bangladesh
Crocodile with satellite transmitters released into Sundarbans from Bagerhat
A crocodile released with satellite transmitters attached to its back was found in a fish enclosure in Bagerhat’s Chitalmari Upazila and was released into the Sundarbans on Sunday.
The reptile was handed over to the office of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division in Khulna after rescuing it from Bagerhat.
The crocodile was spotted at the fish enclosure owned by Hasan Sheikh of Dakshin Shailadah village under the upazila on Friday night. Locals in large numbers started thronging there. The crocodile was immediately rescued.
Police were deployed at the scene to ensure the crocodile's safety before the forest department officials came.
Bangladesh earmarks Tk 385 billion for agriculture, aiming for 10% annual growth by fiscal 2026
The Forest Department released two crocodiles with satellite transmitters in the Bhadra River of the Sundarbans on March 13, aiming to know the life cycle of crocodiles.
One of the reptiles was found in the Tushkhali River of Pirojpur’s Mathbaria Upazila one week later.
The forest department will continue the experiment for one year to learn about their movement, food habits, home range and abode, said Muhammad Nurul Karim, Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarbans East Zone.
Bangladesh is the first country to release two crocodiles in the river by attaching satellite transmitters in Asia.
The crocodiles were released with the finance of German based GIZ and technical assistance of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Pahela Baishakh revitalises a sense of patriotism, Bengali identity worldwide: Envoy in Canada
Bangladesh High Commissioner in Canada Khalilur Rahman has said Mangal Shovajatra promotes pluralism and secularism, fostering an environment of coexistence regardless of the differences of religions, castes or creeds.
Celebrating Pahela Baisakh at the mission, he underscored the festival's role as an antidote against religious extremism and intolerance, promoting unity and tolerance over division.
Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo celebrates Pahela Baishakh
The envoy noted that Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year, revitalizss a sense of patriotism and Bengali identity worldwide and energises the Bengali nation.
Khalilur Rahman said that Pahela Baishakh has evolved into a symbol of the non-communal Bengali tradition.
He highlighted the significance of UNESCO's recognition of the Pahela Baishakh Mangal Shovajatra as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of mankind in 2016, attributing it to the diplomatic efforts of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh High Commission, Ottawa, Canada celebrated Pahela Baisakh and the Bengali New Year-1431, with great enthusiasm and fervor.
A special event, chaired by the high commissioner, took place at the auditorium of the Bangladesh High Commission.
The event was attended by High Commission officials and members of the Bangladeshi community living in Canada.
At the beginning of the event, officers of the High Commission read out the messages by the President and Prime Minister on the occasion of Pahela Baisakh and Bengali New Year-1431.
This was followed by the welcome address by the high commissioner.
Bangladesh, Thailand nearing energy cooperation MOU: Nasrul Hamid
Following the high commissioner's address, attendees participated in a vibrant Mangal Shovajatra to celebrate Pahela Baisakh.
The event concluded with a cultural function featuring spontaneous performances by the Bangladeshi-Canadians.
Couple killed in Gazipur road crash
A man and his wife were killed as bus hit them in Kaliakoir upazila of Gazipur early Monday.
The deceased were identified as Asif Mahmud, son of Mozammel Haque of Boroitoli village in Kaliakair upazila and his wife Tanjim.
22-year-old dies as train hits him in Sirajganj
According to police and locals, a Tangail-bound Paribahan bus (Mahi Special) hit Asif and his wife Tanjim while they were crossing Dhaka-Tangail highway at Kaliakoir bypass , leaving them seriously injured.
They died on their way to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar.
Police recovered the bodies and sent them to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy, said Shahadat Hossain, officer-in-charge of Naojor Highway Police Station.
48 bottles liquor seized, woman arrested in Kurigram
The bus was seized but the driver managed to flee, said the OC.
Legal action will be taken in this regard, he added.
Cargo capsize in Khulna: Another body recovered after 8 days
The body of another man who had gone missing after a cargo sank in the Rupsha River in Khulna on April 7 was recovered on Sunday evening.
