United News of Bangladesh

The scenic hill district of Khagrachhari is all set to welcome a surge of tourists during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.  Authorities and businesses have completed extensive preparations to offer a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Known for its rolling hills, waterfalls and seasonal blooms, Khagrachhari is emerging as a preferred destination for holidaymakers seeking nature and tranquillity during Eid. Officials say renovation work at most tourist spots has already been completed to enhance their appeal. The district, whose economy heavily depends on tourism, is expecting a strong turnout that will benefit hotels, restaurants, transport operators and local markets. As the main gateway to Sajek Valley, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Khagrachhari is also focusing on improving connectivity. Work is ongoing on the Khagrachhari–Dighinala road to ensure a smoother journey, while transport operators have readied extra vehicles for the expected rush. Drivers on the route say most vehicles have been serviced ahead of Eid. “Minor issues have been fixed during Ramadan, and around 250 to 300 vehicles are expected to operate daily on the Sajek route during the holidays,” said local driver Md. Shimul, though he mentioned that fuel supply remains a concern.  

As glittering shopping malls and crowded markets signal the arrival of Eid in the capital, a different reality unfolds in its narrow alleys where thousands of marginalised families are preparing for a festival stripped of joy. In Mohammadpur’s Geneva Camp and nearby slums, the usual festive spirit is largely absent.  Instead, rising food prices, shrinking incomes and mounting debts dominate daily life. “I have three children. They keep asking for new clothes, but I cannot even ensure regular meals,” said Rahima Begum, a domestic worker. “Eid now feels like any other difficult day.” The situation is no different in Basila ,where many low-income families live in makeshift homes along the riverbank.  For day labourers and rickshaw pullers, incomes have fallen sharply while living costs continue to climb. Md Hanif, a rickshaw puller, said his earnings have dropped from Tk 700–800 a day to barely Tk 400 on some days. “After paying rent and buying essentials, nothing is left. Eid is a luxury we cannot think of,” he said. Many said they are cutting down on meals to cope. Meat - a staple of Eid celebrations - has become unaffordable. “My children have not eaten beef for months,” said Shirin Akter, who lives near Basila Bridge. “They keep asking if we will have meat on Eid day. I have no answer.” In Badda, another densely populated area of informal workers, the story remains the same.  Garment workers, cleaners and small vendors say wages have remained stagnant despite soaring expenses. Rashid Mia, a construction helper, said he has struggled to find regular work in recent weeks. “Some days I sit idle from morning to evening. Eid is near, but I have no savings. It is painful when my children ask for things I cannot provide,” he said. Women in these communities are bearing the heaviest burden often sacrificing their own meals to ensure their families can eat. “Everything is expensive - rice, oil, vegetables,” said Nasima Khatun, a part-time cleaner. “I skip meals so my children can eat. For Eid, I only wish they can have a decent meal.” Even in Uttara, considered one of Dhaka’s more affluent areas, pockets of hardship persist among low-paid workers living in informal housing clusters. Abdul Karim, a security guard, said his salary has remained unchanged for years. “My employer gives a small bonus, but it is not enough. Prices have doubled. Eid now brings stress instead of happiness,” he said. Many in these communities rely on informal loans to manage Eid expenses, often trapping them in cycles of debt. “I borrowed money last Eid and I am still repaying it,” said Salma Begum, a housemaid. “This year, I may have to borrow again just to buy clothes for my children.” “We depend on donations, but there is no guarantee,” said Hanif. “Some years we get help, some years we don’t.” Bangladesh’s point-to-point inflation increased to 9.13 percent in February from 8.58 percent in January, driven by a notable rise in food prices, according to the latest figures from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). Food inflation jumped to 9.30 percent in February, up from 8.29 percent the previous month. Non-food inflation also edged up slightly, reaching 9.01 percent compared to 8.81 percent in January. Price pressures remained more intense in rural areas than in urban centres, largely due to higher food costs outside major cities. The 12-month moving average inflation for the period from March 2025 to February 2026 was recorded at 8.65 percent, a decline from 10.31 percent during the corresponding period a year earlier, indicating some easing of overall inflation compared to last year. However, wage growth continued to fall behind inflation, raising concerns over shrinking purchasing power among workers. As the call for Eid prayers approaches, the contrast between abundance and deprivation across the capital becomes stark — a reminder that for many, Eid is no longer a celebration of joy, but a test of resilience.  

