Dr Mansur Rahman, leader of Jubo Dal UK, has spoken tearfully for the first time after losing his wife and daughter in a drowning incident at West Mersea beach in Essex.
Shelina Rahman, a teacher in her 40s, and her 15-year-old daughter Sameeha died after several people got into difficulty on Wednesday. The tragedy occurred when they attempted to help a seven-year-old boy who was struggling in the water.
Father's Statement
Through tears, Dr Rahman said: ‘It is with profound sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that my beloved daughter and my beloved wife passed away following a tragic accident on Wednesday. ‘By the will of Allah (SWT), they returned to their creator after drowning in the water.’
He added: ‘I would also like to thank everyone in our community who has called, sent messages, and reached out to support us during this difficult time. ‘I have not been able to answer many phone calls, but please know that I have not intentionally ignored anyone. The overwhelming support, love, and prayers from all of you mean more to us than words can express.’
Dr Rahman, who lives in Ilford, London, and leads the youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, emotionally carried a coffin at the funeral over the weekend.
Police Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Al Pitcher, from Essex Police, said: ‘My thoughts, and those of my team, are with the friends and family of the woman and girl who died yesterday. ‘We can now confirm they were a mother and daughter from London and we are supporting their family in what is an unimaginable time.’
DCI Pitcher added: ‘Since yesterday we have been working to establish the circumstances which led up to this incident. ‘At this stage we believe they were trying to help a seven year-old boy who had got into difficulties. ‘The boy was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition but the woman and teenage girl, sadly, died. ‘All the people involved in this incident are related to each other.’
Dr Rahman also revealed that his nephew remains in intensive care, and that his elder son, elder daughter, and some other relatives survived and have returned home.
