United News of Bangladesh

In the aftermath of the July 2024 uprising that toppled the previous government, Bangladesh’s bureaucracy is now gripped by intense internal rivalries, with officials competing for power and influence in what some insiders describe as a form of ‘anarchy’. The infighting has raised serious concerns about governance, administrative discipline and the interim government’s capacity to deliver on its reform promises, they said. Referring to a recent incident that happened during the appointment of a Deputy Commissioner (DC) when a scuffle broke out, an official told UNB that an undeclared cold war between bureaucrats aligned with the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are going on over key secretary-level postings. Despite the political transition, meaningful administrative reform has yet to materialise. Many former senior officials say factionalism, inefficiency and self-interest within the civil service have only worsened since the uprising. Restoring discipline in the bureaucracy now stands as one of the interim government’s most pressing challenges, said another official. There are ministries and departments, officials said, are operating without appointed secretaries. “This is really worrying,” said the official wishing anonymity. He said the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, the Department of Health, Education and Family Welfare, the Planning Department, the Rural Development and Cooperatives Department and the Road Transport and Highways Department, have no appointed secretaries. Senior or additional secretaries, according to him, are overseeing these portfolios on an acting basis as they have been advised, causing a marked slowdown in policymaking, project approvals, and public service delivery. He said senior leaders of a political party have visited the Secretariat and held meetings with the Cabinet Secretary and this has raised fresh questions about the neutrality of the civil service. This is the outcome of the interim government’s indecision, growing partisan influence within the bureaucracy, and a lack of coordination between administrative tiers,” he pointed out. Allegations have also surfaced regarding irregularities and financial transactions in the appointment of DCs and the reinstatement of controversial officials, particularly involving the Public Administration Secretary. The government, however, insists that internal probes have not substantiated any wrongdoing. Former Additional Secretary Md Firoz Mia told UNB that even a year after the uprising, administrative order has not been restored. He warned of a growing culture of irregularities, corruption and negligence, which he blamed on political interference and entrenched factionalism. “Several ministries have been operating for months without secretaries, while qualified and impartial officers are overlooked. This clearly reflects administrative failure and dysfunction,” he said. Other former officials echoed similar concerns, noting that a ‘competition to seize the chair’, reminiscent of illegal land grabs, has taken hold within the bureaucracy. They argued that despite political changes, old loyalties, incompetence and vested interests continue to undermine the functioning of the state machinery.

The government is taking steps to purchase a new fleet of modern locomotives to make Bangladesh’s rail services more efficient and profitable, said Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Road Transport, Bridges and Railways. “We expect to complete the tender process within a month,” he said in an interview with UNB. “Passenger demand is not an issue — people want to travel by train. But we’re facing a shortage of locomotives which limits the frequency and reliability of services,” Moinuddin said. “If we can address that by procuring more locomotives, train operations will increase, travel will become more convenient, and costs will come down,” he said, adding that the ministry is moving ahead with a plan to buy more locomotives than currently required to ensure long-term service stability. Despite a notable decline in operational losses in recent years the railway sector has yet to become fully profitable, he said. Govt plans rail link for all economic zones starting with Mirsarai In many countries, Moinuddin said, public transport systems are not directly profit-making but efficient management and reduced operational costs can make them sustainable. “We need better administrative efficiency and more effective policy decisions to achieve that.” About other major infrastructure development plans he said a master plan includes reducing the Dhaka-Chattogram route distance by around 80 kilometers. “Work has already started in parts of Ishwardi to straighten the railway line which will significantly reduce travel time.” Regarding other projects, Moinuddin said the renovation of the old line under the Jamuna Train Project is underway and new project activities are expected to begin next month. He ruled out the immediate introduction of high-speed or underground trains. “Our infrastructure isn’t ready for that yet. Discussions are ongoing about a Green Railway initiative but it will take more time,” he said. Bangladesh Railway has been struggling with inadequate rolling stock, outdated signaling systems and delays in completing major projects. At present, the railway has 1,788 coaches, nearly half of which (47%) have exceeded their service life. Only 295 locomotives are operational. Dhaka-Ctg highway’s 10-lane expansion shelved; focus shifts to railway Against a required workforce of 47,600 in the railway, only 24,000 are currently employed. Over the past five years till 2024, more than 2,000 accidents have occurred, resulting in over 150 passenger deaths and around 500 injuries. In the past four months alone, 160 railway accidents and sabotage incidents were reported nationwide, causing 18 fatalities and 200 injuries. The Ministry of Railways’ 2022-23 annual report states that 315 passenger trains are currently operating nationwide, with 143 of them introduced in the last 15 years. During this period, 843 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,391 kilometres of existing lines have been repaired. In 2024, the railway recorded a reduction in losses by over 20% due to improved ticketing systems and increased freight operations. Revenue from Bangladesh Railway is insufficient to cover its operational expenses, placing a financial burden that limits its growth and development. The 20-Year Railway Master Plan proposes 235 projects valued at Tk 2,33,944 crore. Key initiatives include extending the railway network by 2,877 kilometres, linking 44 districts, and standardising gauge systems to improve efficiency. The plan also emphasises integrating rail with road and inland water transport to establish a unified national transportation network.    

