United News of Bangladesh

The well-marked low over west-central Bay and adjoining area moved northnorthwestwards and intensified into a depression over the same area. It is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify further into a deep depression, said a Met office special bulletin. It was centered at 3:00 pm on Wednesday about 915 km southwest of Chattogram port, 865 km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 800 km southwest of Mongla port and 795 km southwest of Payra port. Under its influence, steep pressure gradient persists over North Bay. Gusty or squally weather may affect the maritime ports, the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 km of the depression centre is about 40 kph rising to 50 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain moderate near the depression centre. The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No three. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice, so that they can take shelter within a short notice.  

Enayetullah Khan, Editor-in-Chief of UNB and President of the Bangladesh Chapter of The International SeaKeepers Society, will represent Bangladesh at the Ocean Collective Summit (TOCS) 2025 in Singapore. The two-day summit, taking place on 2–3 October, will gather global experts, policymakers, business leaders, investors, scientists and environmental advocates to chart the future of ocean conservation. Hosted by The International SeaKeepers Society Asia, the conference will run under the theme ‘Turning What If into What’s Next’. The event will open with keynote addresses by Jay Wade, Chairman of The International SeaKeepers Society, Singapore’s Minister of State Alvin Tan, and world-renowned aquanaut Fabien Cousteau, who will call for bold global action to protect the oceans. Innovative solutions showcase exploring the role of AI, big data and robotics in marine sustainability, along with sessions on aligning business and policy, advancing waste management solutions and a design-thinking workshop led by Cousteau are among the first day’s highlights. Bangladesh delegation participates in BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit in India The second day will focus on restorative and inclusive conservation. Simon Bernard of Plastic Odyssey will share insights from their global plastic-reduction expedition, followed by Dr Daniel Mira-Salama of the World Bank on climate-resilient coastal communities. Philanthropy’s role in ensuring equity in ocean sustainability will also be discussed before the summit concludes with closing remarks from Cousteau and Julian Chang, President of The International SeaKeepers Society Asia. With the SeaKeepers Bangladesh chapter working to raise awareness, mobilise communities and advocate for responsible ocean stewardship, its President Enayetullah Khan’s participation underscores Bangladesh’s growing engagement in global marine sustainability efforts.  

Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 200 this year. During this period, 490 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, bringing the total number of cases to 47,832 so far this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), said DGHS. Besides, a total of 76 people died from dengue while15,866 cases were reported in the month of September, according to the DGHS. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: 138 in Barishal Division (outside city corporation), 60 in Chattogram Division (outside city corporation), 100 in Dhaka Division (outside city corporation), 78 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 64 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 28 in Mymensingh Division (outside city corporation) and 22 in Rangpur Division (outside city corporation). Currently, 2359 patients are undergoing treatment at various hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. The DGHS recorded 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries during the same period. In 2023, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record.      

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General (DG) Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui on Wednesday said the country’s largest religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, is being observed in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. Ashrafuzzaman made the remarks while visiting the traditional Dhakeshwari and Ramna Kali Mandirs in Dhaka. He said the BGB has been entrusted, alongside other law enforcement agencies, with ensuring security for Durga Puja celebrations across the country. “BGB is guarding more than 2,000 puja mandaps in border areas, in addition to providing security at major mandaps in Dhaka and other parts of the country. Our aim is to ensure that people of all faiths can celebrate their religious festivals without hindrance. With one day left, I firmly believe that with the collective efforts of all, this year’s Durga Puja will conclude in a very peaceful and harmonious manner,” he said. To prevent any untoward incidents, the DG said, the BGB has intensified intelligence surveillance and conducted special patrols in border areas. The force is also coordinating closely with local administrations and other law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order nationwide, he said. During his visit, the DG exchanged greetings with Hindu devotees and met with the presidents and members of the Durga Puja Celebration Committees of Dhakeshwari and Ramna Kali Mandiris. Additional Director General (Operations and Training), the Dhaka Sector Commander, and other senior BGB officials accompanied him. Home Adviser urges to observe Durga Puja preserving sanctity Since September 24, a total of 430 BGB platoons have been deployed, with 24 base camps set up across Dhaka and border districts to ensure security at 2,870 puja mandaps nationwide. Of these, 1,417 mandaps are in border areas, including 15 in the hill tracts, while 1,453 are outside border zones. Among the latter, 441 mandaps are in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur city corporations; 694 in Chattogram metropolitan area, Raozan, and Rangunia; and 318 in other parts of the country.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at places across the country including Dhaka due to the influence of well-marked low over the Westcentral Bay and adjoining area during next 72 hours commencing 9 am on Wednesday. “Due to the influence of well-marked low over the Westcentral Bay and adjoining area and active monsoon, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions during next 72 hours,” said a Met office heavy rainfall warning. Due to heavy to very heavy rainfall landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chattogram division. Besides, temporary waterlogging may occur at places over Dhaka and Chattogram meteopolitan areas.    

