United News of Bangladesh

The government has decided to abandon plans to expand the Dhaka–Chattogram highway to a 10-lane road, instead focusing on upgrading the country’s railway network. The decision comes in response to growing land constraints and the need for a sustainable transport system, said Sheikh Moinuddin, Chief Adviser on matters relating to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and the Ministry of Railways, in an interview with UNB. “There has been extensive discussion about expanding the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway to six or 10 lanes. However, no final decision has been taken yet. The maximum expansion may be up to six lanes. Beyond that, it is more important to focus on rail travel rather than further road widening,” he said. Adviser stuck in Dhaka-Sylhet highway gridlock, rides motorcycle to reach destination Moinuddin emphasised that trains are a fast, safe, and punctual mode of transport, and improving the railway system could shift many people away from driving. “That is why we are emphasising the modernisation of the rail line. At present, plans are underway to renovate and upgrade the Dhaka–Chattogram railway.” He also pointed out that road expansion would consume more land, a critical concern given Bangladesh’s existing land scarcity. “Currently, only 2 per cent of goods are transported by rail, which is equivalent to around 2 per cent of GDP. My focus is on railway development to ease pressure on roads, as rail is safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly,” Moinuddin said. Comparing it with international standards, he added, “In many countries, 25 to 30 per cent of goods are transported by rail, whereas in Bangladesh the figure is just 2 per cent. We aim to raise this share to at least 25 per cent. This will make rail freight profitable and reduce congestion on the roads.” CNG autorickshaw drivers block Dhaka-Tangail highway protesting harassment Moinuddin also highlighted a shortage of locomotives as a major issue. “We have already invited tenders for new locomotives. This will increase both speed and efficiency without the need to lay new lines.” Plans are also in place to dedicate certain trains exclusively for freight, ensuring direct transport to Chattogram Port. “This will cut both time and costs,” he added. If implemented, these initiatives are expected to reduce road congestion and inject new momentum into Bangladesh’s rail transport system. The Dhaka–Chattogram Highway is Bangladesh's main artery, connecting the capital with the port city of Chattogram and ending in Teknaf. Yet the highway is often plagued by severe traffic jams due to poor traffic management and road conditions, and a 10-lane expansion had been planned to alleviate congestion and improve safety. Daily traffic on the highway rose from 35,482 vehicles in 2019 to 46,501 in 2024, according to Roads and Highways Department (RHD) data. Another official from the Highway Police said overloaded vehicles also cause serious damage to roads, forcing the government to spend over Tk 861 crore annually on repairs. Congestion-Prone Points The highway’s congestion hotspots include Daudkandi Toll Plaza, Gouripur Bazar, Chandina Bus Stand, Madhaiya Bazar, Nimsar Bazar, the Cantonment area, Alekharchar (Bishwa Road U-turn), Suagazi Bazar, Mia Bazar, and Chauddagram Bazar in Cumilla district. In Feni, Lalpol, Bhatiari Point, Faujdarhat U-turn, Barbakunda Bazar, Chhota Kumira, KDS intersection, and Sitakunda bus stand are also notorious for traffic jams. Padua Bazar Problem Padua Bazar, where the Dhaka–Chattogram and Cumilla–Noakhali highways intersect, serves as a critical bypass for traffic moving through six southeastern districts. However, with construction of the planned loop stalled, vehicles rely on risky crossings, as the U-turn needed to access connecting routes remains incomplete. UNB’s Cumilla correspondent reported that a 105-kilometre stretch from Chauddagram to Daudkandi is in an alarming state, with key sections in Chauddagram upazila, including Noapara, caving in. Experts warn that, as some 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade flows through this route, authorities must prioritise the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway without further delay.

