United News of Bangladesh

Traffic movement has remained suspended for the past nine months after a 45-year-old bridge collapsed in Kumrabaria and Maharajpur areas under Sadar upazila of Jhenaidah, causing severe public suffering. Although the bridge collapsed around nine months ago reconstruction work has yet to begin, said locals. Local people have have built a temporary bamboo footbridge at their own initiative which has now become risky for use. Local Union Parishad Chairman Khurshid Alami Mia said the road connecting Kumrabaria and Maharajpur unions locally known as Bishoykhali GC–Nagarbathaan GC via Defolbari road was constructed about 45 years ago. The bridge over a canal under the Ganges-Kobadak (GK) irrigation project was built by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in the Bhabanipur-Defolbari area.Kumrabaria Union Parishad Chairman Sirajul Islam said the bridge collapsed in 2025 due to heavy rainfall and strong water currents. “Despite repeated appeals by local representatives to the authorities concerned, no reconstruction work has been undertaken so far, increasing the sufferings of commuters, transport operators and goods carriers.”A recent visit to the area found that the bridge deck has collapsed and now lies in the middle of the canal. A makeshift bamboo footbridge has been installed in its place by local residents but it has already become shaky and unsafe, halting movement of auto-rickshaws, vans and motorcycles. Local resident Rahat Hossain said, “The bridge collapsed nine months ago. We informed various authorities multiple times but no solution has been provided. No one can say when the bridge will be rebuilt. All types of vehicles have stopped using this road.” School student Sumaiya Khatun said they used to cross the bridge daily to attend school. “After it collapsed last year a bamboo bridge was built. Now it is also on the verge of collapse. It feels very risky to cross it, especially with a bicycle. If it breaks down, going to school will become even more difficult,” she added. Truck driver Alfaz Ali said they used the bridge to transport goods between markets in Kumrabaria and Maharajpur unions. “Since the bridge collapsed, movement on this road has stopped, causing immense suffering to transport workers,” he said. Sadar Upazila Executive Engineer Md Abul Kalam Azad said the road is an important link between the two unions and previously had two bridges both of which were very old. “One of the bridges has already been reconstructed. For the collapsed one, we have sent two separate project proposals to the authorities concerned. We hope the project will be approved soon after which construction work will begin,” he added.

Two farmers died and four others were injured in lightning strikes at  Kharibaria village of Shailkupa upazila on Saturday afternoon. The deceased were Apu Biswas ,20, son of Prakash Biswas of Kharibaria, and Shushil Biswas 40, son of Sushil Biswas of Laxmipur village. The four injured farmers were immediately taken to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex for treatment. Shailkupa police station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla said the victims were working in the field when lightning struck them. Dr. Ehtesham Shahid, a physician of the hospital, said the injured suffered severe burns.

A father on Monday in Jhenaidah has formally disowned his son for involvement in banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activities, the youth wing of the Awami League. The declaration was made through an affidavit submitted at the Jhenaidah District Notary Public office. According to the affidavit, businessman Md. Abu Zafar (48) of Aruakandi village in Porahati Union, Jhenaidah Sadar, declared his son Md. Nahid Hasan Shobuj (24) as a disowned child. Shobuj currently serves as the joint general secretary of BCL Jhenaidah Government Keshabchandra College branch. Abu Zafar stated that his son has long been living a disobedient and reckless life, staying separately from the family and acting on his own will. He also criticized Shobuj for continuing to participate in BCL activities even after the organization was banned on August 5, 2024. In particular, he mentioned an incident on February 21, when Shobuj hoisted the party flag at the abandoned Jhenaidah District Awami League office, a video of which went viral on social media, causing embarrassment to the family. The affidavit further clarified that Shobuj’s income, responsibilities, and actions will have no connection with his father or any other family members. The family will not bear responsibility for any of his misconduct, and all legal and blood relations with the family are considered severed. Abu Zafar said, I do not want my son to engage in any activities against the country’s laws and policies. Despite repeated warnings, he did not reform, leaving me with no choice but to take this difficult decision. The legal process was completed through Jhenaidah District Judge Court lawyer Md. Sadatur Rahman Hadi. Efforts to reach Chhatra League leader Nahid Hasan Shobuj for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unanswered.

