United News of Bangladesh

Once known as the New Hostel of Cumilla Victoria Government College, the century-old residential facility near Tomchom Bridge now stands in ruins, its abandoned wings swallowed by thick vegetation, broken walls and the quiet encroachment of drug users and vagrants. A major portion of the hostel has remained abandoned for more than a decade, leaving hundreds of students without accommodation.  Once home to nearly 450 students, the complex now houses barely 80 in its only surviving building, students said.  With almost 30,000 students enrolled in the 126-year-old institution, many arriving from distant districts say the reconstruction of the new hostel has become urgent to ease the college’s chronic accommodation crisis. Attack on principal of Cumilla Victoria College Founded on 24 September 1899 by Rai Bahadur Anand Chandra Roy, Cumilla Victoria Government College originally built several hostels for students: Nazrul Hall, Faizunnesa Hall, Sher-e-Bangla Hall, and the New Hostel—officially known as Suhrawardy Hall—located beside the Tomchom Bridge area. Although the four hostels together can accommodate around 1,200 male and female students, the New Hostel remains in the worst condition.  Three of its four buildings became unusable after 2000 and were fully shut down by 2013. A visit to the site reveals a stark contrast between the surrounding urban landscape and the hostel’s decaying structures.  Read more: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2026: How to Apply from Bangladesh Once arranged around a central pond, the blocks now resemble relics of neglect: • West block: Collapsed, covered by dense vines and parasitic plants.• East block: Mostly vanished, with only scattered remains.• North block: Barely standing, now a hangout spot for drug users; vagrants have set up makeshift latrines nearby. A fading inscription on the wall still reads: PWD 1947.• South block: A 1990s building, currently housing the remaining 80 students, though its condition is also worsening. Former residential student Jahangir Alam Tipu, who stayed at the hostel in 1986–87, fondly recalled its vibrant past.  “My home was in Chandpur. Without hostel accommodation, studying would have been very difficult,” he said. “We used to catch fish from the pond at dawn and cook together. I still miss those days. Seeing the hostel in ruins is heartbreaking. It should be rebuilt,” he added. Echoing the former resident, current students Arafat Hossain Jihad, Md Rahmat Ullah and Hasan Al Kabir said many learners from distant districts exhaust themselves commuting daily, while others live in poor conditions in messes and lodgings. Admitting the accommodation crisis, college principal Prof Abul Bashar Bhuiyan said, “We are aware of the accommodation shortage. We have proposed constructing two 10-storey buildings in the New Hostel and Nazrul Hall areas. If approved, they will provide residential facilities for an additional 2,400 students.” Read more: 3 female BAU students expelled from dormitory over ragging allegations Students now hope the proposal wins swift approval—so the ‘New Hostel’ may finally live up to its name once again. 

Along the quiet banks of the Gomti River in Cumilla, an environmental crisis is unfolding in plain sight. As the winter dry season settles in, the river’s embankments, which shield nearby homes, farms and infrastructure, are being carved away by a surge of illegal soil extraction. Local residents say the scale is unprecedented as soil is being removed almost continuously along both banks of the river, often in the presence of authorities and transported to brick kilns and construction sites across the district. From Palpara to Golabari in Adarsha Sadar upazila, tractors move in and out of the riverbanks throughout the day. Villagers describe it as an ‘open season’ for soil lifters. Read more: Six jailed for illegal soil extraction from govt land in Feni A five-kilometre stretch on the northern bank and nearly 25 kilometres along the southern side have turned into extraction zones, locals say. The result is visible erosion -- sections of the embankment are collapsing, and parts of an adjacent paved road have already begun to break apart. During a recent visit, at least 20 tractors were seen operating along the southern bank — in areas stretching from Durgapur to Samar Char. So relentless is the activity that operators have cut into the embankment itself to create makeshift access routes. The northern side is no different. Soil is being dug out near electric poles, beneath tree roots and even in front of a police outpost at Chhatrokhil. Extraction continues near Chanpur Bailey Bridge and the western edges of Kaptanbazar. Read more: Two jailed for illegal soil extraction in Chandpur Residents say at least seven temporary ghats have been set up to load and transport the excavated soil across the river. They accuse local administrations of ‘silent permission’, allowing the practice to carry on despite widespread environmental damage.

