United News of Bangladesh

Even as winter sets in, the coastal district of Barguna remains gripped by dengue, with new infections being reported daily and the death toll continuing to rise. As of November 18, the district has recorded at least 15 dengue deaths, while more than 9,000 people have been affected this year.  According to data shared on Tuesday by the district civil surgeon’s office, 117 dengue patients are currently receiving treatment at the Sadar and upazila hospitals across Barguna. Within the past 24 hours alone, 21 new patients were admitted to the 250-bed Barguna General Hospital, which is now treating 60 dengue patients.  During the same period, the upazila health complexes saw 18 fresh admissions—three in Amtali, two in Bamna, four in Betagi and nine in Patharghata.  A total of 67 patients are currently under treatment at these facilities. Official records show that 9,029 dengue patients have been treated in Barguna this year, of whom 8,927 have recovered and returned home.  Barguna District Hospital treated 7,044 of these cases, while 1,985 patients received treatment at upazila-level health complexes. DSCC Administrator visits dengue control activities at Green Road, Dhanmondi Patharghata ranks second in infection numbers after Barguna Sadar, having treated 910 patients so far. The upazila has reported two hospital deaths. Government data confirm 15 dengue-related deaths within the district—12 at Barguna General Hospital, one in Amtali and two in Patharghata. However, an additional 49 residents of Barguna died while undergoing treatment outside the district, pushing the unofficial death toll to around 64. Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Abul Fattah noted that the district had been declared a dengue ‘hotspot’ as early as March. ‘Through multiple cleanup drives, coordinated efforts by the local administration, and the relentless work of health workers, we were able to keep the situation under control.  Keeping deaths at 15 despite such a large patient count was a major challenge,’ he said. While dengue cannot be fully eradicated, raising public awareness, keeping surroundings clean and eliminating mosquito breeding sites could significantly reduce future risks, he said.  Meanwhile, Bangladesh recorded four more dengue deaths in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the nationwide fatality count to 343 this year. During the same period, 920 new patients were hospitalised, bringing the total number of infections to 86,924, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Health Ministry issues dengue awareness alert amid rising cases DGHS data show that the new cases were reported as follows: 146 in Barishal Division (outside city corporation areas), 116 in Chattogram Division (outside CC), 147 in Dhaka Division (outside CC), 211 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 151 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 72 in Khulna Division (outside CC), 65 in Mymensingh Division (outside CC), two in Rangpur Division (outside CC) and 10 in Sylhet Division (outside CC). Last year, dengue claimed 575 lives. In 2023, the country experienced its deadliest year on record, with 1,705 dengue deaths. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 318,749 recoveries that year.

Two minor children drowned in a pond while playing on the bank of the water body in Barguna Sadar upazila on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Junayed, 10, son of Siddiqur Rahman, and Yeasin, 9, son of Russell Hossain, both hailing from Patakata village under the Baaliatali union of the upazila. Locals said the children were playing on the bank of the pond beside their house in the afternoon. Accidently Junayed fell into the water body while Yeasin jumped into it to save him. 2 hurt, 4 missing in Barguna clash over alleged extortion As they were not found for long despite searching, later their bodies were found floating in the water body, they said.    Though they were immediately rushed to Barguna General Hospital where physicians declared them dead upon arrival, said Dr Tajkia Siddika, resident medical officer of the hospital. Later, the bodies were handed over to the families upon primary examination, she added.

