Tourist Injured in Attack by Boatmen at Lotus Marsh

Two tourists had visited the Mushuria Lotus Marsh (Padma Bil) in the afternoon to enjoy the beauty of nature. However, their pleasant outing turned bloody after sunset. Allegations have surfaced that several boatmen at the Jaharerkandi Jayadharbari Ghat of the marsh first disconnected the fuel line and ignition wire of their motorcycle. When Subrata Biswas (25), one of the tourists, protested this action, he was beaten and left bloodied. Locals later rescued him and took him to the hospital. The incident occurred around 9 PM on Friday (September 18) at the Jaharerkandi Jayadharbari Ghat of Mushuria Lotus Marsh in Kotalipara...

২৫

Two tourists had visited the Mushuria Lotus Marsh (Padma Bil) in the afternoon to enjoy the beauty of nature. However, their pleasant outing turned bloody after sunset. Allegations have surfaced that several boatmen at the Jaharerkandi Jayadharbari Ghat of the marsh first disconnected the fuel line and ignition wire of their motorcycle. When Subrata Biswas (25), one of the tourists, protested this action, he was beaten and left bloodied. Locals later rescued him and took him to the hospital.

The incident occurred around 9 PM on Friday (September 18) at the Jaharerkandi Jayadharbari Ghat of Mushuria Lotus Marsh in Kotalipara Upazila. The injured Subrata Biswas is the son of Sunil Biswas from Satla village in Wazirpur Upazila, Barishal.

Satyajit Biswas, the tourist accompanying Subrata, stated that they had gone to the Jaharerkandi Jayadharbari Ghat at Mushuria Lotus Marsh in the afternoon. An argument ensued with the local boatmen over their demand for an exorbitant fare. At one point, the boatmen disconnected the fuel line and ignition wire of their motorcycle. A further altercation broke out when they protested this action. Eventually, the boatmen beat Subrata, leaving him injured and bleeding. Locals then stepped in to rescue him and transported him to the Kotalipara 100-bed Hospital.

Eyewitnesses Pavel Samaddar, Badal Baroi, Sonatan Baidya, and Sajib Bairagi reported that while passing through the area on a van, they saw a group of people beating a young man. Upon seeing the young man in a bloodied state, locals intervened and rescued him.

Allegations have been raised against several individuals—including Bidyut Jayadhar, Anik Jayadhar, and Hridoy Jayadhar—for their involvement in the attack on tourist Subrata Biswas. However, comments from the accused regarding the incident could not be obtained immediately.  It has been reported that Bidyut Joydhar is the son of Bankim Joydhar from Jaharkandi Joydharbari village; Anik Joydhar is the son of Arun Joydhar; and Hridoy Joydhar is the son of Ramen Joydhar from the same village.

Locals allege that Bidyut Joydhar, Anik Joydhar, and Hridoy Joydhar—boatmen at the Jaharkandi Joydharbari Ghat on Mushuria Padma Beel—have a history of mistreating and harassing tourists. Locals claim that altercations frequently occur between these boatmen and tourists regarding issues such as excessive fare demands and access to the ghat. Furthermore, there are allegations that the boatmen at Joydharbari Ghat attempted to attract visitors by replicating the design of the gate found at the nearby Baidyabari Ghat. However, it is not known whether any formal investigation or action has been taken regarding these allegations.

There are two ghats serving visitors at Mushuria Padma Beel. The Mushuria Baidyabari Ghat is a long-established and well-known location that regularly draws crowds of visitors. Meanwhile, tourists from various areas also visit the Jaharkandi Joydharbari Ghat to admire the beauty of the Padma Beel. However, there is dissatisfaction among both locals and tourists arriving from afar regarding the various allegations leveled against some of the boatmen at this ghat.

Locals emphasize the importance of ensuring visitor safety and a pleasant environment at the tourist spot. Incidents such as disputes, harassment, or physical attacks involving boatmen could incite panic among tourists and negatively impact the overall tourism atmosphere of the area. Consequently, they have called for disciplined management at the ghats and measures to guarantee tourist safety.

Regarding this matter, Sub-Inspector Siraj Hossain of the Bhangarhat Police Outpost stated, “I have heard about the issue through word of mouth, but I have not received any formal complaint. Legal action will be taken if a complaint is filed.”

It is reported that no legal steps have been taken so far, as no written complaint has been submitted to the police.  Locals demand a thorough investigation into the incident and legal action against the perpetrators, alongside the implementation of effective measures to ensure tourist safety at the ghats of Mushuria Padma Beel.

They further argue that if a tourist ends up hospitalized and bloodied while visiting the scenic beauty of Padma Beel, the question inevitably arises: who bears the responsibility for tourist safety in this breathtaking natural landscape?