United News of Bangladesh

At Taminagar Government Primary School in Shailkupa upazila, Jhenaidah district, the arrival of gathering clouds does not herald the promise of rain alone; it signals an abrupt end to lessons. Here, classes are dismissed—not because of holidays or official announcements—but because the very roof above the students’ heads trembles with danger. The school’s weary walls and fragile ceilings tell a grim tale of neglect and decay. Cracks trace their way across the single-story structure, exposing rusted iron rods and crumbling plaster that hangs perilously from beams. Heavy rain turns Sylhet region risky for tourists; Sada Pathor site closed Every overcast sky casts a shadow of fear over teachers and pupils alike, prompting them to scatter before the heavens open and the fragile building succumbs to collapse. The roof, once a shelter of learning, has become a menace. Frequent incidents of falling plaster and weakening structural elements have turned classrooms into scenes of trepidation. Students and teachers live with the constant dread that each passing storm might bring destruction, forcing hurried dismissals and disrupting education. Local guardians, their faces etched with worry, recount a series of avoidable mishaps that have marred the school’s history. Despite repeated pleas and warnings about the building’s unsafe condition, the authorities have remained silent, their inaction evident in every cracked beam and peeling ceiling. Abdur Razzak Molla, Laily Khatun, Chhabiran Nesha, and Jharna Khatun—parents and community members—rushed to the school, voicing their deep concern for the children’s safety. Their fears are not unfounded; several students have already suffered injuries from falling debris, some requiring stitches after plaster rained down upon them. Ahad Ali, the dedicated headmaster, paints a sobering picture. “The school was founded in 1978 by the education enthusiast Siraj Uddin Molla on a 33-decimal plot of land. In 1994, the government built a three-room structure, but since then, it has steadily deteriorated.” Today, the fragile building teeters on the edge of ruin. “A collapse could happen at any moment,” Ali warns, as some guardians linger near the teachers’ common room or within the school grounds during class hours, desperate to protect their children from harm. Despite these daunting challenges, the school continues to shine in academics and sports, a testament to the resilience and spirit of its students and faculty. Yet, this triumph is overshadowed by the routine emergency dismissals triggered by even the slightest change in weather. Parents now rush to fetch their children whenever dark clouds loom, turning a day of learning into a hurried scramble for safety. Repeated verbal and written appeals to local and higher authorities have fallen on deaf ears. The pleas for renovation or a new building remain unanswered, leaving the school community trapped in a cycle of fear and uncertainty. Adding to the adversity, the school’s only playground floods with even a light drizzle, rendering it unusable during the monsoon season. “If a new building isn’t constructed soon, classes may have to be permanently halted due to safety concerns,” warns the headmaster. 3 held in Jhenidah while entering Bangladesh from India When approached for comment, Shailakupa Upazila Primary Education Officer Biswajit Saha assured, “The matter will be raised in the upcoming monthly coordination meeting, and necessary actions will be taken accordingly.” For now, at Taminagar Government Primary School, every darkening sky is not just a weather forecast — it is a stark reminder of the urgent need for shelter, safety, and hope.  

In the tranquil village of Khandakbaria under Shailkupa upazila, a plume of sweet-scented steam curls into the air as a rustic factory hums with life, a symbol of heritage and resilience that has defied time for nearly six decades. Here, amidst lush sugarcane fields and the gentle murmur of rural life, the art of traditional molasses-making continues to thrive, unfazed by the passage of generations or the march of modernity. Tucked along the roadside like a well-kept secret, this humble facility has been producing pure, unadulterated sugarcane molasses—known locally as ‘gur’—through a time-honoured process that blends old-world charm with contemporary adaptations. Operated by brothers Rezaul Islam and Mizanur Rahman, the factory stands as a testament to their late father's vision and devotion, his legacy preserved in every drop of the golden syrup they lovingly craft. “We’re simply carrying on what our father began,” said Mizanur, his hands stained with cane juice, eyes glowing with pride. “Long before the Mobarakganj Sugar Mill rose in Kaliganj in 1965, he was boiling molasses in clay pots right here, using cattle-driven crushers to extract the juice,” he said. Today, though the bulls are gone, replaced by belt-powered shallow engines, much of the process remains deliciously traditional. Target set to collect 3,000 mts molasses from date palm trees in Chuadanga The sugarcane—harvested fresh from nearby fields—is fed into machines that crush the stalks, releasing a stream of green-gold nectar. The juice is then filtered through coarse cloth and poured into enormous pots set over open, wood-fired stoves. Flames dance beneath six clay ovens, coaxing the liquid to a boil until it thickens and darkens into a deep reddish hue, redolent with caramelised sweetness. The bubbling syrup is stirred with care, shifted between stoves to perfect its consistency, then ladled into tin vessels and cooled in clay pots—a ritual as rhythmic as the seasons. The result: molasses of remarkable flavour, colour and purity, beloved in kitchens far and wide for sweet treats such as pitha, payesh, semai and suji. Once a staple of rural households across Jhenaidah, such molasses-making units have become increasingly scarce, giving the brothers' factory a near-mythic status in the area. With its tin-roofed shelter, soot-darkened walls, and the ever-present scent of burning wood and cane, it is more than a workplace—it is a living museum of rural craftsmanship. Production typically spans the cool months from December to March, with around one kilogram of molasses extracted from every ten kilograms of sugarcane. Togur: The Molasses Made from Watermelon Juice in Bangladesh “In our heyday, we could make 400 kilograms a month. These days, the yield is lower, but we remain committed to quality over quantity,” he said. Rezaul added, “This year, we hope to produce about 30 maunds—roughly 1,200 kilograms. We’re selling each kilo for Tk 200. Some farmers bring their own cane and use our facility to make molasses for home use. It gives them better value than selling raw cane at low prices.” The molasses, once cooled and packed, travels beyond Jhenaidah, sweetening meals in distant districts while kindling a sense of nostalgia among those who know its roots. Additional Agriculture Officer Abul Hasnat praised the factory's efforts, noting that local authorities are fully supporting such initiatives to ensure safe and high-quality production. “This is a shining example of how traditional industries can survive and prosper with the right guidance,” he said. Sarojganj Bazar in Chuadanga goes upscale with ‘quality’ molasses Indeed, as long as the fires burn beneath the clay stoves of Khandakbaria and the cane fields yield their bounty, the brothers' syrupy legacy is set to endure—thick, golden and unforgettable.  

