Former UP member dies of electrocution while harvesting betel nuts

A former union parishad (UP) member died after being electrocuted while harvesting betel nuts from a tree in Kaukhali upazila of Pirojpur on Sunday morning.

The deceased, Abul Bashar, 70, was the son of late Syed Uddin Hawlader of Jholagati village under Shialkathi Union. He was a former member of the local union parishad.

According to local sources, Bashar was harvesting betel nuts from a tree beside a pond near his house at around 7:30am on Sunday. An electrical wire had been laid alongside the tree through a GI pipe used for irrigation.

At one point, he accidentally came into contact with the live wire and suffered a severe electric shock, dying on the spot.

Local social worker Mir Miraj said the tragic incident had cast a pall of gloom over the area.

Officer-in-Charge of Kaukhali Police Station Md Anwar Hossain confirmed the incident, saying police were immediately sent to the scene after receiving news of the death. Further legal proceedings are underway.