Two friends drown while bathing in Padma

Two friends drowned while taking a bath in the Padma river in Rajshahi on Friday, UNB reports quoting law enforcers. 

The deceased were identified as Nirab, 15, son of Sarik Ali of Borokuthi area, and Shahin, 16, son of Sayed Ali of the same area.

Nirab was a student of Loknath School while Shahin studied in Education Board Model School. They were both in Class VIII.

Boalia Police officer-in-charge Mazharul Islam said that a group of 8-10 boys were taking a bath in the river near the Barakuthi area around 11am.

"Suddenly one of them, Sajeed, started drowning in the water. Nirab and Shahin jumped into the river to save him but unfortunately they drowned. However, Sajeed managed to swim ashore," he said.

Fire service members rushed Nirab and Shahin to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival. "The bodies will be handed over to the family after the legal process," the OC said.