Bangladesh’s finance and planning minister Amir Khosru মাহমুদ Chowdhury said the government will stand beside families affected by a toxic-gas incident at a shipyard factory in Sitakunda, Chattogram. He said the owners will provide Tk10 lakh to each family of those killed. The minister made the remarks on Friday afternoon while visiting victims and injured people at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday at Ferdous Steel on Station Road in Bhatiari Union. Toxic gas spread from a gas cylinder from a scrap ship at the factory, and the death toll rose to eight, according to the report. The minister also reiterated the government’s support for the affected families.

Chowdhury said instructions had been issued to form an investigation committee to determine the cause of the incident. The government will take action against anyone whose responsibility is established by the investigation. He also visited those injured in the accident at the hospital.

Eight workers were killed and more than 10 others injured in a gas explosion while an old ship was being cut at Ferdous Steel Shipyard in Bhatiari, Sitakunda, Chattogram. The accident occurred on Friday morning, August 14, 2026. Sitakunda police investigation officer Alamgir Hossain confirmed the death toll to Amar Desh on Friday afternoon. The injured were rescued and sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where several were reported to be in critical condition.

Four of the dead were identified as Bhatiari residents Sani Jaladas, 22; Palash Jaladas, 27; and brothers Mansur Ali, 40, and Nasir Uddin, 38. Local sources and witnesses said a loud blast occurred during cutting work, followed by a fire that burned and injured workers. Colleagues, local residents, the fire service and police joined rescue efforts.

Shipyard owner Ferdous Wahid said the blast happened suddenly during cutting, while its exact cause was not immediately confirmed. Flammable gas or vapour accumulated inside the old vessel is being considered as a possible cause. Calls have been made to investigate gas-free procedures, tank and pipeline checks, safety measures, cutting approval, risk assessments and worker training, alongside treatment, compensation and an impartial investigation.

Five people were killed and more than 10 workers were injured in a gas explosion at Ferdous Steel Shipyard in Bhatiari, Sitakunda, Chattogram. The accident occurred on Friday morning while an old ship was being cut, according to Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fakhrul Islam. The injured were rescued and sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where several were reported to be in critical condition.

Local sources and eyewitnesses said a loud explosion occurred during the cutting work, followed by a fire that burned and injured several workers. Co-workers, local residents, the fire service and police joined the rescue operation. Shipyard owner Ferdous Wahid said the blast happened suddenly during cutting, while its exact cause could not immediately be confirmed.

Authorities are initially considering whether flammable gas or vapour accumulated inside the old vessel caused the explosion. The investigation is expected to examine whether the ship was properly gas-freed, whether tanks and pipelines were inspected, and whether safety measures were in place. Stakeholders called for a final casualty list, treatment for the injured, compensation for victims' families, and a swift impartial investigation.

Rapid Action Battalion, or RAB, has introduced special security measures nationwide to prevent possible sabotage and disorder surrounding August 15. In a report published on August 14, RAB said it had identified high-risk locations, strengthened protection and planned to deploy plainclothes intelligence personnel at seminars, meetings and other important areas. It is also monitoring the movements of suspected individuals and members of banned organizations.

The security plan prioritizes advance intelligence collection, field-level surveillance, protection around political programmes and efforts to prevent rumours and misinformation online. Each battalion has reviewed security threats in its assigned area and prepared a separate plan. Intelligence teams are working on routes to and from event venues, gathering information on suspicious people, vehicles and activities.

RAB has increased cyber patrols to identify attempts to create disorder through misleading social media posts, comments, images or other content, and said legal action would be taken where necessary. Its bomb disposal unit has also been kept ready to examine and respond quickly to any explosive or explosive-like object. RAB urged residents to report suspicious people, objects or unusual activities to law enforcement rather than attempting to handle situations themselves.

At least seven workers were killed and 14 others injured after a tunnel under construction for a hydropower project collapsed in Chamoli district of India’s Uttarakhand. The accident occurred on Thursday evening near Mayapur, close to Pipalkoti, when a landslide from a mountain damaged part of the tunnel and water began entering it. The injured workers were rescued and admitted to hospital.

According to local administration information cited by Hindustan Times, the incident took place at the under-construction Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydropower project, owned by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation. Hindustan Construction Company was carrying out construction work at the site. Soil and rocks accumulated in part of the tunnel after the landslide, while water seeped inside, trapping a large number of workers.

Officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre said 22 workers were trapped inside the tunnel after the accident. Authorities began a rescue operation after receiving the report. Rescuers brought 21 workers out of the tunnel by 11 pm. Seven of those rescued were declared dead, while the remaining 14 injured workers were sent to hospital for treatment.

Habib-ur-Rahman Mansur, mayor of Faizabad, the capital of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, was killed in a bomb attack. Hospital and municipal sources confirmed his death to AFP on Thursday. A hospital nurse said a bomb struck the vehicle carrying the mayor, leaving him seriously injured before he later died.

