United News of Bangladesh

Works of celebrated Bangladeshi masters, including Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin (1914–1976), Mohammad Kibria (1929–2011), Rashid Chowdhury (1932–1986), Kalidas Karmakar (1946–2019) and Shahid Kabir (b.1949), have been showcased in this year’s Sotheby’s auction of South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art in London, alongside renowned artists from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Under the segment titled 'Five Bangladeshi Jewels' on Sotheby’s website, the estimated price ranges for these works are: Zainul Abedin’s Untitled (£15,000–20,000), Rashid Chowdhury’s Untitled (£10,000–15,000), Mohammad Kibria’s Untitled (£12,000–18,000), Shahid Kabir’s Mosque, Lalan and Temple; Lalan on White Horse; Jatra Stage of Time (£7,500–9,500), and Kalidas Karmakar’s ‘Holy War’ (£1,500–2,500). The combined lower estimate for the Bangladeshi works stood at £46,000; however, they eventually ended up being collectively sold for £181,610. The auction, presented by Sotheby’s Indian and South Asian Art department, began on Tuesday at 2 pm local time. Among its highlights was ‘Holy War’, a rare 1978–79 work by the late Bangladeshi maverick Kalidas Karmakar (1946–2019), widely regarded as a pioneer of experimental printmaking and contemporary visual language in Bangladesh. The mixed-media composition, measuring 60.2 x 50.9 cm, is executed in pen, ink, gouache and collage on paper. Inscribed “Pen and Ink Drawing, Gouache, collage, Kali ‘78–79” along the lower edge, the piece was originally acquired in Dhaka around 1979–80, later entering a private collection in Spain. According to Sotheby’s catalogue, Karmakar’s ‘Holy War’ series reflects on the violence and futility of conflict through fragmented grids, layered collages, and pen-drawn symbols. A relentless experimentalist, he introduced unconventional materials such as sand, fabric and metal into his collages and installations, drawing inspiration from surrealism, abstraction and tantric philosophy in search of universal meaning. “Like a river, ever flowing and unbound, Kalidas Karmakar has been a wandering soul, his nomadic and restless mind taking him places untraveled and subjects unexplored. Although a globetrotter, he always anchors himself in his native Bangladesh, finding inspiration from its alluvial soil and heroic past,” wrote art critic H. Ferdous in Kalidas Karmakar: Alluvial Soul Soil Symbol, Artcon (2016), quoted in the Sotheby’s catalogue. Born in Faridpur in 1946, Karmakar studied at the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka, and the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, later pursuing advanced training in Poland, Japan and France. From his first major solo exhibition in Dhaka in 1976, he went on to stage more than 90 solo shows worldwide. His contributions to Bangladeshi art earned him numerous accolades, including the Ekushey Padak, the nation’s second-highest civilian award. Only three works from the ‘Holy War’ series have surfaced to date, incorporating burnt paper along with other experimental mediums. Speaking on the significance of the series, ARK Reepon, founder of Artcon, said: “Kalidas Karmakar’s ‘Holy War’ works are rooted in the Liberation War of 1971, created from his personal experiences during that turbulent period. One of these belongs to Artcon’s collection. Of the three known works in the series, two are reproduced in the artist’s monograph KALIDAS: Alluvial Soul . Soil . Symbol (Artcon, 2025)." "The Sotheby’s auction piece, believed to be the first in the series, has resurfaced after decades, finding its place on the global stage. Seeing Bangladeshi artworks sold internationally not only raises their value but also brings to light unseen works of our master artists, giving them well-deserved global recognition,” ARK Reepon told UNB. Regarding the matter, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury spoke to UNB, stating: “In 2015, Gallery Cosmos exhibited another work from the ‘Holy War’ series in our ‘Braveheart’ exhibition. Kalidas was deeply associated with our gallery from the beginning, and seeing the series now gain international recognition at Sotheby’s auction is a proud moment for us.” Speaking recently to Prothom Alo on Bangladesh’s position in the South Asian art landscape, Manjari Sihare Sutin, Co-Worldwide Head of Sotheby’s Indian and South Asian Art Department, said: “Bangladeshi artists have created both figurative and abstract visual languages that honour the country’s history and vibrant culture. Zainul Abedin’s truthful depictions of ordinary lives earned him the title of Shilpacharya, while the abstract paintings of Mohammad Kibria and Aminul Islam captured the luminous colours of Bangladesh’s natural landscapes.” In recent years, Bangladeshi artworks have garnered increasing international attention. In September 2024, Zainul Abedin’s 1970 geometric drawing on paper, initially valued at £10,000–15,000, fetched a record £516,000 (Tk 8.25 crore) at Sotheby’s—marking the highest auction price ever for his work. Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s has been holding dedicated auctions of South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art since 1995. Its March 2025 New York sale of South Asian works generated $16.8 million—over three times the lower pre-sale estimate—with a sell-through rate of 95.5 percent and 84 percent of lots surpassing their high estimates. Kalidas Karmakar’s ‘Holy War’ now joins this dynamic legacy, reaffirming the global resonance of Bangladeshi modern and contemporary art.    

