United News of Bangladesh

Miscreants vandalised the election office of AB Party chairman Mujibur Rahman Manjur, the Eagle-symbol candidate of the 11-party alliance, at Izzatpur in Feni Sadar late Wednesday night. Local sources said the office, located on Daiyabibi Bazar Road at Izzatpur, was inaugurated by party leaders and supporters on Wednesday morning. Chairs and tables inside the office were destroyed overnight. Supporters discovered the damage when they visited the office early Thursday morning. Feni Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Sultana Nasrin Kanta said she heard about the vandalism and assured that legal action would be taken according to the law. Ctg Port Unrest: Shipping Adviser’s convoy blocked as workers stage protests Feni district AB Party Secretary Fazlul Haque said, “The attack on our office will not create a favorable environment for the election. People will hold those responsible accountable through the ballot on February 12.” Mujibur Rahman Manjur they have submitted a written complaint to the authorities.

Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan, a candidate of Gono Odhikar Parishad for Feni-2 constituency, staged a hunger strike on Thursday morning outside the office of the Returning Officer demanding the withdrawal of officials accused of administrative bias. He started the hunger strike at the main gate of the Returning Officer’s office around 8:30am accompanied by a small group of party workers. The protest caused a brief disruption when several Additional Deputy Commissioner vehicles were temporarily blocked at the main gate and had to take an alternate route to enter the office. During the protest, Tariqul alleged harassment and threats by Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Jasim Uddin. BGB seizes Indian smuggled goods worth over Tk 1 crore in Feni He claimed that the electoral code of conduct was being severely violated in the Feni-2 constituency yet no effective action was being taken. He also accused Sadar AC Jasim Uddin of mistreating him and issuing various threats while the Returning Officer allegedly failed to intervene. He further alleged that billboards and colorful campaign activities are being allowed in a one-sided manner in favour of a particular candidate. He warned that if Jasim Uddin is not withdrawn within eight hours he would be compelled to announce more stringent protest measures.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large amount of Indian goods smuggled in a courier service in Feni on Wednesday. The items included Indian sarees, three-piece dresses, oil, body spray, soap, toothpaste, face wash, and fireworks. The total estimated value of the goods is about Tk 1.215 crore. The operation was carried out in the morning at S.A. Transport Courier Service on Shahid Shahidullah Kaiser Road in Feni city. Two people were detained during the raid - Manager Md. Atikur Rahman, 37, and assistant manager Md. Faruk Hossain, 35. According to BGB sources, the Feni-4 Battalion team conducted the raid based on a tip-off. The smuggled goods were recovered from inside the courier service. Lt. Col. Mosharaf Hossain, commander of Feni-4 BGB; Executive Magistrate Chayan Barua of the Feni district administration, and other officials were present during the operation. The seized goods were taken to the Feni BGB headquarters. 3 sentenced to death in Feni schoolboy killing case Lt. Col. Mosharaf Hossain said, “BGB continues operations at the border to prevent smuggling, illegal entry, and drug trafficking, even while deployed for election duties.” He added that the force will maintain a strict policy against smuggling.

Driver of a battery-run rickshaw (Tomtom) was stabbed to death allegedly by some teen gang members in Nazir Road area in Feni town on Friday night. The deceased was Masud Hasan Mahid,19, eldest son of Noyon of Joypur village under Titash Police Station in Cumilla. Masud had been living with his family in a rented house in Feni town for 19 years. Another teenage boy Irfan, 15, who sustained injuries in the attack was sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment. According to police and eyewitnesses, Masud worked with his father at an ice factory and also drove a tomtom. Read More: Journalist’s wife found dead in Rajshahi, husband injured  On Friday evening, he went out with his tomtom when a group of teenagers called him over. An argument followed and Masud was attacked with a sharp weapon. Both Masud and the injured Irfan were taken to Feni General Hospital where doctors declared Masud dead. Masud’s father Noyon, said, “My son worked with me at the ice factory. He had been unwell for a few days and went out with his tomtom on Friday. Later I heard he was attacked and sent to the hospital. When I arrived, I saw he was dead. I want justice for my son’s murder.” The deceased’s younger brother alleged, “Yafi, Rahat, Shanto, Maruf, and Niloy killed my brother. They had even attacked him before, injuring his head. I know them all and demand their immediate arrest and trial.” Read More: RU female student found dead in Rajshahi Feni General Hospital emergency doctor Ruhul Mohosen Sujan said Masud had died before arriving at the hospital. He had deep wounds on his left shoulder and chest. Rahat, one of the suspected attackers, has been detained by police. Feni Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Gazi Muhammad Fauzul Azim said police reached the scene immediately and investigation in underway.

