United News of Bangladesh

As many as 669 of 1,455 government primary schools in Rangpur district are running without headteachers, with assistant teachers serving in acting capacities for prolonged periods, disrupting administrative activities and affecting classroom teaching. According to the Rangpur District Primary Education Office, all eight upazilas in the district have vacant headteacher posts. Of the 115 government primary schools in Kaunia, 50 have no headteachers, while 60 of 178 schools in Gangachara, 56 of 75 in Taraganj, 125 of 236 in Pirganj, 94 of 178 in Pirgacha, 110 of 176 in Badarganj, 146 of 275 in Mithapukur and 28 of 222 in Rangpur Sadar are facing the same shortage. Teachers said a section of teachers recruited from non-government primary schools that were later nationalised had filed cases claiming seniority and seeking appointment or promotion to headteacher posts. The cases kept the promotion process for headteachers stalled for several years, they said. Without headteachers, assistant teachers are being assigned acting headteacher responsibilities. However, in many cases, other teachers do not readily accept the authority of someone who continues to hold an assistant teacher’s post, creating difficulties in administrative coordination and official work, many said. Anisur Rahman, acting headteacher of Shiber Bazar Government Primary School in Mithapukur, said he had been performing the additional responsibility since 2025. His school also has three vacant assistant teacher posts, he said. “I have to take classes as an assistant teacher. At the same time, as acting headteacher, I often have to remain outside the school for official work. I cannot take classes properly, and the number of students has also declined,” he said. “The government is not promoting us, nor are new headteachers being appointed. Although I am serving as acting headteacher, I am still an assistant teacher, so other teachers sometimes hesitate to follow my instructions. This problem needs to be resolved quickly,” Anisur said. Amaipur Government Primary School in Mithapukur has also been without a headteacher for several years. Although the school has more than 100 students on its records, local residents said only around 30 to 40 students regularly attend classes. Locals alleged that many people had lost interest in the school as its acting headteacher had failed to restore discipline. However, acting headteacher Muhibul Hasan said the school’s daily activities are running smoothly. He alleged that an “interested group” in the area is spreading misinformation about the institution. A teacher at Shiber Bazar Government Primary School, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the number of teachers at the school has fallen by one since the acting headteacher took charge. “Because of the teacher shortage, we cannot take classes properly even when we want to. The number of students has gradually declined. The problem needs to be resolved urgently,” the teacher said, adding that many teachers in the upazila have become frustrated by the prolonged delay in promotions. Shahidul Islam, president of the Mithapukur upazila unit of the Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association and headteacher of Imadpur Government Primary School, said there had been no recruitment circular for headteacher posts for a long time. The number of vacancies has increased further as many headteachers have retired, he said. “Without headteachers, assistant teachers are not receiving proper guidance to improve the quality of education,” Shahidul said. Rangpur District Primary Education Officer Md Nazrul Islam said the authorities are managing the situation by deputing teachers from other schools, but normal activities are still being affected. “Acting headteachers are performing the responsibilities of headteachers while their posts as assistant teachers are also being retained. Basically, they remain assistant teachers,” he said. Nazrul said the actual number of vacant headteacher posts is higher than the official figure and the shortage is forcing teachers to take multiple classes. He said the cases filed by teachers of nationalised non-government schools over seniority have remained pending in court for a long time. “The process of sending a list of assistant teachers currently performing acting duties to the Public Service Commission for promotion to headteacher posts is underway. The orders will follow. Hopefully, the process will be completed soon,” the official said. He said the promotion process has remained suspended for so long because of the court case, resulting in the current shortage of headteachers. Besides, 387 assistant teachers have been selected for Rangpur district and are awaiting posting, the district primary education officer said. “If they join on October 1, the teacher shortage will be reduced to some extent,” Nazrul added.

Amid rising fuel and electricity costs, solar-powered irrigation pumps are helping farmers in Jhenaidah reduce irrigation costs while earning additional income by selling surplus water to other farmers. According to local sources, 106 solar-powered irrigation pumps have so far been installed in Moheshpur, Kotchandpur and Sadar upazilas of the district. Of these, 32 are located in Moheshpur. The installations include 34 pumps supported by AID Foundation, seven by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and 65 by Wave Foundation, while a number of smaller solar irrigation systems have also been installed in different areas. The Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) is implementing the environment-friendly initiative through its “SMART” project, funded by the World Bank with technical assistance from the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). Solar panels are also being installed at the individual level with support from Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL). Solar power takes root among flower growers Solar-powered irrigation has received a particularly positive response among flower growers in the border areas of Maheshpur. Gafur Mia, a flower grower in the area, said he no longer has to worry about fuel or electricity after installing a solar irrigation pump. “After irrigating my own land, I sell the surplus water to neighbouring farmers, which provides me with additional income,” he said. Farmer Sadikul Rahman, from the same area, established a solar irrigation project with a combination of project loans and grants. He now irrigates his own farmland and provides commercial irrigation services to another 15 bighas of land in the surrounding area.  

