United News of Bangladesh

District Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested a man for allegedly sexually harassing a master's student of Naogaon Government College. The arrested man was identified as Kazi Abdullah alias Fuad, son of Nazrul Islam of Shantahar Janakoli area in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura. Police said they identified and arrested Fuad after analysing data from information technology systems and AI-enabled cameras. The motorcycle used in the allegedt incident was also seized. Naogaon Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tariqul Islam confirmed the arrest on Monday morning. According to police, the incident took place on August 16 when the student left her mess to attend a tuition class. When she reached near the house of one Imrul Kayes through an alley beside the ATM field, an unidentified motorcyclist allegedly approached her from behind, sexually harassed her, and fled the scene. A few days later, the victim went to the office of the Superintendent of Police and reported the incident. The SP listened to her complaint and directed the district DB to identify and arrest the accused as quickly as possible. A DB team subsequently analysed data from IT and AI cameras for five consecutive days and identified the alleged perpetrator and the motorcycle used in the incident. Police later conducted a drive in Adamdighi and Shantahar areas of Naogaon and Bogura and arrested Fuad from Shantahar. Police said the arrested man was subsequently identified by the victim, and legal action has been taken against Fuad under the Prevention of Violence against Women and Children Act. SP Mohammad Tariqul Islam said the district police would take strict action against any form of violence or sexual harassment of women and children on roads or elsewhere. “Those involved in such crimes will not be spared in any way,” he said.

There are no joyful conversations, no excitement over new clothes, no laughter of sons returning home after months away at the villages of Varsho union in Manda upazila. Instead, grief hangs heavy in the air, with families and relatives mourning young men whose final journey ended on a highway in Tangail. What was meant to be a joyful homecoming became a tragedy that wiped out dreams, shattered families and plunged an entire community into mourning. Ten people from Naogaon, including nine youths from the same union in Manda, are among those who were killed in a horrific road accident on the east side of the Jamuna Bridge in Tangail early Monday after boarding a rod-laden truck to return home from Noakhali, where they used to work as hawkers, buying human hair and selling used mobile phones, scrap materials and plastic toys. They chose the truck for one simple reason: they could not afford the soaring Eid bus fares. According to locals, transport fares had increased by Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,000 ahead of Eid. For low-income workers struggling to survive, that amount was enormous. So, like many others do during festive seasons, they took the riskier option. But little did they know that it would cost them their lives. The rod-laden truck plunged into the roadside and overturned, leaving 15 people killed and eight others injured. Of the deceased, nine were residents of different villages under Varsho union in Manda upazila, while another victim hailed from Malancha village in Niamatpur upazila of the district. The nine deceased from Manda were identified as Mohammad Tarek, son of Sultan Hossain, Abdur Rashid, son of Abdul Barek, Mohammad Badshah, son of Abdur Rahim, Sohagh Hossain, son of Ekabbar Hossain, Mohammad Rabiul, son of Shahidul, Mohammad Sagar, son of Mohammad Sakim of Rajendrabati village, Moinur Islam, son of Jafor Ali of Murshidpur village, and Mohammad Mainul and Mohammad Gias – two sons of Abdur Rashid of Pakuria village. Shariful hailed from Malancha village in Niamatpur. Firoz Hossain, a resident of Rajendrabati village, said over a hundred people from Uttar Najirpur Colony of Naogaon work in different trades in Noakhali throughout the year. “During Eid, bus operators charge an extra Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,000. To avoid the higher fares, many people travel by goods-laden trucks. They also returned home that way,” he said. Sultan Hossain, father victim Tarek, said the youths had started their journey from Feni by truck after failing to afford the higher bus fare. “They were all coming home together for Eid. None of us imagined this would be their last journey,” he said, breaking down in tears. The sudden deaths of the youths triggered scenes of mourning across Manda and Niamatpur upazilas, leaving the victims’ families devastated. Sabina Khatun, wife of deceased Badshah Mia, has been left devastated after suddenly losing her husband in the accident. She repeatedly broke down in tears while holding their only daughter Rahi Moni. Relatives trying to console her also could not hold back their tears. In a choked voice, Sabina said, “I spoke to my husband several times while he was returning home. He said he would buy a new dress and mehendi for our daughter. I last spoke to him around 10:00pm on Sunday. In the morning, I received the news of his death.” Manda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Akhter Zahan Shathi said Deputy Commissioner of Naogaon Muhammad Saiful Islam and Tangail DC Sharifa Haque were jointly working to bring the bodies back home. She also said they will provide necessary assistance for burial.