Gold has become an unprecedentedly valuable asset in Bangladesh as its price is skyrocketing by a staggering 40 per cent over the first nine months of the year, affecting everything from the country’s investment portfolios to the local jewellery market. Mostly used as jewelry, the high price has dipped the demand for the precious metal. Gold jewelers now spend most of their time in the day doing nothing. Their sales have halved compared with last year.  At the end of last year, the price of 22-carat gold was Tk 138,288 per bhori. Nine months later, the cost rose to Tk 195,384, setting a new historic record for the price. The previous record was made on September 23, when the price of 22-carat gold reached Tk 194,859. The latest gold price hike of Tk 2,415 per bhori became effective on Tuesday. The gold price increased by TK 21,000 per bhori in September alone. The Bangladesh Jewelers’ Association (BAJUS) regulates gold prices in the country. Gold starts selling at record high after fresh BAJUS hike "Gold prices have been rising uncontrollably for decades. In 2000, the price of one bhori of gold was below Tk 10,000," said Gobinda Halder, a gold trader in Tantibazar. “Relentless price hikes halved customers,” said Gobinda. Buyers now mostly come to jewelers to sell gold or take a loan against the precious metal. The BAJUS describes the event of gold price change as a price adjustment, which actually saw the price rise 41 times until September this year. The gold price, on the other hand, dropped 17 times, with the latest fall in the price coming on September 27. Last year, the gold price was adjusted 62 times, including 35 hikes.  Historical data from BAJUS shows that in 2000, the price of 22-carat gold per bhori was Tk 6,900. By 2010, it had risen to Tk 42,165, and by 2020, it reached Tk 59,195. The gold price increased 229 per cent over the last five years. In the past decade, the price has risen by 361 percent. The gold price has gone up by a whopping 2719 per cent over the last 25 years. “Gold price increases depending on the bullion market,” said Masudur Rahman, chairman of BAJUS’s Price Fixing and Monitoring Standing Committee. The Russia-Ukraine war, dollar depreciation and increased reserves in China’s central bank have influenced the price hike, he said. Gold price hits new record at Tk 191,196 per bhori According to the World Gold Council, the spot price of gold currently stands at $3,742 per ounce, which is 2.43 bhori. The current per bhori price of gold in the international market is $1,540 or Tk 187,880. The price is aligned with the domestic price, given associated costs. In January 2025, the price of gold was $2,796 per ounce, which has increased by nearly $1,000 in nine months. The council forecasts that prices could exceed $4,000 per ounce this year. “Gold sales have already dropped 55 percent in nine months and are likely to decline further if prices continue rising,” said Masud. Gold sales also dropped in India by 40 percent and nearly 20 per cent in Dubai, he said. Gifts of gold ornaments are indispensable on many social occasions, mainly at weddings. There were days when close relatives welcomed new members of their families with a gift of a gold ornament, regardless of the newborn's gender identity. The failure to provide a gold ornament became the reason for disputes in many weddings. Sometimes, weddings were called off. Swinging gold price: BAJUS hikes rates just days after a cut But the situation changed, particularly at a time when inflation is eating away at savings. A simple ring or earring now costs Tk 100,000, about a third of the average annual income per capita. “I wedded my daughter with her mother’s jewelry,” said Anwar Hossain, a private-sector employee. An average middle-class wedding has a budget of Tk 500,000. "The gold market fluctuates like the stock market," said Adiba Afroz, who had gone to the Bashundhara Shopping Mall to buy gold. The leaders of BAJUS defended the price volatility, saying that they follow the international market. Despite rising prices, the World Gold Council said, global gold reserves remain unchanged, indicating the overall value of the metal as an investment. Globally, the council said in 2024, 40 per cent of the gold reserves are considered investment, 33 percent of the gold stock was used as jewelry, while central banks stocked 20 per cent of the gold. About 7 percent of the global gold reserve is used in chip manufacturing. Global annual gold demand rose to 4,974 tonnes in 2024, valued at $600 billion. Bangladesh lacks official data on gold demand, reserves, or its per capita use. About 4.4 million people in Bangladesh are directly or indirectly involved in the gold trade.    

