United News of Bangladesh

Manikganj's Shibalaya upazila is witnessing rampant illegal sand extraction using dredgers on the Alokdia Char of the Jamuna River, severely affecting homes, farmland, and public infrastructure. Four dredgers and two shallow machines are reportedly extracting sand, causing extensive riverbank erosion that has already displaced several families. Villagers claim the erosion has engulfed farmland, homes, and even a mosque, with two primary schools and the Mujib Fort, a government structure built at a cost of Tk 3 crore, at risk. Residents have filed written complaints to the district administration and the Ministry of Shipping, demanding an immediate halt to the illegal activities. During a visit to the area, six sand-extraction machines and multiple bulkheads were found operating about three kilometers away from the government-leased sand field in South Teota. These machines extract sand near the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh's (PGCB) electricity poles, endangering critical infrastructure and exacerbating river erosion. Bean cultivation transforms farmers' fortunes as it gains momentum in Lalmonirhat

Police on Monday recovered the body of a suspected drug peddler from the bank of the Kumar River at Nijnanduali village, on the outskirts of Magura town. The deceased, Bably Molla, was a resident of the Barunatail area of Magura town. Locals spotted the body and informed  police. Also Read: College student dead after tragic bike race with friends in Magura Police recovered his body this morning, said Mustafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Magura Police Station. His body was sent to Magura Sadar Hospital for an autopsy, he said. A case was filed in this regard, the OC added.