United News of Bangladesh

A 40-year-old man died from electrocution in Magura district town on Tuesday morning. The deceased Md. Abdul Gani Biswas was a resident of Haspatal Para village in Sadar upazila. He was the younger son of Abdul Bokkar Mia of the area. Babu Biswas, uncle of the deceased, said Gani was seriously injured after being electrocuted while charging a solar light. Woman dies from electrocution in Kushtia Locals and family members rushed him to Magura Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Mohammad Ali, officer-in-charge (OC) of Magura Police Station, said an unnatural death (UD) case has been filed in this regard.

The body of a missing bKash employee was recovered from the Mogra River in Netrokona on Tuesday afternoon, two days after he was reported missing. The deceased Md. Rijan Mia, 22, was found with his hands tied near Ghagra village of Swormushia union. He was the son of Rafiqul Islam, a resident of the West Nagora area in Netrokona district town. According to police and local sources, Rijan worked as a bKash agent in the town. On Sunday morning, he left the office carrying Tk 12.5 lakh, but went missing sometime after 3pm. His mobile phone had been switched off since then. After failing to trace him, Rijan’s family filed a general diary (GD) at the Sadar Model Police Station on Sunday night. 3 killed as truck hits three wheeler in Gaibandha On Tuesday afternoon, locals spotted a body floating in the Mogra River and informed police. Police later recovered the body, which was identified by the family. Pradip Kumar Chakraborty, Inspector (Investigation) of Atpara Police Station, said the body has been sent to Netrokona Sadar Hospital for autopsy. “An investigation is underway to determine the cause and motive behind the killing,” he added.

The water level of the Teesta River has once again surged above the danger mark, triggering flooding in several low-lying areas of Nilphamari’s Dimla upazila. Due to heavy rainfall and landslides upstream, the river began rising on Tuesday night. As of 6am Wednesday, water at the Dalia Teesta Barrage was recorded at 52.22 centimeters, surpassing the danger level of 52.15 centimeters by 7 centimeters, said Nurul Islam, water level gauge reader at the Dalia Water Development Board. This marks the second time this month the river has crossed danger levels. Earlier on August 3, Teesta had risen 5 centimeters above the danger mark at the same point. Amitabh Chowdhury, executive engineer of the Water Development Board’s Dalia Division, said all 44 sluice gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened in an effort to control the rising waters. As a result, the low-lying areas of Purba Chatnai, Paschim Chatnai, Tepakharibari, Khagakharibari, Khalisha Chapani, Jhunagach Chapani, and Gayabari — have experienced flooding, with at least 15 chars inundated, according to local representatives.

All 16 sluice gates of the Kaptai Dam at the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station in Rangamati were closed on Tuesday morning, seven days after opening. The gates were shut at 8am after the water level of Kaptai Lake dropped below the danger mark, said Mahmud Hasan, manager and engineer of the power station. At 7am, the lake’s water level stood at 107.06 metres above mean sea level (MSL), said the official, adding that the water level has been steadily declining over the past few days due to a lack of rainfall. Swollen Kaptai lake maroons 200 families in Khagrachhari Earlier, at midnight on August 5, all 16 gates were partially opened as the water level reached the lake’s maximum capacity of 109 MSL. At that time, about 9,000 cusecs of water per second were released into the Karnaphuli River. Continuous rain and upstream flash floods later forced the authorities to increase the gate openings in phases to 1.5 feet, 2.5 feet, and finally 3.5 feet. This year, the highest recorded water level was 108.84 MSL. The hydro station is currently operating five units by generating 220 MW of electricity for the national grid. The Kaptai Lake, the country’s largest man-made reservoir, plays a vital role in hydropower generation and flood control in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