The government has unveiled a five-year environmental and climate action plan centred on planting 25 crore trees, restoring degraded forests, expanding mangrove coverage, creating green jobs, promoting climate-resilient agriculture and tightening pollution monitoring. The measures, outlined in the budget document for fiscal 2026-27, seek to combine nature-based climate adaptation with stronger environmental governance, digital monitoring and new financing mechanisms, including carbon trading. The plan comes as Bangladesh faces rising temperatures, increasing salinity in coastal areas, extreme weather and severe air pollution. According to a World Bank report, Bangladesh’s average maximum temperature increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius between 1980 and 2023, while the heat index increased by 4.5 degrees Celsius. Extreme heat in 2024 was estimated to have caused about 250 million lost workdays and cost the economy up to $1.78 billion, or around 0.4 percent of GDP. The government estimates that its planned environmental initiatives could generate around 3.5 lakh green jobs, directly and indirectly, over the coming years. Nearly 10cr saplings targeted in FY27 Under the five-year programme, afforestation will be strengthened on marginal lands along roads, highways, embankments, riverbanks and canal banks. Government forest areas will be restored, while mangrove plantations will be expanded in coastal char areas. The government also plans to intensify afforestation in institutions and homesteads, agroforestry and urban forestry programmes. Degraded sal forests in the hilly areas of Chattogram, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet, as well as forests in the central region, will be brought under restoration programmes. For FY2026-27 alone, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has set a target of planting 4.28 crore saplings on 25,960 hectares under block plantations. Another 3.27 crore saplings will be planted along 3,727 kilometres under strip plantations, while 1.77 crore saplings will be planted over 4,000 hectares under mangrove plantations. A further 56 lakh saplings are targeted under homestead afforestation programmes. Taken together, the four programmes amount to almost 9.9 crore saplings in a single fiscal year, equivalent to nearly 40 percent of the government’s five-year target of 25 crore trees. The government has also finalised an action plan under the “One Child, One Tree Programme” to facilitate the planting of 1 crore trees at the homes and homesteads of students enrolled in government primary schools. Focus on restoring forests and biodiversity The plan goes beyond tree planting, with the government intending to restore 4,500 hectares of encroached forest land and expand protected areas by another 300 hectares. Digital technology will be used to improve transparency in afforestation. GPS- and GIS-based information on areas planted by the Forest Department will be collected and maintained, while a Tree Monitoring App is being developed for maintenance and digital surveillance. The emphasis on biodiversity also comes as Bangladesh updates its assessment of threatened species. The Bangladesh Forest Department and IUCN Bangladesh formally launched a project in January 2026 to update the country’s Faunal Red List, using the latest IUCN categories and criteria. Bangladesh had earlier launched its first Plant Red List in 2024, assessing 1,000 plant species. Under the new government plan, assessments will cover 2,200 wildlife species, including marine species, as part of the updated wildlife Red List. Mangroves enter carbon market strategy The government also plans to bring 50 percent of coastal mangrove forests under carbon trading mechanisms, linking ecosystem conservation with climate finance. Eleven new carbon-trading projects are being pursued under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, according to the budget document. Bangladesh has already established institutional arrangements for an Article 6 carbon market, including a designated national authority and a readiness roadmap. The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry has also been working on a national carbon-market framework, with the government stressing the need for transparency and accountability in carbon-market activities. Climate-resilient agriculture gets priority Agriculture will be another major pillar of the plan, particularly in southern Bangladesh where salinity and water-related stresses increasingly affect farming. The government plans to excavate canals adjacent to rivers in the southern region to reduce soil salinity and improve freshwater availability. Financing will also be provided for developing new crop varieties through organic agriculture, safer fertiliser use and environmentally sustainable production practices. The plan includes promoting salinity-tolerant agriculture and strengthening climate resilience in coastal areas through safe water supplies, sustainable embankments, riverbank protection and cyclone shelters. The World Bank has identified salinity intrusion, water stress and temperature changes as major threats to Bangladesh’s agriculture and has called for greater adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. In coastal Bangladesh, rising sea levels and changes in freshwater flows are also intensifying river salinity, affecting livelihoods, fisheries and food security, according to recent World Bank research. Plastic waste targeted under circular economy model On waste management, the government is moving towards what it calls a “Circular Future Model”, under which waste would increasingly be treated as a resource through energy generation, organic fertiliser production and plastic recycling. The government aims to reduce plastic waste by 30 percent over the next five years under the 3R policy — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Seventeen single-use plastic items have already been identified and banned through official notification, while broader efforts are under way to strengthen sustainable plastic management. The government also plans to update regulations and formulate new guidelines for the environmentally sound management of electronic waste. Air pollution remains major challenge Air pollution control is another major component of the environmental programme. The government will continue monitoring air quality through 15 Continuous Air Monitoring Stations and 16 Compact Continuous Air Monitoring Stations.  

