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Killers of forest official to get maximum punishment: Environment Minister
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that the ministry is working to ensure the maximum punishment of those who were behind the death of a forest officer in Cox's Bazar.
“Criminals will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice through a transparent process,” he said while handing over a cheque of financial assistance to the family members of the deceased forest official at Vitikandi village in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj district on Sunday.
Md Sazzaduzzaman, Beat Officer of the Forest Department, was killed by a mini truck (dumper) of miscreants in Cox’s Bazar.
A special message will be given to prevent such incidents from happening in the future, he added.
Expressing deep condolences to the family members of the forest official, the minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also expressed sorrow over the demise of the forest officer.
The minister handed over a cheque of Tk 15 lakh on behalf of the ministry to the father of the deceased.
He also assured that they will give a job to the wife of the deceased.
Launch services see reduced demand ahead of Eid amid road transport improvements
The allure of river journey is facing a downturn as the Padma Bridge has significantly bolstered road transport options, leading to a noticeable dip in waterway passenger numbers. This shift is particularly evident at Dhaka’s Sadarghat launch terminal, where, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, launch owners are in limbo over the need for special services due to reduced demand.
Navigational challenges have further exacerbated the situation, lengthening travel times and inflating operational costs for launch owners. Consequently, travelers are increasingly shunning waterways in favor of road options.
“The enhanced efficiency in road transport, exemplified by the Padma Bridge, has directly impacted passenger flow to waterway services, with our figures halving recently,” stated Badiuzzaman Badal, Senior Vice-President of the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Passenger Carrier Association (BIWPCA).
Moreover, severe traffic congestion in critical areas leading to the Sadarghat terminal has deterred potential passengers, contributing to the decline. Presently, only 50-55 launches depart daily for southwestern destinations, carrying fewer than half of their usual passenger loads.
Badal emphasised that unless there's an uptick in travelers, the number of operational launches will remain unchanged. However, he hinted at a possible increase in service should the Eid holiday rush materialise.
In the past, Eid seasons saw launches operating beyond their capacity. This year, however, the scenario has drastically changed, with passenger numbers dwindling to almost half. Despite the downturn, launch owners are refraining from raising fares, underlining their commitment to affordability.
Mohammad Shaheed Mia, President of the National Committee for the Protection of Shipping, Road, and Railways, highlighted the longstanding reliance on waterways by people of the southwestern region, noting a significant drop in passengers from Barishal and Chandpur.
Ashish Kumar Dey, President of the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), pointed out that while launch travel remains a preferred, cost-effective mode for many, its patronage has fallen by 35 to 45 percent over the last eighteen months due to various factors.
Despite the challenges, an estimated 2.5 million individuals are expected to depart Dhaka via launches this Eid, according to Dey.
Alamgir Kabir, Joint Director of the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Transport Authority (BIWTA), reported a subdued start to the Eid exodus at Sadarghat, with many launches operating at half capacity. However, optimism remains that passenger numbers may rebound as the Eid holiday draws closer.
2 people go missing after cargo vessel sinks in Rupsha River
Two people went missing when a cargo vessel sank in the Rupsha River after hitting a pillar of Rupsha Rail Bridge in Khulna district on Sunday.
RAB crackdown: 5 suspected KNF members arrested; 2 firearms recovered
Inspector Nurul Islam Sheikh, in-charge of Rupsha New Police camp, said the fertilizer-laden cargo vessel named ‘MV Three Light-1’ from Mongla port hit the pillar of the Rupsha rail bridge and sank in the river around 1 pm while heading towards Nauapara.
Eleven crew members out of 13 managed to swim ashore while two remained missing.
Severe heat wave sweeps Chuadanga, Pabna; rains likely in Dhaka, 7 divisions
Severe heat wave is sweeping Pabna and Chuadanga districts, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Besides, mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping Rangpur, Dhaka, parts of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and Barishal, Patuakhali & Rangamati districts and it may abate from some places, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said a Met office bulletin on Sunday.
Rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely in Dhaka and seven other divisions, it said.
Chuadanga scorches: Highest temperature in the country this year at 41.2°C
“Rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely at a few places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions with hails at isolated places,” it said.
Day temperature may fall by (2-3)°C and night temperature may fall slightly over the country.
Country’s highest temperature was recorded at 40.2 degree Celsius in Chuadanga district ton Saturday.
Falling rod from construction site causes death in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur
A 45-year-old man succumbed to injuries after being struck by an iron rod falling from an under-construction building in Satmasjid Housing Limited, located in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area. The accident occurred last night.
The victim, identified as Mohammad Hasan, was originally from Chattogram’s Anowara upazila and was employed at a medicine manufacturing company.
Bus-private car collision leaves 3 dead in Bogura
Hasan, who resided with his family in Satmasjid Housing, met with the tragic accident while on his way to the Mohammadia Housing Jame Masjid for evening prayers on Saturday night.
