United News of Bangladesh

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.

Highlighting the role of law enforcers in holding a fair election, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Saturday (December 06, 2025) the upcoming parliamentary polls will be a major test for law enforcement agencies. “Although there were initial challenges, the police have now organised themselves effectively. Ahead of the election, law enforcement must remain vigilant. Those defeated in the polls may attempt to create disorder. Our aim is to ensure a smooth election and hand over responsibilities to the newly elected government,” he said. The adviser was speaking at a meeting with Rangpur district officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room. On agricultural exports, the adviser said potato exports are under consideration but challenging due to limited global demand. Read more: Conspiratorial forces plot 1/11-like situation to disrupt election: Rashed Khan Turning to manpower export, Touhid Hossain stressed the importance of sending skilled workers abroad as wages remain low if they are not skilled manpower. People must be trained to work abroad efficiently and numerous nursing positions are vacant overseas and sending trained nurses can ensure better income and benefit the country, he said. Regarding livestock, Hossain highlighted the potential of local cattle in Rangpur, noting that their meat is highly sought after, including in Dhaka, and urged livestock initiatives to capitalise on this market. Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Enamul Ahsan, Superintendent of Police Md Marufat Hossain, Civil Surgeon Dr Shaheen Sultana, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Tofayel Ahmed, and District Livestock Officer Dr Abu Zaid, were, among others, present at the event. The adviser is now in Rangpur on his four-day visit. Read more: BNP places 3 fresh proposals before EC, raises no objection to election schedule

A Tk 1.5-crore project to renovate a vulnerable Teesta River dam in Nohali Union, Rangpur, has turned into a hub of illegal sand extraction, political involvement and profit-making, raising concerns among locals. Instead of reinforcing the embankment, influential groups and contractors are allegedly using the project to extract sand illegally. Locals describe it as a ‘sand looting festival’. The Water Development Board (Rangpur Zone) said the UNDP allocated Tk 1,38,94,085 to renovate a 1,206-metre stretch. Read more: Govt moves to modernise BSTI labs with Tk 851.93cr project Contractor Hasibul Hasan was officially in charge, but subcontractor Bharat Prasad is actually doing the work. Multiple irregularities have already been reported. No public notice board, required by law, was displayed at the site. Locals claim the work is proceeding secretly with the knowledge of PAUBO Executive Engineer Rabiul Islam. The official plan called for profiling the embankment with bamboo, pegs, and coconut-husk ropes, bringing soil from distant areas, and planting grass and tree seedlings. Instead, a 300-metre stretch has been filled only with sand, and a dredger is being prepared to extract sand directly from the river. Day labourer Serajul Islam said, “Four of us work here extracting sand for Tk 3,000 per day. The Executive Engineer knows about it.” Residents say local political figures, including UP Chairman Ashraf, former member Wahed, UP member Bakul (BNP), and member Azharul, are involved in the illegal sand removal. Most of the sand is sold outside, not used for the embankment. A 70-year-old former WDB employee warned that continued sand extraction could destroy homes in future floods. Attempts to protest were reportedly stopped by the Executive Engineer. Read more: Project launched to boost climate resilience, food security in Cox’s Bazar Subcontractor Bharat Prasad admitted he is managing the work through local political leaders and had paused site visits due to disputes over bamboo supply. UP member Azharul Islam claimed, “We are all working together; there is no problem.” Other local political leaders, including Ashraf Ali (Jatiya Party), Chand Sarker (BNP), Rifat Chowdhury (NCP), and Nayebuzzaman (Jamaat-e-Islami), denied involvement. PAUBO Executive Engineer Rabiul Islam initially defended sand extraction but later admitted irregularities and said he halted the work, ordering sand removal and proper reconstruction. UNO Mahmud Hasan Mridha said an investigation will be conducted, with action taken as needed, supported by Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan. Read more: Teesta cries for survival as northern Bangladesh’s lifeline runs dry

Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur, long hailed as a leading higher education institution in northern Bangladesh, has recently come under intense scrutiny over allegations of sexual harassment, nepotism and corruption. Sources at the university report that since its establishment, 33 students, faculty members and staff have fallen victim to sexual misconduct, raising serious concerns among educationists and civic society leaders. Fahkrul Anam Benju, an educationist in Rangpur and president of the Sujon Forum, voiced deep apprehension over the situation, saying, “When students in a leading university feel unsafe, words fail us. We are both angry and disappointed.” The issue came to public attention following allegations against Dr Shakibul Islam, an associate professor in the Disaster Science and Management Department, who has been relieved of all departmental duties. A notice issued by the department head, Professor Md Imdadul Haque, cited urgent action in response to complaints from students of the 2020–21 academic year. Dr Islam has been barred from supervising or examining fourth-year, second-semester courses, including DSM4207 (Research Project). Read more: BRUR Prof Rashidul Islam suspended over harassment allegation Several victims have claimed that their pursuit of higher education has placed their personal safety at risk. University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Showkat Ali described the situation as both ‘embarrassing’ and ‘shameful’. Meanwhile, separate allegations of corruption and nepotism have resurfaced involving five former university officials, including a previous Vice-Chancellor. Two of the accused were suspended at one point, while three others remain in their positions, with no visible administrative action taken. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed a case 12 years ago against former VC Prof Dr Muhammad Abdul Jalil Miah over alleged financial irregularities, recruitment malpractice, and nepotism. The university’s anti-corruption mancha first reported the VC’s alleged misconduct to the ACC on 5 March 2013, triggering an investigation. Abdul Karim, then Deputy Director of ACC Rangpur, confirmed that a case was filed on 12 December 2013 against the former VC and two others at Kotwali Police Station. Another accused was then-Registrar Md Shahjahan Ali Mondal. Over the course of a nearly three-year investigation, ACC Deputy Assistant Director Md Akbar Ali found further involvement of university officials, including Planning and Development Deputy Director ATGM Golam Firoz, Assistant Registrar Md Morshed Ul Alam Roni and Finance and Accounts Assistant Director Khandakar Ashraful Alam. The investigation revealed irregularities in appointments: Golam Firoz was promoted from an ad hoc Grade-9 position to Grade-5 Deputy Director without the required experience. Md Morshed was appointed Assistant Registrar within two years of completing his postgraduate degree, falling short of the mandatory five-year experience. Khandakar Ashraful was initially hired on an ad hoc basis and later regularised as Assistant Director (Budget) without meeting standard protocols. Read more: Panel formed to settle BRUR teacher Mahmudul’s seniority, promotion In July 2017, former VC Jalil and Registrar Shahjahan surrendered to the court and were sent to jail, while arrest warrants were issued for the other three officials. The university syndicate suspended Shahjahan, Firoz, Md Morshed, and Khandakar Ashraful. However, in October 2017, the court granted temporary relief to the three officials, allowing for administrative discretion by the university in case of questionable appointments. Later, the orders were mysteriously revoked, and their positions were regularised. The ACC appealed, and the High Court subsequently nullified the lower court’s relief, ordering the formation of charges. The case remains pending, with hearings delayed due to adjournments requested by the accused. VC Showkat Ali said, “The administration had not informed me about these issues. After learning of them through investigations, I inquired further. No department had brought this to my notice, so I could not take action. The corruption case involving the former VC and others is extremely important.” He added, “I am consulting with their lawyers and will act according to legal procedures. If departmental action is possible, it will be taken. I have never compromised on integrity, and any measures will be transparent.” The ongoing controversies at BRUR, ranging from sexual harassment to allegations of nepotism and corruption, underscore the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform in one of northern Bangladesh’s flagship universities. Read more: Rokeya University teacher Mahamud gets bail; OC transferred