United News of Bangladesh

A nor'wester coupled with hailstorms swept several villages of Kaliganj upazila in Lalmonirhat district on Wednesday night, damaging houses, trees and crops.The storm which began around 10:30 pm lasted for about one hour left a trail of destruction in four unions of the upazila.A number of educational institutions were also damaged while hundreds of trees were uprooted during the storm, disrupting road communication on Kakina-Chaparhat regional road.Crops including mangoes, litchis, maize, paddy, nuts and jute suffered damages.Besides, a number of electric poles were also uprooted, snapping power connections in four unions of the upazila. Crops on 12,000ha damaged as norwester lashes SirajganjShimul Mia, a resident of Tushbhandar area, said the storm began with light winds around 10:30 pm and then intensified suddenly. "Within moments, roofs of houses were blown away and trees were uprooted," he said.The worst-hit areas include several villages in Tushbhandar, Votmari, Kakina and Madati unions.Saiful Islam, a farmer from Baninagar village in Tushbhandar union, said, “It started with a gentle breeze, but soon a powerful storm tore through. My entire home has been destroyed. Without government aid, I have no way to rebuild.”Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Zakia Sultana visited the affected areas and said numerous homes and crops were damaged in Tushbhandar, Madati, Kakina and Votmari unions.She added that a list of affected people is being prepared through local representatives and financial and humanitarian assistance will be provided accordingly by the upazila administration.  

A youth died from electrocution at  Kumargaon in Sylhet city early Thursday. The deceased is Md. Jamil Ahmed,20, son of Garib Ullah of East Kalaruka area.  First Hajj flight from Sylhet leaves for Madinah He used to work as a security guard at Lutfunnesa Hall,  a women’s hotel in Kumargaon area. SI Mushfiqur Rahman, in-charge of Shiber Bazar police outpost, said that Jamil, who got electrocuted in the hall room, was rescued at noon and taken to Mount Edora Hospital, where the doctor declared him dead. The body has been kept at the Osmani Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.  Crucial Sylhet road and bridge collapse into Kushiyara amid relentless erosion

Twenty-seven members of erstwhile Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were released from Kashimpur jail in Gazipur on bail in connection with a case filed under the Explosive Substances Act over the Pilkhana carnage.The jail authorities said all the 27 accused were released from the jail around 10 am.Their relatives received them at the jail gate.Earlier on Monday, Additional Metropolitan Judge Ibrahim Mia granted bail to the former BDR members. BDR massacre: Dr Yunus says mystery must be uncoveredBesides, 178 more former BDR members were also granted bail in the case. Mohammad AL Mamun, jail superintendent of Kashimpur Central Jail part-1, said the bail order of the accused was reached at the jail gate on Tuesday afternoon.On February 25 and 26, 2009, 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed in a mutiny at the Border Guard Headquarters in Pilkhana.On 5 November 2013, a Dhaka court awarded death sentences to 150 BDR members and two civilians, and life imprisonment to 160 others in a murder case.On 27 November 2017, the High Court confirmed the death penalty for 139 out of 152 accused.

Former MP Kazim Uddin Ahmed Dhanu was arrested from Aftabnagar area in the capital early Thursday. He was arrested around 3 am, said DMP's Deputy Commissioner (media) Talebur Rahman.  According to Jatrabari Police sources, he was arrested in connection with a murder case filed with the police station on August 26, 2024. Mohammad Arif, 18, sustained bullet injuries during an anti-discrimination protest in front of a madrasa on Bou Bazar Road in Uttar Kutubkhali under Jatrabari Police Station on July 19, 2024. Ex-mayor Taposh’s close associate arrested in Dhaka Arif later died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Arif’s father Mohammad Yusuf filed a case naming 243 people. Kazim Uddin Ahmed Dhanu was named as the 14th accused in the case. Police said Dhanu is a FIR  named accused in four separate cases related to killings and attacks.  

A Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member was killed and four others were injured after being struck by lightning while on patrol along the Kauniya Char-Khetarchar border in Darbhanga union of Roumari upazila, Kurigram early Thursday. The deceased was identified as Riyad Hossain, 32, a member of the 35 BGB Battalion’s Darbhanga Border Outpost (BOP) based in Jamalpur. The injured are Md Jasim, 52, Nadim, 28, Shahin, 28, and Ansar member Ferdous Hossain, 36. Officer-in-Charge of Roumari Police Station Md Lutfor Rahman said the BGB team was patrolling the border area when lightning struck them, killing one and injuring four others. One killed, 15 injured in clash between two groups in Brahmanbaria The injured were taken to different hospitals for treatment. Subedar Farid of Darbhanga BGB camp under the 35 Battalion said the lightning strike occurred during heavy rain while the team was on patrol along the Kauniya Char-Khetarchar border area. All five members sustained serious injuries. They were immediately rescued and taken to Rowmari Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared Riyad Hossain dead. Dr Nabiul Islam, the resident medical officer (RMO) at the health complex, said Riyad was brought in dead. Two of the injured BGB members, who were in critical condition, were referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, while the others are being treated locally.

