Faridpur
Nor’wester damages hundreds of houses in Faridpur
Around hundreds of houses were damaged while a number of trees were uprooted during a nor’wester in Faridpur district early Thursday (March 28, 2024).
Twenty villages under Pachuria and Bana unions in Alfadanga upazila of the district were battered by the storm.
Residents of the 20 villages – Sirgram, Garania, Pakuria, Taboni, Tonapara, Sialdi Charpara, Joydebpur, Aushir haat, Kutharakandi, Majpara, Arpara in Bana union; Jugibarat, Bhatpara, Chandra, Pachuria, Deuli, Charnarandia, Dhuljuri and Charbhatpara in Pachuria union – remained in darkness as many electric wires were also snapped during the storm.
A vast track of cropslands were also damaged while trees were uprooted, halting road communications in different parts of the upazila.
Read more: Rains likely in parts of Dhaka, 7 other divisions
AKM Zahidul Hasan Zahid, chairman of Alfadanga upazila, said the storm started sweeping through the upazila around 1 am.
Many people have taken shelter under the open sky as their thatched houses were blown away during the storm.
Additional General Manager of Alfadanga Sub-zonal officer of Palli Bidyut Samity, said some electric poles were uprooted while some wires got snapped, disrupting power connection.
Work is going on to resume power supply, he said.
Quamrul Ahsan Talukdar, deputy commissioner of Faridpur, said directives have been given to provide all-out support to those affected in the storm.
Read more: Women's perspectives are vital in climate action: Environment Minister
Onion seed cultivation: Faridpur couple become role models, farmers aim Tk 300 crore worth of production
In the Gobindapur area of Ambikapur union, Sadar upazila, Faridpur district, Lovely Akter and Imtiaz Mollah have transformed their fortunes and become a beacon of success in onion seed farming, locally referred to as “black gold”.
Starting with just two bighas of land, the couple has expanded their cultivation to 40 bighas, witnessing substantial economic growth that allowed them to construct a multi-storey building and continually invest in new land.
The duo, parents to a tenth grader and a fourth grader, embarked on this venture after observing the lucrative outcome of onion seed cultivation within their family post-marriage. After her marriage, she found that some family members among her in-laws were involved in onion seed cultivation and decided to join along with her husband in this endeavor. They earned good money in the first year and haven't looked back since, Lovely shared.
Onion prices fall by Tk30 per kg as seasonal supply rises in market
Faridpur farmers anticipate impressive mustard yield worth Tk 151.38 crore
In Faridpur, a significant increase in mustard cultivation has been reported, with the area under mustard crops expanding by over 2,000 hectares from the previous season. This expansion anticipates a high-yield output valued at an impressive Tk 151.38 crore.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Faridpur has noted that mustard now spans 14,842 hectares, targeting a yield of 1,360 kg per hectare. Given the current market rate, which surpasses Tk 3,000 per maund, the district's projected earnings are substantial.
Govt initiative to reduce edible oil imports: Jashore’s mustard farmers anticipate exceptional harvest
Anwar Hossain, the Agriculture Officer of Faridpur Sadar upazila, attributes this growth to the rising prices of edible oils. He observed that mustard cultivation has become a preferred choice in nearly all fields across the district’s nine upazilas. “Farmers are increasingly turning to mustard due to its lower maintenance, availability of resources like fertilizers and medicines, and encouraging government policies,” said Hossain.
The district has seen the cultivation of various mustard varieties, including BARI-14, 15, 16, 17, Bina-4, 8, 9, and Tori-7. This diversification, coupled with the growing demand for pure mustard oil, has led farmers to focus on high-yielding strains.
Local farmers, Ibrahim Mollah and Rahim Matabbar from Ambikapur, highlighted the advice from the Department of Agriculture to plant an additional crop before the boro paddy season. This strategy maximizes the use of fields and aligns with the mustard’s shorter growth period of just 80-90 days.
Farmers expect bumper mustard yield in Khulna
The cost of cultivating mustard ranges from Tk 7,000 to Tk 8,000 per bigha, with the potential to yield 5-6 maunds of seeds per bigha, especially under favorable weather conditions. This efficient production cycle and promising market rates are driving Faridpur’s agricultural sector towards a robust mustard season.
