The bodies of five children who died after a floating bridge collapsed into the Brahmaputra River in Dewanganj upazila have been laid to rest, as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday afternoon when the floating bridge, set up over the river near Dewanganj police station, suddenly gave way under heavy pressure. Witnesses said the bridge was crowded with people celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, which may have caused the collapse.
Although several people managed to swim to safety, five children went missing in the river. Rescue teams from the fire service, army, and police conducted a joint operation and recovered the bodies later that night.
Funeral prayers were held in the victims’ respective areas on Sunday before burial. The incident has cast a shadow of grief across Dewanganj during the Eid period.
In response, the district administration has formed a four-member investigation committee led by Additional District Magistrate AKM Abdullah-bin-Rashid to determine the exact cause of the collapse. The committee has been asked to submit its report promptly.
Deputy Commissioner Md Yusuf Ali announced financial assistance of Tk25,000 for each victim’s family, while local lawmaker and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat pledged an additional Tk50,000 per family.
