A 38-year-old man was allegedly hacked to death over an extramarital affair in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur on Sunday night, said police. The deceased Mostafizur Rahman Chengtu was son of late Boyes Prodhan at Aga Chatra village in Chatra union of the upazila. He was a farmer by profession. BNP’s associate bodies’ road march from Rangpur to Dinajpur begins this noon Police and locals said Chengtu was in an extramarital relationship with Rowshan Ara Begum, wife of one Rustam Ali of the same village, for the past few years. A rivalry was prevailing between them over the matter. Rustam took position under a banyan tree in the village on Sunday night and hacked Chengtu with sharp weapons after intercepting him on his way home from a local market, they said.  Suspended ADC Harun attached to Rangpur Range DIG office Chengtu was left critically injured and rushed to Upazila Health Complex by locals where he succumbed to his injuries around 11:15pm. Anwarul Islam, officer-in-charge of Pirganj Police Station, said the victim’s son Sajib Mia filed a murder case on Monday morning. Debate Triumph: Anwar Girls College, Rangpur Cantonment excel Though the accused is now on the run, they were trying to arrest him, the OC added.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (August 17, 2023) urged the people to keep their trust and confidence in her government as she wants to make the life of the country’s every citizen meaningful. “I want to make the life of everyone meaningful and thus improve their living standard by completing the unfinished tasks of my father,” she said while rolling out the much-anticipated Universal Pension Scheme. The premier opened the pension scheme, joining a virtual function from her official residence Ganabhaban. The participants and beneficiaries were connected from three districts –Gopalganj, Bagerhat and Rangpur-- and the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  The universal pension scheme was introduced aiming to bring the country's all citizens aged above 18 under the pension coverage. Also read: PM Hasina rolls out long-awaited Universal Pension Scheme  Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made Bangladesh as a least developed country by building a war-ravaged country and now Bangladesh gained the status of a developing country following the footsteps of Bangabandhu. “Inshallah, Bangladesh will be transformed from a developing to a developed country,” she said. The PM said the people’s trust, confidence and affection are the sources of her strength. “So, keep this trust and confidence. I want it from you,” she said. She said Bangladesh had to face many blows --Covid-19 pandemic, the brunt of Ukraine war, economic sanctions and counter-sanctions and worldwide high inflation, as well as arson violence. “Since the people are with us, Bangladesh is moving forward facing everything –natural calamities, pandemic and manmade disasters,” she said. Also read: Universal Pension Scheme: How will it work? What's in it? Describing the universal pension scheme as an inclusive programme, she said her government has been able to bring even the grassroots and disadvantaged people under their development plans. The PM said the inaugural day of universal day is really a very significant day for Bangladesh. “The day will remain written in the golden letters in the history of Bangladesh,” she said. Under the universal pension scheme, four different packages– Pragati, Surokkha, Samata and Prabashi– out of a total of six planned ones were initially introduced under the universal pension scheme to ensure the lifetime pension facility for the participant citizens. The Pragati package will cover private job holders, while the Surokkha is designed for self-employed persons, the Samata for the low-income people and the Prabashi package for the expatriate Bangladeshis. The two remaining packages will be launched later. Also read: All citizens aged 18-50 can join universal pension scheme: Cabinet clears a draft law Any citizen aged above 18 can participate in the universal pension scheme to get the pension facility during the retirement life, by paying installments till the person reaches the age of 60. An individual aged even above 50 can join the scheme but the person will need to pay installments for 10 consecutive years. Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, also spoke on the occasion. PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the function, while Senior Secretary of the Finance Division Fatima Yasmin delivered the welcome speech. In the event, a video documentary on the Universal Pension Scheme was screened. Read more: Some foreign powers are taking interest in Bangladesh's election to hinder progress: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday ( August 17, 2023) rolled out the much anticipated Universal Pension Scheme aiming to bring Bangladesh's all citizens aged above 18 under the pension coverage. She opened the pension scheme joining a virtual function from her official residence Ganabhaban. The participants and beneficiaries were connected from three districts –Gopalganj, Bagerhat and Rangpur-- and the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Four different packages– Pragati, Surokkha, Samata and Prabashi– out of a total of six planned ones were initially introduced under the universal pension scheme to ensure the lifetime pension facility for the participant citizens. Universal pension system to be rolled out from FY 2023-24 The Pragati package will cover private job holders, while the Surokkha is designed for self-employed persons, the Samata for the low-income people and the Prabashi package for the expatriate Bangladeshis. The two remaining packages will be launched later. Any citizen aged above 18 can participate in the universal pension scheme to get the pension facility during the retirement life, by paying installments till the person reaches the age of 60. An individual aged even above 50 can join the scheme but the person will need to pay installments for 10 consecutive years. Bill on the universal pension returns to the House after scrutiny Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, also spoke on the occasion. PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the function, while Senior Secretary of the Finance Division Fatima Yasmin delivered the welcome speech. In the event, a video documentary on the Universal Pension Scheme was screened. JS passes bill to introduce Universal Pension Scheme

