United News of Bangladesh

Consumers across Bangladesh have been facing a growing risk due to substandard and counterfeit products in markets, raising questions whether BSTI and other regulatory bodies are working effectively to safeguard the public against low-quality and harmful products. Everyday items from edible oils and spices to bottled water and cosmetics -- often fail to meet required standards. Jamshed Mia, a resident of Mirpur, recounted buying branded soybean oil that smelled and felt unusual once opened at home. “You can’t check the quality in the shop. Only at home do you realise its poor quality,” he said. When he returned to the retailer, his complaint was refused. Visiting New Market, Karwanbazar, Chankharpul and major supermarket chains, the UNB correspondent found shelves stocked with low-quality, expired, or counterfeit goods including rice, lentils, spices, cooking oil and bakery items. Despite occasional mobile court drives, long-term monitoring and consistent enforcement remain weak. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) occasionally conduct mobile court drives. Informal workers battle soaring inflation in Bangladesh While media coverage of such raids is widespread their impact rarely lasts. On September 17, a BSTI-led operation in Moghbazar fined Rowza Shop Tk 15,000 for selling mustard oil, honey, turmeric powder, chili powder and ghee without proper certification or packaging. The shop was also instructed to obtain the required license immediately. “If the drive is taken seriously, sellers dare not display the products. But the situation highlights poor surveillance in the market,” said Hasim Mollah, a private sector employee. A shop owner, speaking anonymously, said, “Whenever raids are conducted, traders stay cautious for a few days. After that, they continue business as usual with fake or low-quality goods.” Recent BSTI actions include shutting down a company producing bottled water in unhygienic conditions without proper testing. Officials said the plan failed to maintain health and safety protocols and lacked basic laboratory testing and certification. Medical specialists and consumer rights activists have also raised concerns over cosmetics, particularly skin-whitening creams. Many of these products contain mercury, steroids, and other harmful chemicals, causing permanent skin damage, kidney problems and hormonal imbalances. Bangladesh’s leather sector stuck at $1bn; $5bn could be tapped: Experts Traders and importers said BSTI primarily tests products during licensing or upon complaints, leaving street-level vendors and small factories largely unmonitored. Hasuar Ali, a trader of Karwan Bazar said, “Thousands of companies operate without BSTI licenses and their products reach rural shops. Many people consume these items which can seriously harm their health. Authorities must be more vigilant to prevent illegal operations.”

The residents of Kaliganj upazila in Lalmonirhat are enduring extreme hardship as a vital road, left dug up for construction work, has turned into a hazardous waterway. Makeshift rafts are now being used to cross the stretch, with accidents reported almost daily, yet authorities appear slow to intervene. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) confirmed that a Tk 5.87 crore allocation was approved for the improvement of the Duhuli–Jorgach GC Road (length: 5.25 km) in Chalbala Union. Barendra Construction Limited won the tender and deposited the required performance security, but the company could not start work as the work order had not been issued. In early August, however, another contractor allegedly began work on the project without authorisation. Complaints were subsequently lodged with the LGED Executive Engineer and Kaliganj police. Informal workers battle soaring inflation in Bangladesh Following administrative intervention, the unauthorised work was halted — but not before around 1.5 km of the road had been dug up, rendering it impassable. Locals say the stretch has since become a knee-deep canal, making walking extremely difficult and halting all vehicular movement, including vans, rickshaws and ambulances.  