Every dawn in the Cumilla region brings the haunting prospect of yet another fatal road crash, with an average of three accidents a day claiming two lives and injuring five others, reflecting a grim landscape of disorder, decay and neglect on some of Bangladesh’s busiest highways. In just nine months this year, 525 people have been killed in road accidents across the Cumilla region, nearly doubling last year’s tally. The alarming rise has been recorded over 792 kilometres of major highways, including the Dhaka–Chattogram, Cumilla–Noakhali, Cumilla–Sylhet and Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar routes. Superintendent of Police (Highway Region) Shahinur Alam Khan said 842 accidents occurred between January and September 2025, leaving 525 dead and 1,210 injured. Of these, the Dhaka–Chattogram highway alone accounted for 465 accidents, with 284 deaths and 509 injuries, on the stretch between Daudkandi toll plaza in Cumilla and City Gate in Chattogram. Compared to 2024, when 630 accidents claimed 522 lives and injured 784 others, both figures have already surged this year. Officials fear 2025’s total may exceed all previous records if the trend continues. Saiful Islam, Motor Vehicle Inspector at the Cumilla BRTA office, attributed more than 40% of these crashes to reckless speeding. Despite enforcement drives, he said, the authorities have been unable to curb the menace due to a chronic shortage of manpower. Journalist Abdullah Al Maruf blamed police inaction, especially following the August 5 movement last year, for the sharp increase in accidents, saying the Highway Police’s failure to enforce speed limits, seize unfit vehicles and take legal action against unlicensed drivers has worsened the situation. Nearly 700 killed in road accidents across Bangladesh in June He also criticised BRTA’s lack of visible efforts to ensure road safety. “The highways have been in disrepair for over a year. Potholes and broken surfaces not only damage vehicles but also cause deadly accidents,” Maruf said. Kabir Ahmed, Vice-President of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, pointed to the overwhelming presence of illegal vehicles—at least 20 times more than the number of registered ones, as a key reason behind the chaos. He said around 90% of highway accidents involve either unregistered vehicles or a mix of legal and illegal ones. “Unskilled and unlicensed drivers, three-wheelers on highways, illegal roadside markets and poor public awareness are compounding the risks.” . According to him, of the 62 lakh registered motor vehicles in the country—46 lakh of which are motorcycles—only 29 lakh licences have been issued so far. This means about 33 lakh vehicles are being driven by unlicensed operators. “It is also unclear whether BRTA maintains an accurate count of total vehicles, and there has never been a clear policy on how many vehicles the roads can actually support,” Kabir noted. CCTV Cameras Offer Little Help Nearly 1,500 CCTV cameras have been installed along the 250-kilometre Dhaka–Chattogram highway to monitor speed and enhance safety. Yet Highway Police say they cannot access data from many of these cameras. SP Shahinur Alam said the systems have not yet been fully handed over to the police. “We hope to gain full access soon,” he said, adding that functional cameras are currently monitored from a control room at Meghna Ghat. Some cameras were also damaged during the August 5 protests, but efforts are underway to repair them, he added. Three-Wheelers and Broken Roads Deepen the Crisis Illegal three-wheelers remain a major hazard on highways. SP Shahinur admitted that completely banning them is difficult without expanding public transport. Sylhet div witnesses 28 deaths in road accidents in June “Many livelihoods depend on these vehicles. However, we are working to keep them out of key highway zones,” he said. The Cumilla–Sylhet highway, particularly its 62-kilometre stretch, is among the