Police recovered two bodies, one of a young man and another of an elderly man, from separate locations in Naogaon on Thursday. The discoveries were made near the Atrai River bank in Manda upazila and in the Shahpukur area of the Naogaon-Rajshahi highway around 12:30 pm. The deceased have been identified as Shafiqul Islam Babu (32), son of Abul Kalam Azad of Arpara village in Gopalganj’s Sadar upazila, and Ratan Chandra Modak (63), a resident of Kaligram in Manda upazila. Police confirmed Shafiqul’s identity through a mobile phone found on him, while Ratan had been reported missing for over two weeks. Shafiqul's mother, Shefali Begum, expressed her shock upon learning of her son's death. "My son works at a garment factory in Gabtoli, Dhaka. He told us on Monday that he was going to his father-in-law's house in Pabna. His phone had been switched off for two days, and today we were informed by Manda Police Station about his body being found," she said. Similarly, the family of Ratan Chandra Modak had been searching for him for 15 days. His grandson, Badhan Kumar Modak, said, "We filed a general diary with Manda Police Station after failing to locate my grandfather despite searching everywhere." Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mansur Rahman of Manda Police Station said that the bodies have been sent to the morgue at Naogaon Sadar Hospital for autopsy.  

Police have arrested former chairman of Manda Upazila Parishad, Tofazzal Hossain in the Bindubazar area of Manda upazila in Naogaon on Monday.  Tofazzal Hossain,52, son of the late Karim Mondol from Sahapur village in Manda Sadar Union, currently serves as the joint general secretary of the Manda Upazila Awami League.     According to police, a case was filed at Manda Police Station by a man named Uzair Nabi, accusing Tofazzal of extortion, arson, attempted murder, and possession of explosives. Ex-MP Sheuly Azad placed on 8-day remand in Brahmanbaria murder case Tofazzal was listed as an accused in the case and was arrested as part of the investigation. Manda Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Monsur Rahman confirmed the matter. He said Tofazzal was arrested based on the plaintiff's allegations. After questioning at the police station, he was presented before Naogaon court on Monday evening. Later, on the court's order he was sent to Naogaon District Jail.

The local administration in Naogaon district has announced an ambitious goal to achieve Tk 2500 crore in mango sales, as the region prepares for the upcoming harvesting season. The diverse range of mango varieties grown here, including the early Guti mango set to be harvested from May 22, positions Naogaon as a significant player in the agricultural sector. Officials from the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) have provided a detailed schedule for the harvest: Gopalbhog mangoes from May 30, Khirsapati or Himsagar from June 2, Nag Fazli from June 5, Langra and Haribhanga from June 10, Amrapali from June 20, Fazli from June 25, and later varieties like Aswina, Bari Mango-4, Gourmoti, and Katimon from July 10. This year's cultivation covers 33,300 hectares, aiming for a production of 431,500 tonnes of mango. The district is known for its rich diversity in mango varieties, with farmers cultivating 16 different types. Local mango growers are optimistic about the market prospects despite the challenges posed by weather conditions, including a costly drought. Mango harvesting in Natore to begin on May 25 Sohel Rana, who owns Agro Park in Sapahar upazila, has invested in 75 bighas of land dedicated to mango cultivation. He emphasizes the adherence to advanced agricultural practices to ensure quality produce. Another local farmer, Nur from Islampur village, shared that while initial costs range from Tk 30,000 to 35,000 per bigha, drought conditions have pushed costs up by an additional Tk 4,000 to 5,000 this season. Despite lower yields, high market prices could still ensure profitability for growers. Abul Kalam Azad, Deputy Director of DAE in the district, highlighted the export potential, noting that approximately 220 metric tonnes of mango were exported last year. This year, the district has set a target to export 500 tonnes. Azad remains hopeful about reaching the sales target of Tk 2500 crore, provided the weather conditions are favorable, which will play a crucial role in achieving these ambitious goals. As the harvesting season approaches, the market is poised to be flooded with a variety of mangoes from Naogaon, promising both local consumption and significant export opportunities. Mangoes dropping early in Rajshahi amid intense heat; growers, traders worried

