United News of Bangladesh

What started as an experiment in a single pond in Naogaon is emerging as a model for rural innovation, showing how careful management and mixed farming methods can redefine livelihoods in Bangladesh’s remote districts. Traditionally known for carp and other freshwater fish, Naogaon is witnessing the first successful cultivation of giant freshwater shrimp, or galda chingri, a species mostly farmed in Khulna, in the district’s ponds. Raju Sardar, a student and fish farmer in Dighirpar village of Sadar upazila, has drawn attention by integrating galda with carp species in his pond. His approach, combining careful water monitoring, balanced feeding and regular pond maintenance, has encouraged other farmers to explore the high-value species. Since Raju began the initiative, at least 30 to 40 farmers in and around the area have started cultivating galda shrimp using the mixed farming method. Raju, who has long practised carp polyculture, said conventional methods yielded limited profits, prompting him to explore alternatives. In June last year, he joined a demonstration programme titled ‘Giant freshwater shrimps farming under improved management’ conducted by a local development organisation’s agriculture unit. He initially received 500 galda fry through the program and, undeterred by scepticism from others, invested in an additional 1,000 fry. The integrated farming approach proved successful: within months, shrimps grew rapidly, with each kilogram now containing only seven to eight shrimps, a benchmark for freshwater cultivation. Raju projects a harvest of 120 to 130 kilograms of galda shrimps, which could fetch between Tk 1.20 lakh and Tk 1.40 lakh at market rates of Tk 800–1,000 per kilogram. When combined with carp production, the mixed system nearly doubles income from the same pond. Workshop renews push for dedicated aquaculture policy Local fish farmer Saiful Islam said the initiative has shifted perceptions. “We never imagined that a species mostly farmed in Khulna could thrive in Naogaon. Raju’s pond has become a live training centre for farmers,” he said. Farmers, encouraged by the market demand and prices, are now planning to expand shrimp cultivation. Md Shahriar Hossain, Fisheries Officer at the development organisation’s agriculture unit, said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise the fisheries sector by introducing profitable species with low investment. “Galda farming has been introduced in Naogaon for the first time. Its success has sparked interest in mixed farming, which has proven highly profitable,” he said. Dr Md Bayezid Alam, Senior Fisheries Officer of Naogaon Sadar Upazila, described freshwater galda farming as a new chapter for the district’s fisheries sector. “With proper management, galda can be cultivated even in small ponds. Wider adoption could boost employment, increase fish production, and strengthen the local economy,” he said, adding that training and technical support will be provided to interested farmers. Raju Sardar’s success underscores the potential of innovative aquaculture in reshaping rural economies beyond Bangladesh’s traditional coastal hubs, he said.

The government is set to establish a new Broadcast Commission to streamline the operations of various broadcasting entities, set standards and curb irregularities. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prepared the draft Broadcast Commission Ordinance-2026, which proposes strict penalties for violations, including up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Tk 50 lakh. The draft is currently open for consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Under the draft ordinance, terrestrial, satellite and cable television, radio, IPTV, DTH (Direct-to-Home), FM and community radio, OTT, streaming and Video-on-Demand (VOD) platforms will fall under the Commission’s remit. Commercial online infotainment portals, apps and video streaming activities are also included, while personal social media posts and amateur content remain outside its scope. The draft stipulates severe punishments for operating broadcasting services without a licence or Commission approval, disobeying government directives, disseminating classified military or civilian information, airing unapproved or misleading advertisements, and using images of state-protected important sites in commercial content. Violators operating without a licence, or without prior Commission recommendation, could face a maximum of three years’ imprisonment or fines ranging from Tk 10 lakh to Tk 50 lakh, or both. Non-compliance with government directives on national interest or public welfare may result in a fine of up to Tk 50,000. Importing broadcasting equipment without official clearance may attract up to three years in jail or fines between Tk 5 lakh and Tk 20 lakh. Broadcasting sensitive military or civilian information that could threaten national security, public safety, or public order carries up to two years’ imprisonment or fines ranging from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 10 lakh. The draft also addresses the broadcasting of advertisements for unlicensed financial institutions, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, or