The re-excavation of a seven-kilometre canal from Kalitala Bridge to Hapania Bazar in Barshail union of Sadar upazila was inaugurated on Saturday at a cost of Tk 98.74 lakh (9.874 million). Member of Parliament for Naogaon Sadar constituency Zahidul Islam Dholu formally opened the work by unveiling a plaque and digging soil with a spade at the site. Later, he addressed a views-exchange meeting held at Tentulia College ground as the chief guest. List of canal encroachers being prepared: State Minister In his speech, the lawmaker said former President Ziaur Rahman had famously initiated canal excavation programmes across the country through voluntary efforts to boost agricultural production. After a long time, President Zia's worthy successor Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has again taken up such initiatives nationwide, he said. He added that the canal in Naogaon is being re-excavated after nearly 20 years, which will benefit thousands of farmers in Barshail, Hapania and Chakgouri unions by enabling easier and low-cost irrigation for crop production, including vegetables and paddy. Barshail Union BNP President Sanowar Hossain Pintu presided over the programme. Among others, BNP leaders including Khairur Alam Golden, Bayezid Hossain Palash, Aminul Haque Belal, Dewan Mostaq Ahmed Raza, Al Kafi Tuhin, Didarul Haque Ratan, Masud Haidar Tipu and Ruhul Amin Mukta were present. The project is being implemented by the National Development Programme (NDP) with support from Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).

As household budgets tightened amid Ramadan across the country, subsidised sales in trucks by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) have emerged as a vital lifeline for many low- and middle-income families in Naogaon.  Yet the relief they offer is tempered by limited supplies, long queues and mounting frustration among consumers. Since February 17, TCB has been operating mobile truck sales across 99 unions and three municipalities under 11 upazilas in the district.  The programme, scheduled to continue until March 12, aims to give a relief to the vulnerable groups from the seasonal spike in essential commodity prices. Across Naogaon, the cost of daily necessities has risen sharply with the onset of the holy month, placing additional strain on working-class families.  For many, the opportunity to purchase essentials at subsidised rates can mean the difference between managing and falling short. Under the scheme, five key items are being sold at reduced prices. But while the initiative has drawn appreciation, the scale of demand has far outstripped the allocation available at each point. At distribution sites, scenes of anticipation begin at dawn. Hours before the trucks arrive, people gather to secure a place in line, knowing that sales are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. At the Raninagar Upazila Parishad premises, around 200 men and women waited for the truck on a recent morning. Some used bricks to mark their positions in the queue; others hurried into line as soon as word spread of the truck’s approach. Occasional verbal disputes broke out over who had arrived first. Many had come before sunrise. Others joined between 6:00am and 9:00am. Despite the uncertainty, few were willing to leave without trying. Nasir Uddin, a van-puller from Khotteshwar village, said he had sacrificed a day’s earnings to stand in line. “I run my family by driving a van. If I can buy these items at lower prices, it saves me a lot,” he said. He believes that increasing the allocation would significantly ease the hardship faced by families like his. For elderly residents, the process can be especially challenging.  Sakhina Bibi, 75, a beggar from West Balubhura village, arrived leaning on a stick after borrowing money to make her purchases.  In a crowd of more than 300 people, she was pushed out of the women’s queue several times before finally managing to buy the goods. Concerns have also been raised about the management of the sales process. Rahidul Islam, a day labourer from Simba village, said that unlike in previous years, serial slips were not distributed before sales began. Narayanganj’s daily battle with traffic and broken roads “Last Ramadan, slips were given according to serial numbers, which maintained order. This time, whoever can push ahead gets the products first,” he alleged, calling for a more disciplined system to prevent harassment and ensure fairness. On the supply side, logistical constraints remain a challenge. TCB dealer Abdur Razzak Molla of Raninagar said products must be collected daily from the Bogura regional office, and trucks often arrive late, making it difficult to begin sales at the scheduled 10:00am. “The allocation is much lower than the demand. If we could operate four to five points simultaneously as in previous years, the pressure would be reduced,” he said. He added that efforts are made to maintain order and to prioritise elderly and disabled individuals. Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam said that through TCB dealers, eligible residents are being provided one kilogram of sugar at Tk80, two kilograms of lentils at Tk70, two litres of edible oil at Tk115, one kilogram of chickpeas at Tk60 and 500 grams of dates at Tk80. Each truck serves around 400 people. He urged consumers to remain patient, acknowledging that supply remains significantly lower than demand.  Strict instructions have been issued to dealers to follow proper procedures, and legal action will be taken against any irregularities, he added. As Ramadan continues, the subsidised truck sales offer essential, if limited, support.  For hundreds lining up each morning in Naogaon, they represent both hope for relief and a reminder of the economic pressures shaping daily life, locals said. 