Shafiqur Rahman, a neighbour, recounted the harrowing moment when the iron rod descended onto Hasan’s head, causing severe injuries. Hasan was immediately taken to the nearby Sikder Medical College Hospital. Due to the gravity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where he was ultimately declared deceased by the attending physicians.
1 dead, 15 injured in old-fashioned village brawl Kishoreganj
Md Bachchu Mia, the In-Charge of the DMCH police outpost, confirmed that Hasan’s body has been retained at the hospital morgue pending an autopsy. He added that the local police station has been notified of the tragic event.
Violent clash over ‘rules’ of Namaz at Brahmanbaria mosque leaves 15 injured
At least 15 individuals, including three police personnel, sustained injuries during a violent clash that erupted over "rules and regulations" of prayers in Ashuganj upazila of Brahmanbaria on Friday night.
The confrontation between members of the Charchhartala Mollah Bari and Kichhki Bari groups was sparked by a disagreement following the Taraweeh prayers, a key observance during the holy month of Ramadan.
A video capturing the tense moments went viral on social media the following day.
Shab-e-Qadr: Night of divine blessings being observed nationwide
At the heart of the conflict was a dispute initiated by Shafiqul Islam of Kichhki Bari, who raised questions regarding the prayer leadership of Mawlana Mohiuddin Mollah, the Imam of Charchhartala Jame Masjid. This dispute quickly escalated into violence, with participants wielding improvised weapons, according to police and eyewitness accounts.
Imam Mohiuddin accused Shafiqul of issuing a “fatwa”, criticising the fidelity of the mosque's prayer practices, which he alleges directly led to the violent outbreak. He claimed that the assault by the Kichhki Bari faction left five individuals in critical condition.
Shafiqul Islam, however, countered these allegations, arguing that his intentions were to offer constructive suggestions to Imam Mohiuddin following the conclusion of the Taraweeh prayers. He contended that it was the Imam and his followers who initiated the violence, resulting in injuries to eight people and the targeted destruction of property, including the vandalism of three vehicles.
Chuadanga scorches: Highest temperature in the country this year at 41.2°C
In response to the escalating violence, Ashuganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nahid Ahmed reported that law enforcement officers were compelled to discharge 35 rounds of rubber bullets to quell the disturbances. The clashes also resulted in injuries to three policemen.
Authorities have since increased police presence in the area to prevent further incidents and have initiated legal proceedings in response to the conflict.
Chhayanaut set to enliven Dhaka with Pahela Baishakh celebrations
Chhayanaut, Bangladesh's revered cultural institution, is once again ready to host its iconic Pahela Baishakh celebration at Dhaka's Ramna Park, a long-standing urban tradition that greets the Bangla New Year with vibrant musical festivities.
In preparation, Chhayanaut unveiled details of this year's event during a press conference held at the Chhayanaut Sanskriti Bhaban in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on Saturday.
The press briefing featured insights from Chhayanaut's Executive President Dr. Sarwar Ali, Vice-Presidents Dr. Atiur Rahman and Khairul Anam Shakil, General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, and Joint Secretary Jayanta Roy.
They shared that for the past two months, both senior and junior artists have been diligently rehearsing to deliver captivating performances that will welcome the new year with flair.
Scheduled to begin at 6:15 am on the first day of the Bangla new year, the cultural event will span two hours, featuring an array of group and solo songs, along with poetry recitations.
“At the dawn of the new Bangla year, we aim to celebrate humanity and the people through music, with over a hundred of our esteemed and young performers coming together to continue this beloved tradition live at Ramna, beneath the iconic Banyan tree,” stated General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa.
The repertoire will include works by Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Atul Prasad, and Abu Bakar Siddiqui, among others, promising a diverse and enriching cultural showcase.
The event will host 31 performances, including 11 chorus songs and 15 solos, with readings and recitals by renowned artists such as Shaheen Samad, Khairul Anam Shakil, Chandana Majumder, and Laisa Ahmed Lisa, alongside poetry recitals by Ramendu Majumder and Jayanta Chattopadhyay.
Chhayanaut has completed all stage preparations and extended its gratitude towards the Ministry of Housing and Public Works for essential venue permissions and the government's security enforcement unit for their support.
The eagerly awaited programme will be broadcast live by Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar from 6:15 am on April 14, with additional coverage on Chhayanaut’s official YouTube channel, ensuring widespread accessibility to this significant cultural celebration.
Celebrated for organising the grand Pahela Baishakh festivity at Ramna Park since its founding in 1961, Chhayanaut's annual event stands as a testament to Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage, only pausing in 1971 during the Liberation War and in 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shab-e-Qadr: Night of divine blessings being observed nationwide
Across Bangladesh, the revered night of Shab-e-Qadr is being observed with solemnity and devout enthusiasm on Saturday night.