Every school day, teachers and students in Feni step into classrooms of many schools that could collapse under their feet. More than 200 government primary schools in the district are operating despite damaged infrastructure, with over fifty buildings officially declared unsafe. For those inside, each day is a constant struggle against fear. In Feni, a district of 559 government primary schools, the aftermath of the 2024 floods is still painfully visible. Of the 284 schools damaged by the floods, many remain unrepaired, leaving teachers, students and guardians anxious about their safety, both locals and officials said. Read more: Infrastructure, education projects worth over Tk 190cr get govt nod In Feni Sadar Upazila, 110 out of 151 schools continue to function despite structural damage. Daganbhuiyan Upazila has 16 affected schools out of 102. Sonagazi Upazila has 77 schools damaged, Chhagalnaiya 65, Parashuram seven and Fulgazi nine. Many of these schools struggle with broken furniture, cracked walls, exposed rods, and leaking roofs. At Paschim Sonapur Government Primary School in Kazirbagh Union of Feni Sadar Upazila, UNB found classes continuing in a building that seems ready to crumble. Plaster falls from the ceiling, iron rods stick out dangerously, and cracks snake across walls and pillars. Rainwater seeps into classrooms, leaving students soaked and frightened. “We are always afraid because the school building is unsafe. It has not been repaired for a long time. We want the government to build a new school so we can study safely,” said students Abrar Mahmud Iran, Bibi Mariam Maria, Jannatul Fateya, and Jannatul Maula Radia. Parents share the fear. Mohammad Faruk and Md Saiful Islam said, “We fear sending our children to school. The building is unsafe and we do not know what might happen. Who will take responsibility if an accident occurs? The school is supposed to serve as a shelter during floods, but now even that is risky. We strongly urge the government to take immediate action.” Read more: ADB pledges $2.57 bln to boost Bangladesh’s infrastructure, finance For teachers, daily lessons are delivered under a shadow of danger. Arup Dutta, a local resident, described how plaster frequently falls during classes, rods jut out from walls, and ceilings leak when it rains. “We are teaching in fear. The government must build a new building to safeguard students’ education and future.” Headmaster Sangram Lodh added that the building’s poor condition, worsened by last year’s floods, leaves him with no choice but to continue classes there. “Many parents are now sending their children to kindergartens or madrasas instead of government schools. Despite repeated requests, authorities have taken no action to build a new facility,” he said. Mohi Uddin Khandaker, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Teachers’ Association, emphasised that education must happen in safe and supportive environments. “Urgent steps are needed to develop these dilapidated schools so that students can study with interest,” he said. Feni District Primary Education Officer Firoz Ahmed confirmed the scale of the problem. “The district has 559 government primary schools across six upazilas. Several were damaged in the 2024 floods, and more than fifty are in risky condition. Some buildings have already been repaired.” Cooking inside operation theatre at Feni General Hospital; probe body formed He said details of unsafe schools have been sent to the relevant authorities. “We hope that when the Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP-5) begins in July 2026, all schools will see improvements.” Until then, however, the children of Feni continue their studies in fear, navigating classrooms where every crack and leak is a reminder of the risks they face, and the urgent need for action, according to locals.

A Feni court on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant against 171 people including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with the killing of a college student during the July uprising. Feni Senior Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Hassan passed the order after accepting the chargesheet in the case. Former Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Feni-2 MP Nizam Uddin Hazari, Feni-3 MP Masud Uddin were among the accused in the case. Read More: District Judge Court staff found dead in Feni On July 31, 2025, sub-inspector of Feni Model Police Station and also the investigation officer of the case Alamgir Hossain, submitted the chargesheet against 221 people. On August 7, 2024, Mahabubul Hasan Masum, a college student, died from gunshot wounds received three days earlier, during the July Uprising. Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan, brother of Masum, filed a case against 162 identified people and 400-500 unidentified people with Feni Model Police Station. So far, 39 people have been arrested in the case.

