United News of Bangladesh

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) returned five Bangladeshi nationals, who were detained during their bid to return to Bangladesh without valid documents, through Dahagram border in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat on Saturday. Subedar Ayub Hossain, commander of the Panbari camp of the 51 BGB Battalion in Rangpur, said they were handed over to BGB following discussions between border guards of the two countries. They are Ferdous Farhad Roshni ,25, Hridoy Hasan Sarwar Nurjahan, Ria Moni- all belonging to the third gender community are residents of Mirpur, Dhaka. The other two are Ahmad Ali 50, son of Adam Ali, and Amina Bibi 40, wife of Adam Ali, from Phulbari in Kurigram district. Toddler killed in elephant attack; locals block road near KEPZ in Chattogram According to sources, the five Bangladeshis were detained on Friday afternoon by a BSF patrol team while attempting to re-enter Bangladesh illegally through Angorpota border post under the 51 BGB Battalion in Rangpur. Later a flag meeting was held on Friday at the zero line of the Tin Bigha Corridor between company commanders of the BGB and BSF. After discussions, BSF agreed to hand over the detained Bangladeshis.

Amid the rhythmic clatter of train wheels on steel tracks, Farida Akter confidently takes the helm, steering the locomotive with firm determination. Farida, the lone female locomotive master (LM) in Lalmonirhat Railway zone, has defied societal norms to carve out a career in a field traditionally dominated by men. A mother of four, she seamlessly balances the demands of her profession with her responsibilities at home, proving that determination knows no gender boundaries. Even with a 10-month-old daughter at home, she remains dedicated to her duty, earning the admiration of railway authorities and colleagues alike. Farida resides in a government quarter at Lalmonirhat Railway Station with her husband, Tutul, and their two daughters and two sons. Originally from Dinajpur, she has built a career in the railway sector while her husband works in a private job in Lalmonirhat. Sri Lanka’s first women-run resort aims to break gender barriers in tourism “I took up this profession as a challenge,” Farida told UNB. “Since childhood, I wanted to pursue a challenging career. In 2014, I joined the railway as a locomotive master, and I have never looked back.”   Farida firmly believes that family support is crucial for women in demanding careers. “Without my family’s encouragement, I wouldn’t have come this far. The same applies to male train drivers—they, too, need support. As a woman in this field, I refuse to let societal opinions affect me,” she said. “I have four children, and my youngest one is just 10 months old. Yet, my family never complains when I leave for work,” she said. Over the past decade, Farida has not only mastered her role but also become an inspiration to many. Initially apprehensive, she soon fell in love with the thrill of guiding a train from station to station. "Being a woman in a male-dominated society I had to face challenges and obstacles, but I never let them deter me," she said. She has even developed the confidence to address mechanical issues herself when needed, a trait that has earned her respect from railway officials. “My Ekushey Padak salutes the strength of Bangladeshi women:” Rokeya Sultana Kazi Sumon, the divisional loco in-charge of Lalmonirhat Railway, praised her dedication. “Women are no longer confined within household walls. They play a vital role in economic and social development. Female train drivers, including Farida, perform their duties with utmost dedication. Her journey proves that no profession is beyond a woman’s reach,” he said.

