Police recovered the body of a ward-level Awami League leader from a guava orchard in the Nachole upazila of Chapainawabganj on Friday morning. The deceased Kamrul Islam was the son of late Hossain Ali and president of the ward-2 unit of the AL in Nachole union, said Monirul Islam, officer-in-charge of Nachole Police Station. Read: Body of 14-year-old Madrasa student recovered from Kushiyara River Locals said they spotted the body lying in the orchard in the Hakrole area in the early morning and informed the police. OC Monirul said the body was sent to Chapainawabganj General Hospital morgue for an autopsy. The cause of the death will be known after the autopsy, he added.

Authorities have transferred officer-in-charge (OC) of Chapainawabganj’s Gomostapur police station and punished seven other cops after a detained Awami League leader was snatched away from police custody. Superintendent of Police Rezaul Karim confirmed the matter saying that the seven cops were taken off duty attached to District Police Lines last night. However, it could be known where OC Shahidul Islam was transferred. The policemen have been accused of negligence in performing duty. Read: Two accused snatched away after two cops stabbed in Rajshahi Seven plainclothes policemen arrested AL leader Mintu Rahman, president of the ward No-2 of the upazila’s Bangabari union on Thursday evening. A Chapainawabganj court issued an arrest warrant for him earlier. As he was being driven to the police station, his supporters allegedly swooped on the police team in Santoshpur Bazar leaving five cops injured, they said. Sub Inspector Mamun filed a case with the police station in this connection while 13 accused have so far been arrested.

A man was killed in a lynch-mob attack on Thursday morning after allegedly attacking a local mosque's imam in the Shimultala area of Sadar Upazila in Chapainawabganj.  Mizu Islam was severely beaten by locals around 8 am after he stabbed Imam Mohammad Hossain, said police and witnesses. Harunur Rashid, a resident of the same area, was also injured while attempting to save the imam. Four killed, 10 injured in Tangail road crash Mizu was taken to the 250-bed district hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Mizu had long been involved in drug dealing, said S.M. Zakaria, officer-in-charge of Chapainawabganj Sadar Police Station. It is believed he attacked imam Hossain out of anger after the local anti-drug committee provided information about him to the police, he said. The body was sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy, he said.

Mango farmers in Chapainawabganj district are bracing for potential losses this season, with significantly fewer buds observed on trees, particularly affecting larger trees amid challenging weather conditions. This year's reduced bud bloom could mark the season as a mango-off year, a phenomenon where production alternates annually between high and low yields due to natural growth cycles and external factors. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources indicate that cold weather is to blame for the decreased number of mango buds in the district. However, there is optimism that warmer temperatures could encourage more buds to bloom. Off-season Gourmoti mangoes could be profitable for Thakurgaon The region, known for its extensive mango orchards spanning 37,604 hectares, produced 443,625 metric tonnes of mangoes last year. Mango bud formation typically occurs from early Magh to mid-Falgun, but this year's expected bloom has been hampered by the prevailing cold. Mango farmer Abdur Rakib from Chapainawabganj municipality notes that diligent tree care can yield better bud production, even in an off year. Yet, the cost of cultivation might outweigh profits due to the reduced number of buds. Rakib also highlights the risk of natural calamities, which could further impact growers already facing low bud counts.

At 91, a yogurt seller from Chapainawabganj’s Bholahat upazila, Ziaul Haque, may have missed out on formal education himself, but he has been a beacon of learning for hundreds in his community. Living in Chamamusribhuja village, Ziaul has dedicated his life to social welfare, significantly impacting the lives of those around him through education and various community services. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of others, Ziaul was awarded the ‘Ekushey Padak,’ the country’s second-highest civilian honor, this year in the social service category. A testament to his dedication, Ziaul has been a familiar face in his community, selling yogurt for over six decades. Read: BSCIC officials’ training on salt iodization underway in Cox’s Bazar The Cultural Affairs Ministry announced the award on February 13, placing Ziaul in the esteemed company of other notable awardees. His contributions have previously earned him accolades, including the ‘Shada Moner Manush’ award in 2006. Upon receiving the news, an elated Ziaul expressed his joy and humility, seeing the recognition as a motivation to continue his social work. Despite the challenges of poverty that cut his own educational journey short after class five, Ziaul turned his circumstances into a mission to support the educational aspirations of others in his community. He has been particularly supportive of financially disadvantaged but talented students, offering books and academic materials funded by his yogurt sales. In 1969, Ziaul established a home library now boasting around 14,000 books, from novels to educational texts, which he offers free to local students. His generosity extends beyond education; he has provided housing for the homeless, dug wells for clean drinking water, and donated winter clothing and Qurans to madrasa students. Reflecting on his contributions, Ziaul finds deep satisfaction in the educational opportunities he has been able to provide, valuing the progress of local children over his own educational setbacks. His efforts have kept many children in school, a legacy he is proud to leave behind. Read: Scholastic student wins global coding competition Ziaul's family, along with the entire district, celebrates this well-deserved recognition. Local journalist Rubel Ahmed and many others in Bholahat commend Ziaul’s spirit and integrity, acknowledging the profound impact of his library and philanthropy on the community’s youth and educators alike. Ziaul Haque’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one individual can make in the lives of many.

