United News of Bangladesh

Rice mills of Kushita’s Khajanagar, the second largest rice-producing hub of the country, have halted due to shortage of paddy stock. Taking advantage of this situation, the price of miniket rice continues to rise in the retail market. The rice milled in Khajanagar, is supplied to capital Dhaka and other districts across the country. During a recent visit to several auto rice mills and markets in Khajanagar, this UNB correspondent found that many mills have stopped producing miniket rice, citing the unavailability of stock. However, rice sold under these companies' brands is still found in retail markets, though at skyrocketing prices. 35,000 MT rice from India, Vietnam arrive at Ctg Port At the mill gate, miniket variety is being sold at Tk 80-81 per kg, while retail prices are even higher. Talking to locals this correspondent came to know that there is an artificial shortage of paddy in the market but many millers still have significant stockpiles. They are securing extra profits by strategically producing rice but the administration is showing that there is no paddy while the officials concerned of the administration are struggling a lot to find the loopholes of the millers during the operation. When asked about the continuous rise in rice prices, Zainal Abedin Pradhan, general secretary of the Bangladesh Auto Major & Husking Mill Owners’ Association, said, “Miniket paddy is nearly unavailable in the market. Traders are collecting small amounts of rice from northern and southern regions at a cost of Tk 2,250 per maund, forcing the authorities to sell it at a high price. Rice prices surge in Khulna despite imports; poor hit hard As a result, 50% of mill owners in Khajanagar have halted production while many are considering shutting down their businesses, he said. Arshad Ali, an owner of Dada Rice Mill in Khajanagar, said there is no possibility to see any immediate relief from rising rice prices. “It will take another month and a half for new miniket variety to be harvested. Until then, there is no chance of prices decreasing,” he said. He also pointed out that after last year’s devastating floods, they had advised the government to allow rice imports but the authorities’ actions remain unclear. “Besides, the statistics provided by the agricultural department on paddy production need to be reassessed,” he added. During Ramadan, rice prices have already increased multiple times. At the beginning of the season, rice was sold at Tk 62-64 per kg but it has now reached Tk 80-81. In Kushtia’s retail markets, miniket rice is being sold at Tk 85-86 per kg, Kajolata at Tk 76 per kg and coarse Athash rice at Tk 60 per kg.   Over the past week, the price of all rice varieties in Kushtia has risen by Tk 3-5 per kg, with Miniket experiencing the highest increase—Tk 5 per kg. Amid the soaring rice prices, Kushtia Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Partha Pratim Sheel conducted a drive at Khajanagar rice market on Monday. During the drive, they fined two rice mills for hoarding paddy beyond permissible limits and underweight packaging. Officials from the Agricultural Marketing Department and the Directorate of Consumer Rights and Protection also were present there. Following an inspection at Palash Rice Mill, UNO Partha Pratim said, “This mill has stockpiled more than its licensed limit. We have ordered them to dispose of the excess within three days and imposed a cautionary fine.” He further said that other mills were found lacking production dates and net weight labels on their rice bags. Legal notices and warnings were issued accordingly, he said. He also assured that such raids will continue to prevent price hikes and market manipulation.    