In the bustling streets of Dhaka, countless lives teeter on the edge of survival, where each day’s earnings decide whether families eat or go hungry. Thirty-two-year-old Rina Begum sets up her modest stall near a busy bus stop, balancing two large pots on a makeshift wooden table as she sells puffed rice and fried snacks to rickshaw-pullers, day-labourers, and office-goers. On good days, she earns around Tk 500–600, but when rain falls or authorities force vendors off the streets, her earnings are halved. “The prices of oil, rice, and vegetables have doubled in the last two years, but my earnings remain the same. Sometimes I skip meals so that my children can eat,” she said, wiping sweat from her forehead as she fried ‘beguni’ in a sizzling pan. Rina’s story is far from unique. She is one of more than 6 crore Bangladeshis working in the informal sector, which constitutes nearly 85 per cent of the country’s workforce, according to the Labour Force Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). Off-season watermelon farming brings bumper gains to Narail farmers From domestic helpers and construction workers to street vendors and transport operators, these millions form the invisible backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, yet they receive little recognition or protection. A joint study by Karmojibi Nari and FES Bangladesh, covering informal workers in all divisions, found that most are employed in retail and sales, agriculture and livestock, food and beverage services, transport and crafts. Nearly 69 per cent of these workers are aged between 25 and 44. Various studies estimate that the informal sector contributes roughly 40–43 per cent of Bangladesh’s GDP. Without these jobs, many would face unemployment or underemployment. Despite their critical role, informal workers remain largely unrecognised, without legal protection, social security, or support systems, especially amid rising inflation. Economists say inflation has hit them hardest. Professor Dr M Shariful Haque, Chairman of the Department of Economics and Banking at the International Islamic University Chittagong, explained that high food inflation sharply reduces the real incomes of informal workers, whose cash wages and small-business revenues are not indexed. “When food inflation spikes, they have no cushion. Their choices are between eating less, borrowing, or pulling their children out of school,” he said. Bangladesh’s leather sector stuck at $1bn; $5bn could be tapped: Experts Prof Haque added that the average income of informal workers ranges from Tk 10,000 to Tk 30,000, but these earnings have not kept pace with inflation, which reached 10.03 per cent in the 2024–25 fiscal  year, the highest in 14 years. Food inflation rose to 10.70 per cent, while non-food inflation stood at 9.47 per cent. In August, the inflation rate fell slightly to 8.29 per cent, the lowest in over three years. Rice prices, in particular, are exerting strong pressure on both food and overall inflation, according to the latest economic update from the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission under the Planning Ministry. The report noted that rice’s contribution to food inflation rose from 40 per cent in May to 51.55 per cent in July. Bangladesh is densely populated, with more than 64 per cent of the population aged 15 years and above. Of this adult population, 59 per cent are economically active, though there is no precise data on how many are employed in the informal economy or their exact contribution. Unlike formal workers, informal earners generally lack appointment letters, fixed wages, or legal recourse in cases of exploitation. Illness or injury can instantly wipe out their income. Sumon Ali, 32, begins each day by pulling his worn helmet over his head and pushing his old motorbike onto the streets, whispering a small prayer, “Let me earn enough today to keep the family running.” On a good day, he earns between Tk 700 and Tk 800 ferrying passengers across Dhaka, but after deducting fuel, mobile data, and commissions, he is left with barely Tk 400. Back pain and strained eyesight already warn him that he cannot continue indefinitely. Bridge without roads leaves thousands stranded in Rangpur’s Mithapukur Similarly, 45-year-old rickshaw puller Mizanur Rahman pedals slowly home to his one-room tin-shed in Kamrangirchar after earning Tk 700. His daily rent of Tk 150 and the cost of food for his family of five leave almost nothing for emergencies. “If the wheel breaks or I fall sick, my family goes hungry. No one helps us,” he said. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of BILS and Chairman of the Labour Reform Commission, stressed that recognition and legal protection are essential. “Without these, it will not be possible to ensure the rights of domestic and other workers. They remain invisible in our legal and economic frameworks.” Reform Proposals Earlier this year, the Labour Reform Commission recommended sweeping changes, including a national minimum wage, extension of maternity benefits to informal women workers and wage reviews every three years instead of five. They also proposed contributory social insurance for informal earners and emergency sectoral funds to support workers during crises. The commission further suggested making appointment letters mandatory within fifteen days for both formal and informal workers and establishing a digital labour registration system to ensure recognition. Regarding wages, the commission recommended criteria for determining a national minimum wage, to be announced subsequently. Millions of workers in Bangladesh and South Asia survive in the informal economy, including domestic helpers, street vendors, bike riders, and garment subcontractor helpers. In Bangladesh, nearly 85 per cent of the workforce is informal, compared to around 80–82 per cent in India and over 90 per cent in Nepal. These workers face daily uncertainty: low and irregular wages, no contracts, no health coverage, and limited legal protection. Rising inflation has worsened their struggles, forcing families to cut essential expenses. While social protection programmes exist on paper, coverage is limited and enforcement weak, leaving most informal workers vulnerable to accidents, illness, and poverty.

