United News of Bangladesh

In a shocking surge, onion prices have doubled in just 10 days, forcing consumers to shell out an extra Tk 3.5 crore every single day. Amid this price turmoil, the government’s ‘hesitation’ over import approvals has left both shoppers and farmers stranded, caught in a tightening grip of uncertainty and financial strain. Consumer rights groups and market experts say the crisis is driven by delayed imports, weak market management and syndicate activities. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has calculated that the country’s daily consumer demand for onions stands at around 7,000 metric tonnes. With prices rising from Tk 60–70 per kg to Tk 110–120 per kg in a short span, the extra daily burden on consumers’ pockets reaches Tk 3.5 crore. Read more: Govt may allow onion imports if prices remain high this week Former director general of the Directorate of National Consumers’ Rights Protection and CAB president AHM Safiquzzaman criticised the government’s indecision. “The government is indecisive on onion imports. Meanwhile, consumers are losing crores of taka daily,” he said. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said the government would allow imports if prices do not come down this week, but warned that local farmers could suffer losses as a result. Safiquzzaman argued that import approval should have come in September–October. “By delaying imports until after the price surge, consumers are suffering. Limited imports earlier could have prevented the current shortage,” he said, adding that some unscrupulous traders are exploiting the situation while the Commerce Adviser searches for syndicates. The CAB president also questioned the Agriculture Ministry’s claim of 3.5 million tonnes of onion production this year, saying it is unreliable. Currently, onions are scarce in farmers’ hands and largely held by wholesalers, leaving imports as the only viable solution. On Thursday, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) recommended onion imports to the commerce and agriculture ministries, citing weak market management and manipulation by intermediaries as reasons behind runaway prices. Read more: Onion prices skyrocket in Dhaka; from Tk 70 to Tk 120 per kg Data shows that while onion prices remained relatively stable over the past two to three months, they surged 37–42 per cent in the last week. BTTC said the abnormal price hike indicates market mismanagement and syndicate activity. Abdul Bayes, former vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University and an agricultural economist, said, “Without breaking syndicates and corporate oligarchies in agriculture, such dilemmas will recur. Unscrupulous groups exploit these situations at the expense of farmers and consumers.” Most onion imports come from India, where prices are around Tk 16 per kg (USD 195 per tonne). BTTC noted that even with a 10 per cent import duty, prices could drop by Tk 50 per kg domestically. The Agriculture Ministry, however, said 75,000 tonnes of domestic onions would arrive within a week, with early December seeing the harvest of small ‘murikata’ onions. “We have informed the Commerce Ministry that new onions will reach the market within two weeks. Whether any import decision has been formally made is not yet known to us,” said Additional Secretary Mahmudur Rahman. Read more: Onion import through Benapole Port resumes after 2.5 years Historical analysis by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) shows onion prices typically spike by over 100 per cent in November compared to March, providing opportunistic traders with profit margins while farmers lack produce. In districts like Pabna, Faridpur and Rajbari, farmers have planted ‘murikata’ onions, with production costs around Tk 1,500 per maund. Rokonuzzaman, a farmer from Goalanda in Rajbari, said, “Last year’s 'murikata' crop incurred losses. With Indian onions entering the market, the price per maund drops to Tk 1,200–1,400, forcing farmers to sell at a loss. This year, prices below Tk 2,000 per maund would still cause losses.” Market stakeholders blame the ministry’s lack of foresight for creating a situation where consumers bear the brunt while farmers face uncertainty. Read more: Onion farmers in Shailkupa hit by fertiliser shortage during peak season

Nearly four decades have passed since the construction of Mohammadpur sub-jail in Magura district, yet the facility has never housed a single inmate. Built with the vision of decentralising judicial and correctional services, the complex today stands as a silent monument to bureaucratic inertia and policy neglect, officials said. Located in Bauijani village under Mohammadpur upazila, the sub-jail was constructed in 1985 during the regime of military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad. It was part of a wider plan to establish courts and detention facilities at upazila level, aimed at easing the burden on district jails and expediting the judicial process. The project, however, was abruptly shelved following a change in government, and the sub-jail was never inaugurated. Its gates have remained locked ever since before it could even begin operation, according to the officials. Spread over 2.71 acres of land, the complex was designed to accommodate 20 male and five female inmates. Khulna new jail opens with 100 convicted prisoners The site includes separate cells for men and women, an administrative office, a