Patients and visitors at Sapahar Upazila Health Complex are suffering from a foul stench and unhygienic conditions after a contractor allegedly left renovation work on the sewage system unfinished. The contractor abandoned the work in the sewage system in the hospital's Outpatient Department (OPD) halfway. Human waste is overflowing from a damaged outlet tank, creating a strong stench around the Outpatient Department. Hospital authorities said they have repeatedly contacted the relevant authorities seeking a solution, but the problem has yet to be resolved. According to hospital sources, Delwar Hossain was awarded the contract to renovate the OPD of Sapahar Upazila Health Complex for the 2025-26 fiscal year. However, he allegedly abandoned the work before completing it, leaving the damaged toilet sewage system unrepaired. As a result, human waste is spilling through a broken section of the outlet tank, creating an unhygienic environment in the surrounding area. Patients and their relatives said the foul smell has made it difficult to stand or wait in the area, particularly outside doctors' chambers. Hasan Ali, a patient’s relative, said he was shocked by the condition when he arrived at the hospital. "The stench from the toilets spreads throughout the area. People come here to get treatment, but the environment itself can make them sick," he said, calling for a permanent solution. Another patient's relative, Sumaiya Akter, said the overflowing waste has made the hospital environment unbearable. Mostafa Kamal, a patient, said the foul smell made it difficult for him to stand in the queue. "I already find it difficult to wait for a long time while I am unwell. The smell makes me feel like vomiting," he said. Several attempts were made to contact contractor Delwar Hossain over the phone for his comment, but he did not answer. Dr Rashid Nayib Sizan, resident medical officer at the hospital, said the unfinished work is affecting the delivery of healthcare services. "Medical care is not only about diagnosis and medicine. We are committed to providing proper services to everyone, but the unfinished work has become an obstacle," he said. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Md Arifuzzaman said the hospital authorities have repeatedly submitted written requests to the relevant officials to resolve the problem urgently. Naogaon Civil Surgeon Dr Aminul Islam said the renovation work was being carried out by the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Rajshahi, and that the contractor stopped the work without giving a valid reason. He said he discussed the matter with Nowroz Mohammad Tarek, executive engineer of DPHE Rajshahi, who assured him that the remaining work would be completed soon, either by the existing contractor or by appointing a new one. Several attempts were made on Friday to contact Nowroz Mohammad Tarek over the phone for details about the delay and a possible completion date, but he did not answer the calls.

The crackling heat of a clay tandoor, the smell of burning wood and charcoal and the practiced hands of a baker have long been part of the making of 'Bakarkhani', one of Old Dhaka's most recognisable culinary traditions. However, the centuries-old bread is now being made in an increasingly modern way. At bakeries around Dhaka, gas and electricity-powered ovens are gradually replacing traditional clay tandoors, allowing bakers to produce more easily with fewer workers and without the smoke generated by wood and charcoal fires. The change reflects the practical realities of keeping a traditional food business alive in a rapidly changing city. Yet it is also raising a question among bakers and regular consumers: when the fire, oven and method of preparation change, does the familiar taste of bakarkhani change with them? UNB's visit to the boat terminal area of Jinjira Bazar in Keraniganj on Wednesday found traditional and modern methods being used side by side, offering a glimpse into how technology is reshaping the production of a food deeply associated with Dhaka's culinary identity. Bakarkhani is generally traced to the Mughal-era food culture of Bengal, although accounts differ over its precise origin. Banglapedia describes it as a traditional bakery product dating back to the Mughal period and notes that it was, until relatively recently, particularly associated with Dhaka. Culinary historians have also offered different accounts of how the bread reached the city and how its name originated.  