While candidates of their main rival party have already begun reaching out to voters, BNP nomination seekers across the country remain in limbo, awaiting the party high command’s green signal, a delay that has left many grassroots leaders and activists increasingly frustrated. Talking to UNB, several grassroots BNP leaders said they fear the party may face internal conflicts and rival candidates during the election if it takes much longer to finalise nominations and reach an understanding with those who will not be selected. They said Jamaat-e-Islami has long been running an organised and active election campaign after announcing its candidates in almost all constituencies, while BNP aspirants are busy competing to show their popularity in their respective areas instead of directly engaging with the people. BNP leaders also observed that some top party leaders might become complacent, thinking that BNP will perform well regardless of when nominations are announced, as their main rival, the Awami League, may not take part in the election. They warned that such complacency could lead to negative outcomes, as Jamaat-e-Islami is already trying to win over voters through various strategies, including using religious sentiment, spreading narratives, and tarnishing BNP’s image with false propaganda. The leaders emphasised that BNP should not only give green signals to candidates but also develop election strategies to attract voters and counter Jamaat’s negative campaign. Grassroots leaders also called for party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to return home immediately to lead the party for a strong performance in the upcoming election. “We are uncertain about who will get the nomination from our constituency, Dhaka-13. I think the party should finalise the list of candidates immediately, or else we will fall behind our political rivals in election campaigning,” said Yusuf Mridha, Joint Convenor of Dhaka North City Unit. Mridha, also a former president of Mohammpur Thana unit BNP, said they are currently working with ex-Dhaka South City unit convenor Abdus Salam as a BNP candidate. “If he (Salam) is given the party nomination, that will be fine. But if the party makes any changes, it could create divisions within the party and make it difficult to work with a new candidate. Whatever decision the party takes, it should be made as early as possible,” he said. Bazlul Karim Chowdhury Abed, BNP’s Rural Development and Cooperatives Affairs assistant secretary, said Jamaat has announced not only its MP candidates but also its upazila and Union Parishad candidates across the country over two months ago and has been campaigning in an organised way. Final voter lists to be published Nov 18 As a cadre-based party, Jamaat is gaining an advantage from its organised campaign, while BNP leaders and activists remain uncertain about who will be their candidates in many seats. In some areas there are six or seven BNP aspirants, each campaigning separately, creating confusion within the party,” he said. Abed, who is also an aspirant for the Noakhali-5 constituency, said there are seven nomination seekers from his seat. “Our party leaders and activists are confused about whom they should work with. This is also widening intra-party conflicts.” In such a situation, he said the party should immediately finalise the candidates so that grassroots leaders can actively participate in campaigning and counter Jamaat’s propaganda. “If the party delays selecting candidates, it may pay a heavy price in the election.” Rafiqul Amin Bhuiyan Ruhel, Narsindi BNP organising secretary, said the party could announce the names of at least 150 candidates immediately, with the rest revealed in two further phases. Fakhrul alleges move to bring bureaucracy under party control ahead of election “It is easy for the party to finalise candidates in many seats, so there is no reason to delay announcing them. But in some constituencies, it is difficult to decide. In those seats, our Acting Chairman should carefully evaluate the popularity, position, and public image of each aspirant to select the best candidate and avoid intra-party conflicts,” he said. Ruhel also said they are hearing Tarique Rahman will return home very soon. “If he returns, our party will gain new momentum, and the morale of the rank and file will be boosted, creating a positive election wave in favour of the party,” he said. As Jamaat is campaigning actively across the country, he said BNP should also develop proper election strategies to counter negative campaigns and gain support from people of all walks of life. “Tarique Rahman, in his interview with BBC, said BNP will nominate candidates who have acceptability among all sections of the community. This is important as Awami League may remain out of the race. We need candidates who can attract voters regardless of their political identity,” Ruhel said. Some senior party leaders said around 1,500 people are seeking BNP nomination to contest in 300 constituencies in the next national election. They said the BNP leadership is expected to give an early 'go-ahead' or preliminary approval to one potential candidate per constituency this month, after assessing their chances of victory. Final nominations will be approved later by the party’s nomination board once the election schedule is announced. NCP refuses any symbol from EC’s list, renews demand for ‘Water Lily’ The leaders said the party should boost field-level activities and speed up door-to-door campaigning with clear candidates in each seat, following concerns that having multiple aspirants in one area is creating confusion and weakening the campaign. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the party will announce the names of its candidates at an appropriate time. “Every party has its own strategy. We are not concerned about what other parties are doing. It is BNP’s decision when to announce the candidates.” He said the party will make careful and well-considered decisions when selecting its candidates. “I hope BNP will take the right decisions at the right time.” Replying to another question, Khosru said that as a major party, it is normal for BNP to have multiple aspirants. “But once the nominations are finalised, everyone will work together as one.”