Nearly four years have passed since train services were suspended on the 34-kilometre Chhatak-Sylhet railway line and hopes of a quick return to normalcy remain dim. Locals, commuters and traders say their frustration is mounting as renovation work drags on at what they call a ‘snail’s pace’. The railway line, which was first closed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, suffered catastrophic damage in the devastating floods of 2022. Floodwaters washed away large sections of track and damaged sleepers, halting all traffic along one of Sylhet division’s most vital transport routes. Stations along the line were abandoned, and businesses in industrial hubs like Chhatak bore the brunt. Transforming Connectivity: Khulna-Dhaka train service via Padma Bridge takes off “Chhatak relied heavily on this railway for transporting construction materials like sand, stone, and cement. The suspension has disrupted trade and commerce badly. We were pleased when renovation work finally began, but now we’re worried about the slow pace. At this rate, it may take years,” said Rabiul Islam, a local businessman. After years of uncertainty, restoration finally resumed in February this year under a Tk 230-crore project. The initiative not only aims to repair the damaged tracks but also modernise stations and upgrade passenger facilities. The Dhaka-based contracting firm, Mir Akhtar Hossain Limited, has been tasked with completing the project by mid-2026. Officials insist progress is ‘satisfactory’ despite minor disruptions from seasonal rainfall. “Rain has slightly delayed construction, though the pace is satisfactory,” said one company official. Bangladesh Railway authorities echo that confidence. “The contractor has been ordered to complete the work within the scheduled period. Progress is satisfactory and trains will soon resume on this route,” said Ahsan Habib, executive engineer of Bangladesh Railway (Chhatak Bazar-Sunamganj). Still, frustration simmers on the ground. Locals argue that the work appears sluggish and fear deadlines will be missed. Traders, in particular, say prolonged suspension of train services has eroded livelihoods. Much awaited train service to begin on Benapole-Dhaka route via Padma Bridge Tuesday “Chhatak’s businesses suffered heavily after the floods damaged the railway. The line is vital for us. We just hope the work ends in due time and services resume,” said local resident Akhtar Hossain. District authorities, meanwhile, are trying to reassure the public. Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ilias Mia stressed the importance of both speed and quality. “We want the work completed on time without compromising quality, as railway repairs are not frequently undertaken. We will closely monitor the project,” he said. Next year will prove crucial. If the project keeps to its schedule, trains could return to the tracks by mid-2026, according to locals.