Bangladesh is embarking on an ambitious overhaul of its aviation sector, with the government planning to establish a national air connectivity grid, develop four regional airports as international gateways and transform Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet into integrated passenger and logistics hubs. The initiatives, outlined in the FY2026-27 budget, are part of a broader strategy to turn Bangladesh into one of South and Southeast Asia’s leading aviation hubs by 2034, while using improved air connectivity to facilitate trade, tourism, cargo movement and investment. Under the plan, Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur airports will be developed as international gateways, creating a wider network of entry points beyond Dhaka. The government also plans to introduce an integrated digital logistics platform to improve cargo handling and coordination across the aviation system. Airport network at the centre Several infrastructure projects are already underway or being prepared to support the plan. Terminal facilities at Jashore and Saidpur airports are being expanded, while development work at Cox’s Bazar Airport is being completed. The government is also working to enhance runway capacity at Sylhet and Chattogram airports and prepare the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) for full-scale operation. The Third Terminal is expected to significantly expand passenger-handling capacity at the country’s principal international gateway and reduce pressure on the existing facilities. At HSIA, the government has already introduced a major digital passenger-service upgrade. Free high-speed Wi-Fi now covers about 94,000 square metres of the airport. The government’s airport strategy also includes modernising passenger services, strengthening cargo-management systems, improving aviation safety and expanding digital services. Four new international gateways The proposed development of Rajshahi, Cox’s Bazar, Jashore and Saidpur as international gateways could redistribute international air traffic and provide direct connectivity to regional destinations from different parts of the country. The four airports already feature in Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) development plans, including terminal expansion, runway improvements and other infrastructure works. Earlier CAAB project plans included upgrading Saidpur Airport and expanding facilities at Rajshahi, Jashore and Cox’s Bazar. Cox’s Bazar could have particular significance for tourism, while Saidpur and Rajshahi could strengthen connectivity for northern Bangladesh. Jashore, meanwhile, could serve as a gateway for the southwestern region. Biman expansion to support new routes The government’s airport expansion plan is being accompanied by a fleet-expansion programme at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, aimed at increasing international passenger and cargo capacity. Biman signed a US$3.7 billion agreement for 14 Boeing aircraft in April. The order consists of eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9s and four 737-8s. On Wednesday (September 23), Biman signed another agreement with Boeing in New York for 11 additional aircraft, comprising five 787-10s and six 737-8s. The latest agreement brings Biman’s Boeing order book for this year to 25 aircraft. The latest Boeing deal was signed on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Biman is also considering a separate acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft — four A350-900s and six A321neos. If that proposed Airbus purchase is finalised, the national carrier’s planned acquisitions would reach 35 aircraft, compared with its current fleet of 19. The fleet expansion is intended to support the opening of new international routes and increase capacity on existing routes serving major destinations in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia and Europe. Boeing said the new aircraft would support Biman’s fleet-modernisation and international-growth strategy, with the 737-8 providing additional range for single-aisle operations and the 787-10 adding capacity to the carrier’s Dreamliner fleet. The aviation development plan also focuses on creating a sustainable and inclusive aviation system by ensuring hassle-free passenger services, improving facilities for expatriate workers, promoting renewable energy and developing skilled human resources. As part of the broader tourism development strategy, the government is formulating an investment roadmap to attract more tourists and create employment in the tourism sector. The government expects the aviation and tourism initiatives to attract private investment, create jobs and support economic growth, while raising the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP to 6–7 percent.

