Khulna
Many embankments turn vulnerable in Khulna’s Koyra; Fear grips residents
Fear has gripped the residents in the coastal areas of Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira as most of the embankments have turned fragile over the years, thanks to the negligence of the authorities concerned.
Their worry grows when cyclone is developed over the Bay of Bengal or weather department predicts any cyclone or tidal surge in the coastal districts.
Recently the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning about the possible formation of a cyclonic storm called ‘Mocha’ in the southeast Bay of Bengal, which has sparked fear among them.
The cyclone is likely to make landfall on the eastern coast of India and possibly in parts of Bangladesh between 7-9 May, it said.
Most of the embankments in Koyra upazila of Khulna are very vulnerable, with some only having two to three feet wide earth embankments, said locals.
They said the risks are high as water may enter the localities due to collapse of dams in different parts of the area, putting the houses and lives of many at risk.
After Cyclones Amphan and Yash, broken dams were repaired at 21 places in Koya Upazila, and 20 kilometres of damaged embankments were repaired with soil and sandbags, according to local office of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).
However, currently, renovation work in more than seven kilometres is underway, but 9 to 10 km embankment is still at risk.
Residents of different areas, including Koyra No. 6,Koyra Ring Dam No. 4, Ghatakhali, Harinkhola, Madinabad Launch Ghat area, Mathbaria, Koyra No. 2, Hogla, Gazipara, Golkhali, Haztkhali, Jorshing, and Maheshpur, are worried as 12 kilometre dam area is in a vulnerable condition, according to locals and WDB officials.
Read: Embankment goes into riverbed in Khulna
Furthermore, eight sluice gates for water supply in Kapotaksho and Shakbaria rivers are lying inoperative, and Nayani and Sutia Bazar-adjacent sluice gate of Shakbaria river are on the verge of collapse.
Locals blame the authorities' indifference in repairing the vulnerable dams and they have urged the officials concerned of the areas for a permanent solution.
Hemlata Mandal's house is situated beside the embankment of Shakbaria river.
" This dam collapsed twice before. Despite the construction of a larger dam later on, it collapsed a few days ago,” he said adding that the dam collapsed because it was built with sand.
Sardar Nurul Islam, chairman of Uttar Bedkashi Union Parishad (UP), said, "Dams were built using new technology in Gazipara and Gatiragheri areas of my union, but they collapsed within a year."
He urged the govt officials concerned to find a permanent solution to the issue.
The dam of Shakbaria River in the Katkata area of North Bedkashi Union is also at risk due to severe erosion.
Landslides have caused about four kilometres of embankment to erode from North Bedkashi to South Bedkashi.
In some areas, the soil on both sides has shifted, narrowing the embankment.
Rain, thundershowers likely in Dhaka, Ctg, Khulna and other divisions: Met Office
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday predicted rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind in different parts of the country over 24 hours, starting at 9 am Friday.
“Rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places,” A Met Office bulletin reads.
Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies elsewhere over the country, the bulletin added.
Meanwhile, both the day and night temperature will rise slightly all over the country, according to the bulletin.
A trough of westerly low lies over India’s West Bengal and adjoining areas.
A low-pressure area is likely to form over the south Bay of Bengal around May 7 and it is likely to intensify, said a special bulletin from the Met Office on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that a cyclonic storm brewing in the southeast Bay of Bengal will proceed towards the north-northwest until May 10 and then recurve towards the south-east Bangladesh and adjoining Myanmar coasts on May 11.
A cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 6 which is likely to develop into a severe cyclonic storm, according to IMD's model guidance.
According to IMD, the low pressure area formed under the influence of cyclonic circulation may concentrate into a depression over the same area around May 8.
"And thereafter there is a good possibility of its intensification into a cyclonic storm while moving nearly northward towards central Bay of Bengal," the IMD bulletin added.
The IMD Global Forecast System is indicating a north-northwestwards movement of the storm till 10th and then a "northeast awards recurvature towards southeast Bangladesh and adjoining Myanmar coasts.”