As the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant nears its expected commercial launch in early 2026, concerns are growing among energy experts over its financial viability, with many questioning whether the high project cost could turn it into a white elephant. The government conceived the idea of setting up the RNPP project in 2009 and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation on May 13, 2009, on the 'Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy'. Bumper tomato yields bring no joy to Sunamganj farmers On January 15, 2013, an agreement regarding State Export Credit of US$ 500 million was signed for carrying out preparatory phase construction works of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. According to official data, the construction of Rooppur NPP will cost $12.65 billion as per the contract signed with Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom by the Bangladesh government. Of this, Russia will finance the project through a state credit of $11.385 billion, covering 90 percent of the total cost of $12.65 billion. During the agreement, it was agreed by both Dhaka and Moscow that Russia will provide the loan at an interest rate of six months Libor plus 1.75 percent per annum, but it will never exceed 4 percent. Bangladesh will pay off the loan within 28 years with a 10-year grace period. When the nuclear contract was signed on July 26, 2016, the dollar price was below Tk 84, and the total cost was calculated at Tk 101,200 crore. But now, the dollar price has gone up beyond Tk 121, and the cost is now being calculated at Tk 153,635 crore, which means the project cost has increased by over 50 percent in local currency. Soon after signing the deal, Rosatom issued a statement saying that it will build the 2400 MW power plant, of which the first unit (having 1200 MW) will go into operation in 2022, while the second one (having the same capacity) in 2023. However, the first unit is yet to start commercial operation, while the second unit’s operation is unlikely to begin before 2027. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), which has been implementing the project, still does not know about the possible tariff of the electricity to be generated from the project. Even the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), which will purchase electricity from the project, has no idea about the possible tariff of the electricity from Rooppur NPP. Rooppur NPP Project Director Dr. Md. Zahedul Hassan admitted the matter and said that his organization has been preparing the tariff paper to begin negotiations with the BPDB. “Almost two years ago, the RNPP authority organized a joint workshop for the BPDB officials to provide an idea about the possible tariff rate. But when they were asked about the project's total cost, including dismantling, they failed to share any information,” he explained. A senior official from the BPDB, however, stated that they have made a preliminary calculation based on data derived from discussions with BAEC and newspaper reports, and the tariff for each unit of electricity from the RNPP will be no less than Tk 10. Pilgrims, agencies struggle as Saudi Arabia almost freezes visa issuance for Umrah From the very beginning, confusion has surrounded its eventual levelized tariff or the possible generation cost of each unit of electricity, said the official. Levelized Tariff is a means to recover the entire cost of a project during the project's lifecycle. At the initial stage of the RNPP project, its officials had said the tariff would be around $0.04, or 4 cents, per kilowatt-hour - about Tk 3.50 when the US dollar rate was below Tk 80. Russian experts, in their papers sent to the RNPP officials, mentioned an even lower tariff, about $0.0319 or 3.2 cents. In 2022, the project director of RNPP and managing director of the newly formed Nuclear Power Company of Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), speaking to UNB earlier, had also given an idea that the tariff will be within $0.04. He said RNPP's calculation was based on 50 years of stable fuel price, 50 years of operational tenure, and the capital investment cost. The main factor that keeps the tariff low was the low discount rate of the project. He also said the calculation of the plant factor at 93 percent has been another reason for the lower tariff. But local power tariff experts differ with this calculation and said the tariff will be much higher than this estimation. According to some local experts' calculations, the power tariff of the RNPP project will cross $0.08 - 0.10 (8-10 US Cents). One of the country's eminent power tariff experts, Mizanur Rahman, former Member of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), said the electricity tariff from the nuclear power project will be more than $0.085 (8.5 Cents). Mizan, also former chief engineer of BPDB, believes the tariff will be just more than double of the RNPP's calculation. Referring to his own calculation based on the total cost of the project at $13.2 billion ($12.65 billion construction cost and $500 million feasibility study cost) plus 50 years of operation with 50 years of fuel price and the cost of decommissioning and spent fuel repatriation, he said the tariff will be about $0.085, or between Tk 9-10 per unit if the US dollar rate is calculated at Tk 109. “But if the dollar rate increases further, the tariff will be over Tk 10 per unit,” he said, adding that during the loan repayment period, the power production cost will be US 12-13 Cents, and then it will come down to 5-6 Cents. He said repatriation of spent nuclear fuel - as the ones at Rooppur - will be back to the Russian Federation until Bangladesh gains some expertise in dealing with nuclear waste, and the decommissioning of nuclear power is a very costly process. “As the dollar rate crosses Tk 121, the electricity tariff of nuclear power will definitely cross Tk 10 per unit,” said Mizanur Rahman. While calculating the tariff, BPDB officials said Bangladesh will start the repayment of the loan from March 2027 and complete the repayment in the next 20 years by paying $1.360 billion per annum through 40 installments. Tracking system to alert NBR of inefficiencies, irregularities among staff “On average, about $680 million will be paid, including principal and interest,” he added.

