United News of Bangladesh

The Buddhist community in Cumilla celebrated "Kothin Chibor Dan," a religious festival on Friday. The festival was observed at Kotbari New Shalban Buddhist Monastery and World Peace Pagoda Analayo in the morning. Home Affairs Adviser assures Buddhist Federation of full support for holding events Major General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, GOC and Area Commander of Cumilla Cantonment 3 Infantry Division, was present as the chief guest in the programme. Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Amirul Kyser was the special guest at the event, which was presided over by Srimang Jinsen Mahasen. Work for the welfare of the country: President to Buddhist leaders The chief discussant was Srimang Sunandopriya, general secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, along with Srimang Pragyasree Mahather and Srimang Biddajoytee Mahather. During the celebration, the area surrounding the new Shalban Bihar was filled with the presence of devotees.

A fire engulfed 11 houses in the Ulubonia area of Hwaikong Union of Teknaf Upazila on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4 pm, with locals reporting that the blaze started in the kitchen of a house in Ward-1, quickly spreading throughout the neighbourhood. RMG factory warehouse set on fire in Gazipur Teknaf's Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Mohammad Adnan Chowdhury, confirmed the matter. Eyewitnesses described how the flames, fuelled by strong winds, rapidly escalated, consuming the homes in their path. The fire brigade responded to the emergency, but by the time they arrived, local residents had already managed to bring the fire under control. The UNO assured that the authorities would provide the necessary assistance to the affected families. "We are committed to supporting those impacted by this unfortunate incident," he said. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing.

Five people, including a local resident, were shot during a clash between two groups at a Rohingya camp in Ukhiya of Cox's Bazar on Thursday. Gunfire erupted throughout the day in camps 14 and 15, resulting in at least 10 people sustaining injuries. Amir Jafar, commander of APBN-8 (Additional DIG), confirmed the matter. The injured individuals are identified as Mohammad Belal (39) from Palangkhali, Ukhiya; Omar Faruk (30), son of Hossain, a resident of block D-7 in camp 15, Jamtoli; Mohammad Yunus (25), son of Abdur Rashid, a resident of block B-3 in the same camp; Abdullah (18), son of Mohammad Alser, a resident of block C-2 in camp 11, Ukhiya; and Hamida (50), daughter of Abdul Goni, from the same camp. The APBN official said that the clash, driven by disputes, led to five people being shot. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the MSF Hospital in Kutupalong, Ukhiya. The identity of those responsible remains unknown. Multiple sources suggest that ARSA has been attempting to reorganise in the camp since August 5, frequently clashing with RSO for control over various areas. The clash, which began on Thursday morning, saw both sides using heavy weapons, causing panic among Rohingya residents and locals alike. M Gafur Uddin, chairman of Palangkhali Union Parishad, said the incident has left locals near the camp fearful, with many avoiding leaving their homes except for urgent reasons and informing authorities about the ongoing violence.

After one month and 23 days of closure due to inundation, the iconic hanging bridge on Kaptai Lake, often referred to as the ”symbol of Rangamati,” has reopened to the public. The local administration lifted the ban on Thursday after water levels receded, restoring access to one of the district’s most popular tourist attractions. The bridge had been submerged since July 24, when heavy monsoon rains and water from upstream caused the lake to overflow, prompting the authorities to shut it down for safety reasons. The bridge is typically closed during the monsoon season when flooding is common. Despite the reopening, no tourists were seen at the site on Thursday, likely due to the lingering effects of the travel restrictions imposed earlier in the district. A few local visitors were spotted crossing the bridge, but the usual influx of tourists has yet to return. The authorities suspended ticket sales during the closure, said Ramjan Ali, a leaseholder at the Tourism Boat Ghat, adding that business in the area has been severely impacted by the months-long shutdown. Local businesses that depend on tourism have struggled to recover from the losses incurred during the closure. With the reopening, many hope for an economic revival as the peak tourist season approaches. Day 2 of 72hr blockade underway in Khagrachhari and Rangamati Alok Bikash Chakma, Manager of Rangamati Tourist Corporation, confirmed that the bridge has been cleaned and refurbished, expressing optimism about the coming months.  

Garment factory workers once again staged a protest by blocking the Nabinagar-Chandra Highway in Ashulia on Thursday morning, causing serious traffic congestion over a 3-kilometre stretch of the busy road. Officials and police said the workers of GAB Ltd under the Shahriar Garments section took to the streets, demanding the removal of a senior official. This protest comes just days after a previous demonstration where the workers had raised multiple demands, which the factory authorities initially agreed to meet. Unrest flares up at 10 factories in Gazipur; Dhaka-Mymensingh highway blocked However, tensions flared again as the workers accused the factory management of reneging on their promises.  