Independent candidates Azad, Nixon win Faridpur-3, 4
Two independent candidates from Faridpur -3 and 4 have unofficially elected in the 12th national election held on Sunday.
In Faridpur-3, Industrialist AK Azad won against Shamim Haque, the Awami League candidate for the seat.
Ferdous hits clean sweep in Dhaka-10 as debutant candidate from AL
He got 1,34,098 votes while his nearest rival bagged 75,089 votes.
In Faridpur-4, Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, popularly known as Nixon Chowdhury, has won the election defeating his strong rival AL-backed candidate Kazi Zafarullah.
Mashrafe secures victory from Narail-2 again
Nixon with the Eagle symbol secured 1,48,035 votes while Zafarullah got 1,24,066 votes.
The AL winners from Faridpur 1 and 2 are Abdur Rahman and Shahadab Akbar Chowdhury respectively.
BNP salutes voters for making its boycott call a success
Faridpur Returning Officer Md Kamrul Ahsan Talukder announced the results around 10pm on Sunday.
He said that the polling in 654 centers of 4 parliamentary constituencies began at 8:00 am and concluded at 4pm without any break.
Vote for boat to silence the plots of anti-liberation forces: Hasina tells Faridpur rally
Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged the people to keep vigil against the conspiracies of the anti-liberation forces.
“There are so many conspiracies around. Those who did not support our liberation war have not stopped their conspiracies yet,” she told a mammoth election rally of her party at the Government Rajendra College Field here this afternoon.
Prime Minister Hasina said these conspirators are stepping up their plots as they know Bangladesh never bows to anyone.
“I am the daughter of the Father of the Nation, I never bow to anyone and will never do that,” she declared.
She said that although the Awami League government already has done massive development works across the country there are more to be done.
Read: AL leaders, activists throng Faridpur rally venue ahead of PM’s arrival
“We need to build ourselves as a developing country. Who do you need for this? Just tell me,” she asked the audience before saying, "Only boat can do it."
Boat is the election symbol of Awami League which is seeking a fourth straight five-year term in the January 7 national polls.
“If only boat gets votes I will be able to come to the power again and it will be possible to build Bangladesh as the developing country,” she said.
The prime minister said that Bangladesh will never fall back.
“Only the boat will give you the solutions. You all have to remember that,” she told the meeting.
She said that by 2041 Bangladeshi will be a smart nation.
“Bangladesh will be hunger-and-poverty-free developed and prosperous Smart Golden Bengal which was the dream of the Father of the Nation,” she said.
Read: Kurigram-4 Jatiya Party candidate Ruhul Amin hospitalised
She said Smart Bangladesh means a smart government, smart people, smart economy and smart society.
She said that having lost everything she has found the people of Bangladesh as her family.
“So whatever I've I have sacrificed for the people of the country,” she said.
She asked the audience to promise that they will vote for boat.
The cheering crowd raised their hands in support and chanted slogans for boat.
She also introduced candidates from Faridpur, Rajbari and Magura seeking votes for them.
Awami League presidium member and Awami League nominated candidate from Faridpur-1 Abdur Rahman, cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, who is contesting from Magura-1 constituency as Awami League nominated candidate and Awami League nominated candidate from Faridpur-3 constituency Shamim Huq also spoke.
From the stage Hasina waved national flag to the crowd. In response the audience also waved the miniature flags they carried.
A festive mood was seen everywhere in Faridpur city as well as in the entire district on the occasion of the visit of the prime minister.
Hasina reached Faridpur by road crossing the Padma Bridge. She arrived at the rally ground at about 3:15pm.
PM Hasina to address election rally in Faridpur Tuesday
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will address an election rally in Faridpur town on Tuesday.
Local administration has taken all necessary preparations as the AL chief is scheduled to address the rally on Government Rajendra College premises in Faridpur district town at 3 pm.
A temporary podium was made at the east side of the Government Rajendra College field.
HC orders IGP to inform whereabouts of 2 BNP leaders missing in Bogura
A festive mood has been prevailing among the leaders and activists of Awami League ahead of the party chief’s visit, said Shah Md Ishtiaque Arif, general secretary of Faridpur district unit AL.
Security has been beefed up in the town centering the rally.
