United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will address the nation this evening on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. He will address the nation at 7pm on Friday, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.Bangladesh celebrates Eid-ul-Azha, one of the largest religious festival of Muslims, on Saturday.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam on Friday said he is “100 percent confident” about the security measures taken in Dhaka during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with 500 patrol teams deployed across the capital. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after inspecting security arrangements at the city's National Eidgah ground in the morning. The adviser said Eid prayers will be held in the usual manner, and law enforcement agencies are working across the country to ensure overall security. He said devotees at the National Eidgah do not need to bring their own prayer mats, as all preparations have been made. “There is no lack of preparation,” he said, adding that law enforcers across the country have remained on duty during the holiday to provide security. Cattle prices lower this year, says Home Affairs Adviser Responding to a question about security in the nearly empty capital during the Eid holidays, Jahangir Alam said 500 patrol teams have been deployed across Dhaka, including narrow alleys. “Sometimes small incidents occur — we are working to prevent even those.” Regarding allegations that some victims are unable to file cases at police stations, the home adviser said, “If any officer refuses to file a case, action will be taken against those responsible.” He also addressed an incident in which a journalist was reportedly assaulted in Mohakhali bus terminal while reporting on passenger harassment. “The matter has come to my attention, and we are investigating it,” he said. Eid home rush: 12-km tailback on Dhaka-M’sing highway On the issue of repeat offences by criminals after being granted bail, the adviser said, “This is a matter for the courts, not the police. However, you have seen recently that two top criminals were brought back under the law after reoffending. No one involved in illegal activities will be spared — whether small-time or major criminals. The law is equal for all.” Reiterating his stance, he asserted, “I am 100 percent confident about this year’s security.”

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali on Friday said that not a single Eid congregation in the capital will remain outside the purview of security coverage during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. He said this after inspecting the security arrangements at the National Eidgah of the capital in the morning. To ensure comprehensive and foolproof security at the National Eidgah, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, and other Eid venues in Dhaka, the DMP has made a coordinated security plan, the commissioner said. As part of Eid holiday security, 500 patrol teams will be deployed at night and 250 during the day to ensure safety in the relatively empty city. Regarding the National Eidgah, the DMP chief said there will be four entry gates for male devotees  and one for females. This year, 118 Eidgahs and 1,621 mosques across Dhaka will host Eid congregations. Additionally, eight Eid jamaats will be held by Shia and Ahmadiyya communities in the city. Adequate security measures have been taken at the National Eidgah ground. CCTV cameras have already been installed in and around the ground, while a temporary police control room has been set up to monitor security round-the-clock. Checkposts will be placed at three major entry points to the Eidgah — Matsya Bhaban crossing, in front of the Press Club, and High Court crossing. All musollis must pass through archways and undergo checks with metal detectors and manual frisking at the entry points. Separate arrangements have been made for female worshippers, including dedicated entrances and security protocols. The area will be swept by SB’s sweeping team and CTTC’s dog squad ahead of the congregation. DMP's SWAT and bomb disposal units will remain on standby, while a significant number of DB and CTTC personnel in plainclothes will be deployed to maintain security. A special security perimeter will also be established in the area. Watchtowers have been installed for real-time observation, and DMP is coordinating with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to implement all necessary measures. Similar security measures will be in place at Baitul Mukarram Mosque, while crime divisions of DMP have coordinated with local organizers to ensure adequate security at other Eidgahs in the city. “No Eid jamaat in the city will be without security coverage,” the commissioner reiterated. Urging city dwellers to cooperate with security protocols, he requested that no one bring bags, sharp objects, or flammable items to Eid venues.  He also advised attendees to leave in an orderly manner after the prayers and immediately report anything suspicious to nearby police personnel. He also urged residents to follow DMP’s guidelines during the Eid holidays and to maintain cleanliness by properly disposing of sacrificial animal waste.  For any assistance, citizens were asked to contact the national emergency service 999 or the police control room. Vehicle patrols, foot patrols, and mobile patrol units will be active throughout the Eid holidays to secure the city. The commissioner added that even officers who typically remain in offices have been assigned supervisory roles and will be on the ground. Roadside checkpoints will also be in operation.  