For many low-income families in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia buying beef at market prices remains a distant dream.  But a grassroots initiative — locally known as ‘ Meat Cooperatives’ is steadily changing that reality, helping hundreds enjoy meat during Eid. “We are poor people. We earn daily and spend daily. With current market prices, buying meat is nearly impossible,” said 55-year-old day labourer Md Roich Uddin from Jotmora village in Jaduboyra union. With a smile, he added, “I saved Tk 50 every week in the cooperative. With the savings of a whole year, I got around four kilograms of meat. This Eid, I will enjoy it with my family.” He said the price per kilogram of meat through the cooperative stood at around Tk 650, significantly lower than the market rate. The initiative, which has been gaining popularity in recent years, involves groups of 20 to 30 members who contribute small amounts weekly — typically Tk 50 or Tk 100 — throughout the year.  The accumulated funds are then used to purchase cattle ahead of Eid or to buy meat directly from butchers, which is later distributed among members. Amirul Islam, an easy-bike driver from the same village, said, “Beef now costs Tk 750 to Tk 800 per kilogram in the market. After meeting household expenses, many cannot afford it. So, we formed a cooperative of 30 members. Some contributed Tk 50 weekly, others Tk 100. In the end, some received four kilograms, others up to eight.” Local people said rising meat prices in recent years have pushed it beyond the reach of low and lower-middle-income families, making such cooperatives an effective alternative to meet protein needs  especially during Eid. A visit to several areas including Jaduboyra, Panti, Bagulat, Chapra, Nandalalpur, and parts of the municipality on Thursday morning revealed a festive yet busy scene.  Some were cutting meat, others were weighing portions, while many waited eagerly to receive their parts.. CNG driver Gafur Sheikh, 45, from Ward No. 9 of Kumarkhali municipality, said, “I earn around Tk 600 a day. It’s not possible to buy meat at Tk 750 per kg. So I saved Tk 500 per month in the cooperative. This year, I received nearly nine kilograms of meat, which we can store and consume over months.” In Tebaria village alone, there are at least three such cooperatives.  One of them, led by Shahidul Islam, 68, has been operating for six years and now has around 150 members. “Each member contributed Tk 400 per month. This year, we collected about Tk 7.2 lakh and bought six bulls,” he said, adding that the total meat yield could reach around 30 maunds. “Members get meat at Tk 70 to Tk 100 less per kilogram than the market price,” he added. Upazila Livestock Officer Md Alamgir Hossain said field visits showed two to three cattle being slaughtered in each village under such initiatives. “In nearly 200 villages in the upazila, more than 600 cattle have been sacrificed under these cooperatives, with an estimated market value exceeding Tk 6 to 7 crore,” he said. The average cost per kilogram of meat in these schemes ranges between Tk 665 and Tk 670. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farzana Akhter said it promotes a culture of savings and reduces pressure on the market. “If such collective efforts grow, it can help stabilise meat prices and ensure affordability. More such cooperatives should be encouraged,” she said.

