United News of Bangladesh

With the Eid-ul-Fitr approaching fast, concerns are growing over possible travel disruptions at Paturia ferry and launch terminals, the main gateway to the country’s southwestern region covering 21 districts, as those damaged during last year’s monsoon remain unrepaired. The Paturia ferry terminal on the Padma River was badly damaged by strong currents during the last monsoon but repairs are yet to be completed, while several pontoons are now in a dilapidated state. The situation at the launch terminal is similarly worrying, locals said. After the only launch terminal was washed away by the river around six months ago, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority set up a temporary pontoon beside the No. 2 ferry terminal to keep launch services running. Launch operators and passengers fear extreme hardship if passenger pressure increases ahead of Eid. Visiting Paturia terminal the correspondent found that of the five ferry ghats, ferries are operating only through the No. 3 and No. 5 terminals. The No. 4 ghat is completely closed and under repair while the No. 2 ghat has become unusable as ferries cannot dock there. Officials of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) said that during normal times, an average of 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles, including buses, trucks, private cars, microbuses, motorcycles and pickup vans, cross the Paturia–Daulatdia route daily. During Eid, the number rises sharply to around 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles a day, prompting authorities to increase ferry services. BIWTC Aricha sector Deputy General Manager Abdus Salam said all five terminals were damaged by strong monsoon currents last August, of which three have since been repaired. Repair work at the No. 4 ghat is ongoing but he acknowledged that the shortage of functional ferry terminals creates problems during ferry loading and unloading. Local drivers and passengers said the approach roads to the terminals are riddled with potholes, making it difficult for vehicles to board and disembark from ferries. They said unless urgent repairs are carried out, long traffic tailbacks could form during Eid, forcing people to wait for hours to cross the river. Hundreds of passengers use the lunch terminal daily, with numbers multiplying ahead of Eid. The original terminal was washed away by strong currents on August 5 last year, forcing authorities to operate services from a temporary pontoon beside the No. 2 ferry ghat. Passengers said the steep approach road from the terminal building to the pontoon makes boarding and disembarking hazardous and uncomfortable. BIWTA Executive Engineer Rabiul Islam said adequate repairs could not be carried out due to budget constraints. He, however, said work has already begun to make the No. 4 ferry ghat operational including repairs to the pontoon and approach road. Rabiul expressed hope that it would be reopened within a week. He also said work would be carried out on the launch terminal’s approach road, adding that all terminals are expected to be fully operational just before Eid. 15 dead after passenger ferry capsizes on Nile River in Sudan Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana said relevant agencies, including BIWTC, BIWTA, the Roads and Highways Department, police and terminal authorities, have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure smooth and safe ferry and launch crossings for Eid-bound passengers. She hoped that travellers would not face major difficulties during the holiday rush.

The once-turbulent Dharla and Baromasia rivers in northern Bangladesh have quietened, leaving behind scores of new river islands, or ‘chars,’ now turning green with crops. The transformation has opened new opportunities for farmers but has sent ripples of concern through the local fishing community. Over the past decade, climate change and sediment buildup have reduced the rivers’ navigability, exposing nearly 250 hectares of new char land in the floodplains. Farmers in Phulbari Upazila, Kurigram district, are now growing boro rice, maize, tobacco, peanuts and other crops on these fertile riverbeds, creating a striking green landscape. With water levels low, locals can now walk across stretches of river that were once navigable only by boat. Farming on these chars has been ongoing for the past 10 to 15 years, yielding good harvests annually. Altaf Hossain and Mojibur Rahman, farmers from the Sonaikazi area along the Dharla river, recalled the river’s destructive past. This river once swallowed our homes and farmland, leaving countless people destitute, they said. “Now it has dried up, and we are cultivating boro rice on the exposed riverbeds,” Altaf Hossain said, adding, “We expect to produce 25 to 28 maunds of rice per bigha this year. But rising production costs and fluctuating market prices pose a risk of loss.” Local UP member Mozsed Ali said that farmers have long cultivated boro rice and maize on the Dharla char lands and remain optimistic about another good harvest. Farmers along the Baromasia River, including Amzad Hossain, Rashid Mia, Chan Mia and Abdul Majid, said they have brought four to five bighas of land under maize cultivation. They are hopeful for a bumper crop and favourable market prices, citing good weather conditions. Yet, as farmers rejoice, fishermen face increasing hardship. Communities once reliant on the Dharla and surrounding rivers for fish such as boal, katla, rui, tengra and vetki are struggling. Reduced water flow and declining river depth have made these species increasingly scarce. Nilufa Yasmin, Phulbari Upazila Agriculture Officer, said the target for boro cultivation this season was 10,205 hectares, of which 10,050 hectares have already been achieved. Twelve hectares of boro rice have been planted in the catchment areas of the Dharla–Baromasia and Neelkamal rivers, she said. Kurigram looks to new government for solutions to river erosion, jobs crisis  