Medium-sized cattle are witnessing the highest demand at Dhaka’s makeshift markets set up ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, while large, high-priced cows are struggling to attract buyers, traders said. During visits to several cattle markets in the capital, animals priced between Tk 90,000 and Tk 1.8 lakh appeared to be the most sought-after by customers. Trader Alam Bepari brought six cows to the Merul Badda market after his usual selling spot in Aftabnagar did not host a market this year.  Four of his cows, all medium-sized, were sold for prices ranging from Tk 1.2 to Tk 1.62 lakh. “The remaining two are large cows. I’m asking Tk 5 lakh for each, but the highest offers so far are around Tk 2.3 lakh,” he said. “Last year, cows priced at Tk 5 lakh sold out just before Eid. Cows priced at Tk 10 to 15 lakh sold well in Aftabnagar. This year, I haven’t seen such buyers. No one is offering above Tk 2 lakh,” Alam added. At the Diabari market in Uttara, Monir Hossain from Manikganj brought four cows.  He managed to sell three, but the biggest one remains unsold. “I spent the most raising this cow. I’m asking Tk 7.5 lakh but am ready to settle for Tk 5 lakh. Buyers are only offering Tk 2.8 lakh,” he said. Trader Ledu Hawladar, also at Diabari, brought only medium-sized cows this year.  “Last time, I faced losses with large cows. This year, medium-sized cattle are selling well, and buyers are paying good prices,” he said. Buyers pointed to several reasons behind the drop in demand for large cattle. Abul Kalam, a customer, said, “People who buy cows for Tk 10 to 20 lakh are usually either big businessmen or those with unaccounted money. Even many wealthy people avoid spending such amounts. Instead, they prefer buying multiple cows within a Tk 5 lakh budget. A Tk 20 lakh cow is more about showing off than sacrifice.” Another buyer, Shahidul Islam, said past incidents have changed people’s attitudes.  “High-profile cattle from Sadik Agro and the goat controversy involving Matiur have made people cautious. If someone buys a Tk 20 lakh cow, questions are raised about the source of income. That’s a major concern in our country. Honest earners rarely think of spending Tk 30 lakh on one cow,” he said. Buyers also reported that no small cows are available below Tk 60,000. A visit to the markets confirmed the observation, with most small cows priced between Tk 65,000 and Tk 80,000. Traders attributed the high price of small cows to rising expenses.  “Even for smaller animals, rearing and transport costs are high. At minimum profit, the price stands at Tk 60,000 to Tk 70,000,” one trader said. Goats have emerged as a preferred choice for many middle- and lower-middle-income buyers. Most goats are selling between Tk 15,000 and Tk 30,000. In some areas, goats are being sold on street corners, where prices are slightly lower than at markets. Trader Safed Ali brought 20 goats from Gaibandha to the Bashundhara area. “I’m asking Tk 15,000 for goats yielding around 10 to 12 kg of meat. For larger ones yielding over 20 kg, the price ranges from Tk 25,000 to Tk 30,000,” he said. Moizuddin, another goat seller, said demand for goats is high this year. “People are buying more goats than cows. Many buyers are taking two goats at a time,” he said. Buyers said they are choosing goats to fulfil their religious obligation while staying within budget. Haji Ali, a resident of Shahjadpur, bought three goats from Bhatara. Last year, he offered a cow, but this time opted for goats.  “The cows priced at Tk 60,000 to Tk 65,000 are in poor condition. My brothers and I usually share the cost. We didn’t find any suitable cows, so we bought these three goats for Tk 45,000,” he said. This year, 21 authorised cattle markets have been set up under Dhaka’s two city corporations. Some larger markets also have buffaloes, sheep and dumba on sale, though these animals are drawing little interest for sacrificial purposes.

The price of gold has increased by Tk 2,415 per bhori (11.664 grams) for 22-carat gold, now standing at Tk 1,72,336, effective from today (Friday) – just a day before Eid. In a press release, the Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (Bajus ) said the price of acid gold (pure gold) has risen in the local market. Considering the overall situation, a new price has been set accordingly. As per the latest rates, the price of 22-carat gold is now Tk 1,72,336 per bhori, while 21-carat gold will cost Tk 1,64,497. Gold price to go down by Tk 3452 per bhori from Friday The price for 18-carat gold stands at Tk 1,40,994 per bhori, and traditional method gold is priced at Tk 1,16,640 per bhori. This is the first price hike by Bajus in June. On May 21, the association last increased the gold price by Tk 2,823 per bhori, setting the price for 22-carat gold at Tk 1,69,921. So far this year, gold prices have been adjusted 37 times — with 25 hikes and 12 reductions. Gold price increases by Tk1562 per bhori from Wednesday

At least three people were killed and five others injured when a Dhaka-bound train crashed into a CNG-run auto-rickshaw on the Kalurghat Bridge in Chattogram on Thursday night. One of the deceased was identified as Tushar, the driver of the auto-rickshaw  involved in the accident. According to locals, the ‘Parjatak Express’ train from Cox’s Bazar rammed into the auto-rickshaw  around 10:30pm when it entered the bridge, reportedly ignoring traffic signals.  The train subsequently collided with several other vehicles, including motorcycles. Aminul Islam, a firefighter from the Kalurghat Fire Station who was present at the scene, said they received information about the accident around 10:45pm and rushed to the spot.  After rescuing the victims, they sent all of them to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH).  He said a body was recovered from under the wheels of the train around 12:30am. As of 1am, rescue operations were still going on at the scene. Train services disrupted as local stage demo demanding justice for BWDB employee Akash's murder in Chuandaga  

The low-lying areas along the Jamuna river of Sirajganj have been inundated and some new areas are under threat of flooding as water level in the river swelled due to continued heavy rainfall and upstream water flow. Over the past 24 hours till Thursday morning, the water level at the Sirajganj point increased by 68 centimetres, although it was still flowing below the danger mark. Despite still under the danger level, the rapid rise has already flooded several low-lying areas along the river, raising concerns among locals about an early flooding this year. Residents of the river-adjacent upazilas—Shahjadpur, Chauhali, Belkuchi, Kazipur, and parts of Sirajganj Sadar are particularly worried, with fears that croplands in low-lying areas may soon go underwater. Riverbanks have already collapsed in some locations, with worsening conditions in parts of Sirajganj Sadar and Shahjadpur upazilas. Surma, Kushiyara rivers flow above danger level in Sylhet; flood fears loom Nazmul Hossain, sub-divisional engineer of the local Water Development Board, said that preventive measures are being taken as the water may continue to rise for another two to four days. He, however, informed that there is currently no immediate risk of severe flooding.

