United News of Bangladesh

A Tk 1.5-crore project to renovate a vulnerable Teesta River dam in Nohali Union, Rangpur, has turned into a hub of illegal sand extraction, political involvement and profit-making, raising concerns among locals. Instead of reinforcing the embankment, influential groups and contractors are allegedly using the project to extract sand illegally. Locals describe it as a ‘sand looting festival’. The Water Development Board (Rangpur Zone) said the UNDP allocated Tk 1,38,94,085 to renovate a 1,206-metre stretch. Read more: Govt moves to modernise BSTI labs with Tk 851.93cr project Contractor Hasibul Hasan was officially in charge, but subcontractor Bharat Prasad is actually doing the work. Multiple irregularities have already been reported. No public notice board, required by law, was displayed at the site. Locals claim the work is proceeding secretly with the knowledge of PAUBO Executive Engineer Rabiul Islam. The official plan called for profiling the embankment with bamboo, pegs, and coconut-husk ropes, bringing soil from distant areas, and planting grass and tree seedlings. Instead, a 300-metre stretch has been filled only with sand, and a dredger is being prepared to extract sand directly from the river. Day labourer Serajul Islam said, “Four of us work here extracting sand for Tk 3,000 per day. The Executive Engineer knows about it.” Residents say local political figures, including UP Chairman Ashraf, former member Wahed, UP member Bakul (BNP), and member Azharul, are involved in the illegal sand removal. Most of the sand is sold outside, not used for the embankment. A 70-year-old former WDB employee warned that continued sand extraction could destroy homes in future floods. Attempts to protest were reportedly stopped by the Executive Engineer. Read more: Project launched to boost climate resilience, food security in Cox’s Bazar Subcontractor Bharat Prasad admitted he is managing the work through local political leaders and had paused site visits due to disputes over bamboo supply. UP member Azharul Islam claimed, “We are all working together; there is no problem.” Other local political leaders, including Ashraf Ali (Jatiya Party), Chand Sarker (BNP), Rifat Chowdhury (NCP), and Nayebuzzaman (Jamaat-e-Islami), denied involvement. PAUBO Executive Engineer Rabiul Islam initially defended sand extraction but later admitted irregularities and said he halted the work, ordering sand removal and proper reconstruction. UNO Mahmud Hasan Mridha said an investigation will be conducted, with action taken as needed, supported by Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan. Read more: Teesta cries for survival as northern Bangladesh’s lifeline runs dry

Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur, long hailed as a leading higher education institution in northern Bangladesh, has recently come under intense scrutiny over allegations of sexual harassment, nepotism and corruption. Sources at the university report that since its establishment, 33 students, faculty members and staff have fallen victim to sexual misconduct, raising serious concerns among educationists and civic society leaders. Fahkrul Anam Benju, an educationist in Rangpur and president of the Sujon Forum, voiced deep apprehension over the situation, saying, “When students in a leading university feel unsafe, words fail us. We are both angry and disappointed.” The issue came to public attention following allegations against Dr Shakibul Islam, an associate professor in the Disaster Science and Management Department, who has been relieved of all departmental duties. A notice issued by the department head, Professor Md Imdadul Haque, cited urgent action in response to complaints from students of the 2020–21 academic year. Dr Islam has been barred from supervising or examining fourth-year, second-semester courses, including DSM4207 (Research Project). Read more: BRUR Prof Rashidul Islam suspended over harassment allegation Several victims have claimed that their pursuit of higher education has placed their personal safety at risk. University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Showkat Ali described the situation as both ‘embarrassing’ and ‘shameful’. Meanwhile, separate allegations of corruption and nepotism have resurfaced involving five former university officials, including a previous Vice-Chancellor. Two of the accused were suspended at one point, while three others remain in their positions, with no visible administrative action taken. