United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is keen to see bilateral relations return to normalcy on the basis of ‘mutual respect and mutual gains,’ as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman prepares to visit India on a ‘goodwill’ trip this week which comes amid increased engagement between the two countries in recent weeks. Although Dhaka prefers to describe the trip as a ‘goodwill visit,’ officials told UNB that it will involve substantive discussions with New Delhi to ‘better understand current dynamics’ and to raise issues of key importance to Bangladesh. In addition to his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Dr. Khalilur is scheduled to hold talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Bangladesh will reiterate its request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as well as seek the swift return of other accused individuals including prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud who was arrested in Kolkata in connection with the killing of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, convenor of the Inqilab Mancha. “It may take time but we want to see their return as soon as possible,” a senior official told UNB, referring to extradition of accused (Hadi’s murder).  Dhaka will also urge a more positive approach from India regarding the full resumption of visa services, noting that India stands to benefit significantly from medical tourism. Border management will be another key issue, with Bangladesh emphasising that it does not want to see any loss of life along the border. The two sides are also expected to discuss energy cooperation, water-sharing of common rivers, and measures to ease trade barriers. The Foreign Minister is scheduled to depart for New Delhi on Tuesday afternoon, before continuing on to Mauritius. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kabir will accompany him during the New Delhi leg of the visit. Both sides are now working to retune bilateral relations, a move that could usher in a new phase of cooperation on a range of issues important to both Dhaka and Delhi and lend genuine momentum to the relationship, officials said. This will mark the first high-level visit to India since the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, assumed office, following a period of significant strain in bilateral relations. “The meeting between the two foreign ministers will be held in New Delhi on April 8,” a senior official told UNB, without elaborating further. Bangladesh and India share deep-rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities, said an official, noting that in any bilateral meeting all issues of mutual interest come up for discussion. The two Foreign Ministers are likely to discuss cooperation in the areas of energy, water sharing, border management, visa, people-to-people ties, he said adding that a future visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India may also come up for discussion at the meeting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already invited Prime Minister Tarique, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman to pay a visit to India at a convenient time. “I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India,” Modi said in his letter handed over to PM Tarique by Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla who represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Modi said he looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Tarique to strengthen their multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance their common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Asked whether the Prime Minister would consider India for his first bilateral visit, a diplomatic source told UNB that Bangladesh would take a decision “creatively” on the matter. Forward-Looking Ties Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Monday reaffirmed India’s intent to work together with the Government and the people of Bangladesh in a ‘positive, constructive and forward-looking manner’ based on mutual interest and mutual benefit. The Indian envoy conveyed the intent when he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his office. They discussed bilateral engagement with focus on people-centric cooperation in multiple domains aligned with the national development priorities of the two countries, said the High Commission after the meeting. The discussions focused  on enhancing cooperation in a wide range of areas including public health, financial inclusion, women‘s empowerment, rural development, bilateral trade and investment, ease of doing business, technology partnerships, and power and energy cooperation. The High Commissioner underlined that India-Bangladesh cooperation should transform their geographical proximity into new opportunities by strengthening economic and connectivity linkages, and by enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Water Sharing Issues The subject of water is widely seen as a sensitive issue and Bangladesh always keeps talking about its long pending request for concluding the agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalised in 2011. The two countries share 54 common rivers, including the Teesta. In India’s federal scheme of things, nothing is done without consultations with the State Government and any agreement that they conclude will have to be acceptable to the State Government of India; at the same time, it would also have to be acceptable to Bangladesh, officials said. The Bangladesh-India Ganga/Ganges Water Treaty was signed on December 12, 1996 and is expiring in December this year. As discussions for its renewal are yet to commence between the two countries, officials said this might be one of the issues to be discussed this time. In July 2024, the governments of Bangladesh and India had decided to begin discussions on renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. The discussions are yet to commence in this regard and no fresh agreement has been ratified between the two countries. The Indian side had offered to renew it in 2024 but the interim government did not pursue it at that time, a diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB. Inputs on drinking water and industrial water requirements have also been received from all stakeholders including from the government of West Bengal, which have been taken into account while formulating the Indian government’s views. Visa Issues Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, in his recent meetings with the Ministers in Dhaka, explored new areas for future collaboration in people-centric domains aligned with the respective developmental priorities of the two countries based on mutual interest and mutual benefit. The two sides also discussed various aspects of Bangladesh-India economic cooperation, including ways to strengthen transport, energy and digital connectivity between the two countries. At the foreign minister–level meeting, the Bangladesh side is expected to raise the visa issue as tourist visas for Bangladeshis have remained suspended since July 2024 on security grounds. Indian visa centres in Bangladesh are still understaffed, suggesting that a full resumption of services may take time, a diplomatic source said, adding that the restart will be announced once finalised. India thinks the two countries can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. Bangladesh and India on Thursday discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. The issues were discussed when Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah met Indian Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi at the South Block. They also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security. The envoy said he was pleased to meet General Upendra Dwivedi and reflect on Bangladesh-India ties, including defence cooperation.  

