CU mourns deaths of three students in Cox's Bazar; one still missing
Later that day, Gayebana Janaza (funeral in absentia) for Shabab and Asif were held at the University’s central mosque after Zuhr prayers
A trip to Cox's Bazar meant to celebrate the end of exams ended in tragedy for five students of the University of Chittagong, as three of them drowned while at Himchhari beach early yesterday morning (8 July).
The victims: K M Sadman Rahman Shabab, Asif Ahmed, and Aritra Hasan Sagar, were all students of the Development Studies Department and residents of Shaheed Mohammad Farhad Hossain Hall. According to university sources, the group reached Cox's Bazar on the night of 7 July and checked into a hotel called "Camping Cox." Around 5:30 am the next morning, they headed to the beach to watch the sunrise. Mesmerized by the breeze and crashing waves, they waded into the water to take photos.
As rain began to fall, two of the friends named Riyad Mia of the Arabic Department and Jawan Ejaz Farhan of Development Studies sought shelter under a nearby umbrella. The other three remained close to the waterline, despite not knowing how to swim. A boatman nearby also warned them to step away from the waves, but the warning went unheeded.
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Moments later, a strong wave swept over them and pulled them into deeper waters. Eyewitness Jawan Ejaz Farhan recounted, "We could see wave after wave pushing them further out. They were still trying to respond, but the sea swallowed them within seconds. We couldn't do anything; we stood there helpless."
Shabab's body was recovered about an hour after the incident. Asif's body surfaced the following morning (Wednesday, 10 July) and was handed over to his family. While authorities have confirmed that Aritra also drowned, his body has not yet been found. Search and recovery operations by the Fire Service, Tourist Police, and Cox's Bazar District Administration are ongoing.
Later that day, Gayebana Janaza (funeral in absentia) for Shabab and Asif were held at the University's central mosque after Zuhr prayers. The service was attended by teachers, fellow students, and staff who joined in mourning their tragic deaths.
"This is one of the most painful incidents in CU's recent memory," said Professor Dr. Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), addressing students after the prayer.
"We must learn to weigh our emotions with responsibility; no life should be lost to a moment of misjudgment."
Students and faculty from the Development Studies department were visibly shaken. "Incidents like this are extremely rare in CU's history. It's a devastating loss for the department and the university," said Department Chair Mohammad Sohaib. "We are working closely with authorities and hope the third body will be recovered soon."
