United News of Bangladesh

What should have been a time of warmth, laughter and familial bliss has instead left behind the silence of mourning, as the Eid holidays witnessed the tragic loss of at least 14 lives, including children, in a heartbreaking series of drownings across the country. From tranquil village ponds to the lively tourist shores of Cox’s Bazar and the scenic waters of Sylhet, the ripples of joy turned into waves of grief, underscoring a harrowing national truth—drowning remains a silent predator, claiming lives that might have been saved. Tears in Noakhali and Moulvibazar: Families Shattered In the quiet corner of Subarnachar upazila in Noakhali, an ordinary afternoon turned devastating when two cousins—Faria Akter, just three years old, and her five-year-old playmate Mohammad Tahasin—slipped away into eternity. Visiting their grandfather’s home in the Char Jubilee area, the children, gleeful in the spirit of Eid, wandered near a pond. Their laughter was the last sound heard before the water claimed them. Miles away, in the peaceful village of Hamidpur in Moulvibazar’s Juri upazila, a father’s love met a tragic end. Babul Ahmed Babu, 60, a brick kiln owner, had taken it upon himself to teach his daughter Halima Mohammad, 18, how to swim. What began as a tender lesson ended in heartbreak. Halima lost her footing and disappeared beneath the water’s surface, and in a desperate attempt to save her, her father followed. Both lives were extinguished within moments, their final embrace submerged in sorrow. A Grim Toll at the Sea’s Edge: Cox’s Bazar Mourns The salty breeze of Cox’s Bazar could not sweep away the anguish that settled over the beach town, where a series of drownings unfolded within a mere 16 hours. Two cousin sisters drown in water pit in Kishoreganj Among the victims were Shahinur Rahman, 60, and his 20-year-old son Sifat from Rajshahi. The two were swimming near Kolatoli beach, likely sharing a rare and joyous moment of bonding, when the sea turned hostile and swallowed them whole. Elsewhere, the lifeless body of local fisherman Nurul Saudagar was pulled from the Nazirar Tek area, having vanished while engaged in the livelihood that once sustained him. Three more bodies were found across Pechar Dwip, Bokkhali estuary, and Diabetes Point—each discovery a cruel punctuation mark in a string of grief, raising the death toll in the area to six. Promise Unfulfilled: Youth Lost in Rivers and Ravines In Tangail’s Bhuapur upazila, the waters of the Bairan River silenced the dreams of BRAC University student Mostafa Shahriar Nihal. Just 22 years old, Nihal had returned home for Eid—perhaps to unwind, perhaps to reconnect with his roots—when a swim turned fatal. The village air that had once nurtured him now carries only sorrow. In Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet, another young life was taken too soon. Fifteen-year-old Mahi, a resident of Chattogram’s Bayezid area, was swept away by the Piyain River while visiting Jaflong, one of the country’s beloved tourist spots. A holiday of wonder ended in tragedy, leaving his family adrift in anguish. Innocence Lost in Kishoreganj: A Pit Becomes a Tomb The village of Pitua in Kishoreganj’s Karimganj upazila bears the weight of another sorrowful tale. Two young cousins—Yasmin Akhter, 8, and Taiyeba Akhter, 9—ventured to a nearby pit, filled with rainwater. Laughter and playful splashes soon gave way to an eerie silence. Teenaged tourist drowns in Piyain River in Sylhet Both girls drowned before help could arrive, leaving behind heartbroken families and a community numb with shock. A Nation’s Children at Peril: A Crisis Too Long Ignored Bangladesh, with its many rivers and water bodies, is no stranger to the dangers of open water. Yet the scale of this preventable tragedy is staggering. According to Unicef, drowning stands as one of the leading causes of death among children under five in the country. Some 14,000 young lives are lost each year—many during the monsoon, when the landscape becomes a dangerous playground. Every day, an average of 40 children drown—lives with potential, laughter, and love—all extinguished in moments that could have been averted. The World Health Organization echoes this grim reality, ranking drowning as one of the top causes of death among children and young people in South-East Asia. A Cry for Change: Time to Act The call for action rings louder with every lost life. Experts stress the urgent need for community awareness, vigilant supervision, and widespread swimming education. Simple, low-cost solutions—such as local swimming lessons, safe play zones, and crèche-style supervision—have the power to save thousands. Unless we act now, the tide will continue to steal our children—one moment of inattention, one step too close to the edge, one more life gone. Two children drown in Narail "Let these stories not fade into mere statistics. Let the grief etched into these families’ hearts become the driving force behind a nationwide commitment—to protect, to prevent, and to preserve the most precious gift of all: life," said Syed Farhad, a businessman of Chattogram. #With inputs from Farzana Haque  

