Bangladesh
Two Trains Collide Head-On in Lalmonirhat
Russel Islam, Lalmonirhat: Rail communication between Burimari and the rest of the country has been suspended following a head-on collision between two trains in Lalmonirhat.
The accident occurred on Monday (July 23) at approximately 2:00 PM, next to the workshop of the Lalmonirhat Railway Station on the Burimari-Lalmonirhat rail route.
According to local sources and the railway department, the Lalmoni Express train, which had departed from Dhaka, arrived late at Lalmonirhat station and disembarked its passengers. Afterward, this intercity train was proceeding towards the workshop for cleaning. At the same time, the 461 Burimari Commuter train, departing from Burimari and bound for Parbatipur, was entering Lalmonirhat station on the same line. This resulted in a head-on collision between the two trains. As a result, two coaches of the passenger-empty Lalmoni Express train were derailed, and the railway line sustained minor damage. However, despite passengers being on the Burimari Commuter, no casualties were reported.
Since the incident, all rail communication on the Lalmonirhat-Burimari rail route has been cut off. Meanwhile, passengers of the Burimari Commuter train, which was bound for Parbatipur, are facing extreme hardship as the train remains stranded at the accident site. The relevant railway department has begun work to repair the line and salvage the coaches.
R.M.B. Benazir Ahmed, an officer from the security department of the Lalmonirhat Divisional Railway, who was present at the scene, stated, “There were no passenger casualties. Security personnel are ensuring the safety of the passengers. Rescue operations have also commenced.”
Sajid Hasan, D.M.E. of the Lalmonirhat Railway Loco Department, said, “No casualties occurred in the train accident. Rescue operations are underway. If any negligence of duty is found, it will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.”
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.