United News of Bangladesh

The expansion of Sylhet Osmani International Airport has ecome costlier by Tk 470.87 crore as project delays and major design revisions push up expenses and extend the completion deadline by two more years. Officials said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) recently approved the first revision of the Expansion of Sylhet Osmani International Airport (Phase-I) project, raising its total cost to Tk 2,780.66 crore from the original Tk 2,309.79 crore, an increase of about 20.39 percent. Under the revised plan, the project  implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism  will now continue until December 2027 instead of December 2025. Of the total cost, the government will provide Tk 2,718.54 crore while CAAB will contribute Tk 62.12 crore from its own funds. Fraud posing as customs officer arrested at Dhaka Airport The project is designed to expand facilities at the country’s third-largest international airport in response to a rapid rise in passenger and cargo movement. Officials said the cost hike is largely attributed to an expansion of the terminal building area by 3,646 square metres along with additional land development and civil construction work, which together added Tk 485 crore to the total estimate. The project aims to build a modern international passenger terminal, a cargo complex, a new control tower, taxiways, parking aprons, and drainage and utility infrastructure to accommodate rising air traffic. As of June 2025, the project’s financial progress stands at 14.49 percent (Tk 334.60 crore) while physical progress has reached 22.9 percent. The Planning Commission  approved the revised proposal noting that the project’s master plan and design have already been modified to meet operational requirements. The Commission further emphasised that completing associated infrastructure such as drainage and utility systems is essential for ensuring the airport’s readiness for expanded international operations. Sylhet Osmani International Airport serves a large expatriate community particularly from the UK, USA, Europe, and the Middle East. With industrial growth in the Sylhet region and increasing cargo demand, officials believe the expansion will significantly boost both passenger and freight capacity, positioning the airport as a modern regional hub for international aviation. Biman flight cancelled as boarding bridge hits engine at Sylhet airport Osmani International Airport, located about 15 kilometers northeast of Sylhet city, was originally built between 1944 and 1945 during the Second World War to monitor Japanese advances from Burma. Initially known as Sylhet Civil Airport, it primarily served domestic flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines from Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport. The airport was later renamed Osmani International Airport in honor of General M. A. G. Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Forces during the Liberation War. In 1986, the airport was upgraded to a fully functional domestic airport with the construction of a terminal building, installation of navigational aids, and reconstruction of the runway, taxiways, and aprons. A limited expansion in 1998 enabled the operation of medium-sized aircraft such as the Airbus A310. In 2002, the airport was designated as an international airport and received its first international flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. However, due to a shortage of modern equipment, it initially fell short of international standards. Runway lighting and other essential facilities were added in 2004, allowing safe night operations. Following the South Asia Transport and Trade Facilitation Conference in 2006, work began to upgrade terminal facilities to handle international operations. A new terminal building, two jet bridges, and a taxiway were constructed, enabling Biman to operate Hajj flights directly from Sylhet in 2007. In 2015, Fly Dubai became the first foreign airline to operate flights from Sylhet to Dubai, though the service was briefly suspended and later resumed in 2016. Now Osmani International Airport serves both domestic and international passengers and cargo, connecting Sylhet with major destinations at home and abroad through national and international carriers. Read more: Bangladesh's travellers take to the skies to escape traffic chaos

The long-awaited student union election process at Jagannath University have officially kicked off, following the publication of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election rules and the formation of its Election Commission, marking a distinctive step in the process. Political student organisations are now racing to form ‘inclusive panels’ while several independent candidates are also preparing to contest either through partial alliances or independent lists. According to various campus-based student groups, at least four organisations are in the process of forming three separate panels. JnU units of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir are planning to form inclusive panels, while Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad are holding talks to field a joint panel. JCD leader and prospective JnUCSU vice-president candidate passes away Left-leaning student groups are also moving towards unity to strengthen their position. Chhatra Dal’s Inclusive Presentation