A decade-long legacy of politically influenced lending, balance-sheet manipulation, and weak oversight has plunged Bangladesh’s banking sector into a structural crisis of unprecedented proportions, according to industry experts and recent central bank data. As independent audits and international loan classification standards expose the true state of non-performing assets, Bangladesh now grapples with a defaulted loan ratio of 32.78 percent—the highest globally—alongside a severe capital shortfall that threatens overall financial stability. Surging NPLs and Concentration: Central bank statistics reveal that out of Tk18.51 lakh crore in total disbursed loans across the banking sector as of June 2026, a staggering Tk6. 07 lakh crore has been classified as non-performing loans (NPLs). Nearly Tk 33 out of every Tk 100 extended as credit is either defaulted or impaired, drastically exceeding regional peers like India (2.3%), Pakistan (7.4%), and Sri Lanka (12.6%). The distress is heavily concentrated: just ten financial institutions account for Tk4.395 lakh crore, or 72 percent, of the nation's total bad debt.Top defaulted loan holders include: #Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC: Tk 98,914 crore (52.15% NPL ratio) #Janata Bank PLC: Tk 75,728 crore (75.05% NPL ratio) #First Security Islami Bank:Tk 60,645 crore (97.08% NPL ratio) #EXIM Bank:Tk 38,052 crore (70.81% NPL ratio) #Agrani Bank PLC:Tk 32,133 crore (43.98% NPL ratio) Industry insiders note that a substantial portion of these loans went to politically connected figures and conglomerates—including Beximco, S. Alam, Nassa, Sikder, Uttara Group, Bengal Group, and Ashiyan City—many of whose key directors are currently detained or fled abroad. Capital Shortfall and Provision Deficits: Surging defaults have forced banks to absorb massive 100 percent provisioning charges against bad assets, wiping out profits and eroding core capital. By June 2026, total sector-wide provision shortfalls rose to Tk 2.223 lakh crore. Highlighting the mechanics of this erosion, Mutual Trust Bank MD & CEO Syed Mahbubur Rahman told UNB, "When non-performing loans rise continuously, capital shortfalls inevitably follow. High provisioning requirements eat directly into net profits, generating sustained operating losses that hollow out the bank's capital base." Consequently, the national aggregate Capital-to-Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) dropped to negative 3.17 percent in March 2026, far below the Basel III requirement of 12.50 percent. During the same period, 21 individual banks faced a total capital deficit of Tk 2.94 lakh crore, with First Security Islami Bank leading the shortfall at Tk 66264.80 crore. Systemic Risks to Trade and Depositors: Analyzing the macroeconomic consequences, Dr. Zahid Hussain, former Lead Economist at the World Bank’s Dhaka office, warned that widespread capital deficits trigger two distinct systemic threats, such as- Erosion of Depositor Trust: Capital serves as an internal cushion protecting public deposits. Negative capital creates deep uncertainty, impairing a bank's ability to maintain liquidity or extend fresh credit. Loss of International Credibility: Foreign financial institutions view the system holistically. When over twenty domestic banks suffer structural capital deficits, global institutions reduce credit lines, inflate Letters of Credit (LC) confirmation costs, and penalize even well-capitalized, solvent banks. Adding to the warnings, NRBC Bank MD & CEO Md. Touhidul Alam Khan noted that failing to meet regulatory CRAR targets triggers automatic penalties, including dividend restrictions, credit rating downgrades, and higher foreign borrowing costs. Policy Action and Recovery Framework: In response, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury recently informed Parliament that the government is allocating nearly Tk 40,000 crore this fiscal year to restructure and recapitalize vulnerable banks. Central bank leadership and senior bankers are advocating a three-pronged recovery strategy: Asset Management Company (AMC): Former ABB Chairman Anis A. Khan emphasized that policy relaxations have failed; urging the rapid deployment of a specialized AMC to seize and liquidate mortgaged assets from uncooperative defaulters. Legal Enforcement: Faruq Mainuddin, Vice Chairman of BRAC Bank and former MD of Trust Bank, stressed that recovery requires treating willful default as a criminal offense and legally targeting siphoned or offshore assets. Governance Reform: Strengthening oversight in merged institutions and eliminating political interference in credit approvals remain essential to halting further capital depletion. Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has underscored that while bringing transparency to NPLs creates short-term pressure, comprehensive structural reform and strict enforcement remain non-negotiable to restore long-term trust in the nation's financial system.  

