United News of Bangladesh

For more than 50,000 people across at least 25 villages in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur, daily life has become a risky struggle due to the absence of a permanent bridge over the Jamuneshwari River. At Chilapak Kalurghat, about 18 kilometres from the upazila headquarters, the river cuts off Hariarkuthi and Soyar unions, leaving residents dependent on risky and unreliable crossings for years. This route serves as the only key link for the residents. According to locals, they have been relying on boats in the rainy season and the bamboo bridge in the dry season for transportation for years. During the dry season, villagers build a temporary bamboo bridge to cross the river. However, the structure goes under water during the monsoon, worsening the situation. As water levels rise, residents again have to rely on boats for crossing – posing serious risks, especially for women, children and the elderly. Crossing the river at night becomes nearly impossible, in emergencies. Villagers said they often have to wait for hours for a boat during the rainy season, while currents discourage boatmen from operating, intensifying their suffering. Farmers in the area are among the worst sufferers. Although rice, potatoes, maize and vegetables are produced here, farmers are deprived of fair prices as they cannot get their produce to market on time. Often, the goods spoil, causing them to incur losses, pushing agriculture-dependent families into financial strain. Students also face major setbacks. They have to cross the river daily to attend schools, colleges and madrasahs. During the monsoon, many guardians hesitate to send their children to educational institutions due to safety concerns, leading to disruptions to their education. Matinuzzaman, secretary of Kursha Union Parishad, said the lack of a permanent bridge causes immense suffering for residents. “My home is across the river. People here face serious difficulties in movement, especially during the monsoon. For patients, the crossing of the river becomes a nightmare,” he said, adding that delayed transportation often worsens medical conditions. Service holders and small traders are facing similar challenges, as they often fail to reach workplaces on time. Businesspeople are incurring financial losses as they are unable to transport goods on time. Around 25 villages, including Chilapak, Patanipara, Dolapara, Baniapara, Ujiyal, Mamunpara, Menanagar, Kalurghat, Dangapara, Pramanikpara and Mondolpara, are directly dependent on this crossing point. Locals alleged that although several public representatives and political leaders have promised to construct a bridge over the years, no visible progress has been made. Hariarkuthi Union Parishad Chairman Kumaresh Roy and Soyar Union Parishad Chairman Al Ibadat Hossain Pilot said the issue has been raised multiple times in the upazila coordination meetings and proposals have been sent to the authorieis concerned, but without any fruitful outcome. Residents have strongly demanded immediate construction of a permanent bridge at Kalurghat, saying it will not only ease communication but also boost education, healthcare, agriculture and overall economic development in the region. Executive Engineer of Local Government Engineering Department of Rangpur, Abu Musa, said a proposal for the bridge has already been sent to the ministry. “We hope a solution will come soon,” he added.

A Rangpur court on Monday convicted a man and sentenced him to death for killing a police officer in 2021. Rangpur Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Marzia Khatun handed down the punishment. The condemned convict was identified as Pervez Rahman Palash, a drug trader and son of Zahidul Islam from the Haragach area. The court also fined him Tk 10,000 and sentenced him to five years imprisonment in two separate sections of the case. Youth hacked to death in Rangpur According to the prosecution, Piarul Islam, an assistant sub-inspector of Haragach Police Station, was stabbed to death by the convict during an anti-narcotics drive at Shahebganj in Rangpur city on September 25, 2021. Police arrested Palash from the spot along with drugs. Two separate cases—one under the Narcotics Act and another for murder—were filed against Palash.

A school teacher died after suffering a heart attack reportedly while waiting in a queue to buy fuel at a filling station in Rangpur on Saturday night. The deceased was identified as Mehedi Hasan, son of Matiur Rahman from the New Engineer Para area of the city. He was a teacher at Balakuar Chowrar Hat Government Primary School. Family members said Mehedi Hasan had gone to a filling station at Parjatan Mor to purchase fuel. While standing in line he fell sick and was immediately taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospita, where doctors declared him dead, they said. Officer-in-Charge of Rangpur Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station Azad Rahman  said police received information that a man had died after falling sick while waiting in queue at the fuel station. “He might have suffered a heart attack while standing in the queue,” the OC added.

