United News of Bangladesh

With Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election expected in the first half of February 2026, election experts are increasingly voicing concern over the administrative preparations to conduct a credible national vote. As the countdown to the polls continues, questions are mounting about the government’s logistical planning, transparency and capacity to ensure an election that is free, fair and acceptable both domestically and internationally. Former Secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder, Public Administration Expert Mohammad Firoz Mia and newly appointed Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Ehsanul Haque talked to UNB on the issue. The interim government has reaffirmed its determination to hold the election within the stipulated timeframe, ‘under any circumstance’, but analysts warn that the credibility of the process will hinge on the effectiveness and neutrality of the civil administration, they said. Although the Election Commission (EC) is formally tasked with organising the polls, its success at the field level will largely depend on the efficiency, morale and impartiality of the bureaucracy. This has given rise to a pressing question: is the current administrative machinery adequately prepared to deliver a free and fair election? EC seeks round-the-clock police deployment for Nirbachan Bhaban ahead of election Over the past 15 months, the civil administration has been struggling to regain its footing. Frequent transfers, promotions, and contractual appointments have reportedly created confusion and a crisis of confidence among officials. Many within the bureaucracy are said to be apprehensive about potential repercussions if they act with full impartiality. Public administration experts, however, maintain that the situation can still be salvaged, provided there is sincerity and political goodwill. They emphasise the urgent need to appoint qualified, courageous and neutral officials to key field positions, particularly District Commissioners (DCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs). Strengthening the morale of law enforcement agencies and ensuring their impartial conduct are also viewed as critical to restoring public confidence in the electoral process. According to experts, despite a demoralised and divided bureaucracy, a credible election remains possible if the government takes decisive corrective measures and empowers competent officials at the field level. Former Secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder told UNB that despite the weaknesses within the bureaucracy, “good elections are possible if bold steps are taken.” BNP eyes broader political alliance to foster national unity ahead of election He pointed, “The people had confidence in the caretaker governments during the 1991, 1996 and 2001 elections, but the current government does not have that credibility. Fair elections will depend largely on the field administration — their competence, impartiality and strength of conviction.” “If the government genuinely conveys a message of neutrality and allows field officials to work independently, then good elections are still achievable,” he added. Public administration expert Mohammad Firoz Mia echoed similar sentiments, saying that the current bureaucracy lacks the capacity to conduct elections comparable to those of 2008. “It is crucial to restore morale. Fair elections will not be possible unless officials are freed from fear,” he told UNB. He cautioned that administrative efficiency alone would not suffice if political actors remain uncooperative. “Curbing election brokers and political interference at the field level remains a major challenge.” Political parties, including the BNP, NCP, and Jamaat-e-Islami, have all expressed scepticism about the neutrality of the administration. BNP has alleged that officials loyal to Jamaat are being placed in influential positions, while Jamaat claims that 70–80 per cent of bureaucrats are under the sway of a particular political party. BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan pointed out that about 10 lakh personnel are required to operate some 42,000 polling stations nationwide. “This enormous operation depends entirely on the government administration. The real question is — will they act impartially or not?” he said. The government insists that it remains firmly committed to holding a free and impartial election. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that all administrative transfers and postings ahead of the polls will be made under his direct supervision. “Deputy Commissioners will be appointed after careful selection of qualified officials.” Meanwhile, Ehsanul Haque, the newly appointed Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, told UNB, “Our directive is clear …this will be a fair election.” Haque said he is personally taking responsibility to ensure the field administration performs its duties with complete impartiality.  

The western district of Chuadanga has been reeling from the escalating impacts of climate change, with farmers suffering losses worth ‘hundreds of crores of taka’ over the past five years. Prolonged droughts, devastating storms and extreme cold spells have battered agriculture, livestock and fisheries, leaving thousands of families struggling to survive. “Extreme heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Its impact is far reaching. As we see in Bangladesh that the rising temperature is affecting our health and productivity, and the country’s prosperity,” said Jean Pesme, The World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. Between April and June each year, temperatures now frequently soar between 36°C and 40°C, scorching farmlands and reducing yields. Winters, on the other hand, have become unusually harsh, with temperatures plunging to record lows, compounding the stress on crops and livestock. Worsening Climate Disasters Chuadanga’s agricultural sector has been particularly hard-hit by repeated bouts of drought, storms and irregular rainfall. Major crops such as Boro paddy, wheat, maize, winter vegetables, tobacco, onions, bananas, papaya, betel leaves and fruit orchards have suffered extensive damage, with many farmers unable to recover before the next calamity strikes. Disaster Preparedness: Govt to construct 90 three-storey cyclone shelters  in 12 districts Field surveys conducted by non-governmental organisations, including Wave Foundation and Riso, indicate that the scale of devastation may be far greater than official figures suggest. Their studies estimate that climate change is causing annual agricultural losses amounting to between Tk 200 crore and Tk 300 crore in the district. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has reported significant losses over the last five years, with 2022 emerging as the most catastrophic year.

