Two elderly women died, reportedly due to suffocation from smoke, in a fire that broke out in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila late Saturday, according to the Fire Service. The deceased were identified as Meherunnesa, 65, the mother of former local Union Parishad chairman Sheikh Rumel Ahmed, and his paternal aunt Phulennsa Begum, 60. Both were residents of Mostapur village in the upazila. Jishu Talukdar, station officer of Moulvibazar Fire Service and Civil Defence, said they were informed about the incident around 2am. Upon reaching the scene, they found the duo unconscious in a room, apparently suffocated by smoke. Read: Fire at agro-products warehouse in Mymensingh under control “They were rescued and rushed to the Sadar Hospital, but physicians declared them dead upon arrival,” he said. The fire is suspected to have originated from an electric short-circuit in one of the rooms of the duplex house, Talukdar added. Police personnel also visited the spot following the incident.

Some three lakh people, living in Rajnagar upazila of Moulvibazar district and Balaganj upazila of Sylhet district have been suffering badly as the Moulvibazar-Rajnagar-Kheyaghat Bazar Road has become unfit for movement due to lack of renovation work for years. Local authorities handed over the renovation work of the 17-km long Moulvibazar-Rajnagar-Kheyaghat Bazar Road, an important artery serving the people of at least two upazilas, to the Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) in 2019 but no visible steps have been taken yet. Dutch tourist injured in Moulvibazar road crash Now the renovation work of the road might not see any development soon due to the country's budget constraints and changes in the political landscape, said sources. During a recent visit to the road, the UNB correspondent saw that the road is not suitable for movement of any vehicles as many big potholes have developed, especially following the recent flood and collapse of the flood protection dam of the Manu River, that inundated a vast tract of land spanning Rajnagar, Sadar, Panchgaon and Fatehpur union, leading to an increase in accidents. According to the Roads and Highways Department's Moulvibazar unit, after taking over the road in 2019, only minor brick surfacing work was done due to a lack of funds. Cracks have developed on 90% of the road and continuous rainfall often leads to waterlogging in areas such as Rajnagar Sadar, Mokam Bazar, Azad's Bazar, and Madhur Dokan. Furthermore, parts of the road have been encroached by local businesses, narrowing the roadway and causing frequent traffic jams. Ex-additional secretary’s body recovered from resort in Moulvibazar To improve the connectivity between Moulvibazar and Sylhet, there was a proposal to introduce a ferry service across the Kushiara River, but it has yet to be implemented, leading to frequent boat accidents. However, the authorities concerned of the two districts have taken an initiative to construct a bridge over the Kushiara River and construct a road through land acquisition at a cost of Tk 1000 crore, and the proposal was sent to the Road and Highways Department. The proposed bridge would connect Hamidpur in Rajnagar upazila, Moulvibazar, to Radhakona in Balaganj upazila of Sylhet district. A design was made and a consultant has been appointed for the construction of the bridge's approach road but the project’s future is still in limbo due to the political turmoil in the country. Former chairman candidate of Fatehpur union in Rajnagar upazila, Amir Ali, expressed frustration over the long-standing neglect of the road, leading to higher transportation costs and disruptions to bus services.Abur Raiyan Shaheen, Rajnagar upazila Jamaat leader, highlighted that the road is a vital route for several thousands of residents from both sides of the Kushiara River. Due to the lack of repairs, sections of the road were cut off during recent Hindu religious festivals in the region, causing sufferings to the Moulvibazar, Balaganj commuters. Vice-President of Moulvibazar district unit BNP, Jami Ahmed, demanded immediate steps to renovate the roads. In response, Executive Engineer of Moulvibazar Roads and Highways Department, Md Kaysar Hamid, confirmed that a tender was floated for the repair work of the road and an additional engineer from the Sylhet zone is overseeing the tender process. If the authorities concerned approve a necessary budget, the repair work can begin soon.

