Khowasagar Dighi became 'DC Park', a storm of criticism



District Correspondent, Barta24.com, Lakshmipur
Picture: Barta24

Picture: Barta24

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There has been a lot of criticism over the installation of the signboard of 'DC Park' instead of the name of Khowasagar Dighi Park, which is intertwined with the heritage and history of Lakshmipur. Local residents including conscious circles are not in any way supporting the name DC Park.

Since Sunday (February 11) afternoon, netizens of Lakshmipur have been making various critical comments on Facebook with pictures of DC Park signboards.

It is known from the history-heritage pages of Lakshmipur that Khowasagar lake is spread over about 22 acres next to Raipur-Lakshmipur highway in Dalal Bazar area of Sadar upazila. Looking from one end to the other, it looks foggy. Hence this Dighi is called Khowa or Misty Dighi. The 300-year-old large-scale water body is known throughout the country as the Khowasagar Dighi.

Around 1755 Brajavallav Roy, the landlord of Dalal Bazar, dug the pond. Later the zamindar Raja Gaur Kishore Roy renovated the Dighi. There are many legends surrounding this ancient lake. The pond was neglected for a long time. However, the district administration took initiative to beautify it. Decorations are done on both sides of the Dighi. Fish are cultivated in the water of the lake. Everything is supervised from the district and upazila administration offices.

Meanwhile, after beautification, the pond quickly became popular as a sightseeing spot as it was very close to the district town. Visitors come here from far and wide. Dighi is a name of pride for the people of the district. However, the residents of the district are not able to accept the name change of Dighi. They want the Dighi to be known as historical.

Several calls to Lakhsmipur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Suraiya Jahan on her mobile phone regarding the naming of DC Park, but he did not receive.

However, in this regard Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Meher Nigar told reporters, I do not know the matter personally. I don't even know who hung the DC park board. I will find out today. I will talk to DC sir about this.

President of the district committee of Sujan, Kamal Hossain said, it is not appropriate to name a place of public importance after any officer-employee of the republic. The naming of Khowasagar Dighi was correct.

Posting a news published about Khowasagar Dighi, the former president of District Chhatra League Chowdhury Mahmudunnabi Sohel said on Facebook, "Dalal Bazar Khowasagar Dighi is one of the monuments of Lakhsmipur's history and heritage. Let all new buildings be built keeping this history and tradition intact. Let it be named after Khowasagar Dighi. This is the demand of our people of Lakhshmipur.

District Jatiya Party Joint General Secretary Md. Rakib Hossain also posted a protest on Facebook. He said that these stubborn decisions should be withdrawn soon. What's the point of DC's name here? Why do she as an employee of the Republic?

Mahibul Bashar wrote on his Facebook, "Khowasagar Dighi, which has been going on for hundreds of years, has changed like this!" Sad'.

General Secretary of Lakshimipur Press Club Saidul Islam Pabel said, Dalalbazar Khowasagar Dighi is mixed with the history and tradition of the district. Changing its name is not appropriate at all. Rather, a separate tourist spot called DC Park can be made at some other place. If the name of Khowsagar Dighi is changed, it will reflect negatively on the minds of the people of the district.

Three doctors are absent for a long time causing sufferings to the patients



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Barta24.com

Pic: Barta24.com

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The government has taken various initiatives to ensure the presence of doctors and officials in government hospitals. However, a different picture is seen in Barishal's 50- bed Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex. Three doctors of the hospital have been absent for a long time. As a result, patients have to suffer due to lack of proper healthcare.

Allegedly, medical services at the hospital have come to a standstill due to lack of strict supervision. Therefore, many patients are forced to seek treatment in private hospitals.

According to hospital sources, Dr. Abu Bakar Siddique joined Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex as Medical Officer on July 1, 2011. He has been absent since January 4, 2012 after staying at the hospital for just five months. Similarly, Dr. Soma Halder joined the health complex on October 8, 2014. She has also been absent since November 5, 2015, after serving for one year.

Sources also said that Dr. Shahana Rahman joined the hospital on November 25, 2023. She has not been coming to the hospital for the past 8 months.

Although the three mentioned doctors are absent for a long time, no appointments are being made in their place. As a result, patient services are constantly disrupted. Besides, the hospital authorities are also in trouble.

A responsible source of the hospital, on condition of anonymity, said that this alarming situation has arisen due to the non-punishment of those who are negligent in fulfilling their duties. Also there is a lack of strong supervision.

Upazila Health Officer Dr. Bakhtiar Al Mamun said that Dr. Abu Bakr Siddiq and Dr. Soma Halder have been given letters to join the workplace several times. But they are still not back to work. A departmental case is ongoing against them. In addition, Dr. Shahana Rahman has been given several letters to join the work. The Civil Surgeon's office has also been informed about the matter.

He also said that the information of doctors is sent to higher authorities and ministries every month. As such, the ministry is aware of the matter. According to the latest information, one doctor may be out of a job. Of the remaining two, one is abroad, the other I don't know where. Regarding the appointment of doctors, he said, appointment is not possible until the posts are vacant. As a result, it will take time to find a new doctor.

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Three coordinators in DB for interrogation



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

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Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has taken three people, including Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, into custody from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital. The other two coordinators are Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumdar.

A DB source confirmed this information on Friday (July 26) night.

DB said three coordinators have been brought to the DB office for security and interrogation purposes.

All three of them are students of Dhaka University.

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What the Home Minister said about lifting of the curfew



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

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Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said, everyone has to wait a little with the curfew till public life becomes normal. We are looking at whether the curfew can be relaxed.

He said these things while talking to reporters about the ongoing situation on Friday (July 26) night.

The Home Minister said, we are seeing if the curfew can be relaxed. Police BGB, Army are working. We have to wait a little until public life becomes normal. People should be patient. He also said that a decision may be made subject to discussion on Saturday (July 27).

At that time, he mentioned that there were brutal killings in the name of the movement, and he said, who will take responsibility for this loss of the country? BNP said they are not involved in violence. So who did it? It is a question of the people.

Regarding the arrest of the quota activists, the Home Minister said that the quota agitator leaders themselves are suffering from insecurity. For their safety, law enforcement has been called. Further action will be taken after the inquiry.

Incidentally, the government clamped a curfew from 12 midnight on July 19 to keep the situation normal around the quota reform movement. The army was also deployed.

The curfew was later relaxed for a specified period but has not yet been lifted completely.

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Government to provide treatment & income to all injured: Prime Minister



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the government will provide treatment and income to all those injured in the recent violence, regardless of party affiliation.

She said this while visiting the injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday (July 26). Meanwhile, she inquired about the physical condition of the injured.

Sheikh Hasina said that the government will do whatever is necessary for the treatment of those injured in the violence. The government will take responsibility for the treatment of the injured, whichever party they belong to.

She also said, even after accepting all the demands on the quota, why is the movement not ending? Everyone at home and abroad should be vocal against the violence and brutality of BNP-Jamaat.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister visited several wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and inquired about the injured. She talked to doctors and nurses. She ordered to give all kinds of treatment to the injured.

Earlier in the morning, the head of government visited the Bangladesh Television (BTV) building damaged by vandals' attack and fire at Rampura in the capital.

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