Sources within the JnU Chhatra Dal said that among the three top positions—VP, GS, and AGS—two may be filled by popular female candidates including at least one from outside the organisation. The group is trying to engage academically accomplished, athletic, and socially active students and five to seven potential candidates are expected to come from non-political backgrounds. “We have not yet finalised our decision. We are considering both internal and external aspirants. Our goal is to form a unique and inclusive panel by involving female and Hindu students,” said JnU Chhatra Dal member secretary Shamsul Arefin. Shibir’s Focus Popular Candidates Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, is also working to create a diverse panel by including non-members and female students. At least one of the top three positions may go to a non-member, sources said. The group plans to include members of Chhatri Sangstha, Jamaat’s female student wing, students involved in the July Movement, and other progressive people with strong academic and social credentials. JnUCSU election roadmap announced, polls on Nov 27 “We are working to form an inclusive panel consisting of members from Shibir, Chhatri Sangstha, and other students from outside the organisation,” said JnU Shibir president Md Riazul Islam. Adhikar and Chhatra Shakti After years of separate political activity, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad are now holding talks to launch a joint panel. Both groups, reportedly disheartened by poor results in other universities’ elections, are keen to consolidate their strength at JnU by nominating academically sound and movement-oriented candidates. “Negotiations with Chhatra Shakti are progressing well though some matters are still under negotiation,” said JnU Chhatra Adhikar Parishad president AKM Rakib. Chhatra Shakti convener Faisal Murad said, “Candidates will be selected based on merit and acceptance. Our panel will also include female and Hindu students.” What Leftists Want Left-leaning organisations are in talks to form a single alliance after facing setbacks in past elections due to division. They plan to include progressive, non-partisan students particularly those active in cultural and social organisations on campus. JnU students besiege VC office, demand action over attack on teachers   “We will ensure maximum inclusivity in our panel. It will include progressive organisations, female students, indigenous students, and even participants from campus cultural groups,” said JnU Socialist Students’ Front president Evan Tahsib. Besides, students involved in journalism, cultural activities, and voluntary work are considering forming an independent panel under the Abakash Bhaban network. Dope Test The JnU Election Commission has announced a draft code of conduct that makes drug testing mandatory for all candidates contesting the central and hall union polls. Anyone testing positive for drug use will be disqualified. The draft, released on Thursday night, also bars students convicted of criminal offences, disciplinary violations, or sexual misconduct from voting or contesting. Students previously punished by the university will remain ineligible until their suspension period ends but may regain eligibility afterward. Campaigning inside classrooms or exam halls during academic sessions will be prohibited, as will rallies and assemblies on campus during the election period. Candidates may spend up to Tk 5,000 in hall elections and Tk 15,000 in central elections while offering food, drinks, or gifts to voters is strictly forbidden. Defamatory, hateful, or provocative speech is also banned. “The initial decision for drug tests has been made but no election date has been set yet. The schedule will be finalised through discussions,” said Chief Election Commissioner Prof Dr Mostafa Hasan. BNP announces possible candidates for 237 constituencies

Farmers in the northern district of Naogaon are struggling with fresh uncertainty as unseasonal rain, triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, has damaged prepared seedbeds for early winter vegetables and partially ripe Aman paddy. Potato fields, in particular, have been affected, causing concern among growers hoping to recover losses from last year. Agriculture officials said stagnant water in the fields has raised fears of widespread damage to newly planted potato seeds, transplanted Aman paddy and early winter vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, chili, eggplant and radish. Many plants, they said, are lying flattened in waterlogged fields across several upazilas. Read more: Polyshade tomato farming reviving Narail’s rural economy According to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Aman has been cultivated on 193,000 hectares this year, while early winter vegetables cover 1,845 hectares. Potato cultivation is targeted on 21,000 hectares. A field visit revealed that farmlands prepared for potato cultivation or recently sown are submerged, forcing farmers to focus on draining the water to save their crops. Farmers also fear delays in planting on fallow lands that remain waterlogged and excess moisture has already caused root rot in some vegetables. Zainal, a farmer from Kalikapur Dangapara in Atrai upazila, expressed his worries, saying, “Last year I suffered a big loss from potato farming; hence I planted early this year in hopes of a better