Moulvibazar is a serene gem in northeastern Bangladesh. It offers sprawling tea gardens, picturesque waterfalls, mesmerising beauty of haors (wetlands), historical sites, swamp areas, etc. Its natural diversity, paired with rich cultural heritage, offers an unforgettable travel experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Let’s look at the best travel destinations in Moulvibazar. Location of Moulvibazar Moulvibazar district is nestled within the Sylhet division in Bangladesh. It is about 200 km northeast of Dhaka, the capital city. It shares borders with the Indian states of Tripura to the south and Assam to the east, while being surrounded by the Bangladeshi districts of Habiganj to the west and Sylhet to the north. This district is renowned for its scenic tea gardens, dense forests, and culturally significant landmarks.  How to Visit Moulvibazar from Dhaka By Air  The fastest route is by flight. You can catch a direct flight to Sylhet Osmani International Airport, which is about 60 km from Moulvibazar. Frequent domestic flights are available, with prices ranging from 3,600 BDT to 10,000 BDT, and the journey lasts approximately 45 minutes. From Sylhet, you can hire a car or take a local bus to reach the district centre. Read more: How to Visit Dinajpur's Kantajew Temple By Road  Travelling by bus or car takes about 6 hours. Many AC and non-AC buses depart regularly from Dhaka to Moulvibazar, making road travel a budget-friendly and flexible option. The fares range from 570 BDT to 800 BDT. By Train  The train journey from Dhaka to Sreemangal (a nearby station) takes about 5 hours. Options include the Parabat Express, Upaban Express, and Kalni Express, with prices between 275 and 938 BDT. From Sreemangal, Moulvibazar town is only a short drive away, accessible by car or bus.  What to See in Moulvibazar: Top Tourist Places Hakaluki Haor Hakaluki Haor, one of Bangladesh's largest marsh wetlands, is a must-visit destination in Moulvibazar. Known for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, this vast water body is home to 558 species of animals and birds, including several endangered species.  Visitors can explore the haor by boat, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking reflections of the sky on the water's surface. Located within Barlekha Upazila, it is also part of Kulaura and Juri upazilas.  Read more: How to Visit Ramsagar Lake, National Park at Dinajpur To reach Hakaluki Haor from Moulvibazar town, you can take a bus or hire a private car, making it an easy and scenic trip.  Madhabkunda Waterfall Madhabkunda Waterfall, one of Bangladesh's largest waterfalls, stands 162 feet tall. Located in Barlekha Upazila of Moulvibazar District, it is a favourite destination for hikers. It is also a great picnic spot for the tourists. The breathtaking sight of the waterfall, surrounded by lush hills and forests, makes it an ideal place for photography and relaxation.  There are two routes available to visit Madhabkunda Falls. First, you can reserve a CNG or microbus from Moulvibazar. You can also take a bus from Moulvibazar to Baralekha and stop at Kanthaltali Bazaar, just before Baralekha. From there, you can reach Madhabkunda Eco Park by hiring a local or reserved CNG.   Read more: Madhabkunda Waterfall: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

If you are craving a trip to a lush green paradise with breathtaking waterfalls, serene lakes, and expansive tea gardens, look no further than Sreemangal. This small town in northeastern Bangladesh offers a blend of natural beauty, rich wildlife, and unique eco-tourism experiences.  Whether you want to relax in an eco-resort or explore forests, Sreemangal promises unforgettable adventures. Let’s dive into the top destinations and experiences that this captivating place has to offer. Location of Sreemangal Sreemangal is located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, in the Moulvibazar District under the Sylhet Division. Known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, it boasts tea gardens, hills, and forests. The region's high rainfall, fertile soil, and tropical climate make it a biodiversity hotspot, rich with flora and fauna.  Sreemangal is about 191 kilometres away from Dhaka which makes it accessible for both short getaways and extended vacations. Read more: How to Visit Kotka Beach at Sundarbans How to Visit Sreemangal from Dhaka By Air While Sreemangal does not have its own airport, you can fly from Dhaka to the nearby Sylhet Osmani International Airport. Domestic airlines offer frequent flights ranging between 3,600 BDT to 10,000 BDT, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. From Sylhet, Sreemangal is just a two-hour drive.  