People along the banks of the Choto Feni River in three upazilas are living in constant fear as severe erosion devours land and swallows key regulators at Muchapur and Kazirhat. The erosion has struck Companiganj, Daganbhuiyan and Sonagazi upazilas, claiming crop fields, fruit orchards, roads and hundreds of homesteads. Locals estimate that some 41,000 hectares of farmland have already disappeared, while a further 30,000 hectares remain under threat. Homes, markets, religious institutions and major roads are also teetering on the brink. On September 15, more than a hundred residents from Badarpur village in Chormojlishpur union, Sonagazi, formed a human chain in front of the Feni Water Development Board office. They demanded urgent measures to save their homes, mosques and surrounding land from further erosion. Villagers said that although a contractor has been stationed in the area for over a month under a large-scale project, no meaningful protection work has begun — not even the placement of geo bags. They claim the contractor has blamed the Board and stalled progress with repeated excuses. Dug-up road turns into knee-deep canal; Kaliganj villagers have to use rafts Meanwhile, several roads have collapsed, cracks have appeared in houses and the situation is deteriorating fast. Residents warn that unless prompt action is taken, entire villages could soon disappear. Among the worst-hit locations in Sonagazi Upazila are North Char Darbesh, North West Char Darbesh, Char Sahavikhari, Char Injiman, Taltoli, Tellargat, Fakirapul and Italy Market in Char Darbesh Union. Badarpur and Miajir’s Ghat in Char Majlishpur Union have also been badly affected. In Bogdana Union, erosion has damaged Jelepara, Kuthirhat, Katakhila, Kalimandir, Aurarkhil, Adarshgram, Kazirhat Sluice Gate, Alampur, Dhanipara and Saheber Ghat. In Daganbhuiyan Upazila, Bhashashahid Salam Nagar village has been hit, while in Noakhali’s Companiganj Upazila, Muchapur village, Macchaghona, East Char Hazari and East Char Parbati in Char Parbati Union have suffered significant loss. Hundreds of cement and semi-cement houses have already been washed away. Villagers report that sections of their homes, trees and gardens have vanished overnight. Many are dismantling what remains and moving to temporary shelters. Some have tried to shore up the banks with bamboo and trees, but these makeshift barriers are proving futile. Dangerous Crossing: Kurigram villagers plead for permanent bridge The threat is particularly severe in north-west Char Darbesh, Kazirhat, Aurarkhil, Daspara, Katakhila and Kuthirhat, where the river is advancing relentlessly day and night. Monowara, a resident of Badarpur village in Majlishpur union, spoke of her grief, “The river has taken away our home.” Md Sentu Mia, also from Badarpur, said displaced families are staying with relatives. “They are going through immense hardship,” he explained. He added that although villagers have made attempts to stem the erosion, the contractor delayed starting work by two months. “Hundreds of people have become homeless in just two months due to heavy monsoon rains and high tides. Their homes are disappearing before our very eyes. We are helpless, and no one seems to be paying attention,” he said. Kamal Uddin from Char Gopalgaon described how the Chhoto Feni River runs along the western side of his village. Since recent floods, he said, the current has grown unusually strong, cutting into the banks for two to three kilometres. “Ten years ago, my house was swept away. Now I live on someone else’s land. Half of this village has already gone. Many more homes will disappear within weeks if urgent action is not taken,” he said. Meghnath Chandra Das, also from the area, said locals are trying to protect their homes with sandbags, bamboo and trees, “but it is not holding up at all.” Md Akter Hossain Majumder, executive engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board’s Feni office, confirmed that the Chhoto Feni, Feni and Kalidas Pahalia rivers are causing erosion across the three upazilas. He said 13 kilometres of riverbank are currently at risk. Billion-dollar Teesta mega project: A recipe for catastrophe He pointed to a major initiative, the ‘Be Strong’ project, recently approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Funded by the World Bank, the Tk171-crore scheme aims to reinforce vulnerable banks along the three rivers and is due to begin soon. Majumder added that in the 2024–25 financial year, repair work worth Tk17.75 crore has been completed at 116 locations. The Muchapur regulator, destroyed in last year’s flood, will also be rebuilt under a government initiative. Villagers remain hopeful that these measures, if implemented without delay, will spare them further loss and restore a measure of security.

