1.

Deadly Fire Engulfs Garments Factory, Many Affected

Nurul Haque, Staff Reporter, Dhaka,July 18, 2025:

A terrible fire broke out in a garments factory in Gazipur on Monday afternoon. The fire started at around
3:30 p.m. on the third floor of the six-storey building. According to workers, they suddenly saw smoke and
flames coming out of a corner of the factory floor.

The fire spread quickly and trapped many workers inside. Firefighters rushed to the spot immediately. It
took them more than four hours to bring the fire under control. At least seven people died in the fire and
more than thirty others were seriously injured. Many workers jumped from the upper floors to save their
lives, which caused more injuries.

Local people also helped in the rescue work before the fire service arrived. The injured were taken to nearby
hospitals. Doctors said some of them were in critical condition.

The reason behind the fire is still not clear. Some say it might have started from an electric short circuit.
However, the fire officials are still investigating the cause.

The factory did not have proper fire safety systems, said one of the officials. There were not enough fire
extinguishers, and emergency exits were blocked.

The families of the victims are in deep sorrow. The factory authorities have promised to help them and bear
the medical expenses of the injured. The government has also announced financial support for the families
of the dead.

This tragic incident once again raises questions about fire safety in garment factories.

2.Terrible Road Accident Claims 10 Lives

Nurul Haque, Staff Reporter,Dhaka, July 18, 2025:

A terrible road accident took place on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway near Cumilla on Sunday morning.
The accident happened at around 7:30 a.m. when a speeding passenger bus collided head-on with a truck.

According to police and eyewitnesses, the bus was going to Chattogram from Dhaka. It was running at a
very high speed. Suddenly, it lost control and crashed into a truck coming from the opposite direction. The
collision was so strong that both vehicles were badly damaged.

At least 10 people died on the spot, including the bus driver and some passengers. More than 25 people were
injured, some of them seriously. Local people and police rushed to the scene and helped take the injured to
the nearby hospital. Some of them were later moved to Dhaka for better treatment.

Fire service members also arrived quickly and helped rescue the passengers trapped inside the vehicles. The
road was blocked for almost two hours, causing a long traffic jam.
Police said the accident happened mainly due to over-speeding and reckless driving. The authorities have
started an investigation to find out the exact reason.

The families of the dead are in great shock and sorrow. The government has expressed deep sympathy and
promised financial help to the victims' families.

This tragic accident once again reminds us how dangerous the roads have become. Road safety rules must be
followed strictly to avoid such painful events in the future.

3.Drug Addiction Becoming a Serious Problem in Society

Md. Mahathir,Staff Reporter,Dhaka, July 18, 2025:

Drug addiction is now a big problem in our country, especially among young people. Every day, many
people are falling into the trap of drugs. This is destroying their lives, families, and the peace of society.

According to recent reports, thousands of young boys and girls are becoming addicted to harmful drugs like
yaba, heroin, and phensedyl. Most of them start using drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure, or frustration.
After taking drugs for a few days, they cannot stop and become fully addicted.

Many students leave school or college because of drug addiction. Some even commit crimes like theft,
robbery, or violence to get money for drugs. Parents are very worried about their children’s future.

Doctors say that drug addiction harms both the body and the mind. It can cause mental illness, damage to
organs, and even death. Recovery is possible, but it needs strong willpower and proper treatment.

The government has taken some steps to control drug smuggling and sale. Police often catch drug dealers
and destroy illegal drugs. But more work is needed. Awareness programs should be arranged in schools and
colleges to teach students about the dangers of drugs.

Families, teachers, and society must work together to save the young generation from this dark path. If we
all take responsibility, we can stop the spread of drug addiction and build a better and safer future.

4.Endless Suffering of Slum Dwellers in Agargaon

Nipu khan,Staff Reporter,Dhaka, July 18, 2025:

The slum dwellers of Agargaon are living in great misery. Thousands of people live there in small,
overcrowded huts made of tin, bamboo, and plastic. Their lives are full of hardship, poverty, and suffering.

Most of these people came from villages to find work in the city. They work as rickshaw pullers,
housemaids, cleaners, day labourers, and street vendors. They earn very little, which is not enough to meet
their daily needs. Many of them cannot eat three times a day.
The slum has no clean water, proper toilets, or drainage system. During the rainy season, the whole area gets
flooded with dirty water. Mosquitoes, flies, and garbage are found everywhere. Children suffer from
diseases like diarrhoea, fever, and skin problems.

The slum is very crowded and unsafe. Fires often break out and burn everything, as most houses are made of
flammable materials. Last month, a fire destroyed over 100 homes, leaving many families homeless.

Education is another big problem. Many children do not go to school. They help their parents by working or
collecting garbage. Without education, they have no hope for a better future.

The government and some NGOs are trying to help, but the support is not enough. These poor people need
proper houses, clean water, medical care, and education for their children.

It is the duty of all to help them live a better life. Everyone deserves to live with safety, health, and dignity
— even the poorest of the poor.

5.Kazipara Sinks in Water: Residents Suffer Badly

Moin Khan,Staff Reporter,Dhaka, July 19, 2025:

Heavy rain on Friday caused serious waterlogging in Kazipara, a busy area in Dhaka. After just a few hours
of rain, roads, lanes, and low-lying areas went under knee-deep water. People of the area faced great trouble
moving from one place to another.

Students, office workers, and patients suffered the most. Schoolchildren were seen walking through dirty
water. Many rickshaws and cars broke down in the middle of the roads. Shops and houses near the road were
flooded. Some families had to move their belongings to higher places to save them from damage.

Local people said waterlogging is a regular problem in Kazipara. Even light rain causes flooding because
there is no proper drainage system. Drains are blocked with garbage and plastic waste. The water stays for
hours and sometimes even for days, creating a very unhealthy environment.

One resident said, “We face this problem every year, but no real solution is taken. Our children get sick, and
we can’t even go out for work.”

Mosquitoes and bad smells are also making life difficult. People are worried that waterborne diseases like
dengue, diarrhoea, and skin infections will spread soon.

The city authorities said they are working on drainage repair, but people want faster and more effective
steps.

Kazipara residents are demanding quick action to solve this waterlogging issue. They hope that the
government will take this matter seriously and bring them some relief from this regular suffering.
 6.Nation Observes International Mother Language Day with Respect

Moon Roy, Staff Reporter, Dhaka, February 21, 2025:

International Mother Language Day was observed across the country yesterday with great respect and
emotion. People from all walks of life paid tribute to the language martyrs who gave their lives for Bangla
on February 21, 1952.

The day began with placing flowers at the Central Shaheed Minar just after midnight. The President, Prime
Minister, political leaders, students, and general people offered their floral tributes. Many wore black badges
and white dresses to show respect.

Different schools, colleges, and cultural groups arranged various programs, including poetry recitations,
songs, drama, and discussion meetings. Children took part in drawing and essay competitions on the
importance of the mother tongue.

Special prayers were offered for the souls of the martyrs. The national flag was kept at half-mast on all
government buildings. Roads and public places were decorated with banners and posters carrying the
message of the day.

On this occasion, the importance of protecting and respecting all mother languages was also highlighted.
Many speakers at different events said that language is a part of identity and culture.

TV channels and radio stations aired special programs. Newspapers published special articles remembering
the brave sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives for the right to speak in their mother tongue.

International Mother Language Day is now observed worldwide, thanks to Bangladesh’s efforts. The day
reminds everyone to love their language and respect others’. It is a symbol of pride, unity, and freedom for
all Bengalis.