1. Meghna Launch Capsize Death Toll Reaches 43
2. Sufferings of Slum-Dwellers in Dhaka
3. Buriganga River Pollution Crisis
4. 4-Day Science Fair at Monipur High School Inspires Young Scientists
5. Celebration of Baishakhi Mela
6. Child Labour on the Rise in Bangladesh
7. Visiting a Historical Place
8. Shortage of Playgrounds: A Serious Problem
9. Prize Giving Ceremony at Our College
10. Flooding in Mirpur
11. Frequent Power Outages in Mirpur
12. Rising Food Prices
13. Book Fair at Bangla Academy
14. Food Adulteration Is on the Increase
15. A Devastating Fire at Feroza-Yakub Garment Factory
16. Rain Causes Waterlogging and Traffic Chaos in Dhaka
17. Celebration of Independence Day
18. Nation Celebrates Pahela Baishakh
19. Nation Celebrates Victory Day
20. Traffic Jam in Dhaka
21. Digital ICT Fair Starts
22. Deforestation Posing Threat to Ecology
23. A Terrible Road Accident on the Dhaka-Satkhira Highway
24. Voting Halted at 25 Centres in 10 Municipalities
25. Illegal Hunting: Migratory Birds Face Extinction

 

 

 

1. Meghna Launch Capsize Death Toll Reaches 43

Staff Correspondent, Mirpur, Dhaka, March 9, 2012: The tragic capsize of the launch ML Saros in the Meghna River on Friday has now claimed 43 lives, with rescuers recovering an additional 12 bodies on Saturday. The accident occurred at Gazaria in Munshiganj when the passenger vessel, en route from Narayanganj to Matlab in Chandpur, collided with a sand-carrying cargo ship around 7:30 a.m. Friday.

Initial recovery efforts saw local residents pulling four bodies from the river shortly after the disaster. By Tuesday, rescue teams had retrieved 39 more bodies from the submerged vessel, increasing the confirmed death toll to 43. The ML Saros was reportedly carrying over 150 passengers when it capsized in stormy conditions, leaving dozens of people initially unaccounted for.

An investigation, led by Kazi Saiful Islam, concluded that the capsize was primarily due to overloading of passengers and goods. In response, the district administration has provided 4,000 taka (approximately 63 U.S. dollars) as financial aid to each of the 33 families of the victims, with additional families set to receive the same assistance. A police patrol continues to monitor the river as the recovery operations conclude.

2. Sufferings of Slum-Dwellers in Dhaka

Staff Reporter, The Daily Star, April 15, 2013: Life for Dhaka’s slum-dwellers remains harsh and challenging. Visiting various slums across the city, this reporter observed that all slums face numerous hardships. Estimates suggest that around half a million people live in Dhaka’s slums, with this population growing steadily. The residents are typically poor and uneducated, working as day laborers, hawkers, rickshaw pullers, and construction workers. Many are garment factory employees, while others work as housekeepers or even resort to begging. Earning very low wages, these individuals often struggle to meet basic needs.

Rahim, a slum resident, shared that lack of access to essentials compounds their daily struggles. They do not have clean drinking water, electricity, or basic sanitation facilities, leading to highly unhealthy living conditions. Women and girls are especially vulnerable. According to Rahima, an elderly woman in one of the slums, local criminals harass, exploit, and sometimes even assault women and girls. The slums are also frequently misused by criminals for drug trafficking and other anti-social activities.

Although government officials and political leaders occasionally promise improvements for these communities, these commitments rarely materialize, leaving slum-dwellers trapped in poverty and deprivation.

3. Buriganga River Pollution Crisis

Staff Reporter, Mirpur, Dhaka, March 9, 2012: The Buriganga River, once the lifeline of Dhaka, is now among the most polluted rivers in Bangladesh, severely impacted by industrial and human waste. Once a vibrant waterway, its waters are now so contaminated that all fish have perished, and the river’s surface resembles a thick, black gel. The foul odor has made it nearly impossible to row across.