Restoring law and order and rebuilding investor confidence remain the most pressing challenges for Bangladesh’s business sector, as the BNP-led government seeks to steer the economy out of a prolonged slowdown, business leaders and economists said. They stressed that sustained stability and clear policy direction will be essential to revive investment and fasten the economic recovery. During the 18-month tenure of the interim government following the 2024 mass uprising, they said, the country’s business sector experienced a severe slump. Although some political stability has returned after the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12, the sector has yet to show signs of meaningful recovery. BGMEA pushes for quick release of Tk 5,700cr RMG incentives According to the business leaders, regaining the confidence of entrepreneurs—many of whom have lost trust in the system—and sustaining improvements in law and order will be critical for economic revival. President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) Taskeen Ahmed said curbing extortion must be the government’s top priority to restore business confidence. “To ensure a stable business environment, extortion has to stop first. Corruption and bureaucratic complexities in government offices must also be addressed,” he said. Taskeen pointed out that even after the fall of the Awami League government, businesses have continued to face extortion at similar or, in some cases, higher rates. “Factories still have to pay extortion money for trucks entering and leaving premises. For the current government, stopping extortion is the biggest challenge. If this is resolved, businesses will regain some relief,” he said. While extortion remains a major concern for local entrepreneurs, large-scale investors are equally worried about corruption and administrative bottlenecks in government offices. The business leaders fear that without institutional reforms, foreign and large domestic investors will remain hesitant to commit long-term investments in Bangladesh. President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) Showkat Aziz Russell said the country is passing through a critical period. “No entrepreneur feels confident about making long-term investments in Bangladesh at this moment. The government’s first task is to restore that confidence,” he said, stressing the need to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and the culture of 'passing the pillow' within ministries. The ready-made garment (RMG) sector, the backbone of the country’s exports, is also under significant strain. More than 400 garment factories reportedly shut down during the interim government’s tenure. Many factories are struggling to pay wages and festival bonuses ahead of Eid and have sought financial support from the central bank. In a letter to Bangladesh Bank, Acting President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Inamul Haq Khan cited geopolitical shifts, global recessionary pressures and tariff wars as key reasons behind declining export earnings. He said export income fell by 2.43 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year, while back-to-back letters of credit (LCs) dropped by 12.90 percent in November 2025. Lower unit prices of garments, deferred shipments and postponed orders have further disrupted production. Factories are also struggling with rising operational costs, including wages, utility bills, transport expenses and bank interest payments. Production capacity is gradually shrinking amid sluggish export activities. Meanwhile, a recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) noted that Bangladesh’s economic stability largely depends on political stability. It said the BNP government faces strong short-term pressure to accelerate growth, curb inflation, raise foreign exchange reserves, attract foreign direct investment and enhance trade connectivity. The report also observed that state-owned enterprises and the banking sector remain structurally weak. Echoing similar concerns, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) stressed the need for fundamental shifts in economic policy. CPD Additional Research Director Towfiqul Islam Khan identified three major challenges: weak macroeconomic stability, fragile private sector investment and employment conditions, and limited fiscal space for the government. Economists have advised the government to adopt prudent fiscal measures, gradually depreciate the currency, reduce incentives for remittance and export sectors, and revise the current budget realistically to better prepare for the next fiscal year. Business leaders said without decisive reforms in governance, economic management and institutional efficiency, restoring momentum in Bangladesh’s business and investment climate will remain an uphill task.  