The Planning Commission has ordered the authorities concerned to take punitive measures as it moves to close a controversial jute mill project plagued by irregularities, unauthorised spending and unapproved land development. The project, now renamed “Jamuna Specialized Jute and Textile Mill (1st Revised),” seeks to wrap up with an estimated cost of Tk 398.28 crore and revised implementation period from July 2018 to December 2025. But the Commission flagged unauthorised land development, deviation from the approved Development Project Proposal (DPP) and minimal actual progress. As part of the closure process, it has placed three strict conditions including fixing responsibility for unapproved expenditures and ensuring no misuse of public resources. "The Commission’s stance sends a clear message — deviations from approved plans will no longer be tolerated,” a senior Planning Commission official told UNB requesting anonymity. Launched in July 2018 with a 2020 completion target, the project aimed to produce export-quality jute-cotton blended yarn, denim, and garments — with the broader goal of boosting foreign earnings and supporting sustainable development goals. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud criticised the implementation, noting that “barely 2% of the approved cost was used properly and most of the expenditure went into unauthorised land acquisition not included in the original plan.” “It was an innovative idea with significant export potential, but nothing tangible has been achieved over the years,” he said. Narsingdi’s Janata Jute Mills shut for indefinite period following workers' violence He said the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) has been tasked with investigating the irregularities and identifying those responsible. The Ministry of Textiles and Jute sought approval to rename the project as “Jamuna Specialized Jute and Textile Mill (1st revised for termination)” and close it with an expenditure of Tk 39.82 crore, down from the original approved cost of Tk 518.85 crore. This marks a massive cost reduction of Tk 479.02 crore, or 92.32 percent of the original allocation, as only land development and a few ancillary works were completed before the project was halted. The Objectives of the project were, according to the official document, to increase additional export earnings by producing and selling yarn, cloth and ready-made garments (especially denim pants, jackets, shirts) etc. at affordable prices using jute and cotton blend. It also aimed to produce environment-friendly blended yarn and cloth in order to avail three-tier GSP benefits for the garment industry, produce various household textiles and goods using excess yarn after denim production to increase export earnings; and directly and indirectly create employment opportunities and assist the government in achieving the 8th Five Year Plan and sustainable development targets by producing and exporting versatile products. There is an opportunity to earn foreign exchange by exporting versatile jute products to the domestic and foreign markets. In view of this, the project under discussion was taken up in a meeting held by ECNEC in July 2018 with the aim of setting up a separate unit for the production of versatile jute products in the jute mills under the control of BJMC. Jute mills workers block Khulna-Jashore highway for dues Following the closure of 25 jute mills under BJMC in 2020, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute decided to halt all project activities. A revised proposal (RDPP) was submitted in January 2023, seeking to close the project by June 2026, leaving many components incomplete. But the Planning Commission, dissatisfied with the irregularities, shortened the timeline to December 2025 and demanded that the Ministry act per government development project guidelines. The Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) has been tasked with investigating the project’s mismanagement.A five-member inspection team, following a PEC meeting in May 2025, verified that land development was carried out on 34 acres through soil filling of 548,968.25 cubic meters — but without prior approval. BTMC’s jute mills incurred loss of Tk 3,168 cr in FY 21: Jute Minister Following the Delegated Procurement of the project, the EIC of Bangladesh Army was given to complete the soil filling, construction and procurement work. As per the proposal of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, work worth Tk 28.28 crore has been done in the project in question in addition to the project resources approved by the Land Development Department.