In the mango orchards of Sapahar, Naogaon, where summer usually hums with the sweet scent of ripening fruit, an uneasy calm now lingers. Not the silence of calm, but of despair! A once-promising mango season has turned sour for hundreds of growers and traders, as Eid holidays, scorching heat and administrative delays combine in a perfect storm, leaving prized Amropali mangoes to rot both on trees and in crates. Each morning, Sakhawat Hossain walks through his 400-bigha orchard with a heavy heart. “I had hoped this would be our best season yet,” he said, eyes fixed on the unsold crates. “Instead, I’m throwing away nearly 30 to 35 maunds of fruit every day.” That is over a tonne of mangoes spoiling daily—unsold and unsalvageable! Nature and Calendar at Odds At the heart of the crisis lies a clash between nature’s timing and official regulations. The Amropali variety—celebrated for its firm texture and rich aroma—began ripening around 10 days earlier than expected due to an intense heatwave. But according to the mango harvesting calendar set by the district administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), no mangoes were to be harvested before June 18. While the circular did mention that early harvesting could be allowed with prior approval from the local agriculture office or Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), the country was by then entering a 10-day Eid shutdown. Naogaon to commence its mango season with ‘Guti’ variety from May 22 With banks closed, transport and courier services suspended, the critical window to move mangoes from Sapahar to major markets, especially Dhaka, shut abruptly. Growers like Sakhawat tried to follow the rules. “When we went to the agriculture office for approval, they told us to go to the UNO office. The UNO office sent us back to the agriculture office. This has been going on every day," he said. By Wednesday afternoon, he was still without permission. Piles of fruit, worth several lakh taka, lay decomposing. Normally, June brings frenzied activity to Sapahar’s orchards. Pickers scale trees, buyers haggle over prices, lorries line up to ferry mangoes nationwide. But this year, the markets are hauntingly quiet. “I’ve seen many mango seasons,” said Imam Hossain, general secretary of the local mango wholesalers’ association. “But never anything like this. Mangoes worth crores are being dumped into the soil during these Eid holidays.” He noted that Amropali mangoes are currently selling for Tk 4,000 to 4,200 per maund—but even at these prices, buyers are scarce. “With no way to transfer money or transport goods, everything’s at a standstill.” When Nature Moves Faster Than Policy Sohel Rana, owner of Barendra Agro Park, called the early ripening both a blessing and a curse. “We had a beautiful crop this year. But the heat accelerated ripening. And mangoes can’t be stored for long, especially without a cold chain, so we had no way to preserve them.” He added, “Every mango we pick has to be sold the same day. If not, we dump it. That’s our only option.” Sohel believes that if even partial banking and transport services had remained open during Eid, much of the losses could have been avoided. Rajshahi sets May 15 for start of mango harvesting “In a place like Sapahar, where thousands depend on mango income, there needs to be flexibility during peak season,” he said. Officials Defend the System Abul Kalam Azad, Deputy Director of the DAE in Naogaon, said this year’s mango calendar was actually brought forward by three days compared to last year. He acknowledged that the Eid holidays caused disruption, but played down the scale of the losses. "Permission for early harvest was available. If anyone applied properly, they should have received it.” He added that the district still hopes to achieve its mango revenue target of Tk 3,500 to 4,000 crore this year. But on the ground, many growers say these reassurances offer little comfort. “If this continues even a few more days,” warned Imam Hossain, “The entire mango market could collapse. Prices will spike, supply will vanish and everyone -- farmers, traders, consumers -- will suffer.” In a country where agriculture underpins millions of lives, this year’s mango season in Naogaon stands as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for responsive governance, real-time decision-making and investment in post-harvest infrastructure. Chinese ambassador Yao Wen visits mango orchard in C’nawabganj For now, Sapahar’s trees still hang heavy with fruit. But beneath them lie the spoils of delay -- mangoes, money, and the hope of a season lost. #With additional inputs from Julfekar Dehan