A quiet but striking transformation is unfolding on the sandy char lands of Govardhan, on the banks of the Teesta River in Mohishkhocha Union under Aditmari Upazila. Where tobacco once stood as the dominant crop, fields are now awash with the bright yellow of blooming sunflowers, signalling a new economic possibility for farmers in Lalmonirhat. For the first time, sunflower is being cultivated commercially in the area under an agricultural development project aimed at reducing tobacco farming and increasing edible oil production. The change is not merely visual; it is financial. Farmers say the numbers speak for themselves. Cultivation costs range between Tk 6,000 and Tk 7,000 per bigha, while seeds are selling for around Tk 30,000 per bigha. With limited irrigation, just two or three rounds, and proper fertiliser application, growers are earning around Tk 30,000 per bigha, making the crop an attractive alternative to tobacco. Abu Bakkar Siddique, one of the pioneering farmers behind the initiative, described the current season as particularly successful. “The yield has been very good this year,” he said, adding, “People are coming from far and wide to see the sunflower fields. Many are interested in cultivating it themselves because the costs are low and the profits are higher.” Yet Bakkar cautioned that sustained success will depend on proper marketing arrangements. “If marketing support is ensured, the banks of the Teesta could become green and golden, free from tobacco,” he added. Agriculture officials are actively backing the transition. Under the Agricultural Technology Extension Project, the Department of Agricultural Extension is distributing free seeds and fertilisers to participating farmers. The broader objective is to discourage tobacco cultivation, long associated with health and environmental concerns, and to boost domestic edible oil production. Pradeep Kumar Roy, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer in Aditmari, said the char area had previously been synonymous with tobacco farming. “With the initiative of farmer Abu Bakkar and support from the Agriculture Office, profitable sunflower cultivation is now taking place,” he said, confirming that the department has provided seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and technical advice. Currently, sunflowers are being grown on five bighas of land in Mohishkhocha and Durgapur unions under the project, according to Omar Faruk, Upazila Agriculture Officer in Aditmari. He expressed optimism that the crop could emerge as a strong substitute for tobacco while helping meet the country’s growing demand for edible oil. “We are providing free support to discourage tobacco cultivation. Sunflower is not only profitable, but it is also very beneficial for human health," Faruk said. Beyond its economic promise, the sunflower bloom has brought an unexpected social impact, he said. Sunflower cultivation in Khulna: Salinity no longer a barrier With few recreational facilities in the char area, the vibrant fields have drawn visitors from various places. Many arrive to admire the sweeping yellow landscape; others leave with practical knowledge about a crop that could reshape the region’s farming future. Officials hope the success in Govardhan char will inspire wider adoption across the Teesta basin, turning what was once a tobacco stronghold into a landscape defined by sustainable cultivation and renewed rural optimism.