Once a parched and flood-prone stretch of land, the Rautnagar Canal area in Thakurgaon’s Ranisankail upazila has been transformed into a thriving agricultural zone, thanks to its recent re-excavation. The eight-kilometre-long canal, stretching from Sreepur Mouza in Ranisankail upazila to the Keutan Border Bridge, has breathed new life into local farming. Nearly 25,000 acres of land that were once limited to a single crop now yield up to three harvests a year, marking a significant turnaround for thousands of farmers in the border region. In addition to revitalising farmland, the project has also reclaimed around 30 acres of encroached government land, which will now be utilised for community development under official management. Chapainawabganj’s betel leaf bonanza fails to sweeten farmers’ fortunes For decades, the Rautnagar Canal stood as a shadow of its former self. Once a vibrant waterway supporting biodiversity and agriculture, it had gradually lost its flow, turning vast tracts of land into flood-prone zones during the monsoon. Waterlogging was common, restricting cultivation to one seasonal crop, mainly Boro rice. During the dry months, the canal would run dry, leaving farmers with no irrigation and forcing many into months of unemployment. “During the monsoon, our fields used to look like a pond. Crops would rot, and in winter there was no water for irrigation. Our ancestors could never imagine growing more than one crop a year. But now, we can cultivate three, and sometimes more,” recalled local resident Tota Mia. The Water Development Board’s re-excavation project has brought about a visible transformation in both land and livelihoods. The restored canal now ensures proper drainage during heavy rains and provides irrigation water during the dry season, enabling continuous farming throughout the year. Tk 38-crore women’s sports complex in Rangpur turns into grazing ground! Farmers are diversifying their crops, cultivating not only rice but also potatoes, wheat, maize, oilseeds, and high-value vegetables. Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension said that nearly 25,000 acres of farmland adjacent to the canal are now suitable for three-season cropping, potentially generating agricultural products worth hundreds of crores annually. This surge in productivity has had ripple effects on the rural economy, boosting incomes, creating local employment and reducing the need for seasonal migration. “Earlier, we had to go to Dhaka or Chattogram to find work,” said Shamsul Haque, 42, a local farmer, adding, “Now we can work on our own land throughout the year. We grow vegetables like cabbage, brinjal, and tomatoes along the canal. Life has changed.” For farmers like Rafiqul Islam, 46, the change has been life-altering. “My parents never dreamed of growing more than one crop here. Scarcity was part of our lives. But now, I harvest three crops from the same land. My income has tripled, and I no longer worry about paying for my children’s education,” he said. Duet set for major lab, infrastructure upgrade under new project Local authorities are now taking steps to ensure the canal’s long-term preservation. Golam Zakaria, Upazila Executive Engineer, described the canal as ‘a symbol of sustainable rural development’. He said new measures are being planned to maintain the natural water flow so that the benefits continue for generations. “The Rautnagar Canal is now more than a waterway—it is a symbol of new dreams, prosperity, and possibility.” Alamgir Kabir, Additional Deputy Director (Crops) of the Thakurgaon Agricultural Extension Department, echoed this optimism, saying farmers are becoming more interested in modern agricultural practices and experimenting with high-yield varieties. “This project has sparked a new era for agriculture in the region,” he said. With fertile fields, full irrigation and rising incomes, the people of Ranisankail are witnessing a long-awaited agricultural renaissance, one canal at a time.