worst in the region—riddled with potholes, narrow lanes and broken surfaces. Other regional roads under the Roads and Highways Department are in similar condition. Abul Hasan, a driver for Sugandha Paribahan, said, “Not a single day goes by without an accident. The roads are narrow, broken and unsafe. Collisions between heavy and light vehicles are common. We’ve complained many times, but nothing changes.” Sub-Assistant Engineer of Cumilla Roads and Highways Department, Adnan Ibn Alam, said around 150 kilometres of roads in the district were damaged by last year’s floods and this year’s heavy rains. “We hope to complete all repair work by December or January,” he added.

For five long years, the residents of Mirzaganj upazila in Patuakhali and neighbouring Betagi in Barguna have endured daily suffering due to the collapse of the Domrabad–Jalisha Bridge over the Bairedhon River in Amragachia union. The bridge, locally known as the Domrabad–Jalisha Bridge, caved in back in January 2020 after being struck by a cargo trawler. Since then, its twisted iron structure has remained hanging precariously over the river, a silent testament to neglect and bureaucratic delay. Despite repeated pleas from locals, the bridge has yet to see any permanent reconstruction. Soon after the collapse, the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) removed some of the bridge’s damaged steel parts but left behind a large portion dangling above the waterway, posing a serious navigational risk. Cargo trawlers now pass underneath at great peril, while residents — farmers, students and traders alike — struggle with severe communication hardships. For years, villagers have had no choice but to rely on small boats to cross the river, paying Tk 5 per trip. Bridge without roads leaves thousands stranded in Rangpur’s Mithapukur Recently, locals from both sides pooled funds to build a makeshift wooden footbridge using tree trunks, attempting to restore some form of connection. To protect children, they even installed green fishing nets along the sides as a basic safety measure. Yet, the improvised bridge is fragile and treacherous, especially during rain or strong winds, and residents still have to travel an additional four to five kilometres to safely reach markets, schools and hospitals. “The lack of a bridge has completely disrupted communication between the two upazilas,” said Md Yusuf Mia, a resident of Hosanabad village. “My daughter and nephews used to attend Domrabad Government Primary School. After the collapse, they crossed by boat for a while, but it became too risky. Now they study at Jalisha Primary School across the river,” he said. The 62-metre-long bridge, constructed in April 2006, once served as a lifeline for thousands of people travelling daily between Domrabad, Uttar Amragachia, Madhya Amragachia, Hosanabad and Jalisha. “Nearly 25 to 30 students from Hosanabad village can no longer attend school,” said Md Firoz Alam, headmaster of Domrabad Government Primary School. “At first they used boats, but now even that is too dangerous. Our student numbers are falling every year,” he said. Dangerous Crossing: Kurigram villagers plead for permanent bridge Farmers, too, have been hit hard. With no bridge, transporting crops to nearby markets has become slow and costly. “If someone falls ill or a woman goes into labour, we have to take a 10–12 kilometre detour to reach the hospital,” said a local resident. When this correspondent visited the site on Tuesday, the remains of the bridge were found hanging dangerously over the Bairedhon River — its rusted metal beams a stark reminder of the area’s isolation and official indifference. Mirzaganj Upazila Engineer (LGED) Chandan Kumar Chakraborty confirmed that a soil test has been completed and a proposal sent to the ministry for allocation of reconstruction funds. “Once funds are approved, we will begin the tender process and start rebuilding the bridge as soon as possible,” he said.

