Bangladesh Railway has decided not to operate the Mango Special and Cattle Special trains from Chapainawabganj to Dhaka this year. Officials said the services were discontinued because of continuous financial losses and insufficient cargo volume. The special trains had previously been introduced to transport mangoes during the harvest season and sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha at lower costs. The routes ran from Chapainawabganj through Rajshahi, Sardah, Arani, Abdulpur, and Ishwardi to Dhaka.

The initiative was originally intended to provide affordable transport for marginal mango growers, orchard owners, and livestock farmers. However, the plan failed to meet expectations as the trains often ran nearly empty, creating a large revenue shortfall. Farmers and traders said that despite lower train fares, additional costs and logistical hassles in moving goods to and from stations made road transport more convenient.

Business representatives criticized the lack of coordination between planning and implementation, noting that the project was launched without sufficient consultation. Western Railway General Manager Farid Ahmed confirmed that limited interest from farmers and traders made the services economically unsustainable.

For the third consecutive year, residents of Gaza will be unable to perform the traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifice due to a severe shortage of livestock. Once a major livestock producer, Gaza’s farmers and herders have seen their animals decimated by Israeli bombardments and restrictions on the movement of goods and agricultural supplies. Local herders, such as Mazen al-Jerjawi, who once sold hundreds of sheep and goats during the festival season, now rely on imported frozen meat as live animals are no longer allowed into the enclave.

According to Gaza’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 90 percent of the livestock sector has been destroyed or damaged since the war began in October 2023. The Food and Agriculture Organization reported that by November, at least 80 percent of Gaza’s sheep and 70 percent of its goats had been killed. The Ministry of Agriculture said the number of sheep and goats has dropped from 60,000 to just 3,000, with calves and cattle nearly wiped out.

Officials and residents say the crisis has deepened food insecurity for Gaza’s two million people, leaving many families unable to celebrate Eid or even afford daily meals.

The government has approved construction of the Padma Barrage at Pangsha in Rajbari district, 46 years after the foundation of the Ganga Dam project was laid at Moslempur in Veramara, Kushtia. Residents of Veramara have expressed anger and demanded reconsideration of the decision to exclude their area. According to the Water Resources Ministry, the main barrage will be 2.1 kilometers long with 78 spillway gates, 18 under-sluice gates, and one navigation lock. A railway bridge and a 113-megawatt hydropower facility are also planned. The project is expected to benefit 120 upazilas across 19 districts in four divisions.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman, approved the first phase of the Padma Barrage project at a cost of Tk 34,497 crore. The total master plan involves Tk 50,443 crore in two phases. The original Ganga Dam project, inaugurated in 1980, aimed to provide irrigation, flood control, and environmental benefits to southwestern and northern Bangladesh.

Officials noted that the decision comes as the Ganges water-sharing treaty with India is set to expire in December, making the new barrage strategically significant for Bangladesh.

An emotional scene unfolded at Anfield as Liverpool supporters celebrated Mohamed Salah’s farewell following the club’s final league match against Brentford, which ended in a 1–1 draw. The Egyptian forward left the field in the 73rd minute and was given a standing ovation by the entire stadium. Overcome with emotion, Salah struggled to hold back tears as he thanked fans for their unwavering support during his years at the club.

Salah, one of Liverpool’s most successful players, joined the club in 2017 alongside Andy Robertson, who also played his final match that night. Together they contributed to Liverpool’s major triumphs, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles. In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Salah reflected on his journey, saying he had never cried so much before and that his youth was intertwined with the club.

Despite facing criticism earlier in the season, Salah’s farewell was marked by gratitude and affection. He said the fans’ love was his greatest reward and that Liverpool would always remain in his heart.

A three-month-old infant was killed and five members of the same family were injured when lightning struck their home in Sajek Union of Baghaichhari upazila, Rangamati, early Monday around 3:30 a.m. The incident occurred in the Dane Baibachhara area during a sudden storm and heavy rain. The lightning directly hit the house of Pradeep Chakma, causing the death of his infant child, Ujjal Chakma, on the spot.