Members of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) seized 24 Kgs of hemp and arrested two alleged drug traders during a raid in Jhenaidah on Wednesday afternoon. The raid was conducted at Kalalaxmipur area of Sadar upazila targeting a Purbaasha Paribahan vehicle. The arrestees were Abul Kalam Azad, son of Lal Mia of Sundarpur village in Kaliganj upazila, and Hossain Monir, son of Shariful Biswas of Garabaria village in Maheshpur upazila. Deputy Director of DNC Jhenaidah Sheikh Md Hasem Ali said tipped-off, a total of 44 packets containing 24kg hemp were recovered. A case has been filed under the Narcotics Control Act with the police station concerned, The arrestees were sent to court after initial interrogation while the seized drugs handed over to the police station, officials added.

Jamaat-e-Islami has won three of the four parliamentary seats in Jhenaidah district, while BNP secured one seat, according to unofficial results announced early Friday. Abdullah Al Masud, Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Jhenaidah, announced the results around 1am after vote counting ended in a peaceful environment. In Jhenaidah-1, former Attorney General and BNP candidate Advocate Md Asaduzzaman was unofficially elected with 173,381 votes. His nearest rival, Jamaat candidate Motiur Rahman, received 57,055 votes. In Jhenaidah-2, Jamaat candidate Ali Azam Md Abu Bakar won the seat with 131,865 votes, defeating BNP candidate Abdul Majid, who secured 105,664 votes. In Jhenaidah-3, Jamaat’s Motiar Rahman was unofficially elected with 175,857 votes. His closest rival, BNP candidate Mehedi Hasan Rony, got 149,857 votes. In Jhenaidah-4, Jamaat candidate Abu Talib won with 105,999 votes. Expelled BNP leader Saiful Islam Firoz secured 77,104 votes, while BNP-nominated candidate Rashed Khan came third with 56,224 votes. BNP’s Asaduzzaman unofficially wins Jhenaidah-1 by huge margin District Election Officer Abul Hossain said polling in all four constituencies was held in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. Supporters of the Jamaat-led alliance gathered at the Deputy Commissioner’s office and celebrated as results from different centres were announced.

Jhenaidah has been rocked by a disturbing surge in suicides, with 301 people taking their own lives in 2025, laying bare deep-rooted mental health challenges, intense social pressures and gaps in public safety.  Women account for a disproportionate share of the deaths, heightening concerns over their vulnerability, according to official data. Of the total cases, 182 people hanged themselves, while 119 died after consuming poison. Abdur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Development Center (RDC), a human rights organisation based in Maheshpur, revealed  the statistics. In 2025, he said, 168 women and 133 men committed suicide in the district. In comparison, 319 people killed themselves in 2024—152 men and 167 women. In 2023, the total was 328, and in 2022, it was 323.  A statistical analysis shows that the number of suicides in 2025 has slightly decreased compared to the last four years. Jhenaidah Sadar recorded the highest number with 79 cases, followed by Shailkupa, 67, Maheshpur, 46, Harinakunda and Kaliganj (43 each), and Kotchandpur, 23. Of those who hanged themselves, 109 were women and 73 were men, while among those who consumed poison, 57 were women and 62 were men. The statistics were compiled using multiple sources, including monthly reports from the Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon's Office and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Over the past four years, a total of 1,271 people committed suicide in the district, with women making up a relatively higher proportion of the victims. Maheshpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Helena Akter Nipa said women are more prone to suicide due to emotional vulnerability. She cited social factors such as drug addiction, unemployment, mental health issues, family conflicts, failed relationships, extramarital affairs and poverty as contributing causes. In this regard, Kazir Nazir Uddin, chairman of Sadhuhati Union under Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila, told UNB that suicide has become a serious problem in the district. He said people are very emotionally sensitive and often take their own lives over minor issues.  Although the district administration is holding awareness meetings in the union, the number of suicides has not reduced significantly, Nazir said, adding that the situation is slightly better than last year. “Suicidal incidents could be reduced to some extent if strong family bonds and religious values were developed in every household,” he added. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the district Abdullah Al Masud emphasised the media’s responsible role in suicide prevention. Businessman takes own life with licensed gun in Jhenaidah “Suicidal incidents must be reported carefully to avoid inciting others. Expanding counseling services is crucial, as timely psychological support can help individuals in crisis,” he said. DC Masud pointed out that the district administration has continued field-level awareness activities to prevent suicide and urged people from all walks of life to participate in these efforts.

