The roadsides, bushes, and forested areas across Chandina upazila of Cumilla are now radiating charm with one of spring’s most familiar wildflowers—the bhat flower. With the arrival of spring, often called the king of seasons, nature seems to have adorned itself in a fresh new look. The lingering chill of winter is slowly fading, replaced by gentle warm breezes. At this very moment, the quiet beauty of bhat flowers has begun to bloom across the landscape.During spring, nature dresses itself in a variety of colorful blossoms. Yet in rural Bengal, one particular flower is commonly seen everywhere—the bhat flower. In different parts of Chandina, these plants are naturally growing along rural roads, village paths, canal banks, beside crop fields, and in bushes and thickets. These plants require no cultivation or special care. Following nature’s own rhythm, bhat plants sprout from the soil at a specific time of the year, and with the arrival of spring, countless flowers bloom on them. As the season ends, the plants gradually dry up and disappear in accordance with nature’s cycle.According to local residents, the blooming of bhat flowers feels like a silent message from nature announcing the arrival of spring. Rows of white or slightly purple-tinged flowers can be seen along village roads and pathways. Swaying gently in the breeze, the flowers bring instant joy to passersby. In the early morning, when they are covered with dew, the beauty of the bhat flowers appears even more vibrant and lively.Beyond their visual appeal, these flowers also play an important role in maintaining biodiversity. From early morning, various species of butterflies, bees, and other small insects gather around the blossoms to collect nectar. This natural interaction contributes significantly to the food chain and pollination process in the environment. Agricultural experts say that wildflowers like the bhat flower help maintain ecological balance in nature.In addition to their beauty and ecological value, bhat plants are also known for their medicinal properties. For generations, people in rural areas have used the leaves, roots, and flowers of the plant in traditional herbal remedies. In folk medicine, extracts from the plant are believed to help treat fever, skin diseases, pain, and certain inflammatory conditions. However, experts note that more scientific research is needed to verify and understand these traditional uses in modern medical science.Elderly residents from different villages in Chandina say that bhat flowers were once even more common along rural roads and fields. However, due to urbanization, road expansion, and the clearing of bushes and wild vegetation, the number of these plants has declined in many places. Still, every spring nature finds its way, and somewhere or another the bhat flowers bloom again, as if reminding people of nature’s timeless beauty.Many young people in the area are now capturing photographs of the bhat flowers during spring and sharing them on social media. As a result, the simple yet captivating beauty of this wildflower is gaining renewed attention. Many believe that people should become more aware of the importance of protecting such elements of rural nature and biodiversity.Every year, with the arrival of spring, bhat flowers bloom according to nature’s own rhythm and create a brief yet enchanting atmosphere around the countryside. The flowers blooming along the roadsides of Chandina serve as a gentle reminder that enjoying the beauty of nature does not always require grand arrangements—sometimes a single wildflower is enough to fill the human heart with joy.

During a recent on-site visit to assess the progress of the new building and the overall healthcare services at Haimchar Upazila Health Complex in Chandpur, various irregularities and severe patient sufferings came to light.It was observed that due to a shortage of adequate seating and beds, many patients are being forced to receive medical services while sitting outside the building. Inside the facility, long queues of patients and an unhealthy environment were evident. Patients complained that they are compelled to receive treatment amid mosquito infestation and unhygienic conditions.Several patients reported that the condition of the hospital washrooms is extremely poor. Due to the lack of regular cleaning and maintenance, the toilets have become nearly unusable because of foul odors.There are also serious allegations regarding a shortage of doctors. Patients stated that they have to stand in long lines for extended periods due to insufficient medical staff. One patient mentioned that he had been waiting for more than an hour to receive treatment.It was learned that the officer in charge of the hospital, Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, is currently on leave. In his absence, when attempts were made to speak with other doctors, they avoided journalists citing various excuses. Such behavior from responsible officials has raised concerns regarding transparency and accountability.During the on-site inspection, further allegations were received, and certain issues were directly observed by the reporter. There are complaints about the widespread presence of broker networks within the hospital premises, which the reporter also witnessed. Locals claim that patients are being diverted to nearby private clinics through alleged understandings. It was also observed that during duty hours, a doctor left the hospital premises to see patients at a related private clinic.Meanwhile, as the newly constructed 50-bed hospital building has not yet been made operational for a long time, healthcare services continue to be provided within the limited capacity of the old 31-bed facility. As a result, general patients are facing severe hardships.Not only the main hospital building but also the residential quarters constructed under the new project for doctors and nurses remain unprotected and unused. Due to the lack of inauguration and regular supervision, locals allege that these buildings have turned into gathering spots for drug users. During the on-site visit, evidence of cannabis and yaba consumption was found on various floors of the buildings. Signs of immoral activities were also reportedly observed. According to local residents, the abandoned buildings have effectively become a “safe zone” for drug users.Several patients seeking treatment at the hospital expressed that if the new building becomes operational quickly, they would be able to receive medical services comfortably and without disruption.Local residents have urged the concerned authorities to take immediate and effective measures to address the situation.

A horrific road accident involving a coal-laden drum truck occurred on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Chandina, Cumilla, just moments before Iftar. The accident took place on Tuesday (March 3) at approximately 5:50 PM in the Tirchar area of the upazila. According to eyewitnesses, the speeding drum truck lost control while attempting to overtake a cement-laden truck on the Dhaka-bound lane. The impact was so severe that the cement truck was pushed onto the highway median, and the front section of the drum truck was completely crushed.During the collision, the drum truck driver was critically injured and became trapped in his seat. Locals immediately began rescue operations and notified the authorities. Upon receiving the news, members of the Eliatganj Highway Police Station and Chandina Fire Service rushed to the spot and rescued the driver with the help of local residents. He was subsequently admitted to the Chandina Upazila Health Complex in critical condition. Following the accident, traffic came to a standstill on both sides of the highway, resulting in a nearly one-kilometer-long traffic jam. Normalcy returned after the wrecked vehicles were removed from the road. However, the identity of the injured driver could not be confirmed at the time of reporting.Regarding the incident, Md. Ruhul Amin, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Eliatganj Highway Police Station, stated that it is primarily suspected that the accident occurred due to reckless speed while overtaking. He added that the police and fire service managed to restore traffic flow immediately after the rescue operation, and legal proceedings are currently underway.