kitchen, guard quarters, a pump house, and residential quarters for officers. But time and neglect have taken their toll. A recent visit revealed a picture of decay: walls with peeling plaster, corroded ironwork, and doors and windows missing from their frames. What was once envisioned as a secure correctional facility now stands in ruins, overrun by weeds and disrepair. Prashanta Kumar, an employee of the Upazila Social Services Office, lives in one of the officer quarters with his family and has been informally maintaining the abandoned premises. “Despite the risks, I stay here and try to take care of the property,” he said, pointing to the crumbling buildings around him. Locals have long voiced frustration over the wasted infrastructure, calling it an example of mismanagement and poor utilisation of public resources. Many urge the government to either revive the sub-jail or repurpose it for public welfare. Upazila Social Services Officer Md Abdur Rob confirmed that the site now falls under the jurisdiction of his department but lamented the lack of funds and manpower needed for renovation. “With proper support, it could be turned into a training or rehabilitation centre for the poor, orphans, and persons with disabilities,” he suggested. Govt declares building in Dhaka Cantonment as temporary jail District Social Services Officer Md Zakir Hossain echoed the idea, saying a proposal has already been made to convert the premises into an integrated child rehabilitation centre. According to the Department of Social Services, the Mohammadpur sub-jail is not an isolated case. There are 23 such sub-jails across Bangladesh—none of which are functional. All remain caught in the limbo of policy stagnation, their walls quietly crumbling as years go by. Once envisioned as a cornerstone of local justice and correctional efficiency, the Mohammadpur sub-jail now serves as a reminder of unfulfilled promises and the high cost of administrative neglect.

Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur, long hailed as a leading higher education institution in northern Bangladesh, has recently come under intense scrutiny over allegations of sexual harassment, nepotism and corruption. Sources at the university report that since its establishment, 33 students, faculty members and staff have fallen victim to sexual misconduct, raising serious concerns among educationists and civic society leaders. Fahkrul Anam Benju, an educationist in Rangpur and president of the Sujon Forum, voiced deep apprehension over the situation, saying, “When students in a leading university feel unsafe, words fail us. We are both angry and disappointed.” The issue came to public attention following allegations against Dr Shakibul Islam, an associate professor in the Disaster Science and Management Department, who has been relieved of all departmental duties. A notice issued by the department head, Professor Md Imdadul Haque, cited urgent action in response to complaints from students of the 2020–21 academic year. Dr Islam has been barred from supervising or examining fourth-year, second-semester courses, including DSM4207 (Research Project). Read more: BRUR Prof Rashidul Islam suspended over harassment allegation Several victims have claimed that their pursuit of higher education has placed their personal safety at risk. University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Showkat Ali described the situation as both ‘embarrassing’ and ‘shameful’. Meanwhile, separate allegations of corruption and nepotism have resurfaced involving five former university officials, including a previous Vice-Chancellor. Two of the accused were suspended at one point, while three others remain in their positions, with no visible administrative action taken. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed a case 12 years ago against former VC Prof Dr Muhammad Abdul Jalil Miah over alleged financial irregularities, recruitment malpractice, and nepotism. The university’s anti-corruption mancha first reported the VC’s alleged misconduct to the ACC on 5 March 2013, triggering an investigation. Abdul Karim, then Deputy Director of ACC Rangpur, confirmed that a case was filed on 12 December 2013 against the former VC and two others at Kotwali Police Station. Another accused was then-Registrar Md Shahjahan Ali Mondal. Over the course of a nearly three-year investigation, ACC Deputy Assistant Director Md Akbar Ali found further involvement of university officials, including Planning and Development Deputy Director ATGM Golam Firoz, Assistant Registrar Md Morshed Ul Alam Roni and Finance and Accounts Assistant Director Khandakar Ashraful Alam. The investigation revealed irregularities in appointments: Golam Firoz was promoted from an ad hoc Grade-9 position to Grade-5 Deputy Director without the required experience. Md Morshed was appointed Assistant Registrar within two years of completing his postgraduate degree, falling short of the mandatory five-year experience. Khandakar Ashraful was initially hired on an ad hoc basis and later regularised as Assistant Director (Budget) without meeting standard protocols. Read more: Panel formed to settle BRUR teacher Mahmudul’s seniority, promotion In July 2017, former VC Jalil and Registrar Shahjahan surrendered to the court and were sent to jail, while arrest warrants were issued for the other three officials. The university syndicate suspended Shahjahan, Firoz, Md Morshed, and Khandakar