Although BNP’s relations with the interim government have visibly soured in recent weeks, especially over the timing of the next general election, all eyes are now on the much-hyped meeting between Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The meeting, scheduled to be held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on June 13, is drawing intense attention both at home and abroad and is likely to be a one-to-one discussion from 9:00am to 11:00am, local time. Senior leaders of BNP and its alliance partners believe the talks between Prof Yunus and Tarique could prove to be a turning point in resolving political deadlock, fostering consensus and creating space for negotiation. The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of the Chief Adviser’s recent address to the nation announcing that the 13th general election will be held in the first half of April next year. The BNP, which has consistently demanded that the election be held by December this year, reacted with frustration, calling the decision unilateral and impractical. The party has since been vocal in urging the government to reconsider. Now, party insiders say the proposed meeting could offer a breakthrough. BNP leaders view the meeting as a significant step towards overcoming the impasse over the election timeline and hinted that bringing the election date forward from April will be the central focus of the meeting. Besides, BNP leaders said other crucial matters are expected to be on the agenda, including reforms, trial of mass killing during the July-August mass uprising, a safe and orderly transition of power, a safe exit for the interim government, and Tarique Rahman’s potential return to Bangladesh. No desire to be part of next elected govt: Prof Yunus “In the meeting, Tarique Rahman will clearly explain why April is not a suitable time for the elections and why December would be more appropriate. But, if the Chief Adviser is willing to consider February as a compromise, there might be room for flexibility,” said a BNP standing committee member wishing anonymity. Contacted for comment, BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, “We believe this meeting will lead to constructive negotiations on moving politics forward and restoring democracy through a credible national election. It will offer a glimmer of hope for overcoming the challenges we currently face.” Mosharraf noted that the issue of the election would be a central focus of the discussions. “Our Acting Chairman will present the party’s position on the national election. We believe December is the most suitable time to hold the polls, while April poses several challenges. We hope the Chief Adviser will take this into consideration and revise the election schedule accordingly,” he said. When asked whether the BNP would be open to an election in February—before Ramadan, public examinations, and the onset of unfavourable weather—he said the party has entrusted Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman with full authority to make necessary decisions. “It is now up to the Chief Adviser to revisit his stance on the election timeline. However, our party continues to stand firm on its preference for holding the election by December this year,” the BNP leader said. Another BNP Standing Committee member Dr Moyeen Khan said the interim government may be shifting away from its previously rigid position regarding the election timeline, acknowledging the need to move from a confrontational approach to one of reconciliation. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said he believes the meeting between the head of the interim government and the BNP’s acting chairman is not only necessary but also a matter of political decency. Prof Yunus-Tarique meeting to usher in a fresh breeze for democracy: Rizvi He said such a discussion could help address key political challenges and reduce tensions and bridge differences between the sides. When asked about the potential topics of discussion between Tarique Rahman and Professor Yunus, Salahuddin said the conversation would centre on the overall political landscape and the future course of action. “This would include setting a suitable date for the national election, ensuring the interim government’s neutrality, and upholding the rule of law.” He said the discussion would also touch on crucial matters concerning national security, politics and the broader national context. In response to whether the meeting could persuade the Chief Adviser to bring the election date forward from April, Salahuddin said, “We are hopeful that once the two leaders meet, this issue—and many others—will be resolved through constructive dialogue.” He expressed optimism that the Chief Adviser would reconsider the proposed election schedule and agree to a more pragmatic timeline, taking into account factors such as the weather, Ramadan and public examinations. As a liberal democratic party, Salahuddin said, the BNP has always believed in resolving issues through discussion. “We believe the meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman can settle key concerns and help ensure a smooth democratic transition.” Mustafa Jamal Haider, the head of the 12-party alliance, a political ally of BNP, said the meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique is very important in the current political situation of the country. “We believe that the fog surrounding the country’s politics and the election date will be cleared through this meeting,” he said. Jamal Haider said a gap or disagreement between the interim government and BNP and its like-mined parties have created over reform, election and some other issues. “We hope that a suitable solution will be found through this meeting.” Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Chairman of Nagorik Oikya, another alliance partner of the BNP, said the meeting would pave the way for holding a fair and credible election, as well as for a democratic transition. “It will surely yield a positive outcome in line with the aspirations of the people.”