A man was killed and at least 15 others were reportedly injured in a clash between two rival groups in Natai village of Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Miajul Hossain, 50, son of Tota Miah of Natai village. He served as the president of the CNG Owners' Association of Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila. According to locals and the victim’s family, there had been a longstanding rivalry between the ‘Chander Bari group’ of Natai south union and the ‘Selim Bari group’ over establishing dominance in the area. Brahmanbaria Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Mozzafar Hossain said the clash was triggered by group rivalry. “Tensions have escalated following the death of one person. Members of RAB have been deployed to maintain law and order in the area,” he added. Tensions escalated from Monday night, with several clashes reported between the two groups. On Wednesday, fighting broke out at around 2pm, during which both sides used locally made weapons, including spears and iron rods. ‘Outlaw’ shot dead in Pabna Around 10 to 12 crude bombs were also detonated and at least 15 people were injured, said locals. Around 5:30pm, Miajul, who belonged to the Chander Bari group, was reportedly attacked by members of the rival group. Locals rescued him and took him to Brahmanbaria General Hospital around 6pm. After receiving initial treatment at the emergency unit, he was admitted to the surgery ward, where he died shortly after around 6:15pm. Dr Tajul Islam, an on-duty physician at the emergency department of Brahmanbaria General Hospital, said Miajul was found to have high blood pressure upon arrival at the hospital. He died while undergoing treatment. “He was declared dead after several tests. The exact cause of death can be confirmed after an autopsy,” he added.

A man allegedly stabbed his wife to death and injured two daughters before attempting to die by suicide on Tuesday night at Harishankarpur in Kushtia town. The deceased was identified as Meghla Khatun,22, wife of Mamun Ali, a day labourer and also a painter. The couple’s two daughters—four-year-old Kulsum and one-and-a-half-year-old Jannat—were critically injured in the attack. Officer-in-Charge of Kushtia Model Police Station Mosharraf Hossain said  family dispute might be the reason behind the murder. According to family sources, the coupled used to lock into altercation over Meghla’s alleged extramarital affairs. ‘Outlaw’ shot dead in Pabna On the night of the incident, Mamun reportedly caught her speaking to someone on the phone which enraged him. He then attacked Meghla with a sharp weapon, severely injuring her and also attacked his two daughters.  After the attack, Mamun also tried to kill himself by stabbing his own head and neck. Neighbours said that they rushed to the scene and took all four to Kushtia General Hospital in critical condition. Kushtia General Hospital's Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Hossain Imam said that all three [mother and two daughters] were hit on the head with a sharp object. The mother died around 11pm while undergoing treatment, he said. The condition of the two children remains critical, while Mamun is also being treated for serious injuries. No case has been filed yet, said the OC.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Tuesday staged protests at Dhaka University (DU) seeking justice for the murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a DU student and a leader of the organisation.  Three held over killing of DU student in Suhrawardy Udyan Shammo, a student of the 2018–19 sessions at the Institute of Education and Research, and Literary and Publication Secretary of Chhatra Dal’s AF Rahman Hall unit, was stabbed to death by a miscreant at Suhrawardy Udyan near the campus. The rally which began at the base of the Raju Sculpture paraded through the Central Mosque, Madhu’s Canteen, and the Arts Building, ending in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s residence with a brief gathering. Leaders and activists from various JCD units including Dhaka University, New Market Thana, Titumir College, and Kobi Nazrul College participated in the rally. Addressing the gathering, Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir demanded the resignation of the DU Vice-Chancellor, Proctor, and the Home Affairs Adviser, holding them responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation on and around the campus. “As the chief guardian of the university, the Vice-Chancellor cannot escape responsibility for this murder. His failure has been exposed by two violent incidents in quick succession after the student movement. The Proctor must also resign,” Nasir said. “We also call for the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser as another student named Parvez from a private university was recently killed in a similar knife attack. These incidents shows a collapse of public safety,” he added. Following the Zuhr prayers, Shammo’s namaz-e-janaza was held at the university’s central mosque. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Proctor Associate Prof Saifuddin Ahmed attended the funeral along with DU teachers and students. BNP’s Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Student Affairs Secretary Rokibul Islam Bakul, Shammo’s elder brother Anwaruzzaman Sagor, and several Chhatra Dal leaders and activists were also present. Later, Shammo’s body was taken to his ancestral home in Sirajganj for burial following a second funeral prayer, family members said. Dhaka University has declared Thursday (May 15) as a day of mourning. Academic activities will remain suspended for half the day, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan announced at a press conference. The university administration also held an emergency meeting attended by representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Department of Narcotics Control, and relevant DU departments. Several decisions were taken regarding safety measures in and around Suhrawardy Udyan. A seven-member investigation committee, led by Faculty of Arts Dean Prof Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, has been formed to probe the incident. The committee has been asked to submit its findings within three working days. Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khalid Mansur said three were arrested in connection with the murder.  Electric shuttle car service launched at DU

