United News of Bangladesh

Despite a record Boro harvest, rice prices in Bangladesh remain unusually high, raising questions about market manipulation amid weak monitoring as well as regulation. A visit to several rice wholesale markets in Dhaka reveals only a marginal decrease in prices. Coarse rice is selling at Tk 55 per kilogram, while the “Atash” variety is priced at Tk 65 per kg. Medium-quality Nazirshail and Miniket varieties are going for Tk 70–75 per kg, while premium Kataribhog and Miniket are fetching Tk 85–90 per kg in some areas. All of these prices are roughly Tk 5 per kg higher than in the period just prior to the last Eid ul Azha. Human chain in Ctg demands urgent action to curb rice price hike The price of 50-kg sacks has increased by Tk 350–500, depending on the variety.                          At Uttar Badda’s rice market, popular brands like Diamond, Mozammel, Palki, Royal, and Rasid are being sold at higher prices. Retailers claim they’re not receiving enough supply from millers and are being forced to purchase at higher prices. A similar situation exists at Karwan Bazar, where long-established syndicates between rice agencies, millers and corporate houses can essentially collude to control the price of rice.  Defying The Trend  The latest monthly report of the Planning Commission’s General Economics Division notes that inflation has finally started easing in recent months. Point-to-point inflation in June was recorded at 8.48% by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, marking the first time in 27 months that the inflation rate had fallen below 9%. The decline of 57 basis points (from 9.05% to 8.48%) was substantially larger than the one in May, when it declined by just 12 basis points (to 9.05% from 9.17% in April).  Although this has been attributed mainly to a decline in food inflation, which fell quite sharply by a full 120 basis points, or 1.2% in June (from 8.59% in May to 7.39%), the price of rice has bucked the trend and continues to exert upward pressure on the price level. Rice market remains volatile  despite large-scale imports from India Inflation in rice markets was recorded at an eye-watering 15% in June by BBS. It means even though Boro paddy collection started in late April, the market has seen little relief. With harvesting complete in many districts, the anticipated market correction has not materialised. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reports that around 5 million hectares were cultivated for Boro this season, targeting a final output of 22.6 million metric tons (MT)—1.6 million MT more than last year. However, increased costs for fertilizer, irrigation, and diesel have raised production expenses. Farmers say per-kilogram costs have risen from Tk 25 to Tk 28–30 this year. Farmers Blame Millers Farmers from Barishal, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Patuakhali and Pirojpur districts report that increased input costs — not adverse weather—are hurting them the most. Khokon Hawlader from Jhalakathi’s Nalchity upazila said, “Diesel prices are up by Tk 15 per liter, and fertilizers aren’t being sold at the government rate. We had to buy them without receipts at inflated prices. But even then, millers are not offering fair prices.” Abdul Khalek of Barishal’s Bakerganj said, “Millers set the price themselves. Until Eid-ul-Azha, paddy was in farmers’ hands and prices were stable. But once it reached the millers, prices spiked.” Neyamat Ali from Pirojpur’s Bhandaria echoed, “People think high rice prices benefit us. But we sell paddy cheap and buy rice at high prices. There’s no oversight—neither on fertilizer dealers nor on stockpiling millers.” Can Imports Pull Down the Price? The government began procuring Boro paddy on April 24 and will continue until August 31. It plans to buy 3 lakh MT of paddy at Tk 36 per kg and 1.4 million MT of rice at Tk 49 per kg, according to Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder. Fearing poor Aman yields due to erratic weather, the government also plans to import 4 lakh MT of rice from international markets and allow private import of another 5 lakh MT, adding up to 9 lakh MT. Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters that lower global rice prices will help stabilize the market once imports begin. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), however, argues that rice imports are not a sustainable solution. Vice President SM Nazer Hossain said although private companies get import approval, they rarely open LCs (Letters of Credit) to follow through. “Last year too, traders showed no interest in importing rice. That’s because they already had stocks and preferred selling them at high prices,” he said, adding, “No one monitors why they aren’t importing even after getting approval.” Agricultural experts say the DAE increases paddy production targets yearly without verifying whether the targets are met. CAB’s Nazer said, “Whenever prices rise, these narratives emerge. It’s a tactic to divert public attention and protect unscrupulous traders.” Strict monitoring from production to retail, punishment for hoarding, and cracking down on inflated production costs are the key to stabilising rice prices with the existing domestic supply.  