By Road  One of the most common ways to reach Sreemangal is by road. Regular bus services connect Dhaka with Sreemangal, with the journey taking around 7 hours depending on traffic. You can choose between luxury buses or more budget-friendly options. The fare ranges from 570 BDT to 800 BDT. The drive is scenic, with views of tea estates and green landscapes along the way. By Train For a more leisurely travel experience, opt for a train ride from Dhaka to Sreemangal. The journey takes about 5 hours, and trains like Parabat Express, Upaban Express, and Kalni Express offer a comfortable ride. The ticket fare is between 275 BDT and 938 BDT. The best part is you will get to enjoy the countryside views of villages, rivers, and tea gardens throughout the trip. Read more: Discover Bisnakandi: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Sylhet’s Tourism Hotspot What to See in Sreemangal Baikka Beel Wetlands Baikka Beel Wetlands is a paradise for bird watchers, especially during the winter months when migratory birds flock here. It is situated halfway between Sreemangal and Moulvibazar. The tranquil environment, combined with sightings of species like the Purple Heron and Pallas’ Fish Eagle, makes it a peaceful spot to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. To reach Baikka Beel from Sreemangal, you can hire a CNG, autorickshaw, or microbus. The wetland is located about 17 kilometres away from Sreemangal, and the journey takes around 40 minutes.  Read more: Madhabkunda Waterfall: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Six of the seven upazilas in Moulvibazar have been inundated due to the incessant rains and onrush of water from upstream, leaving nearly two lakh people stranded. All the rivers in the district have been flowing above the danger level, flooding 432 villages of 37 unions of Moulvibazar Sadar, Rajnagar, Kulaura, Juri, Baralekha and Srimangal upazilas of the district. Most of the rural roads in the flood-affected areas are submerged and many parts of regional roads also went under water.  Read more: HSC exams in Sylhet’s flood-hit areas to be held later: Education Minister Houses and educational institutions are also flooded. Many were seen throwing sandbags on the embankment voluntarily to protect their homes. Moulvibazar Water Development Board reported that the water of Manu river was 21 cm above the danger level in Chandnighat area of the city, Kushiara river was 18 cm above the danger level at Sherpur point, Dhalai river was 5 cm above the danger level and Juri river was 202 cm above the danger level.

The monsoon paints Bangladesh in a vibrant green, and waterfalls come alive with cascading energy. Among the many gems to explore, Madhabkunda Waterfall is a spectacular destination. Nestled in the lush greenery of northeastern Bangladesh, this waterfall becomes enchanting during the monsoon, making it an ideal time for an adventurous visit. Location of Madhabkunda Waterfall  Madhabkunda Waterfall is located in Barlekha upazila of Moulvibazar district.  According to a legend, Raja Govardhan of Gour encountered a meditating monk named Madhaveshwar during a hunting expedition in 1335 AD. The monk, wishing to unite with the goddess Ganga, requested to be immersed in the spring. Upon his immersion, a divine voice echoed "Madhav Madhav Madhav" three times, leading to the name Madhabkunda.  Read more: How to Avoid Scams During Travel Bookings Significance of Madhabkunda Waterfall Madhabkunda Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Bangladesh and a prominent tourist spot. The surrounding forest, streams, and ecological park draw numerous visitors for picnics and day trips. The area is also of religious significance to Hindus, featuring a nearby temple where annual rituals and fairs are held. Adjacent to the pool, on the right side, is a cave revered as a pilgrimage site. The waterfall is formed by the Gangamara stream, which cascades 162 feet down from the rocky Patharia Hill and then transitions into the Madhabchhara stream below. The waters of Madhabchhara flow westward, eventually merging into the Hakaluki Haor.  Throughout the year, the mainstream maintains a steady flow; in monsoon, an additional smaller stream forms alongside the main one. As the monsoon progresses, these streams converge, creating a powerful current that cascades down and forms a substantial pool at the base. The depth of this pool increases continuously as the waterfall feeds into it. Read more: Baklai Waterfall in Bandarban: How to Get to One of the Tallest Waterfalls in Bangladesh How to visit Madhabkunda Waterfall from Dhaka Bus  Bus journeys are the most budget-friendly option, costing around BDT 800, although travel time may be longer. For a straightforward route from Dhaka, take a direct bus to Beanibazar, then proceed to Kathaltali Bazar. From Kathaltali Bazar, you can reserve a CNG for BDT 150-160 or take a locally-owned CNG to reach Madhabkunda. Train  Trains offer a comfortable journey. If you travel from Dhaka, several intercity trains head towards Sylhet via Moulvibazar. You can take the Parbat, Upban, or Jayantika Express trains to Kulaura station in Moulvibazar, with fares ranging from BDT 320-731 depending on the class.  