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed a case 12 years ago against former VC Prof Dr Muhammad Abdul Jalil Miah over alleged financial irregularities, recruitment malpractice, and nepotism. The university’s anti-corruption mancha first reported the VC’s alleged misconduct to the ACC on 5 March 2013, triggering an investigation. Abdul Karim, then Deputy Director of ACC Rangpur, confirmed that a case was filed on 12 December 2013 against the former VC and two others at Kotwali Police Station. Another accused was then-Registrar Md Shahjahan Ali Mondal. Over the course of a nearly three-year investigation, ACC Deputy Assistant Director Md Akbar Ali found further involvement of university officials, including Planning and Development Deputy Director ATGM Golam Firoz, Assistant Registrar Md Morshed Ul Alam Roni and Finance and Accounts Assistant Director Khandakar Ashraful Alam. The investigation revealed irregularities in appointments: Golam Firoz was promoted from an ad hoc Grade-9 position to Grade-5 Deputy Director without the required experience. Md Morshed was appointed Assistant Registrar within two years of completing his postgraduate degree, falling short of the mandatory five-year experience. Khandakar Ashraful was initially hired on an ad hoc basis and later regularised as Assistant Director (Budget) without meeting standard protocols. Read more: Panel formed to settle BRUR teacher Mahmudul’s seniority, promotion In July 2017, former VC Jalil and Registrar Shahjahan surrendered to the court and were sent to jail, while arrest warrants were issued for the other three officials. The university syndicate suspended Shahjahan, Firoz, Md Morshed, and Khandakar Ashraful. However, in October 2017, the court granted temporary relief to the three officials, allowing for administrative discretion by the university in case of questionable appointments. Later, the orders were mysteriously revoked, and their positions were regularised. The ACC appealed, and the High Court subsequently nullified the lower court’s relief, ordering the formation of charges. The case remains pending, with hearings delayed due to adjournments requested by the accused. VC Showkat Ali said, “The administration had not informed me about these issues. After learning of them through investigations, I inquired further. No department had brought this to my notice, so I could not take action. The corruption case involving the former VC and others is extremely important.” He added, “I am consulting with their lawyers and will act according to legal procedures. If departmental action is possible, it will be taken. I have never compromised on integrity, and any measures will be transparent.” The ongoing controversies at BRUR, ranging from sexual harassment to allegations of nepotism and corruption, underscore the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform in one of northern Bangladesh’s flagship universities. Read more: Rokeya University teacher Mahamud gets bail; OC transferred

Around 550 kilometres of roads in Rangpur district and the city remain in deplorable condition for decades due to poor maintenance, leaving thousands of commuters, students, transport workers and patients to suffer every day. According to the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range, 76 road accidents occurred in the district over the past two years, killing 51 people and injuring 356 others. Locals said the dismal state of roads, riddled with cracks and potholes, has made many routes almost impassable. Despite repeated petitions and symbolic protests,  including planting saplings along the broken roads, authorities have yet to take visible steps towards repairs. Data from the Rangpur Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) shows that out of 7,738 kilometres of roads across eight upazilas, 240 kilometres are severely damaged. Dhaka-Ctg highway’s 10-lane expansion shelved; focus shifts to railway Among them, 27.197 kilometres are in poor condition in Bhedarganj upazila, 22.295 kilometres in Gangachara, 16.650 kilometres in Kaunia, 74.120 kilometres in Mithapukur, 33.73 kilometres in Pirgachha, 40.470 kilometres in Pirganj, 10.480 kilometres in Taraganj and 20.200 kilometres in Sadar upazila. Meanwhile, Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) reports that 300 kilometres of roads out of 302 square kilometres across its 33 wards have deteriorated badly.  The four-kilometre stretch from Jahaj Company to Satmatha has become a virtual death trap for travellers, according to locals. The Rangpur Roads and Highways Department (RHD) also admits that 11 kilometres of its 382-kilometre road network are in extremely poor shape. A 2.29-kilometre section from Medical East Gate to Burirhat is riddled with potholes and erosion, frequently going under water during rains. Temporary repairs, officials say, have proven ineffective. Similarly, the eight-kilometre stretch between Rangpur Medical intersection and Modern intersection, along with another one-kilometre portion near Paglapir on the National Highway, has also become hazardous. An RHD official, requesting anonymity, said that a tender was floated for a Tk 7 crore road repair project for the Medical–Burirhat in March last year, but it is still awaiting approval from the secretary’s office.  Farmers’ fortunes rise as Rautnagar Canal revives Thakurgaon’s farmlands “Besides, an additional Tk 38 crore is urgently needed for the Road Division but remains unfunded,” the official added. Rangpur RHD Executive Engineer Md Moniruzzaman said Tk 37 crore is currently required to repair regional roads, but the proposal is pending fund release.  “Without approval, we can’t begin the work and people continue to suffer,” he said. LGED Executive Engineer Md Musa said Tk 120 crore is needed to repair 240 kilometres of rural roads. “But Tk 20 crore in previous allocations remains unpaid. Of the Tk 140 crore needed, only Tk 70 crore has been approved so far -- insufficient to complete the repairs,” he said. Rangpur City Corporation Supervising Engineer Azam Ali also noted the dire state of city roads. “Tk 210 crore is required to fix the city’s 300-kilometre road network. Without funding, no repair work is possible,” he added. During a recent visit to the affected areas, this UNB correspondent found most roads filled with deep potholes, forcing vehicles to sway dangerously. Even a light drizzle turns these roads into muddy, impassable stretches. Par Bishnupur residents in Narial fall victims to riverbank erosion Locals said accidents have become an almost daily occurrence, yet neither the government nor the ministry appears to be taking effective measures.  “We’ve protested in every way possible, but nothing changes,” said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Pirgachha. Transport owners are equally frustrated. “Our buses and trucks are constantly getting damaged due to the poor condition of the roads,” said Abdul Majid, a bus owner in Rangpur city. “Vehicle parts wear out faster, maintenance costs have skyrocketed, and we are forced to raise fares — passengers are the ones who suffer most,” he added. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said funding requests have been sent to the relevant ministries.  “We are hopeful that allocations will be approved soon and repair work will commence accordingly,” he said.

An anthrax outbreak that first appeared in Pirgachha upazila of Rangpur has now spread to two more upazilas, with suspected cases reported in Mithapukur and Kaunia, raising alarm among locals. Health officials said 13 people have so far been diagnosed with anthrax in Pirgachha, where two people died in July and September after developing symptoms of the disease. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) sent a special medical team to Pirgachha last month. On September 13 and 14, they collected samples from 18 suspected patients in Pirgachha Sadar and Parul unions, of which 13 tested positive. “Samples from frozen beef also tested positive for anthrax spores, while one patient was infected after exposure to contaminated goat meat,” an IEDCR source said. The Civil Surgeon’s office in Rangpur confirmed that the two earlier deaths were caused by anthrax. At least 100 others in four unions showed symptoms between July and September and livestock officials previously detected the bacteria in diseased cattle slaughtered in the area. Climate change behind world’s worst dengue death rates in Bangladesh According to Pirgachha Upazila Health Complex, around 60 patients have sought treatment so far, including 30 at the facility’s outpatient department. Upazila Health Officer Dr Muhammad Tanvir Hasnat said, “We are keeping records of all suspected patients. About 90 percent are recovering with treatment. However, the two deaths we confirmed were directly caused by anthrax.” Locals in villages such as Deuti, Purba Parul and Anandee Dhaniram reported that over the past two months anthrax killed more than 150 cattle. The outbreak has also exposed systemic weaknesses in livestock handling and meat sales across Rangpur division. Despite some 1,500 cattle and goats being slaughtered daily in the region’s 1,300 markets, veterinary checks are rarely conducted. No market has a modern slaughterhouse or permanent veterinary presence. Although laws require livestock to be examined before slaughter and butchers to obtain licenses and health clearance, most traders operate without permits, many claiming ignorance of the rules. Chandpur’s century-old municipal clinic closes leaving poor in distress Following the Pirgachha cases, anthrax has spread to neighbouring Sundarganj upazila in Gaibandha district, where 60–65 cattle and goats are slaughtered daily across more than 30 sites. Meat vendor Shukur Ali said checks are carried out only at the municipal market. “In Ramganj, unhealthy cattle are often slaughtered and the meat supplied wholesale to other areas,” he added. Livestock Officer Dr Biplob Kumar Dey said authorities were ensuring inspections at Sundarganj’s main slaughterhouses, but admitted enforcement in rural markets remained difficult. A similar situation exists in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur, where more than 60 traders operate without licences and health checks. Local butcher Hasinur Islam admitted he was unaware of the requirement. “We don’t slaughter sick animals, so we don’t do health tests. Because of limited space, we often slaughter cattle outside,” he said. Health experts warn that anthrax spreads to humans through contact with infected animals or their products—meat, blood, hides and bones—but not from person to person. The disease typically causes skin lesions and ulcers. From Cells to Care: Khulna’s new central jail promises real change Deputy Civil Surgeon of Rangpur Dr. Ruhul Amin confirmed suspected cases in Mithapukur and Kaunia. “We have sent eight more samples to IEDCR. The results are pending,” he said, urging the public to avoid slaughtering sick cattle. “We have adequate stocks of antibiotics