For decades Bangladeshi migrant workers have been known for their resilience and hard work in foreign lands. But in an increasingly competitive global labour market, physical endurance alone is no longer enough. Communication is fast becoming the decisive factor. Foreign language proficiency is emerging as a key determinant of job access and upward mobility for Bangladeshis, particularly those seeking employment abroad. Although Bangladesh sends a substantial number of workers overseas every year a majority still lack functional proficiency in foreign languages beyond basic English or Arabic. As a result, many remain confined to low-paid and less secure positions with limited scope for career advancement. From the Middle East to Europe and East Asia, expatriate Bangladeshis often struggle to negotiate wages, understand contracts or assert workplace rights due to language barriers. In a study published by the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, 52% of migrant workers identified language barriers as a major challenge. The study, conducted among 479 migrant workers, mostly in the Gulf countries, was published in April 2023 in the Annual Labour Migration Report 2021-22. As per the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET), a mandatory language test is now required for labour migration to South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong, leading to a smoother experience for Bangladeshi workers in those regions. Against this backdrop, the government has begun implementing commitments made in its election manifesto. The Ministry of Education has taken steps to introduce third-language education from the secondary level. Speaking at a programme at the International Mother Language Institute on February 21, State Minister for Education and Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said the government is considering making a foreign language compulsory alongside Bangla and English. “The government is taking into account the demands of the international labour market and higher education. Languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and French will be introduced gradually to help students develop multilingual skills and expand employment opportunities.” According to ministry officials, the initiative will initially pilot globally in-demand languages including German, French, Korean, Japanese and Mandarin. The programme is expected to begin in selected urban schools before expanding to rural areas in phases. Demand is particularly strong in destinations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany, where language proficiency is often mandatory for skilled or semi-skilled positions. Even in Middle Eastern countries, where Bangladeshi workers have long been present, employers increasingly value communication skills for supervisory and technical roles. Professor Mohammad Absar Kamal, Acting Director of the Institute of Modern Languages (IML) in Dhaka University said foreign languages have long been neglected in Bangladesh’s education system which has slowed the development of a multilingual academic and professional culture. “These language skills equip students from diverse professional backgrounds with opportunities to gain valuable experiences abroad,” he added. The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen has said a target has been set to bring around 10,000 students in Bangladesh under Chinese language education programmes. Speaking at a meeting held at the Secretariat on February 24 , the Chinese Ambassador said the initiative is aimed at creating employment opportunities in nearly 1,000 Chinese companies currently operating in Bangladesh and at developing a skilled workforce for the international job market. The initiative, he said, would also strengthen people-to-people connectivity and support Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify skills in line with global labour market demands.  

For many families in Jhenaidah, the dream of working abroad begins with hope and ends in silence. In villages across the district, remittances from overseas workers remain a vital source of income. But, as unemployment persists and opportunities at home remain scarce, that dream is increasingly being exploited by broker syndicates and trafficking networks, leaving families burdened with debt, grief and unanswered questions. Despite completing higher education, many young people in the district say they are unable to secure the jobs they aspire to in Bangladesh. Overseas employment appears to offer a way out of hardship. Instead, for some, it has brought tragedy. Missing Without a Trace At Bonkira village of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila, Shah Alam Siddique Imon travelled to Egypt through a broker. He worked there for some time, according to his family. But for the past three months, they say, there has been no trace of him. They allege that the brokers involved have failed to provide any information about his whereabouts. At the same village, Shahana Khatun recounts a similar ordeal. She said she spent Tk 6.5 lakh a year ago to send her son Emon to Egypt, where he reportedly worked at a garment factory. Initially, they remained in regular contact. Then the calls stopped. For three months, she says, she has heard nothing. Instead of answers, she alleges the broker is now demanding more money. Allegations of Torture and Death At Khudra Royera village in Shailkupa upazila, Sohag Molla was allegedly sent to Cambodia through a broker. His family claims he was subjected to torture there and he later died. Due to financial constraints, they have not yet been able to repatriate his body. Local sources say at least six other youths from the same village are also missing in Cambodia. Billal Molla, Sohag’s father, said he spent Tk 5 lakh eight months ago to send his son abroad through a local agent who had promised a monthly salary of Tk 1.5 lakh. After arriving overseas, Sohag informed his family by phone that he was being tortured regularly. Later, they learned that he had been killed. His body has yet to be brought home. Exploiting Poverty Altaf Hossain, Chairman of Madhuhati Union, said poverty in the area is being systematically exploited. Brokers, he claimed, promise lucrative jobs in the Middle East and Europe to educated and semi-educated youths alike. He alleged that more than a hundred brokers are active in different upazilas of the district, operating under at least 30 trafficking networks. Residents also allege that some dishonest travel agency representatives are involved, collecting several lakh taka through illegal means. In many cases, families lack valid financial documents, making it difficult to pursue legal remedies. Human rights activist Babul Kundu said the large sums of money allegedly siphoned off by brokers and travel agencies across the country could otherwise contribute to major infrastructure development. “Innocent rural families are losing everything after falling into their trap,” he said. Law Enforcement Response Police say the issue has come to their attention. Sheikh Billal Hossain, Additional Superintendent of Jhenaidah Police, said a defrauded youth was recently brought back from Cambodia. He, however, acknowledged that without greater awareness at the local level, it would be difficult to fully curb such crimes. He urged affected families to submit written complaints, assuring them that legal action would be taken against those involved in human trafficking. For many families in Jhenaidah, however, justice remains uncertain — and the cost of hope has already proved devastating.  

