An alarming crisis of fresh water has gripped Feni, with more than 1.67 lakh tube wells across the coastal district running dry amid intense heat and prolonged drought. Tens of thousands of residents without access to safe drinking water, posing serious public health risks and threatening agricultural output. According to the Feni District Public Health Engineering Department (DPHED), water is unavailable in 1,67,386 tube-wells due to the underground water layer dropping significantly. The crisis has intensified in several upazilas where around 70% of tube-wells have stopped producing water, and locals are being forced to fetch water from distant sources or consume unsafe water from ponds and ditches—leading to outbreaks of diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases.  “There is no water in tube-wells, ponds, canals, or beels. Rain is the only solution,” said the department’s Executive Engineer Md Shafiul Haque. He attributed the crisis to climate change, excessive groundwater extraction for agriculture, and the absence of rain, which has caused the water table to fall drastically year after year. “If it rains, the water layer will rise again, and water will be available,” he added. Of the 36,811 registered tube wells in Feni, 9,871 have been long out of order. Among the remaining 26,941 active wells, nearly half have dried up. Additionally, more than half of approximately two lakh shallow tube wells installed privately are no longer producing safe water. Dhaka's Narai River: From majestic waterway to filthy dumping ground In August last year, devastating floods damaged 16,415 tube wells completely and 27,600 partially, and many of these have yet to be restored or repaired, according to SM Mahfuzur Rahman, sub-assistant Engineer at DPHED Feni.  “This has further worsened the safe water shortage in flood-affected areas,” he said. A visit to Fulgazi Upazila revealed a grim picture: shallow tube-wells at depths of 40–50 feet have completely dried up, leaving about 15,000 tube wells unusable. Many residents now travel long distances for water, and farmers are anxious about their Boro paddy yield due to the drought. “We spent so much on planting Boro rice seedlings, but cracks are forming in the soil due to the heat and lack of rain. Now we’re unsure if we’ll get a proper harvest,” said a local resident. Mohammad Abdullah Arman, sub-assistant Engineer at Fulgazi Upazila’s Public Health Engineering Department, said the upazila has 1,061 government shallow tube wells, 1,188 deep ones, and 887 submersible pump-equipped wells across 87 villages in six unions. In addition, there are about 17,000 private tube wells, 70% of which are no longer lifting water. “There’s no alternative system in place, so rainwater is our only hope,” he added.

The Feni district, particularly the Pashuram and Belonia border areas adjoining India’s Tripura state, is witnessing a concerning surge in the infiltration of foreign nationals. Over the past five months, this remote frontier has become an emerging hotspot for unauthorised cross-border movements, particularly involving African nationals. From 1 November last year to 7 April this year, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained six African nationals who had illegally attempted to cross the border. These incidents raise questions about the growing use of the Feni frontier by international human trafficking networks. According to officials, the arrested people often claim to have lost their passports and travel documents. Their mobile phones are typically found disconnected, rendering efforts to trace their communications futile. Once detained, these foreign nationals are brought before court, only to secure bail shortly after, allegedly aided by local legal facilitators and organised human trafficking syndicates. What follows is even more disquieting: after release, the intruders reportedly reconnect with their networks via WhatsApp using foreign numbers and begin regrouping. The recurring nature of these incidents underscores the persistent and organised nature of the trafficking operations. Construction of Madhumati Embankment brings hope for a secure future Stakeholders, including the BGB, suspect a transnational racket involving Bangladeshi and Indian traffickers. “We are unsure why Feni has become a target for infiltration,” said Lt. Col Md Mosharraf Hossain, Commandant of BGB Battalion-4. “Despite strict vigilance, these crossings continue, which is deeply concerning,” he said. One of the more recent incidents occurred on Sunday night, when the BGB detained Amina Shahbani, a 33-year-old Tanzanian national, while she was attempting to illegally enter India from Bangladesh through the Nijkalikapur border in Parshuram upazila. She had reportedly been escorted to the border from Feni's Mohipal by two Bangladeshi locals, Abdul Motaleb and Sumon. A case has since been filed against seven individuals, including the two alleged accomplices. Other notable detentions include Ethiopian national Israt Umar Haji, 67, in November; Nigerian national Emika Gilbert Apeh, 45, in December; and Sudanese citizen Islam, 26, in January. In March, Somali national Abdiwali Mohamed Ali and Nigerian national Nawsu Izuchukwu Calistas were caught trying to cross into Bangladesh from India. Local sources indicate that traffickers prefer routes through Nijkalikapur village in Mirzanagar union and the Mirpara-Belonia border of Baurpathar village due to perceived weaknesses in security and possible local cooperation. On 25 November, Indian police detained two Bangladeshis—Raju and Mohammad Ibrahim—for their alleged involvement in human trafficking. In another instance, a Sudanese citizen and a local man named Emran, 50, were arrested in January on charges of cross-border smuggling. Law enforcement agencies suspect that many of these foreign nationals aim to reach European countries, where they seek political asylum. 200-feet long floating drum bridge becomes blessing for Lalmonirhat’s Patgram residents Brokers are reportedly helping them obtain UN refugee cards, enabling them to enter refugee camps and initiate asylum processes. Somali national Abdili Mohamed Ali was found in possession of a UNHCR-issued refugee card collected in India. “We have information about an organised gang that facilitates the movement of these foreigners across borders,” said Mohammad Nurul Hakim, officer-in-charge of Parshuram Model Police Station. “Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all involved," Hakim said. Feni’s Superintendent of Police, Habibur Rahman, echoed the OC’s sentiments. “The motive behind the influx remains unclear,” he said. “Detainees provide inconsistent explanations during interrogation. Although some suspects have been remanded, they refrain from disclosing crucial information.” “Even after arrest and remand, they eventually obtain bail through the court and, in some cases, secure legal visas to remain in Bangladesh,” he added. Authorities remain on high alert, but with organised transnational networks exploiting legal loopholes and local connections, the challenge of curbing such illicit activities along the Feni border appears far from over.

