United News of Bangladesh

Once a weekly staple, the prized national fish hilsa has now become a luxury for many, with its price surging by nearly 50 percent over the past year amid rising market costs. A recent survey by the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) revealed that between August and September alone, hilsa prices surged by Tk 200–500 per kg, with large specimens sometimes fetching an astonishing Tk 1,000 increase. Last August, a 1.5 kg hilsa sold for a maximum of Tk 2,000 per kg; by 2025, the same fish now commands Tk 3,000, reflecting a sharp 50 percent spike in just twelve months. 22-day hilsa fishing ban to begin Friday midnight A stroll through Dhaka’s bustling kitchen markets paints a stark picture: river fish are almost vanishing from the shelves, a consequence of the government’s ongoing fishing ban designed to preserve the species. Locally caught fish such as ‘rui’, ‘katla’, ‘koi’ and ‘shing’ have filled the gap, but at significantly higher prices. For shoppers, the joy of seeing hilsa in the market is often tempered by sticker shock. “Just before the ban, buyers rush to stock hilsa, and that automatically pushes up the price,” explained Enamul, a fish trader at Shantinagar kitchen market. Another vendor at Karwan Bazar pointed out that wholesale price has surged, forcing retailers to raise rates, even though supply has not been disrupted. Hilsa catching, sales banned for 22 days from Oct 4 For consumers, however, the once-affordable fish has become almost unattainable. “A decade ago, big hilsa were sold in pairs for under Tk 2,000. Now, buying just one costs at least Tk 5,000,” lamented Mohibur Rahman. Shoppers like Arif Hossain also voice frustration at the paradox of the fishing ban. “Fishing, transportation, and marketing of hilsa are banned for 22 days every year. The government says it helps increase production. If production rises, prices should logically go down — but that never happens. In fact, hilsa prices skyrocket during the first week after the ban is lifted,” he said. Middle-class families, who once relished the aroma of freshly fried hilsa on weekend afternoons, now have to compromise. “Hilsa is our national fish, and its price should be affordable for everyone. But it’s being sold at exorbitant rates. For middle-class families, buying hilsa has become a luxury,” said Shagufta Akter Lipi. Many households have resorted to cheaper alternatives to meet their protein needs. Yet despite the soaring prices, the real beneficiaries—fishermen—see little gain. In Bhola, the country’s largest hilsa-producing district, most fishermen rely on leased boats and advance loans from wholesalers, locally known as dadon. They are often compelled to sell their catch at fixed rates, leaving minimal profit. Hilsa floods Chandpur markets, prices drop “Our share is tiny. After repaying the dadon money, nothing much remains,” said veteran fisherman Khalek Majhi. The BTTC study highlights the convoluted journey of hilsa from river to table. Typically, the fish changes hands five times—fishermen, landing stations, wholesalers, commission agents, retailers and finally, buyers. While fishermen might earn only Tk 800 per kg for large hilsa, the same fish reaches Dhaka markets at Tk 3,000, reflecting a huge markup driven by multiple intermediaries. The study breaks down the costs further: fishing expenses range from Tk 470–500 per kg, resale margins often add Tk 1,000, and additional costs include Tk 75 for wholesale-to-retail transfers, Tk 150 from retail to consumer, and commissions exceeding 10 percent in some cases. Syndicate practices, including cold storage stockpiling, further fuel price spikes. “Hilsa prices naturally rise by over 60-70 percent just due to multiple handovers, and syndicate manipulation makes it worse,” noted Sabbir Hossain Khan, an agricultural economist and PhD researcher at Tokyo University of Agriculture. To tame these soaring prices and ensure fair returns for fishermen, the BTTC has recommended reducing the number of middlemen. Proposals include empowering fishermen’s cooperatives or establishing government marketing outlets to supply hilsa directly during peak season, offering hope that the nation’s cherished fish could one day grace the dinner table without burning holes in pockets.  