price. But now rainwater has submerged the field and I fear the seeds may not sprout properly. I don’t know what to do.” Sharing a similar experience, Ashraf Hossain from Varsho village in Manda upazila said, “Early potato farming is always risky, but I wanted to try since others were doing it. I planted on one bigha of land, but the sudden rain has filled the field with water.” Read more: Hidden hands in the fields: Dealers blamed for artificial fertiliser shortage in north Ratan Mollah of Barshail in Sadar upazila said, “I just finished planting potato seeds when the rain began. It’s still drizzling, and the soil remains soaked. Potato seeds rot easily if they stay wet. I’m worried most of my field will be damaged.” Meanwhile, Susheel Mistri of Hapania reported that his Aman paddy, which was ripening, had been flattened by rain and gusty winds. Vegetable grower Indri Mia from Kirtipur said, “The rain over the past few days has caused rot at the base of my cauliflower and other vegetable plants.” Downplaying the extent of the damage, DAE Deputy Director Homayra Mondal said, “Although it rained, it wasn’t a heavy downpour. Potato planting has just started and the newly planted seeds may face minor setbacks, but fields planted eight to ten days ago will likely remain safe. The rainfall is even beneficial for Aman. If the water drains quickly, there won’t be any major problem.” Read more: Rain pushes green chilli price to Tk 300 per kg, almost all vegetable prices upward As farmers race against time to salvage their crops, the unseasonal rainfall has once again highlighted the vulnerability of early winter cultivation to unpredictable weather.

With speeding vehicles, reckless driving and weak traffic enforcement turning roads into perilous stretches, Bangladesh’s rapid urbanisation — most evident in the chaotic streets of Dhaka — has made road safety a growing national concern. Although Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems (AES) promises stricter monitoring, faster penalties, and more disciplined roads and many countries have already embraced such systems with proven results Bangladesh is only beginning to test the technology. As part of the pilot project, an automated case system targeting speed control has been introduced on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway with video-based enforcement quietly operational since the first week of July this year. During a visit to the expressway, vehicles were found generally adhering to the speed limits and traffic rules. Drivers appeared more cautious under the new monitoring system. Ripon, a private car owner, said, “Driving violating the speed limit can bring hassle as the cameras are recording everything. It is a very good initiative, as it will help drivers avoid unnecessary competition on the roads. Driving on the expressway feels safer than before.” Officials at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said the plan includes installing red-light cameras, speed detectors, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems, and AI-powered monitoring tools at major intersections and in busy areas. “Manual policing alone cannot manage Dhaka’s traffic anymore. Automated enforcement will help us penalise violations like speeding, wrong-lane driving, and red-light jumping in real time,” said a senior DMP traffic official requesting anonymity as the project is still under review. Globally, AES has shown impressive results. New York City recorded a 60% reduction in speeding near school zones, Singapore reported a 25% decrease in congestion after introducing electronic road pricing, and Dubai saw a 45% drop in road fatalities after adopting smart cameras. Dhaka commuters get no respite from traffic gridlocks In India, cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad use AI-enabled detection cameras, while an e-challan system issues instant SMS fines linked to vehicle registration. Bengaluru’s pilot AES saw traffic signal violations drop by 30% in its first year. More recently, AI-powered traffic cameras in Ho Chi Minh City recorded over 3,100 violations between September 1 and October 3, in an early test of the city’s automated enforcement system. In Bangladesh, the initiative will be integrated with the BRTA’s e-challan system to automatically issue digital fines. The Safe City Surveillance Hub, currently used mostly for crime monitoring, is expected to serve as the central command centre for the new system. Pilot installations are planned for high-risk areas including Farmgate, Shahbagh, Bijoy Sarani, Moghbazar, and Airport Road, where signal violations and speeding frequently contribute to congestion and accidents. “It’s good in theory, but I hope the system is transparent and tickets are issued correctly. Otherwise, it will create frustration,” said Mintu, a Dhaka-based car owner. “All laws are implemented for private car owners; it should be the same for commercial vehicles. Removing rickshaws and auto-rickshaws should be a priority for hassle-free driving,” he added. Bus driver Sumin Mia noted that many drivers are unaware of traffic rules adding that AES alone cannot solve the city’s traffic chaos without public awareness campaigns. According to DMP data, over 4,000 road crashes were reported in Dhaka last year, with speeding and signal violations accounting for nearly 40% of cases. The project faces challenges, including infrastructure