A bountiful tomato harvest in Sunamganj has turned into a nightmare for local farmers, as an oversupply, plummeting prices, and the absence of cold storage facilities have left them struggling with heavy financial losses. Farmers across several villages in the district are now struggling with an unexpected crisis: tomatoes are selling for as little as Tk 50 per maund, yet buyers remain scarce. Pilgrims, agencies struggle as Saudi Arabia almost freezes visa issuance for Umrah With no viable means of preservation, many have been left with no choice but to abandon their crops in the fields or use them as cattle feed to minimise their losses. A recent visit to Jamalganj upazila’s Mannanghat and Selimganj areas revealed vast fields of tomatoes left unharvested. Farmers from 15 villages, including Gajaria, Kashipur, Sharifpur, Selimganj, Kalaguja, Bhutiarpur, Rampur, and Songbadpur, had cultivated tomatoes on a large scale this season, hoping for profitable returns. Instead, they now face despair as demand has collapsed. Crops Rot in Fields as Farmers Struggle Siddiq Mia, a tomato farmer, shared his frustration, saying, “I invested Tk 50,000 to cultivate tomatoes on 33 bighas of land. Now, no one is willing to buy them, even at Tk 50 per maund. Seeing the tomatoes rot in the fields, I’ve started uprooting them to plant cucumbers, ridge gourds, and sweet pumpkins instead.” Abdul Alim, another farmer from the lowlands, echoed this distress. “I spent Tk 100,000 to grow tomatoes on 60 bighas of land. But due to the oversupply, no one is offering a fair price. The cost of transporting the produce to the market is higher than the selling price, so I have no choice but to feed the tomatoes to my cattle,” he lamented. For some, the situation has been even more devastating. Abdul Awal from Songbadpur, who relies entirely on tomato farming to support his family, planted tomatoes on 30 bighas of land, hoping for a profitable season. However, a lack of road connectivity has deterred wholesalers from visiting the area, leaving his ripe tomatoes to perish. "If cold storage facilities are not established in our area, farmers will be forced to abandon vegetable farming altogether," Awal warned. Need for Cold Storage and Infrastructure Development The crisis has once again highlighted the urgent need for proper storage and transportation facilities in the region. Tracking system to alert NBR of inefficiencies, irregularities among staff Mohammad Iqbal Azad, a training officer at the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Sunamganj, acknowledged the challenges, stating that the district’s vulnerability to natural disasters and unreliable electricity supply makes establishing cold storage a significant challenge. "Without reliable power, stored vegetables would spoil. However, a proposal to set up a cold storage facility in the region has been submitted to the ministry. If approved, it will help farmers preserve their produce and reduce wastage," he said. Bimal Chandra Shome, additional director of the DAE for the Sylhet region, provided insight into the overall vegetable production scenario in Sunamganj. This year, 12,800 hectares of land in the district yielded 319,260 tonnes of winter vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, green chillies, cauliflower, cabbage, radish, spinach, and gourds. He stressed the need for long-term solutions to prevent such crises in the future. "Better market access, improved infrastructure, and preservation facilities are essential to safeguard our farmers," he said. A Bleak Future for Farmers? For the struggling farmers of Sunamganj, the current situation is more than just a financial setback—it is a threat to their very livelihood. With no immediate relief in sight, many are reconsidering whether vegetable farming is sustainable in the long run. Unless effective measures are taken to address storage and market access issues, Sunamganj’s agricultural sector may see a decline in vegetable cultivation, as farmers shift to crops that offer more stability, locals said. Naogaon to see bumper mango harvest worth Tk 3,500 cr this year For now, the fields of Sunamganj stand as a stark reminder of a recurring problem—one that demands urgent attention before another season’s harvest meets the same tragic fate.