Twenty candidates have been detained while attempting to sit the Feni Rural Electrification recruitment exam as proxies for others. They were detained from four exam centres in Feni city during the written test for the position of Meter Reader-cum-Messenger at the Feni Rural Electrification Association on Saturday, preparations are underway to file a regular case against them, said Feni Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Marmo Singh Tripura. Feni villagers endure ordeal as collapsed bridge remains unrepaired According to sources from the Rural Electrification Association, the recruitment exam was organised at four centres in Feni, with 5,255 candidates participating in the written test. Later, as the photos on the admit cards did not match the candidates, seven were detained from Feni Government College and Government Pilot High School centres, seven from Government Zia Women’s College centre, and six from Shaheen Academy School and College centre. Feni Rural Electrification Association’s General Manager, Haoladar Md. Fazlur Rahman, said that 5,255 candidates took part in the exam at four centres in the city. At least 20 injured in BNP factional clash in Feni Among them, 20 fake candidates attempting to sit the exam as proxies were detained and handed over to the police by the executive magistrate.

Police have arrested a 20-year-old youth for the murder of a 65-year-old housekeeper in the Faleshwar area of Feni. At a press conference on Wednesday, Feni PBI Superintendent of Police (SP)Joyita Shilpi said the accused , Abir Al Rafi, was arrested  on Tuesday from the Hathazari area of Chattogram after conducting operations in different areas of Chattogram and Noakhali. Shilpi said that Rafi had gambled away the money his father had given him for purchasing a laptop. Woman found dead in Sylhet, family claims murder Unable to pay for his addiction, Rafi resorted to theft and robbery. On December 26, he went to steal from the house of Golam Kibria Bakul, brother of former municipal councilor Golam Faruk, in Faleshwar, where Masuda Begum saw him. When she attempted to stop him, Rafi stabbed her multiple times with a sharp knife and fled the scene immediately after the attack. Following the filing of a murder case by the victim's son, Md Zafar, on December 27, the PBI initiated an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and conducting operations across Noakhali and Chittagong. During questioning, Rafi confessed to his involvement in the murder. Police recovered the blood-stained knife used in the killing along with the black shirt he wore during the attack.