Two fishermen were injured and four others went missing in a clash with the Coast Guard (CG) over the alleged demand of extortion by the battalion from the fishermen in Barguna district on Tuesday night. A tense situation was prevailing in Patharghata coastal areas following the confrontations between the groups.  General Secretary of Barguna Trawler Owners’ Association Masum Akan said thousands of fishers sailed out for the sea to catch fish after the expiry of the 58-day ban imposed by the government. He said two fishing trawlers, including one of him, returned to the ghat from the sea due to inclement weather on Tuesday morning. Upon arrival, the CG members reportedly charged Tk five lakh as extortion from the fishermen, he alleged. Despite showing authorised documents of the trawlers, the Coast Guard detained their trawlers, leading to arguments between the fishermen and the battalion members, he said. Bridge of Frustration: Design woes stall Barguna’s Sonakata Canal Project for four years Though Patharghata fisheries officials instructed the CG to release the trawlers after showing documents, they did not comply with it, Akan claimed. Around 10pm on Tuesday, the CG started damaging the detained trawlers after being refused to pay the extortion, he said, adding that they also beat two fishermen when they protested. The CG members fired 10 rounds of bullets in blanks when the tense broke out between them, the association’s leader said, forcing the fishermen to hurl brickbats for self-defence and vandalising a motorbike and a pickup van.   He said the two fishermen were injured and four others remained missing in this connection. Akan said, “I gave Tk one lakh to the Coast Guard officer before the Eid holiday. After the Eid holiday, they called me to their station again and demanded the list of trawlers. They are also demanding a large sum of money from this. He further stated that several payments have been made before this.” On information, Patharghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Mizanur Rahman visited the spot and talked to both parties. Joy rises with Hilsa in Barguna despite surging prices Officer-in-Charge of Patharghata police station Mohammad Mehedi Hasan said they requested both groups to remain calm. The UNO, Coast Guard and fisheries department expressed reluctance to comment over the matter.

Three brothers were killed in a collision between a bus and a motorcycle on the Patharghata-Mathbaria road in Sonabangla area under Rayhanpur union of Patharghata upazila on Saturday morning. The deceased were identified as Naimuzzaman Shuvo, Shanto, and Nadim, sons of Nasir Khan from Baishkura village in Tikikata union of Mathbaria upazila in Pirojpur district. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Patharghata Police Station Yakub Hossain said the accident occurred around 7:30am when a Rajib Paribahan bus heading to Dhaka from Patharghata collided with a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction, leaving three motorbike riders dead on the spot. Two killed in Rajshahi train crash The bus driver and his assistant fled the scene. Police have seized the bus, the OC added.

