Bogura district correspondent
The tragic death of seven-year-old Fatima Akhter in a pond near the Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (R.) Shrine in Bagerhat cannot simply be dismissed as an accident, especially given the numerous warning signs that preceded this incident. There have also been previous occurrences of fatalities.
While the country celebrated Eid-ul-Azha, several families in Bogura spent a somber holiday inside the isolation ward of a hospital as their loved ones battled measles and cholera infections.
The Korotoa River in northern Bangladesh is facing severe environmental degradation due to alleged encroachment and industrial pollution, with local residents and stakeholders blaming several industrial facilities operated by Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS).
For over thirty years, there have been ongoing discussions concerning the airport in Bogura. Land acquisition and infrastructure development have been undertaken. Political declarations have been made repeatedly. Yet, no commercial aircraft have taken to the skies over Bogura thus far. This initiative was referred to as the gateway to the potential of the northern region.
'Vow Trading' with Crocodiles has been going on at the Shrine of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (RA) in Bagerhat for a long time. Devotees believe that feeding the crocodiles in the shrine's pond with poultry will fulfill their wishes or intentions. For that, some bring ducks, some chickens, some goats. These vowed poultry and goats go to the servants. They divide the money and animals for the vows. This is how the vow trading with crocodiles has been going on at the shrine for years!
Maryam, aged 55, who exhibited the signs of mental instability, used to reside in the Mazar Sharif of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (R.A.) located in Bagerhat. Her work involved cleaning tasks in that area. Additionally, she would visit houses throughout the village of Dighirpar, which is adjacent to the shrine. This was the routine of her life prior to the tragic incident that occurred nearly ten years ago.