Consumers across Bangladesh have been facing a growing risk due to substandard and counterfeit products in markets, raising questions whether BSTI and other regulatory bodies are working effectively to safeguard the public against low-quality and harmful products. Everyday items from edible oils and spices to bottled water and cosmetics -- often fail to meet required standards. Jamshed Mia, a resident of Mirpur, recounted buying branded soybean oil that smelled and felt unusual once opened at home. “You can’t check the quality in the shop. Only at home do you realise its poor quality,” he said. When he returned to the retailer, his complaint was refused. Visiting New Market, Karwanbazar, Chankharpul and major supermarket chains, the UNB correspondent found shelves stocked with low-quality, expired, or counterfeit goods including rice, lentils, spices, cooking oil and bakery items. Despite occasional mobile court drives, long-term monitoring and consistent enforcement remain weak. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) occasionally conduct mobile court drives. Informal workers battle soaring inflation in Bangladesh While media coverage of such raids is widespread their impact rarely lasts. On September 17, a BSTI-led operation in Moghbazar fined Rowza Shop Tk 15,000 for selling mustard oil, honey, turmeric powder, chili powder and ghee without proper certification or packaging. The shop was also instructed to obtain the required license immediately. “If the drive is taken seriously, sellers dare not display the products. But the situation highlights poor surveillance in the market,” said Hasim Mollah, a private sector employee. A shop owner, speaking anonymously, said, “Whenever raids are conducted, traders stay cautious for a few days. After that, they continue business as usual with fake or low-quality goods.” Recent BSTI actions include shutting down a company producing bottled water in unhygienic conditions without proper testing. Officials said the plan failed to maintain health and safety protocols and lacked basic laboratory testing and certification. Medical specialists and consumer rights activists have also raised concerns over cosmetics, particularly skin-whitening creams. Many of these products contain mercury, steroids, and other harmful chemicals, causing permanent skin damage, kidney problems and hormonal imbalances. Bangladesh’s leather sector stuck at $1bn; $5bn could be tapped: Experts Traders and importers said BSTI primarily tests products during licensing or upon complaints, leaving street-level vendors and small factories largely unmonitored. Hasuar Ali, a trader of Karwan Bazar said, “Thousands of companies operate without BSTI licenses and their products reach rural shops. Many people consume these items which can seriously harm their health. Authorities must be more vigilant to prevent illegal operations.”

The residents of Kaliganj upazila in Lalmonirhat are enduring extreme hardship as a vital road, left dug up for construction work, has turned into a hazardous waterway. Makeshift rafts are now being used to cross the stretch, with accidents reported almost daily, yet authorities appear slow to intervene. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) confirmed that a Tk 5.87 crore allocation was approved for the improvement of the Duhuli–Jorgach GC Road (length: 5.25 km) in Chalbala Union. Barendra Construction Limited won the tender and deposited the required performance security, but the company could not start work as the work order had not been issued. In early August, however, another contractor allegedly began work on the project without authorisation. Complaints were subsequently lodged with the LGED Executive Engineer and Kaliganj police. Informal workers battle soaring inflation in Bangladesh Following administrative intervention, the unauthorised work was halted — but not before around 1.5 km of the road had been dug up, rendering it impassable. Locals say the stretch has since become a knee-deep canal, making walking extremely difficult and halting all vehicular movement, including vans, rickshaws and ambulances.  