Khulna City Corporation lacks capacity to manage e-waste, resulting in health risks
Every day, hundreds of kilograms of electronic waste or e-waste are collected in Khulna city but the city corporation does not have the capacity to manage this waste. As a result, health risks are increasing.
Abandoned TVs, refrigerators, computers, laptops, cameras, air conditioners, microwaves, CFL lights, washing machines, mobile phones, DVD players, electronic toys, among others, are the main sources of e-waste, city officials said.
When these items are discarded, they turn into “e-waste”. Even if the materials are destroyed, they do not decompose; they cause damage to the environment.
According to Khulna City Corporation (KCC), about 1,000 tons of waste is produced in the city every day. Of this, KCC waste management department workers collect 800 tons and dump those at Rajbandh and Shalua dumping grounds. The remaining 200 tons of waste make their way into drains or canals.
Read More: E-waste management should be safe and environmentally friendly: Nasrul Hamid
KCC Chief Waste Management Officer Engr Md Abdul Aziz said the city produces close to one ton of e-waste every day. Like household waste, these too go into the dumping grounds. A large number of electrical equipment, including TV and computer parts, coming from the drain gather at the Rupsha Switch Gate area. Those are also collected and dumped at Rajbandh.
Md Kabir has been involved in the scrap material business for about 15 years. He said earlier there were more TVs, electricity meters, batteries, water motors. In the last seven-eight years, the sale of different types of mobile phones and small motors has increased.
“The products are removed, cleaned, and put up for sale. No one ever talked about using protective gear,” he said.
Dulal buys products from houses in different areas of the city and sells them in Sheikhpara. He said many buy broken items and repair them. The rest is sold as scrap.
Read More: E-Waste Crisis: Effects of Electronic Waste on Environment and Human Health
“I burn wire and take out the copper, and throw out the rest. I’ve developed rashes in my hands while doing this work,” he said.
Professor Dr Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, head of the Department of Environmental Sciences of Khulna University, said e-waste contains various types of toxic compounds including lead, cadmium, mercury. These are harmful to the environment and animals.
In addition, mercury enters the environment and human body through various processes. It can damage the brain, reduce hearing and immunity. Lead from e-waste causes serious damage to the nervous system of newborns, he added.
KCC Chief Waste Management Officer Md Abdul Aziz said a master plan on waste management at the city corporation is underway.
Read More: Soaring e-waste affecting health of millions of children: WHO
Besides, a modern waste treatment plant has been constructed in Shalua. All types of waste will be segregated and distributed there. Once the project is completed, e-waste will come under the purview of the project, he said.
Khulna reeling under severe heatwave
Khulna is reeling under severe heatwave. The highest temperature in the country has been prevailing in Khulna division for the last 12 days.
Even today (April 13, 2023), the highest temperature in the country is in this region. The high temperatures will continue for four to five days, according to the Met Office.
The temperature may rise during this time. And then there is the possibility of rain, Met Department officials said.
With the rise in temperature, the demand for electricity has also increased and day to day activities are being severely impacted.
Read more: Youth will lead ‘smart agriculture’ in Bangladesh: Minister Razzaque
Khulna city dwellers including pedestrians, low-income people, and students are easily exhausted when outdoor due to the excessive heat. Many stray dogs, cats and birds were seen going to the nearby drains or water bodies.
Due to the extreme heat, air conditioners, air coolers, and fans are running nonstop in offices, schools and universities. Fasting pedestrians were seen buying various cold drinks to quench their thirst after iftar.
Khorshed Alam, a daily wage earner working on Khanjahan Ali Road in Khulna city, said, “The temperature was mild at the start of Ramadan. It’s quite hot right now. Working while fasting is difficult.“I can't stand for too long in this scorching heat, but I still have to work though. Meanwhile, construction work on the road is going on for which dust is all around. All in all, it’s uncomfortable.”
Read More: Chief Justice opens up on limitations, ambitions of judiciary
Maqbul Hossain, a rickshaw puller standing in front of Shibbari Public Hall in the city, said, “The heat is unbearable. While riding the rickshaw, I’m completely soaked in sweat. Sometimes I get headaches. I’m becoming fatigued, and riding a rickshaw is exhausting,”
Firoz Ahmed Sabuj, a resident of Khalishpur Park intersection, said, “I take multiple showers during the day. And no one goes out without a reason. Furthermore, the fan must be running in the house at all times.”
