Wednesday, October 15, 2025

7 killed in violence

Oppn calls hartal in Sirajganj, Bogra, Comilla, Rajshahi to protest deaths
At least seven people, including a member of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), were killed and over 200 injured as the BNP-led 18-party alliance supporters clashed with law enforcers and ruling alliance activists across the country on Tuesday, the first day of the 48-hour blockade programme. The opposition activists also uprooted rail tracks at several places, laid siege on major highways, and vandalised and set fire to scores of vehicles and several election offices.
The blockade programme almost crippled the public transport services across the country.
The opposition alliance is enforcing the nationwide rail-road-waterway blockade programme to protest the announcement of the schedule for the 10th parliamentary election and to push for their demand to hold the next general election under a non-party government.
BNP Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the blockade that began at 6am Tuesday and will end at 6am Thursday.
Activists of the 18-party alliance earlier waged violent protests, immediately after the announcement of the polls schedule on Monday evening, leaving two people killed and over 100 injured.
With these deaths, the country witnessed the loss of 9 lives in two days of violent protests after the announcement of polls schedule.
Of the seven deaths on Tuesday, two each were reported from Satkhira and Comilla and one each from Bogra, Sirajganj and Feni. Among the victims, one was a BGB member, two were claimed to be opposition activists and two ruling alliance supporters.
Protesting the deaths of the opposition activists, local BNP units called dawn-to-dusk hartal in Sirajganj and Bogra, eight-hour in Comilla and half-day in Rajshahi for Wednesday.
In Comilla, BGB member Ripon Mia, 38, was killed during a clash with 18-party activists in Charmatha area.
Comilla police super Tutul Chakrabarti said that Ripon had received bullet injuries during the clash and was immediately taken to Comilla Medical College Hospital where he was declared dead. A police constable also received bullet injuries and was taken to the hospital, he added.
A rickshaw-puller was killed and 10 people were injured as the police opened fire on protestors at Daulatganj Dighir Par in Laksham upazila around 11am.
In Satkhira, local Juba League leader Mahmudul Islam Babu was beaten to death, allegedly by Jamaat-Shibir activists, at Alaipur of Koloroa upazila around 11am. A leader of the Olema League, Rabiul Islam, was also killed during clashes with Jamaat-Shibir activists.
In addition, more than 40 people were injured in a series of clashes between Jamaat-Shibir activists in different parts of the district. The law enforcers detained a Jamaat activist from Itagachha.
In Sirajganj, a pedestrian, Sakman Ali, 26, was killed and 25 people were injured as BNP and Jamaat-Shibir activists clashed with the police and ruling Awami League activists.
Witnesses said BNP and Jamaat-Shibir activists clashed with police at Jogaiyer intersection area of the town around 8am and vandalised vehicles. At one stage, law enforces fired rubber bullets and teargas shells to disperse the activists. Hit by a teargas shell, Sakman jumped into a nearby pond and died there.
Claiming Sakman as their party activist, the Sirajgnaj district BNP has called a daylong hartal for Wednesday, in protest against his death
In Bogra, district Juba Dal organising secretary Yusuf was killed and 20 others injured during clashes with law enforcers at Banani intersection of the town.
Earlier, a group of masked people torched the Sadar election office around 12:30pm, leaving the upazila election officer and three others injured. Fire fighters later doused the flame.
In Feni, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver was killed in an attack by blockaders at Shaheed Shahidullah Kaisar road in the town on Tuesday night, according to a UNB report.
In the capital, at least 30 people, including three journalists and five policemen, were injured as opposition supporters clashed with law enforcers at different places.
The three journalists were injured when two crude bombs were exploded in front of the BNP office at Nayapaltan around 7:30pm.
The were identified as Sajeda Sheoly, staff reporter of Bangla news 24.com, camera person of the Independent Television Khaled Ferdous Chandan and Mahmud Siraj, staff reporter of SA TV. They were rushed to DMCH.
Hospital sources said the journalists had sustained splinter injuries in their legs and they were out of danger.
Pro-blockade activists set fire to a CNG-run auto rickshaw in front of Mouchak market in the evening, leaving the CNG driver, Nizam Uddin, 38, critically injured.
In another incident, Babu Ahmed, 35 and Dhaka University student Arzun sustained injuries at Dhanmondi area in front LabAid Hospital when pro-blockade activists set fire to a bus around 6:00pm. They were undergoing at DMCH.
In Rayerbagh, Jamaat-Shibir activists exploded several crude bombs and set fire to a human hauler around 8:30pm.
Kaikobad Kazi, officer-in-charge of Dakshinkhan Police Station, sustained injuries during a clash with opposition activists in Azampur of Uttara, said SA Newazi, senior assistant commissioner (Airport Zone) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Four more policemen were also injured in the incident. Law enforcers rounded up seven people from Uttara.
Three people were injured when miscreants set fire to five vehicles and vandalised 16 others at Uttara, on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway in Jatrabari and the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Aminbazar.
The driver of a CNG-run auto-rickshaw sustained burn injuries when pro-blockade activists allegedly set fire to his vehicle near Eastern Plaza Market in Hatirpool around 1 pm.
Opposition supporters blasted at least nine crude bombs in Uttara, Nayapaltan and Aminbazar.
Miscreants also vandalised a bus at Tongi Bazar near Abdullahpur around 2:30pm.
Opposition supporters exploded a crude bomb near the BNP central office in Naya Paltan around 11:15am. The police fired seven to eight warning shots.
In Shantinagar, a woman was critically injured after she was hit by a cocktail around 3:30pm. She was admitted to DMCH ‘critically’.
Law enforcers including police, RAB and BGB remained on high alert at different strategic points to avert any untoward incident in the capital.
In Savar, blockaders vandalised two school buses, leaving five students injured.
In Laxmipur, at least 30 crude bombs were blasted at different places of the district. Blockaders torched a motorbike in Uttar bus stand area and a portrait of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Dalal Bazar.
In Noakhali, at least 20 people were injured in a clash between the police and opposition activists at Maijdi Court area. Of them, five were hit by bullets.
In Gazipur, blockaders vandalised five vehicles in Kaliganj upazila. Police detained a man from the upazila headquarters.
In Pabna, train communications on the Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka-Rajshahi routes remained suspended for nearly three hours after a group of blockaders torched Dhaka-bound “Sirajganj Express” at Ishwardi Railway Station around 7am.
In Rajshahi, at least 50 people, including BNP city unit general secretary Shafiqul Haque Milon, were injured in a clash with the police
when they tried to block Zero Point in Sahebazar area of the city.
In Khulna, 18-party activists locked in a clash at the Power House intersection. They vandalised at least 25 trucks and blockaded Rupsha Ferryghat, Natun Rasta intersection and Fulbaria Gate.
In Mymensingh, five people were injured as blockaders removed fishplates from the railway tracks in Gouripur upazila around 5am, halting rail communications between Mymensingh and Netrakona.
In Habiganj, at least 20 people were injured in a clash between local BNP activists and the police. One person was detained from the spot.
In Kurigram, activists of 18-party alliance blockaded roads and railways in different upazilas. Local AL supporters and Jamaat-Shibir men locked in a clash at Pateshwari Bazar of the Sadar Upazila, leaving 10 people injured.
In Cox’s Bazar, blockaders vandalised at least 12 vehicles, including a media transport, at different points of the town. Five persons were arrested in this connection.
Reports of violence also came from Jessore, Narsingdhi and Sylhet.
From Tuesday evening, a joint combing operation by BGB, RAB and police have started in different areas, including Satkhira, Bogra, Comilla, Sirajganj, Chittagong and Narsingdi to bring the law and order situation under control.
A number of BNP-led 18-party alliance activists were detained in the drive.