A renewed surge in piracy in the Sundarbans is placing coastal livelihoods at  risk as fishermen, woodcutters, and honey collectors face abduction and extortion in the forest. At least six fishermen who were allegedly abducted by pirate gangs have returned home after their families paid ransom, said their families. Family members said Anarul, Imran, and Sushanta returned early Saturday while Saddam, Yunus Ali, and Saiful Islam came back on Friday morning. The fishermen were reportedly abducted on March 30 from Chunkuri, Malancha, and Mamundo rivers by groups identifying themselves as the ‘Don’ and ‘Alif alias Alim’ gangs. Victims’ families said Tk 40,000 was paid for Saddam’s release, while Tk 35,000 each was paid for Anarul, Sushanta, and Imran.  Besides, Tk 25,000 each was reportedly paid for release of Yunus Ali and Saiful Islam. However, four other abducted fishermen, including Enamul and Hazrat, are still missing, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Fishermen who regularly travel to the Sundarbans, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that pirate groups have moved deeper into the forest with the remaining hostages. They said this shift followed increased operations by law enforcement agencies after the State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change instructed authorities on April 1 to make the Sundarbans free of piracy. Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police have intensified patrols in the area, which may have pressured the pirate groups to relocate. However, police said they have not received formal complaints. Md. Fazlul Haque, station officer of Burigoalini in Satkhira Range, said that no families have officially informed them about the abductions or the releases. Shyamnagar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Md. Khaledur Rahman said that in many such cases families try to resolve the situation quietly due to fears for the victims’ lives. “They often avoid informing law enforcement agencies because of the risk involved. Police are treating the matter seriously.” In a separate incident, forest officials have detained seven honey collectors near the Notabeki patrol outpost inside a protected sanctuary area of the Sundarbans. They were allegedly collecting honey without permission. Due to poor network coverage in the remote area, authorities have yet to confirm their identities. The resurgence of piracy follows years of relative calm. The much-awaited honey collection season in the Sundarbans began on April 1 but honey collectors voiced concern about the recent increase in the activities of forest-based criminal groups including incidents of abductions for ransom. Several honey collectors have reportedly chosen to stay away from the forest this season due to mounting extortion demands. One honey collector, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that robbers demanded Tk 10,000 from each collector, and many groups were forced to pay, discouraging others from entering the Sundarbans for honey collection. The Forest Department stated that it has taken steps to ensure the safety of honey collectors and has advised them to follow guidelines aimed at protecting forest resources. The Sundarbans were declared pirate-free in 2018, but attacks have reportedly increased under the interim administration.