In a major push toward clean energy, the government has taken up a plan to ramp up renewable power generation and reduce reliance on coal and fuel-based electricity that contributes to environmental degradation. The project titled “Construction of Sonagazi 220 MW Solar Power Plant,” will be implemented by the Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh Ltd (EGCB) under the Power Division. Once completed, it will stand as one of the largest utility-scale solar installations in the country. A Major Step Toward a Greener Power Mix The proposed plant will be set up in Sonagazi upazila of Feni district, marking a substantial stride in Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify energy sources and align with long-term climate and clean energy commitments. According to the project proposal, the solar plant will require an estimated investment of Tk 1,888.10 crore. Read more: BRAC Bank, IDCOL fund 64.55 MW solar project Of this, Tk 147.56 crore will come from the government, Tk 1,623.63 crore from foreign financing, and Tk 116.91 crore from EGCB’s own resources. The project is expected to run from July 2025 to June 2028. Officials said the move corresponds with national plans to boost renewable energy’s share in the power mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  It is also designed to help achieve the target of generating 20 percent of Bangladesh’s electricity from renewable sources as highlighted in the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) 2023. Under the plan, the government aims to raise renewable capacity to 38 gigawatts by 2050. Key Infrastructure and Technical Features The plant’s construction will involve installing 469,560 solar PV modules and 26 grid-connected inverters, supported by a 240MVA electrical substation. It will also include four 230/33kV transformers, auxiliary transformers and a 13.3km second circuit of a 230kV transmission line. Read more: BSTI opens state-of-the-art solar panel testing lab A new GIS bay at the BEZA substation and an AIS bay at EGCB’s existing 75MW substation will also be developed to facilitate uninterrupted transmission. Beyond its electrical infrastructure, the project includes building 6.9km of embankments, laying CC blocks along 2.67km of the southern dyke, excavating and renovating two canals spanning 3km, constructing 10.98km of internal roads, and developing a control room and a five-storey dormitory. A Vision Rooted in Earlier Planning EGCB’s journey in developing renewable energy in Sonagazi dates back to 2017, when it acquired 999.65 acres in Purba Bardhali mouza. Of this, 285 acres were used for a 75MW solar plant already in operation. The new 220MW facility will be built on 634 acres of the remaining land. Once operational, the electricity generated will be fed into the national grid via PGCB’s Mirsarai substation, ensuring distribution across the country. Read more: Solar power projects face delays amid challenges: Adviser Fouzul Kabir The Planning Commission officials said the project would add 220MW of clean energy to the grid, reduce carbon emissions, and support improved service reliability. It also said the initiative would help develop skilled manpower in advanced solar technologies. Solar Expansion Gains Momentum Nationwide Bangladesh’s renewable energy landscape has been expanding in recent years, with several high-capacity plants already operational. These include 275MW Beximco Gaibandha Solar PV Park, Rangpur (commissioned 2021 134.30MW Mongla Solar PV Park, Khulna (2021),134.30MW Orion Khulna Solar PV Park, Khulna (2021), 73MW Mymensingh Solar PV Park (2021), 20MW Teknaf Solartech Energy Limited Plant, Cox’s Bazar (2018) Large-scale initiatives under development include 1,000MW Swarna Dwip Solar Plant, Noakhali — a Bangladesh Army Welfare Trust project, 300MW Rampal Solar Power Plant, a Saudi-Bangladesh joint venture. Other projects in the pipeline involve capacities of 300MW in Sreemangal and 200MW each in Mongla and Thakurgaon, reflecting a strategic nationwide shift toward solar-driven power generation. As Bangladesh positions itself for a renewable-focused future, the massive Sonagazi solar plant is expected to play a transformative role—cutting emissions, easing pressure on fossil fuel imports, and ensuring cleaner, more reliable energy for millions. Read more: Walton installs country’s largest floating solar power plant