At least 20 candidates, including a former state minister and a former MP, are set to lose their election deposits in the 13th national election across six constituencies of Naogaon. A total of 32 candidates contested the six seats. An analysis of results announced by the returning officer shows that 20 candidates failed to secure the required votes to claim their deposits. According to election law, a candidate must secure at least one eighth of the total valid votes to retain the deposit. None of the 20 candidates reached that threshold. In Naogaon-1, Akbar Ali, Md Abul Haq Shah and three time former MP Dr. Salek Chowdhury failed to secure the minimum votes. In Naogaon 2, Motibul Islam of the AB Party did not reach the required mark. In Naogaon 3, six candidates are set to lose their deposits as they did not secure one eighth of the valid votes. In Naogaon 4, four others fell short of the legal threshold to retain the deposits. Four election officials withdrawn in Mymensingh, Naogaon over irregularities In Naogaon 5, three candidates failed to secure enough votes to save their deposits. In Naogaon 6, three candidates, including former state minister Alamgir Kabir, will lose their deposits for failing to reach the required vote share.

Four election officials were withdrawn from duty in Mymensingh and Naogaon on Thursday following allegations of irregularities during voting. In Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila, an assistant presiding officer and two polling officers were dismissed at Kansherkul High School centre over allegations of allowing open voting and forcing out agents of rival candidates. Confirming the matter, Bhaluka Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Firoz Hossain said an assistant presiding officer and two polling officers were removed for “not preventing open voting.” Come out and vote without fear: Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman At Birunia Dakhil Madrasa centre in the same upazila, several youth were found sitting inside booths posing as agents without proper identification. Their ID cards carried only the presiding officer’s signature, without names or candidate details. Presiding Officer Mujibur Rahman said, “I was feeling unwell and did not notice the matter.” He later asked them to write their respective symbols in front of journalists. Speaking on condition of anonymity, some alleged that supporters of the “Dhaner Shish” candidate had driven out rival agents and taken their places with the presiding officer’s support. In Naogaon, Presiding Officer Nazim Uddin of Katkhoir High School centre in Sadar upazila was withdrawn around 1:30pm for allegedly signing and sealing the result sheet before vote counting and announcement. “There is no provision to sign the result sheet before counting,” said Assistant Returning Officer and Sadar UNO Mohammad Ibnul Abedin. He said Mukatadul Hasan, a senior officer of Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, took charge around 3pm. Nazim Uddin has been brought to the UNO office and further action will be taken after review. 47.91% voter turnout by 2pm: EC Secretary

A cultural campaign was held in various crowded areas of Naogaon-1, 2, and 3 constituencies on Sunday to raise awareness among people about ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election. The initiative aimed to sensitize the public so that no one exploits minority communities or religious sentiments to create disorder. The campaign was organised by the Peace Facilitator Group in collaboration with the Bangladesh chapter of the non-governmental organisation, The Hunger Project. The awareness drive started at 10:00 am from Nazipur Newhat in Patnitala upazila. Naogaon gears up for Tarique’s first rally in nearly two decades Sajedur Rahman Dulal, coordinator of the Peace Facilitator Group in Patnitala, inaugurated the day-long programme. During the campaign, leaflets promoting a peaceful election and supporting the upcoming referendum were distributed among the public. The campaign vehicle visited and conducted cultural performances at Amaitara Bazar in Dhamoirhat, Agradigun Bazar, Sapahar Zero Point, Modhail Bazar, Patnitala Bazar, Matajihat Bus Stand, and Nazipur Bus Stand.