In the lush fields of Chapainawabganj, where betel leaves have been nurtured since the days of the British Raj, a bountiful harvest has brought little cheer to the farmers. Despite an abundant yield this season, the leafy green treasure is failing to fetch fair prices, leaving many cultivators struggling to recover even the cost of production. Betel leaf cultivation thrives in Sadar and Shibganj upazilas, where generations of farmers have painstakingly tended their gardens. This year, favourable weather promised a fruitful season, with leaves sprouting in abundance. Yet, instead of smiles, the harvest has brought financial woes, as market prices have tumbled to alarming lows. Farmers sell betel leaves in units known as ‘pa’n’, each consisting of 80 leaves, with prices varying according to size -- small, medium and large. Last year, a large-sized pa’n could command Tk 130–140, a medium-sized one Tk 70–90, and a small bundle Tk 25–30. This year, however, the market paints a dismal picture: large leaves fetch only Tk 30–40, medium ones Tk 12–15, and small leaves barely Tk 2–5. Tk 38-crore women’s sports complex in Rangpur turns into grazing ground! Abdul Bari, a grower from Jadupur in Sadar upazila, lamented, “This time, there is hardly any price for betel leaves. Although production costs are higher than last year, the price is only one-third. Everything from labour wages to pesticides and husks has gone up. As a result, we are facing losses.” Similarly, Abdus Salam from Durgapur said, “Last year I sold large-sized betel leaves for Tk 130–140 per pawn. This year, I’m barely getting Tk 30–40. The small ones are practically worthless. We can’t even cover our costs.”

Bangladesh is unlikely to see a drop in dengue cases during the upcoming winter months (November to January), as the disease, once seasonal, is turning into a year-round health concern due to lack of preparation and proper monitoring, experts warned. Though the dengue cases usually decline during cooler months experts warn that the surge may continue due to climate anomalies, urban conditions and lapses in mosquito control efforts this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 212 dengue deaths and 49,907 cases have been recorded in the country as of October 5, 2025 from January. Dengue claims nine more lives, second highest daily toll this year Authorities at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital and other tertiary centres reported a sharp rise in patient admissions as well. Over the past five years, the deadliest months for dengue in Bangladesh have shifted but consistently peaked between August and November. November 2024 saw year’s highest 173 deaths, September 2023 recorded 87, October 2022 had 86 while August 2021 reported 34 deaths. Kabirul Bashar, a professor of the Department of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University, said, “In recent years, the disease has crossed its seasonal boundary and is now present throughout the year. During the monsoon and post-monsoon periods its spread becomes alarmingly intense.” The trend clearly indicates that if effective measures are not taken immediately, the situation in October could become catastrophic, Bashar said. Bangladesh reports 263 more dengue cases in 24hrs A higher density Dengue vector means the rate of disease transmission will rise rapidly and the number of patients could double or even more within a few weeks, he said. “The spread is not limited to the capital. Major cities like Chattogram, Barishal, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Mymensingh are witnessing a rapid increase in dengue cases. Alarmingly, rural areas are no longer safe either. Once primarily an urban disease, dengue has now infiltrated districts and upazilas,’’ he added. About two-thirds of the infected population still resides in urban areas but infections are steadily increasing in rural regions. This expanding pattern will make future dengue control efforts more difficult, said Kabirul Bashar. The most concerning aspect is that the highest infection and mortality rates are being observed among the youth and working-age population, particularly those between 16 to 30 years of age and this means that students and the nation’s workforce are at the greatest risk, he said.  Despite entering the final quarter of the year, hospitals across the country particularly in the capital—continue to report high occupancy of dengue patients. Many facilities are struggling with limited beds, shortages of platelets, and lack of trained medical personnel. “We are observing a shift in dengue’s seasonal pattern,” said Prof Dr Md Golam Sarwar, the country's only government-appointed medical entomologist currently based at NIPSOM. “If mosquito control operations are halted prematurely after October, we risk seeing an early resurgence in February or March. Sustained surveillance and control must continue year-round,” he warned. Dr Sohel, a physician of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, “As soon as patients develop warning signs like abdominal pain, bleeding, or persistent vomiting, they rush to Dhaka. By the time they reach us, their condition is often quite serious.”   