The government has taken a move to construct 90 three-storey cyclone shelters in 47 upazilas of  12 districts under the Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions as part of preparedness for the disaster-porne region.  Each shelter will have a total floor area of 1,272 square metres and the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 people, providing refuge to some 90,000 vulnerable residents during emergencies. The project titled Construction of Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelters in Coastal and Cyclone-prone Areas (Phase-III) aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods in disaster-prone coastal regions. The project, to be implemented under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief at a total cost of Tk 636.09 crore, entirely funded by the government. To be executed by the Department of Disaster Management, the project is scheduled to run from July 2025 to June 2028. 16 years on, memories of Cyclone Aila still haunt southwestern Bangladesh According to project documents, the new shelters will not only serve as life-saving refuges during cyclones but will also function as educational institutions during normal periods. Each will include facilities for clean water through deep tube wells, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy systems. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to reduce disaster risks in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Bangladesh ranks ninth globally and fifth in Asia in terms of exposure to natural hazards, according to the World Risk Report 2022. With over 35 million people living in the 17 coastal and cyclone-prone districts, ensuring resilient infrastructure remains a national priority. Since independence, 4,653 cyclone shelters have been constructed in  the coastal belt by various agencies. Under the first and second phases of this this programme, 100 and 220 multi-purpose cyclone shelters were built respectively. The third phase continues that effort to strengthen coastal resilience. Cyclone, severe heatwaves likely in May The project’s annual expenditure has been set at Tk 98.41 crore for FY2025–26, Tk 320.74 crore for FY2026–27, and Tk 216.94 crore for FY2027–28. The budget includes Tk 530.43 crore for construction, Tk 20.92 crore for RCC roads, Tk 11.40 crore for furniture, and Tk 58.67 crore for other expenditures. Although the project is not revenue-generating, officials noted that it will have a strong socio-economic impact by safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods. It is also expected to contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including targets resilience, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable infrastructure. A feasibility study conducted by the Department of Disaster Resilience and Engineering (DRE) at Patuakhali Science and Technology University confirmed the viability of the project. Planning Commission officials said that once implemented, the project will significantly enhance community preparedness and institutional capacity for disaster management, while improving the living standards of vulnerable coastal populations through risk reduction and rural employment generation. Bangladesh is highly susceptible to natural disasters and the effects of climate change. Annually, the country faces numerous calamities such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and tidal surges, leading to significant loss of property, livelihoods, and lives. Following the disastrous flood of 1988 and the destructive cyclone of 1991, Bangladesh shifted its strategy from a "reactive humanitarian response" to a more "proactive risk management" approach, focusing on preventing disasters before they strike. Today, Bangladesh stands as one of the leading examples globally for its remarkable progress and innovation in disaster management.

