Swept away in Cox's Bazar: Search for missing CU student continues for 5th day
The search for Aritra Hasan, a student of Chittagong University (CU) who went missing after being swept away while bathing in the sea at the Himchhari point of Cox's Bazar beach, continued for the fifth day.
Confirming the rescue efforts this afternoon, Executive Magistrate of the District Administration's Tourism Cell Nafis Intesar Nafi said the operation has now involved the fire service, Bangladesh Air Force members, alongside lifeguards, tourist police, and beach workers.
Alerts have been issued across coastal areas. For the past four days, rescue efforts have stretched from Himchari to Nazirartek points, and also included locations such as Sonadia, Kutubjom, Matarbari, and Dhalghata.
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The official added, "On Friday, an emergency meeting was held by the district administration. Following that decision, from Saturday morning, three members of the Air Force, including one pilot, joined the search operation with a drone."
Despite the wide-ranging efforts across the sea and coastline, the missing student has yet to be located, said the official.
Mohammad Osman Gani, supervisor at Sea Safe Lifeguard organisation, said rescue teams were operating in multiple groups along the Cox's Bazar coast, from Maheshkhali to the Naf River estuary in Teknaf.
Imtiaz Ahmed, regional director of the organisation, noted that several hidden channels have formed along the Himchari beach, making it hazardous for swimming and difficult for rescue operations.
He believes the deceased students fell victim after getting trapped in one of these hidden channels.