‘Extramarital affair’ was behind the murder of trader Ashraful Haque, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Law enforcement agencies arrested two suspects on Friday (November 14) in connection with the murder, said DC (media) of DMP Talebur Rahman. Ashraful’s body — cut into 26 pieces — was recovered from two drums dumped near the National Eidgah ground in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon. Police arrested prime suspect Jorejul Islam from Daudkandi in Cumilla. Dismembered body found in plastic drum near National Eidgah in Dhaka RAB-3 members arrested  Shamima, identified as Jorejul’s lover and a key accomplice. She was arrested along with evidence related to the disposal of the body, it said. Investigators found that Jorejul had been engaged in an extramarital relationship which led to a conflict that ended in Ashraful’s killing, said DB and RAB sources. According to DB officials, the murder was pre-planned. After killing Ashraful, the killers cut the body into 26 pieces, placed them in two drums and later dumped them beside the National Eidgah, they said. Both agencies said further details on the arrests and the investigation will be shared on Saturday. Read more: Woman’s throat-slit body found in Gazipur; husband critically injured

Awami League is trying to disrupt the upcoming national election and is carrying out arson attacks across the country, alleged Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday (11th November 2025). “The fascist AL is indulged in arson attacks across the country, aiming to thwart the election but the national parliamentary election will be held in the first half of February and no domestic or foreign force will be able to foil it,” he said. Shafiqul Alam came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after laying the foundation stone of a newly-constructed building of Kuliara High School in Chouddagram upazila in Cumilla district. Good governance, reforms take time: Shafiqul Alam Mentioning that there might be differences over the opinions of political parties, the press secretary said everyone is preparing for the election. “Despite differences, all parties want a festive and participatory election,” he said. So far, he said, BNP has announced candidates for 237 constituencies while Jamaat-e-Islami is also picking its candidates. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder was also present. Read more: Govt laid foundation for promising new chapter in Bangladesh-US relations: Shafiqul Alam

The Election Commission (EC) has announced a ‘Jihad’ (all-out war) to hold a free and fair election as the future of the country depends on the polls, said EC Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker. Speaking at a daylong workshop titled ‘Identifying Challenges and Solutions for Polling Officials in the Election Process,” at BARD in Cumilla on Monday (10th November 2025), he assured all not to be afraid about the upcoming elections. “The 180 million people of our country expect a good election. We have faced many shameful moments in the past, but this time we must erase that stigma and deliver an acceptable and beautiful election,” the election commissioner asserted. Setting aside all speculations about the election schedule, he said only 80 to 90 days are left to go for the election, and if anyone now doubts whether the election will be held, that is a misconception. The election will be held in due time and it will be participatory and transparent, he asserted. Don’t test patience of July revolutionaries: Press Secretary to AL supporters Urging election officials to play a neutral role during the polls, he said, “Gaining the trust of the people is our greatest achievement. Perform your duties fearlessly and impartially—the nation stands with you.” EC Joint Secretary Md. Abdul Halim Khan, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Amirul Kaiser, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, and Project Director Muhammad Mostafa Hasan of the CBTEP project under the Election Commission Secretariat participated in the event. Speakers stressed the importance of every polling official performing their duties responsibly, as polling stations reflect the essence of democracy. District and Upazila-level election officials discussed potential challenges in the field and ways to overcome them. Read more: Effective election management foundation of credible democracy: CEC

The water level in the Gomti River has surged sharply due to two days of continuous rainfall and upstream hill runoff, prompting the district administration to issue an emergency alert for riverbanks residents. As of 9am Wednesday, the river’s water level was recorded at 8.30 metres—just three metres below the danger level of 11.30 metres, according to the Water Development Board in Comilla. “The water level in the Gomti River is rising rapidly and it is time to remain vigilant,” said Khan Mohammad Waliuzzaman Executive Engineer(Gomti division ) of the Water Development Board in Comilla. Feni’s Muhuri, Selonia rivers still above danger level; floodwaters likely to recede He added that the situation is being closely monitored. In response, the Comilla district administration has urged residents particularly those in low-lying and erosion-prone areas—to stay alert and prepare to move to shelter centres if necessary. Authorities said a joint initiative by the district administration and the Water Development Board has been taken to prepare for any potential flooding.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged his party leaders and activists to forge strong resistance against what they said fascism whether it is old or new one. “We don’t care whether it’s a new or old force—any form of fascism must be resisted with determination,” he said while addressing a roadside rally at Paduar Bazar in Cumilla Sadar Dakkhin upazila in the morning. “The martyrs who shed their blood for Bangladesh left us a sacred trust. We will not allow anyone to betray their sacrifice. We want to uphold the value of their blood,” the Jamaat Ameer added. “We don’t want an election for the sake of it. Our leaders and activists must be prepared,” he said. No credible election possible without basic reforms: Jamaat Ameer The Jamaat chief addressed four roadside rallies on his way to Feni to attend a party event. Dr Shafiq warned, “We are observing how some parties are looting and grabbing everything. We urge them to restrain themselves; otherwise, people will resist you.” The rally was presided over by Jamaat’s central executive council member and Cumilla city Ameer Qazi Din Mohammad. Jamaat’s central assistant secretary general Maulana ATM Mohammad Masum, central Majlish-e-Shura member and Cumilla South district Ameer Advocate Mohammad Shahjahan, North district Ameer Prof Abdul Matin and city Nayeb-e-Ameer Mohammad Mosleh Uddin, among others, also spoke at the rally.

