United News of Bangladesh

With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, Dhaka’s cattle markets are witnessing a growing rush of buyers and sellers as the capital prepares for one of Bangladesh’s largest seasonal economic activities driven by the Qurbani livestock trade. Traders said adequate sacrificial animals have already arrived in the city from different districts, while authorities and market management committees claim sufficient preparations have been taken to ensure smooth trading in the designated cattle markets across the capital. Visiting three of the city’s cattle markets (haats), UNB learned medium-sized cattle priced between Tk 1 lakh and Tk 2 lakh are currently dominating buyer demand, as many city residents are planning to sacrifice jointly with family members, neighbours or friends. Cattle from districts including Kushtia, Chuadanga, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Faridpur, Jashore and Dinajpur are being displayed at the city’s temporary and permanent cattle markets.

High hasil (service tax), security concerns and the hassle of transporting and keeping sacrificial animals are driving many buyers in Cumilla city to purchase cattle directly from farms ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Farm owners and buyers said the trend of purchasing sacrificial animals from farms instead of traditional cattle markets has been growing over the past few years. The Cumilla district administration, meanwhile, warned that no one will be allowed to collect hasil beyond the fixed rates and legal action will be taken against irregularities. A visit to Farid Agro Farm by Cumilla-Suagazi road at Kamalpur in Cumilla Sadar South upazila found cattle being raised in a clean environment with locally sourced feed. The farm currently has around 30 saleable cattle, all of local Shahiwal breed. Prices range from Tk 3 lakh to Tk 10 lakh. The farm’s largest bull, named “Rajababu,” weighs over 1,000 kg and has been priced at Tk 10 lakh. Farm authorities said easy transportation, hygienic conditions and doorstep delivery services are attracting buyers. Khaled Monsur Imon, manager of Farid Agro Farm, said many city residents are opting for farms due to the difficulties keeping and feeding cattle at home. “Several cattle have already been sold. Some buyers will receive delivery a day before Eid, while others will get their animals on Eid day,” he said. Mohammad Ziaul Haque Litu, director of JH Agro Park at Dhanuakhola under Kalirbazar union of Sadar upazila, said cattle sales from his farm have increased compared to last year. “The main reasons are the hassle of keeping cattle and buyers’ desire for healthy animals,” he said. Ahmed Shoaib Sohel, secretary of Cumilla Club, who bought a cow from a farm, said purchasing cattle from markets requires time and effort, while there are also concerns over animal health and accommodation. “So, I bought a sacrificial animal in advance from a farm. They will deliver it to my house on Eid morning,” he said. Additional District Livestock Officer Dr Mohammad Ismail Hossain said medical teams are working to prevent the sale of sick animals in cattle markets. “This year, 85 medical teams will work at more than 400 cattle markets across the district,” he said, adding that many buyers are now preferring farms to avoid crowds and inconvenience. Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan said authorities are working to ensure security at cattle markets and prevent circulation of counterfeit currency. He said cattle markets have also been barred from operating on school and college grounds and along highways. “No one will be allowed to collect hasil beyond the approved rates. Legal action will be taken against any irregularities,” the DC added.  