In the serene hills of Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts, an unusual yet striking sight has become a seasonal norm: dozens of pomelos, locally known as ‘jambura’, drifting gently down rivers and streams. This phenomenon is drawing attention as a brilliant example of ingenious local business practice. Local farmers transport pomelo fruits from remote hilly areas by floating them across rivers, as overland transport is challenging. During the pomelo season, the traditional knowledge and techniques involved in floating these hilly jamburas are clearly visible. Where the fruits would normally hang on trees, countless pomelos are now seen floating in rivers and streams. At first glance, it may appear they have been discarded due to spoilage, but in reality, this is a clever transportation technique devised by indigenous farmers of the Chittagong Hill Tracts to overcome logistical hurdles. Garbage pile turns Companiganj Bazar into a breeding ground for diseases With the harvest season in full swing, moving pomelos from remote hill gardens to markets poses significant difficulties due to rugged terrain and limited road access. To overcome these challenges, local farmers have turned to nature—floating freshly picked fruits downstream. Using the natural current of rivers and streams, they transport the fruits to accessible locations, where small bamboo enclosures are set up to catch and collect them. From there, the fruits are processed and distributed to markets across the country. This floating method significantly reduces transportation costs, which are otherwise high due to poor road conditions in the hilly areas. Moreover, it minimises damage to the fruits during transport. Farmers also say that sorting becomes easier, as any spoiled fruit can be quickly identified once it surfaces. Local farmers, including Asit Baran Chakma and Kalayan Chakma, said this natural transportation method has increased their profit margins, allowing them to send produce to distant markets without incurring extra costs.

A massive garbage dump along the Cumilla-Sylhet highway, adjacent to the bustling Companiganj Bazar in Muradnagar Upazila, has turned into a serious public health hazard. Piled high with rotting vegetables, discarded polythene, institutional waste and stagnant water, the site has become an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Following recent rains, the area has turned into a swamp of filth, leaving locals deeply concerned about a potential outbreak of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. In the searing heat of the Gaza summer, Palestinians are surrounded by sewage and garbage Pedestrians and nearby residents have been enduring an unbearable stench and relentless mosquito infestation. Many have called for urgent intervention from the authorities to prevent the situation from worsening. Abul Kashem Khan, president of the Companiganj Bazar Chemist and Druggist Association, said the conditions had made it nearly impossible to run his business properly. “It has become difficult to sit in my pharmacy due to the stench and filth next to the market. Patients and customers get annoyed and leave. Considering the health risks and the rising dengue cases, a prompt cleaning campaign is essential," he said. Local resident Kuhinur Begum expressed similar frustration. “It’s hard to breathe because of the stench. After sunset, it’s impossible to go outside due to the mosquito invasion. Water stays stagnant here for weeks. If this continues, it will turn into a major health crisis,” she said. DNCC mayor warns of legal action against garbage dumping in canals Traders at the market blamed the long-standing negligence of the market committee, saying waste management had completely collapsed. With no designated dumping zones, heaps of rubbish have spread across the market area and onto parts of the highway. Chandan Banik, former convener of the Greater Companiganj Bazar Banik Samiti, said the worsening situation was tarnishing the market’s reputation. “Traders and buyers are suffering. There must be a proper waste disposal site. A joint initiative by the market committee and the administration could solve this,” he suggested. Dr Sirajul Islam Manik, Muradnagar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, described the dengue situation as “already alarming”. He explained that garbage piles and stagnant water serve as primary breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “Without cleanliness in and around the market, infection rates will continue to rise,” he warned. Mansur Alam, deputy assistant public health engineer in Muradnagar, said that dumping waste in open spaces like this poses serious risks to both public health and the environment. “Designated waste disposal sites and regular cleaning drives are essential to overcome this problem,” he added. Muradnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdur Rahman acknowledged the problem, noting that waste management is particularly challenging in areas without a municipality. “We are aware of the situation. Immediate steps will be taken to ensure a healthier environment around the market,” he said. He said the Department of Public Health Engineering and the Union Parishad have already been instructed to strengthen cleaning efforts. Locals are now demanding urgent waste removal, the establishment of designated dumping points and regular sanitation drives. They believe swift and coordinated action from the administration could quickly restore cleanliness, safety and livability to this vital commercial hub.  