Bangladesh is pursuing a broad modernisation of its shipping sector, combining new deep-sea and container terminals with dredging, expanded port capacity, digitalisation and improved inland waterways to strengthen the country’s trade infrastructure. According to the FY2026-27 budget document, the government has adopted a series of initiatives to increase cargo and container-handling capacity, improve vessel-handling efficiency, expand dredging activities and increase port-yard capacity. The broader plan also covers development of sea and land ports, modernisation of river ports and launch terminals, maintenance of inland waterways and strengthening of safety and institutional capacity. Around 95 percent of Bangladesh’s total import and export activities are conducted through Chattogram and Mongla ports, making their capacity and efficiency particularly important for the country’s trade and economy. Chattogram faces growing pressure Chattogram Port, the country’s principal maritime gateway, has already experienced a sharp increase in cargo and container handling over the years. According to figures presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Parliament in July, the port handled 138.152 million tonnes of cargo and 3.409 million TEUs of containers in 2025, compared with 45.396 million tonnes and 1.343 million TEUs respectively in 2010. Container handling increased 4.07 percent, cargo handling 11.43 percent and ship handling 10.5 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year, he said. The port operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the government is taking a number of measures to increase its capacity and efficiency. These include the operation of the Patenga Container Terminal, development of the Laldia Container Terminal, regular capital and maintenance dredging, procurement of new cargo and container-handling equipment and digitalisation of port services, according to the Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament. The government is also taking measures to ease container congestion by improving yard management and speeding up cargo clearance. Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam told Parliament in July that around 80 percent of container unloading and delivery operations at Chattogram Port had already been digitalised, with work underway to cover the remaining 20 percent. The government is encouraging delivery of import containers through private inland container depots and off-docks, while more than 10,000 TEUs of long-staying containers inside the port are planned to be auctioned through customs to free up yard space. Bay Terminal to accommodate larger vessels The planned Chattogram Bay Terminal is expected to become one of the most important components of the country’s maritime expansion. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the terminal would allow large mother vessels to berth directly at Chattogram Port, reducing transshipment costs and accelerating import and export activities. At present, many large vessels cannot enter Chattogram because of navigational limitations. Once completed, the two facilities are expected to receive vessels with drafts of 12 to 14 metres and reduce vessel waiting time through direct berthing, the minister said. Laldia adds new capacity The Laldia Container Terminal is another major component of the planned expansion of Chattogram Port. Construction of the terminal, one of Bangladesh’s largest public-private partnership investments involving more than US$550 million, formally began in August. The terminal is being developed with Danish cooperation and is expected to introduce modern equipment and technology into port operations. Under the concession agreement, the project covers three years of construction and 30 years of operation, with a provision for a further 15-year extension, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said in Parliament. The government sees the terminal as part of its effort to increase capacity and bring international expertise and modern operational practices into the country’s port sector. Matarbari to open deep-sea access The Matarbari Deep Seaport in Cox’s Bazar represents another major shift in Bangladesh’s maritime infrastructure. The under-construction port is expected to begin operations by 2029, according to the Shipping Minister. It will have a navigational channel about 16 metres deep and will be capable of accommodating container vessels carrying around 8,200 TEUs or cargo ships of up to 100,000 deadweight tonnes. Such vessels are nearly four times larger than those currently handled at Chattogram Port, according to the minister. The facility is expected to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Port Klang by allowing large mother vessels to call directly at a Bangladeshi port. The government expects this to reduce shipping time and transshipment-related logistics costs while improving the country’s competitiveness in international trade. Matarbari could also provide opportunities for regional transit and trade, potentially strengthening Bangladesh’s position as a maritime hub in South Asia. Mongla emerging as second gateway Mongla Port is also undergoing major expansion to increase its role in Bangladesh’s maritime trade. The projects are expected to increase the port’s capacity substantially, with plans targeting annual handling of up to 800,000 TEUs of containers, 4 million metric tonnes of cargo and 30,000 vehicles. Two of the six additional jetties were under construction, with the work expected to further increase the port’s container-handling capacity. The Mongla Port Upgradation Project has also targeted annual handling capacity of 1.5 million tonnes of cargo and 400,000 TEUs of containers. Payra also gets attention Payra Port is another key part of the government’s maritime development strategy. The government plans maintenance dredging of the Rabnabad Channel and procurement of two trailing suction hopper dredgers to ensure uninterrupted navigability and strengthen the port’s operational capacity, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam told Parliament in June. The Payra Port Authority is implementing a number of projects aimed at establishing a fully fledged seaport. The planned dredging is particularly important because maintaining the required channel depth is a continuing challenge for a port located in a heavily silted riverine environment. Dredging as a national priority Dredging is emerging as one of the most important elements of the government’s water transport strategy. Apart from port channels, the government has undertaken a broader programme of river and canal excavation and re-excavation. The Water Resources Ministry has set a target of excavating and re-excavating 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over five years, according to an announcement made in Parliament. From traditional ports to smart ports Digitalisation is another major pillar of the modernisation programme. At Chattogram Port, online Port Community System, e-delivery orders, e-payment services, e-gate passes, CPA SKY and the Port Single Window are being introduced as part of efforts to establish a paperless port, according to the Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament. The government has also initiated steps to automate overall port operations and procure additional cargo and container-handling equipment. Human resources and safety The modernisation plan also places emphasis on institutional capacity. The government plans to modernise vessel registration systems, expand digital services, develop skills and generate employment opportunities for seafarers. Safety on inland waterways is another priority, with plans to modernise river ports and launch terminals and strengthen navigational aids. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority has also been instructed to take coordinated measures with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of vessels operating on waterways.

