United News of Bangladesh

Candidates contesting from Kushtia-4 constituency have expressed concern over looted and illegal firearms ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, urging authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair vote. The concerns were raised at a views-exchange meeting on law and order with Kushtia Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jhasim Uddin at Abul Hossain Tarun Auditorium in Kumarkhali on Saturday. The candidates warned that weapons looted from police stations on August 5 are yet to be fully recovered and alleged that illegal arms are being moved through the Padma-Garai river routes, which could threaten a free and fair election. Read More: Man held with arms, ammo in Gazipur Responding to the concerns, SP Mohammad Jhasim Uddin said 55 firearms had gone missing from Kushtia, of which 38 have already been recovered. He assured that recovery drives would continue until every weapon is retrieved. “I promise that no one will be allowed to use arms in Kushtia. We will recover all illegal weapons and ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election,” the SP said, urging all candidates to follow the election code of conduct.

Allegations that a government canal is being blocked to construct a pipe culvert have raised serious concerns among farmers in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia, with at least 70 hectares of agricultural land at risk of permanent waterlogging. Local residents of Nandlalpur Union recently submitted a written complaint to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), accusing influential individuals of obstructing a key canal at Buzruk Bakhai Bottola intersection to install a narrow pipe culvert. They fear the move will severely disrupt natural water flow. According to the complaint and local sources, the nearly one-kilometre-long canal runs from Buzruk Bottola in Nandlalpur Union to Mirzapur Bazar in Shilaidaha Union. Read more: Fertiliser crunch threatens Kushtia’s onion boom despite high prices It plays a crucial role in draining water from the Buzruk Bakhai, Chandpur, and Bahalbariya beels into the nearby Gorai and Padma rivers. However, the canal has not been properly excavated or maintained for several years. Local farmers alleged that portions of the canal have gradually been encroached upon, with multiple pipe culverts constructed to create makeshift roads. This has led to prolonged waterlogging in the surrounding lowlands for at least six months each year. As a result, farmers in the area are able to cultivate only one crop—Boro rice—during the irrigation (IRRI) season. The situation has worsened following a recent initiative to block a 22-foot-wide section of the canal at Buzruk Bakhai Bottola, replacing it with a three-foot-wide pipe culvert under a Union Parishad project reportedly costing around Tk 6 lakh. Farmers fear the narrow culvert will further obstruct water flow, rendering vast tracts of farmland uncultivable throughout the year. A visit to the site revealed a concrete bridge over the canal at Bottola intersection. The western side of the canal has been partially filled with sand, while the remaining portion has been narrowed to about three feet with concrete casting. At least 27 pipes were observed stacked in the courtyard of a nearby house, suggesting preparations for the culvert installation. Meanwhile, farmers and labourers were busy transplanting Boro seedlings in adjacent fields. Read more: As haor waters recede, Sunnamganj farmers sow hope in every field Suman Hossain, a local resident, said, “People associated with the chairman started blocking the canal to install pipes in the morning. Locals protested and forced the workers to leave. We later filed a written complaint with the UNO demanding that the work be stopped.” Rashidul Sheikh, son of farmer Azizul Sheikh from Buzruk Bakhai village, stressed the canal’s importance. “The canal is the only route through which water from the beels flows to the Padma River. We get only one harvest a year. If the canal is blocked, there will be no crop at all,” he said, demanding the immediate cancellation of the project.

