Authorities in Sylhet dismantled 30 illegal stone-crushing machines in Dhopagul under Sylhet Sadar upazila on Tuesday, as part of a crackdown to protect the environment and uphold law and order. Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khushnoor Rubaiyath said that during the drive, 30 illegal stone-crushing machines were recovered by the authorities. “Business owners have assured us that they will remove the remaining machines voluntarily. If they fail to do so, further action will be taken," she said. Sylhet Sadar Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Mahbubul Islam, who led the operation, said that legal action under environmental laws has been recommended against those who rented out land for these illegal stone-crushing units. Read: Thousands wallow in unemployment as Sylhet stone quarries shut over environmental concerns “While we aim to act strictly, we also consider humanitarian aspects, which is why business owners have been given two more days to remove the remaining machines," he added. The eviction drive was conducted in the presence of Mamunur Rashid, inspector of the Department of Environment, Sylhet, members of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Battalion Ansar Force, intelligence agencies, and officials from the Uttargachh land office.  

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained five Bangladeshis who had illegally entered India and were attempting to return home through the Beanibazar border in Sylhet on Thursday. The detainees are Ayesha Khatun, 37, wife of Mintu Sheikh of Kadmari village in Benapole of Jashore; Roksana Khatun, 40, wife of Lal Mia of the same area; Rumana, 21, wife of Badsha Sheikh of Brahmanbaria; Badsha Sheikh, 27; their three-year-old son Mahdi Islam. According to a media release from the BGB, a patrol team detained them at the border near Barotal adjacent to pillar no-1359/5 under Beanibazar upazila along the Bangladesh-India border early Thursday. Read: BGB detains 47 Bangladeshi nationals near Maheshpur border of Jhenaidah During interrogation, the detainees informed that they had intruded into India illegally on December 3 through Bagara border in Cumilla with the help of brokers. They were caught by Indian police at a customs checkpoint in Tripura while traveling by bus to Guwahati. After being detained for two days, they attempted to return to Bangladesh, the BGB release said. The detainees were handed over to the relevant police station while a case was filed in this connection, the release added.

Ireland Women claimed a 12-run victory over Bangladesh Women in the first T20I of their three-match series in Sylhet on Thursday, setting the tone for an exciting series. Electing to bat first, Ireland posted a competitive total of 169 for 5, powered by a Leah Paul, who remained unbeaten on 79 off just 45 balls. Gaby Lewis complemented her with 60 off 42 deliveries, the duo combining for a 100-run stand for the third wicket that laid the foundation for Ireland’s innings. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled for consistency, with Nahida Akter emerging as the most economical bowler, conceding 20 in 4 ovets, while Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trisna, and Jannatul Ferdus picked up a wicket apiece. In response, Bangladesh got off to a flying start, with openers Dilara Akter (49 off 41) and Sobhana Mostary (46 off 35) adding a solid 103-run partnership. Their aggressive approach in the powerplay— 56 runs without loss— kept the hosts ahead of the required rate. Read: Rashid, Nabi call for reversal of Taliban ban on women’s medical education However, the middle order faltered against the disciplined bowling of Orla Prendergast, who bagged three for 24, and Arlene Kelly, who scalped three for 22, leaving the chase in tatters. Aimee Maguire chipped in with a crucial wicket as the pressure mounted on Bangladesh’s lower order. Despite a late cameo from Sharmin Akhter, 23 off 13, the hosts fell short, finishing at 157 for 7 in their 20 overs. Leah Paul was named Player of the Match for her match-winning innings, which included ten boundaries and two sixes. The result puts Ireland Women ahead 1-0 in the series.

