United News of Bangladesh

A Dhaka court on Monday framed charges against prime accused Sohel Rana  and his wife Swapna Akter in the case filed over the rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in the capital's Pallabi area. Dhaka Metropolitan Child Repression Prevention Tribunal judge Masrur Salekin framed the charges against the accused. The court also fixed Tuesday for recording witness depositions in the case, said plaintiff’s lawyer Advocate Azizur Rahman Dulu. Ramisa murder: Police press charges against Sohel Rana, wife The two accused were produced before the court around 11 am. Ramisa Akter, daughter of Abdul Hannan Molla, was raped and murdered by Sohel Rana, tenant of a neighbouring flat on May 19. According to the case details, accused Sohel lured her into his room and later killed her after rape. Later, Ramisa’s decapitated body was found beneath the bed while her severed head was found hidden inside a bucket in the bathroom. While Swapna was detained from the scene by neighbours and subsequently handed over to police, Sohel Rana managed to escape by cutting through a window grille. He was tracked down and arrested by police later in Fatullah in Narayanganj.

Thousands of holidaymakers thronged the on Friday as the rare pink albino buffalo named “Donald Trump” emerged as the star attraction during Eid-ul-Azha celebrations.

Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan on Thursday inspected the sacrificial waste removal activities of the city corporation at Ceramic Road in Mirpur of the capital. After the inspection, the state minister said the city corporation has been working to remove sacrificial waste within 12 hours (starting from 2pm) in line with the Prime Minister’s directive to ensure relief for city residents during Eid-ul-Azha. “In continuation of that effort, we came to inspect the field-level activities today. We hope the cleaning operation will be completed well before 2am,” he said. He also said the operation would continue for the next two days. Around 16,000 cleaners and 752 vehicles have been deployed to remove sacrificial waste, he added. Urging residents to cooperate, the minister said, “Please put sacrificial waste in polythene bags and keep them at designated places. The cleaners will remove them quickly from there. City dwellers can remain assured that, InshaAllah, we will be able to clean the city in the shortest possible time.” DNCC Administrator Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Khan said the corporation has undertaken a coordinated 72-hour action plan for managing sacrificial waste.  cooperation from residents, he said, “Please remain confident and make sure to keep the waste in polythene bags at designated places.” According to DNCC, a total of 3,158 tonnes of sacrificial waste were transported to the Aminbazar landfill through 736 trips from different areas under the DNCC jurisdiction until 2 pm on Thursday.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Thursday formally launched its Eid-ul-Azha waste removal operations by transporting sacrificial waste from the Kalabagan Secondary Transfer Station (STS) to the Matuail landfill, expressing hope of clearing the first day’s waste within eight hours. DSCC Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the operation and said the city corporation had taken all-out preparations to remove sacrificial waste within the stipulated timeframe. “Following the inauguration of the waste removal activities, we expect that all sacrificial waste generated on the first day of Eid will be transported to the landfill within the next eight hours,” he said. He also expressed optimism that the entire DSCC area would be free from sacrificial waste by 9pm on Eid day. Seeking cooperation from city residents to maintain a clean urban environment, the administrator urged people to perform sacrificial rituals at the designated spots set by the city corporation to facilitate quick waste removal. According to DSCC, a total of 13,453 cleaners alongside officials and employees are working in the field on the first day of Eid to ensure uninterrupted waste management services. The city corporation has set a target of removing around 15,935 tonnes of sacrificial waste on the first day alone. DSCC also said it has undertaken extensive preparations to remove a total of 33,942 tonnes of waste from its jurisdiction over the three days of Eid-ul-Azha. The city corporation sought sincere cooperation from residents in building a clean and healthy city.