Onion farmers in Kumarkhali Upazila are struggling with a fertiliser shortfall just as high market prices are driving record planting this season. Last year, onions fetched prices ranging from Tk 35–40 per kilogram at the start of the season, climbing to Tk 120–135 per kilogram later in the year, locals said. This fiscal year, they said, prices currently hover around Tk 85-90 per kilogram, while production costs stand at Tk 22–25 per kilogram, creating a lucrative margin that has prompted many farmers to expand cultivation. Read more: Govt to procure 50,000 mt of non-basmati parboiled rice, 80,000 mt fertiliser But farmers say a lack of essential fertilisers, including urea, TSP, MOP, and DAP, threatens the budding crop. Allegations of dealer collusion are rife, with sub-dealers and intermediaries reportedly charging Tk 5–10 more per kilogram than government-fixed rates. Kumarkhali Upazila has a total cultivable area of 18,240 hectares. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, authorities set a target of 4,920 hectares for onion cultivation, with saplings already planted on 3,690 hectares. Agriculture officials expect the area under cultivation to surpass the target, buoyed by the crop’s profitability. Production costs, including land lease, seeds, fertilisers, and crop care, average around Tk 150,000 per hectare. Yet farmers on the ground say limited access to fertilisers could erode potential profits. “Last year, onions sold for Tk 40 to Tk 135 per kilogram, which motivated many to switch to onion cultivation,” said Laltu Ali Sheikh of Panti Union. “But we cannot get sufficient fertilisers.” Farmers claim dealers provide only 10–20 kilograms per bigha at official prices, forcing them to buy extra at higher rates. Sub-dealers are reportedly selling TSP at Tk 1,850–2,000 per sack, DAP at Tk 1,450–1,600, and MOP at Tk 1,150–1,200, significantly above official prices of Tk 1,350, Tk 1,050, and Tk 1,000, respectively. Khondakar Abdul Gaffar, president of the Kushtia BCIC Fertiliser Dealers Association, acknowledged government supply shortfalls but denied deliberate overpricing by dealers. “Some sub-dealers and unscrupulous traders buy from various sources and sell at higher rates. Legal action is needed against them,” he said. Local authorities maintain that fertiliser availability is stable. Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Raisul Islam said, “Fertilisers are being sold at fair prices. Some unscrupulous traders sold at higher rates but were fined.” Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farzana Akhter added that authorities are monitoring dealer syndicates and taking action to ensure fertilisers are sold at government-fixed rates. Read more: Overuse of chemical fertilisers threatens soil health in northern Bangladesh Meanwhile, fields in Yaduboyra, Panti, Bagulat, Nandalalpur, and Chapra unions are alive with activity. Groups of 20–30 people, including farmers, labourers, and students, are planting onion seedlings. Some students are earning Tk 500 per day to help cover labour shortages. For Kushtia’s onion growers, the challenge is clear: lucrative returns are on offer, but without timely access to fertilisers, the season’s promise could be undercut, according to local market observers.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) on Sunday ordered the initiation of trial against former Information Minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) president Hasanul Haq Inu over six killings in Kushtia during last year’s uprising. A three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, framed eight charges of crimes against humanity against him. The court also set November 30 for the presentation of opening statements and witness testimonies in the case. On Sunday, the tribunal read out the eight charges against Inu and asked whether he pleaded guilty. In response, Inu asserted his innocence, following which the tribunal formally framed the charges and issued the trial order. Read more: Ex-minister Inu threatens police: ‘I will destroy your entire lineage’ The former minister was brought to the dock from the tribunal’s detention centre around 11:30 am and the prosecution read out the allegations in his presence. The court told him, “Eight charges have been brought against you. If you plead guilty, our work will end; otherwise, the trial will proceed.” Inu then responded, “I have heard a few charges but not all. However, it seems my request is not being considered.” Inu was charged with issuing the command to kill six people in Kushtia after communicating with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the uprising. Read more: Trial of July killings to be held at Speedy Trial Tribunals On October 23, the prosecution presented formal charges against him and requested the start of trial, prompting the tribunal to issue a production warrant to ensure his presence. On October 28, Inu’s lawyer, Monsurul Haq Chowdhury, argued that none of the allegations were true and sought dismissal of the case, urging the tribunal to examine the charges thoroughly. The prosecution, however, contended that Inu could not evade responsibility as a leader of the 14-party alliance. Inu was arrested on August 26 last year from Uttara in Dhaka and remains in prison facing multiple cases. Read more: Chankharpul killings: Tribunal orders protection for witness facing security threat

Two young men lost their lives after colliding with a pickup van while racing motorcycles among themselves in Kushtia. The accident occurred around 5:30 pm on Friday in the Baromail area of the Kushtia-Ishwardi highway, police said. The deceased were identified as Mahin Hossain, 20, son of Liplu Hossain of Taragunia Sardarpara village, and Siam Hossain, 21, son of Qurban Ali of Mathurapur village, both from Daulatpur upazila. 3 DB police injured in attack during operation in Bogura According to police and local sources, the friends were racing at high speed on the highway with around 10 motorcycles, starting from Lalon Shah Bridge in Veramara. During the race, the motorcycles of Mahin and Siam collided with the rear of a pickup van in the Baromail area. Mahin died instantly at the scene, while Siam succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. Kushtia Chourhash Highway Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Syed Al Mamun confirmed the incident and said the bodies of the two youths were handed over to their families as no criminal case was filed.

A woman was allegedly beaten and strangled to death by her husband in Kushtia early Saturday morning. The deceased, Urmi Khatun, 35, daughter of Mahim Mondal of Gopalpur village in Kushtia Sadar upazila, was found dead with injury marks on her body. Her husband, Rana Khan, fled the scene following the incident. They ran a clothing and food shop near City College and lived in a rented house in Housing E-Block area. Abu Said, brother of the deceased, said Rana was addicted to drugs and had been jailed several times. Frequent quarrels occurred between the couple since their marriage. Following a family dispute, Rana allegedly beat and strangled Urmi to death. Youth stabbed to death in Gazipur Kushtia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mosharraf Hossain confirmed the incident. He said that police recovered the body after receiving the information and sent it for postmortem. The husband is currently on the run and police are working to arrest him. The OC added that preliminary investigations indicate it is a homicide case. Further investigation is underway, and appropriate legal action will be taken. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the postmortem report is received.