In the bustling streets of Dhaka, countless lives teeter on the edge of survival, where each day’s earnings decide whether families eat or go hungry. Thirty-two-year-old Rina Begum sets up her modest stall near a busy bus stop, balancing two large pots on a makeshift wooden table as she sells puffed rice and fried snacks to rickshaw-pullers, day-labourers, and office-goers. On good days, she earns around Tk 500–600, but when rain falls or authorities force vendors off the streets, her earnings are halved. “The prices of oil, rice, and vegetables have doubled in the last two years, but my earnings remain the same. Sometimes I skip meals so that my children can eat,” she said, wiping sweat from her forehead as she fried ‘beguni’ in a sizzling pan. Rina’s story is far from unique. She is one of more than 6 crore Bangladeshis working in the informal sector, which constitutes nearly 85 per cent of the country’s workforce, according to the Labour Force Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). Off-season watermelon farming brings bumper gains to Narail farmers From domestic helpers and construction workers to street vendors and transport operators, these millions form the invisible backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, yet they receive little recognition or protection. A joint study by Karmojibi Nari and FES Bangladesh, covering informal workers in all divisions, found that most are employed in retail and sales, agriculture and livestock, food and beverage services, transport and crafts. Nearly 69 per cent of these workers are aged between 25 and 44. Various studies estimate that the informal sector contributes roughly 40–43 per cent of Bangladesh’s GDP. Without these jobs, many would face unemployment or underemployment. Despite their critical role, informal workers remain largely unrecognised, without legal protection, social security, or support systems, especially amid rising inflation. Economists say inflation has hit them hardest. Professor Dr M Shariful Haque, Chairman of the Department of Economics and Banking at the International Islamic University Chittagong, explained that high food inflation sharply reduces the real incomes of informal workers, whose cash wages and small-business revenues are not indexed. “When food inflation spikes, they have no cushion. Their choices are between eating less, borrowing, or pulling their children out of school,” he said. Bangladesh’s leather sector stuck at $1bn; $5bn could be tapped: Experts Prof Haque added that the average income of informal workers ranges from Tk 10,000 to Tk 30,000, but these earnings have not kept pace with inflation, which reached 10.03 per cent in the 2024–25 fiscal  year, the highest in 14 years. Food inflation rose to 10.70 per cent, while non-food inflation stood at 9.47 per cent. In August, the inflation rate fell slightly to 8.29 per cent, the lowest in over three years. Rice prices, in particular, are exerting strong pressure on both food and overall inflation, according to the latest economic update from the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission under the Planning Ministry. The report noted that rice’s contribution to food inflation rose from 40 per cent in May to 51.55 per cent in July. Bangladesh is densely populated, with more than 64 per cent of the population aged 15 years and above. Of this adult population, 59 per cent are economically active, though there is no precise data on how many are employed in the informal economy or their exact contribution. Unlike formal workers, informal earners generally lack appointment letters, fixed wages, or legal recourse in cases of exploitation. Illness or injury can instantly wipe out their income. Sumon Ali, 32, begins each day by pulling his worn helmet over his head and pushing his old motorbike onto the streets, whispering a small prayer, “Let me earn enough today to keep the family running.” On a good day, he earns between Tk 700 and Tk 800 ferrying passengers across Dhaka, but after deducting fuel, mobile data, and commissions, he is left with barely Tk 400. Back pain and strained eyesight already warn him that he cannot continue indefinitely. Bridge without roads leaves thousands stranded in Rangpur’s Mithapukur Similarly, 45-year-old rickshaw puller Mizanur Rahman pedals slowly home to his one-room tin-shed in Kamrangirchar after earning Tk 700. His daily rent of Tk 150 and the cost of food for his family of five leave almost nothing for emergencies. “If the wheel breaks or I fall sick, my family goes hungry. No one helps us,” he said. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of BILS and Chairman of the Labour Reform Commission, stressed that recognition and legal protection are essential. “Without these, it will not be possible to ensure the rights of domestic and other workers. They remain invisible in our legal and economic frameworks.” Reform Proposals Earlier this year, the Labour Reform Commission recommended sweeping changes, including a national minimum wage, extension of maternity benefits to informal women workers and wage reviews every three years instead of five. They also proposed contributory social insurance for informal earners and emergency sectoral funds to support workers during crises. The commission further suggested making appointment letters mandatory within fifteen days for both formal and informal workers and establishing a digital labour registration system to ensure recognition. Regarding wages, the commission recommended criteria for determining a national minimum wage, to be announced subsequently. Millions of workers in Bangladesh and South Asia survive in the informal economy, including domestic helpers, street vendors, bike riders, and garment subcontractor helpers. In Bangladesh, nearly 85 per cent of the workforce is informal, compared to around 80–82 per cent in India and over 90 per cent in Nepal. These workers face daily uncertainty: low and irregular wages, no contracts, no health coverage, and limited legal protection. Rising inflation has worsened their struggles, forcing families to cut essential expenses. While social protection programmes exist on paper, coverage is limited and enforcement weak, leaving most informal workers vulnerable to accidents, illness, and poverty.