The Buriganga’s decline reflects the state of many rivers in Bangladesh, a country woven together by hundreds of rivers that are increasingly under threat. Widespread encroachment and the unregulated disposal of industrial, medicinal, and household waste have rendered the Buriganga’s water unfit for human and animal use.

A major contributor to the pollution crisis is the cluster of tanneries along the riverbanks. In a bid to address the issue, the government has recently initiated plans to relocate these tanneries and has ordered illegal encroachers to vacate the area. However, environmental groups report that political connections and bribery allow many polluters to ignore these directives, further endangering the health of the Buriganga and those who rely on it.

 

4. 4-Day Science Fair at Monipur High School Inspires Young Scientists

Monipur High School recently hosted the 2013 Science Fair, a 4-day event filled with excitement as young scientists displayed their creative projects. Judges included Wasima Parveen, the Deputy Chairperson, and Mira Murshed, the Head of Academics, who carefully reviewed all the projects.

Students presented their projects with reports, display boards, and models. Some Class IX students even created an affordable, battery-powered car! They believe it could help reduce air pollution and make car ownership easier for more people because of its low cost.

Some of the most impressive projects focused on topics like heart disease, fermentation, the star chart and solar system, and double circulation. Many students also tackled local issues, offering solutions for problems like flooding, load shedding, and global warming.

The main goal of the fair was to inspire young scientists and help them discover their hidden talents while encouraging a science-focused mindset. Students, parents, and teachers all enjoyed the event, which provided a fantastic opportunity for students to improve their research and creativity skills.

 5. Celebration of Baishakhi Mela

A vibrant Baishakhi Mela was held at Rotary School and College yesterday to celebrate the Bengali New Year, Pohela Boishakh. The two-day event featured singing, dancing, acting, and stand-up comedy, along with food and craft stalls. Popular Bengali foods like pitha, payesh, panta-ilish, and jhaal-muri were enjoyed, and traditional crafts like pottery, bangles, and cane products were on display.

Folk performances, including Jatra plays and Baul and Bhatiali songs, entertained the crowd. The stalls also showcased beautiful handmade cakes and colorful sweets that were a hit with families. Excitement filled the air as people lined up for the raffle, hoping to win prizes like an LCD TV or laptop. Attendees dressed in traditional attire, with women in white sarees with red borders and men in white pajamas and panjabis. Many young women decorated themselves with bangles and flowers, while children delighted in the face-painting and clown performances.

The Baishakhi Mela, an ancient festival, continues to unite people in celebrating Bengali culture and heritage, preserving traditions and passing them on to younger generations.

6. Child Labour on the Rise in Bangladesh

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka, March 9, 2012: Child labour is a major issue in Bangladesh, where more than 6.3 million children under the age of 14 are working, according to a report by the UN Children’s Fund. These children are employed in many different jobs, including as maids, garment factory workers, helpers on buses, street vendors, tea plantation workers, and restaurant helpers.

Boys are often given tasks like grocery shopping, cleaning drains, taking out garbage, washing cars, and selling nuts. Girls, on the other hand, usually do jobs like ironing clothes, answering phone calls, and serving guests. Child domestic workers receive very low wages, typically between 80 to 400 taka per month, which they usually give to their families, keeping nothing for themselves.

Many of these children face unsafe working conditions. Some get injured in factories or while working with machinery. They are often exposed to harmful dust, fumes, loud noises, and extreme heat, which can lead to muscle and breathing problems.

Child labour is not only harmful but also unfair. Bangladesh needs to take strong steps to end child labour and help children grow up in a safe environment. Children are the future of the country, and they deserve a chance to learn, play, and prepare to be the responsible citizens of tomorrow.

7. Visiting a Historical Place

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka, March 9, 2012: A historical place is one that tells us about the past. Bangladesh is filled with such important sites, and visiting these places is both exciting and educational. Exploring historical locations helps us learn new things and break away from our daily routines.