The brutal killing of Rakibul Hasan Sani, widely known in his neighborhood as “Paper Sani,” has sent shockwaves through the Pallabi area of the capital, with residents gripped by fear and speculation over the motive behind his death. While several sources point to a longstanding turf war over drug trade dominance, Sani’s family claims he was targeted for standing up against local teenage gangs and narcotics syndicates. Sani, 32, was the son of Mohammad Sohel of Kalshi area under Pallabi police station. He lived in the area with his wife, parents, and other family members. According to his family, Sani used to make a living selling clothes on footpaths and driving an autorickshaw. A History of Rivalry and Narcotics Control Police and local sources report that Sani had a prolonged conflict with the notorious “Rubel Group,” once his allies, over control of the drug trade and local dominance. Members of the Rubel Group include known criminals such as “Langra Rubel,” “Boma Kallu,” “Tana Akash,” “Jinda,” and “Kasra Sohel”—many of whom are allegedly linked to teenage gangs and criminal activities in the area. City Killing: ‘Paper Sani’ slain in suspected gang rivalry in Pallabi Sani’s father claimed that his son used to raise his voice against the local teen gangs and drug dealers. That was his only ‘crime.’ That’s why they killed him, he said. A Mysterious Night and the Final Hours According to the case filed with Pallabi police station on Tuesday (June 10), on the previous night (Monday, June 9), a youth named Swapon called Sani over phone out of his home around 11pm, inviting him to a casual hangout in the Mirpur-11 area. Sani left home on his motorbike and never returned. His body was discovered the next morning (Tuesday) in an empty plot near House 20, Road-3, Block-B of Mirpur 11. Witnesses said his hands were cuffed and his feet tied with a traditional towel (gamchha). His mobile phone and motorbike were missing. Family members claimed he was brutally slaughtered between the time he left and 8am in the morning on Tuesday, with his hands cuffed and legs bound. The Dark World of the Rubel Group Investigation sources revealed that Rubel, once a rickshaw-puller, later became involved in drug dealing. He and Sani reportedly worked together during their early days in the trade before their relationship soured. Locals say that Boma Kallu, recently released on bail, played a key role in orchestrating the murder. On the Monday evening before the murder, Rubel was seen picking up Kallu in a private car from in front of Bangla School in Mirpur 11. A known drug peddler named Fazzju was also reportedly in the car. That night, the group staged a half-hour-long “showdown” in the area. The next day, Sani was found dead. Legal Proceedings and Police Response Following the incident, Sani’s mother Rozina Begum filed a murder case with Pallabi Police Station on Tuesday (June 10), naming Langra Rubel, Boma Kallu, Swapon, Jinda, and Tana Akash as the main accused. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shafiul Alam of Pallabi Police Station told UNB, “A murder case has been filed, and we’re actively pursuing the accused. However, no arrests have been made yet.” He added, “Sani was killed by his rival group of drug traders. The murder is the result of a power struggle between two criminal factions. There are 8–9 cases against Sani himself.” For the past 10 months, residents of Pallabi have reportedly been living under the terror of the Rubel Group. Despite repeated complaints, the group continues to operate with apparent impunity. Local residents told UNB, “There is no rule of law here anymore—only teen gangs and drug violence. We live in constant fear. Today it’s Sani; tomorrow, it could be someone else.”