-With The Independent input

Related News

Bangladesh and KSA sign pact for workers’ rights

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have just inked a labour recruitment agreement, marking the first deal aimed at promoting fair recruitment practices and protecting workers’ rights. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser, Prof. Asif Nazrul, and the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmad Bin Solaiman Al-Rajhi, recently came ... Read more

Poor pay, allowances of teachers affect education

World Teacher’s Day today Shahin Akhter Poor pay-scale and allowances and low social status mark the poor condition of the teachers in Bangladesh affecting the education sector, observed educationists and researchers. They also said that the Bangladeshi teachers were lagging much behind their fellows even in the neighbouring countries in terms of these facilities and ... Read more

Protecting hilsa: 22-day fishing ban begins

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The government has put a 22-day halt on catching, transporting, storing, selling, and marketing hilsa throughout the country. This measure aims to protect the fish during its crucial breeding season. The ban started at midnight yesterday and will last until October 25, as stated in a notification from the Ministry of ... Read more

Road fatalities: 446 crashes, 417 lives lost in September

News Desk : dhakamirror.com In September, a tragic report from the Road Safety Foundation revealed that at least 417 people lost their lives and 682 were injured in 446 road accidents throughout Bangladesh. Among those who died, there were 63 women and 47 children, as highlighted in the foundation’s monthly report released today. In 151 ... Read more

Man’s fatal fall into Ramna Park lake

News Desk : dhakamirror.com A tragic incident occurred yesterday at Ramna Park in the capital, where a man drowned in the lake. The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Wasimul Haq. The police were able to identify him using fingerprint records. According to Ramna police SI Mizanur Rahman, he was discovered unconscious around 6:00 PM ... Read more