One such place is Mahasthangarh, which is a significant part of our history. This site was once the capital of several ancient kingdoms, including the Mouryas, Guptas, and Senas. The old city of Mahasthangarh was about 2,000 meters long and 1,500 meters wide, surrounded by strong walls. It used to be a bustling city located on the western bank of the river Korotoa.

Around Mahasthangarh, you can find elevated areas called ‘Vitas’, ‘Kundus’, ‘Ghous’, and ‘Dhaps’. There is also a spot known as the ghat of Khakabati, where part of the dried river remains. The site features a museum that displays various artifacts, such as images, dice, and ornaments that have been excavated from Mahasthangarh. These relics help visitors learn about our past civilization and leave a lasting impression.

Visiting Mahasthangarh is not just fun; it’s also a great way to explore history. However, it’s important for the government to protect this area to prevent further damage. Everyone would enjoy the experience of visiting Mahasthangarh and learning more about our rich heritage.

8. Shortage of Playgrounds: A Serious Problem

Staff Reporter, Dhaka, March 9, 2012: In Bangladesh, while schools and colleges are growing rapidly, many of them in the capital still lack playgrounds, even though parents are paying high tuition fees. The absence of playgrounds is harming students’ physical and mental health, according to doctors at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital. This shortage also makes it harder for students to have a complete education.

Students from nearly all schools and colleges are worried about this issue and are urging authorities to build playgrounds as soon as possible. Md. Raihanul Haque, a father of a student, mentioned that many schools operate in small buildings, forcing students to use parks as playgrounds, which causes problems for local residents. Shaheena, another parent, believes that schools without playgrounds should not be allowed to operate.

Murtaza Noor, an official from the government’s Higher Education Commission, stated that schools and colleges are required to hold sports competitions and physical training sessions for students, including cricket, hockey, football, basketball, and gymnastics. However, he did not explain why no action has been taken against schools that do not have playgrounds.

To create a healthy and happy environment for students, it is essential to have playgrounds. These spaces play a crucial role in developing a new generation that is both physically fit and mentally strong.

9. Prize Giving Ceremony at Our College

Staff Reporter, Mirpur, July 5, 2012: A prize-giving ceremony was recently held in our college auditorium, and it was a joyful occasion. Students who earned a GPA of 5 in the final examinations last year were honored with awards. The event was well-organized and beautifully decorated, creating a festive atmosphere for everyone attending, including students, parents, teachers, and special guests.

The ceremony began at 10 o’clock in the morning with a warm welcome from our college principal. The Chief Guest, a Member of Parliament and the chairman of our Governing Body, was invited to the stage to present the awards to the outstanding students. Since our college is well-respected in the area, many students received recognition for their achievements.

After the awards were handed out, the Chief Guest delivered an inspiring speech that encouraged all of us to continue working hard. To end the ceremony on a high note, students put on a short cultural program featuring patriotic songs, Nazrul Geeti, Tagore songs, and poetry recitations. The audience showed their appreciation with loud applause when the program concluded. Finally, the principal wrapped up the event by thanking all the distinguished guests for their presence.

10. Flooding in Mirpur

Staff Correspondent, Mirpur, July 5, 2012: Recently, a flood in Mirpur has caused great suffering, resulting in the deaths of five people and affecting about 30,000 others. The Buriganga River overflowed, flooding many villages in the area, including Sadarghat, Puran Dhaka, and Islampur. The flood has destroyed crops and livestock, leaving many people homeless.

Many families have sought shelter in relief camps set up in local schools and colleges, but they are struggling without enough food, clean water, and medicine. Most tube wells are underwater, leading to a serious shortage of safe drinking water. Sadly, several people, including three children and two elderly women, have died from diarrhea caused by unsanitary conditions. Immediate help is needed, including dry food, medical supplies, and clean water. Although the government has sent some relief materials, it is not enough. Everyone is encouraged to help those affected by the flood.

Local community organizations are also stepping up to provide support and distribute essential supplies. Many volunteers are working tirelessly to deliver food and water to the hardest-hit areas. It is crucial for both the government and citizens to come together during this crisis to ensure that those in need receive the assistance they require.

