jubo Dal Joint Convener Masudul Haque Mridha Momin, Md Mujibul Haque Milon, member Robin Hossain, Boalia West youth leader Minhajul Islam Manik, and other leaders and activists of the organisation.
