United News of Bangladesh

The National Board of Revenue is contemplating to build a central application for the business entities to improve the Value added Tax (VAT) collection. The app is being considered for the businesses that is remaining outside the VAT net on the excuse of not being able to create their own VAT application. “Those who are unable to prepare their own VAT calculation software, we are thinking to prepare it for them,” NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan told a recent pre-budget meetings. Talking to the UNB on the issue, a senior official of the NBR said that those who are saying that they are not big enough to invest on building separate VAT calculating software, the NBR would invest to prepare a central software for them. “The government will develop and maintain the software, it will give access to the business which wanted to use the software,” he said. He mentioned that the business entity will log in to the software with their user ID and password for putting their data in the system. “The NBR will develop the central system locally, this will be a uniform system for all, whichever business entity wants to use it can have their access,” the NBR official said. NBR to chase TIN holders who fail to submit tax returns He said that after putting every days input in the system, the VAT return for the specific business entity will be prepared. “There is no need to appoint separate accountant,” he said. Talking about the big business entities who have their own accounting system, the NBR official mentioned that it would be connected with the iBAS system and their VAT returns will also be prepared automatically and they would be able to make their payment. “They will also get their VAT credit automatically, the will be no problem for this purpose,” he said. The NBR is thinking about developing this system. The NBR chairman referred to the move  in several pre-budget meetings. “This might take some times, but it is not a tough job...., if the country wants it can invest Tk 10,000 crore for this system development, everything will be easy whenever all system will be digitised,” he said. NBR to decide response to 37% US counter-tariff in its Sunday’s meeting The revenue collection, especially the VAT collection, of the country is having trouble for a long time due to the non-compliance issue of the big and small business entities. According to the NBR provided data, the target for VAT collection from the local level was Tk 69103.63 crore while the collection is Tk 50,884.77 crore till February. The VAT collection was Tk 53,426.35 crore in February 2024. It means the growth is negative in this sector. In January this year, the government implemented significant increases in Value Added Tax (VAT) and supplementary duties on over 100 goods and services. This mid-fiscal year adjustment aims to bolster revenue collection and address a substantial budget deficit. The NBR reported a revenue shortfall of approximately Tk 58,242 crore over the past eight months, with actual collections totaling over Tk 2,21,817 crore against a target of Tk 2,80,059 crore. The VAT hikes encompass a diverse range of products and services, including mobile phone usage, internet services, clothing, and dining at restaurants. But it step back from increasing VAT on various products. NBR looking for expansion of base of VAT payers These tax adjustments align with recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which, as part of a $4.7 billion loan agreement, required the government to raise an additional Tk 12,000 crore in revenue for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The IMF emphasised the need to enhance Bangladesh’s tax-GDP ratio, which is below eight percent at present. The NBR also gave tax exemptions on essential items like rice, potatoes, onions, sugar, eggs, dates, edible oil, and pesticides to stabilise market prices. Despite these measures, the effectiveness of the VAT increases in achieving revenue targets remains uncertain, especially given the ongoing economic challenges and high inflation affecting consumer purchasing power, experts say.

