UNO Escapes Death by Jumping from Launch

Barguna's Patharghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hossain Mohammad Al Mujahid has survived a horrific fire at MV Abhiyan-10 launch on Sugandha river in Jhalokati.

He was a Nilgiri passenger in the launch's VIP cabin. His wife, Ummul Warra, broke her right leg while jumping from a launch in the blaze. They are currently undergoing treatment at Jhalokati Sadar Hospital.

Barguna Executive Magistrate Mehedi Hasan confirmed the matter on Friday (December 24th).

Citing UNO Mohammad Al Mujahid, he said he was coming to Barguna from Dhaka at 6 pm on Thursday (December 23) after completing his official duties. At around 3 pm, he was awakened by the screams of other passengers on the launch. At that time the launch was in the middle of Sugandha river. Many try to survive by jumping into the river. They too jumped from the smoke-laden launch and fell from the third floor to the second floor. Then his wife Ummul Warra broke her right leg.

He said the elderly and children on the launch were the main victims. There were also many women on the launch who jumped into the river.