The government has taken an initiative to modernise and digitise the National Archives and the National Library under a new project aimed at informing the next generation about the nation’s true history and preserving cultural heritage. The Department of Archives and Libraries under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will implement the project titled “Digitisation, Online Service Expansion and Modernisation of the National Archives and the National Library.” The project with an estimated cost of Tk 234.70 crore will be entirely funded by the government which is scheduled to run from July, 2025 to June, 2029. According to the project documents, nearly nine crore archival and library materials will be digitised using modern technologies such as barcoding, RFID and other digital methods to ensure systematic preservation. The project also aims to strengthen the digital security of national data and enhance online access to archival and library resources. It will also include capacity-building programmes for officers and staff of the Department of Archives and Libraries as well as relevant government offices to improve their record management skills. Various types of books, documents, newspapers and magazines are constantly being accumulated and their numbers are increasing every day, according to the document. No record in National Archives can be destroyed; bill passed Besides, with the rise in literacy rates, people’s creativity is also being increasingly expressed through various publications, it said. Considerable space is required to manually store all these collections and if the growth continues at this pace, it will eventually become impossible to accommodate them. The stored physical records may also deteriorate over time and become unusable, meaning that future generations could be deprived of access to authentic historical materials. Accordingly, the restructured Development Project Proposal/Proforma (DPP)of the project has been submitted to the Bangladesh Planning Commission for approval. The National Archives and the National Library are both based in Dhaka and thus the project area has been limited to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar under Dhaka North City Corporation. A feasibility study conducted by the Bangladesh Computer Council in 2023 and another by BUET in 2021, both endorsed the project as timely and practical. Major components of the project include Tk 155 crore for data preservation, Tk 14.95 crore for fittings and fixtures, Tk 32.14 crore for fire safety equipment, Tk 6.50 crore for cameras and accessories, and Tk 4.99 crore for software procurement. The archives and libraries are among the most important means of expressing people’s creativity, alongside the growing literacy rate in the country. Preserve true history of Liberation War: President  In this context, the project will play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Bangladesh’s historical and cultural heritage for research and educational purposes. The Planning Commission, in its observations, said the project would transform the National Archives and the National Library into fully digital repositories, enhancing the preservation, security and accessibility of Bangladesh’s invaluable historical and cultural records.

The government has undertaken a major initiative to establish railway connectivity with all economic zones (EZs) across the country, including the National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram’s Mirsarai, to make goods transportation faster, cheaper and more efficient. “We are preparing an integrated plan for all economic zones in the country with focus on Mirsarai. Our goal is to connect each economic zone directly to railway lines to facilitate smooth goods transportation,” said Sheikh Moinuddin, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and the Ministry of Railways. “Currently, goods have to be transported by trucks to reach the train. We want to ensure that containers or goods can be loaded directly onto trains from all economic zones. This will save both time and cost while also making industrial operations more efficient,” he added. According to officials, a comprehensive master plan is being prepared to link all economic zones directly with the country’s railway, road and port networks. “This will add a new dimension to the national transport system,” Sheikh Moinuddin said. Dhaka-Ctg highway’s 10-lane expansion shelved; focus shifts to railway Once implemented, he said, the initiative would significantly strengthen Bangladesh’s industrialisation drive, boost exports and improve the overall goods transportation system. Bangladesh has been developing economic zones to accelerate industrial growth, attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and create large-scale employment opportunities. The previous government set an ambitious target to establish 100 economic zones by 2025, but the current administration is prioritising the development of five fully operational EZs to ensure effective delivery. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has already prepared a two-year roadmap to make these five zones fully functional. Par Bishnupur residents in Narial fall victims to riverbank erosion BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin announced earlier this year that the zones are expected to attract $5.5 billion in investment and create over 200,000 jobs. The five targeted zones are: ·         National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram, Mirsarai ·         Sylhet Economic Zone ·         Jamalpur Economic Zone ·         Maheshkhali Economic Zone ·         Japanese Economic Zone Among these, the National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram stands out as the largest public sector EZ. Spread over 30,000 acres of land across Mirsarai, Sonagazi and Sitakunda upazilas, and this planned and modern industrial hub is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the country’s industrialisation efforts. Experts say establishing direct rail connectivity to Mirsarai’s economic zone will be crucial for seamless movement of raw materials and finished goods to ports and markets, further enhancing its attractiveness to both local and foreign investors.  