The Khakdon River, a crucial waterway connecting Barguna to Dhaka, remains in poor condition despite annual dredging efforts. The waterway is almost completely closed at several points due to the buildup of sandbars, making navigation difficult for vessels, especially during the dry winter months. While the river maintains sufficient water flow for launches during the monsoon season, the water level drops significantly during winter, especially during low tide. This results in the river becoming unnavigable, with launches unable to reach the Barguna river port. Passengers are left stranded as vessels anchor two to three kilometers away from the port, causing immense sufferings. Each year, dredging is carried out at different points in an attempt to keep the waterway operational, but the situation persists. Local launch staff and residents said that despite the dredging, there is no long-term solution to the problem. "Dredging is done for show, but it doesn’t restore the river’s navigability," said Md. Harun Or Rashid, master of the Pubali-1 launch. He explained that nearby canals, which were dammed, prevent water from flowing into the river, causing the water level to drop further, especially during low tide. For the river to be navigable, at least 1.5 meters of water is needed. However, during the winter season, the depth sometimes drops to just 1 meter, making it impossible for launches to reach the port. As a result, passengers are forced to travel by road, and traders face difficulties in transporting goods, he added. Read: National Committee of civic bodies urges river dredging to combat recurring floods Launch operators obviously struggle with the low navigability of the river.  Md. Abul Hossain, another master of the Pubali-1 launch, pointed out that the river’s shallow depth forces the launch to travel at a much slower speed, delaying arrival at the Barguna port. "This not only increases the suffering of passengers but also affects our operations," he added. Md. Ripon, a staff member on the launch, said that when the water level is low, passengers have to disembark at Dhalua, about two kilometers away from the port. Despite the dredging machines operating in the river, no significant improvement has been seen, leading to frustration among the launch staff and passengers alike. Locals have also expressed their concerns. Muraduzzaman Tipon, a resident of Barguna, criticised the minimal dredging in the river. "The occasional dredging is not enough to solve the problem. It’s mostly for show," he said, adding that passengers often have to get off the launch up to three kilometers from the port. Arifur Rahman, a member of the Bangladesh River Protection Committee, echoed these concerns, calling the dredging efforts unplanned and ineffective. Read more: 13 citizens demand expert committee to investigate ‘graft in river dredging’ "We need a long-term, well-planned dredging strategy to restore the river’s navigability. If this continues, we will launch a larger movement to demand action from the authorities," he added. When asked about the measures being taken to address the navigability issue, Syed Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Assistant Port and Transport Officer at the Barguna River Port, acknowledged the difficulties during low tide but assured that authorities were aware of the problem. "The senior authorities of BIWTA have already inspected the river’s depth, and we have informed the dredging department about the situation," he said. Barguna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shafiul Alam said that the Khakdon River is vital for transport between Barguna and Dhaka. "Although the waterway is almost closed due to sandbars, we can still reach the launch ghat during high tide. However, during low tide, it becomes difficult. We will work with BIWTA and relevant authorities to keep this important waterway operational," he added.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Showkat Hasanur Rahman Rimon, former MP of Barguna-2 constituency, for allegedly acquiring illegal wealth worth Tk 5.96 crore. The ACC has also asked Rimon’s wife Rawnak to submit her wealth statement as it has information on her acquiring illegal assets worth Tk 2.52 crore. According to ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain Rimon owns movable and immovable properties worth Tk 35.98 crore. He also has liabilities amounting to Tk 15.25 crore, leaving his net assets at Tk 20.73 crore. Call for inclusive police reform to rebuild trust, accountability His legitimate sources of income amount to only Tk 1.11 crore that showed that he illegally accumulated Tk 35.96 crore, he said. The ACC began investigating Rimon’s alleged corruption on September 17, said ACC Deputy Director Md Akhtarul Islam. Rimon misused his authority to amass significant illegal assets through irregularities and corruption. Rimon was elected MP from Barguna-2 in the 10th and 11th parliamentary elections. On October 16, a court imposed a travel ban on him following an ACC petition.

Thirteen arson attacks have been reported across Bangladesh from 6 am on Wednesday (November 08, 2023) till 9 am today (November 09, 2023) during the ongoing 48-hour blockade. Read: 21 arson incidents reported in 38 hrs till Monday evening: Fire Service Of these, five arson attacks were reported in Dhaka City Corporation areas, three in Gazipur, one in Khagrachhari, one in Bogura, two in Barishal and Barguna, and one in Noakhali, said Talha Bin Jasim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defense's media cell. A total of seven buses, four covered vans, and two trucks were burned during this period. Read: 7 incidents of arson occur Tuesday: Fire Service