Over 100 students of the Satyapur Government Primary School in Dagonbhuiyan upazila of Feni district, are risking their lives attending classes in a dangerously dilapidated building. The school building, constructed in 1987, is in a state of disrepair, with broken doors, shattered windowpanes, unsafe sidewalls and a tin roof that has been partially uprooted. During the rainy season, classes are often disrupted as water leaks through the roof, forcing students to stay home. Additionally, the school lacks a playground, hygienic washrooms and sufficient classrooms, creating a challenging environment for both students and teachers. Originally the school had four classrooms, but over the years, the old building became unsafe and was abandoned. In 2011, a new concrete structure with two classrooms was constructed 100 yards from the original site. However, the limited space has proven inadequate to accommodate the growing number of students, forcing them to use the hazardous tin-roofed building. Currently, the school has 103 students enrolled from nursery to fifth grade. Read: 6,704 govt primary school buildings are dilapidated: State Minister However, many guardians are reluctant to send their children to the school due to safety concerns and the lack of a proper learning environment. Students including Rudra Chandra Das, Jannatul Mawa and Sadika Akter shared their struggles. "When it rains, water drips onto us, soaking our clothes, books, and notebooks," they said. "The broken doors and windows make it impossible to concentrate in class. We feel unsafe, and it seems the building could collapse at any moment."  

Police arrested Omar Faruk Shuvo, an expelled coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement in Feni, on Tuesday in a case filed on charges of deception, extortion and defamation. Shuvo, son of Nuruzzaman, is a resident of Jagatjibanpur village in Forhadnagar union under Feni Sadar upazila. In August, Shuvo was expelled from his position as co-coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Feni district for engaging in activities that violated organizational discipline. RAB rescues abducted female dentist in Pabna, 3 arrested Despite his expulsion, Shuvo reportedly continued to identify himself as a “student coordinator” and participated in various programs and meetings over the past few months. Reports indicate that Shuvo allegedly demanded money from Maulana Mahmudul Hasan, the temporarily suspended principal of Feni Alia Kamil Madrasa, promising to reinstate him to his position. On Tuesday, a call record of his extortion demand went viral on social media.  According to the viral call record, Shuvo was demanding Tk 3 lakh from Mahmudul Hasan, and claiming to act on behalf of Abdul Kader and Hamza Mahbub, coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement. He mentioned the name of Azizur Rahman Rizvi of Feni, a student of finance department of Dhaka University, as a mediator.  Two snatchers arrested from Dhaka’s Babubazar According to police sources, Azizur Rahman Rizvi’s father, Siddiqur Rahman, filed a case against Shuvo at Feni Model Police Station on Tuesday night. Following the complaint, police conducted an operation and arrested Shuvo. Feni Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Marm Singh Tripura said, “Shuvo will be sent to jail through the court on Wednesday.”

Police recovered the body of a 10-year-old boy from a pond in Dewanganj of Feni on Thursday, four days after he went missing. Ahnaf Al Main Nashit, son of Main Uddin Sohag of Feni Academy area, was a third-grade student at Feni Grammar School. Police arrested three people in this connection, Feni Superintendent of Police (SP) Habibur Rahman said at a press conference. According to police, Ahnaf went missing on Monday after while he was returning home from his private tuitionon Atiqul Alam Road. Following his disappearance, unidentified people demanded a ransom of Tk 12 lakh from his father. Later, Main Uddin filed a kidnapping case with Feni Model Police Station. During the investigation, police detained Ashraf Hossain Tushar, 20, who later confessed to his involvement. Couple found dead in M’singh Acting on his information, authorities recovered  Ahnaf’s body, which had been tied with stones inside a school bag and dumped in a pond near the Dewanganj railway line. Police also arrested two more suspects- Md Mobarak Hossain Washim, 20 and Omar Faruk, 20. Feni Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mormo Singh Tripura said the body has been sent to the morgue for an autopsy.

A youth from Feni’s Parshuram upazila was reportedly detained and tortured by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the border on Wednesday. The victim, Mohammad Yasin, 20, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment under police custody at a hospital in India’s Tripura, said Lt. Col. Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, commander of the BGB’s Feni Battalion. “Yasin received initial treatment in Bilonia and was later taken to Tripura’s Shantirhat Hospital for advanced care. Indian police have detained him on charges of trespassing. The police are taking action against him according to the laws of their country,” he said. Nurul Islam, assistant commander of BGB 4 Battalion, said they learned about the matter through various sources. “After verifying the facts, they will provide further information and establish contact with the Indian BSF.” Students block Sonadanga bus terminal in Khulna Yasin, a battery-run auto-rickshaw driver and son of Mizan Mia from Baurkhuma village in the upazila, was allegedly detained while approaching the border around 5:30 am on Wednesday. Locals said BSF personnel severely beat him, causing serious head injuries, before handing him over to Bilonia police. Yasin’s mother, Rahela Akter, accused the BSF of torturing her son and appealed to Bangladesh authorities, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), to bring him back. Feni Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam, in a press release, said that Yasin was detained by Indian authorities while allegedly attempting to cross the border illegally. He was then handed over to Indian authorities, he added.