Cattle markets in Chandpur are bustling with activity ahead of Eid-ul-Azha as farmers prepare more than 66,000 sacrificial animals for sale, hoping to secure fair prices during the peak trading season. Despite strong preparations, many farmers remain concerned about market volatility and the possible influx of cattle from a neighboring country, which they fear could affect prices. According to the Department of Livestock Services, Chandpur district currently has 66,098 sacrificial animals ready for sale against an estimated demand of around 75,000, leaving a shortfall of about 9,000animals. Officials, however, said the gap would likely be filled by small-scale seasonal traders and farmers from remote char areas and neighboring districts. District Livestock Officer Dr Jyotirmoy Bhowmik said there would be no shortage of sacrificial animals this year. “We have sufficient local production and the remaining demand will be met by marginal farmers and seasonal traders. We expect a smooth supply during Eid,” he told UNB. The ready animals include 27,346 bulls, 8,366 oxen, 10,571 cows, 23 buffaloes, 19,346 goats and 446 sheep. Visits to major cattle markets including Sofarmali, Bagadi Chourasta, Puranbazar and Bakila in Haziganj revealed that cattle trade have already gained momentum. Buyers said cattle prices this year are slightly higher than last year. “Prices have increased compared to previous years, especially for healthy local bulls,” said Abu Sayeed, a cattle buyer in Chandpur town. Traders were seen bringing truckloads of cattle from Faridpur and northern districts to local markets, although buyers appeared to prefer locally raised cattle. According to livestock officials, around 4,155 entrepreneurs — mostly young farmers — are involved in raising sacrificial animals across Chandpur’s eight upazilas. Nearly 300 temporary and permanent cattle markets have been set up in the district ahead of Eid. Many farmers said they purchased young bulls several months ago and raised them using locally produced feed such as grass, straw, oil cake and bran. While small and medium-sized cattle are mainly sold in local markets, larger bulls are increasingly marketed online. During a visit at several farms, workers were seen caring for cattle that are expected to be sold within the next week. Despite their preparations, many farmers expressed anxiety over market prices. “If Indian cattle do not enter the market in large numbers, we hope to get good prices this year,” said farmer Khaled Khan from Nanupur village in Sadar upazila. Khaled, who has been involved in cattle farming for two decades, said he has prepared several bulls for Eid, with prices ranging between Tk 90,000 and Tk 1.2 lakh. Another farmer, Ahmed Ali from Ghashipur village, said he has 32 cattle in his farm including seven bulls raised entirely on local feed. Some farmers are targeting high-end buyers with premium bulls. Nargis Begum of Hamankardi village in Maishadi union has prepared three large bulls aged between three and five years. Among them is a bull named “Raja Babu,” for which she is seeking Tk 12 lakh. Another bull, “Hamankardi King,” is priced at Tk 10 lakh, while the smallest one is expected to sell for around Tk 5 lakh. Farm worker Md Moslem said the animals were raised naturally without artificial fattening methods. “We fed them local grass, straw and bran. We are taking special care of them every day,” he said. Many buyers expressed more interest in locally farmed cattle, citing concerns about chemical fattening practices sometimes used by outside traders. “People in the city now prefer cattle raised by local farmers because they trust the quality more,” said Abdul Barek, a resident of Chandpur town. To ensure smooth trading during Eid, the livestock department officials said mobile teams, including veterinary surgeons, will monitor cattle markets, resolve disputes and check counterfeit currency duringtransactions.

With cattle markets becoming increasingly crowded ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, experts at Bangladesh Agricultural University urged buyers and traders to follow scientific guidelines when purchasing sacrificial animals and preserving meat. They  warned against artificially fattened cattle, disease transmission risks and improper storage practices. In separate interviews with UNB, three professors from the university highlighted key indicators of unhealthy cattle, potential public health threats at livestock markets and the correct method of preserving meat to maintain its quality and nutritional value. How to identify artificially fattened cattle Prof Dr Mohammad Alam Mia of BAU’s Department of Physiology said cattle that have been artificially fattened using steroids, growth hormones or harmful drugs often display several visible signs. Such animals typically have dry noses, swollen and flabby bodies caused by excessive fluid retention, and difficulty standing or walking. They become exhausted after minimal movement and often breathe rapidly. When pressure is applied to the skin, it remains depressed for some time before returning to normal. “The thigh muscles of these cattle are unusually soft and their bones tend to be weaker, increasing the risk of fractures,” he said. He