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived here this afternoon on a daylong visit to attend a number of programmes including addressing a grand rally. After a helicopter carrying her landed at Rangpur Cantonment at 1:13 pm, the premier was escorted to the Circuit House where she is holding a meeting with Rangpur divisional government officials. She is expected to arrive in the Rangpur Zilla School around 3pm to attend the grand rally which the Awami Leaders said will be the largest over gathering in the district with a participation of one million of people of all strata of life. A large boat-shaped stage was built by the workers of Dhaka and Rajshahi where 300 leaders and activists can sit together. The Awami League president later will address a mammoth public rally from the venue, her first in 12 years to be organised by Rangpur Zilla Awami League. Rangpur wears festive look to welcome PM Hasina Wednesday A festive mood has been prevailing among Awami League and its front and associate bodies leaders and activists, and common people for a couple of days over the prime minister’s visit in Rangpur district after around five years since she visited Pirganj and Taraganj on December 23 in 2018. The entire Rangpur wore a new look with decoration and lighting all over. The city roads have also been decorated to welcome the prime minister. Posters inscribed with pictures of the Father the Nation and PM Hasina are seen on most of the high-rises, important roads, medians and walls with colourful banners and festoonswhile arches and welcome gates have been erected on roads. AL never runs away from people: PM Hasina The Awami League and its associate bodies are serious to turn today’s rally into the biggest-ever one in the history of Rangpur and thus to show strength and public support in favour of it ahead of the next parliamentary elections.Rangpur gears up to welcome PM Hasina on Wednesday

Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions reached the final of the women's football at the Sheikh Kamal 2nd Bangladesh Youth Games 2023 after winning the semi-finals at the BFF Artificial Turf in Motijheel Wednesday. In the women's semi-final, Rangpur made the final after thrashing Chattogram 7-2 riding on four goals from Swapna. Also, Rivana netted two goals in the 57th and 71st minutes; Mowrashi scored one. Menti Chakma scored both goals for Chattogram in the 75th and 88th minutes. Read more: Malan century guides England home as Tigers bemoan batting woes In today's other semi-final, Rajshahi managed to secure their place in the final after beating Dhaka 3-2 in the tie-breaker as the regular time ended in a 0-0 draw. The men's gold medal match between Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions will be held Friday at 3 pm at the Paltan Maidan Outer Stadium.

Rangpur and Rajshahi Divisions reached the men's football final of the Sheikh Kamal 2nd Bangladesh Youth Games' 2023 eliminating their rivals in the semifinals at the Palton Outer Stadium in the capital on Tuesday.  Rangpur Division booked a seat for the final eliminating Khulna Division by 3-0 goals in the day's first semifinal in the afternoon.  Alamgir struck twice in the 73rd and 90th minutes while Shahriar opened the Rangpur account in the 18th minute. In the day's 2nd semifinal, Rajshahi Division eliminated Sylhet Division beating them by 2-0 goals also on Tuesday afternoon. Also Read: Youth Games Handball: Rangpur Div clinch women's title beating Dhaka Div by 30-17 goal  After a barren first half, Saddik put Rajshahi ahead in the 67th minute while Akash sounded the margin scoring one more goal for Rajshahi in the 84th minute.  The gold medal deciding men's final match between Rangpur and Rajshahi Divisions will be held on Friday (March 3) at 2:45 pm at the same venue while the 3rd place deciding match between two losing semifinalists will be held on Thursday (March 2) also at 2:45 pm.    