A bumper harvest and higher market prices have brought fresh smiles to jute farmers in Sharsha upazila of Jashore this season. Farmers are now selling newly harvested jute at Tk 3,800 to Tk 4,000 per maund, around Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 more than the prices they received at the beginning of the previous season. At the start of last season, new jute was sold for Tk 2,600 to Tk 2,800 per maund. This year, farmers initially received Tk 3,500 to Tk 3,600, with prices rising further in recent weeks. The higher prices have come as a welcome relief for farmers, particularly after they faced difficulties with jute retting last year due to inadequate rainfall. This year, however, sufficient rainfall has ensured an adequate supply of water for retting, allowing farmers to complete the process without major difficulties. According to the Sharsha Department of Agricultural Extension office, jute production has also been good this year. The area under jute cultivation increased to 5,503 hectares from 5,000 hectares last year, an increase of 503 hectares. Farmers said favourable weather and good yields have helped them earn more despite higher production costs. Labour wages have also increased notably. Workers who were hired for around Tk 400 last year now demand higher wages for harvesting, retting and stripping jute fibre. As a result, production costs have increased by around Tk 200 to Tk 300 per maund compared to last year. Farmer Abdul Alim said he was happy with both the yield and the market price. “The jute yield has been very good this year, and I am also getting a good price. Compared to last year, I am earning Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 more per maund,” he said. Jute trader Bablu Rahman said he buys jute directly from local farmers and sends it to major trading centres, including Kushtia, Faridpur, Khulna and Bogura. Sharsha Upazila Agriculture Officer Dipok Kumar Saha said farmers are benefiting this year from favourable weather, good yields and satisfactory market prices. He said government support, including the free distribution of quality jute seeds and regular agricultural advice, has also contributed to the farmers’ success. “With favourable weather, better production and good prices, jute farmers in Sharsha are happy this year,” he said. For Sharsha’s jute farmers, the season has brought not only a good harvest but also the prospect of better earnings from a traditional crop that remains an important source of livelihood in the region.

What began as a fascination with the graceful dance of a peacock has turned into a thriving farming venture for Md Shah Ali of Homna upazila in Cumilla. In December 2019, Shah Ali, a young man from Babarkandi village in Nilkhi Union, spent Tk 1.65 lakh to buy a pair of peacocks after becoming captivated by their colourful feathers and distinctive courtship display. He later bought five more, bringing his collection to seven. Over the years, the birds multiplied, and what started as a hobby gradually grew into a full-fledged peacock farm. Today, Shah Ali has 85 peacocks, including 12 mature birds, with an estimated total value of around Tk 28 lakh. He has already sold peacocks worth nearly Tk 24 lakh. His farm has also expanded beyond peacocks. He raises cattle, goats, sheep, guinea fowl and quails alongside the colourful birds. In Babarkandi, Shah Ali is now widely known as the village’s peacock farmer. Some locals even call him “Peacock Shah Ali”. A recent visit to his farm found the birds roaming freely around the enclosure, with some spreading their magnificent tails and dancing. Visitors from different areas regularly come to see the birds and, in some cases, buy them. Shah Ali studied up to Class VIII. While living in Badda, Dhaka, his father ran a cattle farm, where Shah Ali helped by cutting grass for the animals. At the same time, he became involved in buying and selling birds in the Mirpur area. It was there that he first saw peacocks up close. “I liked the peacocks when I saw them in Mirpur. Later, I decided to buy a pair with money I had saved from selling birds and cattle,” he said. The first pair laid 18 eggs, from which 12 chicks hatched. After returning to his village, Shah Ali invested Tk 2 lakh to build two tin-shed structures for the birds. He then spent another Tk 2.5 lakh to buy four female and one male peacock. The seven birds subsequently laid 140 eggs, from which 128 chicks hatched.