Economic analysts and veteran bankers warned that the staggering volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) in 29 banks has moved beyond a financial hurdle into a systemic threat, effectively ‘choking’ the country’s liquidity and fueling inflationary pressures. Nearly half of the scheduled banks, including 17 listed on the stock exchange, will be unable to pay dividends this year as the central bank enforces strict regulations to address the country’s high non-performing loan (NPL) crisis. As per the Bangladesh Bank directive, any bank with a classified loan rate of 10 percent or higher is prohibited from distributing dividends, regardless of their net profit for the fiscal year. As of December 2025, 29 public and private banks reported double-digit default rates. Selim Raihan, professor of DU and Executive Director of SANEM told UNB that the surge in defaulted loans is a symptom of long-term structural weakness.  "When nearly half of the banking sector sees double-digit defaults, it is no longer about individual business failures; it is about a culture of impunity. These 'frozen' assets are money belonging to ordinary depositors that is now trapped in the hands of a few, preventing the capital from being recycled into productive sectors,” he said. Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasized the impact on the broader economy, such as-  "The massive NPL volume is a major driver of our current inflation. Because banks cannot recover these funds, they are forced to increase the 'spread'—charging honest borrowers more to cover the losses of the defaulters. This raises the cost of doing business across the board,” She added. According to the latest report of Bangladesh Bank, the default loans peaked at nearly 36 percent in September under the interim government's transparency measures, intensive recovery efforts and rescheduling brought the total down to Tk 5.57 lakh crore by the end of December. This represents 30.60 percent of the total outstanding loans in the banking sector. Among state-owned banks, Janata Bank holds the highest volume of defaults at Tk 72,152 crore, or 74 percent of its total loans. Rupali Bank, the only state-owned bank listed on the stock exchange, has a default rate of 41.58 percent or Tk 19,631 crore. In the private sector, several banks—particularly those within the recently merged as Sammilito Islamic Bank—show alarming figures. Union Bank leads with a 97.64 percent default rate, followed closely by First Security Islamic Bank 96.43 percent and Global Islamic Bank 96.27 percent. Other major institutions, including National Bank 51.99 percent and Islami Bank Bangladesh 49.34 percent, also remain above the threshold. A Managing Director of a leading private bank speaking on condition of anonymity, described a "liquidity trap" created by the NPL crisis. He also said that some entrepreneurs are living luxurious lives and travelling abroad in business class air flights. But he is a bank loan defaulter. The total system is happening through a mechanism, where he avoids paying defaulted loans.  “Deposits come in, loans go out, and interest returns to fund new loans. When 30 percent of that cycle stops (due to defaults), the chain breaks. We are now in a position where we have to compete aggressively for deposits by offering high interest rates just to stay liquid. This high cost of funds makes it almost impossible to offer affordable credit to the RMG or SME sectors," he pointed out. Summary of Major Defaulting Banks in Bangladesh (Based on December 2025 Data)

Despite the transport minister’s claim that no extra fares were charged during the Eid rush, passengers have alleged widespread overcharging, with evidence found even on state-run BRTC buses. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam recently said fares remained fair during Eid, adding that in some cases passengers were even charged less than the fixed rates. However, visits to major bus terminals in the Dhaka including Sayedabad, Gulistan, Gabtoli and Mohakhali between Tuesday and Wednesday revealed a different scenario. No extra bus fare during Eid, route permits to be cancelled for violations: Minister Passengers alleged that both private operators and Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) buses charged fares higher than the approved rates. On Wednesday evening, Faisal Hossain bought a ticket from the BRTC counter at Gulistan for Barishal. While the usual fare is Tk 600, he was charged Tk 1,000. Similar complaints were reported by many passengers travelling on BRTC buses to Barishal since afternoon. Responding to the issue, Barishal BRTC depot manager Julfikar Ali said two special buses had been deployed for Eid, which have fewer seats, allowing slightly higher fares but not as high as Tk 1,000. He alleged that a syndicate involving drivers, helpers and others at ticket counters was attempting to raise fares ahead of Eid.