Umrah travelers and agencies are facing significant disruptions as the Saudi government has almost completely halted the issuance of Umrah visas without prior notice. This sudden decision has left thousands of pilgrims stranded, with many travel agencies scrambling to adjust their plans. While the reasons behind the abrupt policy change remain unclear, it has created huge uncertainty for those planning to embark on the sacred journey. In a special interview with UNB, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain said that the Saudi government had initially opened Umrah visas through the Nusuk app, allowing millions of pilgrims to travel to Saudi Arabia. However, due to overcrowding, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi government has drastically reduced the issuance of Umrah visas by 90%. More people are now in Saudi Arabia than during the Hajj season, creating an environment where worship is no longer feasible. The adviser mentioned that this decision has caused significant concern among Bangladeshi Umrah travelers. He said “We wrote a letter to the Saudi ambassador on Saturday (March 15) expressing our concerns. They have not replied to us yet.” To address these challenges, the adviser said that they would hold a meeting with authorities concerned and contact the Saudi government. He also expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved very soon. Regarding the refund of ticket money, he confirmed that his ministry is in contact with airlines to ensure that ticket money will be refunded, though a small cancellation fee will be deducted. The adviser also mentioned that this situation does not seem to affect Bangladeshis alone, as other countries are experiencing similar issues. Saudi Arabia sets minimum age at 15 for Hajj pilgrims in 2025 He speculated that the Saudi government may have temporarily halted the visa issuance due to the overwhelming pressure of handling large numbers of pilgrims during Ramadan. Farid Ahmed, secretary general of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), echoed these concerns, stating that while discussions with the Ministry of Religion are ongoing, the issue of the halted visas remains unresolved. "We heard that a letter has been sent to the Saudi ambassador from the Ministry of Religion, and we are waiting to see what decision is made," he added. However, he reassured that those who had deposited advance payments would receive refunds. AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry, said that there is no formal agreement between the two countries for Umrah, unlike Hajj. However, efforts are still being made to contact the Saudi government to solve the issue. He also assured that those who have deposited money with various agencies for Umrah tickets should receive refunds. “If anyone lodges a complaint regarding this, arrangements will be made,” he added. The issue has affected the daily transport of 1,000 to 1,200 Umrah passengers, as flights are unable to operate as planned. Passengers who had made deposits for Umrah travel are urged to report any issues, as arrangements are being made for refunds. The uncertainty surrounding the Umrah visa situation has left many Bangladeshi travelers in limbo, with hopes that the issue will be resolved soon. However, there is still an opportunity for Umrah passengers to travel until April 15.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) is planning to introduce a tracking system for its staff to sort out the inefficient and errant ones. The revenue collecting authority has taken the move to contain any unnecessary harassment of tax payers in the name of paying tax. “This will reduce the cases of lower tax imposition also,” a high level NBR official told UNB, on condition of anonymity. In this connection, he said that the introduction of this system would enhance the judicious capacity and capability of the NBR officials. Rice prices surge in Khulna despite imports; poor hit hard “Sometimes a particular person is not a good officer at all, he does not apply his judicious mind. We do not have any system to track these kinds of incidents,” he said. The NBR official said that at present it would not be possible for the NBR to know which officials are not applying their judicious mind while assessing any case. “We are unable to find what is the assessment quality of the NBR officials through one click, we are trying to introduce this tracking system,” he added. He said that for this move everything of the NBR has to be digitised where all matters will be recorded automatically. Second report of committee to reform NBR expected next month, focusing on automation He said that taking less tax to give priority to a particular taxpayer or imposing heavy tax on the another taxpayer, both are unjust and punishable issues. “Our tax officials have to understand the matter. Unfortunately NBR never identify these matters as well as did not take any action, from now on we will identify these matters and will take actions accordingly,” he said. Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan recently in several occasions including pre-budget meetings hinted about this matter of a tracking system for NBR officials' activities. “We will track the records as we are moving towards that direction of tracking system of the NBR officials,” the chairman said in a recent pre-budget meeting. A member of the Advisory Committee formed to propose positive reforms in the National Board of Revenue (NBR) last October, Muhammad Abdul Mazid, welcomed the move and but said that an evaluation system of the public servants’ actions was always there, it is nothing new. In this connection, he mentioned about the Tax Ombudsman system, which had been scrapped during the previous Awami League time. Inflation, reforms, stability major challenges for Bangladesh’s new budget: Experts “It is the inherent duty of the authority to see officers are performing their duties properly and it comes to the surface during the promotion procedure of the officials,” he said. Mazid, who is also the chairman of the Social Development Foundation (SDF), also put emphasis on an independent body doing the evaluation. He agreed that through the digital system, the data will be availble much easier. “In our first reform proposal we also stated that NBR should also be accountable,” he said. He also said that the system should be enforceable and neutral. Online tax returns submission may be made compulsory from next July

Naogaon, one of Bangladesh’s leading mango-producing districts, is set for a record-breaking season, with mango production expected to reach a staggering Tk 3,500 crore this year, officials said. They said if favourable weather persists and natural disasters are avoided, Naogaon’s mango orchards are expected to yield a harvest valued at Tk 3,500 crore. This projected bumper crop will provide a significant boost to the region’s economy, reinforcing Naogaon’s reputation as one of Bangladesh’s top mango-producing districts, said Abul Kalam Azad, deputy director of the Naogaon District Agricultural Extension Directorate. Temperatures below 15°C for extended periods can hinder mango blossoms. However, this year’s average temperature has remained around 20°C—ideal for mango cultivation. Despite this, recent misty conditions raised concerns about fungal infections, prompting the department to advise farmers to apply fungicides for crop protection, the DAE deputy director added. According to the Naogaon Agricultural Extension Directorate, mango cultivation in the district has grown this year, covering 30,500 hectares—200 more than last year. In 2024, the district produced 425,000 metric tonnes of mangoes, slightly below the 431,000-tonne target. This year, if the weather remains favourable, production is expected to rise to 450,000 metric tonnes, an increase of 25,000 tonnes from the previous year. Sapahar and Porsha upazilas are the primary mango-producing areas, with Niamatpur Patnitola, Dhamoirhat, and Badalgachi also making notable contributions to the region’s mango output. Naogaon is known for producing a variety of high-quality mangoes, including Nag Fajli, Langra, Am Rupali, Gopal Bhog, Ashwina, Katimon, BARI Mango-4, BARI Mango-11, Guti Mango, and Fajli, all of which have strong domestic and international demand. Rice prices surge in Khulna despite imports; poor hit hard Farmers in Naogaon are hopeful for a bumper harvest, following a smaller yield last year. The natural cycle of mango production suggests that after a low harvest, a larger yield is typically expected in the following season. This year, almost all the trees in the orchards have sprouted blossoms, and farmers are taking proactive steps to protect them from fungal attacks. They are spraying fungicides and pesticides on the blossoms, watering the base of the trees, and, in some cases, spraying water to help nurture the crop. As the blossoms start to form, traders and middlemen have already entered the fields to take advantage of the expected surge in mango production. These seasonal traders are negotiating with orchard owners to buy mango gardens for the upcoming harvest. Over the past few days, as the mango buds have started to form, traders have begun serious discussions with growers regarding buying and selling orchards. Sohel Rana, an agricultural entrepreneur from the Godownpara area of Sapahar upazila, has three mango orchards spread over 200 bighas of land. He sells mangoes locally and exports them abroad. Sohel said that last year, only 50-60% of the trees in his orchard bore blossoms.  This year, however, 80% of his trees have blossomed, and he expects all trees to bloom within the next 15-20 days. Sundarbans at stake as erosion shrinks forest land With favourable weather conditions so far, Sohel remains hopeful for a bumper harvest. He is also taking preventive measures by spraying fungicides to protect his crop from fungal infections, especially given the potential for misty weather. Raihan Alam, a mango grower from the Barogram area of Porsha upazila, reflects on the earlier-than-usual blossoms this year. Last year, cold weather delayed the appearance of mango blossoms by 15-20 days, and many trees did not bloom until mid-March. This year, however, the blossoms appeared much earlier, and Raihan is hopeful for a good harvest if the weather continues to be favourable.