After completing his graduation, Zahid Hossain Bosunia, a resident of Monoram village in Lalmonirhat, struggled for six years to try and secure a government job. But despite numerous attempts, he failed. After facing repeated setbacks in his job search, Zahid decided to turn to strawberry farming, a decision that soon proved to be a turning point in his life, making him a successful entrepreneur in the region. Zahid, who obtained an Honours degree in History, chose to pursue agriculture instead of continuing his job hunt. He began farming various crops in 2019. On December 12, 2023, Zahid embarked on his strawberry farming journey by planting 18,000 saplings on three bighas of land. He is currently cultivating strawberries on one and a half bighas. He collected tissue-cultured strawberry saplings from Bogura in December 2023 and planted them on his land. Importers ‘hoarding goods’ at Chittagong Port to create artificial crisis Currently, Zahid has around 10,000 strawberry plants on his land. Usually, harvesting of strawberries began in early March and within just two days, he had sold approximately 70 kilograms of strawberries. The wholesale price of the strawberries ranges from Tk 500 to Tk 550 per kilogram. His organically grown strawberries have attracted buyers from Rangpur, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat district town, thanks to its superior quality. Zahid expected that the harvest of strawberries would continue for about a month, but with extra care and a shade built over the plants, the yield could extend for an additional two months, he said. To promote his produce, Zahid shares photos of his vibrant red strawberries on social media, especially on the social networking site Facebook, which has helped him directly connect with buyers and expand his business. Coffee, cashew cultivation helping Bandarban farmers to line their pockets "If I receive support from the Lalmonirhat Department of Agricultural Extension, I can further boost my yield and meet the growing demand," Zahid added. Shah Alam Mia, district training officer at the Lalmonirhat Agricultural Extension Office (DAE), praised Zahid's initiative. "Unable to find a job, Zahid turned to farming and has successfully become self-reliant through strawberry cultivation. His success has inspired many unemployed youths to explore strawberry farming," he said. Dhaka’s shopping malls dazzle well ahead of Eid shopping frenzy

The water level in the Teesta River at Dalia Barrage point in Lalmonirhat has suddenly risen, submerging recently emerged shoals. This has forced the Water Development Board to open four sluice gates of the barrage, leaving farmers concerned over possible damages of their crops on the shoals. The flow of water at the barrage point started increasing after 4pm on Saturday. It was recorded at 50.10 cm at 6pm which is about 4 cm above the normal winter level in the dry season. The water flow increased at a time when locals earlier announced to observe a 48-hour sit-in protest on the riverbanks from February 17 to 18, demanding a fair distribution of water from the river also shared by India. Farmers expressed their concern that crops like garlic, onions, sweet pumpkin, pulses, and other produce growing on the sandbars may get destroyed due to the flooding. Govt to pursue int’l pressure for having fair Teesta water share: Adviser Affected villagers suspect India is releasing water upstream. The allegation could not be confirmed. Sahed Mia, a local resident, said, “We are planning a movement for the Teesta water, and just at that moment, India is releasing water. This is India's strategy, as they never release water during this season.” Hadiul Islam, another resident, mentioned that the water started rising suddenly in the afternoon (Saturday). Various sandbars in the Teesta Barrage area are now being submerged. Expressing concern, fisherman Sabur Ali said he has cultivated potatoes, garlic, onions, and cauliflower on three bighas of land on the sandbar. If India releases more water, his fields will be flooded. Nurul Islam, water measurement operator at Dalia Water Development Board, said the water level was rising due to the release of water from India, and they are unable to predict how much more water will come. In response, Asadul Habib Duloo, coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement and the district unit of BNP President, said they have heard about the increase in Teesta water. Teesta master plan still at policy making stage, says BWDB DG Despite the rising water, their 48-hour sit-in programme along the Teesta banks will be held on February 17-18, he added.

Miscreants have attempted a robbery by digging a tunnel at a Sonali Bankbranch  in Lalmonirhat. The incident happened around 1:30 am on Tuesday at the sub-branch of Sonali Bank in Boro Badi area of the Sadar upazila, said Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Noor Nabi. After being informed, police along with the army and law enforcement agencies, have surrounded the bank. For security reasons, no one is being allowed near the bank. Woman killed being hit by car in Dhaka's Shanir Akhra According to locals, around 1:30 AM, a clerk at the bank noticed something and screamed. When the locals rushed to the scene, they saw a tunnel behind the bank's wall. They then informed the police and law enforcement agencies, who arrived and cordoned off the entire area. Meanwhile, the bank authorities have not commented on whether any money has been looted. However, law enforcement agencies have stated that an investigation is underway. Rickshaw driver killed, three-wheeler snatched in Dhaka Boro Badi Union Parishad Chairman Nazmul Huda Limon said that the bank authorities, along with the police and the army, are investigating whether any money or other items have been stolen from the bank. An investigation is ongoing and further details will be provided once the investigation is complete, the OC added.