Prices of chicken in Dhaka have spiked by 15–20 percent within a week ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, squeezing household budgets and prompting concerns over supply disruptions and possible market manipulation. A visit to major wholesale markets including Karwan Bazar, Kaptan Bazar and Jatrabari, shows that prices of different varieties of chicken have increased by Tk 60 to Tk 120 per kg ahead of the festival. Shahzadpur’s famed cloth market bustles with Eid trade boom At the wholesale level, Pakistani cock variety Sonali chicken is now selling at Tk 330–340 per kg, while hybrid Sonali is priced at Tk 300–320. According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing, these prices were below Tk 300 at the beginning of Ramadan. In retail markets at Motijheel, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Rampura and Badda, consumers are paying even higher prices. Pakistani cock Sonali is being sold at Tk 380–400 per kg, while hybrid Sonali ranges between Tk 340–360. During the first week of Ramadan, these varieties were priced between Tk 280 and Tk 320 per kg, indicating a 15–20 percent hike within a short period. Broiler chicken, which accounts for a major share of consumer demand, has also seen a sharp increase, rising from around Tk 160 per kg just days ago to Tk 220–240. Meanwhile, local (deshi) chicken is being sold at Tk 700–720 per kg, nearing the price of beef. Traders attributed the sudden price hike to supply disruptions, particularly delays in transportation. Hafiz Uddin, a wholesaler at Kaptan Bazar, said trucks carrying chickens from outside Dhaka are taking longer to reach the capital, increasing overall costs. Retailers, however, alleged that some wholesalers have reduced supply ahead of Eid, forcing them to sell fewer chickens at higher prices. The price surge has left consumers frustrated. “How does chicken priced at Tk 280 suddenly become Tk 380? Broiler prices have also jumped from Tk 160 to Tk 230 per kg,” said Sumaiya Akter, a buyer at Rampura market. Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) accused traders of exploiting the situation by using fuel-related issues as a pretext to raise prices. CAB President AHM Shafiquzzaman said the government must strengthen market monitoring to keep prices within consumers’ reach. “Bangladesh is not facing a severe fuel crisis. Traders are using fuel rationing as an excuse to increase prices. Despite the unjustified hike, effective market monitoring is not being ensured,” he said. Expressing concern over the volatile meat market, he added that while marginal farmers are not making adequate profits, consumers are paying more, indicating the growing influence of middlemen in the supply chain. CAB urged the authorities to take effective measures to bring discipline to the market ahead of Eid.

As Eid-ul-Fitr draws near, Sylhet is witnessing a surge of homebound travellers, with crowded streets and bus terminals reflecting the festive rush. However, alongside the excitement of returning home, concerns are mounting over possible travel woes on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway. The rush began gaining momentum from Tuesday as government employees started a seven-day holiday following the last working day on Monday. Since then, transport hubs across the city have been packed with passengers heading to different parts of the country. Eid is expected to be observed on March 21, subject to the sighting of the moon. To ease travel pressure, authorities earlier declared a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23 and later added March 18. Despite these arrangements, travellers and transport operators fear that the Sylhet-Dhaka highway may once again turn into a major bottleneck. The route, a key corridor for passengers from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj, has long been plagued by narrow sections, damaged roads and ongoing construction work particularly in Brahmanbaria and parts of Narayanganj. Officials warn that a journey that usually takes five to six hours could stretch to 12 to 15 hours during the peak Eid rush. The most critical section remains the 12-kilometre stretch between Ashuganj and Bishwaroad where construction of a six-lane highway has been progressing slowly. Traffic congestion at the Ashuganj roundabout and Bishwaroad intersection often persists for hours, causing severe delays. Patuaria ferry terminal still unprepared, Eid travellers fear suffering Other congestion-prone areas include Katihata, Sultanpur and Tontor Bazar in Brahmanbaria, where damaged road conditions force vehicles to move slowly. With an increase in vehicle movement during Eid, the situation is expected to worsen significantly, said travellers and highway police. Unauthorised CNG auto-rickshaw stands at Bishwaroad, Kuttapara, Ashuganj, Sohagpur and Sonarampur along with roadside markets and illegal structures are also likely to disrupt traffic flow. According to police, 43 congestion-prone points have been identified along the Sylhet-Dhaka highway. Authorities have deployed additional highway police personnel and taken measures to keep at least two lanes operational in construction zones, while also attempting to control slow-moving vehicles. Despite these efforts, many travellers remain concerned, recalling previous Eid journeys marked by long hours of delays, particularly on the Brahmanbaria stretch. With the number of vehicles expected to rise sharply in the coming days, the combination of heavy traffic and ongoing infrastructure work may once again turn the journey into a prolonged and exhausting experience for Eid travellers. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday said efforts are underway to ensure everyone can travel home without any inconvenience. “Managing this huge pressure is challenging. However, following the Prime Minister’s directives, the way we are working gives us hope that everyone will be able to travel home without any hassle,” he said while inaugurating Gona Bridge in Bakerganj upazila of Barishal.