A broad road stretches east from the bustling Rampura Bridge in Dhaka, passing between the bridge and the TV Centre, heading towards Trimohini. On the left-hand footpath, pedestrians are hit by an overpowering stench. The reason: a municipal garbage dumping ground managed by the city corporation. Pressing forward with nose and mouth covered, one is met by the sight of a dead river—its banks barricaded by concrete railings, overgrown with various trees and shrubs. This so-called river resembles a narrow canal, barely noticeable as a water body. A small signboard labels it the “Narai River”—a name that might surprise passers-by, who would likely mistake it for a mere drainage ditch. The road runs alongside the river, with Banasree on one side and Aftabnagar on the other. Further along the pavement, near the edge of Banasree Block B, another open dumping ground is clearly visible. Household waste is being deposited here by city corporation staff before being collected by garbage trucks. On the morning of 6 April, a walk of approximately a mile along the riverbank—from Rampura Bridge to Meradia Bazaar—revealed three separate dumping grounds. The entire riverbank is choked with garbage, in some spots even being burnt in open fires. Investigations on-site revealed that a multi-storey condominium is under construction near Banasree Ideal School. 81 rivers vanishing across Bangladesh; study warns of ecological crisis Bags of sand and bricks from the site are being dumped by the river. A little further ahead, in front of Farazi Hospital, ambulances are parked by encroaching onto the river itself. In the Meradia Haat area, the riverbank has been overtaken by makeshift shops and yet another garbage dumping ground. Waste is being dumped in open areas along the river, causing unbearable suffering for nearby residents. While the Banasree side has become an open dumping ground, the opposite bank—Aftabnagar—has seen the rise of towering apartment buildings and hospitals. Some of these structures intrude into the river itself. Even pavement construction under the name of road expansion has eaten away at the river’s land. In Banasree’s Block C, local resident Ruhul commented, “All the waste from Banasree and Aftabnagar ends up in this river. Open dumping causes immense suffering—we can’t even breathe properly due to the stench.” A short distance further, Aftabnagar resident Sifatul Islam (43) shared a personal account. Growing emotional, he recalled his memories with the river. “Back in 1991, I used to travel from Aftabnagar to attend classes at Banasree Ideal by boat. It took about half an hour. At the time, the entire area of Banasree and Aftabnagar was covered by the flowing Narai River, a branch of the Shitalakkhya. We even had a private boat—like how people now own private cars.” Standing in Banasree Block F, Sifat—now working at a private university—reminisced, “Encroachment began during the regime of military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Areas were filled with sand, and we used to play football and cricket on the reclaimed land. Eventually, all of Banasree and Aftabnagar was filled in and high-rises were built.” He added, “We would travel to Meradia Haat by boat, which was set up on a small earthen mound. We used to buy fishing gear from there.” Now, he said, “We call it ‘Gandharaj Khal’ (Stinky Canal) because the smell is unbearable. Wastewater from Gulshan and Banani is discharged into this canal. The water has turned pitch-black like tar.” Lack of Coordinated Action Sharif Jamil, former General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), claimed the death of the Narai River is a result of a lack of coordinated action. “Narai was originally connected to Hatirjheel. The construction of the Rampura Bridge was the first step in severing this connection. Over time, both Banasree and Aftabnagar suffocated the river into a mere canal,” he said. Rivers in Narayanganj turn hazardous due to unfettered industrial pollution Jamil explained, “If even the remaining part of the river had been preserved, it could have been saved to some extent. Waste from Hatirjheel is supposed to be treated at the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant. Had this been built earlier, perhaps the river would not have been lost. However, the treatment facility does not cover all canals. Even after treatment, polluted water continues to flow into Trimohini.” “The water at Trimohini was expected to improve after treatment, but that hasn’t happened. People in the area cannot even live due to the foul stench. Many projects have been taken up in the name of cleaning Hatirjheel, Narai River, Jirani Khal, and the Trimohini area, but none are part of a unified plan,” said the environmentalist. “As a result, despite all efforts, Narai continues to die. Around 12 villages in the Trimohini area suffer due to this pollution. Instead of wasting money, a transparent and science-based master plan must be adopted with active community participation.” What Was the Narai River Like? Dr. Manzoor Ahmed Chowdhury, former Chairman of the National River Protection Commission, said, “This river was previously known as the Rampura Canal. During my tenure, I ensured its recognition as a river.” Researcher Amin Al Rashid added, “The waterway now called Hatirjheel Lake—flowing through Begunbari and Gulshan under Dhaka North City Corporation—was actually part of the Narai River. It once flowed from Rampura eastward to meet the Balu River.” “From ancient times up until the early 1980s, the Narai was a key inland waterway of central Dhaka. Archaeological evidence from the banks—structures from the Pala, Sena, Sultanate, and Mughal periods—prove this was a thriving urban settlement. The river once stretched from the Balu in the east to the Turag in the west. The western part has now been completely filled in,” he said. “At one time, goods were transported via the Narai to Karwan Bazar, which had a dock along the river,” Amin Al Rashid added. Will the Narai River Be Saved? When asked whether any initiative would be taken to save the Narai River, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz replied, “No, it’s not under my jurisdiction. But I try to act proactively. Part of the river falls under Rajuk, part under Dhaka South City Corporation, and another part under DNCC.” He added, “We are trying to recover the river. We have plans. If I’m given a full-term appointment, I can recover it. Right now, we are in a transitional phase. State-level decisions depend on funding, and there is currently a shortage.” Time to save rivers from pollution, encroachment: Adviser Sakhawat “Much depends on how long we remain in office. Bureaucrats cooperate based on that too. We must assume we are here temporarily. The Chief Adviser has already announced elections by December. This perception itself becomes a barrier to decisive action. But our work continues despite that,” he said. The former Chairman of the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC) also said, “I feel more pressure from my own conscience than from public expectation to recover this river. I’ve recovered the Konai River in Uttara within a month—such an achievement is rare. If the government and public share the belief that major tasks can be undertaken during our tenure, then with that signal from the state, recovering this river would be a matter of days.”