Ashraful. However, in October 2017, the court granted temporary relief to the three officials, allowing for administrative discretion by the university in case of questionable appointments. Later, the orders were mysteriously revoked, and their positions were regularised. The ACC appealed, and the High Court subsequently nullified the lower court’s relief, ordering the formation of charges. The case remains pending, with hearings delayed due to adjournments requested by the accused. VC Showkat Ali said, “The administration had not informed me about these issues. After learning of them through investigations, I inquired further. No department had brought this to my notice, so I could not take action. The corruption case involving the former VC and others is extremely important.” He added, “I am consulting with their lawyers and will act according to legal procedures. If departmental action is possible, it will be taken. I have never compromised on integrity, and any measures will be transparent.” The ongoing controversies at BRUR, ranging from sexual harassment to allegations of nepotism and corruption, underscore the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform in one of northern Bangladesh’s flagship universities. Read more: Rokeya University teacher Mahamud gets bail; OC transferred

Moving into the election mode, the Election Commission will start a series of dialogues with registered political parties this week to lay the groundwork for the upcoming national election scheduled for February. But the political parties would be invited in groups to join the discussions due to time constraints before the election schedule to be announced in early December, according to EC officials They said the dialogues, considered the Commission’s last major task before the election schedule, will take around two weeks to complete ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. “The dialogues with political parties will begin next week. It will have to invite them in groups due to time constraints (before the announcement of election schedule),” said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Thursday (6th November 2025). Replying to a question, he told UNB that it will not be possible to complete the dialogues within a week rather it would take two weeks. EC registers 66 local election observer organisations, identifies 16 more eligible As part of preparations for the dialogues with political parties, the Commission has already made changes to the electoral code of conduct in line with an ordinance promulgated on November 3, bringing further amendment to the Representation of the People Order, 1972. The Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rules 2025 will soon be published in the official gazette, with the code expected to be one of the key discussion issues during the dialogues. “We have sent the code of conduct (to publish it in the official gazette). So, the dialogue will be opened next week,” said the EC Secretary. The Election Commission traditionally holds talks with registered political parties before each national election. Each party was usually invited to join the dialogue separately. However, this time it is still uncertain whether the Jatiya Party and some other registered parties, known as the allies of Sheikh Hasina's regime toppled through the 2014 mass uprising, will be invited to the talks. Currently, there are 53 registered political parties, excluding the Awami League, whose registration remains suspended. Besides, the EC on Tuesday last published notifications seeking objections, if any, against the registration to three new political parties –National Citizen Party (NCP), Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist). The Commission will finally recognise them as the registered parties after November 12. Jamaat now wants referendum any day before election: Azad In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Then the EC sat in another discussion with the representatives of teachers on the same day. On October 06, the Commission held two separate dialogues with senior journalists from different media outlets. Besides, the EC held dialogues with election experts and election observers in October last. In a bid to conduct the next election in free, participatory and fair manners, the EC sat in a views-exchange with different law enforcement agencies and intelligences on October 20 and with top government officials, including secretaries of key ministries, directors general of important agencies on October 30 last. According to the electoral roadmap unveiled in August 2025, dialogues with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society members, journalists, observers, and election experts, were scheduled to begin in late September and conclude within about one and a half months. The Commission either completed or almost finished all important tasks, including amendment to the electoral laws,delimitation of constituencies, updating the voter lists, finalisation of polling stations, registration of new political parties and registration of election observers. The EC has already amended different electoral laws including RPO; as well as revised the three separate guidelines for journalists, observers and installation of polling stations:  The Commission on September 04 last finalised the delimitation of 300 constituencies, redrawing the boundaries of 46 parliamentary seats in 16 different districts across the country ahead of the 2026 February election. Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ The EC on October 27 released the final list of 42,761 polling stations throughout the country for the upcoming national election, raising the number by around 611 from what was in the 2024 national election. The Commission on November 02 released the draft updated electoral rolls with more than 12.76 core voters in the country, which would be the final voter lists for the 2026 February election. The electoral rolls would be finalised on November 18. The Commission on Thursday last registered 66 organisations as local election observers as well as identified 16 more firms as eligible for registration as local election observers. The final decision over the 16 organisations will be taken following settlement of objections if any to be received by November 27 next. The EC will launch a mobile app for the expatriates and others to register first to vote through the postal ballot during the 2026 election. So, the upcoming dialogues with political parties will mark the Commission’s final major engagement before announcing the election schedule next month. Read more: No application for voter relocation to be accepted after Nov 10

The government of Bangladesh has taken a project aimed at strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of poor and marginal communities in Cox’s Bazar, one of Bangladesh’s most disaster-prone districts,  through sustainable, nature-based solutions. The project, titled “PRO-ACT Bangladesh – Resilience Strengthening through Agri-Food Systems Transformation in Cox’s Bazar,” will be implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) under the Ministry of Agriculture and is set to run until June, 2028. With an estimated cost of Tk 53.01 crore, fully funded by foreign grants, the project seeks to improve food and income security, promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce disaster risks in four upazilas — Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ramu, Ukhiya, and Teknaf. Under the initiative, 10,000 farmers will receive training and input support to cultivate nutrient-rich crops, while 600 families involved in aquaculture will be trained in modern fish-farming techniques. Besides, 1,050 farmers will be supported in toxin-free dry fish processing including branding and market access development. Read more: Access to credit for agri sector can enhance food security: Bangladesh Bank Governor The project also envisions creating five agricultural aggregation centres to boost market connectivity and promote ICT-based agricultural extension services. Local service providers and farmers’ groups will be trained on financial literacy, digital tools, and business planning to improve access to agricultural credit and strengthen value chains. To enhance disaster preparedness, communities will receive training on the Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) and crop-based land use maps will be developed to integrate disaster risk reduction into agricultural planning. According to the Planning Commission, the project will play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and addressing the environmental degradation worsened by the Rohingya refugee influx — including deforestation, land erosion, and waterlogging. Funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Forest Department, and Department of Fisheries, PRO-ACT Bangladesh focuses on restoring ecosystems and strengthening the adaptive capacities of vulnerable populations. With a target to reach more than 54,000 beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, women, and marginalised groups, the initiative aims to transform Cox’s Bazar’s agri-food systems through climate-smart agriculture, sustainable resource management, and inclusive economic opportunities. Officials said the project aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term climate adaptation goals and underscores the government’s commitment to building a resilient future in the face of worsening climate challenges. Read more: Bangladesh's food security at risk as farmland shrinks by 3.75 percent in 8 Years: BBS Survey Cox’s Bazar is facing frequent exposure to a wide range of natural hazards and extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, landslides, flash floods and  storm surges. In recent years, the district has been particularly vulnerable to recurring landslides and cyclones. The severity of these disasters is worsened by widespread poverty and the limited coping capacity of local communities — with about 33 percent of the district’s population living below the poverty line, according to UNDP. Since 2017, Cox’s Bazar has also hosted around one million Rohingya refugees, which has significantly increased the population at risk. The influx has contributed to new environmental and safety challenges, including deforestation, hill-cutting, and mounting pressure on infrastructure. Because of overcrowded settlements, hilly terrain, and temporary housing conditions, Rohingya families are particularly susceptible to severe weather events. Read more: Dream project derails; Khulna-Mongla railway struggles without freight flow