misleading content, prescribing up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of Tk 5 lakh to Tk 30 lakh. The use of imagery of state-protected sites such as the National Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office, President’s Office, secretariat, courts, military barracks, or KPI-affiliated establishments may result in up to six months in jail or fines up to Tk 2 lakh. All fines will be recoverable under the Public Demand Recovery Act-1913. To adjudicate offences under the ordinance, one or more Broadcast Tribunals will be established. Each tribunal will comprise a district or sessions judge, with directives to resolve cases within 90 working days of filing. The formation of the Broadcast Commission will be overseen by a selection committee. Based on its recommendations, the government will appoint a chairman and four commissioners. At least one commissioner must be female. Commission members will be prohibited from holding profit-making positions or engaging in media-related businesses. Interim government’s role more complex than ever: Planning Adviser The draft ordinance assigns the Commission responsibilities including recommending broadcasting licences to the government, formulating codes of conduct and policies, overseeing broadcast operations, and resolving viewer and listener complaints. It will coordinate with BTRC on technical matters and has the authority to impose fines, issue corrective directives, or revoke license, if necessary. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced that comments on the draft ordinance will be accepted until 31 January 2026.

Amid winter, the sweet aroma of date palm molasses continues to define Jhenaidah’s rural economy, and it is now reaching dining tables not only at home but also thousands of miles away in Europe and America. Due to the favourable weather, date palm sap collectors in Jhenaidah are witnessing a bumper season of molasses production this winter, surpassing official targets and opening new export avenues in Europe and America. Traditional date palm collectors, known as ‘Gachhi’, have begun large-scale production of date palm molasses. The increased output has boosted trading in local markets, while demand has also surged online. Producers say the quality of molasses is better than previous years, enabling them to secure higher prices. Boro cultivation in Narail gains full momentum under sunny skies According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Jhenaidah, the district has 1,42,235 date palm trees in six upazilas, of which around 1,12,760 are suitable for sap extraction. DAE set a production target of about 48.14 lakh litres of date palm sap and 872 metric tonnes of molasses. Officials say the molasses produced in Jhenaidah is meeting local demand and is being supplied to Dhaka as well as exported to Europe and the United States through expatriate networks. Abdur Rashid, a molasses producer from Bankira village in Sadar upazila, said he sends molasses to Canada every year. “An expatriate from our village, Abdullah Al Mamun, regularly buys molasses from me. One bhar (traditional unit) of molasses sells for between Tk 1,300 and Tk 1,800 depending on quality,” he said. Saiful Islam from Krishnapur village said his elder brother lives in the United States and molasses from their village is sent there annually to meet demand among Bangladeshi expatriates. Mahir Uddin, a gachhi in Kotchandpur upazila, said most local producers bring their molasses to Safdarpur market, which is known for maintaining quality. “Adulterated molasses is rare here. Because of the good quality, traders from outside areas come to buy molasses from this market,” he said. A pair of molasses pots sells for around Tk 3,000 in the market, he added. The growing popularity of online sales has also added a new dimension to the trade. Ainunnahar Afsari, a woman entrepreneur from Beparipara area of Jhenaidah district town, said she sells molasses online to customers across the country. She purchased jaggery at Tk 260 per kilogram from gachhi Bablu Rahman of Bangkira village in the Sadar Upazila and sells it outside at a profit. Abul Kashem Babu, a leaseholder of Safdarpur molasses market, said the number of date palm trees in the region has declined over the years, though new saplings are growing naturally. “If the government takes initiatives to preserve the tradition of date palm molasses, the gachies will survive,” he said, adding that farmers earn a decent income by selling sap and molasses during winter. Illegal topsoil extraction threatens ‘Gaillar Haor’, croplands in Sunamganj The Safdarpur market, serving 34–40-year-old traders, operates twice a week—on Saturdays and Tuesdays—and handles weekly transactions worth Tk 7–8 crore, he said. If government support is provided, jaggery production is expected to rise, which could further contribute to the country's economy, he added. Md Kamruzzaman, Deputy Director of DAE, said the district has already surpassed its molasses production target this year, thanks to the intense cold and favourable weather conditions. Molasses is sold in 197 markets across the district, both large and small, with weekly sales reaching Tk 50 crore over just two days.

