Tragic Landslide in Sylhet Claims Four Lives from the Same Family
Sylhet, Bangladesh – June 1, 2025:
A devastating landslide struck the Golapganj upazila of Sylhet late Friday night, claiming the lives of four members of the same family. The tragic incident occurred at around 2 AM in the village of Bakhtiarghat under the Lakkhanaband Union, following days of relentless monsoon rain. The victims, all from the household of Riaz Uddin, were buried alive as a massive portion of a nearby hill collapsed onto their home.
Landslide Hits in the Dead of Night
According to local authorities and eyewitnesses, the house was situated at the foot of a hill—a location increasingly prone to such disasters during the rainy season. The family had been asleep when, without warning, the saturated earth gave way and buried the entire structure under tons of mud and debris. Neighbors rushed to the scene upon hearing the rumbling and cries for help, but the scale of the landslide made immediate rescue efforts difficult.
Victims Identified
Emergency services, including personnel from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, arrived shortly after receiving the distress call. After hours of digging through the mud and rubble, they recovered the lifeless bodies of Riaz Uddin, his wife Rahima Khatun, and their two children—son Abbas and daughter Samia Khatun.
Rescuers described the scene as heartbreaking. “We had hoped someone might survive under the debris, but unfortunately, all four were already deceased by the time we reached them,” said one rescue worker. The bodies were handed over to the family’s relatives after initial legal procedures were completed.
Monsoon Rains and Hill Erosion – A Deadly Combination
Sylhet and the surrounding regions have been experiencing continuous downpours over the past several days as part of the early monsoon season. Meteorologists had previously warned of potential landslides in hilly areas, especially those where settlements exist dangerously close to slopes. Environmental experts have long expressed concern over the construction of homes at the base of hills, which often become waterlogged and unstable during prolonged rainfall.
Locals claim that no major precautionary evacuation or safety alerts had been issued prior to the landslide. Despite being a known risk zone, families continued to live in such areas due to poverty and lack of alternative housing options.
Community in Shock
The village of Bakhtiarghat is now reeling from the loss. Residents gathered to mourn as funeral arrangements were made. The victims were described as a kind, hardworking family. Riaz Uddin was known as a modest farmer, while his wife Rahima was involved in small-scale tailoring work to support their children’s education.
A neighbor, visibly emotional, said, “We lost not just our neighbors, but a part of our community. It could have been any of us.”
Local Union Parishad Chairman Abul Kalam expressed condolences and urged the government to take immediate steps to relocate families living near risky hill slopes. “This is not the first time a tragedy like this has occurred here. Unless action is taken, it won’t be the last,” he warned.
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Government Response and Future Concerns
Following the incident, Sylhet District Administration has announced that a compensation package will be provided to the victims’ next of kin. A disaster response team has also been dispatched to assess the stability of other hills in the region and identify households at high risk.
Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Russel Hasan stated, “This is a deeply unfortunate event. We are investigating the cause of the landslide and will take all necessary steps to prevent future loss of life. Families living near unstable hills will be urged to relocate immediately.”
Environmental organizations have echoed calls for stricter regulations on hill-slope settlements and better urban planning in vulnerable areas. In addition, they have emphasized the importance of afforestation and soil-binding vegetation to reduce the risk of erosion.
A Grim Reminder of Bangladesh’s Vulnerability
This heartbreaking event is a stark reminder of Bangladesh’s vulnerability to natural disasters, especially during the monsoon months. Landslides, while less frequent than floods or cyclones, have claimed hundreds of lives in recent decades—often disproportionately affecting the poor and marginalized who live in dangerous locations.
As climate change continues to intensify seasonal weather patterns, experts warn that such incidents may become more common. Unless preventive measures are implemented swiftly, the human cost could rise further.
Final Words
The tragic loss of four lives in Sylhet due to a preventable landslide is a wake-up call for communities and authorities alike. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness, responsible urban planning, and strong community awareness.
For now, Bakhtiarghat mourns in silence, grieving a family that went to sleep one rainy night—never to wake again