With toxic pesticides and chemical fertilisers saturating its farmlands, Bangladesh faces a growing public health crisis as food safety slips further out of reach. Although these agrochemicals have played a critical role in boosting crop yields their unregulated and excessive use has raised serious concerns about safety. Farmers across the country spray over 40,000 tonnes of pesticides annually, often without adequate training or awareness of safe application methods and dosages.  This widespread misuse not only contaminates food but also degrades soil, pollutes water sources, and endangers non-target organisms. Professor Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University said that although the Pesticide Act was enacted in 2018, Bangladesh still lacks a comprehensive pesticide policy to regulate usage and ensure safe agricultural practices. FAO organises a poster competition in Dhaka to mark ‘World Food Day’ "Bangladesh currently has over 7,500 pesticide products in the market, but misuse and overapplication are alarmingly common," he said at a recent event in Dhaka. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said the import of pesticides rose sharply from 12,000 tonnes in 2005 to 27,000 tonnes in 2020 — more than double in 15 years. She shared the information at a roundtable titled “Impact of climate change in the agriculture sector and way forward” organised by the Bangladesh Agricultural Reporters Forum at the Jatiya Press Club in December last year.  She said while the recommended pesticide use per hectare was valued at Tk 98 the current figure has soared to Tk882.  Similarly, fertiliser application has risen dramatically  from 8.5 kg per unit of land to about 700 kg. Organic farming advocate Delowar Jahan, founder of Pran Boichoitor Khamar, said, If I farm naturally, I get 10 maunds of crops; with chemicals, I harvest 25. But the cost to health and nature is not worth the gain." While vegetable production in Bangladesh grew by 37.6% over the past decade, pesticide use rose even faster.  Environment adviser emphasizes valuing food producers, culinary heritage A comprehensive study conducted by researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University has identified 25 highly hazardous pesticides currently registered and used in the country, raising serious concerns over public health and environmental safety. The study, led by Prof Dr Gopal Das of the Department of Entomology, analysed 343 active pesticide ingredients following eight international benchmarks set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  The findings were presented at a workshop held on July 30 in Dhaka, titled “Enhancing Capacity for Management of Highly Hazardous Pesticides and Chemicals in Bangladesh.” Out of the 25 pesticides identified, 11 were insecticides, seven fungicides, five herbicides, and two rodenticides.  These are used in nearly 8,000 commercial formulations across the country. Among the most widely used toxic chemicals are abamectin, chlorpyrifos, paraquat, glyphosate, glufosinate ammonium, carbendazim, propiconazole, zinc phosphide and bromadiolone. Health experts have raised alarms over the acute and chronic health risks posed by these particularly in commonly consumed vegetables like tomatoes, beans, and eggplants. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable. Adding to concerns, out-of-season produce such as year-round tomatoes, beans, and cauliflower often grown using heavy chemical input has flooded local markets. Study: 87% dried fish deemed safe, 13% contains pesticides Land ownership also compounds the problem.  Nearly 85% of Bangladeshi farmers are landless, working on leased or sharecropped plots, which discourages sustainable land stewardship.  Meanwhile, government fertiliser subsidies have ballooned to Tk 28,000 crore this year—four times more than last year—yet most farmers still struggle to earn a viable income. “The agriculture system has turned into a gamble,” said Zahidul Islam, an agro-community organizer, adding, “If it were truly profitable, farmers would encourage their children to take it up. Instead, large companies and absentee landlords are buying up land, while small farmers fall deeper into poverty.” Experts are calling for urgent reforms, including avoiding cultivation near industrial sites, regular soil and crop testing, greater consumer awareness and stronger regulatory enforcement by BFSA. To address fertiliser demand, the government on October 7 approved the procurement of 2.30 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser. This includes 30,000 tonnes of bulk granular urea from SABIC Agri-nutrients Company, Saudi Arabia, at a cost of Tk 159.99 crore. Public health advocates urge a shift toward Integrated Pest Management (IPM), strict enforcement of withdrawal periods before harvest, support for organic farming, and consumer education on how to wash and prepare produce safely. Mohammad Shoeb, Member of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, acknowledged the widespread misuse of pesticides. “This is an open secret.  We’re working to coordinate with relevant authorities to reduce usage and monitor market samples regularly. It’s not just food, but the soil and even cattle fodder have become toxic. Even the grass our livestock feed on has lost its nutritional value,” he added.  