A traffic police constable in Kushtia has been suspended over a Facebook post allegedly defaming the July Movement. Police Farjul Islam Rony was suspended on Saturday due to a controversial Facebook post, said Kushtia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mosharraf Hossain. Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Farjul, who was posted in Kushtia Traffic Division, made a derogatory post from his personal Facebook account regarding the July Revolution, triggering anger among students and locals. They also brought out processions and staged demonstrations by blocking Kushtia-Meherpur road in front of the district Superintendent of Police's office, demanding his immediate arrest and exemplary punishment. .Farjul was attached to the police lines at the same night, and an inquiry committee was formed to investigate the matter. 2 arrested over Kamrangirchar murder His leave was also canceled. Police said said he went into hiding after making the post while on leave and has not reported back to duty since. “A three-member probe committee has been formed. Further action will be taken based on the investigation,” said the OC. Kushtia Traffic Police Inspector Sheikh Shahadat Ali said Farjul hails from Dahkula village of Shailkupa upazila in Jhenaidah district. He has been serving in Kushtia’s traffic division since July 13, 2023.

Over 100 villagers besieged Kumarkhali Police Station in Kushtia for nearly an hour on Wednesday, protesting the arrest of three women in connection with an attack on another woman accused of theft. A chase and counter-chase ensued between police and locals as the latter tried to snatch the arrestees from police custody. Despite the chaos, police eventually sent the accused to court under tight security. According to statements from villagers gathered at the police station premises, the woman who filed the case had allegedly stolen beef from a refrigerator and cash from a neighbour’s house on Monday afternoon. The family members reportedly caught her red-handed, beat her severely and shaved her head. Later that night, village level arbitration took place, during which she was fined after being found guilty. Bullet-hit body recovered in Kushtia:Police Rejecting the arbitration's decision, the woman filed a case the following day, accusing seven women from the village. Police arrested three of them on Wednesday morning. The news of the arrests quickly spread, prompting villagers to rush to the police station around 11am and stage a protest demanding the release of the detainees. Officer-in-charge of Kumarkhali Police Station Md Solaiman Sheikh said the accused were sent to court in line with legal procedure, despite obstruction from the villagers. He added that the situation was now under control.

At least 11 people were injured in a clash between activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP over a traditional ‘Gazi Kalu-Champabati’ fair in Jagannathpur union under Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia on Tuesday evening. The incident involved chase and counter-chase, brick-throwing, and violent altercations between the two groups, reportedly triggered by disputes over holding the nearly 150-year-old fair, which had not received official permission this year. Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Solaiman Sheikh said that several people were injured in the clash and are now undergoing treatment at various hospitals. “The fair did not have permission this year. The situation is currently under control,” he added. Locals said at least 11 people were injured and admitted to the upazila health complex, while some were later transferred to Kushtia General Hospital and other facilities for advanced treatment. The fair was scheduled to begin on May 17. However, Jamaat and its affiliated organisations demanded the event be cancelled, citing alleged indecent activities and gambling, according to locals. Farmer trampled to death by wild elephant in Sherpur Despite the lack of administrative approval, BNP supporters attempted to hold the fair in view of local tradition, which led to rising tensions from Tuesday afternoon. Police were deployed and conducted patrols throughout the day, but violence broke out in the evening between members of both groups, resulting in injuries and damage to several shops. Some establishments were also reportedly looted during the unrest. Denying allegations against his party, Kumarkhali Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Afzal Hossain said, “Our activists and local residents were peacefully protesting against anti-Islamic activities at the fair when the fair committee members attacked us. We plan to file a case over the incident.” “Legal action will be taken in this regard if a written complaint is received,” the OC added.

A man allegedly stabbed his wife to death and injured two daughters before attempting to die by suicide on Tuesday night at Harishankarpur in Kushtia town. The deceased was identified as Meghla Khatun,22, wife of Mamun Ali, a day labourer and also a painter. The couple’s two daughters—four-year-old Kulsum and one-and-a-half-year-old Jannat—were critically injured in the attack. Officer-in-Charge of Kushtia Model Police Station Mosharraf Hossain said  family dispute might be the reason behind the murder. According to family sources, the coupled used to lock into altercation over Meghla’s alleged extramarital affairs. ‘Outlaw’ shot dead in Pabna On the night of the incident, Mamun reportedly caught her speaking to someone on the phone which enraged him. He then attacked Meghla with a sharp weapon, severely injuring her and also attacked his two daughters.  After the attack, Mamun also tried to kill himself by stabbing his own head and neck. Neighbours said that they rushed to the scene and took all four to Kushtia General Hospital in critical condition. Kushtia General Hospital's Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Hossain Imam said that all three [mother and two daughters] were hit on the head with a sharp object. The mother died around 11pm while undergoing treatment, he said. The condition of the two children remains critical, while Mamun is also being treated for serious injuries. No case has been filed yet, said the OC.