Rangpur Division reached the semifinals of both the men's and women's football competitions of the Sheikh Kamal 2nd Bangladesh Youth Games' 2023 eliminating their rivals on the opening day at two different city venues on Sunday (February 26).  In the men's competition, Rangpur and Sylhet Division reached the semifinal eliminating their rivals at the Outer Stadium in Palton Sunday morning. Rangpur beat Dhaka by 2-1 goals while Sylhet overcame Mymensingh beating them by 5-3 goals in the tie breaker as the match was locked in a goalless position in the schedule time. Khulna Division scheduled to play Chattogram Division while Rajshahi Division due to meet Barishal Division in the remaining men's group matches on Sunday..  In the women's group, Dhaka Division booked a seat for the semifinal defeating Khulna Division by 3-0 goals while Rangpur Division storm into the last four stage crushing Sylhet Division by 13-0 goals on the opening day (Sunday) at the BFF Artificial turf in Motijheel Sunday afternoon. The remaining two women's group matches will be held on Monday at the same venue.  Read more: 'When Shakib and I step onto the field, nothing else holds importance for us': Tamim Rajhahi Division will play Barishal Division at 12:30 pm while Mymensingh Division will encounter Chattogram Division at 2:45 pm.on Monday In the men's semifinal on Tuesday, Rangpur will play winners of Chattogram and Khulna at 12 noon while Sylhet will face the winners of Rajshahi and Barishal Divisions at 3 om at the Outer Stadium in Palton. In the women's semifinal on Wednesday, Dhaka Division will meet the winners of Rajshahi and Barishal Division at 12:30 pm at the BFF Artificial turf in Motijheel 

Comilla Victorians dominated Rangpur Riders in their final match of the league phase of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Friday, securing a decisive 70-run victory in Mirpur. Victorians’ victory in their final league phase has solidified their position in second place on the points table. As a result, they will face off against the Sylhet Strikers in the first qualifier on February 12. On the same day, Rangpur Riders will face Fortune Barishal, the third and fourth team in the points table, in the eliminator. The outcome of this match will determine which team will be eliminated from the competition. The winner of the first qualifier will proceed to the final on February 16, while the loser will have to compete in the second qualifier against the winner of the eliminator. The team that emerges victorious from the second qualifier will then advance to the final to compete against the winner of the first qualifier. In Friday's match, the opening duo of the Comilla Victorians, Mohammad Rizwan and Litton Das, got off to a strong start, contributing 43 runs to the first wicket before Rizwan was dismissed for 24. Despite this setback, Litton was firm in the middle. Read more: BCB to mark month of language during BPL matches Friday Sunil Narine came to the crease with high expectations, but he was unable to convert his start and was dismissed for just 8 runs. This was a major setback for the team, and the pressure was on to find a new source of runs. However, Liton was quick to step up and took control of the situation, scoring 47 runs off 33 balls with three fours and as many sixes. Despite his strong effort, he was unable to carry on. Skipper Imrul Kayes and Jaker Ali then took over the responsibility of keeping the scorecard ticking, scoring 19 and 34 runs, respectively. The star of the show for Victorians was undoubtedly Khushdil Shah, who remained not out on a remarkable 40 runs off just 20 balls, hitting 2 fours and 3 sixes. This innings was instrumental in posting a challenging total for the Victorians. Comilla finished their innings on a strong note, scoring 177/5 in 20 overs. For the Riders, Azmatullah Omarzai took two wickets, conceding 34 runs. Rangpur Riders had a rough start in their pursuit of 178 runs, as opener Mohammad Naim was dismissed for just 6 runs. Rony Talukdar and Rahmanullah Gurbaz attempted to steady the innings, but both fell short with scores of 13 and 29 runs respectively. Despite the efforts of Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Nurul Hasan, and Shamim Hossain, Rangpur Riders struggled with the bat and were eventually all out for 107 runs in 17 overs. The bowlers for Comilla Victorians, however, put in a fantastic performance. Tanvir Islam took 2 wickets, while Narine and Mustafizur Rahman took 2 and 3 wickets respectively. Andre Russell also contributed with 1 wicket to secure a decisive 70-run victory for Comilla Victorians.  