added that artificially fattened cattle usually show poor appetite, do not ruminate properly and may produce excessive saliva or foam around the mouth. After travelling long distances to markets, they often become fatigued quickly and are reluctant to stand once seated, he said. Dr Alam said healthy cattle can be naturally fattened within three to six months through balanced nutrition, regular deworming, vitamin and mineral supplementation and proper farm management. He advised buyers to assess not only an animal’s size but also its behaviour, breathing pattern, nasal condition and mobility before making a purchase. If any abnormalities are suspected, they should seek advice from livestock officers or veterinary professionals, he added. Disease risks at cattle markets Prof Dr Md Amimul Ehsan of BAU’s Department of Medicine said  livestock markets could facilitate the spread of serious diseases, including anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). He said anthrax cases has recently been detected in Rangpur and Gaibandha, with some infected individuals developing skin lesions and eye swelling after exposure to affected animals. “Humans can contract anthrax through contact with infected blood, meat or other body tissues,” he said, stressing the importance of routine vaccination programmes and veterinary health screening at market entry points. He said anthrax-infected animals often die suddenly before showing symptoms. In symptomatic cases, body temperature may rise to 104–105 degrees Fahrenheit. After death, dark, tar-like blood may ooze from the nose, mouth and anus. Exposure to air can cause the bacteria to form spores capable of surviving in the environment for long periods, he added. Living animals may also exhibit black lesions or blisters on the tongue, nose or throat, along with unusual agitation or lethargy. Dr Ehsan said FMD poses another significant concern because the virus can spread through the air over distances of up to 15 kilometres. “A single infected animal transported from Dinajpur or Chattogram to Dhaka could potentially spread the virus along the route and within surrounding market areas,” he said. Unsold animals returning from markets may also carry infections back to their home districts, threatening healthy livestock populations, he warned. The professor urged farmers not to bring sick animals to markets until they have fully recovered following treatment. Suggestions for cattle market visitors He also advised visitors to cover any cuts or wounds before entering livestock markets, as pathogens such as anthrax bacteria and tetanus-causing organisms can enter through broken skin. Proper handwashing with soap or sanitiser after contact with animals and safe disposal of animal waste and blood are also essential preventive measures, he added. Choosing quality cattle and preserving meat properly Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad of BAU’s Department of Animal Science said good-quality beef cattle should have evenly distributed muscle and a smooth body structure. Excessive muscle accumulation in the thighs or grape-like clusters of tissue may indicate poorer meat quality, he said. An unusually swollen dewlap — the loose skin hanging beneath the neck — could also signal underlying health problems. Dr Azad noted that cattle weighing more than 350 kilograms generally contain higher levels of fat and saturated fat, which may increase health risks for consumers. For quality meat, he recommended indigenous two-tooth cattle weighing between 200 and 250 kilograms, typically priced between Tk 90,000 and Tk 130,000. “If the teeth cannot be examined, a thick horn base can serve as an indicator that the animal is mature and suitable for purchase,” he said. On meat preservation, Dr Azad cautioned against placing freshly slaughtered meat directly into deep freezers at minus 18 degrees Celsius. He explained that immediately after slaughter, meat temperature remains around 40 degrees Celsius and requires a gradual cooling process. The temperature takes roughly 16 hours to fall to 10–15 degrees Celsius, followed by an additional eight hours during which proteins break down into amino acids through natural biochemical processes. “If this process is interrupted, the meat may lose quality and nutritional value. Direct freezing can damage the microstructure of the meat, causing it to become dry and fibrous after thawing,” he said. To ensure optimum quality, he recommended dividing meat into one- to two-kilogram portions and storing it in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees Celsius for 24 to 48 hours before transferring it to a deep freezer. Following this method, meat can retain its quality for six months to one year, he said. Dr Azad also suggested waiting at least three days after slaughter before cooking beef to achieve its best flavour and aroma.  

Human-elephant conflict has reached a severe level in the Garo Hills area along the Sherpur border as herds of wild elephants continue to enter farmlands in search of food, causing widespread damage to crops and property. The situation becomes particularly serious during the Aman and Boro rice ripening seasons, as well as when jackfruit and bananas are ready for harvest.