The long-awaited Gomti River bridge construction project in Muradnagar has hit a roadblock, caught in a bitter dispute between two government departments. The disagreement over the bridge’s height has stalled the third package of the Muradnagar–Daudkandi road development project, leaving thousands of residents to bear the brunt of the delay. Official sources reveal that the project, with a budget of Tk 84.5 crore, has been suspended due to objections from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). The board insists that the new bridge must be constructed at least 20 feet higher than the existing Bailey bridge to avoid obstructing the river’s flow. But the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) argues that raising the bridge by only 3 to 4 feet would suffice, maintaining consistency with other bridges along the Gomti. Broken bridge leaves thousands stranded for years in Mirzaganj The deadlock has stalled the finalisation of the bridge’s design, leaving the issuance of tenders in limbo, sources say. Consequently, they said, this critical infrastructure project has remained in limbo for an extended period due to the tug-of-war between the two departments. Currently, a Bailey bridge built in 1988 spans the Gomti River, now in a dilapidated and unstable condition. Hundreds of vehicles cross the bridge daily, braving significant risks. Locals fear a major accident could occur at any moment, as even heavy vehicles make the structure tremble. “The same Bailey bridge has been our only lifeline for nearly 40 years. The government allocated funds, yet the work has not started due to the quarrel between two offices. Our hopes are now turning into despair,” said local resident Md Rafiqul Islam. Meghna-Gomti Bridge: ACC reviewing allegations of irregularities in toll collection contract On November 9, 2023, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the Tk 348.26 crore project, which encompasses widening and straightening 35 kilometres of road, replacing eight old Bailey bridges with five new RCC girder bridges and constructing three RCC culverts. The project was divided into three packages. While work on the first two packages is ongoing, the third package has been stalled due to the BWDB’s non-approval, raising concerns that the allocated funds may be returned. Muradnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Abdur Rahman emphasised the urgency, saying, “A durable bridge over the Gomti River is essential. Without it, the public’s suffering will not be alleviated. We are in constant communication with the concerned departments to find a swift solution.” Khondokar Golam Mostafa, RHD Executive Engineer in Comilla, said, “The height proposed by BWDB is unrealistic. It is not feasible to design the bridge at that level, which is why tender invitations cannot be issued. However, efforts are underway to resolve the issue.” Meanwhile, BWDB Executive Engineer Md Rashed Shahriar of Comilla said, “I have been here for a year, and I am not aware of this matter.” Residents accuse the responsible departments of negligence, procrastination, and lack of coordination, despite the government’s allocation for development. They warn that if the problem is not resolved quickly and construction does not commence, the allocated funds may be returned, a major loss for the people of Muradnagar.  

As the gleaming glass towers reshaping Dhaka’s skyline, experts warn that the rapid proliferation of high-rise buildings with extensive glass facades is intensifying urban heat, with little attention given to mitigating strategies suitable for tropical climates. They said sustainable design considerations appear largely overlooked, as the publicly available versions of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2015 and 2020 lack detailed mandatory requirements for glazing performance, such as U-value and solar heat gain coefficient. According to multiple new studies and environmental experts, the city has witnessed a boom in glass-clad high-rises particularly in Gulshan, Banani, Uttara, Motijheel and Dhanmondi mirroring architectural trends from tropical metropolises like Singapore and Dubai over the past decade. Asked about the growing number of glass towers and city heat, Chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said, “Dhaka’s growing number of glass-covered buildings may look modern, but they are silently worsening the condition of city’s heatwave. The urban heat island effect and the city's need for air conditioning are exacerbated by these glass buildings' absorption and emission of solar radiation.” “In reality, the apparent improvement in design is contributing to an unsustainable rise in temperature. To address this, we need to focus on climate-responsive design features like shaded exteriors, green roofs and enhanced natural ventilation,” he said. Kamruzzaman Majumder said if nothing is done quickly, Dhaka's modern buildings could become a heat trap, which would be harmful to both the environment and people's health. September heatwave—a reminder of global warming A recent study by the Centre for Atmospheric Studies found that