The body of an eight-year-old girl, Fatema Akter, who was dragged into the water by a crocodile at the pond of the historic Khan Jahan Ali Shrine in Bagerhat, was recovered early Tuesday morning.

According to local sources, the incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Monday when Fatema went down to bathe at the women's ghat of the shrine pond. A crocodile suddenly attacked and pulled her underwater, triggering panic among visitors and local residents.

Following the incident, an extensive search operation was launched by shrine authorities, Fire Service personnel, and local volunteers. After an overnight search using four boats, Fatema's body was recovered from the pond at approximately 4:40 am on Tuesday.

Chief caretaker of the shrine, Fakir Tarikul Islam, said that every possible effort was made to locate the child. Search teams worked throughout the night before finally recovering the body in the early hours of the morning.

After receiving the news, local Member of Parliament Sheikh Manjurul Haque Rahat, Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten, and Superintendent of Police Md. Hasan Naser visited the shrine premises and monitored the rescue operation.

Local residents said Fatema was an underprivileged child whose mother is mentally unstable. The mother and daughter had been living around the shrine area with support from local people.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media regarding safety measures at the shrine pond. Many residents have questioned the lack of protective barriers around the ghats and demanded stronger safety arrangements to prevent similar accidents in the future.

MP Sheikh Manjurul Haque Rahat said that public safety would be given the highest priority and that discussions would be held with shrine authorities regarding future measures, including the issue of keeping crocodiles in the pond. He added that while preserving historical heritage is important, protecting human lives is even more important.