At a time when the national economy is reeling under the combined pressures of high inflation, stagnant employment, investment crunches, and massive revenue deficits, the upcoming national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal is fueling deep concerns among lower- and middle-income groups over a looming ‘tax trap.’ Economists, business leaders, and civil society representatives have warned that while the government faces immense pressure to boost revenue collection, the burden is disproportionately falling on ordinary citizens. Meanwhile, effective actions against tax evasion, hidden wealth, money laundering, and outstanding dues by the wealthy and politically influential groups remain severely limited. Financial analysts identify Bangladesh’s overwhelming reliance on indirect taxes as the primary structural flaw of its revenue system. Currently, the bulk of revenue originates from Value Added Tax (VAT), source taxes, and import duties, which apply uniformly regardless of an individual's financial standing. Speaking at a roundtable discussion organized by the think-tank 'Voice for Reform', economists revealed that nearly 80 percent of total revenue collection in Bangladesh comes from indirect taxes. In sharp contrast, developed economies rely on direct taxes, such as income and wealth taxes, as their financial foundation. "The National Board of Revenue (NBR) hikes taxes precisely where VAT collection is guaranteed, but they are unwilling to take risks when it comes to collecting actual income tax," said Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). This structure, experts argue, inherently accelerates economic disparity. Elite defiance and data fudging: The structural vulnerability is compounded by the regulatory failure to hold influential groups accountable. NBR data shows that while luxury vehicle owners and elites in affluent neighborhoods routinely conceal rental incomes and assets, visible legal actions are scarce, and billions in corporate tax defaults remain tied up in legal loopholes for years. Furthermore, trade-based money laundering executed through under-invoicing, over-invoicing, and informal hundi channels continue unabated, depriving the state of vital liquidity. "The influential classes always manage to exert control over the policymaking levels. Consequently, even when initiatives are taken to impose taxes on them, they are often rendered ineffective later on," noted former NBR Chairman Dr. Md. Abdul Majid. Budget-related sources indicate that the upcoming budget will likely propose new taxes or increase existing rates on a wide array of consumer goods and services. Targets include motorcycles, internet services, computer hardware, local LC commissions, agricultural imports, and raw materials for essential consumer commodities. Because manufacturers pass these tax hikes directly to consumers by adjusting commodity prices, public distress is projected to intensify. Persistent food inflation has already driven the cost of rice, pulses, oil, fish, and vegetables beyond the reach of many, forcing middle-class families to deplete savings, defer medical treatments, and slash educational expenses. The Ministry of Finance is currently preparing to approve a massive national budget of approximately Tk 9.38 lakh crore alongside an Annual Development Programme (ADP) of over Tk 3 lakh crore for FY2026-27. Defending the large fiscal footprint, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated, "Growth and employment generation are impossible without aggressive investment. Therefore, a large development budget has been adopted to pull the economy out of its fragile state." However, analysts label these targets as highly unrealistic. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, another Distinguished Fellow at CPD, questioned, "Is the upcoming budget realistic, or is it based on miraculous projections?" He warned that setting unachievable targets when institutional implementation capacity is weak will only destabilize the macroeconomic environment. Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, an eminent economist, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that checking administrative expenditures is critical. "Simply expanding the budget is not enough; the quality of expenditure must be guaranteed. Unnecessary operating expenses must be strictly checked to ensure development benefits reach the grassroots," he said. In a bid to expand the tax net and alter its reputation of over-taxing compliant taxpayers, the NBR is planning rigorous door-to-door tax surveys in elite neighborhoods, including Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Dhanmondi, and Uttara in Dhaka, alongside Khulshi in Chattogram. Authorities will cross-match asset disclosures and lifestyles against submitted tax returns. The government has also set a targeted revenue collection goal of Tk 5,000 crore from wealth surcharges alone, supported by moving land mouza values closer to actual market rates to capture taxes from high-value real estate transactions. Mirroring these requirements, the political manifesto of the ruling BNP has also prioritized structural tax reforms. The party's platform identifies the political economy as the root cause of revenue stagnation and promises to curb evasion through a fully digital tax architecture, automated information exchange, and risk-based auditing. Industrial stimulus and healthcare relief To stimulate employment, the budget is expected to introduce time-bound industrial tax holidays equipped with "sunset clauses." Strategic sectors slated for incentives include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), agricultural machinery, automobile components, computer hardware, artificial intelligence technologies, robotics, and plastic recycling. On a positive note, the government is considering slashing duties on vital medical equipment, including cardiac stents (heart rings), kidney dialysis machinery, and pharmaceutical raw materials. With out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures currently exceeding 70 percent in Bangladesh, this move is anticipated to bring tangible relief to low-income patients. Conversely, sin taxes on tobacco and alcohol are projected to rise significantly. Ultimately, the overriding challenge for the government remains executing structural tax reforms that widen the direct tax base and curb illicit financial flows, rather than squeezing an inflation-weary middle class that is already buckling under historical economic strains.  