After weeks of cold and fog, bright sunshine has returned to Narail, breathing new energy into the district’s Boro paddy fields. Farmers are now working from dawn to dusk, transplanting seedlings across the region in what has become a season of full swing for Boro cultivation. Favourable weather conditions over the past two weeks have created an ideal environment for farming. According to local growers, there is currently no shortage of seedlings, fertiliser, or irrigation facilities, making this the smoothest peak Boro season in recent years. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reports that Boro paddy is being cultivated on a record-breaking area this season, surpassing the past three years. Farmers recalled early-season challenges when persistent cold and dense fog had delayed transplantation. However, the recent sunny spell has rejuvenated fields and spirits alike, encouraging farmers to accelerate planting. Ibrahim Sheikh of Chougachha village in Sadar upazila said he is transplanting Boro seedlings on 180 decimals of land, noting that there is no shortage of seedlings. Another local farmer, Ataur Rahman, has cultivated three acres of Boro paddy and described the current weather as ‘very favourable’. Tk 1,300cr GK irrigation rehabilitation project aims to revive southwest agriculture Seventy-five-year-old Badsha Sheikh is preparing his land by ploughing and leveling before transplantation, while Mohammad Murad noted that power tillers have largely replaced cattle for land preparation, reducing both time and costs. Sagar Sheikh, cultivating the high-yielding Rod Miniket variety on 135 decimals of land, highlighted its good yield, market price, and quality straw as reasons for his choice. Farmers across Narail confirmed that fertilizers, pesticides, and electricity-powered irrigation facilities are available in sufficient quantities, and that hardly any cultivable land is being left fallow this season. “If the weather remains favourable and input supplies continue until the end of the season, we are hopeful for a good harvest,” said a local grower. Deputy Director of DAE, Narail, Muhammad Arifur Rahman, said that a target has been set to cultivate Boro paddy on 50,297 hectares in the 2025–26 season. In comparison, cultivation covered 50,280 hectares in 2024–25 and 50,230 hectares in 2023–24. Over the last three years, Boro cultivation has increased by 67 hectares. Illegal topsoil extraction threatens ‘Gaillar Haor’, croplands in Sunamganj This year, seedbeds have been prepared on 2,635 hectares, of which about 60 percent are standard seedbeds, further indicating there is no shortage of seedlings, Arif added. With favourable weather and adequate resources, Narail’s farmers are poised for a productive Boro season, continuing the district’s steady rise in paddy cultivation, he said.

