DHAKA, April 27, 2026 (BSS) - A court here today placed former director general (DG) of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Lt Gen (retd) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, on a three-day remand in a case filed over the murder of Delwar Hossain in the city's Mirpur area during the July Mass Uprising. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Monirul Islam passed the order after police produced Khaled before the court and pleaded to place him on a seven-day remand in the case. A team of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) detained Khaled from his Mirpur DOHS residence on the night of March 25. According to the case documents, Delwar Hossain joined an anti-discrimination student movement rally in front of a fruit market in Mirpur-10 on July 19, 2024.  The rally allegedly came under attack by unidentified assailants, who opened indiscriminate fire on the protesters. Delwar sustained bullet injuries and was taken to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on July 21. Delwar's widow, Liza Akter, filed the case on July 6, 2025, over the incident.

RAJSHAHI, April 27, 2026 (BSS) - The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has undertaken various initiatives to improve the environment and transform the Barind region of Rajshahi into a landscape of greenery. Key initiatives include planting drought-tolerant trees, re-excavating canals, ponds and other water bodies, increasing the use of surface water, and encouraging the cultivation of less water-intensive crops. Through these efforts, the once drought-prone Barind region is gradually turning into a greener landscape, contributing to higher incomes for local communities and biodiversity conservation. Various measures are also underway to address the adverse impacts of climate change, ensure environmental sustainability, reduce pollution, and develop a green and healthy environment in the region. To reduce dependence on groundwater, BMDA is prioritising surface water irrigation and has undertaken the re-excavation and management of neglected ponds and canals to improve water availability and environmental balance. BMDA Executive Director Abu Sayed Md Kamruzzaman said surface water irrigation systems have proven effective in reducing pressure on groundwater. He said many natural water bodies in the drought-prone Barind region had long remained unmanaged. "Our goal is to shift from groundwater-dependent to surface water-dependent irrigation systems. By re-excavating ponds, canals and water bodies, we can conserve rainwater, increase irrigation capacity, and ensure water availability for household use," he said. With water sources ensured in the drought-prone area, millions of residents in the Barind region are benefiting. They have been able to cultivate land and make maximum use of previously uncultivated land. Kamruzzaman said BMDA is encouraging farmers to cultivate wheat, maize, pulses and oilseed crops instead of Boro rice, as these require less water and help conserve groundwater. Various BMDA projects have also included social forestry programmes along canal and pond banks, contributing to environmental stability and biodiversity protection. Just a few decades ago, the Barind region was known as a drought-prone area. Today, golden crops are being produced on the once barren red soil. Not a single piece of land remains uncultivated throughout the year. Due to government initiatives, the region has now been transformed into a green landscape. He said BMDA is working for farmers' development, with fruit, timber and medicinal trees planted along pond banks excavated by the authority, which will provide additional benefits. "There is no alternative to tree plantation for environmental protection. If one tree is cut, two should be planted," he added. He further said BMDA has taken various plans to ensure multiple cropping in this drought-prone region, where crop production was once severely limited. It should be noted that the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority is working in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions for agricultural and socio-economic development of the Barind region.