Unplanned, unregulated and unapproved poultry farms across Feni district are triggering severe environmental pollution, disrupting local biodiversity and putting thousands of residents at risk, according to locals and officials. Residents have filed repeated complaints with government offices over the growing pollution caused by the mushrooming farms. The district administration has responded with assurances of action, but meaningful intervention is yet to be seen. According to data from the Department of Environment (DoE), Feni has 1,367 registered poultry farms, while another 1,814 have applied for environmental clearance. Among these are 544 layer farms, 856 broiler farms, 384 Sonali farms, eight parent stock layer farms and 22 parent stock broiler farms. However, the number of illegal and unapproved farms remains unknown. Officials estimate the actual figure to be more than double the number of registered farms. A visit to several parts of Sonagazi upazila revealed poultry farms built haphazardly on rooftops, in residential yards, beside ponds, on croplands, along canals and directly next to roads. Despite clear guidelines requiring clearance from the Livestock Department and compliance with structural standards, the vast majority of these farms have ignored the rules altogether. During recent inspections, this correspondent found many farms operating without environmental clearance or Livestock Department licences, even though existing regulations require either DoE approval or registration with the Livestock Department before a farm can be established. Because these farms have expanded outside the legal framework, environmental pollution has intensified across Sonagazi and other unions. Read more: How Green Industries Can Reduce River Water Pollution in Dhaka City The impact on local ecology is profound, while residents say their daily lives have become increasingly unbearable. Agricultural lands are suffering extensive damage, with waste from an estimated 95% of the farms polluting water bodies and soil. Dumped waste is contaminating canals, disrupting irrigation and creating shortages of clean water. Although guidelines dictate that poultry farms must be located at least 200 metres from residential areas, many have been set up right beside homes, schools and mosques. The foul odour makes nearby roads difficult to use, and locals report rising illness among residents and students of surrounding educational institutions. Many residents say farm owners often wield local influence, making it difficult to protest. Those who raise concerns are reportedly harassed or threatened. Farm waste has also reduced crop yields, while the constant stench makes it difficult for children and adults alike to move around the affected areas. Mamtaz Begum, a 70-year-old resident of Char Elahi village under Motiganj Union, said she once lived peacefully. But over the past four to five years, influential locals have set up layer farms near her home. Waste from the farms has polluted ponds and croplands, while the smell, carried by the south wind, has worsened her breathing problems. She fears she may eventually have to abandon her ancestral home. Similar conditions prevail across Bogadana, Amirabad, Mongalkandi and Nawabpur unions, where unplanned and unapproved farms continue to proliferate without environmental clearance, livestock licences or even basic trade licences from the Union Parishad. Residents say repeated complaints and even human-chain protests have failed to yield results, largely due to weak monitoring. They demand strict action against the illegal farms. With 100M birds dead, poultry industry could serve as example as dairy farmers confront bird flu In Char Elahi village, a farm near the house of Mishu Soudagar was found just 15 yards from residential houses. Between 40 and 50 households live within a 150-yard radius. Waste is dumped into a small pit and nearby cropland, attracting flies and mosquitoes and producing an overpowering stench. Dead chickens wrapped in plastic bags were also seen dumped in roadside drains and fields. Kamal Hossain, a resident of the area, said locals must use the road beside the farm several times a day, enduring the unbearable odour. Children face difficulties travelling to school, while mosquito infestations have escalated sharply. Some farm owners, however, insist they are trying to comply. Ahsan Ullah of Bogadana Union said he started his farm to become self-reliant after returning from abroad. Closing it now would cause severe financial loss, he said, adding that he has applied for clearance. But nearby residents, including Pulak, Farida Begum, Khadija Begum and Abdul Shukur, said the farm’s waste has made life intolerable. Strong hatchery, skilled workforce vital for sustainable growth of poultry sector

At least three people, including two women, were killed and 10 others injured when a speeding bus lost control and ploughed into a roadside shop in Daganbhuiyan upazila of Feni district on Thursday. Two of the deceased were identified as Shamim Ara Begum, 50, wife of Shahidullah from Khushipur area, Md Shraban, 20, son of Abdul Matin from Dakshin Jaylaskar village of the upazila. Officer-in-charge (OC) of Mohipal Highway Police Station Harunur Rashid said the accident occurred around 10:15am when the Noakhali-bound bus of ‘Sugandha Paribahan’ from Feni Sadar skidded and hit an electric pole before crashing into the shop on Feni-Noakhali regional road near the entrance of Lucky Road adjacent to Silonia Bazar. The accident left at least 13 people injured, he said. Businessman killed in Meherpur road crash Locals rescued the injured and sent them to Feni General Hospital where physicians declared three of them dead on arrival, the OC said. Of the injured, seven are receiving treatment at the hospital, one was shifted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital and two others were released after giving first aid, he said, adding that the bodies have been kept at the hospital morgue. Blaming the reckless driving during rains, highway police officials said the bus was seized and legal action will be taken.