11. Frequent Power Outages in Mirpur

Staff Correspondent, Mirpur, July 5, 2012: Residents of Mirpur are facing major problems due to frequent power outages. Electricity goes out 8 to 10 times a day, especially during peak hours, disrupting daily life and damaging electronic devices. Mirpur is an important area with many schools, factories, and businesses, and these outages are affecting all activities.

Students find it hard to study at night due to the darkness, which also creates safety issues. To solve this problem, more power plants need to be built, and illegal connections must be stopped. The General Manager of the local electricity company said they are trying to provide a consistent supply, but they can’t keep up with demand.

Residents have expressed their frustration, stating that the outages make it difficult to run businesses and complete schoolwork. Many families have invested in generators, but not everyone can afford this option. Community leaders are urging the government to take immediate action to address the electricity crisis. Without a reliable power supply, the overall quality of life in Mirpur continues to decline.

12. Rising Food Prices

Staff Correspondent: One of the biggest concerns for people right now is the rising prices of essential goods. A recent visit to kitchen markets in Dhaka showed that prices for rice have increased to between 32 and 40 taka per kg. The prices for pulses are also high, ranging from 85 to 90 taka per kg. Palm oil has reached an alarming price of 100 to 105 taka per kg, while soybean oil is between 112 and 116 taka per kg.

Egg prices have surged to 23 to 26 taka for four pieces, and chicken prices have risen to 120 to 135 taka per kg due to bird flu. Although prices for some vegetables and sugar have dropped slightly, the overall trend of increasing prices is troubling. If this continues, people with low incomes will struggle to afford basic necessities, leading to serious hardships.

Many families are now forced to change their eating habits, opting for cheaper and less nutritious food options. This shift can have negative effects on their health and well-being, especially for children and the elderly. Community leaders are calling for government intervention to stabilize prices and protect vulnerable populations. Without prompt action, the situation may worsen, affecting the entire economy and quality of life for many citizens.

13. Book Fair at Bangla Academy

The Omor Ekushey Boi Mela, Bangladesh’s national book fair, has started at the Bangla Academy. This month-long event, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, honors those who lost their lives on February 21, 1952, while fighting for Bengali to be recognized as a state language. Between 300 and 400 publishers are participating, setting up stalls for people to explore a wide range of books, including foreign titles. The fair also features stalls selling cassettes of Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, and folk songs. Visitors of all ages are attending, enjoying the festive atmosphere and maintaining good behavior as they browse for books. Law enforcement ensures security throughout the event, making it a successful and enjoyable occasion for everyone.

In addition to the book displays, there are also cultural performances scheduled throughout the fair, showcasing the rich heritage of Bangladesh. Many students are excited to meet their favorite authors, who are participating in book signings and discussions. Food stalls offering traditional Bangladeshi snacks add to the festive ambiance, making the event a perfect outing for families. Overall, the fair serves not only as a platform for literature but also as a celebration of Bangladeshi culture and identity.

14. Food Adulteration Is on the Increase
Staff Reporter, Dhaka, July 5, 2012: Many people around the world would be shocked to learn that Bangladeshis are eating adulterated foods and still staying alive. Food adulteration has become a serious problem in our country. Even though people know that these foods can harm them, they often ignore the risks. Almost all types of food, from fish and meat to vegetables and milk, as well as snacks like biscuits and drinks like juice, are often mixed with harmful substances. Restaurants and hotels are also serving these unhealthy foods. Reports show that eating adulterated food can lead to serious illnesses like diarrhea and dysentery throughout the year. Recently, both the government and the public have become very concerned about this issue. The government has started using mobile courts to find and punish dishonest sellers, but these efforts are not enough. Some people are trying to avoid certain adulterated foods, but more action is needed. It is important for both the government and the public to work together to completely eliminate this problem. Everyone deserves to eat safe and healthy food. If we do not address this issue, it could lead to more health problems for our people.

