DHAKA, March 16, 2026 (BSS) - A new launch terminal has been opened at Bashila in the capital to facilitate passengers travelling by waterways ahead of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr. State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan inaugurated the terminal today. From March 17 until the day before Eid, six launches will depart daily from the Bashila terminal for different destinations. Speaking at the programme, the state minister said the government is giving highest priority to ensuring smooth and comfortable travel for homebound passengers during Eid. Considering the huge rush of passengers at Sadarghat Launch Terminal during the Eid season and the sufferings of passengers travelling there from different parts of the capital, the new launch terminal has been introduced at Bashila alongside Sadarghat, he said. He expressed hope that the initiative would reduce passenger congestion at Sadarghat and make travel easier for commuters. Meanwhile, Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Arif Ahmed Mostafa said, like previous years, no launch will be allowed to carry passengers beyond its capacity this time. He added that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure safe and comfortable journeys for passengers. Shipping Secretary Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion.    

RANGPUR, March 16, 2026 (BSS) - A doa and iftar mahfil was held in Rangpur city in memory of the martyrs of the July Uprising and to pray for the early recovery and good health of the injured July fighters.    The July fighters and family members of the July Uprising martyrs of Rangpur organized the programme at the Rangpur District July Memorial Square in the city this evening.  A large number of the injured July fighters and family members of the July Uprising martyrs of Rangpur district participated in the programme.   General Secretary of July Shaheed Smriti Foundation and proud mother Shamsi Ara Zaman Koli of journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, who was martyred in the 2024 July Uprising, was present as the programme.    Younger brother of Shaheed Md Jahidul Islam, President of the July 24 Martyrs Family Society Rangpur Division and Joint Chief Coordinator of the July Manch Central Committee, Anarul Islam Jibon Khan also attended the event.    Moyna Begum, Mother of July Uprising martyr Sajjad Hossain and Nazmeem Islam, wife of Shaheed Merajul Islam Meraj of Rangpur were present at the programme.   Many of the injured July fighters of Rangpur, including Md Mahmudul Hasan Mia, Md Shakib Hossain, Md Amir Hamza, Md Omar Faruk Akash, Md Rakibul Islam Miraj, Md Mintu Islam, Md Prince Ahmed Palash, Mahmudul Hasan, Md Murad Hasan, Md Simanto, Md Mostafizur Rahman and Md Mahadi Hasan, were also present at the time.    Before the Iftar, special prayers and supplications were offered for the forgiveness and eternal peace of the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the July Uprising, for the speedy recovery of the injured July warriors, and for the welfare of the country and the nation.