As the Dharla River silently eats away at its banks, hundreds in Lalmonirhat watch their homes and hopes vanish into the current. As the water level rises and falls, severe erosion has occurred at 13 points along the river, leaving many families disoriented and desperate. The hardest-hit areas are Debnathpara, Kurul, Megharam, Chaymatha and Char Budaru in Mogolhat Union; parts of Patgram; Gorkamandal and Char Gorkamandal in Naodanga Union of Phulbari Upazila; and Haker Bazar and Sardob in Holokhana Union. Sunamganj villagers haunted by river erosion blamed on illegal soil cutting Despite the worsening crisis, affected residents have alleged inaction on the part of the Water Development Board (WDB), which is responsible for preventive measures. Abdar Hossain, 65, a farmer from Debnathpara, said he lost 16 bighas of land to the river—his last four just last week. “Now only a small hut is left, nearly 800 metres from the river. I have a family of seven. How will we survive?” he asked. Bholanath Debnath, 60, from the same village, said five bighas of his land had already been swallowed by the river. “The remaining land is also under threat. We were once a well-off family. Now we’re on the verge of homelessness,” he lamented.  Local UP member Jonab Ali said more than 100 bighas of land in Debnathpara have already been lost, and another 300 bighas are at risk. Kurigram riverbanks people struggle with worsening river erosion “The Water Development Board comes to inspect, takes notes and leaves. No preventative work is being done. If they had started dumping geo bags earlier, much of this land could have been saved,” he claimed. Char Gorkamandal in Phulbari is facing a similar fate. Ala-Baks, 65, a farmer from the area, said, “All my two bighas of land are gone, and most of my house has collapsed. I’m now living by the roadside. I have no way to buy land or rebuild.” Mahmuda Begum, 34, from the same area, said the river is now right behind her house. “It could swallow it at any time. I had three bighas of land—now there’s nothing,” she said, holding back tears. Ayaz Uddin, a local UP member, said over 200 houses, including schools, madrasas, and Mujib Kella buildings, are under threat in the area. “In just one week, 15 houses and over 100 bighas of arable land have been lost. Still, no effective action has been taken,” he said. Shunil Kumar, executive engineer of the Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, said they have sought allocation from higher authorities. “Once received, we will begin dumping geo bags and also implement permanent erosion control measures,” the UP member said. Padma River erosion threatens homes and agri land in Faridpur Rakibul Hasan, another WDB engineer, said 7,000 geo bags were dumped in Char Gorkamandal last year, but the stock has now run out. “A new allocation has been requested." Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Rakib Haider said they have inspected the erosion-affected areas and directed the Water Development Board to take immediate measures to prevent further damage. As the river continues to consume land and livelihoods, the residents of Lalmonirhat are left waiting—hoping for swift and decisive action before it’s too late.