A revenue official was found dead at Naogaon 250-bed General Hospital early Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Zunayed Saki, 37, an assistant revenue officer of Dhaka and hailed from Pirojpur district. Bappi, a trolleyman said two people arrived at the hospital in a pickup van carrying the body around 5 am and fled the scene after leaving the body onto a trolley in front of the emergency department of the hospital. Read More: 5 farmers killed in Naogaon road crash “As they were leaving, several people shouted at them from behind, but they ignored it and ran away,” Bappi said. Staff of the hospital later took the body to the emergency department where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. Quoting family members, Zunayed Saki had travelled by train from Dhaka and got down at Santahar Railway Junction to visit his wife in Mahadevpur upazila of Naogaon. Rashed Ahmed, Naogaon Customs Assistant Revenue Commissioner said Zunayed, son of Manjurul Haque, was serving as an assistant revenue officer at Dhaka Customs, while his wife is a college teacher in Naogaon. Read More: Mother, daughter killed in Naogaon road crash Rehenuma Munmun, duty doctor of the hospital, said the victim was brought dead. Several injury marks were found on his hands and legs. Niamul Haque, Officer-in-charge of Naogaon Sadar Model Police, said the victim’s wife came to the police station to lodge a complaint. “We are trying to identify those who left the body in front of the hospital,” said OC. Legal action will be taken after investigation, he said.

A woman  and her daughter were killed as a truck hit a motorbike  carrying them near Nazipur municipal bus stand area in Patnitala upazila of Naogaon on Monday evening. The deceased were identified as Khadija Akter, 28, wife of Kawsar Rahman of Usthii village and their daughter Fatema Jannat, 9. Witnesses said  when Kawsar Rahman was returning home from Nazipur market with his wife and daughter on the motorbike he lost control while trying to give way to a battery-run auto-rickshaw. The motorbike fell on the road and a timber-laden truck coming from Sapahar ran over Khadija and Jannat, leaving both dead on the spot. Angry locals vandalized he truck and beat up the driver. Patnitala Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Md Abu Taleb said police recovered the bodies from the spot. Mother throws toddler into river in Naogaon, rescued with police help As the family raised no complaint, the bodies were handed over after legal process without post-mortem. “The truck has been seized and the driver has been taken into police custody. A case has been filed in this connection,” he added.

Along the Naogaon bypass road, tall palm trees once stood like silent sentinels—lining the highway, softening the concrete stretch with shade and symmetry, and serving a purpose far beyond aesthetics. Today, many of those trees bear blunt, shaved tops, their branches cut back abruptly, leaving locals fearful that a decades-old natural shield is slowly being destroyed, locals and environmental activists said. The cutting of branches from around 750 palm trees by the Northern Electricity Supply Company Limited (NESCO) has sparked anger and concern among residents and environmental activists, who say the work was carried out without consultation and with little regard for environmental consequences. For years, villagers along the bypass—from Rambhadrapur to Battali Boalia—had planted palm trees using seeds collected from nearby areas. Most of the trees are now between 20 and 30 years old. Outrage in Sylhet after date palm trees cut down at Shahjalal's shrine Over time, they transformed the two-kilometre stretch into a greener, cooler corridor, breaking the monotony of the road and offering protection against lightning, a known benefit of palm trees in Bangladesh. But recent branch-cutting and top-shaving to accommodate electricity poles and overhead lines have changed the landscape dramatically. During a recent visit to the area, the UNB correspondent observed that while several thousand palm trees stand along the stretch, around 750 have been visibly altered, with many appearing weakened. Residents fear the damage may be irreversible. “It was not right for the electricity office staff to shave the tops of the palm trees,” said local resident Sakhawat Hossain, pointing towards several injured trees. “Some trees died after similar work before. Even when we protested, no one listened,” he said. Man held for felling 50 Bakul trees on Dhaka-Chattogram highway Another local resident, Belal Hossain, echoed the frustration. “Palm trees take decades to grow. The electricity staff cut the branches and shaved the tops in just one day. They could have moved the poles slightly to save the trees, but instead they damaged them deliberately,” he said.