The illegal trade of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders continues unabated in Lalmonirhat’s villages and markets, reflecting a nationwide problem in Bangladesh, amid lax government monitoring and inadequate regulation. From roadside tea stalls to grocery stores, hardware shops and even cement depots, the highly flammable cylinders are reportedly available everywhere, often stored recklessly beside open flames! Many sellers distribute cylinders without fire safety measures or approval from the Department of Explosives, placing both buyers and residents at constant risk. Cross-filling, the transfer of LPG from one cylinder to another, is also carried out by unauthorised individuals and unregulated businesses across the country. As LPG is highly flammable, improper handling and the use of substandard equipment can lead to leaks, fires, explosions and even fatalities. Bangladesh’s leather sector stuck at $1bn; $5bn could be tapped: Experts Locals claim that this illegal trade is widespread in almost every market in the district and is operating openly in the sight of authorities. Cylinders are frequently transported on trucks and vans, only to be carelessly unloaded by being tossed onto the ground, further heightening the risk of leaks, fire, or explosions. Nur Alam, a resident of Khorda Bamandanga in Sadar Upazila, said, “Gas cylinders are kept in roadside tea stalls where fires are always burning. There’s no safety system in place.” A shopkeeper in Hatibandha Upazila, requesting anonymity, admitted that he sells LPG cylinders without a licence. “We buy supplies from trucks and store them in our shops. But we don’t really know the risks involved,” he said. Fire Service and Civil Defence Station Officer Rokonuzzaman confirmed that the illegal trade persists in the district’s markets, in clear violation of safety regulations. “This business must operate under rules and structure. We are working with the district administration to conduct mobile court drives regularly,” he said. Deputy Commissioner of the district HM Rokib Haydar said restrictions have been imposed to prevent the sale of LPG cylinders without a Department of Explosives licence. “Mobile courts are already conducting drives and these operations will continue,” he said. Even though thousands of LPG cylinders exceed their safe lifespan, they continue to be refilled and delivered to households across the country, contributing to a growing number of gas-related explosions and casualties. Experts warn that LPG cylinders are extremely flammable and, if mishandled, could cause devastating accidents.

Bangladesh's leather industry has been struggling to surpass the US $1.0 billion export mark for over a decade, hindered by compliance gaps and insufficient new investment, said sector leaders and economists. Industry stakeholders describe the sector as ‘trapped in a billion-dollar cage’, with multiple challenges preventing it from reaching its estimated $5 billion potential by 2030. Experts highlight inadequate infrastructure, lack of international compliance, and poor coordination among key stakeholders as primary obstacles. The Savar Tannery Estate, a crucial hub for the industry, remains incomplete, while its Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) is poorly maintained and continues to release untreated water. This environmental non-compliance is a major barrier, as local tanneries cannot obtain the essential Leather Working Group (LWG) certification, said Md Shaheen Ahamed, Chairman of Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA). All governments have identified the leather industry as a priority sector due to its growth potential, investment opportunities, and capacity for employment generation. Leather and footwear remain the largest exporting manufacturing sectors after textile and apparel in Bangladesh. “As the representative of the Bangladeshi leather sector, we hold a sincere responsibility to the country in upholding international quality, social, and environmental standards in our industry. This will help establish Bangladesh as the number one sourcing destination for all kinds of finished leather,” Shaheen Ahamed said. As a traditional and long-established sector, the global leather industry has often been associated with pollution. Many unorganised tanneries contribute to river degradation through untreated effluent, creating public health hazards due to solid waste dumping, inefficient water use and harmful chemicals, he explained. “In response to these environmental concerns, our organisation is championing a precautionary approach to help member firms mitigate risks proactively. By focusing on prevention before harm occurs, we aim to guide the industry toward a sustainable future,” he added. Read: Prof Yunus calls for strategic revival of long-neglected leather industry Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, told UNB that the absence of LWG certification remains a critical roadblock. It restricts access to premium global markets and forces Bangladesh to sell raw