For the first time in Bangladesh’s electoral history, a national election campaign is unfolding without the familiar clutter of posters on walls, electric poles and roadside trees, marking a striking departure from the visual chaos that traditionally signals the onset of election season. Streets that once announced the arrival of polls through layers of colourful faces, slogans and party symbols now appear unusually bare, altering not only the cityscape but also the mood and rhythm of campaigning ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. The dramatic shift follows the Election Commission’s decision to ban all forms of posters under the revised electoral code, a move aimed at curbing environmental damage and visual pollution that has long accompanied electioneering across the country. While the decision has drawn praise from environmentalists and urban residents for restoring cleaner public spaces, it has also sparked confusion among voters accustomed to identifying candidates through posters and dealt a severe blow to the country’s printing industry, which traditionally relies heavily on election-time orders. A Silent Campaign Traditionally, a festive atmosphere is created with the beginning of the election campaign which is largely absent this year. With posters, loud mike announcements and other overt campaign tools restricted, many voters say the election atmosphere feels distant—almost unfamiliar. “Without posters, it doesn’t even feel like a national election,” said Ruhul Amin, a resident of New Market area in Dhaka. From posters to punchlines: How Bangladesh’s politics got 'Meme-ified' “Posters and festoons were a common feature. Now, people who don’t actively follow politics or media are struggling to recognise the candidates,” he said. Campaigning officially began just after midnight on January 21 and will continue until 7:30am on February 10. Yet, four days into the campaign, most areas in the capital remained virtually unchanged. Printing Presses Fall Silent If the streets appear quiet, the silence is even louder inside printing presses. At Fakirapool and Banglabazar—two hubs of Dhaka’s printing industry—machines that would normally be running round the clock during election season are idle. Owners say they have not received any order due to the restriction. “Usually, elections mean business worth several crores of taka. This time, it’s zero. We’ve already bought paper worth lakhs expecting orders that never came,” said a printing press owner at Banglabazar requesting anonymity. “ What New Rules Say The Election Commission amended the electoral code and issued a gazette on November 10 last year imposing a ban on the use of posters and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in election campaigns. According to the new code of conduct, no one also can carry out election campaigns in religious places of worship like mosques, temples, pagodas and churches as well as the government offices or educational institutions. Candidates may still distribute leaflets, handbills and use festoons or billboards but with strict conditions. In party campaigns, only the party chief’s photograph may be displayed, no other leader or candidate can appear in visuals. The new code also tightens controls on technology and noise. The use of drones and quadcopters for campaigning has been fully banned. Helicopters may be used only by party general secretaries or equivalent leaders but dropping leaflets from the air is prohibited. Election campaign: Code of conduct published in gazette, banning posters-drones, AI-social media misuse Microphone use is allowed only between 2 pm and 8 pm with sound levels capped at 60 decibels. Besides, slips cannot be distributed within 180 metres of a polling centre and must not exceed 12cm by 8cm in size. The slips cannot contain the candidate’s name, photograph, position or electoral symbol. Voters Divided Shafiqul Islam, a resident of Bashundhara residential area, said he is mostly learning about the election through television. “I haven’t seen the usual posters or mike announcements. The campaign feels less lively.”  “Poster-free elections are good in one way. The city stays clean. But since this is the first time, it feels different. I’m relying on the news media to know who belongs to which party,” said Naim, a resident of Banasree area. While urban voters may adapt through digital and media platforms, less-connected or less-engaged voters could find it harder to identify candidates, especially independents, said another voter of Malibagh area. Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the decision was taken after consulting political parties. “We sought opinions from all political parties. Only one party opposed the ban while the majority supported it,” he told UNB. He said that environmental concerns played a key role.  “There were strong objections from environmentalists and the Ministry of Environment. Considering those concerns and the views of most parties, posters were banned.”