In a groundbreaking development for Bangladesh’s agriculture, Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) has successfully developed the country’s first high drought-tolerant soybean hybrid, named ‘GAU Soybean’. The achievement comes under the leadership of the distinguished crop scientist Prof Dr MA Mannan of the university’s Department of Agronomy, university officials said. With this innovation, they said, GAU has now introduced a total of 94 crop varieties, opening new avenues for sustainable agriculture in the country. The new variety emerged from a rigorous three-year evaluation of approximately 250 germplasms sourced from Taiwan’s Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute and South Korea. It was selected for its exceptional drought tolerance. Subsequently, five years of successful field trials in Noakhali, Lakshmipur and Bhola, conducted with the support of the Solidaridad Network Asia, led to its formal release by the National Seed Board, the officials said. GAU Soybean demonstrates remarkable resilience, thriving and yielding high output even under harsh drought conditions equivalent to 50–60% of field capacity. Experts consider this trait a significant addition to Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape, particularly for the coastal char regions where soybean cultivation has long faced constraints. Each plant produces 80–100 pods, and thanks to its large seeds, 1,000 seeds weigh approximately 230 grams. Compared with conventional varieties, GAU Soybean offers higher yields, ranging from 3.2 to 3.8 tonnes per hectare. A notable feature of this variety is its low trypsin content, enhancing protein absorption in poultry feed, making it highly valuable for the poultry industry. Besides, the crop reaches maturity quickly, taking just three months to three months and ten days, allowing farmers to achieve early and substantial harvests. Nutritionally, soybean is a powerhouse, and GAU Soybean is no exception. It contains around 40–45% high-quality protein and 18–20% oil. Rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, it contributes significantly to combating malnutrition, reducing cardiovascular risk, and supporting normal growth and immunity. Commenting on the development, Dr Mannan said, “GAU Soybean represents the culmination of relentless research, exposure to field conditions, and the aspirations of our farmers. It effectively tackles the challenges posed by salinity, erratic rainfall, and unpredictable weather in coastal char regions. Cultivating soybean in drought-prone soils has always been risky, and this variety opens a new door of possibilities for farmers.” Long queues, limited supplies mark TCB sales in Naogaon during Ramadan Expressing his satisfaction, Professor Dr JKM Mostafizur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of GAU, described GAU Soybean as ‘the sixth revolutionary achievement in Bangladesh’s agriculture’. He emphasised that the variety could serve as a symbol of sustainable farming, strengthening national food security and providing stability in farmers’ livelihoods. Mostafizur Rahman also extended heartfelt thanks to the research team, laboratory staff, and field scientists who contributed to this landmark success.