The injured family members were identified as Pradeep Chakma, 65, Maya Rani, 48, Reshmi Chakma, 28, Jerin Chakma, 15, and Nijhum Chakma, 3. Locals rescued the injured around 7 a.m. and took them to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital for treatment. The Rangamati Superintendent of Police confirmed the death and injuries caused by the lightning strike.

Authorities have not provided further details on the condition of the injured or any additional damage caused by the incident.

A drug-addicted youth has been accused of setting fire to his family’s home in Dakshin Satla village under Satla Union of Uzirpur upazila in Barishal. Police from Uzirpur Model Station arrested the accused following a case filed by his family. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, and the family alleged that the youth, identified as Md. Tamim Hawlader, had long been addicted to drugs and had previously been sent to rehabilitation centers.

According to the family, Tamim frequently demanded money from relatives and threatened them when refused. On Saturday morning, he allegedly asked his mother for money and warned one of his sisters by phone that he would set the house on fire if his demand was not met. During the incident, his mother was near the house and saw the fire break out suddenly. Despite local efforts to control it, furniture, stored rice, paddy, and important documents were destroyed.

The family claimed losses of about 5 million taka and said they were left destitute. Police confirmed the arrest of the accused late Sunday night with local assistance.

The tomb of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, located beside the central mosque of Dhaka University, has remained locked for months without any written directive, sparking frustration among visitors and admirers. The site, which also contains the grave of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, was closed after Hadi’s burial on December 20 last year. Since then, visitors have been unable to enter and can only view the tomb from outside.

On-site observation showed the main gate locked and surrounded by makeshift book and jewelry stalls, with no clear signage indicating the poet’s resting place. Former DU Journalists’ Association president Abdullah Al Mamun Tushar said the tomb had always been open before and that Nazrul’s wish to stay close to people now feels unfulfilled. Visitors expressed disappointment at being unable to pay respects.

Assistant Proctor Israfil Ratan stated that the restriction was imposed temporarily for security and order after crowds increased following Hadi’s burial. He confirmed there is no written policy and that reopening is not planned soon, though visits are possible with prior permission from the proctor’s office.

The Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity has accused the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association of violating its earlier pledge to prevent overcharging on bus fares during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha travel period. In a statement released to the media on Monday, the group’s secretary general, Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, said the breach of promise has led to widespread fare irregularities and a surge in road fatalities. The organization demanded immediate government action to stop the fare chaos and ensure safe travel for low-income and working-class passengers.

The statement cited recent fatal incidents, including a truck overturning near the eastern end of the Jamuna Bridge that killed 17 and injured 10, and a lightning strike on a train roof in Narsingdi that killed two. It said many poor and informal-sector workers are forced to travel on unsafe vehicles or roofs due to unaffordable fares. The group criticized repeated state failures to guarantee safe Eid journeys.

The Samity urged authorities to enforce strict fare regulations and called on passengers to avoid unsafe travel modes during the holiday season.

At Chittagong University, the banned student organization Chhatra League continues to operate despite a government prohibition upheld by the current administration. Following the fall of the Hasina government after the July uprising, the interim government banned the group, and the subsequent BNP-led government maintained the ban through legislation. University sources report that since then, the group has carried out around nine separate activities, including poster campaigns, national day observances, and demonstrations demanding the withdrawal of the ban and release of detained members.

The organization’s central executive committee recently announced plans to form a new university unit, inviting applications from interested members. Their continued presence has raised concern among students, particularly those involved in the July uprising, who fear for their safety. Leaders from other student groups, including Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, Chhatra Dal, and Chhatra Shibir, have accused the university administration of inaction and blamed internal political divisions for enabling the banned group’s resurgence.

University authorities acknowledged limited CCTV coverage and said a committee has been formed to expand surveillance across the campus to address security concerns.