Despite a steady inflow of rice from India, local market prices in Bangladesh have remained persistently high, causing concerns among middle-to-low income consumers, particularly in Khulna. Over the past four months, from 13 November 2024 to 13 March 2025, approximately 1.43 lakh metric tonnes of rice have been imported through the Bhomra land port in Satkhira under the 2024-25 fiscal year, Food Ministry officials here said. Illegal brick kilns in Khulna: A silent peril to environment and public health But the expected fall in market prices has not been seen, leaving consumers increasingly frustrated. In an attempt to stabilise the market, the Food Ministry approved 90 importers to bring in duty-free rice under a special quota from India, according to the officials. Despite these measures, there has been no tangible impact on local prices. According to officials at Bhomra land port, the government has taken various initiatives, including international open tenders, to regulate prices and bolster food security. Under Package 5 of the open tender for the 2024-25 fiscal year, the government approved the procurement of 50,000 metric tonnes of non-Basmati boiled rice at Tk 55.06 per kg, amounting to a total cost of Tk 275.30 crore, the officials mentioned. The rice, imported from India’s Marsos Bagdia Brothers Pvt. Ltd., was purchased at $458.84 per tonne. Despite these large-scale imports, the prices in the local market have remained unstable, raising concerns over potential market manipulation. Surge in substandard products in Bangladesh exposes gaps in govt oversight Unrelenting Price Surge With the onset of Ramadan, rice prices have surged further, rising by Tk 4-5 per kg in the local markets. This increase has placed an additional burden on low-income families, for whom rice is a staple dietary component. Consumers have voiced their dissatisfaction, pointing out that repeated government interventions have failed to curb price hikes. Daily wage earners and low-income households are struggling to afford rice, even though other essentials like vegetables remain within reach. Anwar Hossain, a rice trader at Sultanpur Boro Bazar, observed that prices had increased across all varieties. “The price of 28-category rice, which was Tk 65 per kg before Ramadan, has now risen to Tk 70. Similarly, miniket rice has gone up from Tk 72 to Tk 76 per kg, while coarse rice, previously Tk 52 per kg, is now Tk 56. Even Basmati rice has increased from Tk 84 to Tk 88 per kg,” he said. Imported Indian rice is available at Tk 58 per kg, yet it has failed to attract strong consumer demand. “Despite continuous imports, market prices remain unaffected, and there is little hope of a reduction during Ramadan. But prices might drop once fresh rice supplies enter the market,” Anwar added. 14 Top Rice Varieties in Bangladesh Bhomra Port’s Role in Rice Imports Bhomra land port has played a significant role in Bangladesh’s import-export trade due to its strategic proximity to Kolkata, which reduces transportation time and costs. Abul Kalam Azad, Deputy Commissioner of Customs at Bhomra, said that the port’s well-connected transportation network enables swift distribution of imported goods across the country. Md Ruhul Amin, Deputy Director (Traffic) of Bhomra Land Port, emphasised the efficiency of the port’s operations, stating that customs officials ensure quick clearance of rice-laden trucks to facilitate a smooth supply chain. Sundarbans at stake as erosion shrinks forest land Will Prices Drop? Despite the government’s persistent efforts to control the market, rice prices remain high, adding to the hardships of ordinary citizens, the officials said. While policymakers continue to explore solutions, consumers remain sceptical, awaiting a potential decline in prices as new rice stocks enter the market.