The government is considering reducing the tax on new SIM card issuance and abolishing taxes on SIM replacements and Internet of Things (IoT)/Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIMs as part of efforts to expand the telecommunications sector and strengthen digital connectivity. According to National Board of Revenue (NBR) sources, a proposal to this effect is currently under consideration. “The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) sent a letter to the Posts and Telecommunications Division on May 5, which was later forwarded to the NBR,” a senior NBR official told UNB. The recommendations were discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by PM’s adviser  adviser on posts, telecommunications and ICT Rehan Asif Asad on April 29, according to the letter. Senior officials from the Posts and Telecommunications Division, NBR, BTRC and other relevant agencies attended the meeting. BTRC said the current tax structure on SIM issuance has become a significant barrier to market expansion and subscriber acquisition. According to the regulator, mobile operators currently spend about Tk 700 to activate a new subscriber connection. Of the total amount, Tk 300 is paid as SIM tax, around Tk 50 covers the SIM kit cost, while the remaining Tk 350 is spent on operations, distribution, marketing and other taxes. The commission said operators often subsidise nearly half of the acquisition cost, while about 43 percent of the expenditure goes to the government as non-recoverable SIM tax. BTRC also noted that the average revenue per user (ARPU) for mobile operators currently ranges between Tk 130 and Tk 150 per month. Consequently, operators need nearly five months to recover the cost of acquiring a new customer, though the actual payback period can stretch to six to nine months due to lower usage levels and shorter customer lifecycles. The regulator said the prevailing tax regime has made new customer acquisition economically less attractive and created a structural impediment to telecom market growth. Citing international practices, BTRC said only a handful of countries, including Jamaica and Ghana, continue to impose taxes on new SIM issuance. On SIM replacement, the commission argued that replacement SIMs do not generate new subscriber connections or additional revenue for operators, as they merely reactivate existing mobile numbers. “Imposing taxes on replacement SIMs amounts to double taxation and places an unnecessary financial burden on customers, particularly those who lose their handsets or SIM cards,” it said. BTRC further recommended the complete withdrawal of taxes on IoT and M2M SIMs to accelerate digital transformation and facilitate the adoption of smart technologies. The regulator noted that the overall tax burden on mobile services in Bangladesh stands at around 39 percent, significantly higher than in many other countries. It added that IoT and M2M SIMs generate substantially lower revenues than conventional mobile connections, with average monthly earnings of only Tk 20–25 per SIM compared with Tk 130–150 from regular subscribers. According to BTRC, maintaining the current tax burden could discourage investment and make large-scale deployment of IoT services economically unviable. The commission said removing taxes on IoT SIMs could significantly expand the use of smart devices across sectors such as industrial automation, logistics, agriculture, energy management and smart city solutions, thereby enhancing productivity, reducing waste and creating new business and employment opportunities. It also said  wider adoption of IoT services would drive greater data consumption and eventually generate additional government revenue through VAT and service-related taxes.