Railway accidents at level crossings continue to claim lives across Bangladesh, with an average of three deaths reported daily, according to railway police data. The problem worsens during Eid travel, when unprotected and illegal crossings become deadly traps. Of more than 3,000 crossings nationwide, fewer than half have gatekeepers, leaving most routes dangerously exposed. Railway records show that 89 percent of fatalities occur at unguarded crossings, with the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cumilla corridor identified as the most hazardous.

Official figures indicate that since 2014, 868 railway accidents have killed 111 people, though experts believe the actual toll is higher. In the eastern region alone, over half of legal crossings lack gatekeepers, while the western region faces similar shortages. The Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route remains particularly unsafe, with 56 of 72 gates unprotected. Despite multiple investigations and recommendations for automatic alarms, little improvement has been achieved.

Experts urge immediate measures, including sealing illegal crossings, improving gatekeeper pay and conditions, deploying special task forces during Eid, and installing automated warning systems. Long-term solutions such as underpasses and strict legal action against illegal crossings are also recommended.

On the third day of Eid travel, five trains, including the Nilsagar and Rangpur Express, experienced schedule disruptions at Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station. The platforms were overcrowded from Monday morning as thousands of homebound passengers faced severe delays and inconvenience due to the disrupted schedules.

Railway authorities described the situation as an “operational delay,” attributing the slowdown to locals drying straw on the railway tracks, which reduced train speed. Despite this explanation, passengers expressed frustration after waiting for hours on the platforms amid the heavy rush.

According to station sources, around 15 trains departed for various destinations since morning. Most left on time, but two trains departed late, and two others had not left the station even after their scheduled departure time.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda led a delegation that paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. The meeting was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, which shared details of the official engagement.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar were present during the meeting, according to the official statement. The report did not specify the topics discussed or any outcomes from the meeting.

The visit reflects ongoing engagement between Bangladesh’s government and the ADB leadership, though no further details on the agenda or agreements were provided in the source.

A young man from Katiadi upazila in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, died in a gas cylinder explosion in Albania. The victim, Omar Faruk, aged 26, was the younger son of the late Malu Mia from Ukhrashal village under Achmita Union. The incident occurred on Sunday morning while he was asleep in his room. At that time, a cook was preparing food when the cylinder exploded. Other occupants managed to escape, but Omar Faruk could not.

According to his elder brother, Abu Saleh, Omar Faruk had moved to Albania about two years ago and was employed as a factory worker at NCP Company. His roommate, Hasu Mia, confirmed the death over the phone. The report did not mention any further details about the aftermath or official response.

The incident highlights the risks faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers abroad, particularly in industrial and residential settings where safety measures may be inadequate.

Artificial intelligence has transformed modern CCTV cameras into smart surveillance tools capable of recording sound, recognizing faces, tracking movement, and analyzing suspicious behavior. These AI-enabled cameras can automatically send alerts when unusual activity occurs and store footage both on memory cards and cloud platforms, reducing the risk of data loss. Their use has expanded rapidly across Bangladesh, particularly in major cities, educational institutions, hospitals, markets, banks, and government buildings.

The technology plays a vital role in crime prevention, investigation, and traffic management. CCTV footage serves as crucial evidence in cases of theft, robbery, abduction, and accidents, helping law enforcement identify offenders and ensure fair trials. The presence of cameras also promotes discipline, transparency, and accountability in workplaces and public areas.

However, the report notes concerns about privacy violations, misuse of footage, and high installation and maintenance costs. Ensuring ethical and responsible use of CCTV technology is emphasized as essential for building a safe and modern society.

The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that another soldier was killed in southern Lebanon amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The deceased was identified as 19-year-old Sergeant Nehoray Leizer of the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion. The military stated that the incident also left another Israeli soldier seriously injured. This latest death brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the conflict began to 23.

According to the Israeli military, hostilities with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group began on March 2. Since then, a total of 24 Israeli citizens have died, including 23 soldiers and one civilian contractor. The fighting continues to take place in southern Lebanon, where both sides have sustained casualties.

The report, citing Al Arabiya, did not provide further details about the specific circumstances of the latest clash or any potential diplomatic developments related to the conflict.