surface temperatures in glass-dominated areas such as Gulshan, Banani and parts of Uttara are 3–5°C higher than in greener, low-rise neighbourhoods. Chair of the Department of Environmental Science at Stamford University show that 70–80 percent of new buildings in Dhaka’s upscale areas now feature glass facades covering at least 60 percent of their exterior. A 2019 survey found over 100,000 air conditioners running across just 1,068 apartments in Dhanmondi, underscoring the city’s mounting energy burden, he added. The broader urban trend is equally concerning. According to a 2024 study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Atmospheric Sciences, Dhaka’s average UHI intensity — the temperature difference between urban and nearby rural areas — now stands at 0.48°C, with a maximum daily difference of 2.15°C. The research found that UHI intensity in Dhaka has been rising by 0.21°C per decade since 1995. The study also revealed that heat waves and UHI effects reinforce each other, particularly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, making Dhaka’s hot months even more oppressive. Another modelling study by Seoul National University found that converting conventional low-albedo roofs into “cool roofs” could reduce Dhaka’s afternoon air temperature by 0.57°C during heatwave conditions, while green roofing and vertical greenery could provide additional cooling effects. Dhaka South City Corporation officials told UNB that they are reviewing urban design codes to promote heat-resilient materials, reflective coatings, and increased tree coverage as part of upcoming building regulation reforms. For many residents, the problem is already tangible. “By noon, our glass office turns into a furnace,” said Shakil Ahmed, who works in a corporate tower in Gulshan. “Even powerful air-conditioners can’t keep up.” Cool showers soothe Dhaka’s heatwave; more rain expected The BNBC 2020 (published by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works) provides the overarching regulatory framework for design, materials, construction, occupancy and building services. Under the earlier draft of BNBC 2015: Materials used for insulation (floor/roof/wall) must have a “flame spread rating not more than 25” and “smoke density not more than 450” while Part 5 (Building Materials) lists “Thermal Insulating Materials” and “Glass and Glazing” among categories. The code is explicit about fire-resistance, non-combustible construction types, and materials standards. While insulation and thermal materials are mentioned, there is no detailed mandatory requirement in the publicly-available version of the BNBC (2015 or 2020) for glazing performance (for example U-value, solar heat gain coefficient), or for façade design in tropical climates (shading, reflectivity, vertical greenery). The code treats “thermal insulating materials” mainly from fire-safety / building materials specification perspective, not explicitly from urban heat island mitigation or solar-heat gain minimisation. There is little to public evidence that the code mandates limiting large glass-façade ratios in tropical, dense urban areas, or offers prescriptive performance criteria for glass towers (reflectivity, external heat reflection, thermal load, etc.). For materials and construction methods aimed at reducing ambient urban heat (e.g., cool-roofs, high-albedo surfaces, shading devices), the code mentions basics but does not appear to give strong enforceable clauses specifically for façade design or urban-microclimate control. President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) Professor Adil Mohammed Khan said the use of large glass panels in building designs across Dhaka city has increased significantly in recent years. From high-rise commercial buildings to residential projects, most of the walls are now being covered with glass panels—often perceived as a “modern” or “smart” look. However, in reality, this trend has become one of the major contributors to rising urban temperatures. DGHS issues advisory to stay safe amid ongoing heatwave “Glass facades allow sunlight and heat radiation to enter buildings and also reflect it outward. This causes the surrounding air to heat up, intensifying the urban heat island effect. In a densely populated city like Dhaka—where green spaces and open areas are already scarce—these glass buildings are effectively turning into heat traps,” he said. At the same time, such buildings require continuous air-conditioning, which increases electricity demand and generates more heat—creating a cycle that continuously raises the city’s overall temperature , he added. Professor Adil said it is essential to include clear policies in our building code regarding the use of glass. Specific guidelines should determine which sides of a building and what percentage of the facade can be made of glass. Climate-responsive architecture must be encouraged. Given Bangladesh’s hot and humid climate, features such as shaded balconies, cross ventilation, and the use of local materials are far more suitable than extensive glass facades.Implementing a Green Building Code is now a necessity.

