United News of Bangladesh

Three people, including a woman, were killed and four others injured in separate lightning strike incidents in different parts of Habiganj district on Sunday. The deceased were identified as Rahela Begum, 45, wife of Altaf Ali of Kazirgaon village under Shaistaganj municipality; Rinku Debnath, 30, son of Suresh Debnath of Mirpur Chakfazil village in Bahubal upazila; and Sujon Mia, 16, son of Joydor Ali of Srimangalkandi village in Baniachang upazila. According to police and local sources, Rahela Begum was struck by lightning while working beside her house in Kazirgaon village of Shaistaganj in the afternoon and died on the spot. In another incident, Rinku Debnath had come to Chunarughat to visit his sister’s house. In the afternoon, he and his nephew Piyush Debnath were cleaning a water tank on the rooftop of a house when a thunderstorm began. A lightning strike hit the area, throwing both of them off the roof and leaving them seriously injured. Family members rescued them and took them to Chunarughat Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared Rinku dead. Piyush is currently undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, four youths were struck by lightning while watching a football match in a field at Srimangalkandi village in Baniachang upazila at around the same time. They were taken to Habiganj Sadar Modern Hospital, where doctors declared Sujon Mia dead. The injured Siam Mia, 17, Hafiz Uddin, 22, and Parvez Mia, 25, are receiving treatment at the hospital. The deaths were confirmed by Habiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahidul Haque, Shaistaganj Police Station OC Md Abul Kalam, and Baniachang Police Station OC Sheikh Nazmul Haque.

Vast tracts of boro paddy fields have been inundated due to heavy rainfall over the past few days in eight unions across three upazilas of Habiganj district. Alok Kumar Chand, Assistant Agriculture Officer of Baniachang Upazila, said that a total of 33,705 hectares of land in the upazila had been brought under boro paddy cultivation. Around 218 hectares of boro fields in various unions, including Sujatpur, Mandari, Muradpur, Poilar Kandi, Bhugli, Bhalluara, Rajakhai, Hijli, Bali, and Bager Agar haors, have been submerged. Detailed information on the crop losses is yet to be determined, officials said. Shahadul Islam, Agriculture Officer of Lakhai Upazila, said that six hectares of boro paddy along the bank of the Dhaleshwari River in No. 1 Lakhai Union have been submerged.

Police have arrested a woman for allegedly killing her mother-in-law in Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj. The deceased was identified as Ferdousi Islam Chowdhury, 53, wife of the late Sirajul Islam Chowdhury. Her son, Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury, is an expatriate living in Dubai. Ferdousi had been living at the house with her daughter-in-law Tamanna Akhtar, 22. Police said Ferdousi’s body was recovered from her residence on Monday morning with her hands and feet tied and her face taped. The body was later sent to Habiganj Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Police arrested victim’s daughter-in-law Tamanna Akhtar. During initial interrogation, she reportedly confessed to her involvement in the murder. Police said Tamanna had an illicit relationship with a youth from Sunamganj. On the night of the incident, the man, along with two to three accomplices, entered the house. They allegedly broke open a cupboard and looted gold ornaments and cash. When Ferdousi woke up and began to scream, the accused tied her hands and feet, taped her mouth, and later strangled her to death, police said. In this connection, the victim’s brother, Faruk Ahmed, filed a murder case against Tamanna,s alleged lover and several unidentified persons. Nabiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monayem Mia said it was a planned killing. “The main accused has been arrested and drives are underway to arrest the others involved,” he added.