Fear has gripped the residents of Betagi municipality of Barguna, as the main town protection embankment is under erosion threat due to the alleged negligence of the authorities concerned. The road constructed on the town protection embankment on the west side of the Launch Ghat has developed big cracks at several places, causing concern over the safety of the adjacent areas. It has left thousands of traders and residents living in fear, especially amid the threat of Cyclone Mocha over the Bay. The Indian Meteorological Department has recently issued a warning about the possible formation of a cyclonic storm called ‘Mocha’ in the southeast Bay of Bengal, which has caused uncertainty about the longevity of the protection dam. Also Read: Many embankments turn vulnerable in Khulna’s Koyra; Fear grips residents Local said the slow progress of the erosion control project has aggravated the situation. Previously, erosion by the Bishkhali river destroyed launch ghats, port, small factories, jute shops, houses, businesses, and public and private institutions, paddy fields, mosques, and madrashas. And now, the dam, upazila parishad complex, passenger camp at launch ghat, hundred years old traditional Kali temple, mosques, and the rest of the municipality are in danger. In 2017, a project was approved to protect the municipality and then secretary to the local government division Abdul Malek laid the foundation stone of the project.  The project was halted and the foundation stone is the only visible work of the project. Also Read: Cyclone Sitrang: Flood protection embankment is at risk in Bagerhat Last year, the Executive Committee of the National Ecomic Council (ECNEC) approved a project worth TK 404 crore to protect the municipality and other important areas from the erosion by the Bishkhali river. But Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has not yet started the project work. The delay in the project has caused anger and frustration among the local residents. The tender process for the protection project is ongoing, according to the WDB Barguna office. Also Read: Khulna: Embankment collapses again Abdur Rob, a labourer who lives on the banks of the river, expressed his fear for the upcoming monsoon season, saying “I don't know what the future holds for us. The way Bishkhali is eroding right now, I can’t imagine what will happen after the monsoon and cyclone ‘Mocha’”.  Md. Sohail Howladar, the owner of Jhalkathi Engineering Workshop, said that erosion has been increasing in the area adjacent to his shop for the past few months, with the crack in the paved road dangerously close to his establishment. He said that it is only a matter of time before his shop disappears into the river. Abdul Halim, owner of a sawmill in Kath Bazar, expressed his frustration at the lack of progress by authorities, saying that “Locals have to travel through many alternative routes. I have been hearing for a long time the work will start. But I don't see any progress.” Betagi Municipality Mayor ABM Golam Kabir said, “The Betagi protection dam project was halted but I hope it will start soon.” WDB’s Barguna district’s executive engineer Md. Rakib said he has inspected the condition of the dam. “The matter has been brought to the attention of higher authorities. Necessary measures will be taken for immediate repair of the dam, and the re-tendering process will be initiated soon,” he said.

Farmers in the coastal region of Barguna are rejoicing over their successful yield of salt-tolerant Bri varieties rice.  At Amratala village, located in Kalmegha Union of Patharghata Upazila, where growing crops is typically challenging, local farmers have reported good yields of Bri 67, 74, and 97 rice varieties.  Talking to UNB, local farmers, who hope to harvest 23-24 maunds of paddy per bigha, have expressed their satisfaction with the results. Badal Howladar, a local farmer, expressed his satisfaction with the results, saying that the Bri rice varieties have done very well in the salinity-hit area. Also Read: Bangladeshi scientists unveil full genome sequence of salinity, flood-tolerant rice The farmers said they cultivated the rice varieties for the first time during the  Boro season in 2022-23as per the recommendation of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).  The farmers have been growing the rice under the supervision of the Irrigation and Water Management Department of the BRRI. To showcase the successful cultivation of salinity-tolerant Bri Dhan 67, Bri Dhan 74, and Bri Dhan 97 rice varieties, the BRRI organized a farmers' field day and harvesting exhibition on the fallow land in Amratala village recvently.  Director General of the BRRI Dr. Md. Shahjahan Kabir and its senior scientific officer Dr Devjit Roy , among others, visited the filed. Also Read: How salinity taking toll on coastal people in Satkhira  Dr. Md. Shahjahan Kabir said the institute has developed many high-yielding and salinity-tolerant rice varieties, including Bri 67 and Bri 97.  These varieties can withstand high salinity levels and have a lifespan of 140-145 days, he said.  Kabir added that the successful cultivation of these rice varieties in coastal salinity-hit areas like Barguna district through improved water management could play a vital role in the country's food security.     

A 55-year-old man killed himself after failing to repay loans from various NGOs in Sadar upazila of Barguna on Tuesday. The deceased was identified as farmer Dulal Matubbor, of the upazila. The police recovered his body hanging from a tree with a rope in Badarkhali village of Badarkhali union this morning, said Ali Ahmed, officer-in-charge (OC) of Barguna Sadar police station. Dulal might have committed suicide due to family feud following his failure to repay the loans from   NGOs, associations and locals, said Joint convener of Badarkhali Union Jubo League Md Al Amin. Read more: 2 farmers’ suicide for irrigation water: Agriculture secy vows strict action The OC said, “It is being investigated whether it is murder or suicide. Legal action will be taken following the investigation.” The body has been kept in Barguna Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy, he added.