Three people were shot dead by unidentified assailants near an irrigation canal in Ramchandrapur area of Jhenaidah on Friday night. Two of the victims have been identified as Hanif, son of the late Rahaj Uddin from Ahadnagar village in Harinakundu upazila, and his brother-in-law Liton from Srirampur village. Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Masum Khan said the victims sustained gunshots  to the head and chest. A brickfield worker and a child killed in road crashes in Magura Police recovered a magazine, two motorcycles, and bullets from the scene. Locals reported hearing multiple gunshots around 8:30 pm. Police reached the spot around 10:30 pm and sent the bodies to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Joint forces detained former MP from Jhenaidah-3 constituency Major Gen (retd) Md Sala Uddin Miaji from Jashore Sadar upazila on Tuesday night. Locals and students besieged Shyamolchhaya Park, owned by the former MP, in Rudrapur village of Chachra union under the upazila, on Tuesday evening after being tipped-off that Sala Uddin had been staying at the park. The protesting people tried to enter the park but failed due to intervention of the joint forces. Former MP and Food Minister advocate Qamrul Islam arrested in Dhaka Later around 11pm, the joint forces detained Sala Uddin, former military secretary to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from the park and handed him over to Detective Branch (DB), said Manjurul Haque Bhuiyan, officer-in-charge of Jashore DB. The detainee will also be handed over to Jhenaidah police today (Wednesday), he said. Sala Uddin was elected MP from the Jhenaidah-3 seat in the 12th national election.

Protesters vandalised a mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Sheikh Mujib Tower in Kaliganj upazila of Jhenaidah, said locals on Friday morning. Local Awami League leader Rashed Shamsher built the 123-foot-tall Sheikh Mujib Tower, known as the Statue of Freedom, in Shamshernagar village under Kashtabhanga Union a few years ago. On Thursday evening, members of the anti-discrimination student movement marched to the site and destroyed murals and structures associated with Sheikh Mujib. Mujib's mural, memorial plaques vandalised in Narail They later took the broken pieces to Barobazar town, set them on fire, and left them burning on the road. Hossain Ahmed, a coordinator of the district chapter of the student movement, said, "No murals or structures of Sheikh Hasina’s family will remain in this country. There will be no trace of fascism on the soil of Bengal. That is why we demolished and burned the murals." Hundreds of students and locals reportedly took part in the demonstration.

