Sylhet: A Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) student tragically drowned while visiting the Bichnakandi tourist spot in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet district last night. The student, Shanto Bonik, was part of the Petroleum and Mining Engineering department for the 2023-24 academic session.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, fire service personnel recovered Shanto's body around 9:30 PM on Friday, as confirmed by SUST Proctor Professor Md. Mokhlesur Rahman. Shanto went missing after submerging in the water at approximately 5:00 PM on Friday, as stated by his department friends.
Police reports revealed that a group of 10 to 11 students had ventured to Bichnakandi on Friday afternoon and entered the water to swim. During this time, sudden upstream flash floods, induced by rain, caused a drastic increase in the water current. The strong flow resulted in Shanto Bonik being washed away and subsequently going missing.
Upon hearing the screams of his friends, locals rushed to the scene, initiating a search operation with boats. The Tourist Police and Gowainghat Police Station were informed and subsequently launched a rescue operation upon their arrival.
The Proctor stated that after Shanto Bonik's body was brought to the university, the administration arranged for his body to be sent to his village home in Thakurgaon under their management.