Only 13 percent of dried fish produced in Bangladesh were found to contain traces of pesticides, while the remaining 87 percent are considered safe for consumption, according to findings of a new study.  Researchers noted that even in the dried fish samples where pesticide residues were detected, the levels dropped significantly after cooking.  2-month fishing ban in Padma-Meghna to end tonight The study, based on samples collected from five major dried fish-producing regions — Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Dubla Char, Chalan Beel (Natore), and Sunamganj — analyzed 405 samples in total. It found an average of 13 percent pesticide usage across the selected samples. The study further revealed consumption preferences among regions.In Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, Churi shutki is the most consumed variety (57% and 55% respectively) while in Chalan Beel, Taki shutki dominates (37%), and in Dubla Char, Loitta shutki is the preferred choice (46%). The findings were presented on Wednesday  at a seminar titled “Presentation of Research Results” of  organised by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) at its headquarters in Shahbagh. BFSA Member Dr Mohammad Mostafa chaired the seminar, while BFSA Chairman Jakaria attended as chief guest. Dr Md Ariful Islam, senior scientific officer at the Shrimp Research Centre under the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, presented the research findings. Panel discussants included Prof Dr Md Tajul Islam Chowdhury of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and Dr Md Nazmul Bari, Principal Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. Prof Dr Mohammad Shoeb, also a BFSA member, delivered the welcome address. Jakaria stated that the research was part of seven studies undertaken during FY 2022–23. "The results reflect the researchers’ findings and not the official position of the BFSA. These do not represent the national picture, but provide limited insight. If higher levels of concern are found in preliminary studies, BFSA will propose broader research to relevant stakeholders," he said. He further warned that the use of pesticides in dried fish would be treated as a punishable offense. Stressing the need for clear definitions, he said, “Many practices are socially considered adulteration but may not be scientifically so. It’s crucial to define what qualifies as adulteration. The use of pesticides in dried fish should be treated as such.” In his welcome speech, Dr Shoeb noted that certain banned pesticides are still being used in dried fish. He referenced a recent Basel Convention proposal that seeks to prohibit 10 such pesticides, two of which are currently in use in Bangladesh. Dr Ariful Islam stated that 60 percent of the country’s protein intake comes from fish and meat. “Most dried fish producers lack formal education, leading to improper processing. Pesticides are often used when sunlight is insufficient — typically between October and March,” he said. He added that most pesticide use is associated with sun-drying processes. Of 260 core samples analysed, only 13 percent contained detectable pesticide levels. Daily per capita consumption of dried fish by region was found to be  15.72g in Cox’s Bazar, 14.48g Chattogram, 7.84g in Sunagang, 9.56g Chalan Beel, dubla Char in 12.22g.  Higher concentrations of endosulfan sulfate were detected in samples from all five regions, while smaller amounts of dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, and beta-endosulfan were also found. Dr Nazmul Bari highlighted the widespread use of polythene in dried fish processing and called for inclusion of microplastics in future studies. He also advocated for transitioning from traditional sun-drying methods to mechanical drying for improved safety. Speakers noted that soaking dried fish in water or saltwater for a few hours can reduce harmful effects. Researchers develop solution to lower emissions and enhance air quality from brick industry The seminar was attended by representatives from various private organisations, government agencies, civil society members, and media personnel.  Dialogue calls for stronger research, policy integration to build greener, resilient South Asia

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday handed over the official land deed for the Chattogram Heart Foundation Hospital. Prof Yunus, formally handed over the registered deed for 23 acres of land to Mohammad Abdus Salam, chairman of the Heart Foundation, at an event held at the Chattogram Circuit House in the afternoon.  Prof Yunus seeks coordinated, effective steps to get rid of Ctg waterlogging This marks a significant step toward fulfilling the longstanding demand of Chattogram residents for an international-standard specialised heart hospital. The hospital is set to be constructed in the South Kattali area under the jurisdiction of Pahartali Police Station.  Kalurghat: Prof Yunus unveiles foundation stone of much-awaited rail-cum-road bridge