When the high-tech CCTV cameras were installed across Cumilla city in late 2021, they arrived with a promise of safety, security and smarter streets. Mounted at bustling intersections and shadowy corners, the cameras were the city’s new digital guardians, boasting artificial intelligence, facial recognition and round-the-clock vigilance. Now, nearly three years later, those mechanical eyes have all but gone dark. Today, many of Cumilla’s 90 surveillance cameras sit idle -- some cloaked in layers of dust, others with drooping wires or skewed angles, silently recording nothing of use. CCTV, electronic monitoring to leave no blind spots in bus terminals: Adviser Asif For a project that cost taxpayers over Tk 2 crore, it is a disheartening sight. They were supposed to change the way Cumilla fought crime and managed traffic. Instead, they have become yet another symbol of good intentions gone unattended. A City Watched, But Briefly The Cumilla City Corporation (CuCC) had envisioned a smart surveillance system capable of not just recording footage, but recognising faces, scanning number plates and helping police respond swiftly to crimes. Locations like Fouzderhat Mor, Eidgah Char Rasta, Chawkbazar, Madina Bus Stand, Moynamoti Medical College Road and Kandirpar were handpicked for their strategic importance. The system initially showed promise, but signs of neglect soon became evident. Within months, cameras stopped rotating, night vision failed and most units remained non-functional for over a year. Dysfunctional Cameras   Residents speak with a mixture of resignation and frustration. “Most cameras are out of order, and no one is maintaining them. Still, the contractor continues to draw bills regularly. It’s become a joke,” said one local man, gesturing toward a camera pole near Tomchom Bridge. The project was implemented by Nice Power IT Solution Ltd, a firm owned by former Cumilla-6 MP AKM Bahauddin Bahar. The company reportedly began work in 2018 through a quotation-based process, a method that insiders allege violated public procurement norms. While installation wrapped up in 2020, cracks in maintenance appeared almost immediately. Even the camera at the main gate of CuCC’s own building has gone dark. Tanvir Alam Abhi, who works at a private bank, shared his concern, “Mugging and eve-teasing have increased in the city. If these cameras had been functional, at least some incidents could have been prevented.” Broken CCTV network leaves Feni defenceless against rising crime When Surveillance Fails The failure of Cumilla’s camera network is not just a technical issue--it’s a breakdown in public trust. “The city has seen a rise in theft and mugging. CCTV is the only way to identify criminals,” said Kazi Enamul Haque Faruk, President of the Cumilla Press Club, adding, “The 90 cameras are now virtually useless. I hope the city corporation will act swiftly.”  

The number of active farmers in Bangladesh is rapidly declining, sparking concern among experts and policymakers over the country’s future food security, rural economy, and sustainable development. Although Bangladesh is on course for Middle Income Country status by 2021, agriculture remains the largest employer in the country by far; and 47.5% of the population is directly employed in agriculture and around 70% depends on agriculture in one form or another for their livelihood. Agriculture is the source of food for people through crops, livestock, fisheries; the source of raw materials for industry, of timber for construction; and a generator of foreign exchange for the country through the export of agricultural commodities, whether raw or processed. It is the motor of the development of the agro-industrial sector. According to recent data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and other sources, the share of people employed in agriculture has dropped significantly—from 48.8% in 2010 to just 41% in 2022 among youth, and from 19% to 15.7% in the general workforce. Analysts attribute the shift to rural-to-urban migration, low profitability in farming, and the effects of climate change. Govt to import 4 lakh tonnes of rice to avert food risk in flood season "This is a red alert for our food system," said Dr. Mizanur Rahman, an agricultural economist at Dhaka University. “If young people continue to leave farming behind, who will produce our food in the next decade?” The economic disparity between farming and other professions is a major driver of this exodus. On average, agricultural workers earn 30 to 40 percent less than those in the service or industrial sectors. Rising input costs—such as seeds, fertilisers, and irrigation—have made farming increasingly unprofitable, especially for smallholders. Additionally, farmland is vanishing. Bangladesh has lost nearly 2% of its arable land in the past decade, mainly due to urbanisation, river erosion, and land conversion for infrastructure projects. Many farmer families, especially