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Wednesday urged city residents not to dispose of sacrificial waste indiscriminately and to use jute bags provided by the corporation during Eid-ul-Azha. “We have distributed more than 100,000 jute bags among city residents. We hope they will use those bags for waste disposal. Under no circumstances should waste be thrown into drains,” he said. The city authorities are fully prepared to manage waste generated from sacrificial rituals over the three days of Eid, said Mir Shah Alam while speaking at a press briefing after visiting the National Eidgah. The Eid congregation will be held at 7:30 am and sacrificialactivities across Dhaka will continue for three days, he said adding “We are completely prepared to clean all sacrificial waste during this period.” Through the media, he requested residents to perform sacrifices only at designated places and avoid littering waste in random locations. Highlighting the risks during the monsoon season, the DSCC administrator warned that dumping waste into drains could block water flow and cause waterlogging on city streets. “As it is already the rainy season, clogged drains could result ino verflowing water on roads. We urge everyone to remain cautious int his regard,” he added. The city corporation has also supplied Savlon and bleaching powder for maintaining hygiene after sacrifices, said the DSCC administrator. “We request residents to properly wash the sacrificial spots and use bleaching powder and Savlon. We also expect cooperation with our cleaning workers,” he said. He also said Eid holidays for DSCC officials and employees have been cancelled to ensure uninterrupted services during the festival. “They will remain engaged in serving city residents throughout Eid. We hope citizens will cooperate with them,” he added. Seeking overall support from residents, Salam said everyone should play a role in keeping the city clean. “Just as we keep our homes clean, we should also try to keep our surroundings and nearby roads clean,” he said. “If we all change, Dhaka city will change. Let us work together to build the clean and green city envisioned by the Prime Minister,” he added.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will deploy around 16,000 workers and more than 750 waste-carrying vehicles to ensure the removal of sacrificial waste within 12 hours during Eid-ul-Azha. The announcement was made on Tuesday by DNCC Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan at a view-exchange meeting on Eid waste management held at the Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam attended the meeting as the chief guest with the DNCC Administrator in the chair. Speaking at the programme, the state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued special directives regarding cattle markets, rawhide management, traffic congestion control and waste removal during Eid-ul-Azha. As part of the directives, city corporations have been asked to remove sacrificial waste within 12 hours, he said. The DNCC administrator said all-out preparations have been taken to clear sacrificial waste even before the government-fixed 12-hour deadline. The DNCC has already distributed 16.3 lakh polybags among residents. In addition, 3,600 sacks of bleaching powder, 1,348 cans of phenyl and 3,900 cans of Savlon have been distributed to ensure a germ-free and odour-free environment after the sacrifice. To raise public awareness, it has launched campaigns through loudspeakers, digital billboards, distribution of 50,000 leaflets and mobile SMS services. Imams at mosques are also encouraging cleanliness during Friday sermons. DNCC Chief Executive Officer Mohamad Ashaduz Zaman, Chief Engineer Brig Gen Syed Raquibul Hasan, Chief Waste Management Officer Commodore Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Imru-al-Quais, regional executive officers and media representatives were present at the meeting.

