Raise hand for two daughters of Late Swapan & Late Sabrina

Hi this is Shahriar Ahmed, the uncle and legal guardian of the two daughters of deceased Sabrina Ahmed and Mohammad Swapan.

The couple died while their ten year old daughter was pulled along with them by RIP current at a treacherous beach near Walpole, the daughter survived but parents were not able to escape from the tragic pull of nature.

Curtin University professor Mohammad Shahidul Hasan Swapan, 44, and his wife, Sabrina Ahmed, 40, were pulled from the ocean at Conspicuous Beach in Nornalup, about 17km from Walpole, at 2.40pm on Saturday 28/12/2024.

A friend of the pair, a 42-year-old man who also dived in to help, was also pulled from the water in distress but he survived.

He was rushed to Denmark Hospital where he remained in a stable condition on Sunday.

“The magnitude of this tragedy is beyond words,” a tribute for the couple posted online said.

“This is, without a doubt, one of the most heart-wrenching losses the Bangladeshi community in Perth has ever experienced. They were a wonderful couple, deeply respected and loved by everyone who knew them.

“Please keep their two young daughters, their extended family, and their friends in your thoughts and prayers.”

Dr Swapan was an associate professor at Curtin University’s School of Design and the Built Environment.

Sustainability expert Peter Newman worked alongside him and said everyone at the university was in shock.

“He was a beautiful, gentle leader who loved his kids and loved his job and we’ll all miss him,” he said.

Dr Swapan’s wife Dr Sabrina was also an academic who studied planning and development at Khulna University in Bangladesh before the couple moved to Perth in 2009. Dr Sabrina worked for The Department of Planning Lands and Heritage as Planning Officer. She finished her PHD from Curtin University in September 2024.

Manjimup Shire president Donelle Buegge said the accident was an absolute tragedy, particularly at this time of year.

Conspicuous Cliff is about 100km west of Albany on a rugged stretch of the WA coast exposed to strong seas and massive swells.

Current status of the family:

The two daughters are staying with Shahriar Ahmed (maternal uncle). The kids and uncle has no access to the funds of the parents for any emergency expenses. It will take almost 12 months to get the assets and liability resolved according to the lawyer. The superannuation fund will be taken to estate due to double orphan case. The government support from family tax benefit and double orphan payment are not even close to cover day to day expenses of the kids.

Benefeciaries of the Fund:

The beneficiaries of the raised fund are Subah Hasan and Suhairah Hasan, daughters of Late Sabrina Ahmed and Late Mohammad.

Both beneficeriaes are minor (below 18).

Relationship with Fundraiser:

Fund raiser is Shahriar Ahmed, brother of Late Sabrina Ahmed and brother-in-law of Late Mohammad Swapan. According to the Family Will done by both Late Sabrina Ahmed and Late Mohammad Swapan, I am the maternal uncle, the legal executer of the will and guardian of the two daughters.

Operator of raised fund:

Shahriar Ahmed will operate the fund on behalf of the two minor daughter Subah Hasan and Suhairah Hasan. The family will gave the authority to operate the fund on behalf the kids until they are 18 year old.

Goal and reason of the fund raise:

Our objective is to raise at least Aud 300,000.

Primarily, the reason for the fund raise is to cover the immediate ongoing expenses of the kids education, health and other utilities. Weekly the kids education and other expenses are more than 1500+ and current cash flow is very insufficient to meet the minimum requirements.

Secondly, after 12 months when assets and liabilities are declared, we get prepared to fill the gap and payoff the mortgage of the current property for the two daughters’ secure future.

Finally, the cost of lawyer and legislative or legal expenses will be paid from the fund. An estimated cost of 25000+ will be for the lawyer and legal disbursements.

I highly appreciate your support for the two daughters. I hope more new ideas will help me to reach the target.