Navy and Fire Service divers recovered the body of cook Abul Kalam, of Bagerhat, at around 6:30 pm.
3 teenage friends die after drinking 'toxic liquor' in Naogan: Police
Earlier on Sunday, a cargo carrying 1,140 metric tons of TSP fertiliser sank in the Rupsha River after colliding with pillar number 73 of the railway bridge, leaving two people including Kalam missing.
Another victim’s body was recovered the following day.
Bangladesh earmarks Tk 385 billion for agriculture, aiming for 10% annual growth by fiscal 2026
The Bangladesh government has earmarked Tk 385 billion for agricultural development over the next three years, targeting an average annual growth of 10% in the sector by the 2025-26 fiscal year.
This investment underscores agriculture's pivotal role in achieving food security and driving equitable economic growth, according to the 'Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)'.
Despite a diminishing share in GDP, agriculture remains critical for the livelihood of the majority, particularly in rural areas. To boost food production and resilience against adversities, the government's strategy includes developing high-yield and adversity-tolerant crop varieties, expanding mechanization and irrigation, and improving access to affordable inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD
The policy document highlights several initiatives aimed at modernizing agriculture through technology. These include increasing the use of surface water for irrigation over groundwater to conserve resources, incorporating renewable energy solutions, and employing remote sensing for crop monitoring.
The government also continues to support the sector with subsidies, financial incentives, and technological innovations to foster a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural framework.
Significant contributions also come from the fisheries and livestock sub-sectors, which not only bolster GDP—2.53% and 1.91%, respectively—but also provide essential protein sources and livelihoods for over 12% of the population. Achievements in these areas include self-sufficiency in fish, meat, and egg production, with milk expected to follow. Moreover, these sectors are vital for foreign exchange earnings through exports.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is set to launch development projects to enhance production capacities, adopt advanced management technologies, and improve conservation efforts, particularly for young hilsa fish ('jatka').
Water resource management is another focal area, given its importance to sustainable agriculture. Initiatives are underway to improve surface water availability through the excavation of water bodies and the enhancement of coastal afforestation, aiming to secure equitable water shares from transboundary rivers.
NAP Expo 2024: Bangladesh to showcase climate adaptation success, Environment Minister says
Amid threats of substantial economic losses due to climate change—projected at a 6.8% reduction in GDP by 2030—the government has prioritized comprehensive strategies to mitigate these impacts. The Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan is designed to equip vulnerable sectors and communities with the tools to enhance resilience and stability against climate-related disruptions.
Through these multifaceted efforts, Bangladesh is taking decisive steps to not only safeguard but also advance its agricultural heritage in the face of evolving global challenges.
No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD
Six divisions including Dhaka have been experiencing mild to moderate heat wave and it may continue for next five days commencing Monday (April 15, 2024), according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Country’s highest temperature was recorded in Rangamati at 40 degree Celsius on Sunday.
“Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, Sylhet divisions and Rangpur & Nilphamari districts and it may continue,” said a Met office bulletin.
Dhaka’s air 2nd worst in the world this morning
Day temperature may remain nearly unchanged and night temperature may rise slightly over the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Monday.
Trough of westerly low lies over West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay.
The Met office also forecast rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind at one or two places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places in 24 hours from 9am on Tuesday.
Dhaka’s air quality 5th worst in the world this morning
Besides, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions may experience rains or thunder showers in 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday, it said.
Nationwide celebrations usher in Bangla New Year 1431 with art, culture, and spirit of unity
On Sunday, Bangladesh joyously welcomed Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla calendar, marked by vibrant traditional festivities and widespread enthusiasm.
The celebrations commenced at dawn as artistes from Chhayanaut serenaded the arrival of the new year under Ramna Park's banyan tree with Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic song “Esho hey Baishakh, esho, esho”.
Across the nation, people from diverse backgrounds gathered at various historic and popular locations to celebrate the onset of the Bangla year 1431, filled with renewed hopes for peace and prosperity.
In Dhaka, the day's highlight was the Mangal Shobhajatra procession, which began at 9:18 am from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. This procession, emblematic of unity and cultural pride, featured participants in vivid costumes and with symbolic artifacts, parading past landmarks like Shahbagh, Dhaka Club, and Shishu Park.
