District
26 rubber plantation workers abducted in Bandarban's Lama; ransom demanded from employer
A group of armed assailants abducted 26 workers from rubber plantations in the remote Murungjhiri area of Fasiakhali in Lama upazila, Bandarban, on Sunday.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Lama Police Station Md Shahadat Hossain said the incident took place around 10:30am when armed miscreants raided several rubber plantations in Ward No 1 of Fasiakhali union.
7 workers ‘abducted’ in Bandarban
The assailants took 26 workers hostage at gunpoint before fleeing the scene.
According to the plantation owners, the names of 20 abducted workers have been identified. They are: Md Faruk (26), Ayub Ali (26), Md Siddiq (40), Abdul Khalek (20), Abdul Majed (17), Monirul Islam (30), Ziaur Rahman (45), Md Mobarak (25), Md Harun (30), Romiz Uddin (32), Syed Nur (28), Md Kaysar (38), Monir Hossain (35), Md Imran (17), Md Manjurul (30), Abshar Ali (25), Khairul Amin (30), Abu Bakkar (28), Abdur Razzak (33), and Md Mobin (25).
15 families return to homes in Bandarban after 23 months: ISPR
The identities of the remaining six workers are yet to be confirmed.
Md Shahjahan, a plantation owner in Murungjhiri, said that 26 workers were kidnapped from six plantations, with 12 being taken from his plantation alone.
He further revealed that the abductors called him in the afternoon using a phone belonging to one of the kidnapped workers. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of Tk 50,000 per worker, amounting to a total of Tk 600,000 for his 12 workers.
OC Shahadat Hossain said that law enforcers, including police and the army, have launched a rescue operation.
He suspects the involvement of hill-based armed groups, who were also responsible for the abduction of tobacco field workers in Sarai Union’s Bamukhali area a few days ago.
228 minutes ago
Businessman hacked to death in Chandpur over property dispute; 3 held
A businessman was hacked to death while his brother was seriously injured in an attack over a property dispute in Kumardugi village of Shahmahmudpur union under Chandpur Sadar upazila on Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Md Yusuf Patwari, 40, a mobile phone trader at Hawkers Market in Chandpur town. His elder brother Ibrahim Patwari, 55, an imam at a local mosque, who sustained critical injuries in the attack, seems to have been the initial target.
Chandpur Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Bahar Mia said three people were detained following the incident. The arrested individuals are Yusuf’s cousin, Mohiuddin Pradhaniya, 55, his wife, Khodeja Begum, 43, and their son, Ramzan, 20.
According to local witness Rashed Gazi, the attack began when Ibrahim was stabbed in the chest and neck with a knife. Upon hearing his screams, his brother Yusuf rushed to his aid but was fatally attacked, sustaining severe injuries to his head and neck.
He collapsed in front of his house while attempting to escape and succumbed to his injuries on the way to Chandpur Government General Hospital. Ibrahim was given first aid at the hospital and later referred to Dhaka in critical condition.
Following the incident, locals surrounded the house of the accused to prevent them from fleeing and later handed them over to the police.
Day labourer shot in Banani's Korail Basti
Additional Superintendent of Police (sadar circle) Mukul Chakma visited the scene and said that an investigation is underway to recover evidence, including the murder weapon.
"The body has been sent to the morgue for an autopsy. Further details will emerge following the investigation. A murder case is being processed," the OC added.
126 minutes ago
Day labourer shot in Banani's Korail Basti
A day laborer was shot and injured by a man in the Cumilla Patti area of Banani's Karail Basti on Sunday.
The injured individual, Md. Hossain Ali, 28, is the son of Md. Mojibar Rahman from Sonarampur village in Bancharampur upazila, Brahmanbaria. He resides with his family in the Cumillapatti area of Karail.
Businessman, sister shot at Dhaka’s Pallabi
Hossain said that he had borrowed Tk 1,000 from a man named Khoka 10-15 days ago.
On Sunday afternoon, while Hossain was working on a tin roof at a house in Cumilla Patti, Khoka's younger brother, Ershad, called him over. Without any conversation, Ershad shot him in the stomach and then fled the scene.
16-year-old shot in Savar clash between AL, BNP affiliates
Md. Faruk, inspector in-charge of the DMCH Police Camp, said that Hossain Ali is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
121 minutes ago
Police constable commits suicide by hanging in Satkhira
A police constable died by suicide by hanging himself in Satkhira.
The incident took place early Sunday around 3:00 am at his rented house in the Rasulpur area of Satkhira.
The deceased was identified as Anupam Kumar Ghosh, 26, son of Ashish Kumar Ghosh from Durgapur Khoromkhali village in Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat district. His constable number was 1122.
According to police sources, Anupam Kumar Ghosh was serving at Satkhira Police Lines. He lived in a rented house in Rasulpur with his wife. After returning home from duty around 2:00 am on Sunday, he reportedly hanged himself from the ceiling fan with a towel around 3:00 am.