CNG-run autorickshaw driver Mizanur Rahman said, “It is very difficult to drive in this weather. It's too hot. There is no other way, however, because of the daily household expenses, and the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.”
Sumon, a sugarcane juice seller, said, “This unbearable heat has increased the demand for sugarcane juice. Besides, there is a great customer response during pre-Iftar.”
Read More: Social stigma is the main obstacle for female substance users’ treatment
Senior Meteorologist Md Amirul Azad, in-charge of Khulna Meteorological Office, said, “A moderate heatwave is sweeping over Khulna division. The maximum temperature in Khulna today is 39 degrees Celsius.”“Chuadanga recorded 39.7 degrees Celsius which is the highest temperature in the country today. Besides, temperatures were recorded at 39.4 degrees Celsius in Jashore, 39.5 degrees Celsius in Mongla and 38.6 degrees Celsius in Kushtia,” he said.
He said the high temperature will continue for four to five more days and may even go up a bit. However, there is a possibility of rain after April 17. There may be a storm in one or two places.In a span of 11 days, the demand for electricity has increased in 21 districts of the southern region, including Khulna, according to West Zone Power Distribution Company sources.
During the peak hours on March 31, the demand for electricity from WZPDC and Palli Bidyut Samity consumers was 1,618 MW. On April 11, the demand for electricity was 2,298 MW.
Read more: Students demand release of JnU student Khadija
WZPDC Superintending Engineer Shahidul Alam said, “The demand for electricity has increased in April compared to March. But even if the demand increases, our supply is fine. There is no shortage of electricity. Meanwhile, due to the rise in temperature, the working people of Khulna region are enduring a tough time.”
End/UNB/Corr/MB
Manpower, equipment shortage hamper activities of Khulna Division Fire Service
There are 60 stations under the Khulna Divisional Fire Service and Civil Defense where 223 posts are vacant and most of them do not have necessary equipment to fight fire or any other big disaster.
According to fire service personnel, on one hand there is not enough manpower and equipment and on the other, they have to work through adversity due to lack of water sources, electric and dish cables, narrow roads and onlookers.
In such a situation, they have controlled 2,034 fire incidents in the division last year that left 265 people dead and 2,032 others wounded.
Read More: Gulistan blast: Death toll rises to 22
These stations were supposed to have 1,688 manpower, but there are 1,465 people and 223 posts are vacant. Of these, one out of 10 posts of deputy assistant director, one of assistant communication engineer, 47 out of 64 station officers, seven out of 11 fire officers, three out of three mobilizing officers, one out of 47 sub-officers, seven out of 131 leaders, 126 out of 1,013 firefighters, 17 out of 258 drivers are vacant.
There are 58 water-carrying vehicles, 53 small covered vans, 11 vehicles for carrying passengers for exercise, one car for public relations for the exercise, 22 ambulances, four SUVs, 103 pumps, 13 special vehicles and five vessels for the exercise.
From January to December last year, fire service members responded to 1,244 road accidents, 2,034 fires and 91 other accidents. Besides, assets worth Tk 59,56,58,000 were recovered and 2,032 people were rescued in 1,870 different types of accidents.
Read More: Fire at Gazipur cotton warehouse under control
Divisional Fire Service and Civil Defense authorities said there are 60 fire service stations in 10 districts of the division. Besides, the construction of four stations in Fakirhat and Chitalmari upazila in Bagerhat, Tala and Shyamnagar upazilas in Satkhira has been completed.
Besides, land has been finalized for the construction of two more fire stations at Daulatpur in Kushtia and Paikgachha in Khulna.
Talking to the UNB correspondent, some members of the fire service said during the firefighting, there is a problem in working fast due to lack of water source on the way to the spot and after going to the spot, the hanging wires of electric and dish lines, narrow roads and electric poles on roads.