A severe shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH), the largest public healthcare facility in northern Bangladesh, is putting critically ill patients at grave risk amid limited access to life-saving support. Hospital director Brig Gen Ashikur Rahman said between March 1 and April 5, 29 of the 79 patients admitted to the ICU died — a figure that underscores the mounting pressure on the already stretched critical care system. Despite serving eight districts in the Rangpur division, the hospital has only 10 ICU beds, far short of the growing demand. Patients suffering from stroke, pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions are among those seeking admission, many of whom remain in critical condition. Doctors and health experts say the high death toll is linked not only to the shortage of beds but also to inadequate facilities including a lack of modern equipment and trained personnel. Saiful Islam, a resident of Domar upazila in Nilphamari, has been trying for weeks to secure an ICU bed for his critically ill wife Arzina Begum. “After 24 days of struggle, we finally managed a bed,” he said, describing the ordeal. For many others, access to ICU care remains uncertain. “Getting an ICU bed now depends on luck,” said Sonali Begum, a patient’s relative. “Many patients are being turned away due to a lack of beds. We can only wait and hope.” Another relative, Zainal Ahmed, said the high cost of private healthcare leaves families with few alternatives. “Private hospitals charge Tk 30,000 to Tk 40,000 per day for ICU care. We cannot afford that, so we wait here. But by the time a bed becomes available, it may be too late,” he said. The 1,000-bed hospital treats between 2,500 and 3,000 patients daily, far exceeding its capacity. “Six months ago, we couldn’t get an ICU bed. Now it’s the same situation,” said another relative. “We don’t have the money for private hospitals. Where should we go?” Hospital sources said the demand for ICU services is rising daily but limited beds and equipment prevent many patients from being admitted. Health experts have termed the situation unacceptable for a divisional-level public hospital. They said expanding ICU capacity must go beyond increasing beds — requiring modern ventilators, life-support systems, and trained doctors and nurses. “In the current reality, many patients are forced to seek treatment at private facilities which are beyond the reach of most people,” said a public health expert, adding that poor patients are often left without care. Dr Md Alfe Sani Moudud Ahmed, assistant professor of Critical Care Medicine at RMCH, said the actual number of deaths outside the ICU remains unknown. “If so many patients are dying inside the ICU, we have no data on how many are dying outside without access to critical care,” he said. “At least 10 percent of the 2,500 to 3,000 daily patients need ICU support. That means we need around 100 ICU beds.” “With only 10 beds, we are struggling to provide services. Without increasing equipment and skilled manpower, the situation will worsen,” he added. Hospital Director Brig Gen Ashikur Rahman said authorities are trying to deliver the best possible care with limited resources. “We have informed the higher authorities about the need to increase ICU beds. We hope for a quick solution,” he said.

Thousands of hectares of boro paddy in Sunamganj’s haor areas are under threat as severe waterlogging triggered by unusually heavy upstream rainfall continues to inundate croplands across the district. The situation has turned critical since the last week of March when excessive rainfall in upstream catchment areas caused rivers to swell and overflow, sending water rushing into the low-lying haors. Farmers are now locked in a dispute over how to manage the excess water. While those in the upper haors are pressing to cut embankments to ease waterlogging, downstream farmers are resisting the move, fearing their fields will be submerged. According to official data, at least 1,189 hectares of boro land have already gone under water. Sources at the Water Development Board (WDB) said 710 Project Implementation Committees (PICs) were formed this season across 53 haors to construct crop protection embankments. Although earthwork has been completed turfing is still underway in many areas. Rainfall data shows a sharp increase this year, with Sunamganj recording around 200 millimetres of rain in March compared to just 5 millimetres during the same period last year. “The excessive rainwater from upstream has overflowed rivers and entered haors from multiple points,” said a senior WDB official. An emergency meeting held by the district administration on March 31 was followed by field inspections to assess drainage requirements. Khulna division reports 56 suspected measles cases in 24 hours Authorities have so far cut embankments in at least 10 haors on a limited scale to release trapped water. However, tensions among farmers persist. “If farmers in the upper areas cut the dams, those downstream resist to protect their crops,” said Md Selim, a resident of Mohanpur village in Sunamganj Sadar upazila. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), boro has been cultivated on 223,511 hectares in more than 200 haors in the district this season. “If fully harvested, the crop could yield around 1.4 million tonnes of rice, with an estimated market value of Tk 5,050 crore,” said DAE Deputy Director Md Omar Faruk. “But farmers now fear significant losses due to waterlogging and the possibility of further heavy rainfall,” he said. Waterlogging has already affected several haors, including Mini Pagnar, Halir, Kailani, Chhayar, Putiyar, Dakuar, Joalbhanga and Kanlar. Local farmers complained that many natural drainage canals have been encroached upon or filled up over the years, worsening the situation. Chittaranjan Talukder, vice-president of Haor Banchao Andolan, said early and intense rainfall has overwhelmed the natural water bodies. “Rivers, canals and beels that usually act as reservoirs are already full and overflowing. Waterlogging is widespread, and farmers are struggling to cope,” he said. adding that proper dredging of rivers and wetlands could help mitigate the crisis. WDB Executive Engineer Mamun Howlader said emergency drainage   efforts are underway. “Rainfall in both Cherrapunji and Sunamganj has been significantly higher this year. Some haors are already being drained,” he said. Officials warned that the situation may worsen, with heavy rainfall forecast for April 6–7. “As the season progresses timely intervention is crucial to prevent large-scale crop losses,” said Omar Faruk. With uncertainty looming, haor farmers are now anxiously waiting for effective measures to save their standing crops.