He warned that the number of positive cases is rising daily. “If the hot weather persists, the outbreak may take a fatal turn.”   Shortage of Medical Entomologists Scientific mosquito control heavily relies on the work of medical entomologists who are trained to conduct proper mosquito larval surveys, determine mosquito density and breeding locations, identify serotypes of the virus, and recommend appropriate chemicals and methods for vector control Bangladesh has only one government-employed medical entomologist who is currently posted at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM) at the Head of the Entomology Department. On the other hand, 11 out of 12 city corporations have no medical entomologist while only 26 district civil surgeon offices have approved posts for entomologists, of which at least 12 remain vacant as of September 27. Incomplete Mosquito Surveys   Pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon surveys are vital to assess mosquito density and plan effective control strategies. The 2025 pre-monsoon survey was released mid-June, by which time the monsoon had already started—limiting reaction time. In 2024, the monsoon survey wasn’t conducted at all due to financial and manpower constraints. Even when surveys are completed their recommendations are rarely implemented due to mismanagement, corruption, and lack of resources.  Bangladesh Society of Medicine is raising awareness about the dengue across the hospitals to control it from the very beginning. The organisation is advising the patients not to take any antibiotics and aspirin type medicine without the consultation of the registered doctor.      They also advise the patients to take more saline and liquid food and paracetamol for the relief from the pain and visit the doctor immediately just after doubting the presence of the diseases.  

Academic life at Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia is facing a severe crisis as fifteen departments struggle with a critical shortage of teachers, leaving students with limited access to quality education and practical training. According to the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), IU currently has only 406 teachers, less than half of the sanctioned 1,080 faculty positions. The shortage of 674 instructors has forced some departments to operate with just two or three faculty members handling multiple courses, a situation that clearly violates University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines on teaching workload. 141 IU teachers, students selected for UGC research projects Departments most affected include Fine Arts, Political Science, Pharmacy, Marketing and Communication and Multimedia Journalism. With six to seven student batches in each department, many students are forced to rely on teachers borrowed from unrelated disciplines, compromising both subject expertise and practical learning opportunities. Earlier this year, IU authorities announced the creation of 59 new teaching positions across 21 departments to ease the crisis. The recruitment process, however, stalled after it was discovered that appointment circulars had been issued without securing prior financial clearance from the UGC. Ultimately, only six positions were approved—a fraction of what had been promised, sparking widespread frustration among students and faculty alike. Talking to UNB, Acting Registrar Professor M Monjurul Haque acknowledged the severity of the situation, saying the administration is actively seeking further approvals from the UGC. IU-15 students harassed by a female student IU Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam admitted that the recruitment circulars were issued ‘without due financial clearance’, while Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof M Yeaqub Ali claimed he was ‘not consulted’ on the decision, highlighting apparent disarray within the university’s top leadership. Faculty members and student leaders have jointly demanded urgent recruitment, warning that continued inaction will degrade academic standards and could even jeopardise the university’s accreditation. “If this situation persists, our degrees will lose their value both nationally and internationally in the job market,” said a final-year Pharmacy student, who wished to remain anonymous. “We are being pushed through the system without receiving genuine education.” The UGC has yet to issue a public statement on the matter. Meanwhile, students at the IU fear they are becoming victims of institutional neglect. With classrooms understaffed and essential courses left untaught, the future of one of Bangladesh’s leading public universities is at risk --trapped between bureaucratic delays and the urgent needs of its students, they said.    