The weather department has predicted drizzles in parts of the country in 24 hours, starting from 9am today. “Weather may remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies over the country, with chances of drizzles at one or two places over Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions,” Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said in its bulletin. Moderate to thick fog may occur over the riverbasins and adjoining areas and light to moderate fog may occur elsewhere over the country during midnight to morning and it may continue till noon at places. Read more: Drizzle likely in Chattogram division A mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over Rangpur division and the districts of Noagaon and Moulvibazar and it may abate from some places. Night temperature may rise slightly and day temperature may fall slightly over the country. The lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 6.1 degree Celsius in Tetulia today while the highest temperature was recorded at 29.6 degree Celsius in Teknaf of Chattogram division.  

Eleven people were killed and 11 others injured in a number of road crashes in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Pabna, Chandpur and Mymensingh district on Monday and Tuesday. In Rajshahi, three people were killed when a truck rammed a motorbike at Dangerhat in Paba upazila of Rajshahi district on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Shaheen Ali, 40, son of Abu Syed, Sohagh Ali, 28, son of Md Babul and Rakib Ali, 26, son of Anwar Hossain of Bahrampur area. Ismail Hossain, officer-in-charge of Kornahar Police Station, said the accident occurred around 4 pm when the iron-rod laden truck hit the motorbike when it reached in front of Dangerhat School, leaving Shaheen and Sohagh dead on the spot and injured one. Read more: Road accidents leave 10 dead in 6 districts The injured was taken to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital where the doctors declared Rakib dead. Police seized the truck. In Rangpur, three people were dead and at least 10 were injured in a head-on collision between two buses in Rangpur's Taraganj upazila this morning. The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. The accident occurred in Doalipara area of the Rangpur-Dinajpur highway around 7:45 am, said Mostafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Taraganj police station. According to the police, a Rangpur-bound bus of Tripti Paribahan from Saidpur collided head-on with another bus, of Saimon Exclusive Paribahan, coming from the opposite direction in Doalipara area -- leaving two dead on the spot and 10 injured. "Another person died at the hospital while undergoing treatment there," the OC said. The bodies have been kept in the hospital morgue for autopsies, added the OC. In Chandpur, a teacher and a student of a local madrasha were killed when a bus hit a motorbike at Rasulpur in Kachua upazila in the afternoon. The deceased were identified as Zahid Hossain, 25, son of Abdur Razzak of Shahrasti upazila and jabber Hossain, 13, son of Sahabuddin of Laksham upazila. The accident occurred around 2 pm when the bus of ‘Bogdad Paribahan’ from Chandpur hit the motorbike, leaving them injured, said Ibrahim Khalil, officer-in-charge of Kachua Police Station. They died while taking to upazila health complex. Vehicular movement remained suspended for some time following the accident. In Pabna, two students were killed and another one was injured when a motorbike skidded off the road on Madhupur-Sathia road at Boalmari intersection in Sathia upazila on Monday midnight. The deceased were identified as Rubel Hossain, 22, a student of Pabna government Edward College and son of Nazrul Islam and Juboraz, 16, an SSC examinee and son of Yunus Ali of the upazila. Rafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Sathia Police Station, said the accident took place at 12 am when the motorbike carrying trio fell on the road as its driver lost control over steering, leaving them injured. Later, they were taken to Pabna General Hospital where the doctors declared two of them dead. The duo met the tragedy while returning home from a trade fair. Read more: Road accidents leave 4 dead in 2 districts In Mymensingh, Apu Mia, 20, a helper of a truck driver and son of Abdur Rahman of Kishoreganj district, was killed when the sand-laden truck overturned at Dighirpar in Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh district in the morning, said Rasheduzzaman Khan, officer-in-charge of Pagla Police Station.