Over 150 tourists trapped on Meghna’s Char Abdullah as storm disrupts return

Sudden weather change turns an Eid outing into a night of uncertainty on a sandbar

More than 150 tourists who visited Char Abdullah in the Meghna River in Ramgati Upazila of Lakshmipur during the Eid holidays have been stranded after a sudden storm hit the area.

As of 11:30pm on Friday, adverse weather conditions and low tide prevented their return.

Police have reached the spot to assist in rescue operations, and authorities said the stranded tourists will be brought back once the tide rises.

Police and locals said many people from Lakshmipur and nearby areas visit the Meghna embankment at Char Alexander during Eid holidays.

The area is locally known as the “mini Cox’s Bazar”, and many tourists take boats to visit nearby river islands.

On Friday afternoon, several trawlers carrying more than a hundred tourists, including women and children, set off from the Char Alexander embankment towards Char Abdullah.

Soon after they arrived -- or while en route -- a sudden storm and heavy rain began, making the river rough.

The group became stranded on the char as conditions worsened.

Ramgati Police chief Liton Dewan said, “More than 150 people went to visit the char and got stranded. Police have been sent to the spot. The tide is currently low, and we are waiting for high tide. They will be brought back once the tide comes in.”