The illegal trade of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders continues unabated in Lalmonirhat’s villages and markets, reflecting a nationwide problem in Bangladesh, amid lax government monitoring and inadequate regulation. From roadside tea stalls to grocery stores, hardware shops and even cement depots, the highly flammable cylinders are reportedly available everywhere, often stored recklessly beside open flames! Many sellers distribute cylinders without fire safety measures or approval from the Department of Explosives, placing both buyers and residents at constant risk. Cross-filling, the transfer of LPG from one cylinder to another, is also carried out by unauthorised individuals and unregulated businesses across the country. As LPG is highly flammable, improper handling and the use of substandard equipment can lead to leaks, fires, explosions and even fatalities. Bangladesh’s leather sector stuck at $1bn; $5bn could be tapped: Experts Locals claim that this illegal trade is widespread in almost every market in the district and is operating openly in the sight of authorities. Cylinders are frequently transported on trucks and vans, only to be carelessly unloaded by being tossed onto the ground, further heightening the risk of leaks, fire, or explosions. Nur Alam, a resident of Khorda Bamandanga in Sadar Upazila, said, “Gas cylinders are kept in roadside tea stalls where fires are always burning. There’s no safety system in place.” A shopkeeper in Hatibandha Upazila, requesting anonymity, admitted that he sells LPG cylinders without a licence. “We buy supplies from trucks and store them in our shops. But we don’t really know the risks involved,” he said. Fire Service and Civil Defence Station Officer Rokonuzzaman confirmed that the illegal trade persists in the district’s markets, in clear violation of safety regulations. “This business must operate under rules and structure. We are working with the district administration to conduct mobile court drives regularly,” he said. Deputy Commissioner of the district HM Rokib Haydar said restrictions have been imposed to prevent the sale of LPG cylinders without a Department of Explosives licence. “Mobile courts are already conducting drives and these operations will continue,” he said. Even though thousands of LPG cylinders exceed their safe lifespan, they continue to be refilled and delivered to households across the country, contributing to a growing number of gas-related explosions and casualties. Experts warn that LPG cylinders are extremely flammable and, if mishandled, could cause devastating accidents.

Bangladesh's leather industry has been struggling to surpass the US $1.0 billion export mark for over a decade, hindered by compliance gaps and insufficient new investment, said sector leaders and economists. Industry stakeholders describe the sector as ‘trapped in a billion-dollar cage’, with multiple challenges preventing it from reaching its estimated $5 billion potential by 2030. Experts highlight inadequate infrastructure, lack of international compliance, and poor coordination among key stakeholders as primary obstacles. The Savar Tannery Estate, a crucial hub for the industry, remains incomplete, while its Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) is poorly maintained and continues to release untreated water. This environmental non-compliance is a major barrier, as local tanneries cannot obtain the essential Leather Working Group (LWG) certification, said Md Shaheen Ahamed, Chairman of Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA). All governments have identified the leather industry as a priority sector due to its growth potential, investment opportunities, and capacity for employment generation. Leather and footwear remain the largest exporting manufacturing sectors after textile and apparel in Bangladesh. “As the representative of the Bangladeshi leather sector, we hold a sincere responsibility to the country in upholding international quality, social, and environmental standards in our industry. This will help establish Bangladesh as the number one sourcing destination for all kinds of finished leather,” Shaheen Ahamed said. As a traditional and long-established sector, the global leather industry has often been associated with pollution. Many unorganised tanneries contribute to river degradation through untreated effluent, creating public health hazards due to solid waste dumping, inefficient water use and harmful chemicals, he explained. “In response to these environmental concerns, our organisation is championing a precautionary approach to help member firms mitigate risks proactively. By focusing on prevention before harm occurs, we aim to guide the industry toward a sustainable future,” he added. Read: Prof Yunus calls for strategic revival of long-neglected leather industry Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, told UNB that the absence of LWG certification remains a critical roadblock. It restricts access to premium global markets and forces Bangladesh to sell raw