The government’s plan to bring zakat management under a more organised and coordinated system has sparked optimism among economists and Islamic scholars, who say the initiative could become a powerful tool in reducing poverty in Bangladesh if implemented effectively Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has recently directed the authorities concerned to make the country’s zakat management system more organised and effective so that the funds contribute more meaningfully to poverty alleviation. Speaking at a programme held at the state guest house Jamuna last week in honour of Islamic scholars and orphans, the Prime Minister said the government is considering ways to make zakat distribution more targeted and efficient. “I would like to share with you my plan regarding zakat management in the country,” he said, noting that many wealthy individuals distribute zakat on their own initiative, while some channel their contributions through the government’s Zakat Board. Various studies estimate that zakat distribution in Bangladesh may exceed Tk 20,000–25,000 crore annually, with some estimates suggesting an even higher amount.  Zakat donors can directly support poor patients at icddr,b However, in the absence of a structured and coordinated system, it remains unclear how effectively these funds contribute to reducing poverty. The Prime Minister said Islamic teachings encourage distributing zakat in ways that help recipients become self-reliant so they do not need to depend on such assistance repeatedly. “If zakat can be distributed through a planned system, it could play a transformative role in eliminating poverty,” Tarique said. The government is exploring ways to make zakat management more goal-oriented, he added. He said Bangladesh currently has around 40 million families. If poor and extremely poor households are properly identified and about five lakh families are provided Tk 1 lakh each annually in phases, many of them may become financially independent. With such a targeted approach, he expressed optimism that zakat could significantly contribute to reducing poverty within the next 10 to 15 years. To implement the plan, the government is considering restructuring the existing Zakat Board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs by involving leading Islamic scholars, economists and government officials. Officials believe such a model could eventually position Bangladesh as an example for other Muslim-majority countries in utilising zakat for poverty alleviation. Tarique Rahman  also instructed the Teligious Affairs Minister to take steps to ensure that zakat management becomes more disciplined and effective. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said the Prime Ministrr recently held a meeting on zakat management where As-Sunnah Foundation Chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah was present. “The Prime Minister wanted to know how zakat funds could be distributed more effectively and how the system could contribute to poverty reduction. He also gave necessary directives to the relevant ministry,” he said. Turning charity into empowerment Experts say zakat can make a lasting impact if it is used not just for short-term relief but also for skill development and employment generation. Shaykh Ahmadullah shared the experience of the As-Sunnah Foundation, which has been working with zakat funds for several years. “In the last year alone, we spent about Tk 13 crore to provide skill development training to 2,100 unemployed youths, helping them secure employment,” he told reporters after the meeting on Zakat management.  Those trained youths collectively earned around Tk 42 crore over the past year, demonstrating how zakat-based programmes can create sustainable income opportunities. Govt zakat fund 'vital' to poverty alleviation: Religious Affairs Adviser He also emphasised the need to bring charities that collect zakat under a regulatory framework. “If the government introduces policies and creates a competitive environment to assess the effectiveness of these organisations, the impact will be much greater,” he said. Ahmadullah added that the annual volume of zakat across countries belonging to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is estimated at around $600 billion, equivalent to roughly Tk 45 trillion, and Bangladesh could benefit significantly if it develops a proper mechanism to attract such funds. Economists welcome the move Economists have also welcomed the Prime Minister’s  initiative, describing it as a positive step for the country’s economy. Executive Vice Chairman of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) Prof Mohammed Helal Uddin said bringing zakat funds into a regulated system could have a strong economic impact. “If the government can mobilise and utilise this fund effectively for poverty reduction, it will inevitably benefit the economy,” he said, adding that structured zakat collection could gradually help reduce poverty at the grassroots level. Economist and former Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, Prof Abdul Bayes, said unregulated use of zakat funds has often prevented the real beneficiaries from receiving support.  “In many cases, vested political interests have used these funds for their own purposes, and there have even been records of zakat money being used for extremist activities.” He added that bringing zakat funds under regulation would ensure that the rightful recipients benefit from the resources. Need for reforms and transparency Islamic economists have also suggested revising the Zakat Fund Management Act, 2023 to strengthen the Zakat Board and ensure transparency in zakat collection, distribution and utilisation. Sharia economist Shaykh Muhammad Ayub Ali Hossain said a large portion of zakat in Bangladesh is currently distributed to orphanages, mosques and madrasas each year, yet the living standards of beneficiaries often remain unchanged. “The main reason is the scattered and unplanned distribution of zakat,” he said. Countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia have already demonstrated success in managing zakat through organised government systems. Experts say that if Bangladesh can introduce a structured, transparent and possibly digital zakat management system, the funds could play a major role in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods across the country.

With Eid approaching, drug smuggling and sales have surged again in Lalmonirhat, exposing the limits of ongoing crackdowns in a district long plagued by cross-border smuggling. Despite a declared zero-tolerance stance and repeated anti-drug drives, authorities are struggling to rein in the flow of narcotics, as organised networks adapt quickly to enforcement measures. Bordering India for nearly 281 kilometres across five upazilas, parts of Lalmonirhat remain vulnerable due to unfenced stretches and porous points, allowing smugglers to exploit gaps with ever-evolving tactics. Even in fenced areas, traffickers continue to bring in contraband under the cover of darkness, said locals. Law enforcers and locals said a wide range of drugs—including Indian liquor, heroin, phensedyl, cannabis, yaba and tapentadol—are regularly smuggled into Bangladesh through these routes. Once across the border, the consignments are stored in makeshift hideouts near frontier villages before being distributed nationwide, said police. Border villages turn into drug hubs Locals said drugs are now alarmingly accessible in many border villages, where transactions often take place discreetly at tea stalls, roadside intersections and even railway stations. As evening sets in, the influx of outsiders seeking drugs increases, turning otherwise quiet localities into hotspots of illicit activity. According to locals, a handful of identified dealers control much of the trade, often maintaining close ties with influential figures. Safe routes and resilient network Certain points in Aditmari and Kaliganj upazilas have emerged as key smuggling corridors, particularly for Indian liquor. In 2021, a police investigation centre was established in Goral Union of Kaliganj to curb the situation. Although enforcement drives have since intensified they have failed to dismantle the deeply rooted networks. Locals allege that some influential individuals continue to dominate the trade despite facing multiple criminal cases. A union parishad member in Goral Union, who reportedly has over a dozen drug-related cases against him, admitted to past involvement in drug trading but claimed he had since quit. Another elected representative from Chandrapur Union and his associates are accused of being actively involved in the narcotics business. Crackdowns yield limited success Following a change in government, law enforcement agencies stepped up surveillance, leading to a temporary dip in smuggling and sales. However, ahead of Eid, smuggling has picked up again. Police say they are continuing operations but acknowledge the challenge posed by well-organised networks. In February alone, district police arrested 22 alleged drug dealers in 20 cases. Courts have also handed down life sentences in several cases, yet the deterrent effect appears limited. “Repeated drives, overnight operations—nothing seems enough against these powerful networks,” said a local resident, describing the situation as an ‘invisible darkness’ engulfing border communities. Cycle of crime and weak deterrence Sanjay Kumar, a school