Once hailed as a gateway to economic transformation, the long-awaited Khulna–Mongla railway now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled promise. The 91-kilometre line, built to connect the country’s second seaport with the national rail network, was seen as a game changer for trade and industry. Yet, one and a half years on, the dream remains unfulfilled. Constructed at a cost of Tk 4,261 crore, the project was designed to provide a faster and more cost-effective route for transporting import and export goods through Mongla Port. Despite the impressive infrastructure, the line has so far failed to deliver on its economic promise. At present, the railway is being used only for passenger services, while freight operations remain almost idle. According to railway sources, goods have been transported just three times since the line was inaugurated in 2023 — on 6 February, 23 March, and 25 June of 2025 — carrying a total of around 19,000 metric tonnes from Chattogram to Sirajganj. No freight movement has taken place since then. Read more: Darshana Railway Station falls silent as cross-border trade grinds to a halt Initiated in 2010 with foreign loan support, the Khulna–Mongla railway was implemented by India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and IRCON International. It features a 5.13-kilometre railway bridge over the Rupsha River — the largest in the southwest — along with nine stations, 66 small bridges, and 246 culverts. On paper, it has all the elements of a transformative project. In reality, both locals and experts say it has fallen short of expectations. Local residents said regular freight train services could have generated jobs, spurred industrial growth, and strengthened the regional economy. Instead, they now see a costly piece of infrastructure sitting largely underused. Business owners echo similar frustrations, pointing to a lack of coordination between Mongla Port and the railway as a key reason behind the stagnation. “The infrastructure exists, but there is no effective coordination, so the potential remains untapped,” said Md Sajjadul Islam, Proprietor of Zain International. Several importers have blamed operational limitations at Mongla Port, including limited capacity for large vessels, outdated cranes, inadequate storage and container facilities, and slow unloading operations, for discouraging freight movement by rail. Read more: Bangladesh Railway sets sights on new locomotives to revamp services: Sheikh Moinuddin Despite these challenges, railway officials insist they are fully prepared to handle freight transport. “We have made all necessary preparations including rakes and engines. But due to the limited volume of goods at Mongla Port, we cannot yet run regular services,” said Farid Ahmed, Manager of Railway Western Zone. He said the railway authorities are holding meetings with industrialists, exporters, and importers to promote the benefits of rail-based transport and attract more freight users. Meanwhile, Mongla Port Authority Director (Traffic) Md Kamal Hossain said that efforts are underway to modernise port facilities and expand terminals. “We are considering various incentives to encourage importers and boost port activities,” he said. Experts say the project’s struggles reflect a broader issue, a lack of strategic coordination among key stakeholders. Economist Anwarul Qadir believes that the Khulna–Mongla railway had the potential to transform the Southwest’s economy if freight operations had started as planned. “This was a loan-funded project, and the interest burden is growing,” Prof Qadir warned. “To make it viable, the government must adopt a coordinated plan linking the port, railway, and commercial stakeholders. If regular freight movement begins, it could revitalise the entire southern economy,” Qadir added. Read more: Mongla Port exceeds net profit target by Tk 41.64 crore in FY25

Onion prices have gone through the roof in the capital, leaving consumers reeling as the kitchen staple’s cost surged from Tk 70 to a staggering Tk 120 per kilogram within a week, causing frustration among city dwellers. A visit to several wholesale and retail markets in Dhaka on Thursday revealed that onion prices have jumped by Tk 40–50 per kg compared to the previous week.  In retail outlets, onions were selling between Tk 110 and Tk 120 per kg. Wholesale markets also saw a sharp surge. The price per palla (5 kg) has doubled — from Tk 260 to Tk 520 — with some traders charging as high as Tk 540 per palla, meaning wholesale rates have now crossed Tk 100 per kg. Shariful, an onion trader at Uttar Badda kitchen market, said the wholesale price per sack had increased by Tk 26–28 per kg within just two to three days, forcing them to sell at higher rates. Another trader, Aminul, noted that supply has dwindled compared to demand. “Prices have been rising since the last week of October and the trend continues,” he added. Hidden hands in the fields: Dealers blamed for artificial fertiliser shortage in north Buyers expressed frustration over the sudden price hike, saying the abrupt surge has left them anxious. “Just three days ago, onions were Tk 80 a kg. Now it’s over Tk 100. There’s no logic behind such a sudden spike,” said Fahmidul, a customer at Karwan Bazar. Wholesalers claimed they were compelled to sell at higher prices as the per-maund rate had risen steeply. Some accused middlemen of hoarding onions to release them later at inflated prices. “The price of onions has doubled within a week. We had to buy at Tk 4,000 per maund. Once we started selling those, the market price jumped overnight,” said Sanoar Hossain, a wholesaler at Uttar Badda. Consumers, however, complained that the market monitoring is