Ayesha Akter Soma’s life was defined by care, hope, and dreams. She had envisioned a future where both her children would follow her footsteps into medicine, serving humanity.
But all those dreams ended in a heartbeat on Wednesday, when a Showhardo Transport bus plunged into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat, claiming the lives of Soma and her eight-month-old son, Arshan.
Rescue divers recovered the infant from his mother’s arms late at night, a haunting reminder of a tragedy that unfolded in mere moments.
Soma, a senior occupational therapist at CRP Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled and a graduate of the Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, had been part of the institute’s 17th batch, confirmed Mohammad Anwar Hossain, head of the Physiotherapy Department at the CRP.
She had dedicated her life to helping others and was admired by colleagues for her commitment and skill.
During the Eid holidays, her husband, senior physiotherapist of the same institution, Nuruzzaman, had taken their family to visit his in-laws in Khandakbaria village, Shailkupa, Jhenaidah. On their return journey, the bus sank at the ferry ghat. Several passengers managed to escape, but Soma and her infant perished instantly.
Soma’s father, Nasir Uddin, described his daughter as exceptionally talented. She had dreamed of becoming a doctor, but unable to secure a government medical college seat, she pursued occupational therapy.
Soma and Arshan were laid to rest at the Eidgah field near Gokulnagar, close to her maternal home in Savar.
Soma grew up in the same area, attending local schools and colleges before joining CRP, where she built her career and life. She lived with her husband and children in Palpara, near Nayarhat, and now, her home bears the silence left by this unimaginable loss.
Speaking through tears, Nuruzzaman recounted the heartbreaking moments. He had taken their elder daughter, Nowrin, off the bus to show her the river. Soma remained on board, holding their son, Arshan.
Moments later, the bus unexpectedly moved, and the driver could not stop it. In the blink of an eye, the vehicle plunged into the deep waters, leaving him powerless to save his wife and child.
