BAGERHAT, July 17, 2026 (BSS) - Government officials, public representatives, political leaders, professionals and civil society members today discussed Bagerhat's overall development and future regional development plans at a meeting in the district. Organised by the Bagerhat Officers Forum, the meeting was held at the Sonatala conference room of the Zilla Parishad building and was chaired by the forum's president Dr Md Faridul Islam. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal MP attended as the chief guest, while State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Affairs Sheikh Faridul Islam, Bagerhat Zilla Parishad Administrator Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain and District BNP Convener Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim spoke as special guests. Among others present were Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten, Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabder, US-based CPA Rafiqul Islam and Bagerhat Officers Forum General Secretary Zakir Hossain. Addressing the meeting, Kayser Kamal said the government is pursuing development with a "Bangladesh First" approach and stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the administration, political parties and the elected government to ensure sustainable development and human resource growth. He said the government has prioritised education and healthcare in budget allocations to improve access to quality services. He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, including an airport, better road connectivity and employment generation in coastal areas to unlock Bagerhat's development potential. State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam stressed the need to upgrade the Khulna-Mongla highway, build an airport and construct a sustainable embankment to address coastal salinity. He also called for establishing a medical university, technical colleges and IT training centres to expand employment opportunities and reduce dependence on the Sundarbans. He said improved saline water management could boost agriculture, strengthen shrimp farming and attract greater investment. Participants, including military and civil officials, political leaders, representatives of cultural and professional organisations, journalists and other stakeholders, offered recommendations on infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and investment to support the district's long-term development. Earlier in the day, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal visited the grave of late Badal Morol, president of Baruipara Union Krishak Dal in Bagerhat Sadar, and expressed condolences to his family. He later attended a separate meeting with district BNP and allied organisation leaders at the Bagerhat Circuit House, chaired by District BNP Convener Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim.

RANGPUR, July 17, 2026 (BSS)- Two women were killed in two separate train accidents at Sukhanpukur area of Pirgachha upazila here today. Police said the deceased were identified as Rasheda Begum, 55, wife of Jamal Uddin of Dakshin Dudhyabari village and Airin Akhter Tarin, 21, wife of Abdur Rouf of Paran village of Pirgachha upazila of the district.    Rasheda Begum was killed as Santahar-bound Dolanchapa Express hit her at Sukhanpukur area while Airin Akhter Tarin was crushed under the wheel of Lalmonirhat-bound Padmarag train. As families have not filed any complaints the bodies were handed over to the relatives after completing legal process.