United News of Bangladesh

The three-storey building of Bharanga Government Primary School in Manikganj has collapsed into the Jamuna River due to severe erosion caused by strong river currents. Md Khorshed Alam, Executive Engineer at the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Manikganj, said the school disappeared into the mighty river on Saturday afternoon.  Locals said the water level of the Jamuna had risen significantly in recent days, resulting in a powerful flow that led to erosion along the riverbank. Wazed Ali Sarkar, member of Ward No. 5 under Bachamara Union, said while some furniture, including chairs and table, was saved, heavier items such as steel furniture could not be salvaged. Nahiyan Nuren, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Daulatpur, said after being alerted about the erosion on Friday, a local engineer was sent to inspect the school. 

With the advent of the monsoon, riverbank erosion along the Surma has intensified alarmingly, posing a grave threat to the Chatak-Andhariganj-Sunamganj road, a vital communication lifeline for thousands in the region. Local residents have voiced growing concerns that large sections of the road may collapse into the river at any time, severing a crucial transport route that links several communities. The road, already weakened by the devastating floods of 2022, had shown some signs of recovery after repair works commenced in late 2024 under the supervision of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).  But, a fresh erosion is now rapidly undoing those efforts. A recent visit by the UNB correspondent revealed that the erosion has reached an alarming stage near the mazar (shrine) adjacent to Mallikpur Government Primary School. Surma River to be dredged to save Sylhet city from flood: State Minister for Water Resources Over the past three to four days, the river has edged perilously close to the paved sections of the road. The situation has worsened with the partial collapse of the western approach to the Machukhali Bridge, heightening fears of a major accident if immediate protective interventions are not made. Locals have reported visible cracks in the newly repaired stretches of the road, with some parts already beginning to subside. “The road is at high risk of being washed away, which would leave the surrounding communities completely cut off,” said a resident of Mallikpur. People from Mallikpur and Machukhali have appealed to the authorities to act without delay. They are calling for strong, lasting measures to curb the erosion and protect the road from further degradation. When contacted, Md Rafiqul Islam, Upazila Engineer of Chhatak, said he has visited the erosion-affected areas and acknowledged the severity of the situation. Surma River flowing over danger level in Sunamganj “Necessary steps will be taken promptly to prevent further damage,” he assured. As the river continues to encroach, residents remain on edge, hoping that urgent action will save the road that connects their lives, livelihoods and essential services.

Two people were killed and four others injured in a head-on collision between a truck and an easy-bike in the Darogar Bhita area near Rupsha Bridge in Khulna early Monday. The accident occurred around 6:00 am. Md Abdur Rahim, a sub-inspector and in-charge of Lobonchora Police Station, said a group of people from Chandpur was travelling to Khulna to visit relatives.  They were riding an easy-bike that was reportedly on the wrong side of the road when it was hit by a truck coming from Bagerhat. Rafiqul Islam, 56, the easy-bike driver, and Tanzil, 12, one of the passengers, died on the spot.  The four other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital for treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been kept at the hospital morgue.

Two people were killed and five others injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a CNG-run auto-rickshaw in Chandpur's Matlab Upazila on Sunday afternoon, police said. The deceased were identified as CNG driver Siddiqur Rahman, 50, of Holdia village in Matlab Uttar Upazila, and Tapan Choudhury, 35, of Fotehpur village in the same upazila. The accident occurred near Bordia Bridge in the upazila when a Chandpur-bound CNG auto-rickshaw collided with a Dhaka-bound bus of Jainpur Paribahan, leaving seven people including a child injured. Female doctor dies after being hit by truck in Sylhet Among them, five, including CNG driver Siddiqur, were taken to Chandpur General Hospital, where Siddiqur was declared dead upon arrival. Two others, including Tapan Choudhury, were taken to Matlab South Upazila Health Complex, where he was also declared dead on arrival by duty doctors. Two critically injured patients, including child Fahim, were referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment, said Biplob Das, medical officer at Chandpur 250-bed General Hospital. Saleh Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Matlab South Police Station, said police have seized the bus and CNG, but the bus driver managed to flee. 2 killed in M’singh road crash The bodies of the deceased were kept at Chandpur General Hospital and Matlab South Upazila Health Complex morgues. "Necessary actions will be taken after investigation," said the OC.

A female doctor who was riding a rickshaw died after being crushed under a reckless truck in Sylhet on Sunday. The deceased, Rahima Khatun Jessy, 27, was the daughter of Abu Noser of Lalabazar area in South Surma upazila of Sylhet. Rahima was an intern at Sylhet Women’s Medical College Hospital and a duty doctor at SSKS Clinic, said Md Habibur Rahman, Inspector (Investigation) of Sylhet Kotwali Model Police Station. Motorcyclist killed in Manikganj road crash The rickshaw puller, Zakirul Islam, was seriously injured in the incident. The OC said that the accident occurred at Jitu Mia Point in the city at around 11:15 am when a truck coming from South Surma hit the rickshaw, leaving doctor Jessy and rickshaw puller Zakirul seriously injured. Later, they were rescued and taken to Osmani Medical College Hospital, where Jessy succumbed to her injuries ataround 3 pm. Zakirul  is undergoing treatment at Osmani Hospital. His condition is critical. "The truck has been seized, but its driver fled the scene. Legal proceedings are underway," added the OC.