Separate sitting arrangements were made for male and female supporters while a cleanness drive was conducted in the district town, said the AL leader.
Besides, roadside trees and the rally venue have been painted.
There will be a gathering of around one lakh people, Ishtiaque hopes.
President of district unit AL and also boat candidate for Faridpur-3 constituency Shamim Haque will preside over the rally.
Govt is not harassing anyone on political grounds: Momen
The AL-backed candidate from three other constituencies in Faridpur will also be present there.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Faridpur on March 29, 2017 and addressed a public rally at the same venue.
Faridpur-4: Zafarullah seeks cancellation of Nixon’s candidacy for giving money to voters
Awami League (AL)-nominated candidate for Faridpur-4 constituency Kazi Zafarullah on Saturday submitted a complaint to the returning officer seeking cancellation of candidacy of independent candidate Mujibur Rahman Chowhdury alias Nixon Chowdhury for distributing money in cash to activists publicly.
Bhanga upazila unit of AL President Saifur Rahman, also chief election agent of candidate Zafar, submitted the appeal to the returning officer and deputy commissioner Md. Quamrul Ahsan Talukder.
According to the complaint, Nixon Chowdhury publicly distributed money among voters at an election campaign at an auto stand on the north side of Bhanga police station on December 28.
He clearly violated article 3 (1) of the election code of conduct by inducing voters through public money, the complaint says.
“We strongly demand cancellation of his candidacy for violating the election code of conduct,” according to the submission.
PM Hasina inaugurates Dhaka-Bhanga rail link over Padma Bridge
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (October 10, 2023) opened the Dhaka-Bhanga railway line, a part of which runs over Padma Bridge, in laying another milestone in the country’s infrastructure development.
The opening of the 82-kilometre railway track from Dhaka to Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila under “Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project” fulfills the long-cherished dream of the people of the country’s southwestern districts.
Bangabandhu's youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana was present in the grand ceremony presided over by Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan.
Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and local MP (Munshiganj-2) Sagufta Yasmin Emily spoke on the occasion, while Railways Secretary Dr Md Humayun Kabir delivered the welcome speech.
Read more: Southwestern districts cheer as Dhaka-Bhanga rail link via Padma Bridge opens Tuesday
After formal unveiling of the newly built railway line over the country’s longest bridge, the prime minister boarded a special inauguration train to travel to Bhanga, where she was greeted by thousands of jubilant people.
The work on the construction of the railway line was launched by the prime minister on October 14 last year.
The railway line is being constructed in three phases (plus a 3km link being built between Dhaka and Gandaria): 37km Gandaria-Mawa section, a 42km Mawa-Bhanga section, and an 87km Bhanga Junction-Jashore section. Some 43.2km of loops, siding and Y-connections bring the total track length to 215.2km.
The entire railway project from Dhaka-Jashore is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024.
Read more: Chinese-built Padma Bridge benefits people's livelihood, boosts transformation of economic landscape in Bangladesh
There will be 20 stations from Dhaka to Jashore, of which 14 are new and 6 are already there. The previous stations are also being modernised. Once completed, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 to 130 kilometres.
There will be no railway crossing anywhere on the Dhaka-Jashore railway line as underpasses are being constructed at each level crossing all the way from Dhaka to Jashore.
The distance from Dhaka to Bhanga is about 82 kilometres. The new railway line from Gandaria in Dhaka has been added to the Padma Bridge via Keraniganj.
Trains will be able to run from Kamalapur to Bhanga via Gandaria along the Dhaka-Narayanganj railway line.
Under the project, 100 modern passenger coaches have already been purchased. New trains will be introduced by decorating the rakes with them.
The Padma Bridge rail link project was approved on May 3, 2016. At that time, its construction cost was estimated to be around Tk 34,989 crore. When the project proposal was amended on May 22, 2018, the cost increased to Tk 39,247 crore. The cost may increase further, according to concerned authorities.
The Padma Bridge rail link project is being constructed with Chinese funding, on the basis of G2G (government to government). Chinese contractor China Railway Engineering Group (CREC) is working on the project. China's Exim Bank is providing a loan of $ 266.79 crore to implement the project.
The rest of the cost is being financed by the government of Bangladesh.