At least 10 individuals were injured in a clash between two BNP factions over establishing dominance in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah on Monday morning (January 19, 2026). The incident took place at Bishnudia village under Manoharpur union. Read more: EU delegation meets Tarique Rahman Police and local sources said supporters of district Jubo Dal joint general secretary Zahid Chowdhury and Shailkupa upazila Jubo Dal member secretary Abul Bashar Sadat had long been locked in a dispute over social dominance in the area. Tension intensified two days ago when supporters of the two leaders got into an altercation over demarcating the boundary of mosque land in Bishnudia village. Following the dispute, activists from both sides clashed with locally made weapons on Monday morning, leaving at least 10 people injured. One of the injured is in critical condition. Officer-in-Charge of Shailkupa Police Station Humayun Kabir Molla said police rushed to the spot after being informed and brought the situation under control. Read more: 10 Indian air guns recovered from Sylhet’s Jaintapur Additional police have been deployed in the area as tension continues to prevail.

A routine waste clean-up announcement has sparked deep anxiety among traders at Kusumpur Bazar in Maheshpur upazila, with many fearing that the initiative could be used as a pretext to evict long-standing businesses from the market. Traders alleged that the newly appointed market lessee, backed by a section of local influencers, is attempting to exploit the clean-up drive to dismantle selected shops and gain control of valuable government-owned khas land. According to local sources, Kusumpur Bazar has grown over the years on both private and government land.  Many traders have been operating for decades after constructing shops on khas land, while some private landowners have also expanded their establishments by encroaching on adjoining government land. Read more: Master plan soon for waste management in divisional cities, municipalities : Rizwana For years, waste has been dumped on a stretch of khas land on one side of the market. Last Friday, the Kusumpur Land Office carried out a miking campaign, announcing that the accumulated waste would be removed. Traders, however, claimed the announcement was made strategically, raising fears that it could pave the way for selective evictions rather than a neutral clean-up operation. Several traders alleged that under the guise of waste removal, certain individuals were attempting to seize control of prime khas land in collusion with a section of the local administration. Local sources further alleged that pharmacy trader Zulfiqar Ali Zulu was involved in efforts to take over government land within the market area. They also claimed that a number of businessmen,  including Shamsul Haque Bado, Jalal Uddin Biswas, Qutub Uddin Biswas, Mohiuddin Biswas, Siddiqur Rahman, Anarul Master, Masud Ali, Md Nayan, Salauddin Jewel, Md Rahman, Jahangir Ali, Montu Mandal, Momin Rahman, Farzan Ali and Rabiul Islam Robal, have constructed shops by occupying portions of khas land. Read more: DNCC to develop modern waste management system beside existing Amin Bazar LFS Traders argued that if these lands or establishments had been formally allocated, the government could have earned revenue worth crores of taka. Speaking on condition of anonymity, several traders said that many people are currently benefiting from the occupation of khas land in the market.  They stressed that any eviction drive must be fair and uniform. “Targeting only a few shops will create tension and may lead to clashes in the market,” one trader warned. Responding to the allegations, Zulfiqar Ali Zulu said that the occupation of khas land has existed for years, while some parts of the land remain unused or controlled by only one or two individuals. He argued that reclaiming unused land could allow for the construction of new shops and categorically denied all allegations against him. Assistant Officer of the Kusumpur Land Office, Zulfiqar Ali, said the miking campaign was conducted solely to remove waste and dirt from the market area. He said the district administration plans to carry out similar clean-up drives across all upazilas, including all markets in Maheshpur. “There has been no announcement or instruction to evict any shops,” he said, adding that some shops built on khas land adjacent to the market would be surveyed to ensure compliance with existing regulations. Read more: Jhenaidah’s heritage sites: Glory fading into dust Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Maheshpur Upazila, Istiak Ahmed, also dismissed fears of land grabbing under the pretext of waste removal. “There is no scope to occupy land in the name of cleaning. The matter will be communicated to the Kusumpur Land Office to ensure that no one illegally occupies government land," he said. 