teacher said many individuals publicly pledge to leave the drug trade, sometimes even taking oaths before senior police officials, but often relapse after transfers of key officials. “Symbolic surrender is not enough. There must be consistent and effective application of the law,” he said. A 3.6km road, 54 years of waiting in Lalmonirhat Tapash Kumar, a college teacher , emphasised the need to ensure that arrested traffickers cannot exploit legal loopholes to secure release. “Many return to the trade with greater intensity after getting out on bail, partly to cover legal expenses,” he said. Call for awareness alongside enforcement Religious leaders and community members stress that law enforcement alone cannot solve the crisis. Safawqn Hossain, a local imam said drug abuse is destroying the youth and awareness campaigns including discussions during Juma prayers are essential to address the social problem. Authorities vow stronger action Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police said anti-drug operations had slowed somewhat ahead of the national elections due to law-and-order duties, contributing to a temporary rise in smuggling. However, he said the situation is now improving with renewed drives and revised strategies. “We are conducting drives round the clock, often jointly with the Border Guard Bangladesh,” he said, reiterating a ‘no compromise’stance against drugs.

With the Eid ul-Fitr  fast approaching, the country’s busiest river crossing at Paturia Ferry ghat remains far from ready, raising fears of major disruptions for thousands of homebound travellers heading to southwestern districts. Repair work at the terminal remains incomplete, while the approach roads to the ghats are still unusually steep, causing vehicles to struggle while boarding and disembarking ferries. Passengers and drivers fear that the situation may worsen when traffic pressure surges during the Eid rush. Patuaria ferry terminal serves as a key gateway for passengers and vehicles travelling to and from 21 districts in the country’s south-western region. Traffic typically multiplies several times during Eid holidays. Although the terminal authorities usually take special measures to ensure smooth ferry crossings during the festive travel season travellers say visible preparations are still lacking this year. Five ghats at Patuaria were severely damaged by strong currents of the Padma River during last year’s monsoon, causing prolonged suffering for commuters and transport operators. Nearly six months later, the damaged facilities have yet to be fully repaired. For now, ferry operations are continuing through temporary arrangements. The steep approach roads have become a major concern. Vehicles frequently stall while climbing up from the ferries, forcing authorities to use wreckers to pull them up, which delays ferry operations and causes traffic congestion at the terminal. Drivers say the steep slope often causes vehicles to get stuck midway. In some cases, vehicles lose brake control and roll backwards towards the pontoon, occasionally even falling into the river. On Wednesday night around 8:00pm, a ten-wheeler oil tanker slipped off the approach road while disembarking from the ferry Shah Makhdum at Patuaria ferry terminal No. 5 and plunged into the river after the driver failed to control the brakes. Abdus Salam, deputy general manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) in Aricha region, said the river’s water level has dropped significantly, forcing pontoons to be lowered and making the approach roads steeper. “As a result, vehicles are facing difficulties while boarding and leaving ferries, and the number of ferry trips has also declined,” he said. BIWTC has repeatedly requested the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) to reduce the slope of the approach roads. However, he said the number of ferries has been increased to 17 to handle the anticipated Eid rush and expressed hope that crossings would remain manageable if all ghats remain operational. During a visit to the terminal on Saturday, workers were seen cutting soil with excavators to level the steep approach roads at three ghats. The work, however, is slowing vehicle movement as ferries load and unload passengers and vehicles. With Eid travel already beginning, passengers fear the suffering may intensify if the work is not completed quickly. Mohammad Robiul Alam, executive engineer of BIWTA’s Aricha regional office, said work to level the approach roads at three ghats has already started. “The excessively steep slopes will be normalised within two to three days,” he said. Meanwhile, the condition of the Patuaria launch terminal is also poor. Truck carrying oil recovered from river in Paturia, Manikganj