Read More: Explosion in Science Lab area a massive accident: Fire Service DG
Apart from this, there is a shortage of manpower, diving units, vehicles, disruption of wireless communication, and non-implementation of fire safety in multi-storied residential and commercial buildings, they said.
According to the fire service members, Khulna Sadar and Tutpara station buildings are old and dilapidated. There were also incidents of injuries in the collapse of the building's plaster. Cars, computers, and wireless equipment were also damaged. There are 150 firefighters living in this dilapidated building with their lives at risk. There was a quarter for the members of the fire service, which was declared abandoned.
Deputy Assistant Director of Khulna Fire Service and Civil Defense Tanharul Islam said, "It is necessary to remove the old building and construct a new one. This will result in vehicle safety and safe housing for fire service members at risk. And it is necessary to provide the much-needed equipment on an urgent basis to speed up the fire activities properly.”
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Mamun Mahmud, deputy director of the Divisional Fire Service and Civil Defense, said, "Higher authorities are aware of the shortage of manpower and equipment of the fire service of the division. In order to deal with the challenges in the operational activities of the fire service, equipment and manpower have been sought for each station. Hope, the situation will see improvement.”
Khulna-Mongla rail line now to open in July; 96% work completed
Khulna-Mongla rail line project, which missed several completion deadlines, is now expected to be opened in July this year, according to project authorities.
“96 percent of the construction of the 64.75-km railway line from Khulna to Mongla was completed in December last year. More progress has been made in the last few months. The work of the entire project is expected to be completed by June this year. In July, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the railway line,” said project director Md Arifuzzaman.
With the opening of the rail line, Mongla, the country's second largest seaport, will be brought under rail connectivity after 73 years of its establishment. It is expected to expedite the economic activities of the Mongla sea port.
Mongla Port was established on December 1, 1950 in Bagerhat district in the southwestern part of the country. The port is located at the confluence of the Pashur River and the Mongla River, 48 kilometers south of Khulna city.
According to project officials, the railway link between Khulna and the Mongla sea port is the need of the hour for transportation of goods.
In order to ensure the ease of doing business, the government embarked on the railway project worth Tk 3,800 crore some seven years ago.
The project work began in November 2016. Initially, the project was scheduled to be completed within May, 2020. Unfortunately, the project has experienced both time and cost overruns.
With the opening of the rail service, trade and commerce with India, Nepal and Bhutan will be expanded. Due to the absence of a railway, there was a problem in transporting large containers of the port so far, said businessmen who use the port.
Also Read: Khulna-Mongla rail link to be operational by December?
The Khulna-Mongla railway project was approved at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on December 21, 2010 but it work started in 2016.
The project is being implemented in three parts. Among them, package-1 rail line construction, package-2 rail bridge over Rupsa River and package-3 telecommunication and signaling system, said project officials.
Under these projects, the length of the railway track, including the main line, is 86.87km. Of these, 64.75km is broad gauge railway. A 5.13-km rail bridge has been constructed on the Rupsha River. Around cent percent of the work on the bridge has already been completed.
In addition, work on 31 small bridges has been completed. Of the 107 culverts, 105 have been completed. Construction of nine VUP's and 26 of the 29 LC gates have been completed, they said.
Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali said once the project is implemented, there will be a radical changes in the trade and commerce and communication in the southern district.
“After the establishment of Mongla port, there was no rail connectivity with the port. Now with the opening of Khulna-Mongla railway line, the pressure of transporting goods by road will be reduced. At the same time, the cost and time of transportation of goods will be reduced,” he said.
“Besides, multiple communication system will be established in the port. As a result, trade with India, Nepal and Bhutan will be easier,” he added.
Attack on Khulna physician: Doctors postpone strike for 7 days
The strike enforced by doctors in Khulna district hospitals – protesting the attack on a fellow physician, allegedly by a police officer and others – has been postponed this morning for a week. The strike was postponed after three days, following assurance of taking measures in this regard from the authorities concerned.
Soon after the postponement, the physicians joined work in respective hospitals.
Dr Baharul Alam, president of Khulna unit of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), said they postponed the strike for seven days upon assurance from Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Mayor Talukdar Abdul Khaleque and local administration of taking action, including arrest of the accused police officer.