The journey takes approximately 5 hours. From Kulaura station, travel to Madhabkunda via Kathaltali Bazar. You can reserve a CNG for around BDT 600 or take a local CNG from Kulaura to Kathaltali market, where you can then reserve a CNG for around BDT 200 or take a local CNG for around BDT 30 per person to reach Madhabkunda. Air  Sylhet Osmani International Airport is the closest airbase (around 80 kilometres from the falls). Expect flight costs to start from BDT 4000. From Sylhet, you can hire a car or take a bus to Moulvibazar. It can take approximately BDT 400. From Moulvibazar you need to take a CNG to Mdhabkunda. Read more: Shopping in Singapore: What to Buy, Where to Buy from What to See in Madhabkunda Waterfall The Majestic Waterfall  The centrepiece, of course, is the cascading waterfall itself. Towering at 182 feet, it is a sight to behold. You will witness the power and beauty of the water plunging into the natural pool below. Natural Pool  Take a refreshing dip in the pool's cool water formed at the base of the falls (during safe water levels). Remember to prioritise safety and follow any posted guidelines. The "Kab" Cave  Tucked away near the waterfall is a small cave known as "Kab." This adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to the scenery. Lush Surroundings  Madhabkunda is nestled amidst verdant hills and lush greenery. Breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Madhabkunda Eco Park  Established near the waterfall, this eco-park offers additional sights. You might spot tea gardens, citrus, and betel nut plantations, and even encounter members of the Khasi community. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Activities at Madhabkunda Waterfall Trekking Through the Hills You may embark on a challenging trek through the verdant hills surrounding Madhabkunda. With a local guide, you can explore hidden trails, discover cascading streams, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic landscape views. Cave Adventures   If spelunking excites you, the area around Madhabkunda offers several caves waiting to be explored. With the right equipment, an experienced guide, and a sense of adventure, you can delve into these mysterious depths and discover hidden chambers adorned with natural formations.  White-Water Rafting (Seasonal)   During the monsoon season, the rivers around Madhabkunda can transform into exhilarating white-water rapids. To enjoy the thrill you can try a guided white-water rafting expedition. This activity is not for the faint of heart, so ensure you have the necessary skills and physical fitness before attempting it.  Photography You can capture the stunning beauty of Madhabkunda Waterfall and its surroundings. The dynamic water flow, lush greenery, and panoramic views offer perfect subjects for photography enthusiasts. Camping Set up a camp near the waterfall for an unforgettable overnight stay in nature. During outdoor camping, you can enjoy the sounds of the waterfall, and the starry sky in a beautiful setting. Read more: How to Buy Plane, Bus, and Train Tickets Online in Bangladesh

In a heart-wrenching incident, Preeti Urang, a 15-year-old girl from Mirtinga village in Moulvibazar's Kamalganj upazila, died after a fall from the eighth floor of a building in Dhaka's Mohammadpur area. Her father, Lokesh Urang, expressed his profound grief, stating that poverty had driven them to send her to work as a domestic helper in the capital. While speaking to UNB at the Mirtinga Tea Estate, Lokesh recounted the devastating return of his daughter's body from Dhaka. Preeti had been employed at the residence of The Daily Star Executive Editor Syed Ashfaqul Haque in Mohammadpur, where the tragic incident occurred on February 6. Lokesh, a day laborer and a father of four, lamented the loss of Preeti, revealing the family's struggle to make ends meet by fishing and selling their catch. Nomita Urang, Preeti's mother, disclosed that they were initially offered Tk 10,000 when her daughter was employed, but she and her husband suggested it be saved for Preeti’s marriage. Following Preeti's death, only Tk 5,000 was provided, Nomita said. Read: Preeti’s death at journalist’s house: Parents demand justice Dhana Bauri, local unit president of the Bangladesh Tea Workers Union, acknowledged the family's dire financial situation. Ram Bhajan Koiri, former general secretary of Bangladesh Tea Workers Union and vice-chairman of Kamalganj union parishad, criticized the exploitation of tea garden workers by influential individuals, calling for clarity on the circumstances leading to Preeti's death. The local community, deeply affected by the tragedy, has staged protests demanding a fair investigation and justice for Preeti, who had been isolated from her family during her two-year employment. Following the incident, Lokesh initiated legal action against Ashfaqul and his wife Tania Khandaker under section 304 (ka), leading to their incarceration after the court denied their bail petitions. The court has since permitted police to conduct a three-day interrogation at the jail gate. In a recent development, a Dhaka court granted a four-day remand for both Syed Ashfaqul Haque and his wife Tania Khandaker, intensifying the quest for answers and accountability in this tragic case. Read more: 'Unveil true circumstances of Preeti's death': Domestic Workers Rights Network