Farmers across four districts in the Khulna division have started cultivating winter vegetables for the Rabi season, with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), setting a target to bring 30,365 hectares of land under cultivation this year. According to official data, 15.2 percent of the targeted land in Khulna, Bagerhat, Narail and Satkhira districts has already been cultivated, as farmers remain busy sowing seeds, applying pesticides and preparing their fields. Aiming to strengthen the region’s agricultural base and boost economic prosperity, both the government and local farmers are working together to ensure year-round agricultural production.  Winter vegetable cultivation has become a key part of this initiative, with efforts underway in Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Narail to increase yields and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. Fields across the region are now being planted with a wide range of crops, including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, sweet pumpkin, bottle gourd, bean, sponge gourd, red spinach, white spinach (ghee-kanchan), regular spinach and carrots.  Early winter chill grips Bangladesh’s northern districts Officials are optimistic that if no major natural calamities occur during the season, the region will achieve its cultivation targets and contribute significantly to local economic development. According to DAE sources, Khulna District has set a target of bringing 8,335 hectares under winter vegetable cultivation, with 465 hectares (5.6%) already cultivated.  Bagerhat District has made the most progress so far, cultivating 3,122 hectares (34%) of its 9,200-hectare target.  In Satkhira, cultivation has covered 822 hectares (8.5%) of the 9,690-hectare target, while Narail has achieved 6.8 percent progress, with 215 hectares cultivated out of 3,140 hectares planned. Local farmers have expressed both optimism and concern as they enter the new season.  “People are quite interested in winter vegetables. That’s why we’ve started cultivating early,” said Md Saiful, a farmer. “It’s been about one and a half weeks since we sowed the seeds. I hope to get a good price for early vegetables when they reach the market," he said.  Another farmer, Hamidul, shared his frustration over unstable prices.  Jashore emerges as Bangladesh’s winter vegetable seedling hub “I’ve planted cauliflower and cabbage, but after harvesting, market prices often fall. When we don’t get fair prices, our interest in farming decreases,” he said. Salam, a fish farmer, mentioned that he has been cultivating pumpkin, bean and bottle gourd on the banks of his fish enclosures during winter for several years.  “Last year I got good prices, and I hope this year will be just as profitable,” he said. Md Amirul Islam, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer of Kalia Upazila, said early winter vegetables are being cultivated on 20 hectares in Dhusahati, Bil Bouch and Boladanga under Salamabad Union. "Farmers are now busy with sowing, pesticide application and other preparations. We’re providing them with continuous guidance,” he said. Md Kishore Ahmed, Agriculture Officer of Dighalia Upazila, said cultivation has already begun on 315 hectares under the current season’s plan, with 200 hectares completed.  “Alongside flatlands, we’ve emphasised vegetable cultivation on the banks of fish enclosures as well. Seeds and fertilisers have been distributed as incentives. Barring any major natural calamity, we expect to achieve our target, as we did last year,” he said. Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Khulna region, said, “Our goal is to make Khulna a more agriculturally driven and economically prosperous region. That’s why winter vegetable cultivation is being expanded during the Rabi season.” Rafiqul said special emphasis has been placed on cultivating vegetables on the banks of fish enclosures, where pesticide use is minimal, making the produce safer for consumption.  “Both farmers and consumers benefit from this method, and cultivation progress is improving daily. We are hopeful that if no major disasters strike, we’ll fully meet our winter vegetable targets and contribute to the region’s economic development,” he added.    

