NOAKHALI, May 1, 2026 (BSS) – Ferry services on the Chairman Ghat–Nalchira river route in Hatiya, an island upazila of Noakhali, have remained suspended for two consecutive days following the warnings of the meteorological department. Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Russell Iqbal said following the issuance of hoisting of local cautionary signal number 3 at the seaport, ferry services on this route have been suspended since Thursday for safety reasons.  Services will resume as soon as the weather conditions return to normal, he added. At the ghat area, long queues of goods-carrying vehicles, including covered vans, trucks, and pickups, were seen waiting for crossing.  Due to prolonged delays, there is a risk of spoilage of fishes, vegetables, and other perishable items.  Consequently, traders are facing potential financial losses. Many cargo vehicles remain stuck at the ghat, with no alternative means of river crossing available.  The lack of adequate food and accommodation facilities at the ghat has further worsened the suffering of drivers. Local resident Jillur Rahman said that although ferry services remain suspended, small boats have been seen operating on the same route violating the warning. As a result, goods-laden vehicles have been stranded at the ghat, causing severe suffering to drivers and traders.

DHAKA, May 1, 2026 (BSS) - The holy Buddha Purnima was celebrated in Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts today with due religious dignity, festivity and solemn devotion, marking the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Gautama Buddha. In Khagrachhari, the day-long programme was observed through various religious rituals at different Buddhist monasteries. Devotees took part in Buddha puja, Sangha dana, astaparikar dana and other religious ceremonies, offering prayers for peace, prosperity and the welfare of all beings. In the morning, a colourful "Mongol Shobhajatra" was brought out from Bat Tola premises of Panjhiyapara area in the town.  The procession paraded through major roads of Khagrachhari and concluded at the Janabal Buddhist Monastery premises at Chenggi Square.  A large number of devotees including men, women and children took part in the procession carrying Buddhist flags, banners and colourful decorations. Prayers and rituals were held at various monastery premises.  In the evening, lamps were lit at different Buddhist monasteries in observance of World Peace prayers, illuminating the entire area and marking a solemn conclusion to the day's programmes. Religious leaders said Buddha Purnima is one of the most significant days for Buddhists as it commemorates three major events in the life of Lord Buddha -- his birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana. In Rangamati, the day was also observed with great enthusiasm and religious sanctity.    Thousands of devotees joined religious processions and programmes across the district from early morning. A mammoth religious procession was brought out from Maitri Vihara at Kathaltoli in Banarupa, which paraded through the main road and ended at Tabalchhari Ananda Vihara.  Another colourful procession was brought out from the Rangamati Zilla Parishad premises to Rajban Vihara, where it culminated in a religious gathering. Devotees took part in Buddha puja, Panchashil and Ashtashil observance, Sangha dana and other religious rituals. They also offered prayers and participated in various charitable activities at different monasteries. Speakers at the programmes highlighted the teachings of peace, non-violence and harmony of Lord Buddha, urging everyone to follow his ideals in daily life for establishing peace in society. The hilly districts thus turned into centres of devotion and festivity as Buddhist communities celebrated the sacred Buddha Purnima with traditional rituals and deep religious fervor. Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival of the Buddhists, is being celebrated today across the country with traditional enthusiasm and due religious fervour. The Buddha Purnima, designated as International Vesak Day in 2000 by the United Nations, commemorates three important events that took place in the life of Buddha on the same day -- the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, his attainment of supreme enlightenment and his entry into Nirvana, the sublime cessation of all longing.