A Faizabad municipal employee said Mansur was killed when a bomb planted near their workplace exploded. The nurse provided the account on condition of anonymity because of security concerns. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on the mayor.

Three weeks earlier, another government official in Badakhshan, Information and Culture Department head Zabihullah Amiri, was shot dead while travelling to Faizabad. Islamic State Khorasan claimed responsibility for that attack. Mining activity has increased in the remote province since the Taliban returned to power, but its security situation has not been fully brought under control. Recent attacks on government officials have renewed concerns over security in Badakhshan.

Muhammad Faizul Azim Noman, the officer in charge ordered withdrawn from Daganbhuiyan police station, was denied a meeting with Feni’s Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal judge A N M Morshed Khan on Wednesday, August 12. A court-related source said Noman suddenly entered the courtroom and saluted three times in an apparent effort to draw the judge’s attention. After learning his identity, the judge said there was no personal relationship between them and that the court’s withdrawal order remained in force. Noman then left the courtroom.

The source said Noman had sought to meet the judge before the hearing began but was told that no meeting could take place without permission. Public Prosecutor Advocate Sahab Uddin Ahmed said he had heard that the officer entered the judge’s courtroom. Witnesses said Noman appeared disappointed while leaving and received help from several people after feeling unwell.

A court order issued on August 9 directed his removal and departmental action over alleged refusals to register two cases. The court cited allegations involving dowry-related assault against Marjahan and an alleged dowry-related killing of Tania Akter. Police Superintendent Pratyush Kumar Majumdar said a police inquiry committee has been formed and further action will follow its report.

A charge-framing hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, August 13, in the murder case of truck driver Md. Hossain in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, described in the report as being absconding in India, is among 34 accused. Dhaka Special Judge’s Court No. 4, presided over by Judge Rabiul Alam, is due to hear the matter.

The hearing was previously postponed twice. On June 25, it was deferred after the prosecution sought time because the accused were absent from court. It was postponed again on July 26 following a time application by defence lawyers. Mohammadpur Police sub-inspector Akramuzzaman, the investigating officer, submitted the chargesheet against Hasina and the other 33 accused on November 23, 2025.

According to case information, Hossain was shot dead in the Chand Udyan area of Mohammadpur on July 19, 2024, during the anti-discrimination student movement. He had left his truck at Gabtoli and was returning home when he was shot and died at the scene. His mother, Rina Begum, filed the murder case at Mohammadpur Police Station on August 31, 2024. Four accused, including Junaid Ahmed Palak and Sadeq Khan, are in jail after being shown arrested in the case.

An investigation by Amar Desh has identified border areas in Mymensingh, Netrokona and Sherpur as allegedly vulnerable corridors for the smuggling of arms, drugs and commercial goods. Published on August 13, 2026, the report says the long Bangladesh section adjoining India’s Meghalaya lacks its own barbed-wire fence, leaving broad open areas that residents say are used by organised smuggling groups.

The report, citing local accounts, says weapons, narcotics, medicines, liquor, cattle and consumer goods enter Bangladesh from India, while fish, farm products, plastic items, garments and gold are allegedly moved in the other direction. Border Guard Bangladesh officers said hilly terrain, forests, rivers and open land make continuous surveillance difficult.

Mymensingh 39 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Nurul Azim Bayezid said liquor and tapentadol tablet smuggling is prevalent along roughly 80 kilometres under his command, though recent operations reduced tapentadol trafficking somewhat. Netrokona 31 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Touhidul Bari cited limited personnel and about 90 kilometres of difficult, open border. Analysts called for technology-based surveillance, infrastructure improvements and coordinated action.

Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rois Uddin has demanded the arrest within 24 hours of those involved in an attack and vandalism targeting a bus carrying the university’s students and staff in Singair, Manikganj. He made the demand at Singair police station at about 7 pm on August 13, in the presence of senior police and upazila administration officials, according to Officer-in-Charge Md Mazharul Islam.

Earlier, about 220 to 250 university students gathered in the Bhumdakkhin area of Dhalla union at around 6 pm, holding a procession and human chain to demand arrests. They later remained at the police station. Police and local sources said the incident followed a collision between the bus and a motorcycle in Hemayetpur, Dhaka, on August 11. Motorcycle rider Kawsar allegedly followed the bus to Bhumdakkhin.

Kawsar and three or four unidentified people allegedly stopped the bus and smashed all windows on both sides. Three students and driver Md Sajjad Hossain were injured, while 10 people including student Uday Chakraborty were reported injured. The driver filed a case naming Kawsar and 10 to 12 unidentified accused. Kawsar remains absconding, while police said those involved would be brought under the law quickly.

The Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (IRAB) and the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) have expressed concern, condemnation and protest over death threats against journalist Nur Mohammad. Both groups, in separate statements on Wednesday, called for the person behind the threats to be quickly identified and brought under the law. Nur Mohammad is an IRAB senior member, a permanent BSRF member and deputy chief reporter at Dainik Agamir Somoy.

IRAB said the alleged phone threat followed his objective reporting on bribery and irregularities in the education sector, describing intimidation of journalists as unacceptable and harmful to independent journalism. Its leaders said no official or influential person is above accountability. BSRF also condemned the phone threat and alleged abusive language, calling such intimidation unacceptable.

Nur Mohammad filed a general diary at Tejgaon Police Station on August 8, numbered 564. He alleged that an unidentified caller claimed to be an official of the education ministry or an education-related institution before intimidating and threatening to kill him. The diary also mentioned threats, conveyed through education cadre officials, that he would be dealt with if encountered. Both organizations urged investigation into possible instigation behind the threats and measures to ensure journalists' safety.

Three children aged one, 18 months and six died in separate drowning incidents in Netrokona’s Kalmakanda and Purbadhala upazilas on Wednesday, August 12. The incidents occurred in Kalaikandi village of Rangchhati union and Shunai village of Pogla union in Kalmakanda, as well as Jamud village of Dhalamulgaon union in Purbadhala. The children were identified as Moaj, Taskin Tarek and Suman Mia.

At about 12:30pm, Moaj reportedly crawled into a pond beside his home while playing in the yard. Relatives and neighbours rescued him after his mother saw him struggling in the water, but a doctor at Kalmakanda উপজেলা Health Complex declared him dead. About an hour later, Taskin drowned in accumulated rainwater beside his home while playing. He was found floating in a ditch and was also declared dead at the health complex.

In Jamud, Suman reportedly fell into a pond while going to bathe after playing with children in the yard. A seven-year-old cousin had seen him in the pond but did not immediately understand what had happened. Neighbours later recovered Suman and took him to Purbadhala উপজেলা Health Complex, where he was declared dead. Police said the bodies were handed to families after legal procedures, as no complaints were filed.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) officers seized a total of 15 litres of foreign liquor from the baggage of two passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The C-Shift operation followed confidential intelligence and took place during special surveillance of passengers on Air India flight AI237, arriving from Delhi at 3:40pm on Wednesday. The seized liquor was estimated to have a market value of Tk 300,000.

Officials searched the baggage of passenger Prashanta Lal Das, who had arrived from Doha, and found 10 litres of Johnnie Walker Red Label. A further five litres of liquor, including Scottish Leader and Grant's brands, were recovered from the baggage of another passenger on the same flight, Jahangir Alam.

CIID said the combined quantity recovered from the two passengers was 15 litres. The agency said its intelligence monitoring and operations will continue at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to prevent smuggling and attempts to bring in goods illegally.

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology professor Dr Md Rafiqul Islam was allegedly attacked by two outsiders while boarding a bus on his way to campus on the morning of August 12. The incident took place in the Mujgunni area under Khalishpur police station in Khulna city. Islam teaches in KUET’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering department. The reported attack has caused concern and anger among teachers and students.

A notice signed by KUET Teachers’ Association general secretary Professor Dr Mohammad Ilyas Inam said Islam was attacked by two outside assailants at about 8:30am. The association condemned the incident and demanded appropriate legal action against those involved. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Masud also condemned the attack and discussed proper legal action with senior levels of the administration, according to a public relations statement.

The university administration informed law-enforcement authorities following the incident. Khalishpur police station officer-in-charge Shahjahan Ahmed said police visited the scene and collected CCTV footage, while efforts were under way to identify the attackers. The professor has submitted a written complaint. The Teachers’ Association has called an emergency general meeting at the university meeting room at 10am on August 13 to discuss further action and legal and administrative measures.

The Chittagong Port Authority, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard conducted a joint search operation at the Chittagong outer anchorage on Wednesday, August 12. More than 50 fishing boats were searched and 24 fishers were detained, according to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon. The operation ran from 10am to 2pm and was intended to ensure the safe movement of Bangladeshi vessels.

The Coast Guard said the operation targeted obstacles to commercial ships and lighters in the outer anchorage and Karnaphuli Channel, as well as petty theft aboard commercial vessels. Teams identified and removed fishing boats and various types of illegally installed nets. The agency said the nets had obstructed vessel movement and increased the risk of accidents.

Coast Guard patrol ship BCGS Sonadia, several high-speed boats and the Chittagong Port Authority vessel Dishari-07 took part. Operational teams from the Coast Guard and Navy, along with a port magistrate, were present. A mobile court ordered 30 days' imprisonment for each of the 24 detained fishers. The Coast Guard said it would continue regular operations and surveillance under a zero-tolerance policy with relevant agencies.