Rail operation between Khulna and the rest of the country resumed around 10 hours after derailment of a Khulna-bound freight train near Ansarbaria station in Jibannagar upazila of Chuadanga district early Wednesday . Uthli railway station master Mintu Roy said the train services resumed around 11am after the derailed oil tankers were removed from the track. He said the authorities cancelled the trips of Dhaka-bound three trains from Khulna and other districts due to schedule collapse, leaving passengers waiting at the stations in trouble. Moreover, hundreds of train passengers remained stranded for around 10 hours, the station master said. On other hand, a four member body led by Anowar Hossain, Pakshi divisional transport official of the Bangladesh Railway, was formed to probe the incident. Earlier around 1am on Wednesday, eight empty oil tankers of the freight train derailed near Ansarbaria station, snapping rail communication. The train carrying 32 empty tankers was heading to Khulna from Dhaka.

Starting in July, residents of Chuadanga district will have direct train access to Dhaka, reducing travel time to just five hours. The Bangladesh Railway is resuming direct rail service on the Dhaka-Darshana route, this time via the Padma Bridge, a move anticipated to greatly benefit commuters. A media release from the Railway’s Western region announced that a pair of trains will run on this route. The first train will depart Darshana for Dhaka around 7 am, arriving at noon. It will then leave Dhaka at 1 pm, reaching Darshana by 4 pm. The second train will operate from 4:30 pm to 9:40 pm and from 11:55 pm to 5 am the following morning. In addition, three trains—Chitra, Benapole, and Sundarban Express—will operate from Jashore's Rupdia or Padmabila to Dhaka via Kushtia, Mobarakganj, and Kotchandpur through the Padma Bridge. Passengers disembarking from moving trains raises safety concerns Currently, Bangladesh Railway operates local, mail, commuter, and intercity trains. Fares range from Tk 0.39 per km for local trains to Tk 1.95 per km for air-conditioned intercity trains. Abdullah Al Mamun, a Dhaka-bound passenger at Chuadanga Rail Station, expressed optimism: “The train line is divided into two parts. If these two trains start, we will benefit from the passenger-tickets, and hopefully, we will get tickets on time. Besides, it will take less time to go to Dhaka.”

A severe heat wave is scorching the districts of Chuadanga and Bagerhat while a mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, parts of Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, according to weather office. The severity may ease in some other places, said a met office bulletin. Heatwave sweeps over 8 divisions as temperatures soar Rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Chattogram and Sylhet divisions with hails at isolated places, said a regular bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Dhaka’s air continues to be ‘unhealthy’, 4th most polluted in the world this morning Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country

The body of an Ansar member was recovered from a washroom in a barrack stationed in Chuadanga Sadar Upazila Parishad on Thursday night, said police. The deceased Jamal Uddin, 55, was posted as a security guard of Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fatema-Tuj-Zohora and a resident of Palty union under Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia.  Double Trouble: Cold wave and heavy rains disrupt life in Chuadanga Jalmal’s co-worker Saidur Rahman said they along with Jamal were on duty but suddenly he went missing for a long time. After searching, his unconscious body was found lying inside the washroom of the barrack, he said, adding that he was rushed to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital's emergency department where physicians declared him dead. Lowest temperature recorded at 9.6 degrees in Chuadanga, Nikli Dr Afrina Islam, a physician of the hospital, said Jamal had died before arrival and he might have suffered from a stroke.  Sheikh Sekendar Ali, Officer-in-Charge of Chuadanga Sadar Police Station, said the reason behind the death will be known after getting the autopsy report. Chuadanga, Naogaon’s Badalgacchi record today’s lowest temperature in Bangladesh Expressing shock at the demise, UNO Fatema said they came to know from Jamal’s family that he had been suffering from heart disease.

Chuadanga district experienced a significant disruption in daily life today (January 18, 2024), as heavy rainfall amidst an ongoing cold wave affected the area. The unexpected weather conditions intensified the hardships already faced by residents due to the cold. The district witnessed heavy rains this morning, which lasted for approximately two and a half hours, exacerbating the impact of the cold wave and paralyzing normal activities. Weather Update: Will it rain in Dhaka? Tahmina Nasrin Anny, a first-class officer at the Chuadanga Observatory Center, reported that the temperature dropped to 11.5 degrees Celsius between 6 am and 9 am, with humidity levels reaching 92 percent.

