The body of a 6-month-old baby boy, missing for 14 hours after falling from a rickshaw into a canal in Chawkbazar, was recovered this morning (April 19). 

The body of Sehrish was discovered floating among debris near the leather warehouse area of Chaktai Canal at around 10 am. 

His mother, Salma Begum, had been traveling with him and his grandmother when the tragic incident occurred on Friday evening (April 18). The child fell from his mother’s lap into the canal as their battery-powered rickshaw passed through the area. The rickshaw driver fled the scene, while local residents rescued the mother and grandmother.

Emergency services, including the fire service and navy divers, arrived at the scene late Friday, and after several hours of searching, the child's body was found. 

Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, who visited the site during the search, announced a reward for information leading to the recovery.

Mizan, a local rescuer, described the discovery: "I initially thought it was a doll in the garbage, but as I got closer, I realized it was the child. I stood in shock for a while before alerting others."

The body was cleaned and handed over to the grieving family. 

The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with residents criticizing the delay in the rescue operation due to the accumulation of garbage in the canal. 

Calls have grown for the immediate installation of safety barriers along canal banks and the enforcement of a ban on battery rickshaws in the area. 

Many have taken to social media to demand action and express condolences for the child’s untimely death.

BDST: 1231 HRS, APR 19, 2025
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