in flood-prone or coastal areas, are now landless and forced to work as laborers. Climate change has added further pressure. Floods, salinity intrusion, and erratic weather have caused billions in crop losses annually. Agricultural experts warn that a 1°C increase in temperature could reduce rice yield by up to 7%. “There’s no future in farming unless reforms are made,” said Mofiz Uddin, a 55-year-old farmer from Barisal who recently leased out his land to a brickfield. “My sons all left for Dhaka.” Modern food safety needs skilled human resources: Food Adviser The government has acknowledged the problem and introduced limited subsidies and mechanisation programs, but critics say they fall short. Only about half of all farmland is mechanised, compared to 80% in neighboring India. Moreover, just 2.6% of vocational training graduates are engaged in agriculture, highlighting a lack of youth interest and training. Experts recommend urgent steps including price support for crops, investment in climate-resilient farming, and incentives for young entrepreneurs to enter agribusiness. Without these interventions, the country risks importing more food at higher costs and deepening rural poverty. “Farming is not just a livelihood—it’s the backbone of our national identity,” said Dr. Rahman. “Losing our farmers means losing our food sovereignty.” Following independence in 1971, agricultural production in Bangladesh increased at around the rate of 2% per year. The growth rate accelerated during the 1990s and early 2000s to around 4% per year. The Sixth Five Year Plan sought to build on the success of such rapid agricultural growth, targeting average growth of 4.5 % during the plan period (6th FYP Mid-Term Report, 2014), and a remarkable 5.1% growth was achieved in 2010-11. However, this momentum could not be sustained subsequently and the growth rate fell sharply in 2011-12 to 2.7%, and weakened further to only 2.2% in 2012-13. Since then it has remained around that level. However it has been estimated that for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and post-MDGs, and for turning Bangladesh into a middle income country, agriculture should grow at a constant rate of 4-4.5% per year. In Bangladesh, 85% of farmers are smallholders-braving unpredictable rains, rising temperatures, and shrinking margins. They don't just grow crops; they hold the frontline of climate resilience, food safety, and sustainability. Md. Shah Jamal Chowdhury, Lead auditor at GAP Wing of Department of Agriculture Extension, shared his experience on this issue. "We speak of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-yet without simplification, support, and market linkage, it remains a policy dream, not a farming reality. We advocate climate-smart agriculture-but where is the climate finance that reaches the hands that till the land?" he said. "We design frameworks and protocols-yet most farmers still lack access to training, resources, and the dignity of fair prices," he also said. He said that he had had the privilege of working with thousands of smallholder farmers on GAP implementation and certification, adapting practices to their realities. "The truth is clear: if we don't invest in our farmers today, tomorrow's food security is a myth. It's time to act: Channel climate funds directly to smallholders. Make GAP practical, localized, and affordable," he said. He also asked all concerned to ensure that farmers are at the center of every sustainability policy-not just as beneficiaries, but as partners in resilience. "Let's not wait for an empty plate to remind us what we lost. We need to support farmers to secure food as well as sustain our future," he added. Chairman and CEO of Harvesting Knowledge Consultancy Mukkan Dutta said, "Farmers are not just food producers-they are climate defenders and guardians of our future. Unless policies translate into practical support and fair markets for smallholders, food security will remain an illusion." "We must center farmers in every climate and food policy, not tomorrow, but today," he emphasized. The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and with financial support from the Gates Foundation, officially launched the “Technical Support to Sustainable and Resilient Investment Towards Agriculture Sector Transformation Programme (AsTP)” on July 23. The AsTP project marks a major milestone in Bangladesh’s journey to modernize its agriculture sector and enhance sustainability, resilience, and productivity in the face of growing global and local challenges. Dr. Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary of MoA, talked about Bangladesh’s priorities for its agricultural transformation in his remarks. He stated, “The AsTP project comes at a crucial time as Bangladesh redefines its agricultural priorities ahead of LDC graduation. It will help us align national policy with evidence, invest strategically, and empower institutions to deliver.”  