hides at 20–30 percent lower prices. In comparison, India has over 150 LWG-certified tanneries and Pakistan over 80, while Bangladesh has none. Bangladesh is one of the largest producers of raw hides in South Asia, with the industry hovering near the $1 billion export mark for over a decade, Dr Masrur said. “Bangladesh has every advantage, including one of the world’s largest supplies of raw hides, a huge labour force, and government support for export incentives. Yet, the sector remains stuck as infrastructure, compliance, coordination, and investment lags far behind global standards,” he noted. Foreign buyers are avoiding Bangladeshi leather due to non-compliance with international standards and a lack of proper certification, Dr Masrur said. As a result, he said, the country continues to export large volumes of wet blue --semi-processed leather -- which fetches far lower prices compared with finished leather goods. Many tanners also struggle to pay fair prices upfront, he added, as banks often demand Leather Working Group (LWG) certification or clean environmental records before approving loans. This has left local producers at a disadvantage in tapping into higher-value international markets. Read more: Govt determined to break leather industry syndicates: Commerce Adviser Other issues include a fragmented ecosystem, no central rawhide grading or auction system, cash flow problems among tanners, middlemen who add no value, limited vertical integration, and few tanners producing their own footwear or bags. Brands often outsource from inconsistent, uncertified sources. Slow technology adoption, outdated machinery and finishing methods, environmental non-compliance, and inefficient pricing systems further impede growth. The sector also faces substantial raw hide wastage, estimated at 15–20% during events like Eid-ul-Adha, due to poor preservation and transport. This problem is exacerbated by outdated technology, lack of vertical integration, and weak pricing systems. Abul Kalam Azad, President of the Tannery Workers' Union (TWU), said Bangladesh’s tannery industry is a 70-year-old traditional sector. However, many workers do not receive basic labour rights, such as employment letters, identity cards, or minimum wages, despite industrial relations being generally stable. “Owners remain strict when it comes to granting workers their rights. This includes compliance required for global market access of leather goods,” he said. Non-implementation of social compliance and an ineffective modern CETP system prevent tanneries from obtaining LWG certification, making it difficult to retain foreign buyers. Consequently, the formal tannery sector increasingly moves toward informality, Azad added. Read more: Bangladesh leather sector is 30 years behind: Speakers on Leather Day Experts propose several measures to unlock the sector’s potential. These include fast-tracking the completion and upgrade of Savar Tannery Estate and its CETP, promoting LWG certification as a national priority through tax rebates or soft loans, and establishing price monitoring mechanisms during peak seasons. Diversifying exports toward finished leather goods instead of raw hides, supporting SMEs with design and branding assistance, and implementing structural reforms are seen as crucial steps to advance the industry.

A newly constructed bridge in Ramnathpara, Boro Hazratpur Union, Mithapukur Upazila, stands as a symbol of progress but remains almost entirely unusable due to the lack of approach roads. Completed nearly a year ago, the bridge was intended to connect residents of five nearby villages more efficiently. Instead, it has become a daily hazard. Locals have been compelled to construct temporary bamboo ladders to access the bridge, a perilous solution that places thousands of people at risk each day. Students, the elderly, and patients are forced to navigate these makeshift ladders, which become treacherously slippery during the monsoon rains. Several people have already suffered injuries, highlighting the urgent need for proper infrastructure. According to the Mithapukur Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) office, the bridge was built in the 2024–25 fiscal year by M/s Muntaha Construction at a cost of around Tk 30 lakh, funded by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. Dangerous Crossing: Kurigram villagers plead for permanent bridge Yet despite its proximity – a mere 100 metres – to a herringbone road connecting Ramnathpara and Sadurpara, the bridge remains inaccessible. “Now it has become a death trap for us and we are in extreme suffering,” said local resident Nitai Chandra, adding, “The contractor didn’t build the road, even though the bridge was completed 10 to 11 months ago.” Another villager, Dhaneshwar Roy, lamented the disruption to education and daily life. “Our children can’t go to school properly. When it rains, the bamboo becomes so slippery that we sometimes have to build makeshift crossings ourselves. The government built the bridge, but without the road, it is useless.”