A severe shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH), the largest public healthcare facility in northern Bangladesh, is putting critically ill patients at grave risk amid limited access to life-saving support. Hospital director Brig Gen Ashikur Rahman said between March 1 and April 5, 29 of the 79 patients admitted to the ICU died — a figure that underscores the mounting pressure on the already stretched critical care system. Despite serving eight districts in the Rangpur division, the hospital has only 10 ICU beds, far short of the growing demand. Patients suffering from stroke, pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions are among those seeking admission, many of whom remain in critical condition. Doctors and health experts say the high death toll is linked not only to the shortage of beds but also to inadequate facilities including a lack of modern equipment and trained personnel. Saiful Islam, a resident of Domar upazila in Nilphamari, has been trying for weeks to secure an ICU bed for his critically ill wife Arzina Begum. “After 24 days of struggle, we finally managed a bed,” he said, describing the ordeal. For many others, access to ICU care remains uncertain. “Getting an ICU bed now depends on luck,” said Sonali Begum, a patient’s relative. “Many patients are being turned away due to a lack of beds. We can only wait and hope.” Another relative, Zainal Ahmed, said the high cost of private healthcare leaves families with few alternatives. “Private hospitals charge Tk 30,000 to Tk 40,000 per day for ICU care. We cannot afford that, so we wait here. But by the time a bed becomes available, it may be too late,” he said. The 1,000-bed hospital treats between 2,500 and 3,000 patients daily, far exceeding its capacity. “Six months ago, we couldn’t get an ICU bed. Now it’s the same situation,” said another relative. “We don’t have the money for private hospitals. Where should we go?” Hospital sources said the demand for ICU services is rising daily but limited beds and equipment prevent many patients from being admitted. Health experts have termed the situation unacceptable for a divisional-level public hospital. They said expanding ICU capacity must go beyond increasing beds — requiring modern ventilators, life-support systems, and trained doctors and nurses. “In the current reality, many patients are forced to seek treatment at private facilities which are beyond the reach of most people,” said a public health expert, adding that poor patients are often left without care. Dr Md Alfe Sani Moudud Ahmed, assistant professor of Critical Care Medicine at RMCH, said the actual number of deaths outside the ICU remains unknown. “If so many patients are dying inside the ICU, we have no data on how many are dying outside without access to critical care,” he said. “At least 10 percent of the 2,500 to 3,000 daily patients need ICU support. That means we need around 100 ICU beds.” “With only 10 beds, we are struggling to provide services. Without increasing equipment and skilled manpower, the situation will worsen,” he added. Hospital Director Brig Gen Ashikur Rahman said authorities are trying to deliver the best possible care with limited resources. “We have informed the higher authorities about the need to increase ICU beds. We hope for a quick solution,” he said.

Supporters of BNP candidates staged protests and road blockades in Pirgachha and Launia upazilas of Rangpur district on Saturday, demanding a recount of votes in Rangpur-4 and Rangpur-6 constituencies over allegations result manipulation. From the morning, a shutdown was observed in Haragachh area under Rahngpur-4 with traders and locals joining the protest, claiming that vote rigging deprived BNP candidate Emdadul Haque Bhorsa of victory. Demonstrators blocked Haragachh–Rangpur road, burning tyres and halting vehicular movement from Friday afternoon until around midnight at Haqbazar in Kaunia upazila. JP candidate alleges harassment by NCP in Rangpur BNP leaders and activists gathered there and warned of tougher programmes if votes are not recounted. In Pirgachha upazila town, BNP supporters also brought out processions and held rallies urging the Election Commission and the district returning officer to quickly recount the votes. BNP candidate Bhorsa alleged that about 8,500 votes were rejected under suspicious circumstances and claimed that supporters of rival candidate Akhtar Hossain created mobs between 3pm and 5pm on polling day with alleged administrative backing to change the results. He issued an ultimatum for a recount, warning of stricter agitation otherwise. Rangpur poised for tight electoral battle as AL reserve votes look decisive Rejecting the allegations, winning candidate Akhtar Hossain of NCP claimed BNP activists attacked NCP supporters, vandalised houses, looted property and damaged motorcycles. BNP denied the accusations. According to unofficial results, Akhtar Hossain won Rangpur-4 with 149,966 votes while Bhorsa secured 140,564 votes. In Rangpur-6 (Pirgachha), Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Maulana Nurul Amin won with 120,128 votes, while Saiful Islam got 117,703 votes.