In the twilight years of life when the presence of children is expected to be the ultimate comfort, many elderly parents in Bangladesh are instead met with neglect, abandonment and heartbreaking silence. The cold reality for thousands is a one-way journey to old age homes, not by choice, but by circumstances. From cities to suburbs, stories unfold in these quiet shelters— the stories of once-vibrant lives now wrapped in sorrows. Some have no family at all; others do, but their children live abroad or live nearby and yet remain distant, emotionally absent. Wealth, status, or sacrifice does not guarantee care. A simple phone call, a heartfelt check-in—many don’t even receive that. At the heart of the capital, in Agargaon, stands the ‘Prabin Nibash’—an old age home under the Ministry of Social Welfare. Here reside people who once held power, respect, and dreams. One of them is Sohana (not her real name), a nearly 60-year-old woman who carries the quiet ache of a mother’s unspoken pain. “My husband passed away years ago. My two daughters now live in Canada and the USA with their families,” she shares, her voice calm but heavy. “I live alone on Indira Road. Whenever I feel too lonely, I come here. I celebrate festivals, birthdays—any occasion—at this home now. Not with them,” she said. Sohana’s life, by most standards, is secure. “We own a house in Dhaka. We’ve rented out three large flats. My daughters are well-educated. There’s no shortage of money,” she says. “On March 31, there was a celebration. I called them. They didn’t have time to talk,” she added. Once a Deputy Director at the Department of Social Services, Sohana never imagined this solitude. “This home has no family ties for me. Yet, it brings comfort. Some stay here because they’ve been abandoned. Some are divorced. Others come out of sheer frustration. I first came for therapy, but now I stay for 15–20 days each month.” A home for mothers with no one to call their own Sitting beside her is Afroza (not her real name), aged 65. A woman of strength, she too had a career in government service. Her words, however, reflect a quiet resignation. “My husband passed away. My children are doing well. But I became a burden. I realised that. So, I left.” She adds, “I still receive visitors—relatives, old friends. But I won’t return. It’s better to live here with dignity than stay where I feel unwanted.” Then there's Mujibur Hossain, an 80-year-old father who has spent nearly 25 years at the ‘Prabin Nibash’. Owner of a luxurious flat in Dhanmondi, he chose to leave it all behind. With three daughters and a son, Mujibur was once surrounded by family. But over time, space for him disappeared from their lives. “I left out of resentment,” he said. Since then, not one of his children has asked him to return. These stories are not isolated. They echo through the halls of old age homes across the country. Some are filled with bitter silence, others with occasional laughter. Nearby, a Senior Citizens Hospital offers medical attention when needed—but the emotional wounds remain unhealed. According to Nazeem, a guard at the Agargaon facility, the current number of residents at the Senior Citizens Home stands at 29—13 women and 16 men. The home is supported by the Department of Health Services and the Department of Social Services. The Growing Web of Old Age Homes in Bangladesh At present, there are six government-run old age homes across Bangladesh under the Ministry of Social Welfare. Together, they can accommodate up to 300 elderly individuals. With the ageing population steadily rising, both public and private initiatives have sought to fill the gap. In total, more than 32 such homes exist nationwide. Experts attribute this growing dependence on institutional care to the collapse of the joint family system—a cornerstone of traditional Bangladeshi society. Coronavirus: Old homes can be next ‘hotspots’ As family structures shift and urban lifestyles take precedence, elderly parents find themselves increasingly isolated. The emotional distance between generations grows wider, leaving many parents to live out their final days in unfamiliar rooms with strangers who slowly become family. Behind every face in these homes lies a lifetime of sacrifice, love and longing. Yet, in many cases, what remains are not warm memories—but tears in silence.