People along the banks of the Choto Feni River in three upazilas are living in constant fear as severe erosion devours land and swallows key regulators at Muchapur and Kazirhat. The erosion has struck Companiganj, Daganbhuiyan and Sonagazi upazilas, claiming crop fields, fruit orchards, roads and hundreds of homesteads. Locals estimate that some 41,000 hectares of farmland have already disappeared, while a further 30,000 hectares remain under threat. Homes, markets, religious institutions and major roads are also teetering on the brink. On September 15, more than a hundred residents from Badarpur village in Chormojlishpur union, Sonagazi, formed a human chain in front of the Feni Water Development Board office. They demanded urgent measures to save their homes, mosques and surrounding land from further erosion. Villagers said that although a contractor has been stationed in the area for over a month under a large-scale project, no meaningful protection work has begun — not even the placement of geo bags. They claim the contractor has blamed the Board and stalled progress with repeated excuses. Dug-up road turns into knee-deep canal; Kaliganj villagers have to use rafts Meanwhile, several roads have collapsed, cracks have appeared in houses and the situation is deteriorating fast. Residents warn that unless prompt action is taken, entire villages could soon disappear. Among the worst-hit locations in Sonagazi Upazila are North Char Darbesh, North West Char Darbesh, Char Sahavikhari, Char Injiman, Taltoli, Tellargat, Fakirapul and Italy Market in Char Darbesh Union. Badarpur and Miajir’s Ghat in Char Majlishpur Union have also been badly affected. In Bogdana Union, erosion has damaged Jelepara, Kuthirhat, Katakhila, Kalimandir, Aurarkhil, Adarshgram, Kazirhat Sluice Gate, Alampur, Dhanipara and Saheber Ghat. In Daganbhuiyan Upazila, Bhashashahid Salam Nagar village has been hit, while in Noakhali’s Companiganj Upazila, Muchapur village, Macchaghona, East Char Hazari and East Char Parbati in Char Parbati Union have suffered significant loss. Hundreds of cement and semi-cement houses have already been washed away. Villagers report that sections of their homes, trees and gardens have vanished overnight. Many are dismantling what remains and moving to temporary shelters. Some have tried to shore up the banks with bamboo and trees, but these makeshift barriers are proving futile. Dangerous Crossing: Kurigram villagers plead for permanent bridge The threat is particularly severe in north-west Char Darbesh, Kazirhat, Aurarkhil, Daspara, Katakhila and Kuthirhat, where the river is advancing relentlessly day and night. Monowara, a resident of Badarpur village in Majlishpur union, spoke of her grief, “The river has taken away our home.” Md Sentu Mia, also from Badarpur, said displaced families are staying with relatives. “They are going through immense hardship,” he explained. He added that although villagers have made attempts to stem the erosion, the contractor delayed starting work by two months. “Hundreds of people have become homeless in just two months due to heavy monsoon rains and high tides. Their homes are disappearing before our very eyes. We are helpless, and no one seems to be paying attention,” he said. Kamal Uddin from Char Gopalgaon described how the Chhoto Feni River runs along the western side of his village. Since recent floods, he said, the current has grown unusually strong, cutting into the banks for two to three kilometres. “Ten years ago, my house was swept away. Now I live on someone else’s land. Half of this village has already gone. Many more homes will disappear within weeks if urgent action is not taken,” he said. Meghnath Chandra Das, also from the area, said locals are trying to protect their homes with sandbags, bamboo and trees, “but it is not holding up at all.” Md Akter Hossain Majumder, executive engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board’s Feni office, confirmed that the Chhoto Feni, Feni and Kalidas Pahalia rivers are causing erosion across the three upazilas. He said 13 kilometres of riverbank are currently at risk. Billion-dollar Teesta mega project: A recipe for catastrophe He pointed to a major initiative, the ‘Be Strong’ project, recently approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Funded by the World Bank, the Tk171-crore scheme aims to reinforce vulnerable banks along the three rivers and is due to begin soon. Majumder added that in the 2024–25 financial year, repair work worth Tk17.75 crore has been completed at 116 locations. The Muchapur regulator, destroyed in last year’s flood, will also be rebuilt under a government initiative. Villagers remain hopeful that these measures, if implemented without delay, will spare them further loss and restore a measure of security.