United News of Bangladesh

A youth was detained after allegedly attempting to strangle a teenage girl while trying to steal from a house in the Purba Shalban area of Rangpur city early Tuesday. The detained youth was identified as Mohammad Ashiq, 22, a resident of Tantipara area who currently lives in Purba Shalban. Local residents caught him and handed him over to police. The incident occurred between 2:30am and 3am on Tuesday, police and eyewitnesses said. According to them, Ashiq allegedly entered the house through a ventilator and hid inside a large basket of clothes. He came out after the family members fell asleep. When the teenage girl woke up after sensing his presence, Ashiq allegedly wrapped her headscarf around her neck and pulled it tightly. The girl, however, survived the attack. Nazmul Quader, Officer-in-Charge (OC) OF Rangpur Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station, said they initially learned that the girl was attacked when she noticed Ashiq inside the house during an alleged theft attempt. "A case has been filed and we are investigating whether anyone else was involved," he said. Ashiq is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital under police guard, the OC said. The incident has caused concern among local residents, who were already worried about security following the recent murder of retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and his family members in Machuapara area of the city.

For years, a fragile wooden bridge served as a vital lifeline for people living in and around Pranath Char in Shahidbagh Union of Kaunia upazila of Rangpur. Now, with a section of the bridge collapsing into the river, thousands of residents from at least 10 villages have been left struggling to cross the waterway, with many forced to rely on small boats. The bridge, which was built to facilitate communication across the river, has long been in a dilapidated condition. Recently, part of it gave way and fell into the river, disrupting everyday movement and leaving local communities effectively cut off. Schoolchildren, pregnant women, elderly people and those who are sick are the worst sufferrers. Many students now have to cross the river by small boats or use the remaining portions of the damaged bridge, exposing themselves to serious risks. A visit to the area found residents waiting for boats to cross the river, while the broken bridge stood as a stark reminder of the deteriorating infrastructure on which the communities depend. The crisis is particularly serious for local farmers. Pranath Char and neighbouring areas are predominantly agriculture-based, and farmers depend on the bridge to transport paddy, vegetables and other produce to nearby markets.

Farmers in northern Bangladesh are struggling to collect triple super phosphate (TSP) fertiliser during the peak Aman rice season, with many saying they cannot obtain the fertiliser even by paying above the government-fixed price. Although urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) are generally available according to demand, TSP supplies remain inadequate in several areas, leaving farmers worried about timely application and crop yields. The situation is particularly difficult for farmers living in chars and riverbank areas where the absence of fertiliser dealers forces them to travel long distances to buy the necessary inputs. In some of these areas, farmers also alleged that urea and DAP are being sold at prices higher than the government-fixed rates. The shortage is being reported across the five districts of the Rangpur region—Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Nilphamari—at a time when farmers are busy transplanting Aman seedlings in their fields. Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila farmer Nazrul Islam has cultivated transplanted Aman on eight bighas of land and needs around 100 kg of TSP fertiliser. But after visiting six fertiliser shops, he managed to collect only 45 kg. Of that amount, he bought 15 kg at the government-fixed price of Tk 27 per kg. For the remaining 30 kg, he had to pay Tk 3-4 more per kg. Nazrul said TSP is important for strengthening the roots of rice plants and helping them grow quickly. “I am extremely worried because I have not been able to collect the amount of TSP I need. Even after offering a higher price, I could not get enough,” he said. He said urea and DAP were available according to demand, but the shortage of TSP was causing serious concern. “If we cannot apply the required amount of TSP to the fields at the right time, we may not get the expected Aman yield,” he said. Bablu Mia, a farmer from Char Shailmari in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, said farmers are receiving less than 20 percent of the TSP they needed. He has cultivated Aman on 12 bighas and needs around 170 kg of TSP, but has managed to collect only 50 kg. “Dealers tell us that there is no TSP available. Even if we are willing to pay more, we cannot get it,” Bablu said. He said farmers sre able to obtain urea and DAP, but have to pay Tk 2-3 more per kg than the government-fixed prices in some cases. In Rangpur’s Gangachara upazila, farmer Monnaf Mia of Mahipur Teesta Char has also been struggling to collect TSP. He spent three days visiting fertiliser shops in search of the fertiliser. Monnaf has cultivated Aman on 10 bighas and needs around 150 kg of TSP. So far, he has managed to collect only 50 kg, paying more than the official price. Julhas Hossain, a fertiliser dealer in Bajra area of Ulipur upazila in Kurigram, said demand for TSP has increased sharply among farmers. “My shop receives demand for at least 10,000 kg of TSP every week, but I have been allocated only 500 kg by the government,” he said. “If the government does not increase the allocation, how can we meet farmers’ demand?” he asked. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, the target for Aman cultivation in the five districts of the Rangpur division has been set at 621,550 hectares this year, with a production target of 2,001,391 tonnes of rice. Last year, Aman was cultivated on 621,398 hectares in the region. The cultivation target has therefore increased by 152 hectares this year, although officials expect the actual acreage could exceed the target. According to Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) fertiliser sources, the government has fixed the retail price of urea at Tk 27 per kg, TSP at Tk 27 and DAP at Tk 21. However, agricultural officials say the current demand for TSP is partly driven by excessive use by farmers. Dr Sirajul Islam, additional director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in the Rangpur region, said TSP is not required in large quantities at the stage when Aman seedlings are being transplanted. “Farmers do not want to understand this. They are becoming increasingly dependent on TSP,” he said, adding that necessary nutrients are also available through urea and DAP. He said farmers are using five to six times more TSP than recommended, creating the impression that government allocations were insufficient compared with demand. “Demand for TSP is assessed according to recommended agricultural practices, and the government allocates fertiliser accordingly. Farmers are using excessive amounts based on their own expectations, which may actually harm the soil rather than benefit it,” Dr Sirajul said. He said the agricultural department is conducting awareness campaigns to encourage farmers to use fertiliser according to recommendations. Meanwhile, Shahidul Islam, joint director of the Rangpur regional BADC (Fertiliser), said there was no overall shortage of fertiliser in the region. “There is sufficient stock of fertiliser until October,” he said. He said fertiliser is allocated based on demand submitted by the agricultural department and supplied to farmers through registered dealers every month at government-fixed retail prices. “If there is a shortage somewhere or fertiliser is being sold at a higher price, dealers may be creating an artificial shortage to make additional profits,” Shahidul said. He added that the agricultural department and local administration are monitoring the situation in the field.