Once expected to be a beacon of healthcare in the southwestern region, Chuadanga Sadar Hospital is now struggling to deliver even basic medical services. A severe manpower shortage, coupled with the absence of an anaesthesia consultant for nearly a year, has left hundreds of patients in distress and turned the 250-bed hospital into a place of frustration and uncertainty, locals said. Although the hospital was upgraded to a 250-bed facility years ago, it continues to operate with the manpower sanctioned for just 50 beds — and receives allocations for food and medicine suitable for only 100 beds. “The mismatch between infrastructure and staffing has pushed the hospital to the brink of dysfunction,” said an official of the hospital wishing anonymity. Established in 1970 as a 50-bed facility, Chuadanga Sadar Hospital was upgraded to a 100-bed hospital in 2003. Yet, the upgrade came without additional staff. In October 2018, then Health Minister Mohammad Nasim inaugurated a new six-storey building with 250 beds, built at a cost of Tk 30 crore. Seven years on, however, the expanded facility remains largely underutilised. While the building stands tall, the workforce to run it effectively is painfully thin. Among the 50 sanctioned posts, 29 are currently vacant, including those of senior eye consultant, senior and junior anaesthesia consultants, senior paediatrician, senior medicine consultant, junior ENT consultant, junior radiologist, medical officer, and dental surgeon, according to the official. Besides, 20 posts across the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades have also been vacant for years. The absence of an anaesthesia consultant has crippled the operation theatre, which has been virtually non-functional since January. Even routine surgeries have been delayed indefinitely, forcing patients to seek treatment elsewhere at higher costs and greater risk. In a stopgap arrangement, Assistant Surgeon Dr ASM Mostafa Kamal from Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex has joined the hospital on deputation. Having completed anaesthesia training, he is temporarily overseeing surgical procedures. But hospital staff and patients alike say this is merely a patch on a widening wound. Newly built Sylhet district hospital set to open after long delay “Even minor surgeries are being delayed due to the lack of an anaesthesia consultant,” said a doctor at the hospital, requesting anonymity. “We are compelled to refer both regular and emergency patients to other facilities, which adds to their expenses and suffering.” For patients and their families, the crisis is personal and painful. “I’ve been admitted for a month,” said Uzir Ali, a patient in the male surgery ward. He went on to say, “The doctor said my operation would be on Monday, but it still hasn’t happened. Even poor people can’t find peace in death.” Parvina Khatun, who has been tending to her mother in the female surgery ward, voiced similar frustration, “My mother’s operation was scheduled last week, but now they say we have to wait longer.” Another patient, Selina Khatun, shared her despair, saying, “I’ve been here for 15 days. They gave a date, then changed it. Now I don’t know when, or if, it’ll ever happen.” Junior Surgery Consultant Dr Ehsanul Haque Tanmoy confirmed that the operation theatre had been almost shut since the anaesthesia consultant was transferred in January. “It reopened on a limited scale in September when an assistant surgeon with anaesthesia training joined us. But this is not sustainable. If both anaesthesia consultant posts were filled, we could run surgeries properly,” he said. The hospital’s Acting Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Wahed Mahmud Robin said the crisis has reached an unbearable point. Doctor shortage cripples healthcare services at Doarabazar Health Complex

Bangladesh’s banking sector is struggling with a deepening crisis, as the latest independent audit for the June quarter exposes a collective capital shortfall exceeding Tk 1.55 lakh crore. Experts warn that restoring stability and achieving a standardised balance will require significant time and concerted effort. This alarming deficit highlights a growing systemic crisis driven by a dramatic surge in non-performing loans (NPLs) across the industry. According to data from the Bangladesh Bank (BB), 24 of the country's 61 scheduled banks have failed to maintain the legally required minimum capital. The list of non-compliant institutions includes four state-owned commercial banks, two specialised banks, and a staggering 18 private commercial banks. Economists are raising serious concerns, stating that the situation poses a significant threat not only to the stability of the individual banks involved but also to the overall resilience of the nation's financial sector. Mamun Rashid, an economic analyst, said that the stability of the banking sector will bring stability to the greater financial sector of Bangladesh. So, it is essential to emphasize the banking sector. Bangladesh Bank reinstates extra increment benefit to attract, retain top talent But this is a difficult job as over two dozen banks are struggling with over-loaded, defaulted loans. The banks required long-term planning with a stable political situation, he pointed out. He predicted that a stable political situation would create a flood of foreign investment in Bangladesh, which would bring stability in the banking sector as well as the financial sector. The combined capital shortfall for the 24 distressed banks stood at Tk 1,55,866 crore as of the end of June. This figure marks a sharp escalation from the previous quarter, where the shortfall among 