15. A Devastating Fire at Feroza-Yakub Garment Factory
Staff Reporter, Mirpur, July 5, 2012: A huge fire broke out at a garment factory near Dhaka on Tuesday, causing great destruction. The fire started in a 10-story building owned by the Feroza-Yakub Group in the Mirpur industrial area. Tragically, at least 25 people lost their lives, and more than 100 were injured. It is not yet clear how the fire started or how much damage was done. Firefighters reported that the blaze destroyed fabrics, machinery, and other equipment inside the factory. The fire broke out on the upper floors during lunchtime, and a locked gate in a stairwell trapped many workers inside. Some workers had to jump from the building to escape the flames. Witnesses said they saw at least 25 bodies being loaded into ambulances. About 13,000 people work at the factory each day, but most of them were outside buying lunch when the fire started. Firefighting units quickly arrived to help, but they struggled to control the flames until late in the evening. The government has ordered an investigation to find out what caused the fire. In response to the tragedy, the company and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association announced they would provide around $1,420 in compensation to the families of those who died and would cover the medical expenses for the injured. Although workers’ safety in the garment industry has improved recently, many labor rights groups believe that safety standards are still not good enough in many factories.

16. Rain Causes Waterlogging and Traffic Chaos in Dhaka
Staff Reporter, Dhaka, July 5, 2018: Heavy rain has led to severe waterlogging in Dhaka, especially in areas like Mirpur, Farmgate, and Rup Nagar, where streets are filled with knee-deep water. This flooding has created major problems for residents, including issues with clean water, sanitation, and food supply.

Commuters are struggling to reach their destinations due to traffic jams, and those who find rides are facing high fares from drivers taking advantage of the situation. Day laborers are particularly affected as the rain disrupts their work. Many families have been displaced from their homes, and the situation has created urgent humanitarian challenges.

Efforts to drain the water have not been successful, mainly due to a faulty drainage system clogged with garbage and plastic bags. The government, along with UN agencies and NGOs, is recommending improvements to the drainage system and restoring local canals to manage floodwaters more effectively. The PMC engineering team has started work to address the waterlogging issue, but long-term solutions are urgently needed to prevent future flooding.

17. Celebration of Independence Day
Staff Reporter, Mirpur, July 5, 2012: Our college, Rotary School and College, celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm and respect. A special committee, led by Assistant Lecturer Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, organized various activities for the occasion. The college was beautifully decorated, and an artistic gate welcomed everyone at the entrance.

The celebration began at 7 a.m. with the principal hoisting the national flag. Students participated in a colorful parade around the town, showcasing their pride. Later, a discussion meeting took place in the college auditorium, with Deputy Commissioner Mr. Maruf Hossain as the chief guest. He gave an inspiring speech about patriotism. Other speakers included Mr. Zahur Ali Mollah, Mr. Yakub Ali, and a student representative. The principal, Mr. Nurul Momen, presided over the meeting.

To conclude the celebration, a milad and doa mahfil was held, conducted by Maulana Yakub Ali. It was a memorable day for everyone at the college, as we honored our country’s independence.

18. Nation Celebrates Pahela Baishakh
The nation celebrated Pahela Baishakh, the Bangla New Year, on Tuesday with colorful events across the country. People from all walks of life gathered at historic sites and popular locations in the capital and beyond to welcome the New Year 1422 with hopes for a better year ahead. Messages of greetings were issued by President Mr. X, Prime Minister Mr. Y, and opposite party Chairperson Mr. Z to all Bangla-speaking people.

The most vibrant celebration began at dawn at Ramna Batamul, organized by Chhayanaut. Students from the Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University, wearing colorful masks, led a ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ parade. Many enjoyed traditional dishes like ‘Panta Bhat’ with fried hilsa fish, lentils, green chilies, and onions, both at home and at local fairs. Throughout the day, men dressed in panjabi-pyjamas, women in red-bordered saris, and children in colorful outfits flocked to Baishakhi Melas and cultural events.