As household budgets tightened amid Ramadan across the country, subsidised sales in trucks by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) have emerged as a vital lifeline for many low- and middle-income families in Naogaon.  Yet the relief they offer is tempered by limited supplies, long queues and mounting frustration among consumers. Since February 17, TCB has been operating mobile truck sales across 99 unions and three municipalities under 11 upazilas in the district.  The programme, scheduled to continue until March 12, aims to give a relief to the vulnerable groups from the seasonal spike in essential commodity prices. Across Naogaon, the cost of daily necessities has risen sharply with the onset of the holy month, placing additional strain on working-class families.  For many, the opportunity to purchase essentials at subsidised rates can mean the difference between managing and falling short. Under the scheme, five key items are being sold at reduced prices. But while the initiative has drawn appreciation, the scale of demand has far outstripped the allocation available at each point. At distribution sites, scenes of anticipation begin at dawn. Hours before the trucks arrive, people gather to secure a place in line, knowing that sales are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. At the Raninagar Upazila Parishad premises, around 200 men and women waited for the truck on a recent morning. Some used bricks to mark their positions in the queue; others hurried into line as soon as word spread of the truck’s approach. Occasional verbal disputes broke out over who had arrived first. Many had come before sunrise. Others joined between 6:00am and 9:00am. Despite the uncertainty, few were willing to leave without trying. Nasir Uddin, a van-puller from Khotteshwar village, said he had sacrificed a day’s earnings to stand in line. “I run my family by driving a van. If I can buy these items at lower prices, it saves me a lot,” he said. He believes that increasing the allocation would significantly ease the hardship faced by families like his. For elderly residents, the process can be especially challenging.  Sakhina Bibi, 75, a beggar from West Balubhura village, arrived leaning on a stick after borrowing money to make her purchases.  In a crowd of more than 300 people, she was pushed out of the women’s queue several times before finally managing to buy the goods. Concerns have also been raised about the management of the sales process. Rahidul Islam, a day labourer from Simba village, said that unlike in previous years, serial slips were not distributed before sales began. Narayanganj’s daily battle with traffic and broken roads “Last Ramadan, slips were given according to serial numbers, which maintained order. This time, whoever can push ahead gets the products first,” he alleged, calling for a more disciplined system to prevent harassment and ensure fairness. On the supply side, logistical constraints remain a challenge. TCB dealer Abdur Razzak Molla of Raninagar said products must be collected daily from the Bogura regional office, and trucks often arrive late, making it difficult to begin sales at the scheduled 10:00am. “The allocation is much lower than the demand. If we could operate four to five points simultaneously as in previous years, the pressure would be reduced,” he said. He added that efforts are made to maintain order and to prioritise elderly and disabled individuals. Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam said that through TCB dealers, eligible residents are being provided one kilogram of sugar at Tk80, two kilograms of lentils at Tk70, two litres of edible oil at Tk115, one kilogram of chickpeas at Tk60 and 500 grams of dates at Tk80. Each truck serves around 400 people. He urged consumers to remain patient, acknowledging that supply remains significantly lower than demand.  Strict instructions have been issued to dealers to follow proper procedures, and legal action will be taken against any irregularities, he added. As Ramadan continues, the subsidised truck sales offer essential, if limited, support.  For hundreds lining up each morning in Naogaon, they represent both hope for relief and a reminder of the economic pressures shaping daily life, locals said. 

For thousands of residents in Narayanganj, a short journey across town has become an exhausting daily trial. What was once a 10-minute commute now routinely stretches beyond an hour, as chronic traffic congestion, pothole-ridden roads and ongoing development works converge to choke the city’s main arteries. From dawn until late at night, vehicles inch forward in long, unmoving lines, a scene that has become all too familiar to commuters, students and workers alike. The situation has worsened in recent weeks, residents say, as the Narayanganj City Corporation presses ahead with a deep drainage renovation project. Several key roads have been closed or narrowed, compounding pressure on alternative routes already strained by unregulated vehicles, easy bikes and illegal auto-rickshaws. Footpaths, meant to provide relief to pedestrians, are often occupied by hawkers, forcing people to step onto the road and into the congestion. An office worker from Bandar described his daily crossing of Bandar Ghat as unpredictable and frustrating. Though his workplace lies only 10 minutes away, frequent gridlock means the journey can take an hour or more. “It’s impossible to plan,” he