As Bangladesh continues to navigate a period of political transition and law and order problems, stakeholders like economists, security experts and business leaders have stressed that the nation’s economic progress cannot be sustained without a stable law and order situation. Rising political unrest, factory closures and disruptions to trade and production are clear indicators of an unstable environment. The effects of insecurity and disorder are being felt across various sectors, from the garments hubs in Gazipur to financial institutions in Motijheel. Since the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, took office in August 2024 following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calls for fresh elections have intensified. The absence of a clear election roadmap has led to widespread protests and sporadic violence, disrupting daily life and business in urban centres. Disruptions are visible in key sectors -- from garment hubs in Gazipur and Ashulia to financial institutions in Motijheel. Intelligence agencies report that over 200 garment factories were shut temporarily in September 2024 due to labour unrest, threatening export reliability and affecting thousands of workers. To address the unrest, the interim government formed a joint command centre in February to coordinate security efforts under ‘Operation Devil Hunt’. Yet, concerns from the business community and economists persist. RMG workers stage protest at Kakrail demanding arrears, Eid bonus Taskin Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said business leaders are deeply worried about safety and demand a secure, disruption-free environment for operations. Abdus Salam, former DCCI Senior Vice President, added that businesses paying taxes and VAT are being destabilised by unrest—something he called unacceptable. Professor Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM, pointed out that global trade realignments present opportunities for Bangladesh, especially under the 'China+1' strategy. He, however, warned that these prospects hinge on ensuring safety, security, and a smooth business environment. Brigadier General (Retd) Md Abdul Hamid emphasised that worsening law and order, fuelled by political agitation and disinformation, now threatens economic development. He highlighted that frequent protests in Dhaka are disrupting commerce and transport. Investors, he noted, are increasingly concerned about law and order, corruption, and unreliable energy supplies—factors that increase costs and discourage investment. Rights activist Ashis Kumar Dey, General Secretary of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways, echoed the need for social stability, warning that neither local nor foreign investors will commit under current conditions. Analysts stress that stabilising law and order is not only the duty of security agencies but a prerequisite for long-term planning and development. They urge political actors to prioritise national interest, agree on election timelines, and enact key reforms. Grim Cost of Failing Law and Order   Law and order and a stable economy are inseparable threads in a nation’s fabric. When either frays, the effects are far-reaching, eroding livelihoods, undermining confidence and threatening national progress, according to the experts. JnU protesters vow to continue their movement with rally and hunger strike They said a secure environment fosters investment, job creation and growth. But recent spikes in crime, delayed justice, and weak enforcement have shaken public trust. For investors, instability signals risk. Combined with inflation, unemployment and reduced growth forecasts, the economic outlook is worsening. The cycle is vicious—poor law and order hampers business, while economic distress fuels unrest. If left unaddressed, this could spiral into long-term stagnation, they added.

Seasonal hide traders in Feni have suffered significant financial losses as thousands of sacrificial animal hides went unsold following Eid-ul-Azha, with many now decomposing in local markets due to a lack of buyers and inadequate preservation. Traders spent the Eid day night in makeshift markets, waiting in vain for buyers. As the hours passed and temperatures rose, many of the unsold hides began to rot, releasing a foul odour that forced some traders to abandon them altogether. Amid mounting pressure from locals over the overpowering stench, traders loaded the decomposing hides onto pickup vans and dumped them into nearby rivers. One such trader, Shukkur Ali, was arrested on Sunday night for disposing of hides in the Silonia River under Parshuram upazila. Acting on the instructions of Executive Magistrate and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arifur Rahman, a mobile court detained Shukkur from his residence in the Malipathar area of Chitholia Union. The arrest followed a viral video showing him discarding hides into the river, which sparked public outrage and prompted swift administrative action. Locals said Shukkur had collected hides on Eid day, purchasing each at rates between Tk 500 and 600. Qurbani Rawhides: Even price revisions fail to ease market woes  After transporting them to Parshuram Bazar, he reportedly became frustrated with the absence of buyers and dumped the hides in anger. “He was arrested for polluting the environment,” said Mohammad Nurul Hakim, officer-in-charge of Parshuram Police Station.  