Over 50,000 people in 10 villages of Kaunia upazila in Rangpur have been enduring years of hardship after floodwaters washed away the approach roads to a bridge, forcing them to cross a fragile bamboo footbridge every day. Besides, the concrete bridge at Gopidanga Moulvibazar in Balapara union has remained largely unusable for vehicles after the Teesta River eroded its approach roads. The bridge has also developed a noticeable tilt, prompting fears of a major accident. Locals said the concrete bridge was built in 2014 by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) at a cost of Tk 37.24 lakh. However, a few years later, floodwaters from the Teesta River washed away the approach roads on both sides. With no repairs undertaken by the authorities, local residents constructed a temporary bamboo-and-wood platform to maintain communication. Since then, thousands of commuters, including school and college students, as well as battery-run auto-rickshaws, vans and horse carts, have been using the risky crossing daily. Residents alleged that frequent minor accidents occur on the bridge, while travelling at night has become even more dangerous. They said repeated appeals to local authorities and elected representatives for reconstruction of the bridge and its approach roads have yielded only assurances. Balapara Union Parishad Member Hafizar Rahman said at least 50,000 people from 10 villages depend on the crossing. UP Chairman Ansar Ali said several proposals had been submitted to the LGED seeking construction of a new bridge. Kaunia Upazila LGED Engineer Md Manirul Islam said a proposal for a new bridge has already been approved and the feasibility study completed. "The project is now at the design stage. We hope the tender will be approved soon, after which construction work will begin," he said.

Around 10,000 people have been stranded after breaches in two embankments along the Teesta River flooded several villages in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur. The breaches developed at the volunteer-built embankments in Ward No. 8 of Nohali Union following a sudden rise in the Teesta's water level, allowing floodwater to enter nearby villages. A visit to the area found that nearly 150 metres of the embankments have already been washed away by the river. Vast tract of cropland have gone underwater, while floodwater has inundated villages, disrupting normal life. The erosion has also put more than 100 homesteads, educational institutions, mosques, a temple, roads and other infrastructures at risk. Residents of Char Baghdhogra, Char Kachari, Chilakhal, Binbinia and Mukutpara said families, particularly children, elderly people and livestock, are facing severe hardship, with many taking shelter at relatives' houses. Monayem Hossain, a local resident said hundreds of people lose their homes to river erosion every year but no permanent solution has been implemented. "The embankment has already lost about 150 metres to the river. If the main embankment is breached, thousands of people will lose their homes. A few thousand geo bags will not be enough. A permanent embankment project is urgently needed," he said. Abdul Karim, another resident, said several houses have already disappeared into the river before their eyes. "My house could be the next. If I lose my homestead, I will have nowhere to go. If no one gives me a place to relocate, I will have to move to Dhaka with my family and earn a living by pulling a rickshaw," he said. Mominul Islam, another affected resident, said repeated erosion has already washed away homes, farmland, a mosque, a madrasa and schools. "We do not want relief. We want a permanent embankment to protect us," he said. Executive Engineer of the Rangpur Water Development Board (WDB) Robiul Islam said 4,500 geo bags have already been allocated to protect the embankment, and dumping work is  underway. "More geo bags will be supplied if necessary. We are treating the matter with utmost importance," he said. Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mosammat Jesmin Akter said the affected area has been inspected and the Water Development Board has been requested to take immediate measures to prevent further erosion.