Tariff Commission’s size-based hilsa pricing strategy

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), also known as the Tariff Commission, has suggested setting a maximum retail price for hilsa based on its size. This recommendation comes in response to the unusual spike in prices seen in the local market. On Sunday, the Tariff Commission released a report detailing ... Read more

Ekushey Book Fair won’t happen in December

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Bangla Academy announced yesterday (28 September), that the previously scheduled dates for the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 have been postponed. In a press release, they explained that this decision was made following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 21, which indicated that the fair should ... Read more

Working in Bangladesh is quite challenging: CEC

News Desk : dhakamirror.com The Election Commission is grappling with a mix of challenges, both seen and unseen, as it gears up for the upcoming elections and responds to various demands, shared chief election commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Saturday. “These hurdles might not be apparent from the outside, but we’re constantly navigating through them,” ... Read more

Travel ban on Keokradong hill to be lifted starting from 1 October

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Great news for travelers! Keokradong hill in Bandarban’s Ruma upazila is set to welcome tourists again starting October 1. The district administration has finally lifted the travel ban that had been in effect for almost three years. Bandarban Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shamim Ara Rini announced the decision today (27 September) during ... Read more

Tree planting campaign to lower pollution, make city more attractive

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia has inaugurated a tree plantation and greening programme covering 33 road medians, spanning a total length of 31 kilometres, within the corporation’s jurisdiction. Under the “Zero Soil” programme, ornamental flowering trees and grasses will be planted across 28 DSCC medians, while the ... Read more

Krishi Bank ranks third in remittance collection

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Krishi Bank has shown remarkable success in collecting remittances from expatriates during the first eight months of 2025 (January–August). Known as bank for farmers due to its agricultural loan services, this state-owned institution has climbed to the third position in remittance collection from abroad in that timeframe. This notable achievement has ... Read more

North Bay low : Rain forecast for Bangladesh

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Many parts of the country is expected to witness moderate to heavy and very heavy rainfall in the coming days due to the formation of a low-pressure system over the north Bay and adjoining coastal areas, the Met office said in its latest forecast. According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s 120-hour weather ... Read more

Metrorail boosts service: Extended hours & more frequent arrivals

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Dhaka metrorail service is set to start operating earlier in the morning and later at night to better serve the growing number of passengers. Service hours will be extended by 30 minutes at both the beginning and end of the day, and the interval between trains will be reduced by nearly ... Read more

22% minors in Bangladesh’s sex trade

News Desk : dhakamirror.com At least 22 percent of victims of commercial sexual exploitation (abuse of a person, or a minor, through sexual activities in exchange for money, goods, or other benefits) in Bangladesh are children, said speakers at an event yesterday. They shared the information at the launch of “Project Shurakkha”, an initiative of ... Read more

WB Reports Bangladesh Heat Costs at $1.78 Billion in 2024

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Rising temperatures in Bangladesh are fueling a surge in heat-related illnesses, leading to the loss of 250 million workdays in 2024 and economic losses estimated at $1.33–1.78 billion, representing about 0.3 to 0.4 percent of Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, according to a new World Bank report. The report ... Read more

Police clearance no longer required for passports

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced that police verification will no longer be necessary for obtaining a passport, thereby reducing unnecessary hassle for citizens. “Getting a passport is a basic right. We have established a rule that eliminates the need for police verification,” he stated. While speaking at the opening session ... Read more

Metro rail achieves record 4 lakh daily passengers

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Metro Rail has achieved a remarkable milestone by carrying over 400,000 passengers in a single day. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which operates the Metro Rail, announced this achievement on their official Facebook page on Friday night. For the first time, Metro Rail recorded 403,164 passengers. The Metro Rail ... Read more

Most people, about 66% think civil servants behave as if they are rulers

News Desk : dhakamirror.com More than 100,000 participants have contributed their responses to reform commission’s online survey 80% of the respondents believe that the administration is not approachable for the general public, according to a survey conducted by the Public Administration Reform Commission. Additionally, 66% of participants feel that civil servants act as if they ... Read more

Former Justice Abdur Rouf dies

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Former Chief Election Commissioner Justice Md Abdur Rouf has passed away at the age of 91. He died around 10:00 am while receiving treatment at Insaf Barakah Kidney and General Hospital in Dhaka, as stated in a press release. Justice Rouf had been battling heart disease, lung complications, kidney issues, and ... Read more

Bangladesh climbed 4 positions to rank 93rd in global passport index

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Bangladesh has climbed four notches up in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025, ranking 93rd out of 99. However, the number of visa-free destinations for Bangladeshi passport holders has dropped from 42 in 2024 to 39 this year, reflecting a decline in global travel privileges. Despite this improvement in rank — ... Read more