Every day, hundreds of residents from 35 villages in Jamalganj upazila of Sunamganj risk their lives to cross the dilapidated Teranagar Bridge over the Doulata River, a structure declared ‘risky and abandoned’ over a decade ago. Despite its deteriorating condition, the bridge remains a vital lifeline for the locals who have no alternative route. Auto-rickshaws, CNG-run vehicles, motorcycles and trolleys continue to ply the unsafe structure daily, defying warnings and risking disaster. Locals say the bridge, built between 2002 and 2004, had structural flaws from the outset. Though initially intended for lighter use – limited to bicycles and motorcycles – the bridge now bears the load of modern vehicular traffic, a reality it was never designed to support. The 95-metres long Teranagar Bridge in Bhimkhali union was one of four bridges built under a rural infrastructure project initiated by late MP Nazir Hossain in 2002. It served as the primary connection to Fenerbak Union, especially during the autumn when low-lying paths become impassable. In the years since, development has brought paved roads linking Jamalganj to Laxmipur Bazar and Nabin Chandra High School in Phenerbak Union. With this progress, the volume of traffic has surged, including light trucks and other small vehicles, further straining the ageing bridge. Today, the bridge serves as the key access point to one high school, two village markets, one madrasa, and more than 50 primary schools. Bridge collapse amid heavy rains snaps road link in Munshiganj; locals suffer Villages relying on the structure for communication include Matargaon, Rajapur, Rasulpur, Lalpur, Daulatpur, Ujan Daulatpur, Rajabaj, Khojargaon, Binajura, Teghoria, Gangadharpur, Chhoyhara, Kamargaon, Inatnagar, Bijoynagar, Kashipur, Udaypur, Laxmipur, Bhedarpur, Fenerbak, Chatnipara, Nazimnagar, Hatamara, Udaypur and several areas under Dirai upazila. Yet the bridge shakes under the weight of crossing vehicles. Cracks and holes have formed, while makeshift repairs using bricks and sand offer only fragile support. Limited annual allocations from union and upazila budgets have proven inadequate, as potholes and broken railings reappear soon after each repair. Although the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) declared the bridge abandoned in 2014, no replacement has been built. During a recent visit, this correspondent observed gaping holes, crumbling surfaces, and dangerously loose railings. Still, traffic continued unabated. “It shakes when a vehicle goes over it. Vehicles frequently get damaged due to the potholes. The broken railing adds to the risk, and the narrow width means only one vehicle can cross at a time,” said Nasir, an auto-rickshaw driver. Anjan Purkayastha, a local resident and senior journalist, said three people have died and over 200 others have been injured in accidents on the bridge. “Around 50 goats, sheep and cattle have also died,” he said. Verbal commitments have been made over the years by ministers and local MPs, but no tangible progress has followed. For the villagers, promises have become a recurring disappointment. Sujit Chandra Sarker, Headmaster of Nabin Chandra High School, voiced his concern: “The teachers and students of the school cross this hazardous bridge daily. If a major accident occurs, who will take responsibility?” He urged the authorities to construct a new bridge without delay. Bhimkhali Union Parishad Chairman Md Akhtaruzzaman Talukder echoed this urgency, saying, “Even after being declared abandoned in 2014, hundreds of vehicles still use it every day. A serious accident could happen at any time.” Md Sanowar Hossain, the Upazila Engineer, explained, “This bridge was originally built only for pedestrian use, as there were no motor roads in the area at the time. Now, with daily vehicular traffic, it has become extremely unsafe.” Bridge to Nowhere: Dhanagoda riverbank erosion leaves Chandpur Road in ruins He said a proposal has been submitted under the ‘Hemlit project’ for the upcoming fiscal year to construct a new bridge over the Doulata River. “We hope funding will be approved and this vital bridge can be rebuilt for the safety of the local population.” . For now, the people of Jamalganj continue to rely on this crumbling structure, a bridge that once symbolised progress but now stands as a daily gamble with danger.