23 banks was Tk 1,10,260 crore in March. The primary cause of this capital depletion is the overwhelming pressure from bad loans. As the volume of NPLs increases, banks are required to hold larger security provisions (loan-loss provisions). When they fail to maintain these necessary provisions, their capital base is directly eroded. Mahbubur Rahman, CEO of Mutual Trust Bank, told UNB that a significant portion of the NPL surge is due to past irregularities and alleged large-scale loan corruption under the previous government. BSEC needs autonomy like central bank: Anisuzzaman Following the recent change in the political landscape, banks are now beginning to report these previously hidden or 'evergreened' debts as genuine defaults, leading to a record increase in NPL figures over the last few quarters, he said. This surge in NPLs has, in turn, escalated the size of banks' risk-weighted assets, further increasing the requirement for capital, said Mahbub. Under the Basel-III framework, Bangladesh Bank mandates that scheduled banks must maintain a Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR) plus a Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) equivalent to 12.5 percent of their total Risk-Weighted Assets (RWA). Besides, banks have been directed since 2015 to maintain a minimum 3 percent Leverage Ratio (LR), which is slated to be gradually increased to 4 percent by 2026. The 24 banks on the shortfall list have demonstrably failed to meet these essential regulatory standards. The financial consequences for non-compliant banks are severe, including restrictions on paying dividends to shareholders and facing difficulties in conducting transactions with international banks, which view low capital adequacy as a major credit risk. The capital crisis has hit the state and private sectors with severity The two specialized banks are the worst hit. Bangladesh Krishi Bank recorded the highest overall capital shortfall at Tk 29,161 crore as of June. Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank followed with a deficit of Tk 2,620 crore. ICAB urges proper IFRS 9 implementation to restore banking sector trust Among the state-owned commercial banks, the highest deficits were reported by: ·         Janata Bank: Tk 17,025 crore ·         Agrani Bank: Tk 7,698 crore ·         Rupali Bank: Tk 4,173 crore ·         Basic Bank: Tk 3,783 crore Private Commercial Banks: Eighteen private banks are now on the capital deficit list, with several highly exposed. New additions to the list for the June quarter include NRBC Bank and Al-Arafah Islami Bank. The worst-hit private banks (excluding Shariah-based): ·         National Bank: Tk 8,459 crore ·         AB Bank: Tk 6,775 crore ·         Padma Bank: Tk 5,619 crore ·         IFIC Bank: Tk 4,051 crore ·         Shariah-Based Banks: The Islamic banking sector, which has been the subject of recent merger plans, also contributes significantly to the shortfall: ·         Union Bank: Tk 21,387 crore ·         Islami Bank Bangladesh: Tk 18,504 crore ·         First Security Islami Bank: Tk 10,501 crore ·         Global Islami Bank: Tk 5,552 crore ·         Social Islami Bank: Tk 2,079 crore Professor Shohidul Islam, Chairman, Department of Banking and Insurance, Dhaka University, told UNB that the alarming rise in capital shortfalls confirms that the financial sector's core problems—poor governance and lax lending practices—have come to a head, forcing the regulatory body to confront a crisis of confidence that may require extensive government intervention to resolve. He said some banks require a long time, 20 years to 30 years, to make a standard balance sheet in the defaulted loan and deposit ratio, as the loan scam in the banking sector has never happened in the world ever.

Darshana Railway Station, once the heartbeat of Chuadanga’s trade, now stands silent and deserted as cross-border imports collapse, affecting revenue collection and leaving countless workers jobless. The decline has been dramatic as official figures show the station earned Tk 26.94 crore in revenue in the 2023-24 fiscal year. So far this fiscal year, the figure has dropped to only Tk 11.40 crore, a fall of nearly 60 per cent. Until recently, trains laden with imported goods such as corn, stone, onions, China clay, and gypsum and soybean meal would arrive daily, keeping hundreds of labourers, truckers and clearing agents engaged. Now, the scene has changed completely as only a handful of freight wagons carrying fly ash arrive occasionally, and even those are often unloaded elsewhere. Darshana was once the preferred entry point for traders due to its lower costs and strong logistical support. But the combination of complexities in opening letters of credit (LCs), a dollar shortage and uncertainty following the recent change in government has slowed imports to a crawl. As a result, 9,749 freight wagons brought in 576,559 metric tonnes of goods from India during the last fiscal year. This year, the number has fallen to 4,486 wagons carrying only 252,101 tonnes, less than half the previous volume, officials said. Operation of Balla Land Port suspended before it begins They said the slowdown has taken a devastating toll on those who depend on the yard for their livelihoods. Hundreds of transport workers and manual labourers have been rendered jobless. Some have switched professions, while many have migrated to other districts in search of work. “It feels like the Covid-19 days again. We sit idle all day because no trains come,” said yard labourer Saidul Islam, struggling to feed his family. Trucker Titu Mia echoed the sentiment. “Before, I could make two or three trips a day. Now, I hardly manage one trip in three days.” Truck owners say their vehicles remain idle for weeks, causing financial losses and mechanical deterioration. “We’re incurring losses every month. Many trucks are simply parked as there’s no business,” said one owner. Govt shuts 3 land ports; suspends operations of another