The post of Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration has remained vacant for two weeks as the government delays the appointment of a new official due to various reasons, including political lobbying, the search for a qualified candidate, and concerns over avoiding controversy. Sources at the ministry indicated that the appointment might be finalised within this week. The key position has been unfilled for the past two weeks and complications have reportedly prevented the government from making an appointment. Intense lobbying from different quarters is said to be influencing the process. Former Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Dr Md Mokhlesur Rahman, was transferred to the Planning Commission on September 21 amid controversy. Since then, Abu Shaheen Md Asaduzzaman, Additional Secretary (Career Planning and Training-CPT Wing), has been serving as Acting Secretary. According to the sources, the delay in appointing a full-time secretary stems from multiple complexities. On one hand, there is continuous pressure to appoint officials favoured by political parties, while on the other, with the upcoming elections in mind, the government faces the challenge of selecting qualified and non-controversial candidates who would be acceptable to all sides. Due to these challenges, they said, the interim government has yet to appoint a new administrative secretary. Sources at the Ministry of Public Administration and the Cabinet Division told UNB that several political quarters have recommended their preferred candidates for the post. The government is reportedly struggling to make a decision that would not alienate any group. Officials are said to be drawing lessons from previous experiences, where hasty appointments to key positions led to backlash and required reassignments. As a result, the top level of government is now taking a more cautious and deliberate approach before filling such a vital post. Several names have emerged as potential candidates for the role of Public Administration Secretary, including ASM Saleh Ahmed, Senior Secretary at the Ministry of Land; Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary at the Ministry of Housing and Public Works; and Md Rezaul Maksud Zohad, Secretary of the Local Government Division. There are also speculations that retired Senior Secretary Md Shamsul Alam is being considered for the post. When contacted, a few senior secretaries confirmed that many eligible candidates are now reluctant to take on the role, fearing possible fallout, due to past controversies surrounding appointments to this position. An official from the Recruitment, Promotion and Deputation Wing of the Ministry of Public Administration, requesting anonymity, told UNB, “So far, we have not received any official instruction. We have no information yet. But we believe the government will make the appointment very soon.”

Preparations for the upcoming national election are nearing completion in Khulna division, with the Election Commission (EC) almost finalising the draft list of polling centres and updated voter rolls across its 10 districts. According to EC data, the number of voters in the division has increased by 4.71 percent compared to the last parliamentary election. The total number of registered voters now stands at 14,080,722. However, the figure may change slightly before the announcement of the official election schedule, suspect officials. Like previous, the number of female voters has mounted more than male voters this time, indicating the sign of women’s engagement in the electoral process. Among the 10 districts, Jashore recorded the highest increase in voter numbers while Meherpur positioned on the contrary. The total number of polling centres in the division has also gone up by 147 but the number of polling booths has decreased by 3,090 compared to the previous election. EC officials said that data collection and verification work for the upcoming election are almost complete. Information on voter numbers, polling centres and booths of the division has been compiled and requisition letters have been sent to various government and educational institutions for election duties. Election preparations going on in full swing, reaffirms CEC Nasir A total of 5,131 polling centres have been initially designated for the next election in the division — up from the 4,984 centres used in the previous election. However, the number of polling booths has been reduced from 30,253 to 27,163. The EC reported that the reduction in booths was due to an adjustment in voter allocation per booth from 500 men and 400 women previously, to 600 and 500 respectively in the upcoming election. Renovation work for polling centres requiring repair is also nearing completion, according to officials. Regional election officials said that the number of voters is increasing regularly due to new registrations, changes in voter addresses, and other factors. As of now, according to the EC office, the division’s total number of voters has increased by a record margin of 633,939 since the last parliamentary election. During the 12th election, the total was 13,446,783 but now it stands at 14,080,722, an increase by 4.71 percent. Of this increase, female voters rose by 343,970, while male voters grew by 289,922. In terms of district-wise growth, Jashore tops the list with 107,211 new voters, followed by Kushtia with 83,058, Khulna with 78,371, Jhenaidah with 75,291, Satkhira with 70,201, Bagerhat with 64,138, Magura with 51,857, Chuadanga with 43,058, Narail with 35,570, and Meherpur with the lowest increase of 24,640. Bagerhat saw the largest increase in polling centres with 60, while Chuadanga was the only district to record a decrease, losing 5 centres. Fakhrul welcomes Yunus’ directive, hopes for prompt election preparations by EC The number of centres rose by 47 in Khulna, 21 in Kushtia, 7 in Satkhira, 6 in Meherpur, 5 in Magura, 3 in Jhenaidah, 2 in Jashore, and 1 in Narail. Meanwhile, the number of third-gender (Hijra) voters in Khulna division also rose by 47, bringing the total to 134 registered Hijra voters. Khulna Regional Election Officer Faisal Quader said, “We have collected all relevant data, including voter lists, polling centers, and booth information for the upcoming national election in all 10 districts of the division. These figures may still change slightly, as voter registration continues.” He also said the division has seen a record increase in the number of voters, particularly women and that both polling centres and booths have undergone necessary adjustments ahead of the next polls.

