Rajshahi, Jan 02 (V7N) — The year 2025 passed through a mix of unexpected events and painful tragedies for the people of Rajshahi, with several incidents resonating far beyond the region and drawing nationwide attention. Toward the end of the year in particular, three heartbreaking incidents cast a heavy shadow over public sentiment, keeping the city at the center of discussion.

Among the most tragic events of the year was the death of a child named Sajid, who fell into an unprotected deep tube-well pit. Other incidents that stirred the nation included a poverty-driven family tragedy in which a farmer killed three family members before taking his own life, and a shocking murder inside the rented residence of a district judge, where the judge’s son was killed.

The most mournful and widely discussed incident occurred on December 10. On that day, Sajid went missing after falling into an unguarded 50-foot-deep tube-well pit in Koelhat Purbo Para village under Pachandar Union of Tanore upazila. Fire Service personnel carried out a relentless rescue operation, digging through 50 feet of soil over 32 hours. The child was eventually recovered unconscious and taken to Tanore উপজেলা Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. The heartbreaking incident spread rapidly across social media, sparking nationwide grief and even drawing international attention. The tragedy left a lasting impact on public consciousness and remains a topic of discussion.

Another shocking incident took place on November 13 in the Dabtal area under Rajpara Police Station in Rajshahi city. An accused individual, Limon Mia, entered the rented flat of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Sessions Judge and stabbed the judge’s son, Taosif Rahman, to death, while injuring the judge’s wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy. Limon was also injured during the incident. Following the event, the judge filed a case, and police arrested Limon from the hospital and placed him on a five-day remand. The case drew further controversy when statements made by the accused while in police custody went viral on social media, prompting the court to summon the then police commissioner. Four police officers were later attached to the Rajshahi Police Lines for negligence of duty. The incident sparked nationwide debate and led to a government order ensuring enhanced security for judges across the country.

On August 15, another deeply disturbing tragedy unfolded in the Baman Shikhar area of Paba upazila. Driven by financial hardship, farmer Minarul Islam killed his wife Monira Begum, son Mahim, and daughter Mithila before committing suicide. Two separate cases were filed following the deaths. Even before the family could recover from the shock, relatives reportedly took loans to arrange post-forty-day rituals. Handwritten suicide notes left by Minarul, explaining his actions, circulated widely and intensified public debate across the country.

Several other incidents kept Rajshahi in the national spotlight throughout the year. On April 14, Ruhul Amin, a 60-year-old man, died by jumping under the Rajshahi-bound Dhumketu Express at Arani Railway Station in Bagha upazila, with a video of the incident going viral on social media. On October 27, a gunfight between rival groups from Kushtia in the char area of Bagha resulted in the deaths of three individuals, prompting police to launch an operation named “First Light.”

On February 2, a Rajshahi Social Welfare officer, Zahid Hasan, was dismissed after assaulting a rickshaw puller, though he was later posted as an Upazila Social Welfare Officer in Dupchanchia, Bogura. On July 21, Flight Lieutenant Md Toukir Islam, a pilot killed in a plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, was mourned in Rajshahi, where his family home is located.

Political tensions also surfaced when, on July 28, a list containing the names of 123 alleged extortionists affiliated with BNP, Awami League, and Jamaat sparked widespread controversy in Rajshahi’s political arena. The list included names of 44 individuals linked to BNP and its student wing, 25 associated with the Awami League, and six with Jamaat, triggering intense debate and unrest across political circles.

Together, these incidents made 2025 a year of profound sorrow, controversy, and reflection for Rajshahi, leaving scars that continue to shape public discourse as the city steps into a new year.

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