Around 550 kilometres of roads in Rangpur district and the city remain in deplorable condition for decades due to poor maintenance, leaving thousands of commuters, students, transport workers and patients to suffer every day. According to the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range, 76 road accidents occurred in the district over the past two years, killing 51 people and injuring 356 others. Locals said the dismal state of roads, riddled with cracks and potholes, has made many routes almost impassable. Despite repeated petitions and symbolic protests,  including planting saplings along the broken roads, authorities have yet to take visible steps towards repairs. Data from the Rangpur Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) shows that out of 7,738 kilometres of roads across eight upazilas, 240 kilometres are severely damaged. Dhaka-Ctg highway’s 10-lane expansion shelved; focus shifts to railway Among them, 27.197 kilometres are in poor condition in Bhedarganj upazila, 22.295 kilometres in Gangachara, 16.650 kilometres in Kaunia, 74.120 kilometres in Mithapukur, 33.73 kilometres in Pirgachha, 40.470 kilometres in Pirganj, 10.480 kilometres in Taraganj and 20.200 kilometres in Sadar upazila. Meanwhile, Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) reports that 300 kilometres of roads out of 302 square kilometres across its 33 wards have deteriorated badly.  The four-kilometre stretch from Jahaj Company to Satmatha has become a virtual death trap for travellers, according to locals. The Rangpur Roads and Highways Department (RHD) also admits that 11 kilometres of its 382-kilometre road network are in extremely poor shape. A 2.29-kilometre section from Medical East Gate to Burirhat is riddled with potholes and erosion, frequently going under water during rains. Temporary repairs, officials say, have proven ineffective. Similarly, the eight-kilometre stretch between Rangpur Medical intersection and Modern intersection, along with another one-kilometre portion near Paglapir on the National Highway, has also become hazardous. An RHD official, requesting anonymity, said that a tender was floated for a Tk 7 crore road repair project for the Medical–Burirhat in March last year, but it is still awaiting approval from the secretary’s office.  Farmers’ fortunes rise as Rautnagar Canal revives Thakurgaon’s farmlands “Besides, an additional Tk 38 crore is urgently needed for the Road Division but remains unfunded,” the official added. Rangpur RHD Executive Engineer Md Moniruzzaman said Tk 37 crore is currently required to repair regional roads, but the proposal is pending fund release.  “Without approval, we can’t begin the work and people continue to suffer,” he said. LGED Executive Engineer Md Musa said Tk 120 crore is needed to repair 240 kilometres of rural roads. “But Tk 20 crore in previous allocations remains unpaid. Of the Tk 140 crore needed, only Tk 70 crore has been approved so far -- insufficient to complete the repairs,” he said. Rangpur City Corporation Supervising Engineer Azam Ali also noted the dire state of city roads. “Tk 210 crore is required to fix the city’s 300-kilometre road network. Without funding, no repair work is possible,” he added. During a recent visit to the affected areas, this UNB correspondent found most roads filled with deep potholes, forcing vehicles to sway dangerously. Even a light drizzle turns these roads into muddy, impassable stretches. Par Bishnupur residents in Narial fall victims to riverbank erosion Locals said accidents have become an almost daily occurrence, yet neither the government nor the ministry appears to be taking effective measures.  “We’ve protested in every way possible, but nothing changes,” said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Pirgachha. Transport owners are equally frustrated. “Our buses and trucks are constantly getting damaged due to the poor condition of the roads,” said Abdul Majid, a bus owner in Rangpur city. “Vehicle parts wear out faster, maintenance costs have skyrocketed, and we are forced to raise fares — passengers are the ones who suffer most,” he added. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said funding requests have been sent to the relevant ministries.  “We are hopeful that allocations will be approved soon and repair work will commence accordingly,” he said.