Mahdi Hasan, member secretary of the Habiganj district unit of Students Against Discrimination (SAD), was granted bail on Sunday (January 04, 2026) after appearing before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Habiganj. Hasan was arrested on Saturday evening (January 03, 2026) by the Detective Branch (DB) from a house in Shayestaganj and later handed over to Habiganj police. Authorities did not disclose the reason for his arrest when contacted by journalists. His lawyer, Abdul Malek Hriday, filed a bail petition, which the court approved. SAD demands unconditional release of Mahdi Hasan by tonight According to police, an FIR (No. 1/26) was filed at Shayestaganj Police Station accusing Hasan of obstructing government work through illegal assembly. The arrest triggered protests by SAD leaders and activists outside the police station in Habiganj and at Shahbagh in Dhaka, demanding his immediate release. Police, army personnel and members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were deployed to maintain law and order. Hasan was taken to court early Sunday morning, where the magistrate granted him bail. SAD Habiganj Member Secretary detained after video goes viral The incident followed the detention of Enamul Hasan Nayan, vice-president of Shayestaganj Sadar Union Chhatra League, by police late Thursday night over allegations of involvement with the banned Chhatra League. After Nayan’s detention, SAD leaders and activists laid siege to Shayestaganj Police Station on Friday, demanding his release. A group led by Mahdi Hasan reportedly entered the office of the officer-in-charge (OC) and argued with police officials. A video of the incident later went viral on Facebook, showing Mahdi making controversial remarks while addressing the OC, which drew widespread criticism. In the video, Mahdi is heard saying, “We burned down Baniachong police station, and we set SI Santosh on fire. SAD issues show-cause notice to Habiganj leader over unwarranted statements at police station From that position, how dare you say, ‘So what if he is an SAD activist?’ Did so many of our brothers come here for nothing? Through the July movement, we formed the government. In this context, you are part of our administration. Yet you have arrested our people.” Following mediation by Additional Superintendent of Police (Habiganj Sadar Circle) Shahidul Islam, Nayan was released around 3:30 pm on Friday. Mahdi Hasan later acknowledged receiving a show-cause notice, claiming his remarks were a 'slip of the tongue'.

Beyond the hum-drum of hectic cities, Bangladesh is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that conserve endangered species, maintain ecological balance, and offer natural habitats for wildlife and migratory birds. The Habiganj district, located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, is blessed with natural greenery, featuring lush forests, tea gardens, hills, and wildlife. Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1982 in Habiganj and was enlarged in 1996. Besides abounding in many rare plants and animal species, its scenic landscapes provide fresh air, biodiversity, and a peaceful environment for visitors and locals. Here is a detailed travel guide to Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary.  Location The Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Chunarughat Upazila of Habiganj District in the Sylhet Division. It lies next to India's Tripura border and close to Srimangal in the Moulvibazar district. Approximately 130 km northeast of Dhaka, the city, lies the wildlife reserve. It includes the Kalenga, Rema, Chanbari, and Rashidpur portions of the Habiganj District's Kalenga Forest Range. Significance The Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest and wildlife reserve in Bangladesh. It is a dry and evergreen forest, and after the Sundarbans, it is the largest natural forest in Bangladesh. It is also the country’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary and one of the richest areas in terms of biodiversity. The sanctuary covers an area of 1,795.54 hectares. Among the few natural forests in Bangladesh that have survived in relatively good condition, Rema–Kalenga is one of the most notable. Read more: International Air Flights with Connecting Flights: Beginner’s Guide for Transfer-transit Passengers Among Bangladesh's natural forests, this sanctuary is still in good condition. However, the refuge is threatened by deforestation and careless tree theft. Flora The sanctuary is home to 638 species of plants, trees, and vines. Some of the most notable among them include Awal, Teak, Kakra, Neur, Hargaza, Gandharoi, Haritaki, Bohera, Jamun, Fig, Jackfruit, Champa Jackfruit, Kau, Kadam, Rata, Chikrashi, Chapalish, Neem, Bonmala, etc.

Gas supply to the national grid resumed on Monday morning from Well No. 3 of the Rashidpur gas field in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj, following renovation work. Surman Bikash Das, deputy general manager of Rashidpur Gas Field, said around 8 million cubic feet of gas will be supplied daily from the well. Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) began the renovation of the decades-old well on July 12, completing the work at a cost of approximately Tk 73 crore. Titas cuts off 2,370 illegal gas connections in 3 cities Following this, a new gas layer was discovered on September 5. Officials estimate the newly accessed layer could yield about 25.55 billion cubic feet of gas over the next 10 years. Condensate will also be extracted as a by-product. Currently, an average of 62 million cubic feet of gas is being supplied daily to the national grid from 7 of the 11 wells in the Rashidpur gas field.    