A motorcyclist was killed after being involved in a head-on collision with a bus in Manikganj's Ghior on Sunday, police said. The deceased, Sirajul Islam, was the son of Thandu Sheikh from Chargobindapur village in Daulatpur upazila. The accident occurred at around 2 pm on Sunday on the Charbailjuri Pancharashta flyover, said Islam, officer-in-charge (Investigation) of Ghior police station. According to police and witnesses, a Swadhinata Paribahan bus travelling from Daulatpur collided head-on with a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction, leaving Sirajul dead on the spot. The bus driver and his helper fled the scene immediately after the accident. On information, police rushed to the spot and seized the bus and the motorcycle. Police also recovered the body and sent it to Manikganj Medical College Hospital for autopsy, added the OC.

Sylhet, a paradise of natural beauty, offers boundless attractions for travelers. Its high and low hills, lush tea gardens, and clear waters flowing over stone beds instantly captivate visitors. In addition to these scenic natural spots, Sylhet city itself boasts numerous attractions, including Keane Bridge, Ali Amjad's clock, Chandni Ghat stairs, shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Shah Paran (RA), Khadimnagar National Park, Shahi Eidgah, and Gour Govinda's mound. Sada Pathor: About 35 km from Sylhet city in Bholaganj offers a mesmerizing landscape of white stones, clear blue waters, and clouds embracing the mountains. The waterfall’s cool waters flow into the Dhalai River, creating a stunning view of green mountains and blue waters. Ratargul: Known as the country's only freshwater swamp forest, Ratargul is a lush, green sanctuary submerged 4 to 7 months a year, with 73 plant species. The best time to visit is during the rainy season when boating through this water forest offers an unforgettable experience.

The Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) in Feni has heightened vigilance and increased patrols along the border to prevent illegal smuggling of rawhide, cattle, and buffaloes, especially in the lead-up to the holy Eid-ul-Azha festival. The authorities are actively monitoring the border to thwart any attempts at illegal entry or push-ins. Lieutenant Colonel Mosharraf Hossain, commander of the Feni BGB-4 Battalion, briefed reporters at the Jayalskar BGB camp in Feni during a press conference on Friday afternoon. He said that additional patrols and intelligence operations have been intensified to prevent rawhide smuggling and illegal cattle movement. He stated, “We have increased patrols and are conducting intelligence surveillance in collaboration with local communities to prevent smuggling. We are fully alert to address any illegal activities along the 102-kilometer border area in Feni district, which is monitored through 17 camps.” The BGB official also reassured the public that there is an adequate stock of sacrificial animals within the country to meet the Eid demand. To protect domestic farmers and prevent illegal cattle and buffaloes from neighboring countries from entering Bangladesh, the border security has been placed on the highest alert. Several cows have already been seized in this effort, he added. Colonel Mosharraf further added that BGB personnel are committed to ensuring smooth Eid celebrations by maintaining border security, internal law and order, and providing protection for Eid congregations. "Despite the long Eid holidays, the force remains vigilant, working tirelessly to uphold security and public safety," said the officer.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified patrols along various points of the border in Brahmanbaria to prevent the illegal entry of sacrificial animals from India ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, curb post-Eid smuggling of raw hides and combat drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes. The move also aims to thwart push-in attempts by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), according to Lt Col Jabbar Ahmed, commanding officer of the 25 BGB Battalion. On Friday afternoon during his visit to the border area in Anarpur under Fakirmora BOP in Akhaura upazila to inspect the security arrangements, he said, “Instructions have been issued for BGB to remain on high alert to prevent the smuggling of sacrificial animal hides after Eid, combat drug and goods smuggling, and resist any push-in attempts by the BSF.” BGB remains alert and vigilant to prevent push-ins along the border He added that surveillance and patrols have been significantly increased in the border areas as part of these efforts. Thanks to the heightened vigilance of both BGB personnel and local residents, no push-in incidents have been reported in this sector so far, he noted. “In the past month alone, the 25 BGB Battalion has seized drugs and smuggled goods worth over Tk 9 crore and 36 lakh,” the BGB official added, stressing that anti-smuggling drives will continue.

With the first-time 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday beginning on Thursday, the scenic coastal town of Kuakata is bracing for a surge in tourist arrivals, as nearly 80% of rooms in top-tier hotels have already been booked in advance. Known as the ‘Daughter of the Sea,’ Kuakata, famous for offering rare views of both sunrise and sunset over the Bay of Bengal, is gearing up to host tens of thousands of vacationers looking to make the most of the extended holiday. Tourism operators and hoteliers are optimistic about full occupancy in the days following Eid, with preparations in full swing to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for the influx of guests. From beach cleanups to upgraded amenities, hotel and motel owners have left no stone unturned. Meanwhile, the local administration has ramped up safety and security measures, deploying additional law enforcement personnel and setting up tourist help desks to manage the expected crowd. Measures have also been taken to ensure smooth traffic movement, hygiene and emergency medical support along the beach and other popular spots. With its natural charm, improved facilities, and extended break, Kuakata is set to offer an unforgettable Eid holiday experience for domestic travelers.