Bangladesh’s global mobility and international standing have suffered a sharp blow over the past year, with its passport ranking plunging to one of the weakest in the world amid reports of visa restrictions, deportations and rising global distrust. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, released on October 14 by UK-based Henley & Partners, Bangladesh now ranks 100th out of 106 countries, leaving its passports the seventh weakest globally. Bangladesh shares this position with North Korea while Palestine ranks one spot higher at 99th. Bangladeshi citizens currently enjoy visa-free access to only 38 countries, a figure many travelers dispute due to growing incidents of denial and enhanced scrutiny even at ‘visa-free’ destinations. A passport’s strength depends on various factors such as a nation’s economic and social Condition and development, job prospects, diplomatic engagement, visa agreements, cultural or historical connections and patterns of irregular migration. Visa Restrictions and Diplomatic Strains Experts attribute the decline to governance failures, human trafficking scandals, and strained diplomatic relations since the student-led ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government. Relations with India, Bangladesh’s largest travel destination, deteriorated sharply after the change. India closed all visa centers across Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, citing ‘security concerns’, though limited medical and student visa services later resumed. Sri Lanka has made pre-arrival Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) mandatory while Saudi Arabia suspended work visas for Bangladeshis and 13 other nations in May 2025. Govt plans to lower passport costs for overseas Bangladeshis Denmark and several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam, have also tightened visa processes for Bangladeshi applicants. Travelers report longer verification times, higher rejection rates and even offloading at immigration checkpoints despite holding valid visas. Crisis Deeping The recent wave of deportations of undocumented Bangladeshis has worsened the country’s passport crisis. On September 8, Kyrgyzstan deported 180 unregistered Bangladeshis who fell victims to fraud while the US sent back 30 earlier that month. Between January 2024 and September 2025, at least 187 Bangladeshis were deported from the US. In late September, another 52 Bangladeshis were deported from Italy, Austria, Greece, and Cyprus, and on August 30, the UK deported 15 for immigration violations, according to media reports. Malaysia also sent back 98 Bangladeshis on August 15 following earlier deportations of 204 others. Human Trafficking Undermining Trust Analysts say these failures, combined with the surge in irregular migration and human trafficking, have directly contributed to Bangladesh’s passport devaluation and declining credibility abroad. ‘Except Israel’ to be reinstated on Bangladeshi passport The 2025 US Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report again placed Bangladesh in Tier 2, noting limited progress in combating trafficking. The report documented 3,410 Bangladeshi victims last year, 765 in sex trafficking, 2,572 in forced labour, and 73 in other forms of exploitation while government figures acknowledged only 1,462 victims. Besides, the law-and-order situation has sharply deteriorated since mid-2024. According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 179 people were killed in mob attacks between August, 2024 and June, 2025, including several cases that shocked the nation including the lynching of two men in Rangpur’s Taraganj on August 9. At an event in July at the Foreign Service Academy, Asif Nazrul, Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul said that despite holding a red official passport, he still faced suspicious looks abroad simply for being Bangladeshi. Bangladesh moves up one step in global passport strength index He added that when he used a regular green passport, the challenges were ‘far worse’. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, speaking at the same event, admitted that Bangladeshis often face harassment overseas, saying the passport’s declining value is partly the nation’s own responsibility, not just that of foreign authorities. Dhaka University Professor Aynul Islam said Bangladesh’s passport ranking fell for two main reasons. “Technically, our e-passport isn’t well integrated with global databases, it is readable but not fully adaptive or advanced, so Bangladeshis can’t use automatic immigration systems,” he explained. “Besides, after the political changeover, a tendency was seen among many to migrate abroad.” Many have misused their passports or used them illegally, committing fraud or providing false information, he said. Aynul Islam said, since July 24, the number of Bangladeshis seeking political asylum overseas has been higher than ever before. “These developments have made several countries cautious, prompting them to restrict the entry of Bangladeshi nationals.” "Similar trends in Sri Lanka and Nepal have worsened the region’s image, prompting several embassies in Dhaka to stop accepting Bangladeshi passports.” “This broader regional trend has contributed to the decline in passport rankings, as countries are increasingly reluctant to accept travelers from these nations.”