upgrades, data privacy concerns, and public awareness. Authorities have not yet announced a formal launch date or budget but officials indicated the first phase of AES could roll out by mid-2026. Professor Dr Md Shamsul Hoque, Director of the Accident Research Institute (ARI) at BUET, said, “AES alone will not bring improvement unless the entire transport system is organised. Thousands of vehicles operate daily without registration. Developed countries have comprehensive databases, which makes enforcement easier. The automated system in Gulshan detects major violations daily but enforcement cannot be instant. The project should be reviewed if it does not function effectively.” Battery-run autorickshaws, slow-moving vehicles banned from Dhaka's main roads: DMP Md Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (Passengers’ Welfare Association), said, “Without transparency and accountability in institutions responsible for road safety, no real improvement is possible. Urgent reforms in this crucial sector are necessary; otherwise, people will continue to suffer in daily travel.” The Road Safety Foundation has identified a number of persistent risk factors behind rising road accidents across the country, calling for urgent improvements in infrastructure, traffic management and community behaviour. The organisation said faulty road design, poor maintenance and the absence of essential safety measures, including signs, lane markings, dividers and warning boards, remain major contributors to fatal crashes. RSF analysed around 37,000 road accidents using both media reports and the foundation’s own data and examined accident types and severity to classify areas according to risk and the findings were released on Saturday. High-speed traffic without proper enforcement and reckless movement of mixed vehicles on the same route also heighten the risk, it added. The organisation urged authorities to undertake comprehensive corrective measures at dangerous spots nationwide. These include redesigning risky road sections, ensuring proper maintenance, and installing necessary signage and lane separation facilities to guide traffic safely. It also stressed the need for stricter enforcement of speed control through technology, along with dedicated service lanes or dividers to separate different categories of vehicles. Read more: How to Get Traffic Updates in Dhaka: Useful Apps and Sources

Farmers across five northern districts — Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Nilphamari — are facing mounting difficulties due to what they describe as an artificial crisis of non-urea fertilisers such as TSP, DAP and MOP. Many have been forced to pay extra or delay cultivation, raising fears of reduced crop yields. Although the Agriculture Department has dismissed the situation as artificial, farmers say fertilisers are simply unavailable through official dealers. They allege that retailers are selling fertilisers at inflated prices, taking advantage of the high seasonal demand. Officials insist that there is no genuine shortage, claiming that sufficient stock is available in the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) warehouses. They blame a section of unscrupulous dealers for creating an artificial crisis to earn higher profits. Farmers struggling to prepare land With the potato and maize planting season approaching, many farmers have been unable to prepare their fields in time. Abdar Hossain, a farmer from Karanpur village in Lalmonirhat, said, “When we go to dealers, they say fertiliser is out of stock. But retail shops have plenty—only they charge Tk 8–10 more per kilogramme.” Govt approves purchase of 65,000 MT of fertilizer Abu Taleb, a farmer from Baura in Patgram upazila, echoed similar concerns, “Land cannot be prepared without non-urea fertiliser. Fertiliser is needed most now, and demand will rise further in November. If we do not get it on time, we will suffer a big loss.” In Rangpur’s Gangachara, farmer Sujan Mia said they are unable to get fertiliser even after offering to pay extra. “We are at a loss as to how to cultivate maize in the pasture,” he said. Another farmer, Joynal Abedin of Kaunia, expressed frustration, saying, “Fertiliser is not available from dealers, but retailers sell it at a higher price. In which country do we live? Nothing seems to be in order.” BADC Lalmonirhat warehouse assistant director Ekramul Haque said fertilisers are being sold through 144 authorised dealers in the district at government-fixed prices. “The government sells TSP at Tk 25 per kg, DAP at Tk 19 and MOP at Tk 18 to dealers, who may add a Tk 2 profit per kg,” he explained. Haque maintained that the warehouse holds sufficient stocks as per government allocation, though he acknowledged that the allocation is around 25 percent lower than total demand. Similarly, the BADC additional director in Rangpur claimed there was no shortage in any district and blamed dishonest traders for creating panic in the market. “We are closely monitoring the market, and the problem will be resolved soon,” he added. Sirajul Islam, additional director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rangpur, agreed that the crisis was being fuelled by a few profiteering traders. “There is sufficient fertiliser stock in BADC warehouses. Some traders are creating an artificial shortage in the hope of higher profits. Mobile courts are being conducted against such unscrupulous traders,” he said. 416 bags of fertilizer unauthorised for sale seized in Lalmonirhat