Earlier, a tripartite meeting on the strike was held among the demonstrating physicians, the delegation of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the local administration this morning. Awami League Organising Secretary SM Kamal was also present in the meeting.
After the meeting, BMA leader Baharul came up with the declaration of the postponement around 11:40 am.
Read more: 'Attack' on Khulna physician: Patients continue to suffer as doctors' strike drags into 3rd day
Earlier on Friday a series of meetings between the physicians and the DGHS delegation were held but no one could reach a point to call off or postpone the strike.
The DGHS delegation led by its Additional Director General (admin) Dr Rasheda Sultana rushed to Khulna from the capital to address the issue on Friday and held several meetings with the physicians.
On February 25, Dr Sheikh Nishat Abdullah, head of Burn and Plastic Surgery Department of Sheikh Abu Naser Specialised Hospital, was physically assaulted, allegedly by a patient’s relatives including ASI Naim, at a nursing home in Sheikhpara of Khulna city during surgery.
Protesting the attack, BMA Khulna unit went on a 24-hour work abstention from Wednesday to Thursday morning.
The physicians continued the strike for three consecutive days to press home their demand.
The strike caused immense suffering to hospitalised patients and others who sought medical treatment.
On Thursday, ASI Naim was attached to the police lines after withdrawal from his workplace in Satkhira when the allegation of assaulting a physician surfaced.
Money laundering through online gambling platforms: 5 arrested in Khulna
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested five members of an online gambling gang from Khulna for allegedly laundering money through online gambling platforms.
They were arrested in a raid in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila on Thursday night.
The arrestees were identified as Md. Rajib, Md. Enamul Gazi, Md. Mehedi Hasan, Md. Idris Mollah and Md. Mamun.
According to a press release by the RAB, a group of people in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila have been laundering money through online gambling apps like 1XBET and Velki Live. The ring used to illegally transact money from around the country using Bkash, Nagad and other mobile financial services.
Also Read: Money laundering through online gambling platforms: 6 arrested in city
Tipped off, the elite force conducted a raid in Khulna’s Rupsa upazila on Wednesday night and arrested the five ring members, including the mastermind.
During the raid, the RAB recovered and seized at least five Android smartphones used for online betting.
Later, information regarding online gambling, and illegal transactions of both dollars and local currencies through multiple mobile financial services (Bkash, Nogod, Rocket, and Upay) was obtained from various messenger groups found in the recovered mobile phone.
The arrestees were later handed over to the concerned police station.
END/UNB/FK/F
'Attack' on Khulna physician: Patients continue to suffer as doctors' strike drags into 3rd day
Khulna doctors' strike protesting the "attack" on one of their colleagues by a policeman and others entered its third day on Friday.
Healthcare services came to a grinding halt at all government and private hospitals, except for emergency care, in the district due to the strike, causing immense suffering to patients and others.
Read more: Assault on Khulna physician: Strike by doctors makes patients suffer
Dr Baharul Alam, president of the Khulna unit of the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), said a high-level delegation of the Directorate General of Health Services already arrived in Khulna to discuss the withdrawal of the strike.
"The delegation will hold a meeting with the BMA, clinic owners and physicians to address the issue," he said.
Healthcare seekers said the appointments with specialist physicians, who come from Dhaka and practice privately at clinics, were cancelled on Thursday night due to the strike as the physicians "expressed solidarity with the protesters."
Khulna man killed after truck hits bike
A 33-year-old man was killed and another critically injured on the Bypass Road in Khulna city Friday morning after police said a truck mowed them down with their motorcycle.
The deceased was identified as Mithun Chowdhury from Lakhohati village of Dighalia upazila, Md Wahiduzzaman, officer-in-charge of Aranghata Police Station, said. "The injured, Md Mamun (29), is also from the same area."
The accident occurred while Mithun and Mamum were trying to enter the main road. The truck rammed into their motorcycle, leaving them severely injured.
Locals rushed Mithun and Mamum to Khulna Medical College Hospital where Mithun succumbed to his injuries around 10:30am. Mamun was sent to Dhaka in a critical condition.