largely ineffective. “Every time we hear it’s not the sellers’ fault, and that farmers don’t get fair prices either. Then who’s making the profit? It’s the government’s responsibility to find out, but they never seem to succeed,” said shopper Maymuna Akter. Sources at the district level said most onions in Dhaka come from Pabna, Faridpur, and Rajbari, where prices have also risen to nearly Tk 100 per kg. When asked about the soaring prices, Zahidul Islam, Senior Agricultural Marketing Officer at the Department of Agricultural Marketing, said the surge is seasonal rather than sudden. “Between late October and early December, onion prices typically rise. Farmers have run out of stock — the supply now lies with wholesalers. Until new onions hit the market, prices will remain high,” he explained. Prices of essentials continue to soar in Khulna straining consumers He added that import restrictions and higher onion prices in India have caused pressure at the Hili land port, which has also affected the domestic market. Asked when prices might stabilise, Obaidur Rahman Mondol, Director of the Field Wing at the Department of Agricultural Extension, said farmers have started planting early varieties of onions, which are expected to reach the market by early or mid-December. “There’s no fresh onion supply yet. Farmers are now cultivating murikata onions, which were planted in October and harvested in December,” he said. But the farmers cultivating murikata onions are skeptical. Arshad Molla, a farmer from Sathia in Pabna, said they suffered losses last year.  “We lost Tk 500–1,000 per maund last season. Even though onions now sell for over Tk 3,000 per maund, the price falls below Tk 2,000 as soon as the new harvest hits the market,” he explained. “Many farmers didn’t grow murikata onions this year. And due to rainfall, those who did started planting late,” he added. Despite the delay, the Department of Agricultural Extension does not expect a major impact on supply. “The harvest may be delayed by only four to five days compared to last year. Murikata onions are planted on high ground, so there’s little risk of damage from waterlogging,” said Obaidur Rahman. While traders attribute the shortage to halted imports, the Ministry of Commerce said any import decision will be made after reviewing the market situation. A senior commerce ministry official, seeking anonymity, said, “The agriculture ministry has informed us that new onions will hit the market within two weeks. If that happens, we may not approve imports. Although Bangladesh produces around 3.5 million tonnes annually, nearly 25% spoils, which is why we usually import 500,000–700,000 tonnes every year.” The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), however, believes the price hike is artificial and driven by manipulation. “A vested group is taking advantage of the election and political instability to create an artificial crisis. If the government stops market manipulation, prices will drop automatically,” said CAB Vice President Nazer Hossain. According to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), onion prices have surged by more than 50% in a month.  Although prices remain lower than the same period last year, consumer rights groups have urged stronger market monitoring to rein in the hike.  

In remote char areas of Kurigram, hope has long ebbed away with the shifting currents of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. As the national elections draw near, residents of these flood-prone lands say they see little reason to vote as their faith in politics washed away by years of unmet promises and unchanging hardship. For the people of these transient islands, politics has become an empty word. Votes come, but no change comes in our lives, said several villagers, echoing a sentiment shared across Kurigram’s char communities. Home to some of Bangladesh’s most impoverished citizens, Kurigram remains at the bottom of the country’s development index. Sand syndicates tighten grip on Bangladesh's northern region Government data show that 70.8 percent of its population lives below the poverty line, while 53.2 percent are categorised as extremely poor. Around 60 percent of residents are landless and 57 percent suffer from various diseases. Life in the char areas is defined not by political boundaries but by rivers -- the Brahmaputra, Dharla, Teesta, and Dudhkumar -- which constantly redraw the map of existence here. Spanning roughly 800 square kilometres, the chars shelter about 550,000 people, many of whom lose their homes and livelihoods each year to relentless river erosion. Aminur Rahman, a farmer from Kodalkati Union in Char Rajibpur upazila, spoke with quiet resignation, “During elections, everyone comes smiling, promising roads and work. But when the floods come and the houses are washed away, no one shows up. We don’t have time to think about voting — we spend our days worrying about food.” Naogaon farmers face uncertainty as unseasonal rain hits early crops For Rahimullah of Kalir Alga Char in Jatrapur Union, elections have become meaningless. “What will happen if we vote? The river breaks, houses are destroyed, there’s no work and no food. Voting doesn’t change any of that.” Mozammel of Kheruar Char in Nayarhat Union, Chilmari upazila, shared a similar view. “We are people of the river — politics does not touch us. When elections come, people arrive to take pictures, but no one stays afterward.”  