Various socio-cultural organizations, including Bangla Academy and Shilpakala Academy, organized meetings, seminars, and discussions to celebrate our cultural heritage. Pahela Baishakh holds great significance, reflecting our rich traditions and culture and showcasing our unique cultural identity.

19. Nation Celebrates Victory Day
The nation celebrated the 46th Victory Day yesterday, honoring the three million martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the brave fighters. A colorful parade took place at the National Parade Square in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where President Hamid inspected the parade as the chief guest.

National flags were displayed on government and private buildings, and public spaces were decorated with lights and festoons. Various organizations held discussions, cultural programs, candlelight vigils, and musical performances to mark the occasion. Special prayers were offered in places of worship, seeking blessings for peace and progress in the country. Free entry was granted to destitute children at the Shishu Park in Shahbagh, and special meals were served in jails, hospitals, and orphanages. The Bangladesh Postal Service issued commemorative stamps and souvenirs to celebrate the day, which was also observed with pride in other districts across the country. People expressed their love for the nation through songs, dances, and storytelling, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. The spirit of unity and gratitude filled the air as citizens reflected on the sacrifices made for the country’s independence.

20. Traffic Jam in Dhaka

Yesterday, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dhaka faced a major traffic jam, with hundreds of trucks, cars, and motorcycles stuck on the roads. The traffic stretched from Mohamad Ali Road to Meghna Bridge Junction and from Mirpur Road to New Market Road. This situation was caused by a political procession, and it worsened during peak traffic hours. Many drivers tried to take shortcuts using back roads, but they ended up going in circles. It took almost an hour and a half just to get from Mirpur Road to New Market Road.

Taxi driver Milon Akhter said he had never seen a traffic jam this bad in his 12 years of driving. Traffic jams are a serious issue in Dhaka, with long lines of vehicles stuck at various points every day. The roads are often too narrow for the number of cars, and both licensed and unlicensed rickshaws, buses, and overloaded trucks contribute to the congestion. Many drivers lack proper training, and some often try to overtake each other, which makes things worse. There aren’t enough traffic police to manage the situation effectively, and careless parking, narrow roads, and slow-moving vehicles like rickshaws and pushcarts add to the problem. Frequent road construction and political activities on the streets also create traffic issues. People in Dhaka hope for a permanent solution to these problems so that they can travel more easily.

21. Digital ICT Fair Starts

A five-day Digital ICT Fair-2018 is set to begin tomorrow at the BCS Computer City Centre on Agargaon Road, with the slogan “Digital Literacy for Everyone.” The Computer City Centre Owners’ Association is organizing this event to showcase the economic potential of the IT sector. Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar will inaugurate the fair, starting with a welcome address from guests, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the national anthem, honoring the martyrs of the Liberation War and the Language Movement.

The fair will feature a variety of activities, including a cake festival, cultural events, and raffle draws on every floor of the Multiplan. Over 650 shop owners and computer brands will participate, offering special promotions to attract visitors of all ages. The fair will primarily focus on digital devices, making it easy for customers to purchase the latest technology. Entry tickets for visitors are priced at Tk 10, while school students can enter for free. There will also be discounts on tech products, especially appealing to the younger generation. Organizers encourage everyone to come and learn more about digital innovations that can improve daily life and boost business opportunities. This fair is a great chance for people to explore new gadgets and gain knowledge about the digital world.

22. Deforestation Posing Threat to Ecology

Minu Akter, Reporter, Dhaka, 27 June 2018: “Bangladesh is always faced with a constant threat from ecological imbalance, and reckless deforestation is adding to this problem day by day,” said Mr. Aminul Huq, President of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon. With only 17.08% of its land area covered by forests, Bangladesh is experiencing severe degradation of its natural resources and significant changes in land cover. A major factor contributing to deforestation is industrialization, which has led to the destruction of tropical moist deciduous Sal forests.