This sacred occasion, marked by its unparalleled spiritual significance in Islam, sees Muslims dedicating the night to intensified worship, including special prayers, recitation of Quran, holding of milad mahfils, zikr, and engaging in various religious practices at mosques and within the sanctuary of their homes.
Despite weekly holiday, Saturday starts with 1,636 MW of load shedding
Esteemed for being more virtuous than a thousand months, Shab-e-Qadr commemorates the night the holy Quran was bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), guiding humanity towards both temporal and spiritual liberation.
In honour of this holy night, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have extended heartfelt greetings to fellow citizens and the global Muslim community, reflecting the nation's collective reverence for this auspicious occasion.
International Al-Quds Day observed in Dhaka
To enrich the observance, Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar, alongside private television and radio stations, are broadcasting special programs that delve into the night's profound essence. Similarly, print media across the country are featuring articles that illuminate the significance of Shab-e-Qadr, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among the faithful.
Home Minister outlines security boost against KNF threats
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, speaking after a law and order discussion today in Bandarban, issued a stern warning against those challenging the state's authority through recent bank heists. The Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) has been identified as the group behind these actions, aimed at signaling their dissent.
During the event held at Bandarban Circuit House's conference room, the Home Minister outlined the gravity of KNF's actions, including bank robberies and arms looting in Ruma and Thanchi upazilas.
He emphasised the group's adversarial position against the state and highlighted the government's commitment to reinforcing security in the hill tracts. This involves boosting the presence of law enforcement, including police, Ansar, and the Rapid Action Battalion, and expanding the operational area of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Armed men believed to be KNF members try to attack Thanchi Police Station; police fire back
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed a coordinated drive in the region, which will be preceded by intensified efforts by local law enforcement to restore peace and security. "No armed extortionists will be tolerated in the hill tracts," the minister declared.
The Home Minister also recounted efforts to engage diplomatically with KNF, including peaceful negotiations led by the Peacekeeping Committee and Zilla Parishad Chairman Kyaw Shwe Hla. Despite reaching a preliminary agreement, KNF reverted to violent activities, prompting a high-level government decision to counter their actions decisively.
Suspected KNF members launch coordinated attacks on banks in Bandarban’s Ruma and Thanchi
Kamal further assured of maintaining good relations with neighbouring India and Myanmar, with plans to extradite terrorists if needed, ensuring they face justice regardless of their location.
The meeting was attended by State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, local lawmaker Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing, Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, among others.
Prior to the meeting, Home Minister Kamal visited the sites of the recent attacks, including a Sonali Bank branch and a mosque in Ruma upazila.
Nippon Foundation chair for Fisheries and Skills Development for Rohingya Youth
Sasakawa Yohei, Chairman of the Japan-based donor organisation Nippon Foundation, emphasised the importance of fisheries and skills development for Rohingya youth to enhance the quality of life of the Rohingya community in Bhashan Char.
Former advisor to the caretaker government and BRAC Chairperson Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman was present along with the representatives from both organisations.
The representatives conveyed their perspective while visiting the Rohingya community and various initiatives of BRAC on Bhasan Char on Saturday.
Arriving for a day trip they aimed to gain firsthand insight into the situation of the Rohingya community in Bhasan Char and observe BRAC's operations.
The delegates received a warm welcome from the Head of BRAC Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP) at Bhasan Char, Md. Abu Bakar Siddique and his team upon their arrival.
Camp-in-Charge Rafiqul Haque, Assistant Camp-in-Charge Makchudur Rahman, Navy Commanding Officer M. Anwarul Kabir, and senior police officials were also present on behalf of the government.
The delegation from the Nippon Foundation comprised six members, including Sasakawa Yohei, Chairman; Arikawa Takashi, Senior Project Director; Suzuki Natsuko, Senior Officer and Executive Photographer; Nakayasu Shota, Secretary to the Chairman; Kuribayashi Franz Ken, Senior Project Coordinator; and Machida Kimiyo, Executive Interpreter.
Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairperson of BRAC along with Dr. Md. Akramul Islam, Senior Director, Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP); Mafruza Khan, Director, Global Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships; and Amit Das, Programme Manager, Outreach and Capacity, Advocacy for Social Change were present from BRAC during the visit.
The delegation toured various facilities, including the WASH Sector Clean Water Laboratory at Cluster 40 and Cluster 57, an Education Centre at Cluster 67, a Child Protection Centre, and Food Security Livelihoods at Cluster 68, interacting with Rohingya community members.
They also visited agriculture, poultry, and livestock interventions and discussed with the farmers and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Zillur stated that the government is prioritising the enhancement of the Rohingya community's quality of life on Bhasan Char. With governmental support, several development organisations, including BRAC, have initiated diverse programmes aimed at bolstering food security and livelihood.