A quiet agricultural revolution is taking place in Narail, where farmers are turning to year-round polyshade tomato cultivation for higher yields and better profits. Things look to be very encouraging.  With support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) under the Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Management Project, farmers in Tularampur of Sadar upazila have planted the summer variety Bari-8 with remarkable success. Thanks to modern techniques and proper care, the yields have been impressive and profits are encouraging. Kamalpur farmer Kamrul Islam shared his story proudly.  “I cultivated tomatoes on 20 decimals of land after receiving training from the agriculture office. I spent about Tk 60,000, and I expect to make a profit of Tk 100,000 to Tk 150,000," he said.  Another farmer, Baharul Molya, said, “I usually grow other crops, but when tomato prices went up, I decided to try summer tomatoes this year. I got good yields and expect solid profits after expenses.” Tomato farmers in Chandpur struggle as prices plummet Farmer Rana Molya credited training from the agriculture office for helping him control diseases and boost production.  “There’s high demand in the local market. I sold tomatoes at Tk 80–90 per kilogram wholesale. With expenses around Tk 60,000, I expect to earn Tk 100,000 to Tk 160,000 in profit," he said.  Encouraged by these results, many other farmers are preparing to switch to tomato farming.  According to Rajib Biswas, a sub-assistant agriculture officer at Tularampur Union, summer tomatoes were grown on about 1.5 acres of land this year. “As market prices stay high, farmers’ interest in tomato farming is growing. We provide them with training, technical advice, and necessary inputs. Cultivating tomatoes on one acre costs roughly Tk 300,000, but farmers can earn Tk 250,000 to Tk 300,000 in net profit," Rajib said.  With growing demand and impressive returns, more farmers are expected to take up tomato cultivation in Narail next year.  The success of this venture is not only boosting incomes but also reshaping the rural economy—offering new hope and opportunity in the heart of Bangladesh’s farmland. Bumper tomato yields bring no joy to Sunamganj farmers

The cost of the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project, designed to boost Bangladesh’s export diversification and employment generation, has ballooned by nearly Tk 159 crore due to prolonged delays in implementation and rising foreign exchange costs. According to official documents submitted to the Planning Commission, the total estimated cost of the project—implemented by the Ministry of Commerce with World Bank financing—has now been proposed at Tk 1,264.17 crore under its third revision. Of the total, Tk 1,092.05 crore will come as a project loan from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) while the government’s contribution remains unchanged at Tk 172.12 crore. Bangladesh’s banking crisis deepens; audit uncovers Tk 1.55 lakh crore shortfall This represents a 14.38% increase over the second revised cost of Tk 1,105.27 crore, with the escalation attributed entirely to higher foreign financing requirements. The latest revision also seeks to extend the project’s completion deadline by one year to June, 2026, marking the third time the timeline has been pushed back since its approval. The EC4J project was originally approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in August, 2017 at an initial estimated cost of Tk 941 crore (GoB Tk 151 crore and IDA Tk 790 crore). Its first revision, approved in July 2019, increased the cost to Tk 1,012.12 crore and retained the project period up to June 2023. The second revision, approved in April 2023, raised the allocation to Tk 1,105.27 crore and extended the timeline to June 2025. The project aims to enhance export competitiveness in four target sectors — leather and leather goods, footwear, light engineering, and plastics — by improving technology, production capacity, and market readiness. Bangladesh losing grip on Middle East remittance lifeline! Officials said the need for a third revision stems mainly from delays in constructing two key technology centres under the project — the Centre of Excellence for Engineering and Technology (CEET) at Kaliakoir, Gazipur, and, the Design and Technology Centre for Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear (DTCLF) at Kashimpur, Gazipur. The construction of these facilities has been hampered by disruptions in the supply of construction materials and a shortage of skilled labour, causing at least six months’ delay in site handover and completion. The subsequent phases — including procurement, installation, and commissioning of specialised machinery and equipment — have also fallen behind schedule. Adding to the cost burden, the depreciation of the taka against the US dollar has raised the import cost of machinery and other technical equipment, prompting an upward revision in the machinery procurement estimates. NBR unveils 10-year strategy to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation The revision also includes a higher allocation for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the two centres to ensure their effective functioning with international technical