Even though  the government has increased the prices of sacrificial animal hides this Eid-ul-Azha, seasonal traders claim they failed to sell at the official rates, while tannery owners argue that raising prices alone cannot revive the market without addressing its underlying issues. During the critical 72-hour post-Eid period, Dhaka’s Posta area in Lalbagh received the highest volume of rawhide. Seasonal traders from various parts of the city brought hides to the Posta warehouse for sale but expressed frustration at being unable to sell at the government-fixed rates. As per the new rates set by the Ministry of Commerce, salted cowhide in Dhaka was priced at Tk 60-65 per square foot, up from last year’s Tk 55-60. Outside Dhaka, the rate was Tk 55-60, compared to Tk 50-55 last year. Tanneries classify hides based on size: over 30 square feet is considered large, over 20 square feet is medium, and below 20 square feet is small. Based on the minimum rate, a large hide would fetch Tk 1,800, a medium one Tk 1,200, and a 15-square-foot small hide Tk 900. Rawhide fetches highest prices in a decade: Commerce Adviser But, seasonal traders reported selling hides for as low as Tk 500-800, significantly below government-fixed prices. Altaf Hossain, a seasonal trader, said, “On the afternoon of Eid day, I sold hides at Tk 600 each. Even after waiting for hours quoting Tk 900, no buyers came forward.” Milon Sarker echoed similar sentiments: “No one measured hides by square foot. We sold hides for an average of Tk 600-900 per piece. Hearing the government had raised the price, many madrasa and boarding houses bought hides at higher prices, which landed us in trouble.” Warehouse operators at Posta stated that this year’s market is worse than the previous one. “Buying at government-fixed rates would mean selling to tanneries at a loss,” one wholesaler explained. Tipu Sultan, Secretary General of Bangladesh Hide and Skin Merchants Association (BHSMA), said, “Many investors have withdrawn from the leather business this year. Several traders closely linked with the previous regime are now absconding, while others are struggling with liquidity. Traders who previously bought 10,000 pieces are now buying only 5,000.” He also mentioned that more than 30% of hides brought to Posta had already deteriorated due to lack of salt preservation. “Seasonal traders brought raw, unsalted hides. By the time they reached the market, many hides had spoiled or lost quality. Though the government set prices for salted hides, many ignored that directive,” he said. Tannery workers busy unloading, processing rawhides at Savar tannery estate Adilur Rahman, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries, said while visiting the Savar Leather Industrial City on the third day of Eid that the government had distributed 30,000 tonnes of salt to aid preservation.

Nestled in the folds of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Khagrachhari transforms into a vibrant haven for holidaymakers each Eid-ul-Azha. As the festival brings with it the promise of rest and togetherness, the district's scenic beauty and serene landscapes offer the perfect setting for families and friends seeking a brief escape from the bustle of daily life. During the Eid holidays, Khagrachhari's charm seems more pronounced--its green hills lusher, waterfalls more inviting and the air touched with the vibration of festive excitement. Visitors, both local and from afar, roam through forest trails, pose for photos beside misty cascades and explore curving cave paths in search of thrill and mystery. The appeal of Alutila, with its enigmatic cave and panoramic views, has only grown stronger in recent years. Tourism restrictions lifted in parts of Bandarban nearly after a year Renovations and new attractions have added to its allure, making it a focal point for those wanting both adventure and Instagram-worthy vistas. Meanwhile, other locations like Risang Waterfall, Mayabini Lake and Devta Pukur offer tranquil retreats that seem untouched by time. Away from nature’s embrace, local markets buzz with the business of the season. Stalls brim with handmade crafts, woven garments and tribal jewellery, drawing tourists not just to the region’s sights, but also to its culture. The festive rush spills over into hotels and resorts, where the clinking of tea cups and the scent of freshly cooked meals set the rhythm of leisure. Eid Tourism: 'Monotony' outside Dhaka, 'confinement' within Khagrachhari, with its calm yet celebratory spirit, becomes more than just a destination during Eid, it turns into a meeting point of tradition and tourism, culture and nature. As visitors leave with bags full of souvenirs and hearts filled with memories, the district quietly readies itself for the next wave of wanderers, ever welcoming, ever unchanged in its beauty.