As Eid-ul-Azha draws closer, the rhythmic clanging of hammers on glowing iron has transformed blacksmith villages in Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar upazila into bustling hubs of activity. From dawn until deep into the night, blacksmiths are working tirelessly to meet the growing demand for sacrificial tools such as cleavers, machetes, knives and traditional cutting blades used during the Eid cattle sacrifice. For many of the artisans, the annual festival season is the busiest and most profitable period of the year. “In the rest of the year, work remains limited. But before Eid-ul-Azha, we hardly get time to breathe,” said Shyamal Karmakar, a local blacksmith, while shaping a red-hot blade with repeated hammer strikes. Across blacksmith neighbourhoods and marketplaces in Bholachang, Sohata, Shyamgram, Kadair and Sreeghar, furnaces burn constantly as sparks fly from workshops crowded with customers seeking new tools or sharpening old ones. The metallic “tung-tang” sound of hammer and chisel echoes through the air, creating a familiar pre-Eid atmosphere in the rural landscape. Blacksmiths said prices of raw materials and labour have increased significantly this year, forcing them to charge more for their products and services. According to the artisans, skinning knives are selling for Tk100 to Tk200, machetes for Tk200 to Tk350, traditional cutting blades or boti for Tk250 to Tk500, slaughtering knives for Tk300 to Tk1,000, and heavy cleavers for Tk500 to Tk800. “Coal prices have nearly doubled compared to two months ago,” said Sunil Karmakar, another blacksmith in the area. “Earlier, a sack of coal cost Tk 400 to Tk 450. Now we have to buy it for Tk 800 to Tk 850. Labour costs have also gone up,” he said. Despite the higher prices, customers continue to crowd the workshops as many families prefer preparing their own tools ahead of Eid due to the shortage of butchers during the festival. Abdul Karim, a customer at a blacksmith shop, said he bought a cleaver for Tk 500 and also brought several old tools for repair and sharpening. “I purchased a new cleaver and came to sharpen knives and machetes,” he said. Anwar Hossain, another customer, said many people now choose to slaughter sacrificial animals themselves because it has become difficult to find skilled butchers during Eid. “That is why I bought a new boti and sharpened my old machete and knife,” he said, adding that sharpening costs have increased by Tk 20 to Tk 50 compared to last year, depending on the type of tool. Blacksmiths said sales have already doubled ahead of Eid, and they expect even greater demand in the final two days before the festival. To cope with the rush, many artisans started preparations nearly a month ago and are continuing work without pause. The blacksmiths said they will continue working at full pace until Eid.  

Large parts of the approach road to the Second Teesta Bridge in Gangachara upazila in Rangpur have caved in following recent rainfall, creating deep craters and exposing thousands of commuters to serious risks. Locals said and they fear major accidents if urgent repairs are not undertaken before the monsoon intensifies. The damaged sections particularly near Mahipur on the northern side of the bridge have become increasingly hazardous following several days of continuous rainfall. Locals said soil beneath the road has been washed away, causing parts of the pavement to collapse and leaving deep holes along one of the region’s busiest transport corridors. The bridge and its connecting road serve as a crucial link between Rangpur and Lalmonirhat districts and provide access to the Burimari land port, facilitating the movement of thousands of passengers and goods vehicles every day. Since the bridge opened traffic volume especially heavy vehicle has increased significantly on the route. During a recent visit to the area, at least eight points along the northern approach road were found affected by subsidence, with some sections developing deep cavities that pose risks to both vehicles and pedestrians. “This road is extremely important for people travelling between Rangpur and Lalmonirhat,” said local resident Nazrul Islam. “Large holes have appeared on the northern side of the bridge after several days of rain. If repairs are not carried out immediately, a serious accident could occur at any time.” Concerns Over Construction Quality Locals have also raised questions about the durability of the road and the quality of past repair works, pointing to repeated failures despite substantial public spending. Ruhul Islam, a resident of the area,  said river erosion becomes a recurring challenge during every monsoon while the road had already been in a fragile condition before the latest rainfall. “In several places, the asphalt surface has peeled away, creating large potholes,” he said. “If heavy rain continues for a few more days, a significant portion of the road may collapse.” He alleged that similar damage occurred several times in the past and was repaired hurriedly, but the recurring failures suggest deeper problems in the execution of the bridge project. Another local resident, Niaz Ahmed, said repeated repairs have failed to provide a lasting solution. “Public money is being spent repeatedly in the name of maintenance, yet the road continues to collapse,” he said. “When a bridge and connecting road built at a cost of Tk 153 crore repeatedly develop the same problems, questions naturally arise about the quality of the work.” Costly Repairs, Limited Results According to officials of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), around Tk 28 crore was spent in 2024 on the renovation and widening of an approximately 11-kilometre stretch of the Teesta Bridge approach road, from Burirhat in Rangpur to Sirajul Market in Gangachara. The project was jointly implemented by three contractors—M/S Khairul Kabir Rana, KKR Limited and Barendra Limited. During the same period, another road improvement project covering the Lalmonirhat section from Sirajul Market to Kakina was carried out by Shahadat Enterprise at a cost of Tk 3.53 crore. Despite these expenses, locals said the road has yet to achieve a durable condition, as recurring subsidence and potholes continue to disrupt traffic and endanger commuters. Threat to Regional Connectivity Abdullah Al Hadi, chairman of Laxmitari Union Parishad, described the route as one of the busiest roads connecting Rangpur and Lalmonirhat districts. “The appearance of fresh erosion and subsidence near the bridge before the flood season is alarming,” he said. “If immediate repairs are not undertaken, there is a risk that larger sections of the road could collapse, disrupting communication across the region.” Gangachara Upazila Engineer Shah Md Obaidur Rahman said officials have already visited the site after receiving reports of the damage. “Necessary steps are being taken to repair the affected sections as quickly as possible,” he said. Longstanding Problems The Second Teesta Bridge, built over the Teesta River, was inaugurated on September 16, 2019, to strengthen connectivity between Gangachara and the upazilas of Patgram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj and Aditmari in Lalmonirhat district, as well as the strategically important Burimari land port. However, since its inauguration, the bridge’s approach road has repeatedly suffered from subsidence, potholes and structural defects. On several occasions, authorities have had to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles due to safety concerns.