House rentals and transportation agreements for 6,592 intending hajj pilgrims have yet to be finalised for this year’s Hajj which may create complications in visa issuance. According to a report from the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Hajj management, as of Thursday morning, four lead agencies have not been included in the Nusuk Masa platform. These four agencies are responsible for coordinating 45 other agencies. Among these, 5,842 pilgrims have not yet secured house rentals in Makkah and Madinah under these agencies. Besides, 750 pilgrims have not been included in the Nusuk platform as of the latest update. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus was briefed about the latest progress on Hajj arrangements today at the Chief Adviser’s office. The ministry sources said the final deadline for issuing visas is April 18 but accommodation arrangements of many Hajj pilgrims, registered both under government and private management, have yet been finalised. In light of the current situation Religious Affairs Adviser Khalid Hossain warned of legal action including the cancellation of licenses for four agencies responsible for the delays. The report also revealed that unlike previous years, the Saudi government has halted the online system for tracking accommodation arrangements which was previously accessible to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.This year, a new system has been implemented through Saudi companies. The ministry’s Jeddah Hajj Office Counsellor Zahirul Islam had repeatedly contacted the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Director General to request the reinstatement of the online platform. However, despite a virtual meeting last Tuesday with Saudi authorities, the system has not been re-established. Hajj won't be accepted with ‘haram money’: Adviser Khalid Many Hajj agencies are reportedly delaying accommodation arrangements in search of cheaper options. At a press conference earlier this week, the religious affairs adviser expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding accommodation for 10,487 intending pilgrims. He said Nusuk platform has yet to include information for 2,193 pilgrims. Talking to UNB, Khalid Hossain said the Ministry of Religious Affairs would not take responsibility for any pilgrim unable to perform Hajj due to negligence or failure of any agency. He said he warned that agencies found responsible for such negligence would face severe consequences including the cancellation of their licenses and criminal charges. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has been consistently urging Hajj agencies to submit house rental requests through the online platform, said the adviser. “Agencies that have failed to finalise accommodation agreements have been issued show-cause notices,” he said. Khalid said they urged all agencies to complete their Hajj preparations within the time frame specified by the Saudi government to ensure the smooth journey of pilgrims. Until the accommodation requests are approved through the online system, concerns over visa and travel delays persist, he said. Over 10,000 Hajj pilgrims face uncertainty as accommodation not finalised: Adviser Hajj is expected begin on June 5 depending on moon sightings. This year, 87,100 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj, including 5,200 through the government scheme and 81,900 through private arrangements. Hajj flights will commence on April 29, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Bangladesh's rivers are in the grip of an alarming ecological crisis, with 81 reported to have dried up during the lean season, according to a recent study. Once the lifelines of the nation—sustaining local economies, biodiversity, and ecosystems—many rivers are now either heavily silted or vanishing altogether, warns the study titled ‘Dried-up Rivers of Bangladesh’ by the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC). The crisis is particularly severe in regions such as Khulna, Satkhira, Rajshahi and Kushtia, where pollution, sedimentation, and rapid urbanisation have severely disrupted natural water flows. “This deterioration poses a serious threat to livelihoods, agriculture, and biodiversity, underscoring the vital role rivers play in sustaining both ecosystems and human communities,” the study said. According to the RDRC, the highest number of drying rivers—25—are in Khulna division, followed by 20 in Rajshahi, 15 in Rangpur, six in Chattogram, five in Mymensingh, four in Dhaka, and three each in Barishal and Sylhet divisions. The list of 81 affected rivers includes the