Beneath the quiet agricultural landscape of Pirganj upazila in Rangpur lies a long-standing but largely untapped story of coal reserves and iron-rich mineral deposits, now drawing renewed attention from policymakers and experts. Recent reviews of historical data, alongside ongoing exploration, have highlighted the significant potential of the Khalashpir coalfield and surrounding areas. However, officials said comprehensive feasibility studies are still needed before any commercial extraction can begin. A resource identified decades ago Interest in Khalashpir dates back to 1959–62  when the then Geological Survey of Pakistan first identified coal potential in the Gondwana Basin during exploratory work in the area. Further exploration by Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) in 1989–90 involved drilling four wells across a 25-square-kilometre area. Three of these confirmed the presence of high-quality bituminous coal at depths between 257 and 451 metres. Initial estimates indicated around 143 million metric tonnes of coal within a 2.52-square-kilometre zone. Later studies suggested significantly larger reserves, according to official documents gleaned by UNB. In 2006, a study by CJMDC estimated approximately 705.69 million tonnes of coal across a 7.62-square-kilometre area. Around the same time, Hosaf International Ltd., in collaboration with a consortium including Shandong-Ludi and Xinwen Mining Group, conducted a techno-economic feasibility study after obtaining a licence from the Bureau of Mineral Development. During 2005–06, the consortium drilled 11 additional boreholes, leading to a preliminary estimate of about 685 million metric tonnes of coal spread over 12.25 square kilometres in Khalashpir coalfield. Need for updated feasibility assessment Despite these promising findings, no commercial extraction has yet taken place. In 2009, the Hydrocarbon Unit reviewed earlier studies with technical assistance from UK-based International Mining Consultants Group Consulting Limited. The review identified limitations in previous assessments and recommended a comprehensive, full-scale feasibility study. Officials say such a study remains essential to evaluate environmental, technical and economic viability before any final decision is made. “Existing data are encouraging, but not sufficient for commercial development,” an official said. “A detailed and updated feasibility study is required.” Iron-rich mineral potential In addition to coal, Pirganj has also shown promise for iron-rich mineral deposits. Geological exploration in Shanerhat area during 1965–66 revealed the presence of metal-rich ores. Subsequent drilling by the GSB in 1999–2000 and again in the 2023–24 fiscal year confirmed the presence of iron and other metallic elements through preliminary analysis. A new exploration well is currently being drilled in the Chhota Paharpur (Shanerhat) area to determine the extent of the resource and assess its suitability for commercial extraction. Experts say further drilling and detailed laboratory analysis will be necessary to confirm the quantity and quality of these deposits. Balancing development and sustainability While the findings offer potential opportunities for reducing import dependence and strengthening the energy and industrial sectors, experts stress the need for careful planning. Coal mining, particularly in densely populated and agricultural regions, poses environmental and social challenges including land use, water management and displacement risks. Similarly, any development of iron ore resources will require strong regulatory oversight and environmental safeguards. Officials emphasised that future decisions will be guided by scientific evidence and sustainability considerations. “The potential is significant, but development must be responsible and well-planned,” an energy sector official said.