support. Although the World Bank’s total credit commitment remains unchanged at US$ 100 million the higher exchange rate has inflated the taka-equivalent cost by nearly Tk 159 crore. As of June, 2025, cumulative expenditure under the project stood at Tk 611.57 crore, equivalent to 55.33% of the approved allocation and 48.38% of the proposed revised cost. The physical progress has been reported at 70%, with partial completion of training, technology support, and institutional capacity-building components. The project has also supported research and development (R&D) grants for export-oriented firms as well as partnerships with international institutions for feasibility studies and technical designs. Feasibility studies were earlier carried out by Global Development Solutions (GDS), PWC, EY, and CSI, followed by a detailed study by a joint venture of E-Zone HRM Ltd (Bangladesh), IL&FS (India) and TGI (Thailand), which recommended specific land, infrastructure, and machinery plans for the technology centres. The Planning Commission observed that the project remains crucial for export diversification and industrial competitiveness, especially in non-traditional sectors. It noted that EC4J aligns with the Eighth Five-Year Plan and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which focuses on inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and enhancing the role of industry in employment and GDP growth. Standard passenger services to be ensured at HSIA’s new terminal: Adviser Bashir Once completed, the project is expected to boost SME development, strengthen the country’s light engineering capacity, and create direct and indirect employment in multiple industrial zones in Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, Munshiganj, Narayanganj, and Kishoreganj. The Ministry of Commerce has now forwarded the third revision proposal to the Planning Commission for its evaluation and subsequent submission to ECNEC for approval. Officials expect that with the additional year and revised financial allocations, both technology centres can be completed and made operational within the new timeframe, helping to achieve the project’s long-term export competitiveness objectives.

Two major bridges in Sunamganj’s Tahirpur upazila, together worth Tk 130 crore, remain incomplete nearly seven years after construction began, despite repeated deadline extensions and the disbursement of over 80 percent of project funds. The projects, the ‘Shah Arefin–Advaita Maitri Bridge and the Dampur Bazar Bridge’, were launched to boost communication, trade and tourism in the remote, resource-rich border region. But, delays, poor management and disputes between the contractor and authorities have left both structures in limbo. According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), construction of the 750-metre Maitri Bridge over the Jadukata River at Binnakuli Bazar began on 4 December 2018, with an estimated cost of Tk 85.99 crore. The contractor, Toma Construction & Co. Ltd, owned by Awami League leader Lion Jahangir Alam Manik, received Tk 67.61 crore in payments. Teesta cries for survival as northern Bangladesh’s lifeline runs dry The 450-metre Dampur Bazar–Baliaghat New Market Bridge over the Patlai River, estimated at Tk 43.76 crore, has already seen Tk 35.56 crore disbursed. Its initial completion date was set for 2021. Although LGED officials claim that 78 percent of the Maitri Bridge and 85 percent of the Dampur Bridge have been completed, locals strongly contest these figures, saying visible progress falls far short of the money spent. A recent visit to the sites revealed desolate scenes -- scattered building materials, deserted makeshift offices, and no active construction. Locals say work has been stalled for months, with no sign of the contractor’s staff. “The contractor’s team has disappeared,” said Tofazzal Hossain, president of the Charagaon-Barchhara Workers’ Welfare Association. “If this bridge were completed, thousands of people in the border areas — including farmers, labourers, and traders — would benefit greatly.” Deadlock between two departments brings Gomti Bridge Project to standstill The incomplete bridges have caused immense frustration among residents. Locals from Tahirpur, Bishwambharpur, Madhyanagar and Dharmapasha upazilas say the projects were expected to transform transport and trade for over a million people, improving links with Sunamganj, Netrakona, and Dhaka. “This bridge could have changed our communication network entirely,” said Shahin Ahmed, a resident of Binnakuli. “But even after seven years, it remains half-built.” Md Nasir, project manager at Toma Construction, said the company had suffered major setbacks due to floods and the pandemic. “We lost millions of taka in materials when floodwaters damaged pillars and submerged our equipment. Despite the losses, we are trying to finish the project within the next six months.” LGED officials, however, say the contractor has already been terminated for failing to meet the deadline. Darshana Railway Station falls silent as cross-border trade grinds to a halt District LGED Executive Engineer Md Anwar Hossain confirmed that the contract with Toma Construction was cancelled. “We have prepared a new estimate for the remaining work and sent it to the project office. It was returned for revision, but we will resubmit it soon. Once approved, a new tender will be floated to appoint another contractor,” he said.