Read more: PM’s Padma Bridge train journey: 11 individuals of different professions to accompany her
Southwestern districts cheer as Dhaka-Bhanga rail link via Padma Bridge opens Tuesday
The wait of the people of southwestern districts will come to an end as the much-desired Dhaka-Bhanga railway connectivity via Padma Bridge will be opened on Tuesday (October 10, 2023).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the 82-kilometre railway track from Dhaka to Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila under “Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project”.
She is likely to go to Faridpur by train and will address a rally at 2 pm at Kazi Abu Yusuf Stadium in Bhanga Upazila headquarters, according to project officials.
Project Director Brigadier General Syed Ahmed said already the trial runs of a passenger train and a freight train have been completed on the route successfully.
Project details
On October 14 last year, the prime minister opened the construction work on a rail link between Dhaka and Jashore under the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project.’
Read: Test run: Train reaches Faridpur’s Bhanga from Dhaka via Padma Bridge
The railway line is being constructed in three phases (plus a 3km link being built between Dhaka and Gandaria): 37km Gandaria-Mawa section, a 42km Mawa-Bhanga section, and an 87km Bhanga Junction-Jashore section. Some 43.2km of loops, siding and Y-connections bring the total track length to 215.2km.
The entire railway project from Dhaka-Jashore is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024.
There will be 20 stations from Dhaka to Jashore, of which 14 are new and 6 are already there. The previous stations are also being modernised. Once completed, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 to 130 kilometres.
Read: Dhaka-Bhanga railway track via Padma bridge all set for trial run on Thursday
There will be no railway crossing anywhere on the Dhaka-Jashore railway line as underpasses are being constructed at each level crossing all the way from Dhaka to Jashore.
The distance from Dhaka to Bhanga is about 82 kilometres. The new railway line from Gandaria in Dhaka has been added to the Padma Bridge via Keraniganj.
Trains will be able to run from Kamalapur to Bhanga via Gandaria along the Dhaka-Narayanganj railway line.
Under the project, 100 modern passenger coaches have already been purchased. New trains will be introduced by decorating the rakes with them.
The Padma Bridge rail link project was approved on May 3, 2016. At that time, its construction cost was estimated to be around Tk 34,989 crore. When the project proposal was amended on May 22, 2018, the cost increased to Tk 39,247 crore. The cost may increase further, according to concerned authorities.
The Padma Bridge rail link project is being constructed with Chinese funding, on the basis of G2G (government to government). Chinese contractor China Railway Engineering Group (CREC) is working on the project. China's Exim Bank is providing a loan of $ 266.79 crore to implement the project.
Read: ICC World Cup Trophy travels to Padma Bridge
The rest of the cost is being managed by the government of Bangladesh.
What people think about the rail link
UNB Faridpur correspondent reports: The long-cherished dream of southwestern region's people including Faridpur, Gopalganj, Madaripur and Narail will come into reality through the opening of the rail connectivity.
It will ensure safe journey of commuters from Dhaka to southwestern region at an affordable rate.
Talking to UNB, Abul Foyez Shah Newaz, a freedom fighter, said “Once country's independence was a dream to us, the train movement over the Padma Bridge was also a dream for the people of this region and the dream has come into reality with the sincere efforts of the government.”
Read: Padma bridge project cost increased further by Tk 1,117 cror
Padma Bridge rail link: Goods train reaches Mawa station in Faridpur on trial
A freight train of Bangladesh Railway successfully completed a test run from Faridpur’s Bhanga station crossing the Padma Bridge on Saturday (September 16, 2023).
The goods train left Bhanga station at 7:40 am and reached the Mawa Station via Padma Bridge and again returned to Bhanga Station, said Project director of Faridpur Rail Project, Brig: General Syed Ahmed.“ Five bogies carried 350 metric tonnes of stone during the trial run and the speed limit was 80 kilometers per hour,” he said.
Locals block Hili rail track demanding restoration of stopover of all trainsPresident of Faridpur Chamber of Commerce Nazrul Islam said people will be able to transport their goods using the train service at a low cost.Earlier, the test run of a passenger train from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station to Faridpur’s Bhanga Station was successfully completed on September 7.
Test run: Train reaches Faridpur’s Bhanga from Dhaka via Padma BridgePrime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the rail link on October 10.