For decades land-related services in Bangladesh have been synonymous with long queues, opaque procedures and the pervasive influence of middlemen. From mutation delays to disputes over records, the system has often tested citizens’ patience and at times their finances. Now, the Ministry of Land is attempting a major reset. Through a comprehensive “Digitalised Land Management” initiative, the government is rolling out a series of reforms aimed at simplifying land services, ensuring transparency and making the system more citizen-friendly. At the heart of this transformation is the digitisation of the mutation process — a crucial step in updating land ownership records. Citizens can now apply for mutation through the land.gov.bd portal and track the status of their applications in real time, eliminating the need for repeated visits to land offices. Officials told UNB that the changes are designed to reduce human intervention, long considered a key source of delays and irregularities. A strict 28-day deadline has been introduced for completing mutation applications. Failure to meet this timeline without valid justification could lead to accountability measures against the responsible officials — a move that signals a shift towards time-bound public service delivery. To further enhance transparency, digital Khatiyans (Records of Rights) with QR codes are now being issued. These can be verified instantly online, reducing the risk of forgery and disputes over authenticity. The reforms also extend to financial transactions. Mutation fees can now be paid through Mobile Financial Services (MFS), making the process cashless. Officials said this will significantly curb opportunities for bribery at the local level. “Cash transactions with land offices have long been a source of harassment. Going digital effectively closes that door,” said a senior ministry official. Besides, once a mutation is completed, land holdings are generated automatically, while corrections to Khatiyans are processed through the system with minimal manual handling. Applicants are kept informed through automated SMS updates — a small but significant step towards improving user experience. The digital push is not limited to records and transactions. The government has launched the Bangladesh Digital Survey (BDS) using drones and advanced technology to create accurate land maps. Officials expect this to reduce boundary disputes — one of the most common triggers of litigation. Land disputes remain a major burden on Bangladesh’s judicial system. Around 80 percent of all civil and criminal cases are land-related. Nearly one in seven households — roughly four million families — is entangled in such disputes, many of which drag on for years, even decades. By improving accuracy in land records and mapping, authorities hope to address the root causes of these conflicts. Access to land information is also being expanded. Citizens can now view Khatiyans for any mouza online and request certified copies via post for a fixed fee, bypassing brokers who have traditionally dominated the process. However, officials acknowledge that not all citizens are digitally equipped. To bridge this gap, the government has introduced the “Land Service Support Guidelines 2025,” paving the way for around 900 private-sector-led service centres across the country. These centres assist people in filing digital applications for a nominal charge. Accountability mechanisms are also being strengthened. Under the “Land Service Complaint Management Guidelines 2026,” citizens can file complaints online or seek assistance through a 24/7 hotline. A dedicated Citizen Service Centre has already been set up at Bhumi Bhaban in Tejgaon, with plans to expand similar facilities nationwide. Despite the ambitious scope of the reforms, challenges remain — from ensuring digital literacy to maintaining system integrity across rural areas. Yet, for many citizens long frustrated by the complexities of land administration the shift signals hope. Jahanara Begum, a widow and a resident of Shantibagh, said, “I had to visit the land office more than 7/8 times for mutation purposes but my file did not move until I sought help from an influential person.” “I have seen how ordinary people suffer there. I hope digitisation will help ease public suffering,” she added. The government’s stated goal is clear: to build a system where land services are accessible, efficient and free from harassment and where the role of middlemen is reduced to zero. Whether this digital transformation can fully deliver on that promise will depend on its implementation. But for now, it marks a significant step towards modernising one of the country’s most problematic public service sectors.    

At the heart of Chuadanga district town stands a nearly 250-year-old three-domed mosque, a timeless symbol of faith, philanthropy and the region’s rich cultural heritage. Locally known as the Boro Mosque or Minar Mosque, the historic structure was founded in 1208 Hijri (around 1786 AD) by Kusum Bibi, a devout woman who donated 73 decimals of land and personally financed its construction. Widely regarded as the first mosque in the district town, locals say it was from here that the first Azan echoed across the area, marking the beginning of organised religious life in the region. Over the centuries, the mosque has served not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for Islamic education and community activities, maintaining its importance through the British and Pakistan periods and into independent Bangladesh. A legacy rooted in faith and generosity According to local accounts, Kusum Bibi led a simple life and was deeply committed to the welfare of people. Folklore suggests she discovered some earthen pots filled with gold coins while building her house.  