A year after the July Uprising laid bare the disarray within public administration, the government is intensifying efforts to restore order through a series of tough reforms aimed at strengthening institutional discipline and accountability. Since the interim government assumed office in August last year, officials at various levels of the civil administration have engaged in rallies, sit-ins, human chains, and "pen break" protests, particularly in response to the restructuring and division of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The government has responded with disciplinary action against those participating in such movements. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mukhlesur Rahman told UNB that the government is maintaining a firm position on disorderly conduct by officials. "Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has directed a strict stance on such issues. From now on, if any government official or employee engages in unjustified movements against the government, legal action will be taken,” he said. He mentioned that the administration is adhering to a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to ensure transparency and accountability in the civil service. Mukhlesur Rahman said this is the government’s most serious effort yet to restore discipline ahead of the elections. Unrest and Economic Impact Over the past year, employees of NBR , various ministries and field administrations have staged frequent demonstrations. These included sit-ins, rallies, and symbolic work stoppages in protest, particularly over the proposed restructuring of the NBR. Scope is there to reconsider Public Service Ordinance: Law Adviser The unrest has negatively affected revenue collection, disrupted trade operations and complicated customs and supply chain processes, causing significant losses for businesses. Tensions peaked when protesting NBR officials reportedly tore up two recent transfer orders, denouncing them as retaliatory and oppressive. In response, the government has temporarily suspended 14 officials recently. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also launched an investigation into several officials. Social Media Monitoring and Cautionary Measures In parallel, the Ministry of Public Administration has issued a directive to all ministries, departments and local administrative bodies, urging officials to exercise caution on social media. The circular warned that misconduct on digital platforms could violate multiple regulations, including the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979, the Guidelines for the Use of Social Media in Government Institutions, 2019, and the Government Servants Discipline and Appeal Rules, 2018. Officials were reminded that unauthorised social media activity could compromise national security, damage the integrity of the civil service and result in disciplinary action as per existing government service laws. The directive mandates strict adherence to the 2019 guidelines and empowers authorities to take legal measures against violators to uphold decorum in public service. Govt to form high-level committee to review public service ordinance Mandatory Investigation Amid ongoing administrative unrest and employee agitation in the secretariat, the government has approved a series of flexible amendments to the Government Services (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 to ensure due process in disciplinary actions. Under the new provisions, it is now mandatory to form a three-member investigation committee before taking disciplinary action against any government employee. A show-cause notice must be issued within seven days of receiving a complaint, and a decision must be made within seven working days of the employee’s response. Besides, the previous provision allowing punishment solely on the basis of notice has been scrapped. Meanwhile, the Advisory Council of the interim government has given in-principle approval to the draft of the ordinance, which builds on the earlier Government Services (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, issued on 25 May. Key Changes in Law The new amendment adds due process and clarifies what constitutes misconduct. According to the law, an employee may be punished for acts that include: Disobeying superiors or inciting others to disobey Disrupting administrative discipline Abstaining from duties without leave or valid reason, individually or collectively Inciting others to abstain or obstructing colleagues from performing duties Under the updated ordinance, which was formally issued on 23 July and signed by Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, a government employee found guilty of such misconduct, including striking or obstructing others from working, may face compulsory retirement or dismissal. Reforms in Promotion The government has also taken steps to address long-standing grievances related to inequality in promotions and postings. For the past 17 years, certain officials, particularly those politically deprived, have allegedly been overlooked. Secretariat Protests: Energy Adviser warns of possible misuse of Public Service Ordinance To minimise these imbalances, a Public Administration Reform Commission has been formed to address intra-cadre discrimination. In response to the recent secretariat strike, new appointments are also being made by integrating cadre and non-cadre roles. The government has additionally introduced new privilege rules for public servants and compiled a list of secretariat officials from field-level administration. Expert Insights Commenting on the developments, former Secretary and public administration expert Abdul Awal Majumder told UNB, “There can be no ‘softness’ when it comes to restoring discipline in the administration. Without strict accountability, it’s impossible to curb corruption or negligence among those who hold the reins of the state.” He mentioned that while some critics view the special provisions of the 1979 conduct rules as draconian, they are necessary under the current circumstances. “The government can dismiss employees who are absent from work with just an eight-day notice—no PSC opinion or investigation needed,” he added. While he welcomed the government’s strict approach, Majumder stressed that enforcement was key. “Too many laws, circulars and committees have been created in the past without meaningful follow-through. Real success will depend on implementation and transparency, not paperwork,” Majumder added.