Two candidates of the Jatiya Party have withdrawn from the electoral race in two constituencies of Chuadanga citing ‘indecision of the top leaders’ over the election. Advocate Sohrab Hossain, the contender for Chuadanga-1, and Advocate Robiul Islam, the candidate for Chuadanga-2, officially announced their withdrawal during a press conference held at the District Bar Association office on Wednesday. Read: Chandpur-Shariatpur ferry services resume after 6 hours  Even though, just two days earlier, they verbally informed journalists about stepping back from the elections, the formal announcement came later. Blaming the party's indecision, the candidates revealed that the party's Chairman GM Quader and General Secretary Mujibul Haque Chunnu have been frequently changing their stance regarding the election. They expressed frustration over the lack of support and communication from the party leadership. They emphasised that despite facing difficulties, the candidates were consistently contributing to the party without receiving adequate assistance in return. Read: Train narrowly escapes accident in Netrakona  Expressing his discontent, Advocate Sohrab Hossain said, "This election is different. No one is talking without money. Crores of taka are being spent on boat and independent candidates. I have spent as much as I could. Now, I can't do it anymore. That's why I have withdrawn."

Jatiya Party (JaPa) candidate for Chuadanga-1 constituency, Advocate Sohrab Hossain, has withdrawn his candidacy from the 12th parliamentary election race, alleging lack of cooperation from his party and coordination. He is the president of Chuadanga district unit of Jatiya Party. Expressing frustration, the Jatiya Party leader said, “You know how this year's voting is going to be held. Our party chairman and secretary general do not communicate with us. They just left us after giving nominations.” Sohrab Hossain also alleged that the party is not providing any expenses for the election. Read: Habiganj-2: JaPa candidate withdraws from election citing 'lack of fair environment' “They are busy with the 26 who are there. And 257 of us are ignored. This year's election is different. No one talks without money,” he added. Saying that the "boat" and independent candidates are spending crores, the Jatiya Party leader said, “I spent as much as I had. Now I can't afford it anymore. So I stepped aside.” In the 12th parliamentary election, 15 candidates are contesting for two seats in Chuadanga. Of them, six are contesting in Chuadanga-1 constituency. Read: Mahi’s election camp torched: UP chairman among 5 sued

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Tuesday arrested two individuals along with 23 gold bars, weighing 5.19 kg from Uthali in Jibannagar upazila of Chuadanga district. The arrestees were identified as Pintu Biswas, 50, and Sias Hossain of Damurhuda upazila. Two Bangladeshis shot dead by BSF over ‘entering’ Indian territory through Chuadanga border Tipped off, a team of BGB-58 conducted a drive in the area and challenged a human hauler carrying the arrested duo, said commanding officer of BGB-58 Masud Pervez Rana. Later, they arrested them along with the gold bars worth Tk 4.90 crore. Chuadanga-1 independent candidate alleges assault by opponents The gold bars were to be smuggled to India after dodging tax, he said. A case was filed with Jibannagar Police Station and seized gold bars were deposited to the Chuadanga treasury office. Local BNP leaders arrested in Chuadanga over sabotage