said, explaining that delays have repeatedly made him late for work. Motorcycle riders echo similar concerns. One rider blamed unplanned road digging and the unchecked presence of illegal vehicles for deepening the crisis. With pavements encroached upon, he said, both motorists and pedestrians are left competing for the same limited space. For students, the strain is physical as well as mental. A student travelling from Panchabati to Chashara for private tuition said it recently took her nearly an hour to reach her destination, a journey made more taxing while fasting during Ramadan. Livelihoods Under Pressure The congestion is not only costing time; it is eroding incomes. Rickshaw-pullers report that trips which once took 30 minutes now stretch to nearly two hours. The extended travel time means fewer passengers per day and reduced earnings, a significant blow for those dependent on daily wages. “Earlier we could complete several trips in a day,” one puller said, adding, “Now the roads keep us stuck.” Structural Limits Officials acknowledge the scale of the problem but point to structural constraints. Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman Munshi said traffic police, supported by volunteers from BKMEA and the City Corporation, are working from 9am to 10pm to manage congestion. Special efforts are being made, he said, to help residents return home in time for iftar during Ramadan. Deputy Commissioner Raihan Kabir identified the busy Chashara intersection as a persistent bottleneck. Joint drives involving traffic police and executive magistrates are continuing in an attempt to keep the roads operational. Yet he conceded that these measures are not a long-term solution. Illegal hawkers, a high volume of auto-rickshaws and ongoing road development works remain major obstacles. Fake ‘family cards’ sold in Narayanganj, husband and wife held For now, residents say they are caught between necessary development and immediate hardship. While authorities express hope that traffic conditions will improve once the drainage and road projects are completed, many commuters are left navigating a city where time is lost in traffic and patience runs thin. Until a lasting solution emerges, Narayanganj’s streets remain a daily reminder of the growing pains of an expanding urban centre, and of the human cost of congestion, according to residents.

Mango trees are bursting into bloom across Chapainawabganj, raising expectations of a strong harvest in Bangladesh’s largest mango-producing district after last year’s crop was dented by adverse weather during the ripening stage. About 70% of trees in the district have already flowered with favourable temperature and humidity creating near-ideal conditions for blossoming, according to local agriculture officials. They said if the stable weather persists through the end of the month, growers expect the remaining orchards to follow suit, carpeting the region in its signature golden bloom. Chapainawabganj, widely regarded as the country’s mango capital, has 37,487 hectares under mango cultivation, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). More than 150 varieties are grown here, including Fazli, Kesar, Gopalbhog and Lengra, supplying markets nationwide and contributing significantly to seasonal exports. The early flowering marks a hopeful start for a district where mango is the principal cash crop and a key driver of the local economy. During peak season, consignments are dispatched to major urban markets, including Dhaka, where demand for Chapainawabganj mangoes remains robust. Yet the optimism is tempered by recent experience, the officials added. Last year, growers reported abundant blossoms and a promising fruit set, only to see heavy rains during the ripening period damage produce and depress prices. Many farmers struggled to recover production costs. “The weather has been favourable since the start of the season and we are already seeing many blossoms,” said Abdul Matin, a grower from Tikrampu, adding, “If this weather continues for another 10 days, we expect even more blossoms.” Recalling last year’s losses, he said sustained stable weather would be critical to securing a strong harvest. Abdur Rakib, another farmer, said around 70% of trees have bloomed so far. “We are taking care of the trees and blossoms regularly,” he said, citing pesticide application and irrigation. He, however, said that higher prices for fertilisers, pesticides and other inputs, along with rising labour wages, have pushed up production costs compared with last year. Growers are calling for government intervention to ease financial pressure. Mukul Hossain, a farmer from Arambagh, said mango cultivators do not receive the same level of policy support as rice, wheat or jute farmers. “If the government provides incentives for mango growers, we will be more motivated to invest in improving production,” he said, also urging better regulation of input prices and easier access to agricultural loans. Agriculture officials remain cautiously upbeat. Dr Yassin Ali, Deputy Director of the DAE in Chapainawabganj, said 70% of trees have bloomed and favourable conditions are expected to continue through the month’s end. “If the weather remains favourable and there is no extreme change in temperature or weather conditions, this year’s yield could be as good as last year’s,” he said. Rail link on Rahanpur-Rajshahi route resumes after 9hrs in Chapainawabganj