A tourist from Rajshahi drowned on Saturday (May 10) morning while bathing in the sea at Kuakata beach in southern Bangladesh.

The deceased has been identified as Rajesh Kumar Pal, 40, son of Sarat Kumar Pal from Namaz village in Puthia upazila, Rajshahi. 

According to local authorities, he was swept away by waves while swimming with relatives on the west side of the beach’s Zero Point area.

His brother-in-law, Kamal Kumar Pal, said the family had arrived in Kuakata the previous night and checked into the Sagar Nir residential hotel.

“We went to the beach in the morning, and Rajesh ventured too far into the sea. He began struggling and calling for help,” he told reporters.

Tourist police on duty responded promptly after hearing cries for assistance. 

Sub-Inspector Md Sabur Mia of Kuakata Tourist Police said, “I rushed to the spot and, with the help of others, rescued the man and took him to the Tulatali 20-bed hospital.”

Despite efforts to revive him, Rajesh was declared dead on arrival by Deputy Assistant Community Medical Officer Md Riaz.

Officer-in-Charge of Mahipur Police Station, Tariqul Islam, confirmed that the body had been handed over to the family and that legal procedures were underway.

SMS/