The haor areas of Nandirgaon and Towakul unions in Gowainghat upazila, home to around 15,000 people, remain without paved roads despite being established over a century ago. Residents of 18 villages in the region, spanning only 10 kilometers from Salutikar Bazar, continue to face immense challenges due to poor infrastructure.  Villagers said that the lack of proper roads makes their daily lives difficult, especially during the monsoon, when transportation becomes nearly impossible. “Students cannot continue education beyond the primary level due to these difficulties,” said Kashem Ali, a freedom fighter from Chalitabari village.  The young entrepreneur who brought orange farming to Naogaon Yunus Ali, president of Ward no 8 Unit BNP in Nandirgaon Union, expressed dissatisfaction with the state of development in his village. "Since independence, our village has seen little progress. While electricity arrived about 6-7 years ago, the elected representatives have not undertaken any significant development initiatives beyond basic work on the roads," he said. Nandirgaon Union BNP Organizing Secretary Ziaul Haque Zia said, "For 15 years, former minister Imran Ahmad visited this area at least twenty times and promised to have them paved, but in the end, he did not fulfill his commitment." He continued, "We lack basic facilities. When we fall ill, we can't access proper healthcare. There are no roads. During election time, many make numerous promises, but once the voting is over, they disappear." Soaring vegetable prices in Khulna squeeze low-income households The region’s economy largely depends on agriculture, fishing and cattle rearing while the lack of proper communication facilities deprives villagers of access to healthcare, education and other basic services. Abdul Matin Lebu, another local leader, said, “Patients often die without treatment as we have to carry them in bullock carts or on foot to the nearest hospital.”  He explained that the lack of proper roads makes it impossible for villagers to receive emergency medical care when they fall ill. Even a light rain makes the roads impassable, leaving us unable to walk. “While we can now reach Salutikar market, during the rainy season, both men and women have to wade through two kilometres of road with their clothes rolled up to their knees,” Lebu added. In this regard, Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Touhidul Islam said that the road from Salutikar-Gowainghat road to Gowainghat Upazila Sadar has been included in the LGED as Gangkinari Road. Sunamganj farmers bemoan as hybrid paddies drive away local varieties He said that two kilometres of road (from Gowainghat Sadar Upazila to Gangkinari Road) have already been paved using Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC). “On the other hand, the Gowainghat Upazila Engineer has been asked to collect a database for the purpose of paving the Salutikar-Gowainghat road up to Kachuarpar village,” he added. Despite these assurances, locals remain skeptical, saying they have been hearing such promises for years without real progress. 

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka today inaugurated a new American Corner in Sylhet, marking a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the United States and Bangladesh. The American Corner, a joint initiative between the U.S. Embassy and local Bangladeshi partners, aims to foster greater interaction between local communities and the United States, promote cultural exchange, and deepen people-to-people ties. The new American Corner in Sylhet will serve as a valuable resource hub, providing access to educational materials, cultural programming, and opportunities to learn about American values, ideals, and perspectives. The inauguration event was attended by Bangladeshi and American government officials, alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, educators, students, and members of the local business and artistic communities. Speaking at the opening, Public Affairs Counselor from the U.S. Embassy Stephen Ibelli emphasized the importance of American Corner as a platform for expanding access to the U.S. educational and cultural resources. "This American Space will create lasting opportunities for students and faculty to engage in meaningful, cross-cultural experiences," he said, highlighting the initiative's role in connecting local youth, academics, and young leaders with global opportunities. American Corners are part of a global network of cultural and information centers, run in partnership with local institutions. These centers are dedicated to providing free access to information, promoting study opportunities in the U.S., supporting English language learners, connecting with alumni of U.S. exchange programs, and hosting programs that foster mutual cultural understanding. With the opening of the Sylhet American Corner, the U.S. Embassy is furthering its commitment to empowering young leaders, encouraging cultural exchange, and strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh partnership through education and collaboration.  

Detectives of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested former Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad from Banani area of Dhaka on Sunday night. A whatsapp message sent from the DMP confirmed it. However, it didn’t elaborate in which case he was arrested. Read: Ex-minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury arrested Imran Ahmed was elected from Sylhet-4 constituency five times and he was appointed as state minister for the expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment in 2018. In 2019 he was made a full minister of the ministry. After the 12th parliamentary election held on January 7 this year, he was given the same portfolio.

Police dispersed protesters when they attempted to march towards Subidbazar area of Sylhet city on Wednesday (July 31, 2024) as part of ‘March for Justice’ programme announced by Anti-discrimination Student Movement to press home their 9-point demand. The protesters started taking position at the main gate of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) from 11 am. Police who had taken position there before their arrival obstructed them, said witnesses. Later, more students joined and started chanting slogans. At around 12:30 pm, hundreds of students marched to the city's court point. Read more: Tense situation as protesters hold ‘March for Justice’ demonstration in Chattogram Court premises A clash broke when the protesters tried to move towards Subidbazar and police restored to tear gas shells and sound grenade to disperse them, reports our correspondent from the spot.

The flood situation in some low-lying areas of Netrakona district and Sylhet, Sunamganj districts in the northeastern part of the country may remain unchanged in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Thursday (June 20, 2024). The flood situation in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts along the low-lying areas of Manu-Khwai river may improve, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC). Except Surma, major rivers in the North-eastern region of the country are in rising trendwhich may continue in the next 24 hours. Flood leaves over 8 lakh people inundated in Sylhet The Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers are in rising trend and may continuously rise for the next72 hours with a chance of reaching the Warning Level at some points. Besides, the Padma river is in rising trend, which may continue in next 48 hours, it said.The water level of Dudhkumar, Teesta and Dharla rivers in the northern part of the country may rise and flashflood may hit some low-lying areas of Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur districts. River Teesta may cross danger level at Dalia Point in next 24 hours for a short period of time. According to the information from meteorological organizations, medium to heavy rainfall is expected over the northern and adjoining upstream region and heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the north-eastern, northern and adjoining upstream parts of the country in 24 to 48 hours, it added. Flood situation worsens in Sunamganj; several thousand marooned