hides at 20–30 percent lower prices. In comparison, India has over 150 LWG-certified tanneries and Pakistan over 80, while Bangladesh has none. Bangladesh is one of the largest producers of raw hides in South Asia, with the industry hovering near the $1 billion export mark for over a decade, Dr Masrur said. “Bangladesh has every advantage, including one of the world’s largest supplies of raw hides, a huge labour force, and government support for export incentives. Yet, the sector remains stuck as infrastructure, compliance, coordination, and investment lags far behind global standards,” he noted. Foreign buyers are avoiding Bangladeshi leather due to non-compliance with international standards and a lack of proper certification, Dr Masrur said. As a result, he said, the country continues to export large volumes of wet blue --semi-processed leather -- which fetches far lower prices compared with finished leather goods. Many tanners also struggle to pay fair prices upfront, he added, as banks often demand Leather Working Group (LWG) certification or clean environmental records before approving loans. This has left local producers at a disadvantage in tapping into higher-value international markets. Read more: Govt determined to break leather industry syndicates: Commerce Adviser Other issues include a fragmented ecosystem, no central rawhide grading or auction system, cash flow problems among tanners, middlemen who add no value, limited vertical integration, and few tanners producing their own footwear or bags. Brands often outsource from inconsistent, uncertified sources. Slow technology adoption, outdated machinery and finishing methods, environmental non-compliance, and inefficient pricing systems further impede growth. The sector also faces substantial raw hide wastage, estimated at 15–20% during events like Eid-ul-Adha, due to poor preservation and transport. This problem is exacerbated by outdated technology, lack of vertical integration, and weak pricing systems. Abul Kalam Azad, President of the Tannery Workers' Union (TWU), said Bangladesh’s tannery industry is a 70-year-old traditional sector. However, many workers do not receive basic labour rights, such as employment letters, identity cards, or minimum wages, despite industrial relations being generally stable. “Owners remain strict when it comes to granting workers their rights. This includes compliance required for global market access of leather goods,” he said. Non-implementation of social compliance and an ineffective modern CETP system prevent tanneries from obtaining LWG certification, making it difficult to retain foreign buyers. Consequently, the formal tannery sector increasingly moves toward informality, Azad added. Read more: Bangladesh leather sector is 30 years behind: Speakers on Leather Day Experts propose several measures to unlock the sector’s potential. These include fast-tracking the completion and upgrade of Savar Tannery Estate and its CETP, promoting LWG certification as a national priority through tax rebates or soft loans, and establishing price monitoring mechanisms during peak seasons. Diversifying exports toward finished leather goods instead of raw hides, supporting SMEs with design and branding assistance, and implementing structural reforms are seen as crucial steps to advance the industry.

A newly constructed bridge in Ramnathpara, Boro Hazratpur Union, Mithapukur Upazila, stands as a symbol of progress but remains almost entirely unusable due to the lack of approach roads. Completed nearly a year ago, the bridge was intended to connect residents of five nearby villages more efficiently. Instead, it has become a daily hazard. Locals have been compelled to construct temporary bamboo ladders to access the bridge, a perilous solution that places thousands of people at risk each day. Students, the elderly, and patients are forced to navigate these makeshift ladders, which become treacherously slippery during the monsoon rains. Several people have already suffered injuries, highlighting the urgent need for proper infrastructure. According to the Mithapukur Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) office, the bridge was built in the 2024–25 fiscal year by M/s Muntaha Construction at a cost of around Tk 30 lakh, funded by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. Dangerous Crossing: Kurigram villagers plead for permanent bridge Yet despite its proximity – a mere 100 metres – to a herringbone road connecting Ramnathpara and Sadurpara, the bridge remains inaccessible. “Now it has become a death trap for us and we are in extreme suffering,” said local resident Nitai Chandra, adding, “The contractor didn’t build the road, even though the bridge was completed 10 to 11 months ago.” Another villager, Dhaneshwar Roy, lamented the disruption to education and daily life. “Our children can’t go to school properly. When it rains, the bamboo becomes so slippery that we sometimes have to build makeshift crossings ourselves. The government built the bridge, but without the road, it is useless.”