Jhenaidah’s 21 officially recognised heritage sites across six upazilas, with their rusting gates, crumbling walls, and silent courtyards, now teeter on the brink of ruin, victims of neglect, indifference and the passage of time. Walking through the grounds of the 19th-century Nilkuthi building at Khalishpur in Maheshpur upazila, it is hard to imagine that this dilapidated structure was once a bustling centre of colonial activity. Its walls, gazette-listed in 2012, are now pockmarked with decay, and weeds creep through the cracked floors. “After gazette listing, official supervision has effectively stopped. Some structures are even on private land, making preservation even more complicated,” says local resident Russell Ahmed. Jhenaidah’s heritage is not limited to Nilkuthi. The Miyar Dalan, the historic Shahi Mosque in Shailkupa upazila, the Rajbari Temple in Naldanga upazila, and the ancient mosque in Borobazar all bear the scars of neglect. Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh The ancestral homes of Ila Mitra, a prominent leader of the Tebhaga Movement, and Professor Kalipada Basu, a renowned mathematician, are quietly crumbling, their stories at risk of being erased from public memory. According to the Department of Archaeology, these 21 structures are legally protected. Yet, field inspections reveal an uncomfortable truth: most lack effective security, maintenance, or even proper signage. Without intervention, their historic and cultural value may soon exist only in textbooks. “Heritage is not just about old buildings; it is the soul of a community,” says Sujon Biplob, secretary of the Shailkupa Ila Mitra Memorial Preservation Council. “These sites could boost tourism, educate younger generations, and preserve our identity—but if we remain silent, they will vanish quietly.”          

At Taminagar Government Primary School in Shailkupa upazila, Jhenaidah district, the arrival of gathering clouds does not herald the promise of rain alone; it signals an abrupt end to lessons. Here, classes are dismissed—not because of holidays or official announcements—but because the very roof above the students’ heads trembles with danger. The school’s weary walls and fragile ceilings tell a grim tale of neglect and decay. Cracks trace their way across the single-story structure, exposing rusted iron rods and crumbling plaster that hangs perilously from beams. Heavy rain turns Sylhet region risky for tourists; Sada Pathor site closed Every overcast sky casts a shadow of fear over teachers and pupils alike, prompting them to scatter before the heavens open and the fragile building succumbs to collapse. The roof, once a shelter of learning, has become a menace. Frequent incidents of falling plaster and weakening structural elements have turned classrooms into scenes of trepidation. Students and teachers live with the constant dread that each passing storm might bring destruction, forcing hurried dismissals and disrupting education. Local guardians, their faces etched with worry, recount a series of avoidable mishaps that have marred the school’s history. Despite repeated pleas and warnings about the building’s unsafe condition, the authorities have remained silent, their inaction evident in every cracked beam and peeling ceiling. Abdur Razzak Molla, Laily Khatun, Chhabiran Nesha, and Jharna Khatun—parents and community members—rushed to the school, voicing their deep concern for the children’s safety. Their fears are not unfounded; several students have already suffered injuries from falling debris, some requiring stitches after plaster rained down upon them. Ahad Ali, the dedicated headmaster, paints a sobering picture. “The school was founded in 1978 by the education enthusiast Siraj Uddin Molla on a 33-decimal plot of land. In 1994, the government built a three-room structure, but since then, it has steadily deteriorated.” Today, the fragile building teeters on the edge of ruin. “A collapse could happen at any moment,” Ali warns, as some guardians linger near the teachers’ common room or within the school grounds during class hours, desperate to protect their children from harm. Despite these daunting challenges, the school continues to shine in academics and sports, a testament to the resilience and spirit of its students and faculty. Yet, this triumph is overshadowed by the routine emergency dismissals triggered by even the slightest change in weather. Parents now rush to fetch their children whenever dark clouds loom, turning a day of learning into a hurried scramble for safety. Repeated verbal and written appeals to local and higher authorities have fallen on deaf ears. The pleas for renovation or a new building remain unanswered, leaving the school community trapped in a cycle of fear and uncertainty. Adding to the adversity, the school’s only playground floods with even a light drizzle, rendering it unusable during the monsoon season. “If a new building isn’t constructed soon, classes may have to be permanently halted due to safety concerns,” warns the headmaster. 3 held in Jhenidah while entering Bangladesh from India When approached for comment, Shailakupa Upazila Primary Education Officer Biswajit Saha assured, “The matter will be raised in the upcoming monthly coordination meeting, and necessary actions will be taken accordingly.” For now, at Taminagar Government Primary School, every darkening sky is not just a weather forecast — it is a stark reminder of the urgent need for shelter, safety, and hope.