The Faculty of Fine Arts played a pivotal role, showcasing the artistic and creative expressions that underpin Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage. The event reinforced the institution's dedication to cultural preservation and promotion.
Originating over six centuries ago during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar—who introduced the Bangla calendar in 1556 to simplify land tax collection in ‘Subah Bangla’—Pahela Baishakh is now an essential part of Bangladeshi culture and the country’s largest cultural festival.
As part of the celebrations, traders and shopkeepers inaugurate their ‘Halkhata’ (new account books) and offer sweets to guests, adhering to time-honoured traditions. Revelers, particularly youths, don traditional attire and converge on the streets at dawn to partake in the festivities.
Culinary traditions are also on full display as many enjoy ‘panta-bhat’ (watery rice) with fried Hilsa, lentils, green chili, and onions, a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Stringent security measures ensured the day's peaceful progression, with restrictions on vuvuzelas to prevent any disturbances. Police provided escorts for the Mangal Shobhajatra and monitored the event from strategic vantage points, guaranteeing a safe environment for all attendees.
Pahela Baishakh remains a day of joy and cultural pride, reflecting the unity and resilience of the Bangladeshi people as they look forward to a year of prosperity and harmony.
Young man beaten to death, mother tied to a tree over alleged theft in Feni
A harrowing incident unfolded in Bathania village, Chhagalnaiya upazila of Feni, where an 18-year-old caretaker was allegedly beaten to death by his employer, a local banker, over accusations of theft on Saturday.
The victim's mother was also tied to a tree during the assault. The employer, identified as Main Uddin, was arrested following the incident.
Nur Mohammad, the victim, had been employed for four years at Main Uddin's residence due to his family's financial struggles, explained his mother, Bibi Khadija.
She recounted that her son had never been granted leave, even during significant occasions like Eid. Overwhelmed by frustration, Nur Mohammad reportedly absconded with Tk 80,000 on the 27th of Ramadan, prompting threats from the banker’s family even after returning the money post-Eid.
Upon their attempt to return the money, Main Uddin and his brothers allegedly restrained and brutally assaulted Nur Mohammad, leading to his death from sustained injuries. "They could have taken legal routes but chose violence instead. I begged for my son's life," Khadija stated, demanding justice for the murder.
Hasan Imam, Officer-in-Charge at Chhagalnaiya Police Station, confirmed that the body, showing extensive injuries, was recovered Saturday night and sent for autopsy at Feni Sadar Hospital.
A case against six individuals, including the banker, has been lodged by Bibi Khadija. Main Uddin has confessed to the involvement in the violent act, as per police reports.
Tragic drowning claims lives of 2 children in Thakurgaon's Kulik River
Two children drowned in the Kulik River near the Khajana area of Ranisankail upazila, Thakurgaon on Sunday afternoon.
The victims were identified as 10-year-old Yasmin, daughter of Ibrahim of Khajana village, and 8-year-old Taslima, daughter of Yusuf Ali from the Dinajpur Sadar area.
Taslima, who had arrived in Khajana from Dinajpur just the day before to visit her uncle, tragically lost her life alongside her cousin Yasmin while they were playing near the river. Abul Kalam, chairman of Lehembha Union Parishad, confirmed the news of their deaths.
According to local residents and family members, the two girls were playing next to a neighbour’s house when they ventured unnoticed into the river to bathe. After a disappearance noticed by family members, a frantic search ensued. The search ended tragically when the bodies of Yasmin and Taslima were discovered in the river.
The bodies were subsequently retrieved and returned to their grieving families. Sohel Rana, Officer-in-Charge of the Ranisankail Police Station, stated that police were promptly notified and attended the scene to assist in the handover of the bodies to their respective families.
8 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs
No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till Sunday morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
However, eight patients were hospitalised across the country with viral fever during this period, according to the DGHS.
Of them, five were admitted to several hospitals in Dhaka, while the rest were outside the capital.
So far, 1,831 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024.
Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record.
The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.
Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.