A man in Habiganj’s Chunarughat upazila poisoned his two young daughters before taking his own life, reportedly due to marital discord. The tragic incident occurred early Friday in Atikpur village under Ranigao union. The deceased were identified as Abdur Rouf (35) and his daughters, Khadija Akter (5) and Ayesha Akter (3). 13 policemen of Companiganj Police Station closed over irregularities Assistant Superintendent of Police (Madhabpur-Chunarughat Circle) AKM Salimul Haque, citing locals, said that Rouf had long-standing conflicts with his wife and was also burdened with debt. On Thursday night, he had an argument with his wife, following which she left their home with their youngest (third) child. Later, Rouf fed poison to his two daughters before consuming it himself, he added. Sensing the incident, neighbours rushed the three to Chunarughat Upazila Health Complex, where doctors pronounced the children dead. Rouf, in critical condition, was transferred to Habiganj Sadar Modern Hospital, where he succumbed around 10:30 am on Friday. Rouf’s younger brother, Sohag Mia, said they were sleeping in a nearby room when they heard screams. “We rushed in and found my nieces and brother unconscious from poisoning. We took them to the hospital, but doctors declared the children dead,” he added. He also mentioned that Rouf and his wife had frequent arguments over various issues. Dr Safayatul Islam, a medical officer at Habiganj Sadar 250-bed Hospital, said that Rouf was brought to the hospital around 1 am, while his daughters were already dead. Despite efforts, Rouf passed away on Friday morning.

A man allegedly stabbed to death his 15-year-old daughter on Wednesday at  Ghanashyampur village in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj after ‘failing to keep her away mobile phone addiction’. Inspector Nur Mohammad of Kashimnagar Police Outpost said on information, they arrived at the scene and detained Abdus Rashid [victim’s father] and his wife Saheda Begum. One killed in road crash in Khulna According to victim's mother Saheda Begum and uncle Farash Uddin, the deceased, Ranu Begum, was often seen talking on mobile phone. Despite repeated attempts her parents failed to stop her mobile phone use. Abdus Rashid returned home around 2:30pm today and found his daughter talking on the phone. Jubo Dal activist dies in Rajshahi road accident After telling her to stop, Ranu continued the conversation, which enraged her father, they said. At one stage, he attacked her with a sharp weapon in the yard of their house and stabbed her, leaving her dead, they said. The victim's body was sent to the Habiganj morgue for post-mortem, said Officer-in-Charge Abdullah Al Mamun.

Two female workers of a garment factory died and three others injured after a truck collided with a battery-run autorickshaw in Habiganj on Saturday. The accident happened around 8:00 am at the Dargah Gate area of the highway, said Mahmudul Haque, officer-in-charge (OC) of Shaistaganj Highway Police. 2 college students die in Meherpur road accident The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed, he said. One female worker died on the spot. After the injured were rescued and taken to the hospital, another worker died. Motorcyclist killed in road accident in Sirajganj The deceased worked at the Pioneer Denim Factory of Badsha Group. Meanwhile, following the accident, the agitated factory workers blocked the road. Later, police went to the scene and calmed the situation.

Four people died and two were injured in a gas line explosion at the Akij Venture Limited factory in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj district on Tuesday morning.  The deceased were identified as engineer Md. Riaz Uddin, and Mizan Gazi and Mahfuz, both residents of Chandpur. The identity of the fourth victim has not yet been confirmed. Teenager hit by bus dies in Sylhet; road blocked in protest According to Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bahubal Police Station, Zahidul Islam, the factory's engineer and workers were conducting maintenance on the gas line. Two workers died on the spot, while four others were critically injured. Two of the injured succumbed to their injuries en route to Sylhet for treatment. The gas is supplied to the site by Jalalabad Gas Company and regulated through an installed system, said the OC.  Protest of 7 murder: Strike disrupts operations at Baghabari Port Reports indicate that the regulator had been malfunctioning for several days, he added.