at upazila health complexes. Treatment is effective if patients come early. But since the disease originates in livestock, prevention depends on veterinary measures.” Livestock officials said vaccination drives are being intensified. District Livestock Officer Abu Sayeed reported that over 165,000 cattle, goats and sheep have been vaccinated in Pirgachha, Kaunia, Mithapukur and Rangpur Sadar since August 26. “There is no reason for panic. Awareness programmes are being carried out in mosques, temples and marketplaces,” he said. Division Livestock Director Dr Abdur Hai Sarkar admitted manpower shortages were a major challenge. “We encourage traders to obtain licences and conduct health checks. But we don’t have enough veterinarians to cover every market. Volunteers are now being engaged to assist with inspections,” he said. As officials scramble to contain the outbreak, doctors and public health experts warn that continued neglect of veterinary rules could make anthrax a recurring threat in northern Bangladesh.

A newly constructed bridge in Ramnathpara, Boro Hazratpur Union, Mithapukur Upazila, stands as a symbol of progress but remains almost entirely unusable due to the lack of approach roads. Completed nearly a year ago, the bridge was intended to connect residents of five nearby villages more efficiently. Instead, it has become a daily hazard. Locals have been compelled to construct temporary bamboo ladders to access the bridge, a perilous solution that places thousands of people at risk each day. Students, the elderly, and patients are forced to navigate these makeshift ladders, which become treacherously slippery during the monsoon rains. Several people have already suffered injuries, highlighting the urgent need for proper infrastructure. According to the Mithapukur Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) office, the bridge was built in the 2024–25 fiscal year by M/s Muntaha Construction at a cost of around Tk 30 lakh, funded by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. Dangerous Crossing: Kurigram villagers plead for permanent bridge Yet despite its proximity – a mere 100 metres – to a herringbone road connecting Ramnathpara and Sadurpara, the bridge remains inaccessible. “Now it has become a death trap for us and we are in extreme suffering,” said local resident Nitai Chandra, adding, “The contractor didn’t build the road, even though the bridge was completed 10 to 11 months ago.” Another villager, Dhaneshwar Roy, lamented the disruption to education and daily life. “Our children can’t go to school properly. When it rains, the bamboo becomes so slippery that we sometimes have to build makeshift crossings ourselves. The government built the bridge, but without the road, it is useless.”

Around 15,000 residents of Pirganj Municipality in Rangpur are enduring severe hardship after their clean water supply was cut off following the breakdown of three pumps installed under a Tk 20-crore project. The pumps, set up by the Department of Public Health Engineering as part of its Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation System Improvement initiative during the 2021–22 fiscal year, stopped working some 15 days ago. Since then, households have been left without access to safe water for drinking, cooking and other daily needs. Many families have been forced to purchase bottled water, spending Tk 50–60 a day, an amount that is especially burdensome for low-income earners. Those unable to afford bottled supplies are now at risk of contracting waterborne diseases. Frustration has mounted among residents, who accuse the municipal authorities of failing to resolve the crisis promptly. Allegations of corruption linked to the water project have also surfaced. Locals allege that the former mayor, Tajimul Islam Shamim, reportedly on the run since the collapse of the previous government, and a public health assistant engineer, Al Mamun, benefited financially from the scheme. Concrete span, broken hopes: Gaibandha awaits the road ahead The three pumps were installed in 2022 at different locations: one on land owned by former councillor Saheb Ali near the Pirganj bus stand in Osmanpur Mouza; another in Sonakantar Mouza on land belonging to Lal Mia, said to be a close associate of the fugitive mayor; and a third in front of the Garabed Jame Mosque. Since their installation, the system has only delivered clean water for about four months. On August 27, the supply abruptly ceased again, leaving large parts of the municipality dry. “We can’t cook or wash properly. We have to buy drinking water from shops at high prices,” said a resident of Ward 4. Similar grievances have been reported from Wards 5 and 8, which are among the hardest hit areas. Municipal Executive Officer Abdur Rahim explained that the pumps had developed leaks in several places, forcing the authorities to suspend the supply.  He also noted that overdue water bills had slowed repair efforts. “Despite the challenges, we are trying to restore the water supply as soon as possible,” he said. Meanwhile, locals continue to urge immediate intervention, warning that the prolonged shortage could escalate into a public health crisis.