Continuous heavy rainfall over the past three days has worsened the flood situation in Sylhet for the second time in just 20 days. Nearly seven lakh people in the Sylhet metropolitan area and throughout the district are now stranded. In the metropolitan area alone, 50,000 people across 21 wards have been affected by flooding, according to Sylhet district administration sources. Sylhet experienced the first phase of flooding on May 27, affecting approximately seven lakh people across all upazilas. The water had not fully receded when heavy rainfall and hill torrents hit again on June 15, worsening the situation by Eid day (June 17). Heavy rainfall on Eid-ul-Azha morning was briefly followed by a recession, but rain resumed from Tuesday dawn, causing significant overflows in all rivers and streams in Sylhet. On Eid day, water levels were above danger points at two river locations. By Tuesday morning, water levels at four rivers were above danger points at six locations. Sylhet mayor holds emergency meeting to address severe flooding This morning, water was flowing above danger levels at six points of three rivers.   The Water Development Board in Sylhet reported that by 9 am today, the Surma River at Kanaighat point was 91 cm above danger levels. At another point in Sylhet, it was 31 cm above the danger level. The Kushiyara River was 46 cm above danger level at Amalshid, 92 cm above at Fenchuganj and 12 cm above at Sherpur point.  According to the district administration, 675,937 people in 13 upazilas, including Sylhet metropolitan area, have been stranded till midnight. Of them, 50,000 people of 21 wards out of 42 in Sylhet metropolitan area are stranded.  A total of 627 shelter centres have been opened in the district. Of these, 80 are in the metropolitan areas. A total of 17,285 people have taken shelter in these centres. However, most people are not willing to leave their homes and go to shelters.  A total of 1,323 villages in 13 upazilas of the district have been inundated. The worst affected are: Gowainghat, Jaintapur, Golapganj, Companiganj, Kanaighat, Zakiganj, Biswanath and Osmaninagar upazilas. Sylhet grapples with fresh bout of flooding, dampening Eid celebrations across division Low-lying areas of the city are particularly hard-hit, with Shahjalal suburb completely submerged and water reaching neck level in many homes. Other severely affected areas include Jatrapur, Mendibagh, Shibganj, Raingar, Sobhanighat, Kalighat, Kamalgarh, Machimpur, Taltala, Jamtola, Kajirbazar, Madina Market, Akhaliya, and Mezortil. Several important roads in the city are also flooded. From 6 am Tuesday to 6 am Wednesday, the Sylhet Meteorological Office recorded 100 mm of rainfall and 55 mm from 6 am to 9 am today. Moreover, the Met office forecasted continuous heavy rainfall for the next three days. The district administration is actively working to rescue stranded individuals and has set up control rooms at the district collector's office and upazila executive offices to monitor the flood situation. Dedicated officers have been appointed in each upazila, and medical teams have been formed at union levels to provide health services to flood victims. If the heavy rainfall persists, the flood situation in Sylhet is expected to deteriorate further. Meanwhile, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibbur Rahman, accompanied by the ministry’s officials, saw the flood-hit areas from a helicopter in the morning. He is scheduled to leave Sylhet for Dhaka by this afternoon.  Water levels of Surma, Kushiyara rivers in Sylhet again above danger level

The HSC and its equivalent exams will be held later in Sylhet if the region sees severe flood, said Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel. He said this at a press briefing after a meeting of the National Monitoring and Law and Order Committee formed to hold the upcoming HSC and equivalent examinations in a fair, copying-free environment at the Secretariat on Wednesday. Replying to a question over the public exam, "We have already been informed about the weather forecast during the HSC examination, the water level of various rivers there is in rising trend. We have already completed preparations keeping in mind the movement of students.” Read more: HSC exams to begin from June 30; Coaching centres to remain shut from June 29 to Aug 11 He said the areas where flooding is likely to spread the exams won’t be taken there initially. “We have proper preparation to take those tests later.” “The convenience of the examinees is the most important to us. We do not want the examinees to suffer and their desired results be affected in any way,” he said. This year, the HSC and its equivalent exams are scheduled to begin on June 30. A total of 14,50,790 students from nine General Education Boards, Madrasha Board and Technical Board will sit for the exams from 9,463 educational institutions at 2,275 centres. Read more: Flood situation in Sylhet shows mixed trends as Surma water recedes, Kushiyara rises