The northern bordering district of Lalmonirhat has been shivering amid the severe cold as the sunlight wasn’t seen for the past four days, disrupting daily life. People aren’t coming out of their houses unless there is an emergency as the fog has been spawning drizzle since Thursday morning. Cold-stricken people are trying to keep them warm by burning straws in open spaces and the severity of the cold coupled with thick fog aggravates after the evening. The poor visibility caused the thin presence of vehicles on the streets while some transports were seen moving with headlights on to ward off any unwanted incident. Read: Severe cold grips Kurigram; low-income people hit hard The adverse weather has left farmers worried over the seedbeds of crops such potato, garlic, and Boro paddy. Mostafizar Rahman, officer-in-charge of Rangpur regional weather office, said they recorded the lowest temperature at 14.2 degree Celsius in the district among seven districts under the office at 9am on Friday. The temperature fluctuated between 12.00 to 12.06 degree Celsius over the past three days except today (Friday), he said.

Bean cultivation is gaining popularity in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, with its high yield and fair market prices offering farmers a pathway to prosperity. Farmers are increasingly dedicating their minimal land and resources to bean farming, often alongside other vegetables, creating vibrant landscapes adorned with colorful blossoms. Favorable weather conditions have contributed to this year’s bumper harvest, sparking optimism among farmers who see clusters of beans as symbols of financial hope. According to local farmers, bean seeds are typically sown in rows of pits enriched with organic fertilizer at the end of the Bengali month of Ashar (June/July). Within two and a half to three months, after careful nurturing with fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides, the beans are ready for harvest and sale. Many farmers in Lalmonirhat have significantly improved their livelihoods through bean farming, which requires minimal capital but yields substantial returns. In addition to cultivating beans for consumption, many farmers grow beans specifically for seeds, which hold considerable market value. Seed companies often collaborate with farmers, providing guidance and purchasing the seeds at fair prices for storage and distribution. Seed-focused farming, while requiring additional care and investment, offers higher profits. Abul Bashar, a farmer from Duhuli village in Kaliganj upazila, said he has no land of his own. He had leased 25 decimals of land for bean cultivation and other vegetables with a promise to share one-third of the produce with the landowner, annually. This year, he brought 25 decimals of land under bean cultivation and spent Tk 13,000. Read: Prices of meat, chicken, green chilli and vegetables still high despite falling demand Every week, he gets 6-8 maunds of beans from the field which will continue for next two months. However, the price of beans will likely drop further with availability of it in the local market, he said. Currently, he managed to sell beans at Tk 35-40 per kg directly from his field. Badal Mia, another farmer, said there is no alternative than cultivating beans for high profits with small land and minimal investment. He spent Tk 15,000 on 30 decimals of land and sold 7 maunds of beans weekly. “I managed to get back the production cost and now focused on occasional spraying and harvesting for sale. Last year, he earned Tk 1 lakh from the same amount of land,” said Badal. He expected high profit from his land following the good price of beans at the local markets. Asadullah, another bean farmer, said he earned Tk 60,000 by selling beans last year and the price of beans is higher due to its demand. He claims that bean cultivation is unmatched for higher profits on small land. Samad Mia, a farmer from Sonarhat in Kaliganj upazila, said he decided to quit farming as he did not get profit from his rice cultivation on highlands. Following a relative’s suggestion, he experimentally cultivated beans on 10 decimals of land two years ago and earned significant profits. Since then, his interest in bean cultivation has grown. “This year, I have brought 40 decimals of land under bean cultivation and earned Tk 30,000. If weather and market conditions remain favorable, he expects to earn Tk 1 lakh," said Samad. With earnings from bean cultivation, Samad supports his family, funds his children's education, and leases more land annually, overcoming financial hardships. Inspired by his success, many farmers in his village have also started commercial bean cultivation. Rabiul Islam, an assistant agricultural officer in Cholbola union, said, "We’ve advised farmers on winter bean cultivation and they are set to gain substantial profits this season." Read more: Urban Agriculture: Top 10 Monsoon Vegetables to Grow in Bangladesh Tushar Kanti, agriculture officer in Kaliganj upazila, said beans are a protein-rich vegetable with significant demand in the country. "Favorable weather conditions this season have led to a bumper yield, ensuring good profits for bean farmers," he added.

