Two tourists missing, feared dead at restricted Melkhum Trail in Mirsharai

Two tourists have gone missing and are feared dead after visiting the restricted Melkhum trail and waterfall in the remote hills of Jorarganj, Mirsharai in Chattogram.

Three other tourists were rescued from the area after being stranded overnight due to continuous rain.

According to locals and fire service officials, the missing individuals have been identified as Hridoy and Galib. The three who were rescued — Miraj, Raihan, and Sayem — were found in an exhausted and injured state.

Of the group, Hridoy, Galib, and Sayem are close friends who had traveled from Feni to visit the Melkhum waterfall. The other two, Miraj and Raihan, are local residents who joined them on the trip.

The group set out on their hike around 11am yesterday (8 July), venturing deep into the restricted Melkhum trail, which is known for its treacherous paths and steep, slippery hills. Heavy rainfall caused dangerous conditions, and the group became trapped overnight in the remote area.

After nearly 24 hours, a joint rescue effort involving local residents and the fire service located the group this afternoon.

The three rescued claimed that the two missing — Hridoy and Galib — had died during the night. However, rescuers have yet to recover any bodies, and the search is ongoing.

Speaking to the media, rescuers confirmed the terrain has made the operation extremely difficult.

"The area is remote and the trail is risky, especially after heavy rainfall. We are continuing our search for the missing individuals," said Joynal Abedin, senior station officer of Baroierhat Fire Station.