Bangladesh’s economy is grappling with intensifying pressure from multiple fronts  including the Middle East conflict and a volatile energy market which experts warn could destabilise macroeconomic stability. Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, chairman of think-tank Policy Exchange Bangladesh, told UNB that recent geopolitical tensions have sparked fresh concerns over energy security, threatening to disrupt power generation, industrial output, and the agricultural sector. A former World Bank economist, Dr. Reaz said the combination of internal structural weaknesses and external shocks poses a significant challenge for the government. “Middle East conflict and energy volatility, the escalating military activity involving the US, Israel, and Iran has sent ripples through the international energy market. Analysts fear that a prolonged conflict will lead to severe supply chain disruptions,” he added. Crucially, uncertainty of free vessel movement in the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ and Qatar Energy has reportedly declared "Force Majeure" on several long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply contracts due to production setbacks. This development threatens gas supplies to major economies like South Korea, China, and parts of Europe, potentially driving up global oil and gas prices. For an import-dependent nation like Bangladesh, this translates into higher transport costs and immediate inflationary pressure on essential goods, said economic analysts Dr. Reaz. Domestic supply concerns amidst global volatility, domestic fuel supply has come under scrutiny. Despite reports of long queues at petrol pumps and claims of shortages from pump owners, the government maintains that stocks are sufficient, he pointed out. Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, attributed the pressure to "panic buying." He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary hoarding, assuring that supply would remain steady if demand followed normal patterns. Economists warn that fuel shortages will hit every sector of the economy. Gas-dependent sectors such as RMG, textiles, cement, and fertilizer face production cuts, which could shrink export earnings and deplete foreign exchange reserves. Scarcity of diesel and octane threatens irrigation and mechanized farming, raising fears of reduced food production. Increased production and transport costs are expected to drive the cost of living even higher. Politicians and Experts warning that the political landscape is also reacting to the crisis, which would be affected living cost of people. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that the Middle East war could have a devastating impact on the national economy, specifically citing the inevitable rise in oil and commodity prices. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), described the energy and banking sectors as the "two lungs" of the economy—both of which are currently in a weakened state. He emphasized that the government must prioritize four areas: maintaining macroeconomic stability, reforming the banking sector, ensuring energy security, and boosting private investment. CPD reports a decline in private sector credit flow due to high interest rates. The closure of several industries and the migration of some entrepreneurs have exacerbated the employment crisis. Furthermore, the banking sector remains high-risk due to a massive volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) and a lack of good governance. Experts suggest that to mitigate these pressures, Bangladesh must intensify domestic gas exploration, find cost-effective LNG sources, and implement rigorous banking reforms. Whether the current administration can navigate these global and domestic hurdles remains the primary focus of the nation’s economists and business community.

When a speeding train slammed into a bus at Padua Bazar in Cumilla killing 12 people recently, it was not just another accident—it was a stark reminder of a long-ignored danger along Cumilla’s railway tracks. Unprotected and poorly managed level crossings across Cumilla have turned into deadly traps. Over 350 lives in the past five years and leaving over a thousand others injured, said Md Jashim Uddin, Laksham railway police station Officer-in-Charge. The tragedy was not an isolated incident it was yet another reminder of a long-standing crisis. Spread across a 102-kilometre rail network, the district has more than 150 authorised and unauthorised crossings. Many of them lack basic safety system, making accidents—both minor and fatal—a frequent occurrence and posing constant risks to pedestrians and commuters. The Padua Bazar crash has once again brought the issue into sharp focus. A pattern of recurring tragedies The latest accident fits into a disturbing pattern. In 2024, seven passengers of an autorickshaw were killed after being hit by a train at an illegal crossing in Kalikapur under Burichang. In 2023, five people died in a similar accident in Tuguria area of Monohorgonj. In 2022, three schoolgirls were killed after being run over by a train near a railway gate in Bijoypur under Cumilla Sadar South. Earlier, in 2011, eight people lost their lives in a train-bus collision on an unauthorised level crossing in Shashidal of Brahmanpara. According to railway data, at least 347 people were officially recorded killed in train accidents in the Cumilla region over the past five years. However, the actual figure is believed to be significantly higher, as many incidents go unreported or