Share market analysts have raised a red flag over potential manipulation, with four listed companies with halted or suspended production continuing to trade on the market. Halted or suspended production implies a status in which firms are not generating any revenue. Investing in such firms should not be recommended, said the share market analysts, warning particularly small investors to remain cautious about such companies. “Many traders could knowingly invest in these risky companies for quick profits,” said Tariqul Islam, a long-time investor in the Dhaka share market. Some of these traders could have insider information, enabling timely buying and selling, he said. “But small investors, driven by the greed to make quick bucks, often end up getting trapped with their investment,” he said. For instance, shares of Aramit Cement Limited, which faced struggles operating ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, are currently being traded at Tk 11.70 each. In a recent inspection by the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) it was revealed that the cement factory had remained non-operational since before last July. Despite repeated warnings from the DSE, the company’s shares continue to be traded, with significant trading recorded on August 24 and September 3. Govt initiative needed to restore trust of share market investors: Khosru Trading of shares of New Line Clothings Limited continued despite share manipulation taking place involving the company. A share of the company is currently being traded at around Tk 5. The share price had soared to Tk 26 a year ago. A recent probe by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) revealed that manipulation worth hundreds of crores occurred involving the New Line shares in 2021. In September this year, the BSEC fined five investors Tk 13.33 crore for their involvement in the New Line share manipulation. The New Line shares continue to trade actively in the Z-category, which indicates the company’s inability to give dividends to its shareholders. Currently, 30% of the New Line shares are held by the company’s sponsors and directors, while the rest 70% shares are owned by institutional and individual investors. “These kinds of stocks are like a thorn in the investors’ side,” said Asaduzzaman Asad, branch manager of a Motijheel-based brokerage house. “The regulator should introduce a mandatory buyback law compelling non-performing companies to repurchase their shares. Otherwise, investors will keep falling into these traps,” he added. Another non-operational company, Nurani Dyeing & Sweater Limited, has seen its share price fluctuate between Tk 2.40 and Tk 5 over the past year. Although its operations have been suspended since July, trading in its shares continues. Banks’ additional investment term in share market extended for a year When asked why investors remain interested in such companies, some traders said investors with prior losses are desperate to make financial recoveries. “Low-price shares tempt particularly small investors. Many think it’s worth taking the risk to profit more with less investment,” one investor commented. Ratanpur Steel Re-Rolling Mills Limited (RSRML) has also stopped production since the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, the company’s shares are still being traded, though their price dropped from Tk 15 to Tk 8 in a year. Market analysts warn that the continued presence of such non-performing firms poses a serious risk to market stability. “In the past 15 years, many weak companies were granted IPO approvals. Some of the companies ceased production or even disappeared. Allowing such companies to list discouraged quality firms from entering the market, giving manipulators a free rein,” said Minhaj Mannan, director of the DSE. Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) chairman Abu Ahmed, however, is still hopeful, saying that several fundamentally strong companies are expected to be listed next year. “Once good companies come to the market, investors’ confidence will naturally improve. The market will be vibrant,” he added.