Woman killed, husband injured as truck hits them in Sirajganj
Family members rushed him to Satkhira Sadar Hospital around 3:30 am, where the on-duty doctor pronounced him dead.
Dr. Maruf Hasan, doctor of emergency department at Satkhira Sadar Hospital, confirmed that Anupam had died before being brought to the hospital.
Shaminul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Satkhira Sadar Police Station, said, “We visited the scene early in the morning upon receiving the information. Initial investigations suggest that he died by suicide due to family disputes. The body has been sent to Satkhira Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. Legal action will be taken after the investigation.”
2 hours ago
13,968 tonnes of rice imported from India through Benapole in 3 months
Despite the duty-free import of 13,968 tonnes of rice from India over the past three months, prices have not decreased in the markets of Benapole and Jashore. On the contrary, rice prices have risen by Tk 1-2 per kg over the past week.
In response, the government has extended the deadline for rice imports from India. Allocated importers will now be able to bring in rice until March 15, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Food on February 5.
It stated that the deadline for opening letters of credit (LCs) for non-Basmati parboiled and Atap rice imports has been extended until March 15.
Importers attribute the high rice prices to elevated costs in India, making it difficult to sell imported rice at lower prices in the domestic market. Consequently, they do not foresee any immediate price reductions.
Consumers, however, argue that there is no shortage of paddy or rice in the country, especially since Aman paddy has recently been harvested. Despite this, they are being forced to buy rice at higher prices, exacerbating financial burdens.
Many believe that a syndicate is still manipulating the market, and the lack of effective price monitoring is allowing prices to remain high.
Consumer Tuhin Hossain expressed frustration, questioning why prices remain high despite ample domestic stock and continuous imports.
“Every year at this time, when new paddy is harvested, the price of rice in the market drops significantly. But this time the market picture is different. It is necessary to investigate whether there is any manipulation by the syndicate,” he said.
Traders also acknowledge the strain on low-income groups, as rising prices of essential commodities are making daily survival increasingly difficult. Nearly all household staples have seen price hikes, with rice being no exception.
According to importers, a total of 13,968 tonnes of rice were imported through Benapole between November 17 last year and February 13 this year, following the government’s decision to lift import duties.
Initially, the government had approved the import of 392,000 tonnes of rice between November 17 and December 22.
However, as the expected volume was not imported within this timeframe, the deadline was extended to February 15. With prices still remaining high, the government has now extended the import period further to March 15, hoping for a price drop.
Rice mill owners and paddy traders argue that prices remain high due to the elevated cost of paddy this season. Rashid Chowdhury, owner of Choudhury Rice Mill in Navaron, said that coarse rice is selling at Tk 51 per kg, while Swarna rice is priced at Tk 53 per kg in wholesale markets.
He anticipates a price reduction once newly harvested rice enters the market, although lower production due to excessive rainfall might sustain the need for continued imports.
A field visit to several rice mills in Benapole and Sharsha upazila revealed that mill owners have struggled to procure sufficient paddy. Many farmers are stockpiling their harvest in anticipation of higher prices.
As a result, mill owners are sourcing paddy from other districts, which increases processing costs to over Tk 50 per kg for coarse rice and around Tk 63 per kg for finer varieties, according to the owners.
Wholesale rice trader Iqbal Hossain provided current market rates: coarse rice is selling at Tk 52 per kg, Hira rice at Tk 48, Unapanchash at Tk 56, Atash at Tk 58-60, Jirashail at Tk 76, Miniket at Tk 68-70, Indian Miniket at Tk 72-74, Basmati at Tk 90-92, Pajam at Tk 56-57, Swarna at Tk 52-53, and Nazirshail at Tk 84-85 per kg in retail markets.
Abu Taher, revenue officer (cargo branch) at Benapole Checkpost, reported that eight importers brought in 13,968 tonnes of rice between November 17 and February 13.
“Nationwide, 92 companies were permitted to import 273,000 tonnes of parboiled rice and 119,000 tonnes of Atap rice.”
He noted that many importers failed to meet deadlines, leading to multiple extensions and the government has mandated that imported rice must be marketed within 25 days, later extending this to February 15.
Despite this, imports have been slow, prompting the latest one-month extension to ensure adequate supply and potential price reductions, he said.
Benapole Port Director Shamim Hossain said, "In the last three months, 13,968 tonnes of rice were imported through Benapole with duty-free facilities. We are making arrangements to quickly release these consignments of imported rice as soon as they arrive at the port."
1 day ago
Woman killed, husband injured as truck hits them in Sirajganj
A woman was killed and her husband was injured after a truck hit them in the Chalabhara Bazar area of Sirajganj's Kazipur upazila on Saturday.
The deceased was identified as Julekha Khatun, 35, wife of Harun-or Rashid from Chalabhara Purbapara village.
Child dies as fire destroys home in Kurigram
Inspector (Investigation) of Kazipur Police Station, Lal Mia, said that the couple went for a walk on the road next to their house after Fajr prayers on Saturday morning. At that time, a speeding sand-laden truck ran over them, killing Julekha on the spot.
