Madaripur, July 19 (UNB)— Strong currents and a rising water level of Padma River forced suspension of the ferry services on the Shimulia-Kathalbaria route since Friday afternoon.

“The water level rose by 27cm in 24 hours,” said Kathalbaria Ferry Terminal Manager Abdus Salam.

Only six ferries had been plying on the route throughout the day. 

“Strong currents and the rising water level forced us to suspend ferry operations in the afternoon,” he said.

About 500 goods-laden trucks were stuck on both sides of the river.  
 

Dhaka, July 19 (UNB)- Speakers at a human chain on Friday urged the government to amend the law to ensure death penalty for rape.

The human chain was organised by several social platforms including Socheton Nagorik Samaj (SNS) and Somajtantrik Mohila Forum at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

Recent media reports showed a disturbing rise in the number of rapes across Bangladesh.

Marjia Sadia, a member of SNS platform, said the only way to tackle the situation is to toughen the law. “There’s no alternative,” she said.

Bosunia Faruk, another member of the platform, said if rapists are sentenced to death by speedy trial tribunals, then people will think twice before committing the crime.

Besides, Samajtantrik Mohila Forum also held a rally in front of the press club demanding exemplary punishment of the rapists.

Naogaon, July 19 (UNB)- A youth died after inhaling toxic gas in a septic tank in Sadar upazila here on Friday.

The deceased was identified as Bhutto, 23, son of Golam Mustafa of Paharpur area.

Md Suhrawardi Hossain, officer-in-charge of Naogaon Sadar Police Station, said one Ashraful Islam climbed down to their newly-built septic tank at 10 on Friday morning and fell unconscious. Getting no response from him, his neighbor Bhuutto entered into the tank and he also lost sense.

Then, Bhutto’s father entered the tank and met the same fate.

Later, locals rescued them and sent to Naogaon Sadar Hospital where doctor pronounced Bhutto dead. The injured are undergoing treatment at hospital.

Dhaka, July 19 (UNB) – Three men were arrested with six firearms and bullets from the Gendaria Kitchen Market of Shyampur in the city on Friday.

The arrestees are Md Raju Gazi, 48, Minhajul Islam, 28, and Shawkat Hossain, 38.

Shyampur police raided the market around 9:45am acting on a tip-off and arrested the trio, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner (Media) Masudur Rahman.

Four foreign made pistols, two revolvers, seven magazines and 128 rounds of bullets were seized from them.

Gopalganj, July 19 (UNB) - A young man was hacked to death by his rivals at Shashabaria village in Sadar upazila here on Friday.

The deceased was identified as Jasim Sheikh, 36, son of Aziz Sheikh of the village.

Md Monirul Islam, officer-in-charge of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station, said there had been a longstanding dispute between two groups of villages over establishing supremacy.

About 50 armed people of the rival group swooped on Jasim’s house around 11am on Friday. They took Jasim out of his room and hacked him severely in broad daylight.

Jasim jumped into a nearby pond in his desperate bid to save himself but the attackers did not spare him.  

Later, he was rescued and taken to Gopalganj General Hospital where doctors pronounced the youth dead.

Victim’s brother Md Tutul said Jasim was also beaten up by the same group of people on the Eid day on June 5 last.