are not formally documented. A network riddled with risks Data from railway sources highlight the scale of the problem as on  Laksam–Noakhali route (22 km), there are 14 authorised and 17 unauthorised crossings and Laksam–Chandpur route (14 km), there are 4 authorised and 13 unauthorised crossings. Besides, Along the Dhaka–Chattogram corridor within Cumilla (66 km), there are 66 authorised and 74 unauthorised crossings. Experts say the big number of illegal crossings significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, as most lack gates, signals, or personnel. Encroachment along railway tracks, nearby markets and settlements, reckless driving, and a lack of public awareness further compound the risks. Allegations of negligence by gatekeepers also surface after many incidents. Calls for accountability and urgent action Local rights activists say the problem has been ignored for years. Abdul Halim Majumder, general secretary of Cumilla Dakshin unit of Cumilla Bachao Manch, stressed the need to bring illegal crossings under strict control. He also called for extending the railway overpass at Padua Bazar and constructing another overpass on the Laksam–Noakhali road. OC Jasim Uddin said , “Without greater awareness and caution, it is difficult to prevent railway accidents.” Steps underway, but concerns remain Railway officials say initiatives have been taken to reduce the number of illegal crossings and improve monitoring of gatekeepers. Sub-assistant engineers Md Anisuzzaman and Golam Sarwar said efforts are ongoing to enhance safety system and minimise risks. Yet for residents who cross the tracks every day, the danger remains immediate and real.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set a series of key priorities including ensuring energy security, safeguarding Bangladeshi expatriates and expanding the trade and investment opportunities amid global tensions in the wake of the Israel-Iran conflict. A major focus will be to assist the government in facing the challenges arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict including ensuring an adequate supply of fuel oil. The ministry will also prioritise support for Bangladeshi expatriates in the Gulf region, working closely with host countries to minimise any adverse impact of the conflict on their employment. Ensuring access for Bangladeshi products to global markets and exploring new export destinations will remain another key priority,according to an official document. The ministry will support the effective implementation of existing trade agreements and consider new ones with major partners including the European Union and South Korea. It will also work in coordination with relevant government agencies including Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)to accelerate foreign investment in priority sectors. Expanding overseas employment opportunities will be another focus area. The ministry plans to explore new labour markets, enhance skills and training, reduce migration costs, and pursue a comprehensive migration policy to curb unethical practices in manpower export. A Foreign Ministry official told UNB that manpower export and the welfare of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) are central to the country’s current foreign policy. “However, our labour market is heavily dependent on the Middle East. The safety of our remittance earners has become a major concern amid the ongoing conflict. Ensuring their security is a top priority,” the official said. He added that diplomatic efforts are being strengthened to diversify labour markets. “In addition to the Middle East, initiatives are underway to send skilled workers to emerging markets in Europe, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Eastern Europe,” he said. Bangladesh missions abroad have also been instructed to strengthen emergency services to ensure the safety and rights of expatriates. According to the official document, economic diplomacy remains the government’s top priority. Efforts are ongoing to expand trade, investment, technology and energy cooperation with key partners such as Japan, China, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom and European countries. The Foreign Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Commerce, BIDA and BEZA to identify new opportunities and expand market access for Bangladeshi products. Potential markets include the Middle East—particularly Gulf countries as well as Latin America and Africa. On society's margins, even Eid isn't always a day of joy and celebration There is significant scope to boost exports of ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and jute products, alongside cooperation in agriculture, energy and sports. The official also highlighted the importance of people-to-people diplomacy in projecting Bangladesh globally as an emerging economy with a tolerant society and a dynamic young population. “Embassies have been instructed to actively promote Bangladesh’s positive image. We are also considering greater engagement with expatriates to leverage their experience, networks and success to boost investment and trade,” he added. Two Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries due to missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on March 2  said they will do everything for the Bangladeshis to ensure their welfare and safety of its citizens amid current situation in the Middle East. "They are our top most priority," said the Adviser, adding that the government is fully supportive of their welfare and protection.