The cultivation of coloured cauliflower has been gaining popularity among farmers in Naogaon as it is easy to grow and they earn good profit at low cost. Cultivating yellow and purple cauliflower successfully Jalal Hossain, a farmer of Kasba village under Hafania union of the district’s Sadar upazila, has created enthusiasm among other farmers who are thronging to his land to know about the cultivation process. Jalal said he received training on its cultivation from non-governmental organization(NGO) "Moushumi" last year. “Inspired by the cultivation of coloured cauliflower in a video footage during the training, I had bought 1,000 saplings with the assistance of the NGO and planted them on the land,” he said. Ranisankail farmers find fortune in cauliflower cultivation “Many people were saying that this cauliflower would not grow well in this area. They said who will buy it if tastes bad but I didn't lose hop,” the farmer said. He said he was adamant about selling the vegetable in the market. “I have received huge response buyers and farmers after success in coloured cauliflower cultivationand I have been able to earn profit. I have cultivated two types of cauliflower on 12 decimals of land.” It cost me about Tk 8000 for cultivation and now selling each piece at Tk 40-50 with a turnover of Tk 20,000 so far, he said. He hoped that he would be able to earn Tk 25, 000 more from the sale of the rest of the cauliflower. Early winter vegetables come as blessings for Jashore farmers Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials said colourful cauliflower is consumed as salad in China and it has more nutritional value and demand than the white one. Farmers can make profit by cultivating it with less cost and labour. Organic fertilisers and pheromone traps are used instead of chemical fertilisers and pesticides for its cultivation, they said. This variety of vegetable can be harvested within 70 to 80 days of planting and each weighs about two kilograms. The UNB correspondent talked to some local people- Mokhlesur, Asaduzzaman, Selina and Morsheda- who went to the cropland of Jalal to see and buy colourful cauliflower.Mahmudul Hasan Arif, agriculture officer of the NGO ‘Moushumi’, said under high yielding and high value new crops exhibition, 'yellow coloured ‘valentena’ variety and purple ‘carotena’ variety cauliflower were showcased. Read more: Apiculture in mustard field bring smile to Thakurgaon farmers Due to the success, the vegetable will be cultivated extensively in this region in the future, he hoped, he said adding farmer Jalal cultivated this cauliflower for the first time in the district. District DAE’s Agronomist Abul Kalam Azad told UNB that the first time cultivation by farmer Jalal will encourage other farmers in the district. Such colourful cauliflower contains vitamin A and B and beta carotene, folic acid, magnesium, manganese and antioxidants which has many health benifits. A white cauliflower is sold at Tk 20 to 30 per piece whereas the yellow and purple ones are sold at Tk 40 to 50, he said, hoping that its cultivation will increase a lot in future. Read more: Chapainawabganj farmers set to surpass Boro rice production targets

Voting in the election to Naogaon-2 constituency (Patnitala and Dhamoirhat upazilas), which was postponed following the death of independent candidate Aminul Haque, began amid strict security measures on Monday (February 12, 2024) morning. The balloting began at 8 am and will continue till 4 pm without any break. The Election Commission suspended the election due to the death of the independent candidate on December 29, eight-day ahead the 12th national election held on January 7 this year. Visiting several polling stations, the UNB correspondent found a huge presence of voters. Read more: BNP's program is nothing but restarting an old car: Foreign Minister Abdullah Al Mamun, presiding officer of Puiya Government Primary School centre, said that they have taken all preparations to hold the polls in a fair and peaceful environment. With the cooperation of the members of the law enforcement agencies, they will be able to hold the polls in a fair and peaceful environment, he hoped. Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Golam Mowla said all security measures have been taken so that election can be held in free, fair and neutral manner. There are 16 police and Ansar members in important centers each and 15 members in other centers each, he said, adding that on an average there is one police mobile team for every four centers along with a striking team and reserve team. Read more: 15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi Executive Magistrates and Judicial Magistrates are performing duty along with patrolling by members of the Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guard Bangladesh, he said. A total of four candidates including one from the ruling Awami League and one from Jatiya Party are contesting the polls.

A couple allegedly committed suicide in their house at Borail village in Mohadevpur upazila of Naogaon district early Thursday. The deceased were identified as Sum0n Ali, 40, son of Abdur Razzak, and his newly married second wife Golapi Begum, 30. Family sources said day labourer Sumon recently got married to Golapi Begum without the consent of his first wife Khadiza Akter. Khadija went to her father's house on Tuesday. Taking this opportunity, Sumon brought her younger wife Golapi home. When Khadiza came to know this, she returned home on Wednesday afternoon and got into a quarrel with Sumon and Golapi. Around 9 pm, Sumon and Golapi consumed gas tablets following the altercation. Family members took them to Naogaon 250-bed hospital around 11 pm. Later, Golapi died around midnight and Sumon died around 2 am while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Dr Abu Ansari, a medical officer of the hospital, said that their condition was critical since they were brought to the hospital. Though we prepared to refer them for better treatment, the victims' family members did not want to take them anywhere else. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mahadevpur police station Ruhul Amin said the bodies would be handed over to their family after due process.