The water level of the Jamuna River in Sirajganj continues to rise due to heavy rainfall and flash floods coming down from the hills. According to Nazmul Hossain, Sub-Divisional Engineer (Headquarter) of the local Water Development Board, the water level at Sirajganj and Kazipur points has increased by 30 centimetres over the past 24 hours, raising concerns of flooding among the riverside residents. He said the water level of the Jamuna has been rising for the third consecutive time in Sirajganj as heavy rains have continued intermittently for several weeks along with flash floods. As a result, low-lying areas of Kazipur, Belkuchi, Shahjadpur, Chauhali, and Sirajganj Sadar upazilas along the Jamuna riverbank have been inundated, submerging various crops including til (sesame) and kaun (millet). Water level of Jamuna rises again in Sirajganj, triggering flood concerns Some low-lying areas of Shahjadpur, Chauhali, and Kazipur have already been flooded. At the same time, riverbank erosion has been reported in several places across the five upazilas. The local Water Development Board is closely monitoring the erosion-affected areas and taking necessary measures, he added. Nazmul Hossain further said that the water level of the Jamuna may rise for a few more days, but there is no expectation of major flooding.

Low-lying areas along the Padma River, including  its shoals, have been flooded due to the rise in water level of the river in Rajshahi, affecting the croplands and homes. The water level of Padma River at Rajshahi point was recorded at 17.43 metres — just 0.66 metres below the official danger level of 18.05 metres as of 9 am on Tuesday, according to the Water Development Board (WDB). Due to the rising water level and potential safety concerns, authorities have suspended access to the T-dam area in the city. Besides, the local administration also asked traders and shopkeepers along the riverbank to vacate the area. Water level of Jamuna rises again in Sirajganj, triggering flood concerns Source at WDB said the water level in Padma began to rise from July 24 with 16.35 metres height of the water level. Although it slightly receded afterward, the river has been swelling again since July 31. On August 10 at 6 am, the Padma water level was recorded at 17.13 metres, rising to 17.22 metres by the evening. However, the water level was flowing 17.32 metres on Monday morning and 17.39 metres by evening, inundating the low-lying areas, chars and island along the river. Shahidul Islam, a member of No 8 Ward in Horiyan Union of Paba upazila said, “The river waters have reached the doorsteps of many homes. People are starting to evacuate from the chars to safer inland areas, but managing livestock has become a major concern.” Enamul Haque, a gauge reader at the Water Development Board, said that the danger level for the Padma River in Rajshahi is 18.05 metres. "As of Monday evening, the water level reached 17.39 metres — very close to the danger point," he said. Locals fear that if heavy rainfall continues and if water flow from the Ganges increases, the Padma may soon cross the danger level. This may require relocating the people of the riverbank areas more extensively. There is also a risk of damage to agricultural land, homes and livestock feed.

Three people including a child were killed and five others injured when a truck hit a three-wheeler on Dinajpur-Gobindaganj road in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha district on Tuesday. The deceased were Zahidul Islam, 55, a madrasa teacher, Nurunnabi Mandal, 50 and Saima, 19-month-old daughter of Sabuj Mia of the upazila. 2 killed as car hits Mohakhali flyover divider Quoting witnesses, Mozaffar Hossain, officer-in-charge of Gobindaganj Highway Police camp, said the accident occurred in front of Moushumi CNG Pump around 2 pm when the truck hit the auto-rickshaw, leaving three passengers of the auto-rickshaw dead on the spot and five others injured. The injured were taken to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College and Hospital for better treatment.

Protesters blocked Dhaka-Barishal highway near Nothullabad bus terminal and Sadar Road in Barishal city again on Tuesday to press home their three-point demand including end of syndicate and irregularities in heath sector of the country. They put up the barricade at 12 pm, causing severe traffic congestion and passenger suffering. Students to enforce indefinite blockade in Barishal from Tuesday to protest poor health services Though police have redirected most vehicles via alternative routes to ease the jam, traffic remains disrupted on both roads. Besides, several students began an indefinite hunger strike at 11 am in front of the main gate of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital demanding reforms in the hospital administration. Mohiuddin Rony, who is leading the protests, announced continuation of the Barishal blockade campaign during a press conference on Monday. He said, “Until the three-point demands to end mismanagement, patients’ harassment, and syndicate practices in all government hospitals across the country are met, we will not leave the streets.” Rony added that a 24-hour ultimatum given last Sunday for the health adviser to personally visit Sher-e-Bangla Medical Hospital to investigate irregularities and corruption and to provide clear assurances on the demands, expired without any response. “The health advieser did not come to Barishal so we are enforcing the blockade,” he said. During the blockade, police diverted vehicles from Kuakata via C&B Road’s Choumatha to Nabgram Road and Kashipur Choumatha. This alternative route added about 10 kilometers but helped avoid prolonged traffic jams. Vehicles from Dhaka to Kuakata are also taking this route. Passengers faced inconvenience due to the longer travel time. Protesters have ensured emergency lanes remain open for ambulances and urgent vehicles. Barishal Airport Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zakir Hossain Sikder said, “Students continue blocking the highway and Sadar Road today demanding their three-point demand. Law and order situation remains normal.” The protesters have been staging various protests for 17 days demanding health sector reforms.  