Several coastal areas of Chandpur district were flooded on Friday following a sharp rise in the water level of the Meghna River, caused by a low pressure over the Bay of Bengal. The water level surged by nearly three feet during high tide, entering roads, homes and ponds and causing widespread panic among residents, including fears of snake bites. Officials at the Water Development Board in Chandpur said the Meghna River was flowing 21 centimetres above the danger mark – set at 4 centimetres – during Friday afternoon’s high tide.  The situation peaked around 3:30pm, submerging around 30 low-lying char areas in Chandpur Sadar and Haimchar upazilas. Water also rose to road level in Puratan Bazar near the town protection embankment, raising concerns about possible  damage to the embankment itself. Local residents, including day-labourer Moron Dhali and traders Rafiqul Islam and Bhulu Das from Ronagowal and Paschim Shriramdi areas of Puratan Bazar, said that while water levels were lower on Thursday, they rose rapidly on Friday due to intensified winds and strong river currents. Flood fear looms over northern districts as Teesta swells

Too much digital engagement of Bangladeshi young generation is increasingly becoming a double-edged sword, fueling addiction, anxiety and a decline in real-life social, and academic performance alongside rising mental health challenges. In today’s hyper-connected world, social media has become a powerful tool for communication, creativity, and information sharing. But, for the young generation in Bangladesh, With over 45 million active social media users in Bangladesh, most of them under the age of 30, platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have deeply infiltrated youth culture. But psychologists warn that excessive and unsupervised usage is contributing to rising mental health issues, especially depression, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances and poor academic outcomes. Mobile operators offer free 1GB internet marking July 18 uprising anniversary A recent study by the Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID) revealed that teenagers and young adults spend an average of 5 to 8 hours daily on social media, far exceeding global health recommendations. Many respondents admitted feeling anxious or restless when disconnected from their phones. Mental Health Issues Ignored The growing grip of social media on Bangladesh's youth has raised alarm among health experts, educators, and parents alike, as recent surveys reveal a disturbing link between excessive online engagement and rising mental health challenges among young people. A nationwide study conducted by the Anchal Foundation, involving 1,773 students from various educational institutions, has found that nearly 86% of young respondents believe internet usage is a major contributor to mental health issues. Among them, more than one in four (26%) attribute their psychological stress entirely to prolonged exposure to digital platforms. The report highlights troubling patterns, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression and a decline in academic focus. Over 59% of the students acknowledged that their study habits were disrupted due to constant social media use, while others reported increasing feelings of isolation and withdrawal from real-world interactions. “The pressure to be online, maintain a perfect image, and respond instantly is pushing students toward burnout and detachment,” said Sadia Mahjabeen, a psychologist working with university students in Dhaka. No internet shutdown in Gopalganj, says Telecom Ministry “We are witnessing a steady rise in screen-induced stress and anxiety,” she said. Meanwhile, a separate youth poll conducted by UNICEF Bangladesh through its U-Report platform reinforces these concerns. Among nearly 29,000 respondents, two-thirds said that misinformation and fake news are the leading causes of stress online. Another 14% cited cyberbullying and negative comments, while a similar percentage pointed to exposure to harmful or upsetting content. According to UNICEF, the majority of young people believe that more must be done to protect them online—52% of respondents supported the introduction of stronger rules and guidelines to prevent the spread of hate speech and online harassment. Experts say the popularity of short-form video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts is reshaping how young people process information. “These platforms offer instant gratification but discourage critical thinking, patience, and real-world social interaction,” said Afsana Kabir, a digital rights researcher. Educational institutions are beginning to take notice, with some schools and colleges introducing digital literacy sessions and screen-time awareness programs. Many, however, believe a coordinated national strategy is needed to curb the growing mental health crisis linked to digital overexposure. “Social media is not inherently harmful—it’s the unregulated, excessive, and mindless usage that turns it into a threat,” Kabir added. “We must teach our youth to use it as a tool, not a trap.” As Bangladesh continues to expand internet access and digital infrastructure, calls are growing for a comprehensive framework to ensure that young users are protected from the psychological harms of the online world—before the burden becomes irreversible. From Creativity to Chaos While social media offers platforms for young people to express