Alay, Atrai, Bagboti, Bangali, Baral, Betna, Bhairab, Bhodrabati, Bhola, Bhulli, Bilash, Burikhora, Chandana, Chandrabati, Chiknai, Chitra, Chuna, Dhalai, Dhaleshwari, Dharla, Dhepa, Dudhkumar, Fotki, Galghesiya, Gangnai, Ghaghat, Gomati, Goneshwari, Gorai and Gumani. Dhaka-Ctg underground fuel supply pipeline project likely to begin operation by end of April Also affected are the Hanu, Harihar, Hishna, Hoja, Hura Sagor, Ichamoti, distributaries of the Jamuna, Kahua, Kakshiali, Kaliganga, Kalpani, Karatoya, Katakhali, Khakdon, Kholpetua, Kohelia, Kopotakkho, Kulik, Kumar, Kushiyara, Mahananda, Manash, Mathavanga, Mohishaban, Morrichap, Moyur, Muhuri, and Muradiya. The remaining rivers are Nabaganga, Nagar, Narod, Noroshunda, some distributaries of the Padma, Pagla, Punarbhaba, Sandha, Selonia, Shagorkhali, Shalikha, Shib, Sholmari, Shuk, Someshwari, Sonai, Sukhdah, Surma, Tangon, Teesta, Titash, Tulsi Ganga, and Lenga. The study highlights growing concern for the Brahmaputra-Jamuna-Meghna (BGM) basin, which is under severe stress due to upstream dams and water diversions. These are disrupting the natural flow and affecting millions of people dependent on these rivers for fishing, farming and transportation. “As water levels become unpredictable, entire communities are struggling. The impact goes beyond humans—it’s damaging wildlife, destroying habitats, and disrupting the natural balance,” it noted. The RDRC recommends immediate action to reduce pollution, prevent erosion, and restore aquatic ecosystems. But, the study emphasises that national efforts alone are insufficient. “Given that many rivers cross international borders, Bangladesh must engage in regional cooperation with upstream countries. Only through joint efforts can we ensure these rivers continue to sustain people and nature for generations to come,” the report said. Construction of Madhumati Embankment brings hope for a secure future With over 24,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and streams, Bangladesh is home to one of the world’s largest natural river networks. During the monsoon, approximately 6,000 kilometres remain navigable. That figure drops to just 3,800 kilometres in the dry season.

The Feni district, particularly the Pashuram and Belonia border areas adjoining India’s Tripura state, is witnessing a concerning surge in the infiltration of foreign nationals. Over the past five months, this remote frontier has become an emerging hotspot for unauthorised cross-border movements, particularly involving African nationals. From 1 November last year to 7 April this year, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained six African nationals who had illegally attempted to cross the border. These incidents raise questions about the growing use of the Feni frontier by international human trafficking networks. According to officials, the arrested people often claim to have lost their passports and travel documents. Their mobile phones are typically found disconnected, rendering efforts to trace their communications futile. Once detained, these foreign nationals are brought before court, only to secure bail shortly after, allegedly aided by local legal facilitators and organised human trafficking syndicates. What follows is even more disquieting: after release, the intruders reportedly reconnect with their networks via WhatsApp using foreign numbers and begin regrouping. The recurring nature of these incidents underscores the persistent and organised nature of the trafficking operations. Construction of Madhumati Embankment brings hope for a secure future Stakeholders, including the BGB, suspect a transnational racket involving Bangladeshi and Indian traffickers. “We are unsure why Feni has become a target for infiltration,” said Lt. Col Md Mosharraf Hossain, Commandant of BGB Battalion-4. “Despite strict vigilance, these crossings continue, which is deeply concerning,” he said. One of the more recent incidents occurred on Sunday night, when the BGB detained Amina Shahbani, a 33-year-old Tanzanian national, while she was attempting to illegally enter India from Bangladesh through the Nijkalikapur border in Parshuram upazila. She had reportedly been escorted to the border from Feni's Mohipal by two Bangladeshi locals, Abdul Motaleb and Sumon. A case has since been filed against seven individuals, including the two alleged accomplices. Other notable detentions include Ethiopian national Israt Umar Haji, 67, in November; Nigerian national Emika Gilbert Apeh, 45, in December; and Sudanese citizen Islam, 26, in January. In March, Somali national Abdiwali Mohamed Ali and Nigerian national Nawsu Izuchukwu Calistas were caught trying to cross into Bangladesh from India. Local sources indicate that traffickers prefer routes through Nijkalikapur village in Mirzanagar union and the Mirpara-Belonia border of Baurpathar village due to perceived weaknesses in security and possible local cooperation. On 25 November, Indian police detained two Bangladeshis—Raju and Mohammad Ibrahim—for their alleged involvement in human trafficking. In another instance, a Sudanese citizen and a local man named Emran, 50, were arrested in January on charges of cross-border smuggling. Law enforcement agencies suspect that many of these foreign nationals aim to reach European countries, where they seek political asylum. 