Former Vice-Chancellor of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Professor Dr Abdus Sattar (68), who is currently in jail in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), was admitted to Jashore General Hospital on Monday morning after falling seriously ill in custody. Dr Sattar reportedly became unwell inside the Jashore Central Jail at around 10:30am, prompting jail authorities to immediately transfer him to the 250-bed General Hospital for emergency medical care. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was received by Jashore Civil Surgeon Dr Md Masud Rana, Additional District Magistrate Kamlesh Majumder, Executive Magistrate Md Rezwan, and Prison Hospital Physician Dr Md Sajjad Hossain. At 11:02am, the hospital’s emergency department doctor, Dr Md Shakirul Islam, admitted him as a 'CVD' (cardiovascular disease) patient. Dr Shakirul said that it is initially suspected Dr Sattar may have suffered a heart attack or stroke, although further diagnostic tests, including a CT scan, are being conducted to confirm the condition. Jail Superintendent Shariful Alam said when Dr Sattar suddenly fell ill in prison, we acted immediately and transferred him to Jashore General Hospital. He is currently undergoing treatment. On August 21, 2023, the ACC’s then Deputy Director at the Jashore office, Md Al Amin, filed a case against Professor Dr Abdus Sattar and others. The charges relate to the illegal appointment of Abdur Rauf as Deputy Director (Planning and Development) of JBIPRB, and the alleged embezzlement of Tk 61,31,732 following that appointment.

Protesters from Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have vowed to enforce indefinite ‘Barishal Blockade’ from Tuesday to press for better health services at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital. The announcement came on Monday after the end of the 24-hr ultimatum for the health adviser to visit the hospital amid allegations of poor condition and mismanagement. Mohiuddin Rony, organiser of Barishal unit, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,  unveiled the latest protest programme after blocking Dhaka-Barishal highway for four and half hours. Earlier in the day, Director of Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital Brig Gen AKM Moshiul Munir at a press conference sought three months for the development of the health sector. On Sunday, the students gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the health adviser to provide a clear assurance of reforms after visiting the hospital. The protesters, under the banner of students and public, also blocked the highway for over five hours to press home their three-point demand. Rony said they have been staging protests for over two weeks demanding an end to mismanagement, patient harassment and syndicate control in public hospitals across the country. “On Sunday, we issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding that the health adviser personally visit Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital in Barishal, investigate the irregularities and provide a clear assurance on our three-point demand,” he said. “But the deadline has passed, and the adviser did not come. That’s why we have announced a continuous blockade in Barishal to press home our demands,” he said. The cries of the residents of Barishal have yet to reach the ministry and authorities remain indifferent, he said. He also threatened to intensify the movement further, if corruption, negligence and harassment of patients at the hospital continue. Vehicular movement on Dhaka-Barishal highway remained suspended from 12 pm to 4:30 pm on Monday as the students blocked the highway for 5th straight day to press home their three-point demand. Road communication between Dhaka and six districts of the country’s southern zone remained suspended following the blockade. The director said “Discussions have taken place with the health adviser, assistant health adviser, secretary and director general regarding the ongoing movement of student organisations. They are working on health reforms across the country, including Barishlal. They need to be given time. However, 3,000 doctors will be appointed across the country soon and 3,200 nurses will be appointed next month.” Besides, one MRI machine, catheterisation laboratory and C-Arm machine will be provided at the hospital soon, he said. He also sought three-month time for the development. Zakir Hossain Shikdar, officer-in-charge of Barishal Airport Police Station, said the vehicular movement on the highway is normal now.