The government has decided to abandon plans to expand the Dhaka–Chattogram highway to a 10-lane road, instead focusing on upgrading the country’s railway network. The decision comes in response to growing land constraints and the need for a sustainable transport system, said Sheikh Moinuddin, Chief Adviser on matters relating to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and the Ministry of Railways, in an interview with UNB. “There has been extensive discussion about expanding the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway to six or 10 lanes. However, no final decision has been taken yet. The maximum expansion may be up to six lanes. Beyond that, it is more important to focus on rail travel rather than further road widening,” he said. Adviser stuck in Dhaka-Sylhet highway gridlock, rides motorcycle to reach destination Moinuddin emphasised that trains are a fast, safe, and punctual mode of transport, and improving the railway system could shift many people away from driving. “That is why we are emphasising the modernisation of the rail line. At present, plans are underway to renovate and upgrade the Dhaka–Chattogram railway.” He also pointed out that road expansion would consume more land, a critical concern given Bangladesh’s existing land scarcity. “Currently, only 2 per cent of goods are transported by rail, which is equivalent to around 2 per cent of GDP. My focus is on railway development to ease pressure on roads, as rail is safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly,” Moinuddin said. Comparing it with international standards, he added, “In many countries, 25 to 30 per cent of goods are transported by rail, whereas in Bangladesh the figure is just 2 per cent. We aim to raise this share to at least 25 per cent. This will make rail freight profitable and reduce congestion on the roads.” CNG autorickshaw drivers block Dhaka-Tangail highway protesting harassment Moinuddin also highlighted a shortage of locomotives as a major issue. “We have already invited tenders for new locomotives. This will increase both speed and efficiency without the need to lay new lines.” Plans are also in place to dedicate certain trains exclusively for freight, ensuring direct transport to Chattogram Port. “This will cut both time and costs,” he added. If implemented, these initiatives are expected to reduce road congestion and inject new momentum into Bangladesh’s rail transport system. The Dhaka–Chattogram Highway is Bangladesh's main artery, connecting the capital with the port city of Chattogram and ending in Teknaf. Yet the highway is often plagued by severe traffic jams due to poor traffic management and road conditions, and a 10-lane expansion had been planned to alleviate congestion and improve safety. Daily traffic on the highway rose from 35,482 vehicles in 2019 to 46,501 in 2024, according to Roads and Highways Department (RHD) data. Another official from the Highway Police said overloaded vehicles also cause serious damage to roads, forcing the government to spend over Tk 861 crore annually on repairs. Congestion-Prone Points The highway’s congestion hotspots include Daudkandi Toll Plaza, Gouripur Bazar, Chandina Bus Stand, Madhaiya Bazar, Nimsar Bazar, the Cantonment area, Alekharchar (Bishwa Road U-turn), Suagazi Bazar, Mia Bazar, and Chauddagram Bazar in Cumilla district. In Feni, Lalpol, Bhatiari Point, Faujdarhat U-turn, Barbakunda Bazar, Chhota Kumira, KDS intersection, and Sitakunda bus stand are also notorious for traffic jams. Padua Bazar Problem Padua Bazar, where the Dhaka–Chattogram and Cumilla–Noakhali highways intersect, serves as a critical bypass for traffic moving through six southeastern districts. However, with construction of the planned loop stalled, vehicles rely on risky crossings, as the U-turn needed to access connecting routes remains incomplete. UNB’s Cumilla correspondent reported that a 105-kilometre stretch from Chauddagram to Daudkandi is in an alarming state, with key sections in Chauddagram upazila, including Noapara, caving in. Experts warn that, as some 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade flows through this route, authorities must prioritise the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway without further delay.