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just about ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, or Perplexity; in an age charged with the excitement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, billions of dollars are being poured into AI and automation as global tech giants compete fiercely, and this technological wave has now reached Bangladesh as well. When businessman Selim Hossain called a private bank’s customer service recently, he expected to go through the usual menu options. Instead, he encountered something entirely different. “An AI answered my call. It responded exactly as a human executive would — it felt like I was talking to a real customer service officer on a personal line,” he said, still astonished by the experience. It is not just banking. Where once large customer service teams were required, now most tasks are handled through AI chatbots, and these have already evolved beyond text-based chat to live voice calls. Starlink officially launched in Bangladesh Faraz Ahmed, CEO of Global Leads Telesolution, a local teleservice company, said the industry has transformed drastically over the past five years. “Previously, handling foreign clients required at least 15–20 team members, sometimes even 50 for large companies. Now, five people can manage an entire teleservice team — thanks to AI and automation,” he said. He explained that AI can be trained to handle specific client interactions. Human intervention is only needed when an issue arises. “By subscribing to advanced AI software instead of maintaining large teams, we’ve redefined the entire teleservice job structure in Bangladesh,” Faraz added. In the private job market, the familiar ‘curriculum vitae’ or ‘résumé’ is also seeing a shift. According to a study titled ‘Application of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management: A Bangladesh Perspective’ by the University Library of Munich, most Bangladeshi companies now use AI-based automation for CV and résumé screening. AI is not only handling candidate screening but also the first stages of interviews. Various applications now replicate the functions of an entire HR team. Mahmudul Hasan, Assistant Manager in the HR department of a software company, said most firms now rely on AI for attendance tracking, résumé screening, and even conducting preliminary interviews. Starlink: CA Prof Yunus greets all involved He mentioned AI-powered software like Olivia, HireVue, Leena, and Latis, which can conduct video interviews and assess candidates’ coding skills — even through complex tasks that human evaluators might find challenging. “In a mid-sized company, an HR manager might earn around Tk 150,000 a month for tasks like talent acquisition, interviewing, attendance and performance checks. A single AI software can now handle all that for just Tk 100,000–200,000 a year,” Hasan noted. In Bangladesh’s garment industry, the once-common position of ‘supervisor’ is disappearing fast. “Our sewing machines now have screens displaying daily targets. If production falls below 50%, a red light flashes; above 70%, orange; and 100% completion triggers a green light,” explained one worker. This monitoring system is now entirely AI-driven. A semi-automated application named Nidle is commonly used in the sector to track how long each worker operates a sewing machine and how much time is spent idle. AI is also transforming video editing, content writing and voiceover work. Shamim Ahmed, CEO of View Motion360, a contract-based video content production firm, said Adobe’s AI tools have made their work much easier. OpenAI adopts new business model, keeps Microsoft as key partner “With Adobe Firefly, we can now handle graphics, image generation, and video editing with basic skills. In a few years, Photoshop and Premiere Pro will become fully AI-driven. Then, professional-quality content can be produced without hiring designers or editors,” Shamim added. A 2019 UNDP study on Bangladesh’s job market projected that by 2030, around 5.38 million people may lose their jobs as automation replaces traditional roles. To survive, workers will need to adapt and upskill in line with new technologies. According to a 2023 McKinsey study, half of all jobs worldwide could be AI-driven by 2060 — meaning offices that once needed 100 employees may function more efficiently with 50 or fewer. Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Reading, UK, Dr Niaz Asadullah, cautioned that Bangladesh’s pace of automation is outstripping the development of a skilled workforce. “Pursuing automation without upskilling people will lead to severe unemployment,” he warned. He urged the government to overhaul the education system to ensure graduates leave with practical skills. “Existing workers also need proper training to remain relevant in an automated economy,” he added. Bangladeshi IT expert Imtiaz Hasan, now working as a cybersecurity researcher at trading firm Deriv in Malaysia, said, “Many think automation is a threat to humans — but it’s actually two-sided. If you fall behind, AI becomes a threat. If you adapt and upskill, AI becomes your tool.” He emphasised that while Bangladesh is advancing in automation and AI, the country should now focus on developing homegrown software and building a skilled, automation-resilient workforce instead of relying solely on foreign solutions.    