A Bangladeshi fisherman was injured in firing by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the Polladanga border region in Chapainawabganj's Bholahat upazila. The injured is Jahangir Alam, 24, a resident of Kolonipara village of Gohalbari union. According to locals, Jahangir was fishing on a boat in the Mahananda River along the Polladanga border region at around 4:30 am on Saturday (February 17, 2024). At that time, BSF fired at him, and his right hand was shot. BSF detains 23 Bangladeshis along Chhagalnaiya border in Feni The locals then rescued him and rushed him to the Upazila health complex. Dr Delwar Hossain, duty medical officer of Bholahat Upazila Health Complex, said Jahangir was brought to the hospital with a bullet injury to his right elbow. Later, he was referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for better treatment. BSF regrets recent border killing, says Foreign Ministry Lt Col Golam Kibria, commanding officer of the BGB-59 battalion in Chapainawabganj, said members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) opened fire on Jahangir when he went near the Indian territory while he was fishing. He also said the BGB has sent a protest letter to the BSF in this regard. Body of Bangladeshi killed by BSF returned through Lalmonirhat border

Farmers in the Chapainawabganj district are poised to surpass their production targets for boro rice this year, aiming to harvest 253,780 metric tonnes, thanks to a surge in interest spurred by last season's bumper yield. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has outlined an ambitious plan to cultivate boro rice across 52,200 hectares of land. The cultivation efforts are distributed across various upazilas, with 13,220 hectares in Sadar, 15,720 in Gomastapur, 6,250 in Bholahat, 9,680 in Nachole, and 7,330 hectares in Shibganj. Farmers like Kawsar Ali from Sadar upazila are busy preparing their fields and sowing boro seeds. Ali, who has dedicated eight bighas of land to boro cultivation, noted the rising costs of production, attributing them to increased labor and irrigation expenses. Similarly, Mayez Uddin pointed out the hike in land plowing costs from Tk 300 to Tk 350, alongside rising labor charges. Govt to provide Tk 108 crore as incentive to boost Boro production: Ministry Paddy workers, enduring the winter chill to plant boro, like Madan, highlighted that the current rate of Tk 500 for planting helps cover their household expenses despite the hard work. Dr. Palash Sarkar, Deputy Director of DAE, remains optimistic about this year's prospects. He mentioned the widespread adoption of the Ufsi boro variety, ensuring there's no shortage of seeds or fertilizers. Furthermore, irrigation has been smooth due to reliable power supply, and farmers have received all necessary guidance from agricultural officials. With these favorable conditions, Dr. Sarkar anticipates that the boro rice production target will not only be met but exceeded, signaling a successful and productive season ahead for the farmers of Chapainawabganj. Half of Boro paddy procurement target not achieved yet, Food Minister tells JS

In Chapainawabganj’s Shibganj Upazila, an acute healthcare crisis has emerged as the area’s sole ambulance has been immobilized for more than three months, leaving approximately 7 lakh residents without essential emergency transport. The halt in service is due to a severe funding shortage for fuel, exacerbating the plight of those in need of urgent medical care. This service interruption means that critically ill patients are no longer transported to the district’s Sadar Hospital or the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) for advanced treatment. Previously, the ambulance played a crucial role in ferrying patients and their families based on medical necessity to these higher-level care facilities. The absence of the ambulance service has severely impacted the community, especially the poor and low-income families who cannot afford private ambulance services. Read more: Health Minister warns unauthorized hospitals and clinics; addresses tragic death of Ayan The financial strain is not limited to those without means; financially stable residents also bear the brunt, facing additional expenses to secure alternative emergency transport. The Shibganj Upazila Health Complex, a 100-bed facility, typically sees over 400 visitors daily, seeking basic medical services — a testament to the community’s reliance on available healthcare resources. Investigations reveal that the ambulance’s operational halt is linked to an outstanding debt of Tk 14 lakh at a local petrol station, leading to a suspension of fuel supply since November 4 last year. Dr. Mahmudur Rashid, the district’s Civil Surgeon, confirmed the crisis, stating that they have reached out to higher authorities, requesting financial support to overcome this critical situation. The ambulance service will resume soon upon arrival of the fund, he added. Read more: Saudi Arabia opens doors to Bangladeshi doctors and nurses: A milestone in skilled manpower recruitment

Dhaka District won the day's both the matches of the Walton U-17 National Youth Handball Tournament '2024 at the Shaheed Captain (Retd) M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium here on Sunday. BCB to Discuss Bangladesh’s World Cup Disappointment with Shakib Dhaka District beat Chattogram District by 30-23 goal after leading the first half by 16-10 goal in the day's first match Sunday morning. They beat Chapainawabganj District by 45-33 goal after dominating the first half by 19-15 goal at the same venue in the 2nd match Sunday afternoon. Xavi won't continue at Barcelona after this season, citing 'lack of respect' and mental fatigue Earlier in the day's first match, Bandarban District outplayed Chapainawabganj District by  58-36 goal after dominating the first half 31-18 goal at the same venue this morning. West Indies Pull Off an Epic Test Win in Australia After 27 Years

Export-import activities between Bangladesh and India through Sonamasjid land port have been suspended from this morning due to 12th national election across the country, slated for tomorrow. BNM candidate’s election camp set on fire in Chapainawabganj However, immigration through the land port is going on as usual. A notice has been issued, signed by joint commissioner of customs at the land port, Mohammad Mahbub Hasan, in this regard on Friday. Firearms, bullets recovered from Chapainawabganj border; 1 held: BGB Full-scale trade activities will resume on Monday. Chapainawabganj-1: AL candidate’s election camp set on fire