Firefighters brought under control a massive fire that broke out at the Kalshi slum in the capital’s Pallabi area on Monday night, with 15 units and 123 firefighters taking part in the operation. The fire was brought under control around 9:35pm, said Lieutenant Colonel Md Azad Anwar, Director (Training, Planning and Development) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate. He said the Fire Service control room received information about the blaze at approximately 7:23pm and rushed there as soon as possible. According to him, the slum has around 1,200 houses and scrap shops, accommodating nearly 3,000 to 3,500 people. As the severity of the fire increased, 15 firefighting units were deployed and 123 firefighters. Firefighters, with assistance from local residents, volunteers, police, RAB and the army, managed to contain the blaze, he added. He said the cause of the fire could not yet be determined and would be known after an investigation. He also said there was no nearby water source, forcing the Fire Service to bring in 15 special water-carrying vehicles to douse the flames. The presence of scrap materials, paper and plastic goods shops in the slum contributed to heavy smoke and rapid spread of the flames, he said. He added that, according to local residents, no casualties or missing persons had been reported so far. He also said the Fire Service would form an investigation committee over the incident.

The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has deployed free veterinary medical teams at 29 Qurbani cattle markets in the capital. A total of 87 students from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) and Gono University have joined the initiative as intern veterinary practitioners. Working alongside duty officers and senior veterinarians, they are providing mobile veterinary services at the markets. BAU experts advise scientific cattle selection , meat preservation ahead of Eid-ul-Azha The four-day programme began on Saturday (May 23) and will continue until May 26. Teams are on duty from 9:00am to 6:00pm at 11 markets under Dhaka South City Corporation and 18 markets under Dhaka North City Corporation to carry out animal health checks, provide necessary treatment and offer emergency medical assistance. Dr. Md. Saifullah Mahmud, the veterinarian in charge of Market No. 11 under Dhaka South City Corporation, said they avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics and treat animals following alternative, safe and evidence-based methods. “This approach not only protects animal health but also reduces the risk of infection, ensures public health safety and lessens negative environmental impact,” he added. Intern veterinarian and BAU student Md. Ashikuzzaman said, “Working as an intern here gives me hands-on experience. I am gaining direct experience in disease diagnosis, providing appropriate treatment and implementing preventive measures. At the same time, we are raising awareness among farmers about market management and animal health preservation, which will enhance my professional skills in the future.” Mahmud Hasan, an intern veterinarian and BAU student assigned to Market No. 2 under Dhaka North City Corporation, said, “At the markets, I’ve seen many animals with minor wounds or stress that can worsen if not treated quickly. We perform rapid physical check-ups, advise segregation of high-risk animals, dress wounds and give owners guidance on home care and treatment. This not only helps control disease quickly but also ensures a safer environment for buyers and sellers.” Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, officer of the central coordination team of the veterinary medical teams, said that the main objective is to protect public and animal health at the Qurbani markets. “Each market has been supplied with adequate medicines, emergency equipment and information leaflets. Teams remain on duty from morning until evening, and activities will be intensified during the main Qurbani days to respond swiftly to any emergency,” he added. Acting Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahzaman Khan said the services at the markets include free physical check-ups, vaccination services and advice where necessary, wound treatment and immediate care for infectious conditions. He said owners are advised to isolate animals when necessary and follow proper hygiene protocols.

A three-day national celebration marking the 127th birth anniversary of Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at the National Theatre Hall in Dhaka on Friday began on Friday. The programme, which will continue until May 24, features music, dance recitals, poetry recitation and discussions inspired by the timeless works of the Rebel Poet. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, Information and Broadcasting minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said Nazrul’s poetry and songs continue to shape the moral and emotional foundations of generations. “Those who grow up reading Nazrul develop patriotism, humanity, love for nature and a spirit of sacrifice,” he said. He also expressed support for declaring Nazrul’s birth anniversary as a “National Harmony Day,” saying the poet’s ideals reflected peaceful coexistence among people of all religions in Bangladesh. Special guest Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, chief discussant journalist-poet Hasan Hafiz and Nazrul researcher Dr Engineer Khalequzzaman highlighted the poet’s enduring relevance in struggles against oppression, communalism and religious extremism. They stressed the need to preserve and globally promote Nazrul’s vast literary and musical legacy, noting that many of his songs remain scattered and unarchived. Presiding over the event, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and poet Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed, popularly known as Rezauddin Stalin, said Nazrul’s spirit remains deeply embedded across Bangladesh through institutions, organisations and educational establishments named after him. “As long as Bangladesh exists, its people will carry Nazrul’s ideals and build an inclusive society inspired by his vision,” he said. The cultural segment opened with a group dance performance titled “Srishti Sukher Ullase” featuring 50 dancers under the direction of Arohi Islam. Students of the Music Department of University of Dhaka performed the Nazrul song “Eki Oporup Rupe Ma Tomar” in chorus, while renowned artistes including Yasmin Mushtari, Yusuf Ahmed Khan, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Ulka Hossain and Bijon Chandra Mistry presented solo performances. Dance troupe Nrityalok staged “Kamal Pasha,” while recitations of Nazrul’s poems were presented by artistes including Shakila Matin Mridula, Kamrunnahar and Tito Munshi. The final performance of the evening featured the dance drama “Jago Nari” by Bhongima Dance Theatre under the direction of Syeda Sayla Ahmed Lima. The second day’s programme will begin at 5:30 pm on May 23 at the National Theatre Hall, featuring discussions and performances based on Nazrul’s songs, poetry and philosophy. Similar events are also being held at district Shilpakala academies across the country. All programmes are open to the public and are being streamed live on the verified Facebook page and YouTube channel of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

A 28-year-old man died from electrocution at a garage in Baridhara area of the capital on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Md Reaz, an employee of the garage. Reaz fell unconscious after coming into contact with a live electric wire while switching on the garage lights around 8:30 am, said Zakir Hossain, the owner of the garage. He was later taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead, said Inspector Md Faruk of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police camp.