United News of Bangladesh

A medical student was found dead in a rented room of a seven-storey building in Housing E-Block area in Kushtia town on Sunday evening. The deceased is Samia Nijhum,  daughter of Md Abdus Salam of Chotp Shalikha area of Chatmohar upazila in Pabna district and a 4th year student of Kushtia Medical College. She used to live in the house near the medical college. She moved into the rented room near the college about two weeks ago. Caretaker of the house Riaz Uddin said Samia’s father, called in the evening to check on his daughter. When there was no response, a student from the neighbouring room accompanied him and knocked several times. On getting no reply, they tried to open the door with the family's permission and saw her hanging from the window. On information, police recovered the body. Youth commits suicide in Sunamganj after humiliation over installment Kushtia Medical College Principal Shahidul Islam said Samia was a good student and her MBBS course was expected to finish next year. Officer-in-Charge of Kushtia Model Police Station Md. Kabir Hossain Matubbar investigation in underway.

By a roadside in Jagalba village of Kushtia, an elderly couple live in a fragile tin-and-polythene shelter that barely protects them from rain or winter cold, but they see elections after a time gap. For Babu Sheikh and his wife Kajol Rekha, the upcoming national election will pass like many before it without their participation. Their exclusion is not due to a lack of interest. Instead, it hinges on Tk 650, the amount they were told they must pay as house tax to complete voter registration. Unable to arrange the money, the couple say they have once again been deprived of their right to vote in Bangladesh’s 13th national election. “We live hand to mouth,” said Kajol Rekha, sitting inside the makeshift hut that has been her home for more than a decade. “We simply could not manage the money.” A Life Uprooted by Politics The couple were repatriated from Jhenaidah around 15 to 16 years ago after fleeing what they describe as political persecution. They originally lived in Chhota Moukuri village in Shailkupar upazila, where they owned homestead land and kept livestock. Their lives changed after they voted for the 'Sheaf of Paddy' in a national election. Following the Awami League’s victory at the time, they allege they were harassed and tortured, forcing them to abandon their village. Seeking safety, they moved to Jagalba village under Betbaria Union in Kushtia’s Khoksa upazila, where they have lived ever since. Living without documents, or security Today, Babu Sheikh and Kajol Rekha, along with their children, live beside a road on land temporarily provided by Kajol Rekha’s maternal uncle. They own no land in the area. Their shelter has no proper fence, doors or windows. Torn jute sacks, polythene sheets and pieces of special cloth used for river erosion prevention are used to cover the structure. “It is extremely inhuman,” said Abdul Matin, a member of Ward No. 2 of Betbaria Union. “They have been living like this for 15–16 years.” According to Matin, the lack of basic documents has become a major obstacle to voter registration. “To become voters or transfer voter registration, documents such as electricity bills, tax receipts, land papers, and even a mobile phone number are required. They have none of these,” he said. ‘Promises that Never Materialise’ Kajol Rekha, who is mentally challenged, said that before every election, people come to her home with assurances that they will help her and her husband become registered voters. “But nothing happens,” she said. Ahead of the 12th national election, the couple had approached local Awami League leader Helal Uddin, hoping he would assist them with registration. They were later told they needed to deposit Tk 650 at the Union Parishad as house tax. “As we could not manage the money, our dream of becoming voters remained unfulfilled,” Kajol Rekha said. Kushtia Jamaat Ameer dies while addressing protest rally Helal Uddin confirmed that Kajol Rekha is known to him and acknowledged that she had moved to the area after facing political persecution. “I tried to transfer her voter registration, but it could not be completed,” he said. Fear Still Lingers Beyond financial hardship, fear continues to shape the couple’s decisions. Having once been forced to flee their home after voting, Kajol Rekha said she worries that participating in another election could again put her family at risk. “We are afraid. What if voting means we have to leave this place too?” she said. As Bangladesh prepares for another national election, Babu Sheikh and Kajol Rekha remain on the margins — citizens in name, but unable to exercise one of the most basic rights of democracy.

Islamic University Chhatra Dal on Monday issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of University Proctor Professor Dr Shahinuzzaman, alleging failure to ensure justice and campus safety even six months after the murder of student Sajid Abdullah. Chhatra Dal coordinator Sahed Ahmed warned that if the proctor does not resign by 4pm Tuesday, protesters will besiege the Vice-Chancellor’s office at 11:00 am Wednesday. He made the announcement at a human chain organised under the banner of general students, demanding the arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in Sajid’s killing. IU Chhatra Dal leader files case against Mufti Amir Hamza over defamatory remarks Addressing the programme, Sahed accused the administration of “six months of deception” and said members of the fact-finding committee formed after the murder should also be brought under investigation. In the Vice-Chancellor’s absence, the pro-vice-chancellor said the demand would be conveyed to the VC. University Treasurer Prof Dr Md Jahangir Alam said the proctor bears no individual responsibility as he is appointed by the administration, adding that the murder case is under police investigation and there is no lack of sincerity from the VC or administration. “If students take any programme, not just the proctor, we all will join them,” he said. IU Shibir secretary Rashedule Islam Rafi, Chhatra Dal member secretary Masud Rumi Mithun, former Anti-Discrimination Student Movement co-coordinator Tanvir Mahmud Mondol, and students from different departments attended the human chain.

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.