While candidates of their main rival party have already begun reaching out to voters, BNP nomination seekers across the country remain in limbo, awaiting the party high command’s green signal, a delay that has left many grassroots leaders and activists increasingly frustrated. Talking to UNB, several grassroots BNP leaders said they fear the party may face internal conflicts and rival candidates during the election if it takes much longer to finalise nominations and reach an understanding with those who will not be selected. They said Jamaat-e-Islami has long been running an organised and active election campaign after announcing its candidates in almost all constituencies, while BNP aspirants are busy competing to show their popularity in their respective areas instead of directly engaging with the people. BNP leaders also observed that some top party leaders might become complacent, thinking that BNP will perform well regardless of when nominations are announced, as their main rival, the Awami League, may not take part in the election. They warned that such complacency could lead to negative outcomes, as Jamaat-e-Islami is already trying to win over voters through various strategies, including using religious sentiment, spreading narratives, and tarnishing BNP’s image with false propaganda. The leaders emphasised that BNP should not only give green signals to candidates but also develop election strategies to attract voters and counter Jamaat’s negative campaign. Grassroots leaders also called for party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to return home immediately to lead the party for a strong performance in the upcoming election. “We are uncertain about who will get the nomination from our constituency, Dhaka-13. I think the party should finalise the list of candidates immediately, or else we will fall behind our political rivals in election campaigning,” said Yusuf Mridha, Joint Convenor of Dhaka North City Unit. Mridha, also a former president of Mohammpur Thana unit BNP, said they are currently working with ex-Dhaka South City unit convenor Abdus Salam as a BNP candidate. “If he (Salam) is given the party nomination, that will be fine. But if the party makes any changes, it could create divisions within the party and make it difficult to work with a new candidate. Whatever decision the party takes, it should be made as early as possible,” he said. Bazlul Karim Chowdhury Abed, BNP’s Rural Development and Cooperatives Affairs assistant secretary, said Jamaat has announced not only its MP candidates but also its upazila and Union Parishad candidates across the country over two months ago and has been campaigning in an organised way. Final voter lists to be published Nov 18 As a cadre-based party, Jamaat is gaining an advantage from its organised campaign, while BNP leaders and activists remain uncertain about who will be their candidates in many seats. In some areas there are six or seven BNP aspirants, each campaigning separately, creating confusion within the party,” he said. Abed, who is also an aspirant for the Noakhali-5 constituency, said there are seven nomination seekers from his seat. “Our party leaders and activists are confused about whom they should work with. This is also widening intra-party conflicts.” In such a situation, he said the party should immediately finalise the candidates so that grassroots leaders can actively participate in campaigning and counter Jamaat’s propaganda. “If the party delays selecting candidates, it may pay a heavy price in the election.” Rafiqul Amin Bhuiyan Ruhel, Narsindi BNP organising secretary, said the party could announce the names of at least 150 candidates immediately, with the rest revealed in two further phases. Fakhrul alleges move to bring bureaucracy under party control ahead of election “It is easy for the party to finalise candidates in many seats, so there is no reason to delay announcing them. But in some constituencies, it is difficult to decide. In those seats, our Acting Chairman should carefully evaluate the popularity, position, and public image of each aspirant to select the best candidate and avoid intra-party conflicts,” he said. Ruhel also said they are hearing Tarique Rahman will return home very soon. “If he returns, our party will gain new momentum, and the morale of the rank and file will be boosted, creating a positive election wave in favour of the party,” he said. As Jamaat is campaigning actively across the country, he said BNP should also develop proper election strategies to counter negative campaigns and gain support from people of all walks of life. “Tarique Rahman, in his interview with BBC, said BNP will nominate candidates who have acceptability among all sections of the community. This is important as Awami League may remain out of the race. We need candidates who can attract voters regardless of their political identity,” Ruhel said. Some senior party leaders said around 1,500 people are seeking BNP nomination to contest in 300 constituencies in the next national election. They said the BNP leadership is expected to give an early 'go-ahead' or preliminary approval to one potential candidate per constituency this month, after assessing their chances of victory. Final nominations will be approved later by the party’s nomination board once the election schedule is announced. NCP refuses any symbol from EC’s list, renews demand for ‘Water Lily’ The leaders said the party should boost field-level activities and speed up door-to-door campaigning with clear candidates in each seat, following concerns that having multiple aspirants in one area is creating confusion and weakening the campaign. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the party will announce the names of its candidates at an appropriate time. “Every party has its own strategy. We are not concerned about what other parties are doing. It is BNP’s decision when to announce the candidates.” He said the party will make careful and well-considered decisions when selecting its candidates. “I hope BNP will take the right decisions at the right time.” Replying to another question, Khosru said that as a major party, it is normal for BNP to have multiple aspirants. “But once the nominations are finalised, everyone will work together as one.”