The 250-bed Sunamganj Sadar Hospital has been grappling with a severe manpower shortage, crippling healthcare services at the district’s largest public medical facility and forcing patients to endure long waits, inadequate treatment and mounting frustration. The overburdened healthcare workers are struggling to maintain basic care to patients. Hospital sources said nearly half of the approved posts at the district’s main public healthcare facility are lying vacant, affecting treatment services in one of the country’s haor regions where thousands depend on the hospital for affordable care. According to hospital authorities, the hospital has a total of 472 approved posts but only 255 employees are currently working, leaving 217 positions vacant. The crisis is most acute among doctors. Of the 74 approved physician posts, only 28 are currently filled, meaning 46 positions remain vacant. Besides, against 262 sanctioned posts for nurses, only 199 are currently serving, while 63 positions remain empty. The shortage extends to medical technologists as well. Of 10 approved posts, only six are occupied. In other categories, the situation appears even worse – only 22 employees are working against 126 approved posts, leaving 104 vacancies. Patients and their relatives told UNB that the staff shortage has made access to proper treatment increasingly difficult. Many alleged that they have to wait for hours to consult doctors, while several departments struggle to provide regular services due to a lack of manpower. “I have been admitted to the hospital for two days, but there is a shortage of doctors, nurses and cleaners here,” said patient Soaeb Hasan. “We are facing different kinds of suffering every day.” Ismail Hossain, an attendant of another patient, said many patients coming from remote areas fail to receive treatment from specialist physicians. “Despite having such a large hospital, patients often hear that specialist doctors are unavailable. In the end, many are forced to go to Sylhet for treatment,” he said. Concerns were also raised over the activities of brokers operating inside the hospital premises. Abdus Samad, another patient’s guardian, alleged that an organised broker syndicate frequently harasses patients and even misbehaves with doctors when they fail to receive undue benefits. “If these brokers can be controlled, both patients and doctors will feel safer, and harassment will decrease,” he said. Locals also expressed concern over the hospital environment and the retention of doctors. Habibur Rahman Chowdhury, a retired official and resident of the area, said some physicians eventually leave due to harassment and lack of security. “Even when doctors join the hospital, some dishonest people create an unpleasant environment through. Ensuring doctors’ security is very important,” he said. Sajia Begum, a resident of Shologhor area, said the unhygienic environment reflects the shortage of support staff. “People expect healthcare services in a clean and healthy environment. But waste and garbage can be seen lying in different corners of the hospital,” she said. Hospital authorities admitted that the prolonged vacancy crisis has placed enormous pressure on existing staff and affected patient care. Dr Mahbubur Rahman Swapan, deputy director of the 250-bed hospital, said doctors and healthcare workers are struggling to manage the growing workload. “We are facing difficulties in providing services due to shortages in various posts, including doctors,” he said. “If these vacancies are filled quickly, pressure on the existing workforce will ease and patients will receive better and smoother healthcare services.” He added that the issue has repeatedly been communicated to higher authorities, urging immediate recruitment to overcome the crisis.