Bangladesh
Anthrax Scare Returns to Rangpur as Public Health Risks Rise
Fresh concerns have emerged in Rangpur and surrounding districts after new cases of anthrax were detected, raising fears of wider outbreaks. Health experts warn that despite laws requiring certification from civil surgeons and licenses from the livestock department prior to slaughter, most butchers operate without such approvals—and many are unaware of the law itself.
Recently, a patient was identified in Pirgachha upazila, while the disease has also spread to Sundarganj in Gaibandha district. In these areas, around 60 to 65 cattle and goats are slaughtered daily at 30–35 spots without health checks or licenses. In Mithapukur’s Imadpur union, infected meat led to human transmission: two people tested positive, while seven others showed symptoms. All are now under treatment.
In response, the livestock department and union councils have launched health checks, awareness meetings, leaflet distribution, and vaccination drives. Livestock officer Dr. Biplob Kumar Dey confirmed that slaughtering without chemical testing has been strictly prohibited.
In Taraganj, however, none of the 60–70 butchers reportedly hold licenses, with one admitting he was unaware of the requirement.
Doctors are urging the public to cook meat thoroughly and avoid direct contact with blood or flesh of sick animals. Experts caution that unless manpower and law enforcement are strengthened, the outbreak could worsen before winter.
Authorities in Rangpur stated that about 165,000 animals have already been vaccinated. While they assured the situation is under control, they stressed that lack of awareness and regulation among meat traders could lead to significant public health risks.
Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has reiterated that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held in February. He made the assurance on Wednesday (October 15) during an emergency meeting of the National Consensus Commission with political party representatives at the State Guest House Jamuna.
“This is not just talk — the election will be held in February, and it will be festive,” Dr. Yunus said during the meeting.
The meeting focused on the implementation process of the July Charter, a policy document developed through extensive dialogue among political parties.
Thanking party representatives, Dr. Yunus said, “The July Charter is the outcome of your long discussions. It has become part of history.” He announced that copies of the Charter would be distributed to all political parties and vowed to preserve and promote it while he remains in office.
The Chief Adviser urged political parties to apply the Charter’s principles in their political practice and daily governance.
Earlier, the Commission had distributed the final version of the July National Charter 2025 to all political parties, though recommendations on how to implement the proposed reforms are yet to be finalized.
Following the July 2025 mass uprising, the interim government was formed and established six separate reform commissions — on the constitution, electoral system, public administration, anti-corruption, police, and judiciary. The National Consensus Commission continues to consult political parties based on these commissions’ recommendations.
Crime and Justice
Woman Attempts Suicide by Setting Herself on Fire in Jhenaidah, Husband Also Burned
A woman in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila attempted suicide by setting herself on fire, leaving both her and her husband severely injured. The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday (14 October) in Charbakhurbar village.
Police and local sources said the woman, identified as 24-year-old Mahima Khatun, poured kerosene on herself before setting it ablaze. Her husband, Ashik Mia—son of Alok Mia—sustained burns while trying to save her.
The couple was rescued by locals and taken to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex. Later, due to their critical condition, they were transferred to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Dr. Shahnewaz, Medical Officer at Shailkupa Health Complex, said, “Both the husband and wife suffered burns on about 50 percent of their bodies. Their condition is critical.”
At least one person was killed and ten others were injured when a passenger bus plunged into a roadside ditch in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district on Wednesday morning.
The accident occurred around 11:30 a.m. at Purbo Sadordi area on the Faridpur-Barishal highway when a Dhaka-bound “Euro Line” bus lost control while attempting to overtake a “Shyamoli Paribahan” bus, police said.
The deceased was identified as Shamsunnahar Begum (41), wife of Nazrul Islam from Kachua village, Uzirpur upazila of Barishal.
Rescue teams from the fire service, highway police, and local residents rushed to the scene and took the injured to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
Bhanga Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Rokibuzzaman said that during an overtaking attempt, the Euro Line bus was hit by the Shyamoli Paribahan bus, causing it to veer off the road. “Both buses have been recovered, and the Shyamoli Paribahan bus has been seized,” the OC added.
Traffic on both sides of the highway remained halted for a while following the incident but later resumed normally.
-
campus18 hours agoAfter 36 Years, CU Students Vote in Long-Awaited Central Union Election
-
EDUCATION18 hours agoHSC and Equivalent Exam Results to Be Published on October 16
-
International1 day agoJordan’s King Abdullah warns: “Without a Palestinian state, the Middle East will collapse”
-
Crime and Justice1 day agoLand dispute turns deadly in Chuadanga: One killed, three injured
-
International1 day agoIsrael kills three Palestinians accused of crossing Gaza ceasefire line