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin has been elected MP from Moulvibazar-1 constituency for the fourth consecutive time. Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque wins in Tangail-1  He was elected with 1, 36, 308 votes where his nearest rival Md Atiqur Rahman of Jatiya Party bagged 3,098 votes. Shahab Uddin was elected MP for four consecutive terms with the boat symbol in the 2008, 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections. He was also elected MP in 1996. Trinamool BNP's Taimur loses security deposit The constituency, which consists of Barlekha and Juri upazilas of Moulvibazar, has a total of 112 polling centres. The voter turnout was 46.22 percent today. Tipu Munshi wins Rangpur-4

Lawachara National Park is a prominent national park in Bangladesh. The park is known for its extensive forest reserves with diverse flora and fauna in and around it. Being a national park, Lawachara is a must-visit place for anyone traveling around Sreemangal and Moulvibazar. Here’s everything you need to know about touring the famous natural reserve of Bangladesh.  Where is Lawachara National Park?  Lawachara National Park is situated in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar district. The park used to be part of the greater West Bhanugach Reserved Forest area until its establishment as a national park. The reserved forest covers approximately 27.4 sqkm of land of which Lawachara covers around 12.5 sq km.  The northeastern region of Bangladesh is known for the large deciduous trees indigenous to the region (as a secondary forest). Likewise, Lawachara thrived as a semi-evergreen forest biome with a deciduous forest biome.  Read more: Best Rustic Resorts and Campsites near Dhaka

Members of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit have detained 10 suspected operatives of the newly formed militant outfit ‘Imam Mahmud’s Kafela’ after conducting ‘Operation Hillside’ at a hideout in a remote hilly area in East Taktiuli village under Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar on Saturday (August 12, 2023). Three children were also rescued from the hideout during the drive. The detainees are Shariful Islam, 40, his wife Amina Begum, 40, their 20-year-old daughter Habiba Binte Shariful, of Satkhira’s Tala upazila; Hafiz Ullah, 25, of Kishoreganj’s Itna upazila; Khairul Islam, 22 and his wife Meghna, 22, of Narayanganj’s Fatullah upazila; Rafiul Islam, 22, of Sirajganj’s Kazipur upazila; Shapla Begum, 22, wife of one Abdus Sattar of Pabna’s Atgharia upazila; Maisha Islam, 20, wife of Sohel Tanjim Rana of Natore; and Sanjida Khatun, 18, wife of Sumon Miah of Bogura’s Shariakandi upazila. Read: Five suspected members of new militant outfit Jama'atul Ansar heldMd Asaduzzaman, chief of CTTC unit and additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), at a press briefing following the operation in Kulaura upazila at around 11 am said they detained four men and six women and rescued three children from the hideout. He said the detainees are members of the newly formed militant outfit ‘Imam Mahmud’s Kafela’. The CTTC chief said they have also recovered 2.5 kg of explosives, 50 detonators, training manual, combat boots, militant books, locally-made sharp weapons, Tk 3,61,000 in cash and ornaments from the hideout. Asaduzzaman said they had information that a militant outfit had set up a hideout on one of the hills in the district and was recruiting new members. The CTTC chief said they came to know the name of the mastermind of the militant group from the detainees and drives are now on to nab him. Read: Training commander of Jamatul Ansar, 8 other militants arrested in Bandarban: RAB Earlier on Friday night, the CTTC members accompanied by district police cordoned off a building in the village. Later this morning, the CTTC unit initiated the operation to neutralize any potential risk stemming from the hideout. Local Union Parishad Chairman Muhibul Islam said the detained suspected militants are residents of other districts and they have been living in the area for the past two months after constructing a house in the remote hilly area. Read more: ​​​​​​​Rab DG calls escape of two militants a 'failure'