A cherished rural tradition came to life on Monday as the 15-day ‘Bou-Jamai Mela’ commenced at Barabari Abul Kashem Degree College in Lalmonirhat. The fair, held annually, highlights the cultural heritage of the locality, offering a vibrant mix of festivities, food, and traditional practices. The event was inaugurated by former deputy minister and BNP Rangpur Divisional Organizing Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu. Scheduled to run from December 16 to December 31, the fair provides a nostalgic glimpse into village life with stalls featuring traditional sweets, pitha (rice cakes), and a wide variety of fish. At the heart of the fair is a unique cultural practice. Sons-in-law purchase large fish from the fair and bring them as gifts to their mothers-in-law, who prepare special meals to celebrate the occasion. Convener of the organizing committee, Faruk Siddiqui, highlighted the importance of this practice, saying it symbolizes familial bonds and honors rural traditions. Sugarcane crushing launched in Faridpur setting production target of 5,000MT The opening day witnessed a significant turnout, with visitors arriving from across Lalmonirhat and neighboring districts. Families dressed in colorful attire thronged the venue, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Traditional stalls did brisk business, selling popular items despite high prices. The demand remains high because people value preserving this tradition, said a vendor. The fair also features rural games, adding to its charm and drawing visitors of all ages. Faruk Siddiqui emphasized the fair’s role in safeguarding cultural heritage. “This event is about more than just commerce; it’s about reviving the heritage of rural Bangladesh. It allows the younger generation to connect with our traditions and learn about near-extinct fish species,” he said.  

A 68-year-old woman died after her blanket caught fire from a kerosene lamp at her house in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district on Saturday night. The deceased were identified as Oichon Bewa, wife of late Jamir Uddin of Burasardubi village. According to locals, the blanket of Oichon caught fire apparently from a kerosene lamp and she couldn’t escape due to her old age.  Two killed in Sylhet bus-auto rickshaw collision Later locals brought the fire under control. Hatibandha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahmudunnabi said police were sent to the scene for investigation.  

The onset of winter has brought a sharp rise in the sale of winter clothes on the footpaths of Lalmonirhat, with people from all walks of life flocking to buy seasonal garments. With the arrival of chilly weather towards the end of the Bengali month of Agrahayan, the demand for winter clothing has surged in both shopping malls and temporary street shops, particularly in Kaliganj upazila of the district. Low-income groups were seen crowding Tushvandar Hawkers' Market in Kaliganj, where a wide variety of affordable winter apparel, including sweaters, coats, blazers, mufflers and more were on display. During a recent visit to the market, this correspondent observed a bustling scene with hawkers calling out to attract customers. The market offered winter clothing for people of all ages, including Sweaters for women: Tk 200–400; men’s jackets: Tk 300–500; children’s clothes: Tk 50–400; mufflers: Tk 40–150; warm caps: Tk 50–100; blankets: Tk 200–500. Despite the variety of items, vendors said their sales had been slow initially. But with the chilling cold intensifying over the past few days, customer turnout has surged significantly. Children’s winter clothes were reported to be the most sought-after items, followed by jackets, sweaters and blankets. Narsingdi clash leaves 2 UP members killed    Mariam Akter, a housewife shopping at the market, shared her experience, saying, “The cold has intensified from evening till dawn, so I am buying winter clothes for my children. But the prices are slightly high compared to the quality.” Meanwhile, Rajarhat Weather Observatory Office has predicted colder days ahead. Subol Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of the observatory, said, “In Bangladesh, cold weather is usually felt in December and January. As the days go by, the temperature will naturally decrease, and the cold may become more noticeable after December 15.” With the weather expected to grow colder, both customers and vendors are preparing for an even busier season in the coming weeks.