The Planning Commission has ordered the authorities concerned to take punitive measures as it moves to close a controversial jute mill project plagued by irregularities, unauthorised spending and unapproved land development. The project, now renamed “Jamuna Specialized Jute and Textile Mill (1st Revised),” seeks to wrap up with an estimated cost of Tk 398.28 crore and revised implementation period from July 2018 to December 2025. But the Commission flagged unauthorised land development, deviation from the approved Development Project Proposal (DPP) and minimal actual progress. As part of the closure process, it has placed three strict conditions including fixing responsibility for unapproved expenditures and ensuring no misuse of public resources. "The Commission’s stance sends a clear message — deviations from approved plans will no longer be tolerated,” a senior Planning Commission official told UNB requesting anonymity. Launched in July 2018 with a 2020 completion target, the project aimed to produce export-quality jute-cotton blended yarn, denim, and garments — with the broader goal of boosting foreign earnings and supporting sustainable development goals. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud criticised the implementation, noting that “barely 2% of the approved cost was used properly and most of the expenditure went into unauthorised land acquisition not included in the original plan.” “It was an innovative idea with significant export potential, but nothing tangible has been achieved over the years,” he said. Narsingdi’s Janata Jute Mills shut for indefinite period following workers' violence He said the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) has been tasked with investigating the irregularities and identifying those responsible. The Ministry of Textiles and Jute sought approval to rename the project as “Jamuna Specialized Jute and Textile Mill (1st revised for termination)” and close it with an expenditure of Tk 39.82 crore, down from the original approved cost of Tk 518.85 crore. This marks a massive cost reduction of Tk 479.02 crore, or 92.32 percent of the original allocation, as only land development and a few ancillary works were completed before the project was halted. The Objectives of the project were, according to the official document, to increase additional export earnings by producing and selling yarn, cloth and ready-made garments (especially denim pants, jackets, shirts) etc. at affordable prices using jute and cotton blend. It also aimed to produce environment-friendly blended yarn and cloth in order to avail three-tier GSP benefits for the garment industry, produce various household textiles and goods using excess yarn after denim production to increase export earnings; and directly and indirectly create employment opportunities and assist the government in achieving the 8th Five Year Plan and sustainable development targets by producing and exporting versatile products. There is an opportunity to earn foreign exchange by exporting versatile jute products to the domestic and foreign markets. In view of this, the project under discussion was taken up in a meeting held by ECNEC in July 2018 with the aim of setting up a separate unit for the production of versatile jute products in the jute mills under the control of BJMC. Jute mills workers block Khulna-Jashore highway for dues Following the closure of 25 jute mills under BJMC in 2020, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute decided to halt all project activities. A revised proposal (RDPP) was submitted in January 2023, seeking to close the project by June 2026, leaving many components incomplete. But the Planning Commission, dissatisfied with the irregularities, shortened the timeline to December 2025 and demanded that the Ministry act per government development project guidelines. The Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) has been tasked with investigating the project’s mismanagement.A five-member inspection team, following a PEC meeting in May 2025, verified that land development was carried out on 34 acres through soil filling of 548,968.25 cubic meters — but without prior approval. BTMC’s jute mills incurred loss of Tk 3,168 cr in FY 21: Jute Minister Following the Delegated Procurement of the project, the EIC of Bangladesh Army was given to complete the soil filling, construction and procurement work. As per the proposal of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, work worth Tk 28.28 crore has been done in the project in question in addition to the project resources approved by the Land Development Department.