As Bangladesh prepares for the February 12 general election and referendum, the Election Commission’s newly introduced IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system has raised hopes for voters away from their constituencies, but journalists covering polls outside their home areas are once again set to miss the opportunity to vote. Following three consecutive controversial elections, the Election Commission has, for the first time, introduced postal voting for expatriate Bangladeshis and selected groups within the country. The system applies to government officials, bankers, officials engaged in election duties and voters in legal custody who cannot stay in their constituencies on polling day. Journalists, however, have been excluded from the arrangement, despite being professionally deployed across districts to cover the election, a role widely recognised as essential to the democratic process. As a result, a significant number of media professionals are likely to remain unable to cast their votes in the upcoming polls, continuing a pattern that has persisted for years. According to a briefing by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, the postal voting initiative has received an unprecedented response. A total of 1,533,682 voters registered through the Postal BD app, including 761,140 domestic voters who will be on duty or away from their constituencies on election day, alongside 772,542 expatriate voters. Journalists working outside their registered constituencies argue that the facility should not be limited to specific professions. They say postal voting ought to be extended to all voters compelled by professional obligations to remain away from their home areas, particularly media workers, who play a critical role during elections. Kaler Kantho Editor Hasan Hafiz, who is also the Jatiya Press Club President, said that the government’s introduction of a new postal ballot system is a commendable initiative, but journalists should have been included. “Journalists are, in a sense, expatriates within their own country. When others assigned election-day duties are given the opportunity, why are journalists treated in such a discriminatory manner?” he said. Hasan Hafiz also noted that journalists perform their election duties at considerable risk and therefore should have been given priority. “We strongly demand this. There is still time, and we urge the authorities to consider the matter,” he added. Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) President Abu Saleh Akon said, “Journalists have to cover assignments on election day, and those who work outside their own areas would not have the opportunity to vote. With the new postal ballot system, it should be accessible to us. We urge the government to consider this.” Secretary of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) Khurshid Alam expressed concern over the exclusion, stating, “After the July uprising, this is a form of discrimination against journalists. As members of the fourth estate, have journalists committed any wrongdoing? While performing our professional duties for the country and the people, we are being deprived of the opportunity to vote. If others can vote, journalists must be given the same opportunity, and the government should take all necessary efforts to ensure this.” Similar concerns were echoed outside the capital. Khulna Press Club Convener and Daily Ittefaq’s Khulna Bureau Chief Enamul Haque said almost all journalists in Khulna remain engaged in professional duties on election day. “As a result, voters who are registered outside their constituencies will not be able to exercise their voting rights even if they want to. The government should take the matter seriously. The issue has already been raised with the regional election office,” he said. In Chattogram, Press Club President and regional chief of Daily Amar Desh Zahidul Karim said the Election Commission could have included genuine journalists working outside their constituencies under the postal voting system. The Election Commission had earlier indicated that arrangements might be made for journalists to vote through postal ballots. However, it later said that the issue would be considered at a later stage. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told UNB that if the newly introduced IT-supported postal balloting system proves successful in the February 12 national election and referendum, the Commission would consider extending the facility to journalists and other such communities. “If it is successful, it will be extended further. Then we’ll consider including journalists and others because many problems may surface with this system,” he said. Free, fearless media vital to Bangladesh democracy: Journalists Rahmanel Masud also noted that if public opinion favours the proxy balloting system currently used for expatriates, the Election Commission may consider introducing proxy balloting alongside the postal system in the future. For now, however, journalists covering the polls across Bangladesh remain on the sidelines of the ballot -- reporting on democracy while being unable to participate in it themselves.