Bangladesh, which depends heavily on remittances from the Middle East, is slowly losing its footing there, raising worries about falling inflows and bigger risks ahead. After the fall of the Hasina government in 2024, remittance inflows initially surged to record highs, but recent trends show the flow is shrinking, particularly from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, remittances stood at $2.42 billion in August, down from $2.47 billion in July and $2.82 billion in June. Year-on-year figures still reflect growth, but the recent downward trajectory points to the turbulence in Middle Eastern markets as a key driver. “Bangladesh’s labour market in the Middle East is tightening. These countries are increasingly recruiting skilled workers from India and Nepal. On top of that, the aftermath of the Iran-Israel war and the recent Israeli attacks in Qatar have also had repercussions. All these regional instabilities are directly affecting Bangladesh’s economy,” said Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS). Forced merger of five Shariah banks in Bangladesh faces daunting challenges Saudi Arabia remains Bangladesh’s single largest source of remittances, hosting nearly three million Bangladeshis. More than 628,000 workers migrated there in 2024 alone, according to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET). Yet, despite the sheer numbers, opportunities are shrinking, leaving many migrants struggling to survive and remit. Every year, tens of thousands return from Saudi Arabia after failing to secure stable work. The Wage Earners’ Welfare Board reported over 50,000 workers were forced to return in 2024 through the “outpass” process, compared to 58,000 in 2023. Many migrants spend large sums to secure jobs, only to face months or years without proper employment or residency permits (aqama). Ebaydul Islam from Jhalakathi, who returned from Saudi Arabia last year, shared his ordeal, “I was promised an aqama within three months. Even after a year, it never came. The job I was promised never materialized either. I had to live like an undocumented worker, hiding every day.” Another returnee, Mirajul Hawlader, echoed similar frustrations, “Getting an aqama for Bangladeshi workers is now like chasing a golden deer. If I can’t even send money home to my family, there’s no point in staying abroad.” Bangladesh on the cusp of a fintech boom, if challenges addressed  The declining inflows from Saudi Arabia are reflected in Bangladesh Bank’s data. In May, remittances from the kingdom stood at Tk 6,524 crore, dropping to Tk 5,763 crore in June, Tk 5,200 crore in July, and further down to Tk 4,800 crore in August. “Saudi Arabia is restructuring its labor market with new skill benchmarks. Without meeting these requirements, workers face difficulties in securing jobs or residency permits. Bangladesh must prioritize skill development. Continuing to send unskilled laborers will only cause long-term damage,” said Marina Sultana, Director of Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU). The United Arab Emirates (UAE), another major remittance hub, is emerging as an even bigger challenge. Reports suggest the UAE could stop issuing work visas for Bangladeshis starting in 2026, while visa complications have persisted since last year. Bangladeshi workers already face restrictions on visa transfers and family visas. In March this year, remittances from the UAE were Tk 6,201 crore, but they fell to Tk 4,540 crore in April, Tk 3,461 crore in July, and Tk 3,382 crore in August. Economists warn that a full visa suspension could trigger a sharp collapse in remittance inflows from the UAE. “We cannot afford to delay. Dhaka must engage Abu Dhabi in urgent diplomatic dialogue. Losing the UAE market would severely weaken Bangladesh’s overall foothold in the Middle East,” Mahfuz said. Qatar, too, has shown declining inflows. Remittances dropped from Tk 1,432 crore in June to Tk 1,288 crore in July and further to Tk 1,113 crore in August. Experts call for strategy, skilled workforce to lift Biman from setbacks Oman, which banned Bangladeshi workers in 2023, shows a similar downward curve. While remittances briefly surged past Tk 2,000 crore in January this year, they started falling in June and came down to around Tk 1,700 crore by August. Experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken, Bangladesh could face deeper setbacks in remittance inflows from the Middle East. “The government must act now to safeguard the market, even amid regional instability,” Mahfuz observed. Marina Sultana added, “Improving worker skills is non-negotiable. Authorities also need to investigate why so many returnees fail to secure jobs and design programs to enhance the productivity of those who remain abroad.”  

Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Dr Pema Gyamtsho has laid emphasis on building trust and sharing scientific knowledge and evidence among countries in the region, stressing that rivers cross national boundaries and connect people.   “This is very important. Rivers cross national boundaries and rivers connect us. But very often, we do not recognise the connectivity that rivers bring. Rivers should be uniting us, not dividing us,” he told UNB in an interview at the ICIMOD headquarters in Kathmandu recently. Dr Pema, the first Director General from the region that ICIMOD serves since its establishment in 1983, said the first step is to build trust and the next step is to come up with scientific knowledge and evidence. He highlighted the importance of sharing information on what is happening upstream, the kind of water flow regimes, how glacier melt affects river flows, or in the event of a potential glacial lake outburst and how that information can quickly reach downstream communities. Dr Pema, who served the Royal Government of Bhutan for over three decades, said it is also important to know what kind of sedimentation is happening and what level of pollution is taking place. Upstream-Downstream Data “This upstream–downstream data is very relevant,” he said, adding that everything has to be done step by step. “Overnight, we cannot reach a stage where everybody agrees. It has to be a process, a movement,” said the DG. He, however, said the ICIMOD provides the information, science and the decision-support systems. At the end of the day, Dr Pema said, it is up to the governments to come together, discuss and make decisions. “If they have the right evidence and intelligence, they will be better informed to make the right decisions.” Thriving rural communities foundation of global security: IFAD Responding to a question, Dr Pema said they have been largely focused on the Chittagong Hill Tracts area because that represents the mountainous part of Bangladesh. There, he said, they are looking at supporting the livelihood systems - how they can promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, how they can better manage water resources, especially in terms of addressing the shortage of water. Dr Pema said Bangladesh faces serious challenges - sometimes there is too much water with floods; sometimes there is too little water with long periods of drought. “So, during those periods, how can we manage production systems? We are also looking at reviving springs that have already dried up and preventing the drying up of springs that are still in good condition. Spring-shed management is one area we are really going to focus on,” said the DG. He said, “Of course, other areas are also important - for example, supporting the development of ecotourism. That is another area where we would like to focus.” Now, at the national level, Dr Pema said they are working with institutions like the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology to come up with more reliable forecasting systems and early warning systems. Early Warning System Responding to a question on early warning systems, Dr Pema said the early warning system that they are trying to promote is called Community-Based Flood Early Warning Systems (CBFEWS). “Now, of course, ICIMOD itself cannot do all these things - we are working through partners in Bangladesh, including the Disaster Management Department,” he said. Bangladesh’s tourism sector reels from political and safety issues Dr Pema said it is not enough just to have the right prediction tools or early warning systems. “It is equally important to prepare communities: bringing them together, building their capacity, educating them, and preparing their response mechanisms.” He said that is something they really want to take forward, because at the end of the day, when a flood happens, it is the communities that have to respond. “They need to be ready. This also means we must look at how to address the specific needs of more vulnerable groups, like people with disabilities, women, and children,” Dr Pema observed. In terms of funding, he said how these funds are being mobilised, and whether there is any funding gap that is a calculation they have made based on the National Adaptation Plans of countries. For adaptation, Dr Pema said, it will indeed be a challenge, but they have to start somewhere. “We have to raise awareness about how much is needed, and identify the sources from which we can get this funding whether from global funding mechanisms or from within our own governments.” He said it is a multipronged approach and they try to link the scientific evidence with the potential sources of funding, so that there is an opportunity for funding agencies and the scientific community to come together, and see where support is most needed, where it could have the biggest impact. Expectations from COP30 Asked about his expectations from the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, scheduled for November 10-21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, the DG said, “I have always kept my expectations very modest.” “For me, the priority is for this region to come together and