To ensure safe and smooth travel during Eid-ul-Azha, members of Bangladesh Coast Guard has intensified special patrols and surveillance operations on key waterways across the southern parts of the country. The key areas include--Chandpur, Shariatpur, Bhola, Hatiya in Noakhali and Barishal districts. Some 135 launches are operating 24 hours across 23 southern districts, carrying thousands of Eid travelers returning home to celebrate with their loved ones. An accident occurred around 12:20 pm on Thursday as six passengers, including five from the one family, fell into the Buriganga River from the stairway of the MV Farhan-3 launch heading toward Monpura in Bhola, said Mobarak Hossain, deputy director of Dhaka river port. They were rescued by boatmen nearby. Among the rescued were three children, one woman, and two teenagers. They were traveling from Dhaka to Monpura. There has been heavy pressure of passenger on route to Chandpur, Bhola, Patuakhali, Hatiya, and Sandwip and around 135 to 145 launches are operating daily on these routes during the Eid rush, said Mobarak Hossain. Meanwhile, during briefing, Navy Commander Harun-or-Rashid, at Pontoon No. 13 of Sadarghat Launch Terminal, said that the Bangladesh Coast Guard has strengthened security at major launch terminals, ferry points and crossings across the country to ensure safe Eid journeys by water. Coast guard detains 2 with arms, bombs in Bhola The Coast Guard, which has long been responsible for ensuring safety in coastal and riverine areas, has undertaken special measures in four zones—Dhaka, Bhola, Chattogram, and Mongla. It also enhanced patrols including searches of suspicious individuals and vessels, passenger bag scanning, public announcements via loudspeakers and distribution of awareness leaflets. Special attention is being given to the Dhaka–Chandpur–Barishal–Patuakhali–Bhola route and launches on the Buriganga, Shitalakkhya, Gazaria and Meghna rivers. Regular patrols are also being conducted at major terminals, including Chattogram’s Sadarghat, Karnaphuli, Cox’s Bazar’s No. 6 and Baroghop ghats, Khulna’s Rupsha, Koyra, Sharankhola, and Koikhali in Mongla and the Ilisha and Veduria terminals in Bhola, along with the DC Launch Terminal in Barishal. The Coast Guard confirmed that its personnel are on 24-hour high alert to prevent any untoward incidents or acts of sabotage. These special security operations will continue even after Eid to ensure safe journeys for all waterway passengers.

Though the north eastern district of Sylhet has experienced light rainfall throughout the day, water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers swelled above the danger mark, causing tension among people living along the riverbanks. As of 9am on Thursday, the rivers were still overflowing at four key monitoring points, according to the Water Development Board (WDB) in the district. WDB Executive Engineer Dipak Ranjan Das said that water levels in other local rivers have dropped below danger levels but the two rivers were flowing above the danger mark.    Syhlhet experienced 17.5mm of rainfall over the last 24 hours till 6am on Thursday, down from 7mm in the previous period, as reported by the Meteorological Office. Moreover, the district experienced light rainfall during the day.   However, Assistant meteorologist Shah Md. Sajib Hossain forecasted light to moderate rain with possible thunderstorms in Sylhet next Monday. Sylhet rivers keep swelling despite reduced rains At 9am on Thursday, water in the Kushiyara River was 125 cm above danger level at Amalshid point—down from 165 cm on Wednesday evening. However, the water level at Fenchuganj rose slightly to 68 cm, up from 67 cm, while Sheola recorded a slight drop. The Surma River was 71 cm above danger level at Kanaighat, a minor drop from 82 cm on Wednesday. Water levels in other rivers such as Sari, Dawki, Dhalai, and Lovachhara are receding and flowing well below danger marks. Despite the improvement, low-lying areas in Jakiganj and Kanaighat have been inundated. On June 2, parts of a Kushiyara River embankment broke, causing inundation of several localities in Jakiganj. While water has started receding in some areas, most remain submerged, with reports of rising water in others.

With Eid ul-Azha just a day away, cattle markets across the country, including various areas of the capital, were bustling with activity on Thursday. People gather to buy cows, goats, and buffaloes, but not everyone was joyful. At the makeshift cattle market in Rampura, many sellers were seen visibly emotional as they prepared to part with their beloved animals. Md. Rajib, who came from Gazipur's Kapasia, shared his feelings: “I’ve raised this cow for two and a half years. It’s hard to sell it now. I’ve cared for it alone, and it’s upsetting to let it go.” Another seller, Anwar Hossain, said that his wife used to care for the cows. "She was upset when I brought the animals here. I also feel sad, but I have no choice."