The recent rescue of a Royal Bengal Tiger after it was caught in a deer snare has once again drawn attention to rampant poaching and the widespread use of deadly traps deep inside the Sundarbans, posing a growing threat to the forest’s apex predator. On January 4, the Forest Department rescued an injured tiger after it became ensnared in a deer trap in the Chandpai range. The animal is currently undergoing treatment at the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. Although the increased movement of tigers of all ages in Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges of the Sundarbans has sparked optimism among wildlife experts. Yet this hopeful picture is shadowed by a growing crisis: a sharp decline in deer, the tiger’s primary prey. The mangrove forest is once again showing signs of revival, with the number of Royal Bengal Tigers rising over the past six years. The latest Forest Department survey in 2024 recorded 125 adult tigers, marking an almost 10 percent increase compared to 2018 and a 17.92 percent rise since 2015. Announcing the tiger 2024 survey result EnvironmentAdviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at a press conference said the tiger population density in the Sundarbans is now 2.64 tigers per 100 square kilometres. Rampant deer poaching, especially during new moon and full moon nights, is eroding the very food base that sustains the apex predator of the Sundarbans. Experts say about 80 percent of a tiger’s diet comes from spotted deer while the remaining 20 percent consists of wild boar, jungle cats and monkeys. The widespread and regular hunting of deer has severely reduced prey availability in the forest.Wildlife specialists warn that if this trend continues, the gains made in tiger conservation could be reversed. Nirmal Kumar Pal, forest officer of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Division in Khulna, confirmed increased tiger movement in the Chandpai and Sharankhola ranges. To Save Tigers in Bangladesh, Deer Farming Must End “Eighty percent of a tiger’s food comes from deer with the rest from wild boar, jungle cats and monkeys,” he said, underscoring the link between prey decline and tiger behaviour. Silent Traps in Deep Forests Poachers are increasingly using leaf traps and sedative tablets deep inside the forest to hunt deer. As a result, the Chandpai, Sharankhola, Satkhira and Khulna ranges are experiencing an acute prey shortage. According to wildlife experts a fully grown tiger needs at least 50 to 60 kilograms of meat per week and when food becomes scarce, tigers are more likely to cross rivers and canals and stray into human settlements, increasing the risk of conflict. The publication Sundarban notes that according to a 2023 survey, the forest had 131,604 spotted deer. Conservationists said this number is already below what is required to sustainably support the growing tiger population. Thousands of Traps Seized Forest Department records reveal the scale of the challenge. From May to December last year alone, the Sundarbans East Forest Division recovered more than 61,400 traps of various kinds. In the western division, officials seized 3,148 feet of traps over the past two years. During the same period, authorities recovered 1,148 kilograms of deer meat from poachers. A total of 72 cases were filed naming 192 accused. Farewell to our Friend of Tigers, Dutch ambassador Andre Carstens Rezaual Karim Chowdhury, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans East Division, said areas such as Bishwaspara, Charduani, Gangpara and Sharankhola in Patharghata upazila saw comparatively higher numbers of seized traps. “Similarly, large quantities of traps have been recovered from Kalabagi and Baniakhali under the Sundarbans West Division,” he added. A Threat Recognised, But Unresolved Professor MA Aziz of Jahangirnagar University’s Department of Zoology and a noted tiger expert warned that leaf traps pose a major threat not only to deer but also to tigers themselves. “This issue is clearly mentioned in the Tiger Action Plan (2018–2027),” he said. He noted that deer hunting has become a secondary source of income for many forest-dependent people. “Demand for deer meat in local markets rises during new moon and full moon nights, leading to increased poaching,” he said, adding, “The forest no longer has the number of deer it needs. At the same time, tigers risk losing limbs or even their lives after getting caught in traps.” As the number of tiger inches upward, experts stress that protecting prey species is now the most urgent task. Without ensuring a healthy deer population, they warn, the Sundarbans’ fragile success story could quickly turn into another conservation setback where more tigers roam the forest, but with too little food to survive.

A proposal to ban the import of day-old chicks for commercial poultry farms included in the final draft of the National Poultry Development Policy-2026 has triggered widespread concern among poultry farmers and industry leaders. Stakeholders said small and marginal producers would bear the brunt of the decision if the ban is enforced without adequate preparation and capacity development. They also fear the move could lead to monopolisation of the sector by a handful of large corporate players. The government, however, says the policy is aimed at gradually reducing import dependence and making the domestic poultry industry self-reliant. Farmers said domestic production capacity is still insufficient to meet demand. Tk 1,300cr GK irrigation rehabilitation project aims to revive southwest agriculture Halting imports without proper preparation will create a severe shortage of chicks in the market, they said. Dr Md Saiful Islam, Professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University’s Department of Livestock Production and Management, said