Mango growers and traders in the western district of Chuadanga have been left disappointed as the prices of their produces are low comparing to the previous years. This situation caused concerns among them, who fear incurring losses if the wholesale market continues to perform poorly. Following the availability of Ati, Guti, and Bombay varieties mangoes in the market, Himsagar mangoes have now entered the market in the district. According to the 'Mango Calendar' created by the Chuadanga District Administration and Agriculture Department, the collection and marketing of mangoes in the district commenced on May 14. However, the sales of Ati, Guti, and Bombay verities mangoes during the first week of the harvest did not meet expectations, said local farmers and traders. Also Read: Mango export begins with 10 tonnes to 4 countries Later, the harvest and marketing of Himsagar mango began on May 22. Despite an abundance supply of mangoes in the market, demand remained remarkably low, they said. Wholesale prices for Bombay mangoes ranged from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per maund, while Ati and Guti mangoes were selling for Tk 350 to Tk 500 per maund, depending on size and quality, they said. On the other hand, Himsagar mangoes were being sold at Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,400 per maund. In the retail market, the prices per kilogram were TK 45 to 50 for Himsagar, TK 40 to 45 for Bombay, and TK 15 to 20 for Anti and Guti. Read more: Mango harvest begins in Natore with Gopalbhog variety At the beginning of last year's season, Himsagar mangoes were sold in the wholesale market at rates ranging from Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,400 per maund. Similarly, Bombay mangoes were sold between Tk 1,600 and Tk 2,000 per kg, while Ati and Guti mangoes fetched prices of Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,400. This year, however, prices have decreased by nearly half. According to sources from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a total of 2,465 hectares land were brought under mango cultivation in the current season and 28,265 metric tonnes are expected to be produced. As per the mango calendar, Lengra mangoes will be harvested and marketed on May 25, followed by Amrapali and Bari-3 on June 5, Fazli on June 21, and Ashwina and Bari-4 on July 1. The main hub for mangoes in the district is Barabazar Phalpatti, situated on the banks of the Mathabhanga River in Chuadanga town. Each morning, trades, buyers throng the market. Currently, four types of mangoes dominate the market, with Bombay and Himsagar mangoes experiencing high demand. Also Read: Bumper production of mango: Chapainawabganj farmers are all smiles Md. Rafiq, a wholesaler, attributed the price decline to an excess supply of mangoes compared to the current demand. But he expressed optimism, saying, “However, the market will pick up in a few days, and mango sales will increase. Additionally, the huge demand for litchi in the market is still affecting mango sales. Once the demand for litchi decreases, mango sales will improve, leading to higher prices.” Nuruddin, a mango trader, expressed his concerns about the current market situation, fearing that farmers' capital would suffer if prices continued to remain low. “ It is disheartening to witness such low prices for mangoes,” he said. Read more: Mango harvesting in Rajshahi begins Thursday Kalam Miah, general secretary of the Chuadanga District Fruit Traders Association, highlighted that the market still had various seasonal fruits, including litchi, readily available. He added, "If mangoes continue to be sold at such low prices, how will the farmers make any profit? If mango prices remain low throughout the year, how will they sustain themselves?”

Three people were arrested by Chuadanga Sadar Police over putting sand and stones in the same truck carrying government wheat consignment. A case has been filed by Sadar Upazila food inspector and officer-in-charge of Chuadanga Sadar Food Warehouse, Nazrul Islam, with Chuadanga Sadar Police Station against 12 people and three organizations. The organizations are: Jonaki Paribahan, Sarkar Enterprise and Sunrise Jute Traders. All the wheat has been unloaded from 6 trucks but 3 tons and 771 kg of wheat were missing, and we recovered 1488 kg of sand from the trucks, said Nazrul Islam. Till now, police arrested three helpers of the trucks. The arrestees are helpers Rabiul Islam, Hridoy and Hossain Ali. Hasanuzzaman, sub-inspector of Chuadanga Sadar Police Station, confirmed the matter and said that a case has been filed by the Sadar Upazila food inspector, claiming that the government wheat consignment arriving on Monday night was short of 3771 kg of wheat. An operation is underway to catch the rest of those involved, the sub-inspector added. Additional District Commissioner (General) Nazmul Hamid Reza, also convener of the investigation committee of the district administration, said that they primarily think the truck drivers and helpers are involved with the manipulation. According to the agreement, 300 metric tons of wheat were to be sent to Chuadanga Food Warehouse through Sarkar Enterprise, Jonaki Paribhan and Sunrise Jute Traders transport contractor. Accordingly, the first consignment of 100 metric tons of wheat arrived last Friday. On Sunday morning, when the second shipment of 100 metric tons of wheat arrived, 7 sacks filled with sand were found on a truck. Later, while unloading the other trucks, 28 sacks filled with sand were found.