There was a time when the villages of Badarganj upazila in Rangpur would come alive with the sweet aroma of sugarcane. Whenever the factory siren sounded, life would return to the workers' settlement and the local market would become bustling. But that siren has been silent for a long time. Although there was an announcement to reopen the mill nine months ago, Shyampur Sugar Mill — once the region’s only heavy industry — remains shut. Hopes raised by that promise have since given way to frustration, as the government taskforce's revival plan stalls in the absence of necessary funding. As a result, over 4,500 workers from Badarganj, Taraganj and Sadar upazila of Rangpur district remain unemployed, many struggling to survive in increasingly dire conditions. Entire families in the mill’s workers’ colony now face uncertainty, with no income and little assurance of when — or if — things will improve. Established in 1964 on 111.45 acres of land, Shyampur Sugar Mill began crushing sugarcane in 1967. Sugarcane threshing to begin at Drashana's Carew & Co sugar mill on Friday With a daily crushing capacity of 1,016 tonnes and an annual production capacity of over 10,161 tonnes, the mill once supported sugarcane cultivation across 10,000 acres and was directly connected to over 10,000 farmers. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, the sugar mill halted its sugarcane crushing operations after facing a loss of 226 crore. Most farmers stopped cultivating sugarcane and shifted to other crops, which have not proven financially viable, weakening them economically. In December 2024, the government announced plans to reopen the mill based on recommendations from a task force. The plan included ensuring a sufficient supply of sugarcane and reviving the mill on a profitable basis. Later, a financial estimate was prepared for sugarcane cultivation and replanting expenses for the fiscal years 2024–25, 2025–26 and 2026–27. Sugarcane threshing begins in Joypurhat Sugar Mills On February 10, this year, a letter was sent to the Finance Division through the Ministry of Industries requesting Tk 537 crore for the 2024–25 fiscal years. Another letter was sent on July 13, seeking fund. Despite these efforts, the Finance Division rejected the funding request in a letter dated July 30. During a recent visit to the mill this correspondent fund that the premises are overgrown with vegetation and machinery—including sugarcane transport tractors and trolleys—lies neglected and rusting under the sun and rain. Fazlul Haque, a sugarcane farmer from Shyampur, said farmers staged demonstrations for long demanding reopening of the mill. He expressed disappointment after hearing the mill might not reopen as promised by the current interim government. Expressing dissatisfaction, Anarul Islam, another farmer, said that the local economy has collapsed since the mill was shut down.  "There used to be trade worth crores of taka here. Farmers and traders lived like city dwellers. Now, there’s no profit in growing alternative crops, and local business has dried up,” he said. Mosharraf Hossain, Managing Director of Shyampur Sugar Mill, said, “The plan was to reopen Shyampur Sugar Mill in the first phase. But due to the Finance Division’s refusal to release funds, it couldn’t happen. Our chairman and directors are in communication with the Finance Division. Salaries and allowances are up to date. We want the mill to reopen as soon as possible.” Altaf Hossain, a member of the closed sugar mill task force committee and local resident, said, “The task force proposed ways to modernise and make these mills profitable. But without the necessary funds, the future of these initiatives is uncertain. If utilized properly, these assets worth thousands of crores could be profitable instead of being a loss burden.” Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Rabiul Faisal said, “We are trying to engage with the ministry to see if the mill can be reopened quickly. We remain hopeful.”

With the arrival of Bangla month of Kartik, the signs of approaching winter are becoming increasingly visible across northern districts of the country as surroundings remain blanketed in fog during the morning.   For the past few days, the rural areas of across five upazilas in Lalmonirhat district have been wrapped in thick fog before dawn while the cool morning breeze signals the onset of the cold season. On Monday morning, dense fog covered much of the district shrouding roads and golden paddy fields under a misty veil. According to Rajarhat Weather Office in nearby Kurigram district, the minimum temperature at 9 am was recorded at 23.7 degrees Celsius, with humidity at 92 percent, indicating the seasonal transition. Jashore emerges as Bangladesh’s winter vegetable seedling hub “Whenever Hemanta (late autumn) arrives, we know the season of Nabanna is near. It’s time for new rice and traditional rice cakes. This is when the villages come back to life,” said Nur Mohammad, a farmer from Chalbala village in Kaliganj upazila.