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan left Dhaka on Wednesday for a five-day official visit to Turkey at the invitation of the Commander of the Turkish Air Force. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visit, scheduled from October 1 to 5, will include meetings with the Turkish Air Force Commander, the Secretary of Defence Industry and other senior military and civilian officials. Discussions will focus on issues of mutual interest and expanding cooperation in the defence sector. Army Chief leaves for Malaysia to attend IPACC During the trip, the air chief will also tour Turkish Aerospace Industries and several government and private defence equipment manufacturers. The visit is expected to further deepen the longstanding ties between Bangladesh and Turkey while broadening professional collaboration between their air forces. Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan is scheduled to return home on October 6.

A couple was killed in a lightning strike at Saheber Alga village in Ulipur upazila of Kurigram district on Tuesday night. The deceased were identified as Jahangir Hossain, 42, a farmer and his wife Rubi Begum, 35 of the village. Quoting local people, Md Zillur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Ulipur Police Station, said a streak of thunderbolt struck on the couple around 7:30 pm when they were sitting on their house amid rain, leaving them dead on the spot. A pall of gloom descended over the incident in the area.    

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No 3 as a low-pressure area has been formed over westcentral Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. “Under the influence of the well-marked low over westcentral Bay and adjoining area, heavy to very heavy rain with gusty or squally wind may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh,” said a Met office special bulletin. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.    

A fisherman was killed after being attacked by a crocodile while fishing in the Sundarbans on Tuesday afternoon and his body was recovered nearly seven hours later. The deceased was identified as Subrata Mondal, 32, son of Kumud Mondal, from Dhangmari area in Dakop upazila, Khulna. According to Azad Kabir, officer-in-charge of Karamjal Wildlife Breeding and Tourism Centre, Subrata had entered the Sundarbans on Tuesday morning with several others, carrying a government-issued pass obtained from the Dhangmari station under Chandpai Range of the East Forest Division. After collecting fish and crabs in the Jongra area, they were returning in the afternoon. Around 3:30 pm, while crossing the Karamjal canal by swimming, a crocodile suddenly attacked Subrata, dragged him underwater, and disappeared into the canal. His companions tried desperately to rescue him but were unsuccessful. Later, locals and forest officials launched a search operation. Subrata’s body was recovered around 10:30 pm from the Gojalmari area of Karamjal canal, Azad Kabir said. He said Subrata had entered the forest with official permission. As his death resulted from a crocodile attack, his family will receive compensation according to government rules.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman on Tuesday night assured he will stand by the Hindu community to ensure a peaceful Sharadiya Durga Puja, even if it requires “the last drop of his blood.” He made the remark while exchanging Puja greetings at ‘Bijuliya Sarbajanin Durga Mandir’ in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah. He warned that any attempt to disrupt the festival would be dealt with strictly by the government. “Authorities have taken maximum precautions, including CCTV coverage in all temples. Anyone trying to create unrest will be treated as an enemy of the nation,” he said. During his visit, he inspected local Puja mandaps and provided financial donations to the Puja committees. Mob justice not acceptable, says Attorney General   Additionally, he emphasized that festivals belong to all and communal disturbances will not be tolerated. Local Puja committee leaders and BNP officials, including Shailkupa Upazila BNP General Secretary Humayun Babar Firoz, were also present there.