Bangladesh
5.5-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Bangladesh; No Casualties Reported
In a startling wake-up call on Saturday morning, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck various regions of Bangladesh, causing panic among residents and leading to a brief exodus to the streets in the capital city of Dhaka.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake originated at 9:35 am local time, with its epicenter located 8 kilometers east-north-west of Ramganj in Lakshmipur. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reported a slightly higher magnitude, measuring the tremor at 5.6 on the Richter scale, as confirmed by on-duty official Robiul Haque.
The effects of the earthquake were not confined to a specific region, as reports came in of tremors being felt in various parts of the country, including Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangpur, Chuadanga, Noakhali, and Kushtia.
In the capital city, Dhaka, the seismic event prompted residents to evacuate buildings and gather on the streets, fearing the possibility of aftershocks. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and confusion as people hurriedly left their homes and offices to seek open spaces.
As of now, no casualties have been reported, and authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake. Emergency response teams are on standby, ready to provide assistance if needed.
The occurrence of earthquakes is not uncommon in this region, given its location on the seismically active Ring of Fire. Bangladesh has experienced earthquakes in the past, and efforts are continually made to raise awareness about preparedness and safety measures.
Awami League leader and former Upazila Vice Chairman of Bagharpara in Jashore, Abdur Rouf, has been arrested. He was detained from his residence in Dohakula village around 3:45 am on Tuesday (July 29).
The arrest was confirmed by Officer-in-Charge Fakir Taijur Rahman of Bagharpara Police Station.
According to a source speaking to BDTelegraph, a case was filed at Bagharpara Police Station last December by Khokon Laskar, Joint Organizing Secretary of the Bandabila Union unit of the Swechchhasebak Dal. The case named 308 Awami League leaders and activists. Abdur Rouf has been shown arrested as a suspect in that case.
Earlier, on May 9, DB Police arrested Munjur Rashid Swapon, Chairman of Raypur Union Parishad. He is currently in jail. On June 20, Bablu Kumar Saha, Chairman of Narikelbaria Union Parishad, was also arrested in the same case but was later released on bail.
The case accuses the defendants of vandalism and crude bomb explosions during the BNP’s centrally announced union-level march program held on February 11, 2023.
OC Fakir Taijur Rahman confirmed that Abdur Rouf was arrested early Tuesday morning and was later sent to jail through the court the same day.
An elderly man in Bangladesh’s Brahmanbaria district was brutally attacked and severely injured by his own son, allegedly over a family dispute regarding property. The 78-year-old victim, Dhan Mia, suffered broken limbs and severed tendons in his legs. He has been transferred to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment.
The incident occurred on Monday (28 July) in Taraula village under the Chapartala Union of Nasirnagar upazila. Dhan Mia is the son of the late Konai Mia of the same village.
According to the victim, he has two wives and separate families. Of his seven sons, the alleged attacker, Masuk Mia, is the third son from his first wife. “Masuk wants to take over the house in his name,” Dhan Mia said. “He has a history of unruly behavior and has faced legal charges before. Yesterday morning we had an argument over the issue, and later, near the mosque, he attacked me with a sharp weapon.”
Dr. Md. Solaiman Mia, trauma surgeon at Brahmanbaria District General Hospital, confirmed the extent of the injuries. “Both his arms and legs are fractured, and tendons in his legs have been cut. We have referred him to Dhaka for specialized care,” he stated.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Nasirnagar Police Station, Md. Azharul Islam, said they are aware of the incident but have not yet received a formal complaint from the victim’s family. The accused, Masuk Mia, is currently on the run.
People and Culture
Comrade Moni Singh’s 124th Birth Anniversary Celebrated in Durgapur with Grand Events
Netrokona Correspondent:
The 124th birth anniversary of legendary communist leader, freedom fighter, and founding president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Comrade Moni Singh, was celebrated today, Monday (July 28), with various day-long programs in Durgapur, Netrokona. Comrade Moni Singh was a revered figure in the anti-British struggle, a key leader of the Tonk movement, and an advisor to the wartime Provisional Government during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
The festivities, organized by the Comrade Moni Singh Fair Celebration Committee, commenced with the hoisting of national and party flags at the Comrade Moni Singh Memorial Museum premises in Durgapur municipality. The event was formally inaugurated by Comrade Dr. Dibyalok Singh, a prominent member of the CPB Central Committee, a renowned physician, social worker, and convener of the fair celebration committee.
Following the inauguration, a solemn ceremony saw freedom fighters and representatives from various political, social, and civil society organizations lay wreaths at the portrait of Comrade Moni Singh, paying their respects to the visionary leader. A vibrant celebratory procession then wound its way through the main streets of the town, drawing attention to the significance of the occasion.
In the afternoon, a thoughtful discussion meeting was held focusing on the profound life and extensive work of Comrade Moni Singh. Chaired by Comrade Dr. Dibyalok Singh, the session was skillfully moderated by Rupan Kumar Sarkar, General Secretary of the CPB Upazila Committee. Speakers included Ajay Saha, Joint Convener of the Fair Celebration Committee; Alkas Uddin Mir, President of the Upazila CPB; Morshed Alam, General Secretary of the District Farmers’ Association; Shamshul Alam Khan, President of Upazila Udichi; Bireswar Chakraborty, a representative of civil society; Shafiul Alam Swapan, a cultural personality; Taslima Begum, a women’s leader; Jahangir Alam Ripon, a teacher; and Nirantar Banowari, President of the District Indigenous Union.
The speakers unanimously highlighted Comrade Moni Singh’s unwavering dedication to the oppressed and deprived throughout his life. They emphasized his relentless struggle for the rights of working people and his continuous fight to establish an exploitation-free society. Describing him as a “beacon of our ideals,” they asserted that his exemplary life and work would continue to guide future generations.
The day concluded with a captivating cultural program presented by the Upazila Shilpakala Academy and Udichi in the evening. This was followed by an award distribution ceremony for the winners of various competitions held as part of Comrade Moni Singh’s birth anniversary celebrations, adding a celebratory note to the commemorative events.