themselves and showcase talents, the pressure to remain constantly “online,” curate perfect profiles, and chase likes and followers has led to toxic comparison, cyberbullying and addictive behaviors. “Social media is becoming more of a psychological trap than a tool,” says Dr. Tanima Rahman, a Dhaka-based child psychologist. “Young users are forming their identities based on filtered realities, not actual life experiences,” she said. Impact on Education and Relationships Educators across Dhaka and Chattogram have expressed concern about the decline in student attention span and rising cases of classroom distractions linked to smartphone use. Parents complain of increasing isolation of their children and deteriorating communication within families. Excessive exposure to short-form videos, often filled with misinformation or provocative content, is also shaping distorted worldviews and attitudes. In some urban areas, authorities have blamed social media for influencing gang culture, online harassment and early exposure to adult content. Need for Policy and Awareness Experts are calling for a comprehensive digital literacy campaign in schools and colleges to educate students about safe and responsible social media use. There is also growing demand for stricter data regulation and screen-time monitoring tools, especially for minors. “Social media isn’t the enemy—it’s the unregulated use of it that is the problem,” said Afsana Kabir, a digital rights advocate, adding, “We need a national conversation about its long-term effects on mental health, productivity and social values.” While social media has revolutionised communication, its unchecked influence on the youth of Bangladesh poses significant societal challenges. Balancing digital engagement with real-life experiences, promoting healthy screen habits and ensuring psychological resilience should now be a top priority for parents, educators and policymakers alike.

A severe water crisis in Lalmonirhat, despite the ongoing monsoon, is significantly disrupting the crucial retting process of jute, leaving farmers worried about potential financial losses due to declining fibre quality and fears of not receiving a fair market price. The lack of sufficient rainfall has dried up canals, ponds, and other water bodies, halting the traditional process of retting, an essential step in extracting fibre from jute stalks. Although this is usually the peak time for jute harvesting, many farmers have been unable to proceed due to the shortage of water. Those who have already harvested are watching their jute wither under the scorching sun, unable to begin retting. Growers across the district report that jute left in the fields is turning reddish due to intense heat exposure. Golden fiber in trouble: Kurigram’s jute farmers struggle amid water crisis

The National Consensus Commission (NCC) is facing challenges in reaching a consensus over three significant reform issues -- the appointment of the election-time caretaker government chief, the formation of the upper house and the election system for 100 reserved seats for women. Though Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami offered almost similar proposals about it, particularly the selection process of its chief adviser, the NCC could not reach a final decision yet over the issue due to differences from some other political parties including National Citizen Party-NCP. The Commission is now working to build political consensus on 19 key constitutional reform issues by July 31 in a bid to prepare a national charter (reform charter), but the progress of the second-round dialogue is delayed due to differences among the political parties over the three issues. To overcome the impasse, the Commission presented revised proposals several times particularly on the caretaker government system and the structure of the proposed upper house. Caretaker Government Though the political parties earlier reached a consensus over the restoration of the caretaker government to oversee the national election and its other matters including its tenure, but disagreed over the selection process of the chief adviser. BNP earlier proposed five options to select the chief of the caretaker government, while Jamaat placed three alternative proposals in this regard. NCC rules out dual role for PM as party chief But the two major parties have recently placed their respective revised proposals to select the chief adviser. There is no major difference between their positions over the issue. BNP, in its revised proposal submitted to the NCC on Monday last, suggested forming a four-member search committee composed of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Speaker and the Deputy Speaker (from the opposition). The committee would select the Chief Adviser based on consensus from ten names –--five each nominated by both the ruling and opposition parties. If consensus is not reached, the party proposed following the relevant process outlined in the 13th amendment of the Constitution, excluding the provision where the President would head the caretaker government as the last option. Jamaat, in its final revised proposal, recommended a five-member search committee including a representative from the third largest party in Parliament in addition to the four members proposed by BNP. They suggested the ruling and main opposition parties nominate three candidates each, the third largest party two names, and other parties or independents