Abu Naser Md Mahbub, Jatiya Party’s (JP) candidate for Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgacha) constituency, on Tuesday night alleged that his car was stopped and he was harassed by workers of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Jamaat while returning from a relative’s home. The incident took place at Mahiganj Saryartal in the city. Mahbub said that NCP and Jamaat workers blocked his car and seized the driver’s keys. Locals asked them to return the keys, but a confrontation broke out. JP leaders later arrived at the scene, forcing the workers to retreat, while residents detained Ward Jamaat leader Manjurul Islam. 394 foreign observers, 197 foreign journalists to monitor Bangladesh  elections The harassment quickly drew hundreds of JP supporters, prompting army and police to intervene and rescue the detained Jamaat leader, who was taken to the local police station. NCP district convener Al Mamun could not be reached for comment despite several attempts. Mahiganj police station officer-in-charge (OC) Maidul Islam said that the situation was brought under control immediately, and one person had been rescued and taken to the station.

As Rangpur division prepares for the national election, an unprecedented security operation has turned the region into a tightly guarded zone, with law enforcement agencies rolling out a six-tier security plan to ensure peaceful voting. From char areas and remote villages to busy city centres, more than 4,500 polling centres across 33 constituencies are now under close surveillance. Of these, 2,561 centres have been identified as risky and 827 as highly risky, prompting authorities to deploy additional forces, technology-driven monitoring and rapid-response teams. Police officials say intelligence-led policing lies at the heart of the security strategy. Body-worn cameras will be used by police members at hundreds of polling centres, with live footage monitored by senior officials. CCTV cameras have also been installed at most centres marked vulnerable based on past incidents of violence, vandalism or intimidation. “Our objective is simple — voters must feel safe and confident when they come to cast their ballots,” said Superintendent of Rangpur Police Marufat Hossain, while briefing at a parade at the Rangpur Police Lines. “So far, the election environment remains calm, and we are determined to keep it that way,” he said. In Rangpur district alone, voting will take place at 873 polling centres, of which 216 have been categorised as risky. Police patrols, mobile teams and striking forces will operate around the clock, while intelligence officers keep a discreet watch inside and outside polling centres. Beyond the police, a coordinated force of the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), RAB, Ansar and VDP has been mobilised to reinforce security.  The Army’s 66 Infantry Division has kept its commando group on standby, ready to be deployed by helicopter to remote or hard-to-reach polling centres if unrest breaks out.