A rural infrastructure project meant to ease transportation woes in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur has become a textbook case of alleged financial irregularities, as Tk 50 lakh was reportedly withdrawn without any construction taking place. The residents of Ragoi village in Suchiparasouth Union allege that a 12-metre-long culvert, planned under the 2023–2024 fiscal year’s rural development initiative, remains untouched even months after funds were released. The revelation has sparked anger among locals and prompted an official probe into possible corruption and administrative negligence. According to official documents, the project had an allocation exceeding Tk 1.8 crore, with a portion earmarked for building the culvert at Tapadar Bari Khalpara area. Contractor Tajul Islam Sumon was assigned to carry out the work. But, construction never started despite the site’s readiness. In May 2025, the contractor withdrew Tk 50 lakh—almost half of the allocated funds—without initiating any physical work. Stranded by Neglect: Khagrachhari villagers brave crumbling culvert for over a decade The irregularity came to light through an upazila development progress report dated May 29, reportedly signed by the then Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nigar Sultana and Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Md Sabuj. Both officials have since been transferred, according to sources who preferred anonymity. Current UNO Nazia Hossain confirmed the allegations, saying, “The contractor has withdrawn Tk 50 lakh without doing the work… a formal investigation is underway. Action will follow based on the findings.” Deputy Commissioner of the district Mohammad Mohsin Uddin also assured accountability. “If the project bill was withdrawn without completing the work, action will definitely be taken. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the culvert is constructed.” For residents, the unbuilt culvert represents more than just an unfinished project—it is a disruption to daily life. Frustrations mount as bridge-culverts damaged in 2017 floods still in disrepair Abu Sayeed, a local resident, said, “The contractor didn’t start the work. After the issue surfaced, he only left some stones at the site.” Another villager, Mojibur Rahman, described the culvert as essential. “It’s vital for our area. Without it, travel becomes difficult, especially during the rainy season.”  

At first glance, the white polythene canopies stretching across both sides of the road just 10 kilometres west of Jashore town resemble festive tents set up for a grand wedding. A closer look, however, reveals a different celebration — one of soil, sweat and seedlings. This vibrant landscape belongs to Abdulpur and Bagdanga villages in Jashore Sadar upazila, widely recognised as the country’s winter vegetable seedling capital, where a quiet agricultural revolution is underway. As evening falls or rain begins, farmers cover the seedbeds to protect young plants. Some are busy sowing seeds, others watering the sprouts, while some uproot mature seedlings for sale. Between 250 to 300 growers in Abdulpur and Bagdanga produce 20 to 25 crore vegetable seedlings over a six-month season, generating sales worth Tk 20 to 30 crore, according to local farmers. These seedlings, including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beet, turnip, tomato and chili, are distributed to nearly all 64 districts of Bangladesh. From morning to dusk, farmers and traders from across the country flock to the area to collect high-quality seedlings, which have gained a reputation even in the most remote corners of the country. How to know when your garden vegetables are ready to harvest Rekan Mia, a grower from Abdulpur, said seedling production began in the area around 20 years ago, but commercial-scale production has accelerated over the past decade. He, however, noted that excessive rainfall this year disrupted several planting cycles, causing significant losses. The rising prices of seeds, fertilisers, labour and polythene have added to farmers’ financial strain, he said, urging the government to provide financial assistance to help recover the losses. Saddam Hossain, another grower from Bagdanga, pointed out their seedlings are sold both online and offline across the country. “Traders from different districts come to purchase seedlings directly. There’s also a dedicated seedling market at the Churamankathi bazaar in Sadar upazila, which attracts buyers nationwide,” he said. Mamun Hossain shared current rates, noting that good-quality cauliflower seedlings sell for Tk 1,000–1,500 per thousand, while cabbage seedlings range from Tk 800-1,100 depending on quality. “We produce all types of winter vegetable seedlings here. Commercial seedling cultivation has created employment for many locals. With proper government support, this sector can see further growth,” he added. Prices of winter vegetables drop in Khulna, essentials continue to rise