The government of Bangladesh is set to promulgate an ordinance amending the Civil Aviation Act, 2017, to curb the activities of airline ticket syndicates. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has drafted the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, in this regard, according to sources at the ministry. Under the proposed amendment, any travel agency found charging passengers more than the approved fare will be required to pay up to three times the excess amount as compensation. Besides, hoarding air tickets to create an artificial crisis or selling them at inflated prices for profit will be treated as a criminal offence, punishable by a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, or a fine of up to Tk 50 lakh, or both. The draft also proposes the formation of a Civil Aviation Economic Commission to determine various fees, charges and tariffs. According to the draft, no ground operator will be permitted to operate in Bangladesh without proper registration. Biman flight cancelled as boarding bridge hits engine at Sylhet airport An official of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, seeking anonymity, said the draft of the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance has been prepared and that opinions from relevant stakeholders are being sought. Once finalised, it will be presented to the Council Advisers for approval. Sources said a powerful syndicate has developed around airline ticketing, particularly for routes to Middle Eastern countries where Bangladeshi migrant workers travel frequently. Due to long-standing irregularities, the government has often found it difficult to take effective action against such groups, prompting the decision to amend the law. The proposed law stipulates that charging passengers beyond the approved tariff will constitute an offence. The responsible travel agency will be required to refund up to three times the excess amount as compensation to the affected passenger. Regarding tariff submission and approval, the amendment states that all air operators must submit their minimum and maximum tariffs for every route and class to the chairman at regular intervals. Govt shares contact details for Biman passengers stuck in Kathmandu The chairman will approve the tariffs upon satisfaction. If monopolistic practices, abnormal price hikes or artificial shortages are observed on any route, the chairman may take necessary measures in the public interest to set reasonable fares. The newly proposed Civil Aviation Economic Commission will recommend to the government different types of fees, charges, royalties, premiums and rents based on factors such as airport location and the nature of aircraft and air operators. These recommendations will, however, not be binding on the government. Based on these recommendations, the government will fix the applicable fees and charges, which will be published in the schedule by the chairman under the Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2017. The commission will also have the authority to resolve disputes between air operators and the Civil Aviation Authority regarding fees, charges and other payments determined by the government. The ordinance also empowers the government to frame regulations concerning the appointment of General Sales Agents (GSAs) by foreign operators, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), air transport and environmental protection, and the functioning of the Civil Aviation Economic Commission. Experts call for strategy, skilled workforce to lift Biman from setbacks Under the current law, foreign air operators wishing to offer commercial air transport services in Bangladesh must appoint a GSA that is 100% owned and registered by a Bangladeshi citizen. The draft amendment proposes that any foreign air operator seeking to operate in Bangladesh may either establish its own office in the country or appoint one or more GSAs that are fully Bangladeshi-owned and registered. Domestic airlines may also appoint GSAs if deemed necessary. The ordinance further states that no ground operator will be allowed to operate in Bangladesh without registration. Operators must apply to the chairman following prescribed procedures, and registration certificates will be issued upon fulfillment of the necessary requirements. Similarly, no Global Distribution System (GDS) will be permitted to operate in Bangladesh without registration. Registered GDS operators must allow the chairman to audit and access booking and pricing data regularly. If any registered GDS is found to be misused against the public interest, the chairman may suspend or cancel its registration while ensuring that all existing bookings remain protected, according to the proposed ordinance. Read more: Air tickets must include agency name and price: Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry

Once vibrant lifelines for northern Bangladesh, the Teesta, Dharla and Jamuneswari rivers are now being ruthlessly stripped of sand by illegal dredging syndicates operating under the shadow of political protection and administrative inaction. Despite a standing government ban on sand extraction from these ecologically sensitive rivers, dredgers continue to roar day and night, turning riverbeds into pits as deep as 60 to 70 feet in some areas and transforming others into barren, desert-like highlands. Locals allege that the trade in stolen sand thrives not just because of political shelter, but also due to police complicity and the negligence of local administrations. “Police and administration officials take commissions at night. Everyone gets their share,” said one sand lifter in Badarganj upazila, requesting anonymity. During a recent visit to the Rajarampur Kashiganj area in Rangpur’s Badarganj upazila, dredgers were seen extracting sand openly from the Jamuneswari River. Legal notice served to stop sand extraction from Kalidas Pahalia in Feni Local residents claimed the operation has continued for nearly six years — first under the influence of local Awami League leaders and now reportedly under a local BNP leader’s patronage, after ‘managing’ the police. “Even when the UNO raids in the morning, dredgers return by afternoon with police help,” said a villager. Local administration officials, however, insist that they are actively working to stop illegal dredging. “Sand extraction is completely prohibited. Mobile courts are being conducted wherever we receive reports,” said Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahid Islam. Gongachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan Mridha said several dredgers were recently seized and destroyed during operations in the Teesta. 26 dredging machines seized for illegal sand extraction from Feni River