a three-pronged crisis affecting marginal farmers, consumers and market stability will be created if the policy is implemented without proper consultation. Bangladesh Agricultural University Veterinary Faculty Dean Prof Dr Md Bahanur Rahman stressed that the government must first ensure domestic production can meet daily demand at fair prices. Former Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute director general and agronomist Dr Jahangir Alam suggested allowing limited imports alongside domestic production to support self-reliance, while retaining provisions for emergencies and new hatcheries. At present, the production of day-old chicks depends largely on a limited number of large hatcheries, with comparatively few grandparent (GP) and parent stock (PS) farms operating in the country. Bangladesh’s vehicle imports surge ahead of election, port revenue gets a boost Experts warn that any disease outbreak or production disruption at these facilities could paralyse the entire supply chain. The final draft of the National Poultry Development Policy-2026, published on the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock website on January 13, proposes banning imports of day-old chicks for commercial farming. It allows the import of GP stock, while PS imports may be permitted in ‘necessary cases’. However, stakeholders say the ‘vague wording’ could lead to delays and bureaucratic hurdles during emergencies. According to ministry data, the poultry sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade. The country’s chicken population rose from 2,683.93 lakh in FY2015–16 to 3,360.70 lakh in FY2024–25. Including ducks, the total poultry population now stands at 4,066.52 lakh—much of it dependent on a steady supply of day-old chicks. COMFLOT West project extended by 2 years; cost nearly doubles Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association (BPIA) President Mosharraf Hossain Chowdhury said production of day-old chicks is concentrated among a few companies, raising concerns about syndication if imports are blocked. “About 10 to 15 percent of chicks are imported to meet demand when local supply falls short. If the import route is closed, any epidemic, bird flu outbreak or natural disaster could cause severe shortages and price volatility,” he said. He also pointed out that while domestic supplies can respond quickly, importing chicks involves lengthy procedures. “The policy mentions imports may be allowed in some cases but it does not clarify how a crisis will be identified or approvals granted,”he added. Several stakeholders questioned the timing of the policy noting that the current ministry secretary has only a few days left in office and alleging the draft may have been rushed, potentially favouring large corporate firms. Responding to the concerns, Department of Livestock Services Director (Production) ABM Khaleduzzaman said the policy has been under development since 2021 and was drafted in stages based on expert opinions and committee recommendations. He added that provisions for future amendments remain. Ministry Secretary Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber said the policy aims to build a sustainable and self-reliant poultry sector by addressing imports, production and biosecurity in line with existing regulations. When will the LPG crisis end? Businesses, homemakers in Dhaka struggle He said BPIA’s concerns would be reviewed during inter-ministerial discussions. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said no decision would be taken that harms marginal traders or the poultry industry. “The policy has been released for public feedback, and all objections including those from BPIA will be examined before a final decision is made,” she said.

Some 500 foreign election observers, alongside over 55,000 local observers, from different countries and international organisations have expressed interest in monitoring Bangladesh’s upcoming national election and referendum, scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12. According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 55,454 local observers from 81 domestic organisations have applied to observe the polls. Among them, 7,997 observers intend to monitor the election centrally, while 47,457 others plan to observe the voting process at local levels across the country. No hide-and-seek, elections to be transparent: CEC On the international front, the European Union (EU) has planned to deploy up to 200 observers for the election. Of them, 56 observers, led by EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, already are in Dhaka. The Election Commission has invited representatives from around 50 countries and international organisations to observe the polls. Responding to the invitation, 23 foreign observers from 10 countries and one organisation have confirmed their participation so far. Among the confirmed visitors is Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner Mohammad Jalal Sikandar Sultan, who will visit Bangladesh accompanied by his spouse Rabab Sikandar and Mohammad Nadeem. Other confirmed observers include two representatives each from Russia, Turkey, the Philippines, Georgia, Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Indonesia, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Besides, 28 observers from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) have applied to the EC. The ANFREL team includes nationals from Sri Lanka (7), the Philippines (7), Indonesia (4), Maldives (2), Cambodia (2), Thailand (1), Malaysia (1), Mongolia (1), the United States (1), Myanmar (1) and Poland (1). Meanwhile, at least 43 foreign journalists, along with two local counterparts, from more than two dozen international media outlets have sought accreditation from the Election Commission to cover the general election and referendum. The media organisations include TVE (Spain), GEO News (Pakistan), Reuters, NHK Japan, Al Jazeera Arabic, Diplomat Magazine (Netherlands), ABC Australia, Radio 357 (Poland), DSTV Darjeeling (India), Pakistan TV Digital, and Ei Muhurte Digital Media (Kolkata, India). Besides, 25 members of the Commonwealth Observer Group, including 17 foreign observers and eight support staff, have expressed interest in monitoring the election. Of them, six have applied for visas on arrival, for which clearance has already been granted by the Home Ministry.  The Commonwealth observers include nationals from Ghana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, the United States, South Africa, Fiji, Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Zambia, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Uganda. The remaining eight members are Secretariat staff from the Commonwealth, including nationals from the UK, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and India. Besides, 25 international freelance observers, including the former Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal and representatives from organisations such as Voice for Justice, SAARC Human Rights Foundation, Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (UK), Hansard Research UK, Immigrants International Inc, UK Parliament, Africa House London, and O.P. Jindal Global University (India), have also shown interest in observing the polls. EC Director (Public Relations) Ruhul Amin Mallik said the number of foreign observers this time may exceed 500, with around 200 expected from the European Union alone. In 2024, the EC accredited 517 persons from 40 international observer organisations and 20,256 local observers from 84 organisations to observe the 12th parliamentary election. In the 11th parliamentary election in 2018, some 25,900 local observers from 81 organisations and 38 foreign observers from FEMBoSA, AAEA, OIC and the Commonwealth monitored the polls, alongside officials from foreign missions and embassies stationed in Bangladesh. The European Union and the United States, however, did not send observers to the 2018 and 2014 elections and later raised questions about the credibility of the two elections. In 2014, observer presence was significantly lower in the 10th parliamentary election, as most political parties boycotted the polls and the election to 153 out of 300 constituencies went uncontested. Only four foreign observers and 8,874 local observers from 35 organisations observed the lopsided election. In contrast, the 9th parliamentary election in 2008 witnessed the presence of a record 593 foreign observers and 159,113 local observers.

For the first time in its history, 129 prisoners at Jashore Central Jail will be able to exercise their right to vote through postal ballots. The inmates have already completed online registration, and all arrangements have been made to facilitate their voting. Abid Ahmed, the Superintendent of Jashore Central Jail, said, “Online registration for prisoners began in the first week of December and concluded on 31 December. By the end of this period, a total of 129 prisoners had successfully registered to vote.” Sources at the jail said that when prisoners were informed about the opportunity, many expressed interest. They, however, said some were unable to register online due to not having a national ID card or for other reasons. A few also chose not to apply, anticipating the possibility of being granted bail. In the end, 129 prisoners completed online registration by December 31. Once they receive their postal ballots, the inmates will also be provided with booklets containing information about the candidates and their symbols for their respective constituencies. This will allow them to make informed decisions. The jail authorities have ensured a suitable environment for voting within the facility. The Election Commission will send separate envelopes to registered prisoners. Each package will include instructions for voting, designated spaces for signatures, and the ballot paper. Prisoners will cast their votes and seal the envelopes themselves. Subsequently, the sealed envelopes, along with a copy containing their signature, will be handed over to jail authorities, who will dispatch them to the post office. The postal service will then deliver them to the Election Commission, which will count them alongside votes from the relevant constituencies. Even if a registered prisoner is released on bail, they must vote at the designated booth inside the jail. After voting, they will be allowed to leave the facility. “The jail authorities are providing maximum support to ensure registered prisoners can cast their votes. The opportunity to vote via postal ballot for the first time has generated considerable enthusiasm among the inmates,” Abid Ahned added. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ashek Hasan, who is also the Returning officer, told UNB, “All possible assistance is being provided to the jail authorities to ensure smooth voting. The administration is working sincerely to ensure prisoners can exercise their voting rights without any hindrance.”