A 24-year-old worker of a hotel died as the hotel owner’s son allegedly hit him with a hammer at Khamar Intersection in Rangpur city on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Shaon, resident of Nurer Chak of Aditmari upazila of the district. Sanatan Chakraborty, deputy commissioner of Rangpur DB police, said police arrested Mizanur Rahman Monu, son of hotel owner Amir Hossain, in this connection. During interrogation Mizanur admitted that he had an argument with Shaon over spitting betel leaf residue near a utensil storage area and  following the dispute he hit Shaon with a hammer at night, said police. Meanwhile, family members of Misanur claimed that he has been suffering from mental health problems for a long time. Legal steps will be taken after getting complaint from the family members of the deceased, said police.

The death toll from drinking ‘toxic liquor’ in Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur rose to four with the death of another man. The deceased was identified as Ershad Mia, 40, son of Sultan Ali of Buzruk Jhalai Pakarmatha area. Earlier, three people died after taking toxic liquor on Monday. Locals said a number of people consumed toxic liquor at Balarhat Bazar on Sunday night and they fell sick after returning home. Two of them died early Monday while another died on Monday morning at Rangpur Medical College and Hospital. Later, Ershad died on Monday night at the same hospital, said Ershad Ahmed, Officer-in-charge of Mithapukur Police Station. On information, Mithapukur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Parvez visited the area. An investigation is underway and legal action will be taken against those responsible in the incident, said the OC.

Haribhanga mango is expected to generate trade worth over Tk 250 crore this season, as the harvest of Rangpur’s signature fruit is set to begin in mid-June, agriculture officials said. The Haribhanga mango, a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh, is widely known for its distinctive taste, aroma and premium market value, making it one of the most commercially important fruits in northern Bangladesh. Agriculture officials say if weather conditions remain favourable, the current season could generate business worth more than Tk 250 crore from this mango alone.“We are expecting trade of over Tk 250 crore from Haribhanga mango this year,” said Md Sirazul Islam, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Rangpur division.According to the DAE, more than 3,000 hectares of land in Rangpur district have been brought under Haribhanga mango cultivation this year.Recent rainfall has supported fruit growth and improved juiciness, although some areas experienced minor damage due to hailstorms and strong winds. Overall, officials expect a better yield than last year.Agricultural experts say Haribhanga mango follows a natural alternate bearing cycle – known locally as “on year” and “off year”— and this season is considered an “on year,” meaning trees are bearing significantly more fruit than usual.The mango is typically harvested in mid-June when it reaches full maturity, although early market arrivals often include unripe fruit sold at higher prices by some traders.Data from agriculture offices shows that mango buds began appearing in December and harvesting is expected to begin on schedule this year.Haribhanga mango is known for being fiberless, sweet and highly aromatic, with a thin skin, small seed, and an average weight of 200-300 grams.Farmers estimate an average yield of 10-12 tonnes per hectare. With cultivation spanning over 3,000 hectares, total production value is projected to exceed Tk 250 crore.However, farmers remain cautious about weather risks.“Some of my orchards have been damaged by storms and further bad weather could cause losses,” said Nazmul Islam, a mango grower from Padaganj in Mithapukur, who cultivates mangoes on over 12 acres of land.Despite minor damage from recent hail and wind, growers remain optimistic about a strong harvest if conditions remain stable.Local wholesalers say demand is already building ahead of the season. “Buyers from Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet have started contacting us. We expect both price and demand to be strong this year,” said Abdul Malek, a trader.Experts note that Haribhanga mango is no longer limited to the domestic market. It is exported to countries, including Malaysia and Singapore, while direct sales through social media and e-commerce platforms have increased significantly in recent years. Its GI status has further strengthened brand value and pricing.Fakhrul Anam Benju, President of the Rangpur chapter of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), said the mango’s commercial reach is expanding rapidly but challenges remain.“Despite its huge potential, farmers are concerned about the lack of cold storage and modern preservation facilities. Since Haribhanga is highly perishable, special transport arrangements such as dedicated trains or faster logistics should be introduced,” he said.DAE’s Sirazul Islam said the crop is in its peak “on-year” cycle and that they are actively supporting farmers with technical guidance.On February 12, 2024, Haribhanga mango received official recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh.

A child undergoing treatment with measles-like symptoms at Rangpur Medical College Hospital has died. The deceased, identified as Zakir, aged 22 months, died at the hospital’s paediatric isolation ward around 8:00pm on Saturday, Dr ANM Tanvir Chowdhury, assistant professor of the paediatrics department at hospital, said on Sunday morning. According to hospital sources, Zakir, son of Sabuj Mia of Ulipur in Kurigram, was admitted to the hospital on the night of April 30 with measles-like symptoms. Meanwhile, sources at the office of the divisional health director said 49 new patients with symptoms consistent with measles were identified across the Rangpur division in the last 24 hours till Sunday morning. Of the newly identified patients, 30 were admitted to Dinajpur General Hospital and 19 to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, according to health officials.

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.