Miscreants set a stationary bus on fire in Mohadevpur upazila of Naogaon district on Sunday (November 26, 2023) night during the ongoing 48-hour blockade called by the BNP and some like-minded parties. Locals said miscreants set the bus of ‘Rahi Travels’ on fire around 11:30 pm. Being informed, a firefighting unit from Mohadevpur station rushed to the spot and doused the flame, said the fire station’s team leader Ashraful Rahman, adding that 50 percent of the bus got burnt. Read more: Dialogue possible with political parties, not arsonists: Hasan Mahmud Mozaffar Hossain, officer-in-charge of Mohadevpur Police Station, said they arrested two BNP workers in this connection. The arrestees are Sujauzzaman Raju, 55, president of Ward No.1 under Mohadevpur union the upazila and local activist Ataur Rahaman Ata, he said. Legal actions will be taken in this regard, the OC added. Read more: No way to compromise with arsonists: PM Hasina

The High Court today (October 15, 2023) expressed dissatisfaction over the probe report submitted by the high-level investigation committee on the death of Union land office employee Sultana Jasmine in RAB custody in Naogaon. "The report is unclear," the High Court said. “It did not include anything regarding the process of detaining Sultana Jasmine. The report also failed to say whether her relatives were informed after her (Jasmine) detention. Therefore, the court is not satisfied with the report.” Also read: HC grants 2 more months for probe into Jasmine’s death in RAB Custody The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Muhammad Mahbub-ul-Islam made the remarks on Sunday. Later, the High Court bench directed the preparation of the rule for the upcoming hearing on this matter. The court scheduled the hearing for the rule for November 29.      Advocate Manoj Kumar Bhowmick appeared for the writ petitioner in the court. Deputy Attorney General Samarendra Nath Biswas, Assistant Attorney General Abul Kalam Khan Dawood and Assistant Attorney General Taufiq Sajwar Partha were present on behalf of the state. Also read: Death in Custody: RAB quizzes Jasmine's son and brother-in-law Advocate Manoj Kumar Bhowmick said the High Court was dissatisfied over the probe report as some key information was missing from the report. Earlier on May 22, the Cabinet Division formed a high-level investigation committee to investigate the death of land office employee Sultana Jasmine in RAB custody in Naogaon based on the High Court’s directive. The High Court ordered the committee to complete the investigation and submit its report within 60 days. On August 14, the committee submitted a 302-page report to the High Court. Also read: Sultana Jasmine died from brain hemorrhage: postmortem report Union land office employee Sultana was detained by RAB from Muktirmor area of Naogaon city on March 22. She was admitted to Naogaon hospital the same day after she fell ill and later died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on March 24. According to the postmortem report submitted by the Forensic Department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Sultana Jasmine died from brain haemorrhage. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said Jasmine was arrested for interrogation as there was an accusation of fraudulence against her. Also read: Calls grow for judicial investigation of Jasmine's death in custody

After four decades, Bangladesh got back about one acre of disputed land on Naogaon border, thanks to the initiative of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has been obstructing Bangladeshi farmers since 1977 from cultivating around one acre of land — located at Ramchandrapur under Dhamoirhat upazila of Naogaon district, inside Bangladesh territory, some 100 yards from border pillar 257/20-R.   The disputed area is under the jurisdiction of Agradigun BOP of BGB Patnitala Battalion (14 BGB). Read more: Sheikh Hasina govt working to take Bangladesh-India connectivity to pre-1965 level: Shahriar Alam A flag meeting was held between BGB and BSF at the battalion commander level on the call of Patnitala Battalion (14 BGB) near border pillar 257/20-R from 11 am to 1:15 pm (Bangladesh time) today. At the flag meeting, Patnitala Battalion (14 BGB) Commanding Officer Lt. Col Md. Hamid Uddin led an 8-member BGB member delegation, while Commandant of India's Patiram battalion (164 BSF Battalion) Sanjay Kumar Mishra led a 6-member BSF delegation.

A 25-year-old woman, who was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital with symptoms of Nipah virus infection, died on Wednesday, 20 days after her father-in-law had died of the same virus. The deceased was identified as Farida Begum, wife of Abdul Khalek of Chakoar village in Manda upazila of the district. Besides, the mother-in-law of Farida has been undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital with the same symptoms. Dr Bijoy Kumar, Manda Upazila Health Officer, said Farida was admitted to Manda Upazila Health Complex on Sunday with fever and cold. Later, the hospital authorities took samples suspecting that she was infected with Nipah virus and sent the sample to Dhaka for test. Meanwhile, she was shifted to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital where she breathed her last around 5 pm. Local people said Abdul Khalek along with his family took raw date juice on February 4. On February 6, Khalek caught fever and cold. He was taken to Naogaon Sadar hospital the next day and later he died on way to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital on February 8. Dr. Bijoy Kumar Roy, said already a medical team has been sent to the area and process is on to take necessary steps. A total of five people died of Nipah virus across the country this year, said Health Minister Zahid Maleque on January 29. Healthy people who come in contact with the infected ones also have possibility of being infected with the virus and it spreads from person to person quickly which is a matter of concern, he added. The government has taken steps to prevent the spread of Nipah virus, said the minister. According to icddr,b in Bangladesh, Nipah virus is usually acquired through consumption of date palm sap contaminated with bat saliva or urine. Also read; Suspected Nipah virus patient dies in Barishal On January 29, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said a total of five people died of Nipah virus across the country this year. Eight people were infected with the Nipah virus and of them five people died. According to icddr,b in Bangladesh, Nipah virus is usually acquired through consumption of date palm sap contaminated with bat saliva or urine.