The bodies of three students were recovered from two rivers in Rangpur’s Badarganj Upazila on Sunday after they went missing while bathing, police said. According to police and locals, three students from Jamiyat-us-Sunnah Darul Ulum Madrasa in Badarganj town left the madrasa around 6:00 am, jumping over the madrasa boundary wall and going to the Jamuneswari River to bathe. Suddenly, Mehedi Hasan Siam, 13, from Nawabganj Upazila, and Alif Hossain, 13, from Parbatipur Upazila, drowned, while Al Hossain managed to get out and called for help. Locals and the fire service started a rescue operation and rescued Siam around 1:00 pm. He was taken to Badarganj Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Later, around 5:30 pm, Alif’s body was recovered from the river. Al Hossain is now in police custody. 4 children rescued after being abducted from house in Rangpur; woman detained The madrasa authorities confirmed that the students left the campus without permission. In another incident, a third-grade student named Tasin (10) drowned in the Chikli River at Dholai Ghat area of Badarganj’s Radhanagar Union. The incident occurred around 2:00 pm while Tasin was bathing in the river. He was a student of Dilalpur Madarganj Government Primary School and the son of Ziaurul Islam from Madarganj village. AKM Atikur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Badarganj Police Station, said police are investigating the incidents. The incidents have cast a shadow of grief over the area.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said a free and fair election is not possible without fundamental reforms. "A number of fundamental reforms must be made for fair elections. We have talked about those reforms. We must realise the reforms and also a fair election, InshaAllah," he said while addressing a divisional rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground. Referring to recent incidents of violence at Patgram in Lalmonirhat, he claimed that a neutral election is not possible in the current situation.  “So, the electoral atmosphere must be created first and we are demanding fundamental reforms to create such an environment,” he said. The Jamaat chief urged leaders of all political parties to act responsibly and take control of their activists to prevent political violence. He said if anyone dreams of holding an Awami fascism-style election, they turn that dream into a nightmare.  Major parties agree on special committee for constituency delimitation: Jamaat leader “No administrative coup will be tolerated. No hooliganism in the polling stations and the use of black money will be tolerated,” he added. About mob violence, the Jamaat Ameer said, “Mob culture has continued in the country for a long time, but no Jamaat activist has ever been involved in such violence. Since 1972, Jamaat has stood firmly against mob politics.” In the rally, Jamaat’s 'aspirants for 33 parliamentary seats' of Rangpur Division were introduced ahead of the next national election. Jamaat Rangpur city and district units jointly arranged the rally to press home four-point demand, including the trial of all perpetrators of killings carried out the 2024 July-August mass uprising and necessary reform before election. From gallows to public stage: ATM Azharul Islam Addressing the rally, Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam said Allah has brought him from the gallows to the public stage. Had it not been the August 05 uprising, the people would have attended his namaz-e-janaza (funeral). “Abu Sayed's sacrifice paved the path to my release… I demand quick trial of his killers,” said Azhar, who had been sentenced to death in a war crimes case but was acquitted following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5, 2024. ‘We’ve not got justice yet:” Abu Sayeed’s brother Ramzan Ali, elder brother of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, expressed frustration over the delay of justice. “Even after more than a year, we’ve only seen formal announcements. Four are in jail, and arrest warrants have been issued for 26 others. But this is not enough,” he said. Jamaat wants local polls before national election 'to reduce public suffering'  He demanded that all the accused be brought back from home and abroad, tried publicly under a platform like the July uprising tribunal, and sentenced accordingly. Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof Mujibur Rahman, Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar, assistant secretaries general Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Maulana Abdul Halim, Dhaka South Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, Dhaka North Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin and Islami Chhatra Shibir President Jahidul Islam also spoke at the rally presided over by Rangpur city Jamaat Ameer ATM Azam Khan. Friday’s rally marked the first major Jamaat gathering in Rangpur in nearly 17 years.  Thousands of leaders and supporters from Rangpur and neighbouring districts joined the rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground, with the crowd spilling over onto adjacent streets. The rally echoed with slogans demanding the implementation of Islamic law and governance by honest leaders.  Jamaat supporters travelled to Rangpur by rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and trucks since morning to join the event.