The prices of essentials and kitchen items in Khulna have remained on an upward trajectory for nearly two months, putting them beyond the reach of many consumers. Most vegetables are now being sold for over Tk 80 per kilogramme, with no sign of prices coming down despite improved weather conditions. Traders had initially blamed heavy rainfall for the surge, but they now attribute the continued hike to seasonal changes and supply shortages. The prices of fish, meat and garlic have also increased alongside vegetables, while the costs of rice, lentils, chicken, eggs and meat remain unchanged in some categories. Onions, however, have seen yet another price jump. Vegetable prices soar in Dhaka's kitchen markets; no item below Tk 80 Consumers allege that a syndicate of unscrupulous traders is manipulating prices to make extra profits despite adequate supply in the markets. Locals further point to poor market monitoring and the absence of regular drives by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection as key factors behind the rising cost of essentials. During a visit to several kitchen markets across Khulna city on Friday, this correspondent found that the prices of vegetables, fish and other daily necessities had increased across the board. Traders said the prices of edible oil have stayed mostly steady, though slightly higher than before. Bottled soybean oil from popular brands such as Fresh, Teer, and Bashundhara (5 litres) is selling at Tk 920 — or Tk 184 per litre — up from Tk 183 just three weeks ago. Loose soybean oil costs even more, at Tk 200 per litre, compared to Tk 195 three weeks ago and Tk 180–185 two months ago. Prices of chicken, fish rise in Dhaka’s kitchen markets Vegetable prices have soared abnormally, with few items now available below Tk 60 per kilogramme. At Khulna City Corporation’s Sandhya Bazar in Moylapota, eggplants were selling at Tk 100–120 per kg, green chilies at Tk 240, cauliflower at Tk 140, bitter gourd at Tk 60, ladies’ finger at Tk 40–50, ridge gourd at Tk 50–60, tomatoes at Tk 100–120, Chinese garlic at Tk 150 and local garlic, depending on quality, between Tk 80 and Tk 130 per kg. Beans were priced at Tk 60–80, pumpkins at Tk 50, bottle gourd at Tk 60, teasel gourd at Tk 50–60, potatoes at Tk 20, carrots at Tk 120, green bananas (per bunch) at Tk 40–50 and early winter beans at Tk 80 per kg. Local onions are now being sold at Tk 75 per kg, up from Tk 70 just last week. Lentil prices have also shown no sign of easing. Coarse lentils are being sold at Tk 100 per kg and fine lentils at Tk 150, compared to Tk 80–90 and Tk 140–145 per kg, respectively, six weeks ago. Rice prices remain unstable as well. Over the past two months, rates have increased by Tk 4–5 per kilogram. In retail markets, Swarna rice is selling at Tk 55–56, Atash Balam at Tk 62–65, premium Miniket at Tk 75, lower-grade Miniket at Tk 60–66, and Basmati at Tk 90–95. Just a month ago, the same varieties were available at Tk 52, Tk 58–62, Tk 70–72, Tk 60–62 and Tk 80–85, respectively. Poultry prices have climbed too. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 170 per kg, up by Tk 15 from last month. Local cock chicken costs Tk 280 and Sonali chicken Tk 350 per kg, compared to Tk 260–265 and Tk 320–335, respectively, a month earlier. Egg prices have risen again after a brief period of stability. Layer chicken eggs are selling at Tk 48 per dozen, while local eggs remain between Tk 60 and Tk 64 per dozen. Beef prices, ranging from Tk 650 to Tk 700 per kg across city markets, remain unaffordable for many low- and middle-income families. Similar price patterns were observed in other major markets, including Rupsha KCC Market, New Market, Mistripara, Dolkhola and Approach Road markets. Traders blamed excessive rainfall for damaging crops, particularly chilli plants, causing fluctuations in supply and subsequent price hikes. Shafiqul Islam, a shopper at KCC Sandhya Bazar, urged the authorities to take prompt measures to stabilise the market. Mozahidul Islam, a fish trader visiting Rupsha KCC Market, said, “Prices of soybean oil, vegetables and almost everything else have gone up. The government should conduct mobile court drives and ensure that every shop displays a price list to prevent overcharging.”