As Bangladesh’s national election approaches, six constituencies in Rangpur district are shaping up for intense contests, with political analysts suggesting that the Awami League’s (AL) ‘reserve votes’ could prove decisive. Observers on the ground and discussions with local residents indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami has never won a parliamentary seat in Rangpur. Yet, in this election cycle, the party has become a significant talking point. Traditionally, the region has been dominated by the Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the Awami League. With the Awami League barred from contesting, its support base is widely expected to play a crucial role in tipping the balance in tightly fought constituencies. Political analysts predict a three-way contest among BNP, Jatiya Party, and Jamaat across different areas. Whichever candidate succeeds in attracting the AL’s reserve voters could gain a decisive edge. Rangpur-1 (Gangachhara–part of Rangpur City) The main battle in this constituency is expected between BNP’s Mokarram Hossain Sujan and Jamaat’s Prof Raihan Siraji. Jamaat appears to have gained momentum after the Jatiya Party candidate, Barrister Manjum Ali, had his nomination cancelled. Manjum Ali accused BNP of orchestrating the move and later asked his supporters not to back BNP at a press briefing. Long considered a Jatiya Party stronghold, the outcome here is expected to depend largely on the party’s loyal voters combined with AL reserve votes. Rangpur-2 (Badarganj–Taraganj) A triangular contest is shaping up among BNP candidate and former MP Mohammad Ali Sarkar, Jamaat’s former acting secretary general ATM Azharul Islam, and Jatiya Party former MP Anisul Islam Mondal. Although Jamaat has never secured a win here, voters say this time the dynamics are different. Analysts believe the Jatiya Party candidate could benefit significantly if he attracts AL reserve voters, while internal dissent in the BNP, including a nomination-deprived former MP—may affect its prospects. Rangpur-3 (Rangpur Sadar–part of Rangpur City) The key contest is between BNP’s Samsuzzaman Samu and Jatiya Party chairman GM Quader. Jamaat’s Prof Mahbubar Rahman Belal is also considered a strong contender due to his personal image. BNP rebel candidate Rita Rahman is in the fray as well. With an estimated 60,000 AL reserve votes in the constituency, analysts say the direction of these votes could ultimately determine the outcome. Rangpur-4 (Pirganj–Kaunia) Former upazila chairman and Jatiya Party candidate Abu Naser Shah Md Mahbubur Rahman faces strong competition from BNP’s Emdadul Haque Bharsa and NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain. Abu Naser’s previous upazila poll victory margin of around 115,000 votes, combined with his personal popularity and the Jatiya Party’s reserve votes, has positioned him as a formidable contender. Rangpur-5 (Mithapukur) BNP, Jamaat and Jatiya Party candidates are actively campaigning here. Jatiya Party’s SM Fakhruzzaman Jahangir is targeting AL and like-minded voters, while Jamaat’s Golam Rabbani is appealing to women voters through door-to-door campaigns led by female activists. Three killed, 14 injured in bus-truck collision in Rangpur BNP candidate Golam Rabbani is seen as comparatively less active. Analysts note that Jatiya Party may benefit from AL reserve votes, but Jamaat maintains a relatively strong traditional support base. Rangpur-6 (Pirganj) Several parties, including BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, are in the race. Local voters suggest BNP candidate Saiful Islam is leading, with Jamaat and Jatiya Party as his main rivals. Historically, Jatiya Party has won this seat six times and BNP once. Jamaat has never secured victory here, and its vote share is not expected to be decisive. Saiful Islam’s long tenure as union parishad chairman and his local reputation are seen as advantages. Fakhrul Anam Benju, president of Sushashoner Janno Nagorik (SUJAN) Rangpur, said the AL’s reserve votes could swing any constituency. “The candidate who can draw these votes will ultimately emerge victorious,” he said.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman visited Rangpur on Tuesday to review security arrangements and troop activities under the ‘In Aid to the Civil Power’ operation ahead of the national election. During the visit, the Army Chief inspected deployed troops, provided guidance and exchanged views with the civil administration to ensure a free, fair and impartial election. He emphasised professionalism, neutrality, discipline, patience and citizen-friendly conduct in carrying out duties. General Waker-Uz-Zaman also attended a meeting at the Rangpur Circuit House with senior military officials, divisional and district administration representatives, and officers from law enforcement agencies. Army chief says 3,619 weapons looted during Bangladesh’s 2024 uprising Discussions focused on inter-agency coordination and overall security management to facilitate a peaceful and smooth election process. Senior officials present included the General Officer Commanding of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the GOC of the 66th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Rangpur, top military officials from Army Headquarters and Rangpur Area, the Rangpur Divisional Commissioner, the Rangpur Range DIG, and key civil administration and law enforcement officers. Media representatives were also present.

A freedom fighter and his wife were found dead with their throats slit at their home in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur early Sunday (December 07, 2025). The deceased were identified as freedom fighter Jogesh Chandra Roy, 75, a retired headteacher of a local government primary school, and his wife Surbonna Roy, 60, residents of Khiarpara village in Kursha union. Taraganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Abu Saiyum Talukdar said the couple were killed around 1am at their house. Neighbours and police said the couple went to bed as usual on Saturday night (December 06, 2025). Read more: Suspect in Pallabi Jubo Dal leader murder dies after arrest On Sunday morning, neighbours called them repeatedly but received no response and then a neighbour named Dipak climbed a ladder over the main gate and entered the house. He found Surbonna’s body lying in the kitchen and Jogesh’s body  in the dining room, both with their throats slit. Locals said the couple used to live alone in the house and their two sons are serving in different units of Bangladesh Police. OC Abu Saiyum Talukdar said members of the crime scene unit are at the spot and detectives are also looking into the murder incident. Read more: 3-year-old girl found dead in Jhenaidah; police suspect murder Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Munabbir Hossain and senior district police officials have visited the crime scene.