Locals rescued Harun-or Rashid, who was in serious condition, and took him to Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (SZMEC).
On information, police arrived at the scene and recovered the body, but they could not identify the truck.
Couple electrocuted in Gazipur’s Kapasia
However, since no complaint was filed, the body of the deceased has been handed over to the family.
A case has been filed at the police station regarding the incident.
1 day ago
6 Feni journalists excluded from list of injured in July-August uprising
Six journalists from Feni have been left out of the list of people injured in the July-August mass protests during the student-public movement against discrimination.
The journalists are Rafiqul Islam, correspondent for Bangla Vision and Bangla Tribune, Md. Shafi Ullah Ripon, correspondent for Daily Desh Rupantor and UNB, Mofizur Rahman, correspondent for Daily Dinkal, Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan, editor of Feni Gaurab, Amjadur Rahman, editor of Ajker Feni, and Hasnat Tuhin, correspondent for Daily Jobabdihi.
They were hurt during a clash in Mahipal on August 4.
Earlier, on January 1, the Health Services Division issued a notice to prepare the final list of martyrs and injured people from the student-public uprising. The families of the injured and deceased were asked to apply with necessary documents by January 31.
The six journalists who were injured in the clash applied, but the verification committee left their names out and sent others to the District Commissioner.
Kamrul Hasan, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Sonagazi, said that two student members of the five-person committee said they didn’t know the journalists.
31 sued in Feni over anti-state activities in WhatsApp group
Student representative Nahidul Islam said that only those who were directly involved in the student movement would be included. He said the journalists didn’t protest and if they were hurt while covering the news, the NSI-DSB would look into their cases.
Rafiqul Islam, one of the journalists, said he was in the hospital for three days after being hurt in the clash on August 4. He doesn’t know why his name wasn’t included on the list, even though he sent his hospital documents.
Shafi Ullah Ripon, another journalist, said there was video proof of the clash, as well as documents showing his injuries and a bike that was damaged during an attack. Despite this, his name was removed from the list.
Out of 22 people who applied from Sonagazi Upazila, 21 were included in the list. A total of 406 injured people from different professions were added to the list from the student-public movement in Feni.
Dr. Shihab Uddin, the Civil Surgeon, said that after receiving the list from the Upazila Committee, the information was uploaded online to the Health Services Division’s system.
Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said that if there is a reason for the rejection, the case will be sent to the Health Services Department or the Ministry for further review.
1 day ago
Child dies as fire destroys home in Kurigram
A five-year-old girl died as fire gutted a house at West Sukhdeb village in Rajarhat upazila of Kurigram on Friday.
The deceased was identified as Irin, daughter of Al Amin.
Couple electrocuted in Gazipur’s Kapasia
According to fire service and police, Alamin’s family had locked Irin inside the house before leaving for a religious gathering [Waz] in a nearby area.
When the fire started locals informed the fire service but the blaze had gutted the entire house before they reached the spot, leaving Irin dead inside it.
Abu Taher, the station officer of Rajarhat Fire Service, said that the poor road condition delayed their response.
Wedding party bus plunges into Faridpur ditch; 30 hurt
Firefighters suspect the fire originated from an electrical short circuit.
Rajarhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Taslim Uddin said the child’s body was handed over to the family for burial.
1 day ago
Collision along 3 vehicles on Dhaka-Mawa expressway leaves 12 injured
At least 12 people were injured in an accident involving three vehicles on Dhaka-Mawa Expressway near Nimtali bus station in Sirajdikhan upazila in Munshiganj on Saturday.
Abdul Kader Zilani, officer-in-charge of Hasara highway police, said a speeding bus of Survi Paribahan hit a Green Dhaka Transport bus from behind that crashed into a road safety patrol vehicle stationed ahead, leaving 12 passengers of Survi Paribahan bus injured.
All three vehicles were damaged with the front of Survi Paribahan bus sustaining the most severe damage, he said.
Later fire service personnel arrived at the scene and rescued the injured passengers.
Ten of the injured were sent to various hospitals.
Wedding party bus plunges into Faridpur ditch; 30 hurt
Traffic was diverted to the another lane after the accident.
Normal traffic resumed after the damaged vehicles were removed from the scene.
Police seized the three vehicles.
1 day ago
Couple electrocuted in Gazipur’s Kapasia
A couple was electrocuted on Friday at Seldia village under Kapasia upazila in Gazipur.
The deceased were identified as Mohammad Shahidullah Bhuiyan, 55, son of Momtaz Uddin Bhuiyan, and his wife Ferdousi Akter, 40.
Sub-Inspector Abdul Halim of Kapasia Police Station said Shahidullah installed an electric motor near his house to pump out water from a pond for fishing.
He got electrocuted while trying to turn on the motor.
Rickshaw puller found dead in Gazipur
As his wife Ferdousi Akter tried to rescue him she was also electrocuted.
Locals rescued the couple in critical condition and they died on the way to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
1 day ago