Once a parched and flood-prone stretch of land, the Rautnagar Canal area in Thakurgaon’s Ranisankail upazila has been transformed into a thriving agricultural zone, thanks to its recent re-excavation. The eight-kilometre-long canal, stretching from Sreepur Mouza in Ranisankail upazila to the Keutan Border Bridge, has breathed new life into local farming. Nearly 25,000 acres of land that were once limited to a single crop now yield up to three harvests a year, marking a significant turnaround for thousands of farmers in the border region. In addition to revitalising farmland, the project has also reclaimed around 30 acres of encroached government land, which will now be utilised for community development under official management. Chapainawabganj’s betel leaf bonanza fails to sweeten farmers’ fortunes For decades, the Rautnagar Canal stood as a shadow of its former self. Once a vibrant waterway supporting biodiversity and agriculture, it had gradually lost its flow, turning vast tracts of land into flood-prone zones during the monsoon. Waterlogging was common, restricting cultivation to one seasonal crop, mainly Boro rice. During the dry months, the canal would run dry, leaving farmers with no irrigation and forcing many into months of unemployment. “During the monsoon, our fields used to look like a pond. Crops would rot, and in winter there was no water for irrigation. Our ancestors could never imagine growing more than one crop a year. But now, we can cultivate three, and sometimes more,” recalled local resident Tota Mia. The Water Development Board’s re-excavation project has brought about a visible transformation in both land and livelihoods. The restored canal now ensures proper drainage during heavy rains and provides irrigation water during the dry season, enabling continuous farming throughout the year. Tk 38-crore women’s sports complex in Rangpur turns into grazing ground! Farmers are diversifying their crops, cultivating not only rice but also potatoes, wheat, maize, oilseeds, and high-value vegetables. Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension said that nearly 25,000 acres of farmland adjacent to the canal are now suitable for three-season cropping, potentially generating agricultural products worth hundreds of crores annually. This surge in productivity has had ripple effects on the rural economy, boosting incomes, creating local employment and reducing the need for seasonal migration. “Earlier, we had to go to Dhaka or Chattogram to find work,” said Shamsul Haque, 42, a local farmer, adding, “Now we can work on our own land throughout the year. We grow vegetables like cabbage, brinjal, and tomatoes along the canal. Life has changed.” For farmers like Rafiqul Islam, 46, the change has been life-altering. “My parents never dreamed of growing more than one crop here. Scarcity was part of our lives. But now, I harvest three crops from the same land. My income has tripled, and I no longer worry about paying for my children’s education,” he said. Duet set for major lab, infrastructure upgrade under new project Local authorities are now taking steps to ensure the canal’s long-term preservation. Golam Zakaria, Upazila Executive Engineer, described the canal as ‘a symbol of sustainable rural development’. He said new measures are being planned to maintain the natural water flow so that the benefits continue for generations. “The Rautnagar Canal is now more than a waterway—it is a symbol of new dreams, prosperity, and possibility.” Alamgir Kabir, Additional Deputy Director (Crops) of the Thakurgaon Agricultural Extension Department, echoed this optimism, saying farmers are becoming more interested in modern agricultural practices and experimenting with high-yield varieties. “This project has sparked a new era for agriculture in the region,” he said. With fertile fields, full irrigation and rising incomes, the people of Ranisankail are witnessing a long-awaited agricultural renaissance, one canal at a time.