KISHOREGANJ, Mar 25, 2026 (BSS) - A severe hailstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning swept across different upazilas of the district on Tuesday, leaving widespread destruction.  According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), approximately 3,864 hectares of paddy fields have been damaged, with the worst impact reported in the haor regions. The storm struck in two phases-during the afternoon and again at night on March 24-affecting key haor upazilas such as Itna, Mithamoin, Ashtagram, and Nikli. Other areas including Sadar, Pakundia, Hossainpur, Katiadi and Bhairab also experienced significant damage. In several locations, heavy accumulation of hailstones turned roads and farmland white. Mithamoin upazila suffered the highest loss, with around 2,500 hectares of paddy fields damaged. Itna reported 986 hectares affected, followed by Ashtagram 140 hectares, Nikli 100 hectares, Pakundia 120 hectares, Hossainpur 10 hectares, Kuliarchar 6 hectares, and Bhairab 2 hectares of land. Field visits to Pakundia revealed that vegetable crops have also sustained notable damage. DAE Deputy Director Dr. Sadiqur Rahman said that the hailstorm caused the most severe damage to Boro paddy, particularly in the haor areas. He added that agricultural officials are currently advising affected farmers on recovery measures and that he plans to personally inspect the damaged regions. Meanwhile, the Nikli Meteorological Office recorded 19.3 mm of rainfall during the night, along with hail, according to local official Altaf Hossain. Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the losses as farmers brace for the economic impact of the disaster.

KHULNA, Mar 25, 2026 (BSS) - A discussion marking Genocide Day was held this morning at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office in the district. Deputy Commissioner A. S. M. Zamshed Khondaker presided over the meeting.  At the outset, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs who were killed in the genocide carried out by the Pakistani occupation forces on the night of March 25, 1971. Speaking at the event, the Deputy Commissioner said the Pakistani occupation forces launched genocide across the country, including in Dhaka, on this day in 1971 with the aim of wiping out unarmed Bengalis-an event remembered as the "Black Night." He noted that perpetrators of genocide never escape justice and ultimately face defeat. He also said that sacrifices made for the motherland earn the highest honor of martyrdom. He urged all to perform their respective duties with a spirit of patriotism, humanity, and service. Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Bitan Kumar Mondal, Deputy Police Commissioner of KMP Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Sheikh Imran, freedom fighters Mohammad Moniruzzaman and Md. Nazrul Islam, also spoke at the meeting. Officials from various government departments were present. On the occasion, educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and madrasas, organized discussions and remembrance sessions on the genocide and the Great Liberation War, involving eminent personalities and freedom fighters.  Special prayers were offered in mosques and other places of worship.