KHULNA, Mar 12, 2026 (BSS)- Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Nazrul Islam Manju has said initiatives must be taken to build Khulna metropolis into a risk-free city.  “The first step to build a green, clean and healthy city is to adopt proper planning,” he said, adding that a clear plan and targets must be set to start the work. He also stressed bringing all stakeholders from waste collectors to concerned organizations under a coordinated plan to determine the next steps. Manju made the remarks in a meeting on electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) management in Khulna metropolis at the GIZ auditorium of Nagar Bhaban.  Representatives from the Environmental Science Discipline of Khulna University, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) and several non-government organizations attended the meeting. The meeting was informed that, according to research findings, out of every 500 tons of waste generated in Khulna, around 15 percent (75 tons) is plastic waste while 10 percent (10 tons) is electronic waste. The rate of e-waste generation is increasing by 20 to 30 percent annually. It was also noted that e-waste can cause serious environmental and health hazards. Besides polluting soil, water and air, it can disrupt agricultural production and create respiratory problems for people, even leading to diseases such as cancer. The meeting stressed raising public awareness on the separate storage and management of e-waste.  The meeting decided to distribute leaflets highlighting the harmful effects of e-waste, display messages on billboards and encourage KCC along with other relevant organizations to carry out awareness campaign.  Ward-level officials will also conduct extensive publicity activities in their areas. The meeting further decided to form a committee comprising experts to determine the next course of action regarding e-waste management.  Participants also recommended ensuring maximum use of electronic products before disposal and making arrangements for e-waste recycling at the waste recycling plant currently under construction in Solua. KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, Chief Engineer Mashiuzzaman Khan, head of the Environmental Science Discipline of Khulna University Prof Dr Md Mujibur Rahman ans senior officials of KCC were present.  

MANIKGANJ, March 12, 2026 (BSS) – A couple was killed in a head-on collision involving three vehicles near the Barangail bus stand area today. The deceased were identified as Monayem Khan, 50, and Josna Akter, 45. They were returning to their village home in Boalmari Upazila of Faridpur district from the Chalabon area of Dakkhin Khan, Dhaka. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Barangail Highway Police Harunar Rashid said the accident took place around 1:45 pm when a Dhaka-bound speedy covered van, trying to overtake another passenger bus going in the same direction, collided with a Paturia-bound motorcycle. Motorcycle driver Monayem Khan and his wife Josna Akter were seriously injured. Monayem Khan died on the way to Manikganj Sadar 250-bed Hospital, while Josna Akter died shortly after being admitted.