Lalmonirhat
Miscreants attempt robbery at Lalmonirhat Sonali Bank
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.
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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.
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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.
1 week ago
Chilly weather batters Lalmonirhat
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.
2 weeks ago
Bean cultivation transforms farmers' fortunes as it gains momentum in Lalmonirhat
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.
1 month ago
‘Bou-Jamai Mela’ celebrates rural tradition in Lalmonirhat
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.
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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.
1 month ago
Woman burned to death Lalmonirhat
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.
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Later locals brought the fire under control.
Hatibandha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahmudunnabi said police were sent to the scene for investigation.
1 month ago
Winter cloth sale rises on Lalmonirhat footpaths
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.
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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.
2 months ago
4-year-old dies in Lalmonirhat road accident
A four-year-old girl died in a road accident in Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat on Friday afternoon.
The deceased, Tithi Rani, was the daughter of Bishnu Roy of Chabala union’s Dhakaiyatari area of the upazila.
Kaliganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Selim Malik said that the incident occurred in the Dhakaiyatari area of Nithak, Chabala union and officers were dispatched to the scene.
According to locals, Tithi was riding with her parents on an easy-bike when a Nosimon, heading towards Chaparhat, collided with their vehicle.
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The impact crushed the child, who died on the spot. Her parents sustained minor injuries.
No written complaint has been filed as of yet. Legal action will be taken upon receiving a complaint, the OC said.
2 months ago
Lalmonirhat shivers in cold weather
The northern border district of Lalmonirhat is experiencing an intense cold spell as dense fog blankets the region, throwing daily life out of gear.
Vehicles were seen moving with headlights on to avoid any accident, said transport workers.
Until 8 am on Friday, the entire district was shrouded in thick fog and such condition has been seen for the past couple of days.
Nirmal Chandra, a rickshaw puller from Dulhali area of Kaliganj, said the past two days had seen heavy fog and amid chilly weather. His income has fallen as many are not venturing out into fog.
Jewel Mia, a resident of Kakina under Kaliganj upazila, informed that the bone-biting cold is badly affecting people in char areas (river islands) while many were keeping warm by lighting fires with straw and dried leaves.
Local met office predicts that the temperature may drop further as the district is experiencing light rainfall accompanying the fog during the early hours.
Read: Cold grips Kurigram as temperature falls amid mounting miseries
2 months ago
PM Hasina provides 18,566 more houses for the homeless under Ashrayan-2 project
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina distributed 18,566 more houses among the homeless and landless families across the country under Ashrayan-2 project on Tuesday (June 11, 2024), five days before the Eid-ul Azha.
She opened the distribution of the houses alongwith ownership documents through a videoconference from her official residence Ganabhaban, connecting to Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, Eidgaon upazila of Cox’s Bazar, and Char Fashion upazila of Bhola.
Besides, the PM declared 70 more upazilas, including all upazilas of 26 districts, free from landlessness and homelessness people.
With this declaration, the total number of landless and homeless-free districts has reached 58 and the number of landless and homeless-free Upazilas has gone up to 464 across the country.
The houses were constructed under the government’s flagship housing programme, Ashrayan-2 Project, aiming to ensure housing for all.
PM Hasina's Ashrayan project to set another milestone Tuesday
On Tuesday, the prime minister distributed 1,282 houses in Lalmonirhat, 261 in Cox’s Bazar, and 1,234 in Bhola districts.
Earlier, the prime minister distributed 63,999 houses in the first phase, 53,330 in the second phase, 59,133 in the third phase, and 39,365 in the fourth phase of the Ashrayan-2 Project across the country.
Under the project, each landless and homeless family is provided with a semi-pucca house on two decimals of land, with ownership jointly granted to both husband and wife. Each house consists of two bedrooms, a kitchen, a toilet, and a veranda.
The rehabilitation programme for homeless people was initially introduced by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1972.
Following that PM Hasina initiated the Ashrayan project in 1997 to provide ownership of houses and lands to homeless and landless people.
Since its inception, the Ashrayan project has rehabilitated a total of 771,301 families, benefiting an estimated 3,856,505 individuals. Across all programmes, 4,340,000 people from 867,904 families have been rehabilitated, including 2,910,265 people from 582,053 families under the Ashrayan Project.
Read more: Ashrayan project: PM Hasina to provide free houses, lands to 18,566 families
7 months ago
Body of Bangladeshi killed by BSF returned through Lalmonirhat border
The body of a Bangladeshi youth, who was shot dead by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along Aunghorpota border in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, was handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Sunday (January 28, 2024) night.
Patgram police station’s officer-in-charge (OC) Ferdous Wahid said Indian Border Security Force (BSF) handed over the body of Rabiul Islam to the BGB through Tin Bigha Corridor in the upazila after an autopsy in India on Sunday night.
Read: BSF hands over body of BGB member after two days of killing
Later, the body was handed over to the victim’s family, he said.
Earlier on Sunday afternoon, a flag-meeting between the border forces of the two countries was held when the BGB condemned the killing.
Rabiul, 33, son of Afzal Hossain of Dangarpara village under Dahagram union of the upazila, was gunned down by the BSF along Jashore’s Benapole border on Sunday, within a week of killing a BGB member by them.
Read more: Another Bangladeshi shot dead by BSF along Lalmonirhat border
1 year ago