Once a mighty river that breathed life into northern Bangladesh, the Teesta now lies silent and broken, as its shimmering waters replaced by stretches of sand and its flow reduced to a faint memory for the millions who once depended on it. The lifeline of two crore people lies gasping for breath as its waters vanishing, its banks eroding and its people left clinging to the memories of a river that once defined their existence. Once a symbol of abundance, locals said, the Teesta today survives only in fragments, swelling briefly during monsoon, then receding into a barren desert of cracked sandbanks as winter approaches. The river’s decline has plunged the lives of Teesta basin residents into uncertainty, threatening their farms, fisheries and future. By late October, the mighty Teesta had already dried up, long before the arrival of the dry season. According to the Water Development Board (WDB), water flow at the Teesta Barrage point over the past 10 days averaged only 17,000 cusecs and continues to drop daily. As the water disappears, so too does the livelihood of thousands. Farmers and fishermen along the Teesta’s banks say they are ‘dying along with the river’, WDB officials said. Experts trace the beginning of this decline to the construction of India’s barrages at Gajoldoba near the Teesta’s entry point and at Doani in Lalmonirhat, which disrupted the river’s natural flow. Over time, its life-giving waters have been diverted through canals, leaving vast stretches of the riverbed dry. Standing along the Teesta today, one can almost hear what locals describe as the ‘sigh of a dying river’, echoing across endless sand where strong currents once flowed. Youth in Lalmonirhat stage flash mob demanding ‘Teesta Mega Project’ The river’s navigability has dropped so drastically that irrigation under the Teesta Barrage — the country’s largest irrigation project — may face severe challenges in the coming dry season. Large parts of the riverbed now lie exposed, marked only by shallow pools and scattered dunes, according to the officials. Originating from Himalayan glaciers, the Teesta flows through India’s Sikkim, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri before entering Bangladesh through Dahagram in Lalmonirhat. From there, it meanders through Nilphamari, Rangpur and Gaibandha before merging with the Brahmaputra. Once, its fertile chars produced rice, jute, maize, sesame and vegetables in abundance, shaping the region’s agriculture, culture and livelihoods. However, the construction of the Gajoldoba Barrage in 1983 disrupted Teesta’s natural course — triggering water shortages in dry months and devastating floods in monsoon. According to WDB data, more than 20,000 families have been displaced by river erosion in the past decade, with nearly 35 kilometres of riverbank severely eroded. Recently, a 350-metre stretch of the Teesta bridge protection embankment at Mahipur in Lalmonirhat caved into the river. In Kurigram’s Ulipur upazila, over 100 homes have been lost to erosion, while in Gangachara more than 50 families have been displaced. Hundreds more remain marooned in four villages of Rajarhat upazila. For years, residents of northern Bangladesh have taken to the streets under the slogan ‘Save Teesta, Save North Bengal’. Environmental activists and locals have recently organised human chains, sit-ins and torch processions across Rangpur division, demanding immediate action. Movement intensifies as Teesta activists announce ‘Silent Rangpur’ campaign in 5 districts