From the bustling streets of Dhaka to its narrow lanes and marketplaces, the presence of beggars appears to be growing. Begging has become a widespread and seemingly convenient means of earning an income. Many of those seeking alms appear capable of working but still choose this path. At the same time, households across the capital continue to experience a strong demand for homemakers. Yet many women are turning away from this opportunity, opting instead to beg on the streets. On the scorching pavement in front of the Secretariat last week, a nearly four-year-old child sits quietly with a bowl beside her mother, “Rasheda” (not her real name), aged around 40. When asked why she begs instead of taking up work, Rasheda replies, “I’m ill. I can’t work.” She shares that a well-known older man once told her: “You’ve already given birth to three children and can’t feed them. You keep having fatherless babies to increase your sources of income.” Though visibly uncomfortable, Rasheda stops short of directly responding to the accusation. In front of Metro Shopping Mall at Dhanmondi 27, 16-year-old Tanzila is also found begging. Asked about her circumstances, she says, “My mother is a homemaker. My brother is sick. I beg to raise money for his treatment.” When questioned about her studies, she responds, “Who will care for my brother then? With what I earn from begging, I buy his medicine.” A middle-aged woman begging on a road in Rampura shares her view, “Working at home doesn’t sustain us. If I work hard physically, my health deteriorates. But if I sit and beg, I can easily make some money.” At TSC and Suhrawardy Udyan, begging has become a regular sight. Individuals between the ages of 15 and 45 are frequently seen seeking help from passers-by. Govt zakat fund 'vital' to poverty alleviation: Religious Affairs Adviser Growing Demand for Homemakers Households in Dhaka show a considerable demand for homemakers. With more couples engaged in full-time employment, managing work and domestic responsibilities has become increasingly difficult. Families also seek caregivers for children or elderly members, but reliable help remains scarce. Shathi Akter, 40, a resident of Banasree, says, “I have a part-time helper, but if she works one day properly, she disappears for three days. I need someone permanent. My mother is sick but I can’t find anyone—even when I pay.” Padma, 35, who works at a private company, says, “I need a permanent worker to look after my five-year-old. After failing to find someone trustworthy, I reached out to several agencies. Their demands were beyond our means. One agency asked for Tk 10,000 monthly plus a security deposit.” TIB findings:  Over 70 percent of households partake in corruption Agencies and App-Based Services Several organisations, including HelloTask and City Maid Agency, offer homemaker services online—although at a substantial cost. City Maid Agency charges for homemaker services as follows: 8-hour stay – Tk 10,000 plus meals, 10-hour stay – Tk 11,000 plus meals, 12-hour stay – Tk 12,500 to Tk 13,000 plus meals, 24-hour stay – Tk 14,000 to Tk 18,000 including meals and accommodation. HelloTask offers a two-hour daily package for Tk 2,500–Tk 5,000 monthly, depending on location. For a full-day eight-hour homemaker, the charge is Tk 12,000. They also provide insurance coverage of up to 50 percent of the product value (maximum Tk 20,000) for any unintentional damage, provided it is reported while the homemaker is still present. Such rates represent significant sources of income—yet many individuals who beg on the streets do not pursue these opportunities. Micro Finance Institutions should work for reducing urban poverty: BB Governor Understanding the Persistence of Begging Tawhidul Haque, Associate Professor of Social Welfare and crime analyst at Dhaka University, observes, “Many people look for the easiest way to earn. Lower-income individuals also want to earn, and they choose the path that seems simplest—begging is among them. Mostly they stand or sit in the street or in front of markets and shopping malls to get aid, even though they are capable of working. When told to work at home, they make excuses. Some even use their children as tools to earn this way.” “To reduce this trend, their own willingness to work is vital. Volunteer groups could be formed to encourage them. But such initiatives require organisational or individual effort. It’s necessary to let them know that working is more dignified than begging," he added.