Rangpur Riders solidified their dominance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with an 8-run win over Khulna Tigers in Sylhet on Monday, maintaining their flawless record in the tournament. A disciplined bowling effort by Rangpur and a surprising late collapse by Khulna secured the Riders’ seventh consecutive win in a match that reached a climax in the last overs. Rangpur batted first and posted 186 for 5, powered by Khushdil Shah’s unbeaten 73 off just 35 balls, featuring seven sixes. His 115-run stand with Iftikhar Ahmed, who scored 43 off 36, rescued the Riders after a slow start. Khulna bowlers Abu Hider and Hasan Mahmud took two wickets each but struggled to contain Rangpur’s middle-order fireworks. BPL: Clark shines as Chittagong Kings beat Sylhet Strikers by 30 runs In their chase, Khulna appeared on course for victory at 164 for 4, needing only 22 runs off the final 18 balls with six wickets in hand. However, Rangpur’s bowlers, led by Akif Javed, who took 3 for 29 runs, and Saifuddin, who bagged 2 for 28 runs, turned the tide with a great comeback. A series of quick wickets, including two run-outs, saw Khulna collapse, losing six batters for just 12 runs and finishing at 178 for 9. Shakib, Litton left out as Bangladesh announce Champions Trophy squad Khulna’s Mohammad Naim scored 58 off 41 balls, while skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a 39 off 24. Despite their efforts, Khulna fell short, extending their losing streak to three matches after winning their opening two.

Rangpur Division created history by winning the title of the inaugural edition of the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 on Tuesday beating Dhaka Metro by five wickets on Tuesday in Sylhet.  The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) hosted the tournament to give the local cricketer more chances to play T20 cricket ahead of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). All the teams, which take part in the NCL First-class, also played the T20 edition of one of the most prestigious domestic cricket events of the country.  Rangpur won the toss in the final and opted to bowl first. Dhaka started with a big hope as Imranuzzaman drove Mukidul Islam Mugdho for a four through the deep cover region off the first ball of the match.  6-team 2nd South Asian Lawyers Cricket taking place Dec 23-26 But the morning did not show the day well for them. Dhaka lost four wickets in just eight runs with Mukidul taking three wickets in his first two overs.  With just 16 runs on the board, Dhaka lost five wickets. They had no clue against Rangpur's disciplined bowling attack.  Only two Dhaka batters— Shamsur Rahman Shuvo and Abu Hider Rony— were able to reach a double-digit figure.  Dhaka Metro beat Khulna to reach NCL T20 final Eventually, Dhaka crumbled for 62 runs in 16.3 overs. It was the lowest total in a T20 event final in Bangladesh.  For Rangpur, Mukidul and Alauddin Babu shared six wickets equally between them.    In reply, Rangpur reached the target with 52 balls to play and five wickets in hand.  But before closing the game, Rangpur also lost wickets quickly. They were reduced to 47 for five in 7.5 overs, keeping hope alive for Dhaka. But a cautious 23-run stand by Ariful Haque and Anamul Haque Anam sealed the match for Rangpur, earning them the pride of first NCL T20 title.  The NCL T20 served as a much-needed opportunity for local cricketers to prove their mettle in the shorter format of the game. These cricketers often get overlooked in BPL, where teams have a wider pool of cricketers, including foreign recruits.