The prices of eggs in Khulna have surged beyond the government-set rates, causing much distress to consumers. Despite official directives, eggs are being sold at higher prices across local markets, with buyers claiming that traders are manipulating prices through syndicates. In retail markets, eggs are being sold at Tk 13.50 per piece, while the government has set the price at Tk 11.87. As a result, consumers are paying Tk 1.53 more per egg than the government rate. Eggs must be sold at govt-set prices from Wednesday: DG of Consumer Rights Parvez, an egg trader of Chadkhali village in Paikgachha upazila, said the cost of producing an egg is much higher than the price fixed by the government. So it is impossible to sell eggs at the government price. At present, 100 eggs are being sold at Tk 1,250 in the wholesale markets of Khulna. Nimai Chandra, a farm owner in Batiaghata, said though big companies benefit from various government facilities, small farmers do not receive such support. These companies are increasing the prices of chicken through syndicates, making it difficult for small farms to operate. Many farm owners in his area are shutting down due to rising chick prices and he fears the industry may collapse if the government does not take action against these companies. Basudev, a trader at Dolkhola Islampur Mor, echoed similar concerns, saying that they are forced to buy eggs at high prices in bulk. Action against price-hiking syndicates under Special Powers Act At Moylapota Shondha Bazaar, housewife Rahima Begum expressed her frustration, saying that after meat, eggs are a key source of protein, but the market has been unstable for months. With the rising prices of everyday essentials, she said, maintaining a household is becoming increasingly difficult. She urged the government to take immediate steps to address the situation. At the same market, customer Atunu Kor remarked that the government seems to be at the mercy of traders. Despite setting prices for essential goods, traders are not adhering to the regulations.

The loco master of Karnaphuli Express Train at Narsingdi station saved a woman’s life by stopping the train just in time, preventing her from attempting suicide. The incident occurred at 5 pm at Narsingdi station, as confirmed by Station Master ATM Musa. However, the woman's identity remains unknown, as she left the station immediately after the incident. Station Master Musa recounted that around 5 pm, the Dhaka-bound Karnaphuli Express was approaching the station when a woman suddenly stepped onto the tracks. The loco master acted quickly, applying the emergency brakes and stopping the train just in time. Unfortunately, this sudden halt caused the train’s engine to malfunction, leading to a suspension of services for approximately three hours. Train operations were restored at 8pm, he noted.

A stadium has been named in honor of Shaheed Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur who was killed by police gunfire during the anti-discrimination movement in Rangpur. The "Shaheed Abu Sayed Stadium" was inaugurated on Wednesday in Kharampur village, located in Meherpur’s Gangni upazila. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Akheruzzaman, former chairman of Dhankhola Union Parishad. To celebrate the occasion, the villagers organized a discussion meeting followed by a midday feast after a milad mahfil. The event also included a friendly football match between two local teams, along with a jersey distribution. Notably, the stadium is built on about two acres of government land in Kharampur that had previously been occupied by some local residents under a nominal lease. Recently, locals reclaimed the land to create this stadium.

The 134th death anniversary of the legendary mystic poet and philosopher Fakir Lalon Shah will be observed tomorrow in Kumarkhali, Kushtia, with a range of cultural and spiritual events, drawing devotees and admirers from across the country. The Lalon Academy, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Kushtia district administration, has organized a three-day discussion session and a five-day Lalon Fair at the Akhra in Cheuriya, where Lalon Shah lived and taught. The authorities confirmed that all preparations have been completed ahead of the event. The program will officially kick off in the evening with an inaugural discussion session, to be opened by Farida Akhtar, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The celebrations will continue until Saturday midnight, offering participants a rich blend of spiritual teachings, music, and community gatherings. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Kushtia's Acting Deputy Commissioner and President of the Lalon Academy's Ad Hoc Committee, Sharmin Akhter, confirmed the comprehensive arrangements in place, ensuring the success of the event. Thousands of Lalon devotees, many of whom arrived in Cheuriya over a week ago, are expected to take part in the anniversary. The fairground, located near the Kali River, has been transformed into a hub of spiritual and cultural activity as followers of Lalon Shah set up temporary tents to mark the occasion. A visit to the Akhra revealed over a hundred Baul followers camped along the field by the river, singing Lalon's philosophical songs, accompanied by traditional instruments such as the Ektara and Dotara. The songs, which reflect Lalon's teachings on spirituality, equality, and the human soul, are at the heart of the gathering. Lalon Festival begins in Kushtia today Local devotee Faruk Sadhu expressed the significance of the event, saying, "I come here for the peaceful and serene environment to meditate on Saijee's teachings. It's also an opportunity to inspire others and exchange thoughts with fellow devotees." Another follower, Shahin Sadhu, echoed these sentiments: "I will stay here throughout the program. There is no hatred, pride, or distinctions here. We perform the songs of the saints and gurus, share ideas, and it feels wonderful." To ensure the smooth running of the event, Acting Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akhter noted that security has been tightened around the shrine and fairgrounds. The 134th Lalon death anniversary promises to be a significant cultural and spiritual gathering, honoring the life and teachings of one of Bangladesh’s most revered figures.

Two people, including a three-year-old girl, died, and three others were injured after a truck carrying gas cylinders collided with a CNG-run auto rickshaw in Banshkhali upazila Chattogram on Wednesday afternoon. The incident happened at the Natundighi area of Sadhanpur union on the Patiya-Anwara-Bashkhali road. Nurul Haque Hawladar, in charge of the Ramdas Munshirhat Police Investigation Centre, confirmed the matter. 35,384 killed in road, railway, waterway accidents since 2019 The deceased have been identified as Rashmi Barua (3), daughter of Saikat Barua from Kalarmarcharra Union, Maheshkhali, and Wasif Raihan (16), son of Nurul Islam Tunu from Panirchhara, Chhoto Maheshkhali Union. Eyewitnesses reported that the accident happened when the CNG auto rickshaw was returning to Maheshkhali from Chattogram. The collision with the truck resulted in the immediate deaths of two passengers. The three critically injured were rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Sadhanpur Union Parishad Chairman, KM Salahuddin Kamal, stated that police have seized the truck, but the driver fled the spot.