200-feet long floating drum bridge becomes blessing for Lalmonirhat’s Patgram residents Brokers are reportedly helping them obtain UN refugee cards, enabling them to enter refugee camps and initiate asylum processes. Somali national Abdili Mohamed Ali was found in possession of a UNHCR-issued refugee card collected in India. “We have information about an organised gang that facilitates the movement of these foreigners across borders,” said Mohammad Nurul Hakim, officer-in-charge of Parshuram Model Police Station. “Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all involved," Hakim said. Feni’s Superintendent of Police, Habibur Rahman, echoed the OC’s sentiments. “The motive behind the influx remains unclear,” he said. “Detainees provide inconsistent explanations during interrogation. Although some suspects have been remanded, they refrain from disclosing crucial information.” “Even after arrest and remand, they eventually obtain bail through the court and, in some cases, secure legal visas to remain in Bangladesh,” he added. Authorities remain on high alert, but with organised transnational networks exploiting legal loopholes and local connections, the challenge of curbing such illicit activities along the Feni border appears far from over.

Although most of the key preparations have been completed, it may still take a few more weeks for the newly constructed 250 km Dhaka–Chattogram underground fuel supply pipeline project to start its commercial operation. “We had planned to begin commercial operation from 1 April, but this had to be postponed due to the incomplete testing of some equipment,” said Engineer Amir Masud, General Manager (Planning and Development) of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), while speaking to UNB. “Now it is most likely that the operation will begin in the final week of April,” he added. BPC undertook the underground pipeline project in 2015 to save time and costs, and to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply to Dhaka from Chattogram. Officials said that once the project becomes fully operational, it will result in the cessation of the current manual fuel transportation system, particularly for diesel, from Chattogram to Dhaka. “This means it will replace the present manual system of transportation via tank lorries with an automated pipeline system,” said a senior BPC official. The new network is expected to save approximately Tk 200 crore annually in transportation costs. In addition, it will enhance energy security, reduce transit time, prevent theft, and lower environmental pollution, he noted. The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in October 2016 with an initial budget allocation of Tk 2,861.31 crore, and a completion deadline set for 30 June 2020. China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering to operate Bangladesh’s first single point mooring System Padma Oil Company, a subsidiary of BPC, was tasked with implementing the project—titled “Fuel Supply from Chattogram to Dhaka via Pipeline”—and appointed the 24th Engineering Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army as the contractor, following some complexities. The budget was later revised to Tk 3,600 crore and the timeline extended multiple times. A trial test run was conducted, with April 1 initially set as the target date for full operation. Since independence, fuel has primarily been transported from Chattogram’s main depot to other regions via waterways and railways. However, this traditional system has become inefficient due to high costs, significant theft, “system losses,” and delays. BPC officials said, initially, the underground pipeline will supply at least 3 million tonnes of petroleum products annually to depots in Borura (Cumilla) and Godhnail–Fatullah (Narayanganj). They added that the pipeline’s capacity could be expanded to 5 million tonnes in future. Sources indicated that Bangladesh’s annual fuel demand averages 7 million tonnes, with over 3 million tonnes consumed in the Dhaka division alone. Repair of Anwara-Foujdarhat Gas pipeline will improve gas supply: Ministry At present, around 200 oil tankers transport fuel