Illegal logging is a complex issue supported by local syndicates operating behind the scenes. To combat this, it is crucial to stop illegal logging and the conversion of Sal forests. This can be achieved by involving all stakeholders in creating and enforcing effective forest policies and strict environmental protection laws. Deforestation harms the earth’s physical environment by causing soil erosion, reducing water quality, decreasing food security, and impairing flood protection, according to a report from the World Resources Institute. As forests provide employment and food for many people, their destruction can lead to mass migration to cities. Moreover, the influence of tropical forests on weather patterns means that deforestation can disrupt rainfall, leading to altered weather conditions.

On World Environment Day, Prime Minister mmmMr. X emphasized the importance of tree planting during the inauguration of the 2018 tree plantation program on June 5. She urged citizens, “Please plant trees wherever you can to protect the environment. We want to create a green nature, which is essential for our food security, nutrition, health, and happiness.”

23. A Terrible Road Accident on the Dhaka-Satkhira Highway

Staff Report: A terrible road accident occurred on the Dhaka-Satkhira Highway yesterday. A speedy bus traveling from Satkhira collided with a private car heading in the same direction. The driver of the private car, Hasan, was seriously injured in the crash. In their anger over the accident, some bystanders began to damage the bus, while the bus driver, who fled the scene, was fortunate to escape.

Traffic was halted for several hours following the incident. Eventually, the Deputy Commissioner of Satkhira, along with the police, arrived to disperse the crowd and restore order. They seized the bus and filed a case of negligent driving against the missing bus driver. Tragically, Hasan succumbed to his injuries after being taken to a nearby hospital.

The police are currently investigating the incident, and although the bus owner and driver have not yet been apprehended, authorities are optimistic about bringing them to justice. Hasan’s parents arrived at the scene, devastated by the loss of their son, lamenting, “We have lost our son forever. Our lives are filled with sorrow.” In response to the tragedy, the state transport minister announced compensation of 200,000 taka to the families of the deceased and 50,000 taka for the injured.

24. Voting Halted at 25 Centres in 10 Municipalities

The start of the country’s first municipality elections in 234 municipalities was marked by clashes, ballot occupations, and allegations of forced voting. Reports indicate that 18 people were killed in separate incidents on election day, leading to the suspension of voting at more than 25 polling stations. In the weeks leading up to the election, over 100 people had already lost their lives, mostly in rural areas, raising fears of violence that kept many voters away.

Police reported having to fire on opposition activists during six separate incidents. While Dhaka remained relatively calm apart from a few crude bomb explosions, violence erupted in Satkania, near the port city of Chittagong, where a poll official was injured and police were attacked. Just two hours into the voting process, a three-member team from the party, led by an adviser to the party chairperson, visited the Election Commission to file a complaint. They alleged that supporters of the ruling party had occupied around 60 polling centres within the first two hours of voting. Returning officer Nazmul Kabir confirmed that voting was suspended around 10:15 AM.

Election officials faced significant pressure as they tried to ensure a fair voting process amid the chaos. As tensions escalated, many voters expressed their disappointment and frustration, fearing that their voices would not be heard in the electoral process.

25. Illegal Hunting: Migratory Birds Face Extinction

It is shocking that various species of migratory birds flying into Bangladesh from Siberia during the winter months are being hunted indiscriminately. Although it is illegal to hunt any animal species, especially birds, for pleasure in the country, this unfortunate practice continues, and many people fail to see the importance of wildlife. As these birds make their migratory journeys, they face numerous challenges. They may be shot, caught in nets, or become glued to branches due to various human activities. Poisoning also leads to high mortality rates among these birds.

The illegal trade in vultures and other raptors further contributes to their decline, as parts of these birds are in high demand for bush meat or traditional medicine. In some cases, migratory birds are even secretly served as delicacies in restaurants and homes across the country. To raise awareness about the need for conserving migratory birds and their habitats, World Migratory Bird Day has been celebrated each year since 2006. The Bangladesh government has taken steps to combat the illegal killing of birds by establishing a task force to implement an action plan.

By fostering cooperation and initiating conversations among all social groups and decision-makers, we can create safer migratory bird flyways and ensure a healthy environment for both birds and humans. Protecting these birds is essential not only for biodiversity but also for maintaining ecological balance.