Farmers in Shailkupa Upazila of Jhenaidah district are facing a severe shortage of chemical fertilisers during the peak onion cultivation season. The fertiliser is not available from dealers as expected, and what is available in the open market is being sold at higher prices. This has left many farmers worried about their crops, fearing they could incur financial losses without access to the necessary fertilisers. Farmers across the upazila are complaining that they cannot get the fertiliser they need from the local dealers. Large influx of migratory birds enhances scenic charm of Ramrai Dighi in Thakurgaon Shariful Islam, a farmer from Dhaora village, has planted onions on 5 bighas of land and is concerned that the shortage of fertiliser may ruin his harvest. "If I can't apply fertiliser on time, I could lose all my capital," he said. Like many other farmers, Shariful has been forced to buy fertiliser from the open market at high price. Farmer Rafiqul Islam said, "When we go to the dealer to get fertiliser at the government-set price, the dealer refuses, claiming they don't have any." "But when we go to the open market, we can find fertiliser, but the price is Tk 300 to 400 higher per sack," he added. Record Aman harvest, yet rice prices soar: Who's to blame? Ayub Hossain, another farmer from Madandanga village, said "I have planted onions on 2 bighas of land this season, nurturing regularly in the hope of a good harvest. But I fear a crop failure if I can't apply fertiliser in time. If I lose my onions, I will lose all my investment." Other farmers, like Abul Hossain, face similar challenges. "I need 6 bags of fertiliser, but I have to stand in line all day to get just one bag," he said. Another farmer, Ismail, said, "If I can't give fertiliser on time, the onion yield won't be good. I'll lose my investment, and if that happens, I won't cultivate onions next year." Farmers in the region have further alleged that the dealers appointed at the union level do not operate from their designated locations. Instead, they have set up shops in municipal areas, selling fertiliser at prices higher than the rates set by the government. This has led to widespread frustration among farmers, especially during the peak onion planting season. They are now demanding a prompt solution to the ongoing fertiliser crisis. Sunamganj villagers haunted by river erosion blamed on illegal soil cutting Dealers, however, claimed that the supply is insufficient to meet the high demand. Shailkupa Upazila Agriculture Officer Arifuzzaman said that the shortage was partly due to farmers storing fertiliser in their homes, which has further limited availability. He assured that efforts are being made to distribute fertiliser to all farmers, and additional guidance is being given for better yields. This season, the target area for onion cultivation in Shailkupa is 12,000 hectares, with a demand for 8,000 metric tons of fertiliser, including urea, TSP, and DOP. However, the available supply has not been enough to meet these needs, leaving many farmers frustrated and worried about their crops.  

A 35-year-old man died, another sustained injuries when their motorcycle lost control and hit a tree in Moheshpur upazila of Jhenaidah on Wednesday morning. The deceased was identified as Naeem Hossain, son of Rafiqul Islam and a resident of Bhalaipur village in the upazila. Naeem’s cousin, Salim, was critically injured in the accident. Dr Farzana Nazneen Shammi of Moheshpur Upazila Health Complex said, "Salim's condition is critical, and he has been referred to Jashore General Hospital for advanced treatment." Witnesses said Naeem and Salim were travelling to Moheshpur from Bhalaipur on a motorcycle. As they attempted to overtake another vehicle near the Moheshpur Upazila Health Complex, they lost control, and the motorcycle crashed into a roadside tree. Locals immediately rescued the injured duo and rushed them to Moheshpur Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared Naeem dead.

A 50-year-old man was hacked and beaten to death by unknown miscreants in Kotchandpur upazila of Jhenaidah early Wednesday. The deceased was Kawsar Ali, son of late Lutfor Laskar of Chandpara village under Elangi union of the upazila and an accused in a case over the killing of Jamaat-e-Islam leader Enamul Master. Victim’s wife Ozela Khatun, said some 15 to 20 masked miscreants picked her husband up from the house around 12:30am. The miscreants hacked him with sharp weapon and beat with sticks after taking to Chanpara Rail Gate, she alleged. They rescued him and took to nearby Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex where physicians declared him dead, she said. Read: Ex-extremist leader hacked to death in Pabna There were marks of injuries on several parts of his body, she said. Kotchandpur police station Officer-in-Charge Kabir Hossain Matabbar said on information they rushed to the victim’s house. The motive behind the murder would be known upon probe, the OC said.

A 25-year-old unidentified youth has been killed after being hit by a train near Mobarakganj Railway Station in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah. The incident occurred on Sunday, according to witnesses. The identity of the deceased remains unknown. Teenager hit by bus dies in Sylhet; road blocked in protest Witnesses said the victim was wearing jeans and a gray t-shirt. Locals suspect that the youth may have jumped under the train, indicating a possible suicide. Arifur Rahman, a trolley man at the Mobarakganj station’s sub-assistant engineering office, said around 2pm on Sunday, unidentified youth was hit by Chapainawabganj-bound Mahananda Up train leaving Khulna near Babra Rail Gate of Mobarakganj Railway Station. Later, the Jashore Railway Police recovered the body after being notified by the station master.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained 47 Bangladeshi nationals during separate raids in various border areas under Maheshpur Battalion (58 BGB) of Jhenaidah on Saturday. Lieutenant Colonel Shah Md. Azizus Shahid, Commander of Maheshpur Battalion (58 BGB), confirmed the matter. Among the detainees are 12 women, 19 men, and 16 children. Several individuals were reportedly apprehended by BGB patrols in the past as well. Read: BGB detains joint secretary attempting to illegally cross border in Brahmanbaria The raids were conducted by teams from the Matila, Khoshalpur, Polianpur, Baghdanga, Shyampur, and Loraighat Border Outposts (BOPs) in the border areas of Maheshpur upazila. Lieutenant Colonel Shah Md. Azizus Shahid said that legal proceedings against the detained individuals are currently underway.