one name each. In case of failure to reach consensus, Jamaat also proposed the process outlined in the 13th Amendment dropping the option for the President to take the charge. Both the parties viewed that the selection of the caretaker chief should be based on the consensus within the search committee. About the Jamaat’s views for formation a five-member search committee, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed at a press briefing on Tuesday last showed flexibility over the formation of the search committee, saying that the search committee could be comprised of five persons by including a representative from the third-largest party in Parliament. NCC meets to bridge political divide on caretaker govt, bicameral parliament However, several other parties, including NCP objected to reviving the appointment process outlined in the 13th Amendment, citing previous controversies. Many instead advocated for a ranked-choice voting system within the search committee to appoint the caretaker chief. NCP proposed a ranked-choice voting system in the appointment process to ensure a neutral and acceptable caretaker government. Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Tuesday said the selection of the chief adviser of the caretaker government should be made based on consensus not the simple majority. "We don't want a process where distrust is created between political parties. Rather, we need to reach an acceptable solution through discussion," he said. NCC’s Proposal The NCC proposed a five-member search committee similar to Jamaat’s structure. Every political party and independent MP would be asked to nominate one eligible name. If consensus fails, each of the ruling and main opposition parties would propose three names, and the third-largest party would nominate two. Under this formula, the ruling party would pick one name from the opposition's list and one from the third-largest party’s nominations. The opposition would do the same. The third-largest party would pick one from each of the ruling and opposition party lists. If consensus is reached on any of the selected names, that person will be appointed Chief Adviser. Otherwise, a ranked-choice voting system will be used. BNP leader Salahuddin questions mandatory consensus on NCC proposals Prof Riaz while briefing reporters on Tuesday last said many parties are unwilling to involve the judiciary — especially retired chief justices — and instead favour ranked-choice voting. There is also strong opposition to reviving the appointment process mentioned in the 13th amendment, he added. “In fact, we’re somewhat stuck on how the search committee will make decisions and resolve deadlocks (to select the chief adviser). We’ve requested parties to reconsider their stances,” Prof Riaz said expressing optimism that the parties would submit their revised opinions. Upper House Formation and Women seats: Almost all political parties, including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, supported establishing a bicameral parliament comprising a 100-seat Upper House and a 400-seat Lower House, along with increasing the number of reserved seats for women in the Lower House to 100 from the existing 50. However, there are differences of opinion between BNP and Jamaat on the method of election. Jamaat suggested electing members of both the Upper House and the reserved women’s seats in the Lower House based on proportional representation (PR) of votes, while BNP proposed using PR based on the number of MPs or Lower House members.

A bridge under construction in Nesarabad, Pirojpur, had to be demolished before its completion due to substandard materials and failure to follow the approved construction schedule, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability in government construction projects, especially in rural areas. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) was forced to tear down the structure located on the Madra Bazar road in the Jalabari Union after major flaws were discovered. The project, which included the construction of two girder bridges measuring 22 and 15 meters in length, was awarded on December 29, 2021, to a contracting firm by Pirojpur LGED, with a contract value of Tk 5.73 crore. According to the contract, the construction was scheduled to be completed by December 28, 2022. However, the main contractor outsourced the work to a subcontractor, who failed to maintain construction standards and violated the project timeline. An unfinished bridge in Kaunia over 'Dead Teesta' leaves Char villages stranded for years This prompted local residents to protest and halt the work. Later, another subcontractor proceeded to pour concrete for the bridge deck without installing the necessary girders. Soon after, visible defects began to emerge in the concrete structure. In response to growing concerns from the local people, LGED launched an investigation and decided to demolish the flawed portion of the bridge. When asked about the cracks in the bridge, subcontractor Khokon Mia of Pirojpur claimed that the damage occurred after someone removed the centering (support framework) without authorisation following the concrete work. Panic grips Shariatpur residents as erosion resumes near Padma Bridge Upazila Engineer Md. Raysul Islam stated, "The entire slab needs to be demolished and reconstructed from scratch." He further added that the absence of the main contractor has made it difficult to carry the project forward.