solve our own problems, our own challenges. Of course, we can raise our issues and challenges at the global level, but for that to translate into actions here takes time,” he observed. Dr Pema said the fastest way forward for them is for their own member countries to come together and take action now. “If you ask me frankly, my expectations are very modest.” On the issue of the Loss and Damage Fund, especially with the big players like the USA, who have not been very proactive in the deliberations so far, he said, it is indeed a challenge. Dr Pema said loss and damage is going to be challenging and the discussions are still ongoing; definitions are still being refined; funding mechanisms are still being debated. At this stage, he said, it is very difficult to say how effective this funding mechanism will be. Current Priorities Asked about the priorities for ICIMOD, Dr Pema said, the biggest priority is for the eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan - to come together and address the challenges they are facing. “Every day we hear about disasters as a result of climate change. You hear about glacial lake outburst floods happening as a result of fast melting of glaciers; we are talking about cloudbursts and flash floods,” he said. Remembering the TigerCaravan: Most Successful Innovative Conservation Campaign by USAID, Bangladesh Forest Department and WildTeam Dr Pema said these disasters do not stop at their borders - from the upstream countries to the downstream countries, everybody needs to work together. He said they are trying to bring these countries together to address these challenges, which require very reliable early warning systems and effective response measures. “So this is a top priority.” Of course, another priority is air pollution, Dr Pema said, adding that the whole region is suffering from very poor air quality. “We are also trying to see how we can tackle air pollution across borders, because air pollution may originate in one place, but the impacts are felt everywhere,” said the DG. He said it does not stop in airspace or water; it just keeps moving. “So again, there is a need for all countries to come together and address it.” The third area they are focusing on is the management of national parks and protected areas, Dr Pema said. He said biodiversity is very important for the people, and many communities depend on it for their livelihoods. “So how can we improve the bio-economy? How can we improve conservation? How can we work together to protect iconic species like the wild yak, red panda, Asian elephant, or high-altitude snow leopard? These animals don’t use passports; they don’t apply for visas. We have to give them enough space to move around, which will also enhance their chances of survival,” Dr Pema said, adding that these are some of the priority areas they are working on. Political Support Responding to a question, he said they are getting all the support from their member countries. Since ICIMOD is a politically neutral organisation, they are not a political body, he mentioned. “We do not deal with politically sensitive issues. We are focused on science, environment, and science-based evidence. Our key role is facilitating the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and good practices from one country to another, and also learning from institutions outside the region and bringing that knowledge here to share with our member countries,” he said. “Now, as far as political support from all member countries is concerned, I would say we are receiving it. ICIMOD is jointly funded by our member countries as well as partners from outside the region. The funding itself is an indication of the kind of support we are receiving,” Dr Pema mentioned.

Bangladesh Bank’s plan to merge five weak Islamic Shariah-based banks into a single state-owned entity has been hailed as a bold attempt to stabilise the banking sector, but experts warn the move faces enormous challenges and could take years to achieve meaningful results. The five banks—First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and Exim Bank—are mired in crisis, with non-performing loans (NPLs) now at a staggering Tk1,47,000 crore, or 77 per cent of their total loans. Union Bank tops the list with an almost complete default ratio of 98 per cent. Depositors’ funds are effectively frozen, while the banks rely on massive central bank support to stay afloat. “The biggest challenges are recovering stolen assets, securing skilled management, and ensuring political interference does not derail the process,” said Dr Zahid Hussain, former lead economist at the World Bank’s Dhaka office. He stressed that forged documents and smuggling of assets abroad complicate recovery efforts. Adding to the difficulty, forced mergers in Bangladesh differ sharply from international norms. Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, explained, “Globally, weak banks propose mergers to stronger banks after thorough audits. A forced merger risks worsening the crisis, though it may protect depositors’ money.” The merger process is also costly. Bangladesh Bank estimates it at Tk35,000 crore—Tk25,000 crore from the national budget and Tk10,000 crore from the Deposit Insurance Trust Fund—requiring amendments to existing law to use public funds. S&P Global Ratings warns that structural problems will keep Bangladesh’s banking sector under pressure until 2026. High credit risk, fragmented operations, executive failures, and weak lending standards are cited as long-standing issues. Access to credit for agri sector can enhance food security: Bangladesh Bank Governor The merger faces resistance from some banks, particularly Exim Bank and Social Islami Bank, whose directors and shareholders have petitioned to be excluded. Meanwhile, concerns over potential branch closures and job losses persist, though Bangladesh Bank promises new rural branches and local investment of deposits to minimise layoffs. With capital shortfalls, soaring bad loans, and political sensitivities, the path to a successful merger is fraught with obstacles. Experts say it may take several years before the new bank stabilises—leaving depositors, employees, and the broader financial system in a tense waiting game. The latest data from the Bangladesh Bank reveals a dire situation for the five banks. Their combined deposits plummeted to Tk1,36,546 crore in May, down from approximately Tk1,59,000 crore just a year ago. In contrast, their total loans have surged to Tk1,95,413 crore. Banks in Bangladesh back away from CSR; spending hits 10-year low The most alarming aspect is the skyrocketing default ratio of loans. These five banks' non-performing loans (NPLs) now stand at a staggering Tk1,47,000 crore, which represents 77 percent of their total loans. Union Bank's NPL is nearly 98 percent, followed by First Security with 96 percent, Global Islami Bank with 95 percent, Social Islami Bank with 62 percent, and Exim Bank with 48 percent. This means that a significant portion of the money deposited by customers is now stuck in defaults, leaving the banks struggling to repay depositors. They have had to take thousands of crores of taka in special assistance from the central bank. The banks also face a massive provision shortfall of Tk74,501 crore.  

Under the warm September sun, Narail’s fields glow with an unusual sight -- plump, red watermelons ripening on the vines. Traditionally grown across Bangladesh from December to April, these luscious fruits are now flourishing out of season, bringing remarkable success – and handsome profits – to enterprising local farmers. At present, each kilogram of watermelon commands between Tk 80 and Tk 100, a price that has turned this off-season venture into a golden opportunity. Visitors are thronging the fields, eager not only to sample the sweet bounty but also to marvel at the sight of watermelons dangling in netted pouches, suspended neatly from bamboo frames. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Narail, some 23 hectares have been brought under off-season cultivation this year: 10 hectares in Sadar upazila, two in Lohagara, and 11 in Kalia. With technical guidance and timely incentives from the agriculture department, farmers – many of them first-timers – have discovered that this crop is both cost-effective and richly rewarding. A recent field visit to Mirzapur, under Bishali union of Sadar upazila, revealed the quiet industry behind this success. There, farmer Akinur Mallik leaned towards around 200 plants grown along the embankments of his fish enclosure. Bagerhat’s watermelon harvest brings a sweet summer promise “This is my first attempt, using 33 decimals of land. The agriculture office provided me with seeds, fertilisers and inputs. Prices are good and buyers come directly here. Next year, I’ll cultivate on a larger scale,” he said. The spectacle of off-season melons has become a local curiosity. Families stroll among the trellised plants, while young visitors snap selfies and record TikToks beside the burgeoning fruits. “We never saw watermelon farming in our area before. Now it’s become a place to hang out, take selfies and even make TikToks ,” said Suma Akter, a cheerful onlooker. Encouraged by Akinur’s success, farmer Zakir Hossain voiced his own enthusiasm for trying the method in the coming season. Further afield in Kalia upazila, veteran grower Pradip Barman recounted three years of cultivating watermelons. This year alone, he planted 10,000 seedlings across 95 acres of fish farms, including 7,000 watermelon plants. “The yield is excellent. The Banglalink variety weighs five to seven kilos each, while Tripti weighs two to three. I invested Tk five to six lakh, but expect Tk 12 lakh in returns,” he said. Agriculture officials are also optimistic about the trend. Jaintapur’s Watermelon Boom: From fallow lands to flourishing fields Roknuzzaman, Narail Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer, confirmed that farmers are being encouraged with seeds, fertilisers and continuous field-level guidance. District DAE Deputy Director Md Jasim Uddin added that the acreage under cultivation is increasing every year thanks to this support. With enthusiasm spreading and yields proving bountiful, officials foresee Narail blossoming into a thriving hub for off-season watermelon farming, a sweet promise for the district’s agricultural future.