Almost three months after one of the worst floods in recent memory, 1,718 families in Feni are still grappling with the aftermath.  Having lost everything to the devastating flood, these families are forced to live in temporary shelters, struggling to rebuild their homes and lives. In August, a catastrophic flood swept through Feni, destroying 1,718 homes completely and partially damaging another 6,941. Although two months and 24 days have passed since the disaster, relief efforts have been insufficient, victims say. According to District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md. Mahbub Alam, “For partially damaged homes, we have received 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheets and 12 lakh taka, which have been distributed to nearly 150 families.” Read: Low-lying areas of Ctg, Feni, Cumilla and 5 other districts likely to be inundated: FFWC Some organisations, including the Bangladesh Army and UNDP have assisted these families, but the need remains overwhelming. The flood caused widespread destruction across Feni, with complete devastation reported in the following areas: Sadar Upazila: 675 houses Fulgazi Upazila: 295 houses Chagolnaiya Upazila: 293 houses Parshuram Upazila: 333 houses Sonagazi Upazila: 37 houses Daganbhuna Upazila: 85 houses  Additionally, partial damages were reported in the following areas: Sadar Upazila: 3,206 houses Parshuram: 333 houses Chagolnaiya: 313 houses Daganbhuna: 982 houses Sonagazi: 741 houses Fulgazi: 1,349 houses For families with partially damaged homes, the Bangladesh Army has distributed 4 bundles of corrugated iron sheets per family and provided a total of Tk 6.5 lakh in cash to 157 families. The Army, with assistance from the Navy, has also repaired 100 houses in Fulgazi. In addition, UNDP is distributing Tk 10 crore 35 lakh to repair the homes of 3,000 affected families. Other organizations, including BDRCS, Mastul Foundation, RIC, and YPSA, have also contributed with materials and financial aid. Amid this devastation, stories of hardship continue to unfold. Khokon Mia, an auto-rickshaw driver from Dakkhin Jagatpur village in Fulgazi upazila, lost everything to the flood, including his home. With nowhere to go, he now lives with his wife and children in a small room of a Water Development Board irrigation scheme. "Everything feels like a nightmare," said Khokon. Read more: Deaths during student protest: 4 students' bodies exhumed in Feni for autopsies “One flood has left me completely destitute. I couldn’t save anything. I had to take shelter with my wife and three young children. It’s been a month with no work. I don’t know how to rebuild my house. Three months have passed since the flood, and yet I have not seen any government initiative for our rehabilitation,” he added. Abu Taher, from Char Chandia village in Sonagazi, also recounted the flood’s devastation: "The floodwaters have ruined everything. I barely managed to get to a shelter. When I returned home, nothing was left. I am now living with my family on the roof of my cousin's house."  Shamsunnahar, a woman in her fifties from Birinchi area in Feni Sadar upazila, is facing the same fate. "The flood took everything, and I don’t have the means to build a new house. If I receive financial aid from the government, I will be able to repair my house; otherwise, I will have to stay in the broken house. I’ve made a shelter with plastic around and broken tin on top." The recently retired Feni Deputy Commissioner Musammat Shahina Akhter, sought urgent assistance for the affected families. "We have requested 20,000 bundles of tin and 6 crore taka from the relevant ministries for the aid of affected families," she said.   

Shafiqul Islam Samrat, a local Chhatra league leader, who was seen in a video footage firing on students during the recent student movement in Feni’s Sharshadi union, placed on a four-day remand. Senior Judicial Magistrate Nusrat Mostari passed the order after investigating officer SI Anwar Hossain produced Samrat before the court seeking a 10-day remand. Ex-IGP Mamun put on 43-day remand in 8 murder cases Tipped off, detectives arrested Shafiqul Islam Samrat, general secretary of Sharshadi Union unit Chhatra League, from Chattogram on Wednesday night. Maram Singh Tripura, the officer-in-charge of Feni Model Police Station, stated that Samrat is a suspect in six murder cases related to the firing and attacks on people during the anti-discrimination student movement.