Eleven people were killed and three others were injured by lightning strikes in Cumilla, Chandpur, Shariatpur, Habiganj, Netrakona and Kishoreganj districts on Monday. Among the deceased, four were killed in Cumilla, three in Kishoreganj and one each in Shariatpur, Habiganj, Chandpur and Netrakona district. In Cumilla, four people, including two schoolboys, were killed by lightning in Barura and Muradnagar upazilas. Witnesses said Fahad Hossain, 13, son of Khokon Mia of Poyalgaccha village and Saimon Hossain, 13, son of Abdul Barek, were killed when a streak of thunderbolt struck them while flying kites at noon in Barura upazila of the district. Both of them were class VI students of Boroharipur High School. In another incident, Nikhil Debnath, 64 and Jewel Bhuiyan, 30, son of Jashim Uddin Bhuiyan, were killed by lightning while working at their paddy fields at Korbanpur Purbapara in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla district in the morning. In Kishoreganj, three people were killed as lightning struck them in different places. Witnesses said Fulesa Begum, 65, wife of Asrab Ali of Raniganj Kewarjor in Mithamoin upazila was killed by a thunderbolt while working outside her house at Shantiganj Haor around 8 am. Besides, Indrajit Das, 36, son of Jatindra Das of Halalpur village, was killed when a thunderbolt struck him while working at a paddy field at Halalpur haor amid rain in the morning. Meanwhile, Swadhin Mia, 14, son of Idris Mia of Khayerpur village in Astagram upazila was killed when a streak of thunderbolt struck him while cutting paddy at Khayerpur haor, said Ruhul Amin, officer-in-charge of Austagram Police Station. In Chandpur, Bishakha Rani Sarkar, 35, wife of Haripodo Sarkar of Nahara village in Kachua upazila of Chandpur district, died during rain coupled with thundershowers while collecting paddy from the field. Sohel Rana, Kachua Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said Bishakha might have died after being panicked by the lightning strike. In Shariatpur, Shefali Begum, 35, wife of Sorhab Bepari of Bepari Kandi village in Bhedarganj upazila of the district, was killed when a thunderbolt struck her while she along with her husband were returning to home after collecting grass amid rain in Shakhipur area of the upazila. She was taken to Bhedarganj Upazila Health Complex where the doctors declared her dead. In Habiganj, Durbas Das, 35, were killed and three others were injured in separate incidents of lightning strike in Baniachang upazila of the district. The injured were taken to Sylher MAG Osmani Medical College and Hospital, said Azadur Rahman, District Relief and Disaster Management officer. In Netrakona, Arafat, 10, a Madrasha student and son of Abdus Salam of Triosree in Madanpur upazila of the district was killed when a thunderbolt struck on him while going to the Madrasha after fazar prayer in the morning, said Motahar Hossain, member of Triosree Union of the upazila.

Police on Saturday arrested the prime suspect in connection with the rape of a housewife in Cumilla’s Nangalkot upazila. The arrestee, identified as Imam Hossain, 24, was sent to Cumilla jail following a court appearance, said AK Fazlul Haque, officer-in-charge of Nangalkot Police Station. According to police sources, the incident took place in a village under Nangalkot upazila. The 22-year-old victim lodged a written complaint the following day, prompting police to launch an investigation. Based on preliminary findings, the allegations were deemed credible and a formal case was recorded. The case named two people, with another remaining unidentified. Imam Hossain was arrested the same night. Natore man stabs a woman after failed rape attempt The victim alleged she was tied with iron chains and raped. Her attackers also cut off her hair during the brutal assault. In her statement, she said the accused had previously threatened to rape her. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest the remaining suspects, OC Fazlul Haque added.

Three people died and at least 25 others were injured as  a passenger crashed into an electric pole and a tree in Chandina upazila of Cumilla on Dhaka-Chattogram highway on Tuesday evening. Baharul Islam, station master of Chandina Fire Service, said that a ‘Tisha Plus’ passenger bus was traveling from Dhaka to Cumilla when it lost control in Indrarchar around 6:30 pm. The vehicle veered off the road and crashed into an electric pole and a tree, leaving one dead and 27 others injured. Two of the injured succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. 2 die as bus hits autorickshaw in Gazipur The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed yet, but all three were male. The injured were initially treated at Chandina Upazila Health Complex before being referred to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for further treatment. Dr Subal Debnath, a physician at Chandina Upazila Health Complex, said that two of the injured passengers were declared dead upon arrival.