from the Guptakhali depot in Patenga to depots in Chandpur, Godhnail, and Fatullah, from where it is distributed via road or rail. To date, 241.28 kilometres of pipeline have been installed, stretching from Guptakhali (Patenga) to Godhnail (Narayanganj), passing through Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur, and Munshiganj. For safety, the 16-inch diameter pipeline is buried 5 feet underground and protected by a three-layer extruded polyethylene coating. An additional 8.29-kilometre, 10-inch diameter connecting pipeline links Godhnail to Fatullah. The pipeline route crosses 22 rivers and canals and includes nine stations and a new oil depot in Borura (Cumilla). BPC also plans to construct a 59.23-kilometre, 8-inch diameter pipeline from Cumilla to Chandpur to streamline fuel supply to the Chandpur region. BPC sources said they have implemented a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure continuous monitoring and control of the pipeline. Tk 8,300 crore Single Point Mooring with double pipeline failing to utilise full capacity The entire 250-kilometre pipeline will be overseen from a master control station at the Chattogram Dispatch Terminal. Optical fibre cables will enable leak detection and location tracking, BPC officials said.

For generations, people living along the Madhumati River have fought a losing battle against erosion, as entire villages disappeared, homes crumbled into the current and fertile farmlands were consumed by the river’s relentless force. Now, after decades of suffering and appeals, that long-standing nightmare may finally be nearing an end. The long-sought construction of a permanent embankment along the Madhumati River has officially begun—ushering in a wave of hope, relief and cautious optimism among residents in Faridpur's Alfadanga, Boalmari and Madhukhali upazilas. The 7.5-kilometre stretch of embankment under construction aims to protect some of the region’s most erosion-prone areas. It’s a critical intervention in a region where river erosion has displaced thousands and wiped out homes, schools, mosques, roads and vast tracts of farmland. A visit to Bajra village in Gopalpur union of Alfadanga upazila reveals the pulse of the project in full swing. China, India to be urged to consider Bangladesh’s interests during dam construction: Rizwana

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has taken a move to go after 73 lakh Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN) holders who are not submitting their income tax returns. Currently, there are some 1,13,89,949 TIN holders in the country, of them only 40 lakhs submitted their income tax returns in the running fiscal. 200-feet long floating drum bridge becomes blessing for Lalmonirhat’s Patgram residents “We are focusing on the issue, it is absolutely a discrimination towards the taxpayers who are paying their taxes regularly,” a senior NBR official told UNB seeking anonymity. He said that this is very much unfortunate for a country with over 18 crore population where only 1.13 crore are TIN holders and of the total number only one third are submitting their income tax returns. “We have instructed our field level officials to chase these non-complaint TIN holders, we have already started our works in the growth centres, our field level officials are working in there,” he said. The NBR official said that the NBR has recently launched a new spot assessment programme to increase the tax net. Spot assessment is an effective step to provide direct services to all taxpayers who have taxable income and are obliged to file returns. Various tax zones of the country have already started this programme, which is playing an important role in increasing tax awareness and building a tax paying culture among businessmen, professionals and the general public. Currently, tax zones have actively started conducting Spot Assessment at district and upazila level of the country. The NBR urged all business organisations, chambers of commerce, business leaders, local administrations, eminent persons and taxpayers of the country to provide their unwavering support and cooperation to make the ongoing Spot Assessment activity successful. The NBR believes that through the spot assessment activity, the tax payment tendency among taxpayers will increase and the tax system will be further strengthened. The NBR official said that the income tax return becomes an easy matter after the launching of online return submission system. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman in a recent pre-budget meeting said that that the non- complaint TIN holders will not be able to sleep peacefully without submitting their income tax returns. “Officers will serve them notices to submit their returns,” he had told the pre-budget meeting. The NBR thinks that there is immense scope to widen the tax net of the country. To materialise the claim they have started the camp for the spot assessment for the convenience of the TIN holders. The NBR official said that even if necessary the field level officials will go to the trade bodies across the country to take information about the potential taxpayers and TIN holders who took the number to complete any business necessity. “It is not a good practice to pressurise the taxpayers who are paying the taxes properly and regularly, and the non-complaint taxpayers will enjoy the systematic loopholes for all time, the time is over, this discrimination can not run for a long time,” he said. The NBR has asked the field offices to serve notices, if the TIN holders failed to submit their returns, then the inspectors will visit their offices or homes or businesses entities. “If necessary we will search for the bank accounts to figure in which account how much money is there and how much inflow and outflow has been done,” he said. Bangladesh needs secure cotton sources to maintain export flow, avoid trade war risks: Experts He mentioned that after the proper assessment the TIN holders will be asked to pay their taxes. “We will take the steps, we want to widen out tax net aiming to improve the revenue collection,” he said. He also said that In September last year, the NBR directed tax officials to halt the fresh selection of tax returns for audit, citing flaws in the existing system that subjected taxpayers to undue harassment. The current audit guidelines grant tax officials significant discretionary power, which many taxpayers have criticized as unfair. In a formal directive, the NBR instructed all field-level tax offices not to initiate new audits until further notice. However, tax returns already selected for audit would proceed as per normal procedures. Educated but unemployed; joblessness soars among graduates in Bangladesh   According to the NBR the tax GDP ratio in the country is below 8 percent which is one of the the lowest in the world.

A 200-feet long floating bridge over Saniajan River in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat district has now become a blessing for nearly 20,000 people as it will mitigate their long-standing sufferings. With the help of the local people, the bridge was constructed by placing bamboo mats on plastic drums and the cost of the bridge was approximately Tk 3 lakh. Bangladesh needs secure cotton sources to maintain export flow, avoid trade war risks: Experts Every day, hundreds of people gather to see the bridge, which has captured everyone’s attention. On March 3, the bridge was opened for the residents of the Baura union of the upazila. Since its inauguration, the bridge has facilitated the travel of local people and students, bringing a sense of joy among the residents of three villages. Shamsul Alam, President of Baura Union unit BNP, said, "Due to the lack of a bridge here, thousands of people suffer every year. Therefore, with everyone's cooperation, we, along with BNP leaders and workers, have built this floating bridge." According to local sources, thirty people from the village participated in the construction of the bridge using plastic drums, bamboo, iron angels and ropes. Local residents claimed that the residents of three villages under the union have been suffering a lot due to the absence of a bridge on the river causing hardship for both students and people. The floating drum bridge was later constructed with the initiative of some BNP leaders and local residents. Arafat Hossain, a resident of the area, said "People here suffer every year during the flood. This year, with everyone's help, local people took the initiative to build this floating bridge with drums." Educated but unemployed; joblessness soars among graduates in Bangladesh   Azizul Islam, another resident, said "As the river water rises during floods, the drums will float, and there will be no difficulty in crossing. That’s why we bought the drums to build this bridge." Shaheen, a student of Hamir Uddin Grammar School, said  "We can now easily go to school and college, thanks to the local people for building the bridge with plastic drums.” “Earlier, we had to struggle to get to school through this path and now we don’t have to get wet anymore. We can reach school in a very short time,” he said. Zillur Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Patgram upazila, who recently joined as UNO said he was unaware of the floating bridge project but mentioned that he would look into it further. NBR looking for expansion of base of VAT payers