Unauthorised brick kilns are rapidly expanding in remote areas of Khulna division, posing a serious threat to both the environment and public health. Although the Department of Environment (DoE) permits brick kilns only on the condition that they do not burn wood, the owners of such kilns appear to disregard these restrictions. Out of the 1,002 brick kilns across the division’s 10 districts, 790 are operating without the mandatory approval from the DoE. On 24 February, the High Court ordered the removal of all illegal brick kilns across the country. As per the directive, kiln owners were required to submit valid documents to the respective Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) office by 1 March. However, the majority failed to comply, demonstrating blatant disregard for the law. Defying warnings, many brick kilns in various upazilas of Khulna continue to burn wood instead of coal, leading to severe air pollution. Under existing laws, brick kilns cannot be established near residential, protected, or commercial areas, nor in proximity to municipal towns, educational institutions, or agricultural land. In Rupsha Upazila, the EBM Bricks kiln, located just 400 metres from Alipur Degree College, remains operational despite receiving a warning letter from the DoE. Although an operation was conducted, the kiln owner has yet to comply. Sundarbans at stake as erosion shrinks forest land On 10 February, a mobile court, in collaboration with the DoE, fined the owners of nine illegal kilns in Rupsha Upazila a total of Tk 22 lakh. Following the High Court’s directive, on 3 March, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Aprotith Kumar Chakraborty ordered the owners of 22 brick kilns in the upazila to cease operations immediately. In Dumuria Upazila, just beyond Khornia Bazar, a large brick kiln called M/s Nurjahan Bricks is allegedly using a mixture of low-grade coal and wood powder in traditional brick-burning methods. Former land minister Narayan Chandra Chanda was previously the president of the Khulna Brick Kiln Owners Association. However, his kiln has remained closed since 5 August, following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a mass uprising. There had been allegations of inaction by the authorities against his brick kiln. In Atalia Union of Dumuria, a brick kiln called Setu Bricks and Industries was established near the Hari River by former upazila chairman Ejaz Ahmed. His close ties with local ministers had reportedly deterred any action against his operations. In Koyra Upazila, ABM Brick Kiln is located within 500 metres of a health complex and an educational institution. Other upazilas, such as Paikgachha, also host illegal brick kilns on agricultural land, including ARB Bricks, Jamuna Bricks, and SKB Bricks. Environmental experts warn that pollution caused by brick kilns poses a significant threat to human health. The use of wood as fuel violates the kiln establishment law, while the burning of low-quality coal releases harmful particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur oxides, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating environmental degradation and affecting agriculture. Dengue catastrophe looms as Dhaka battles worst mosquito menace Dr Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, a professor at Khulna University’s Environmental Science Department, said the increase in carbon emissions from these kilns is reducing oxygen levels in the air, making it hazardous to human health. According to the Department of Environment’s data, Khulna Division is home to 1,200 brick kilns, 790 of which lack DoE approval. The highest number of illegal kilns is found in Kushtia district, where 184 kilns operate, 163 of them unapproved. In Khulna district alone, there are 152 kilns, the majority of which lack the necessary permits. Md Sadikul Islam, acting director of the DoE, said the government is taking a stringent stance against illegal brick kilns. He stated that legal action will be taken against anyone found operating unapproved kilns. Experts suggest that merely shutting down these kilns will not resolve the problem. They advocate for the introduction of new brick-making methods and the adoption of concrete block production to reduce environmental impact. In January, a DoE-led operation resulted in the partial demolition of 19 kilns, with 12 more being completely dismantled. Several others were shut down and fined. On the frontline of disaster-preparedness, Koyra must be given the tools to fight Advocate Babul Howlader, a national council member of the Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA), said, “We have been protesting against illegal brick kilns for years, but our efforts have often been in vain. Recently, the government has taken a stricter approach, which is commendable. However, enforcement at the field level remains lax. Authorities must take stronger action and ensure these measures are effectively implemented.”

The growing practice of selling substandard products for extra profit has become a serious concern in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, as the absence of strict government intervention allows unethical business practices to thrive. Many shopkeepers prioritise financial gain over consumer welfare, often deceiving customers with counterfeit or low-quality products. The UNB correspondent investigated how these activities take place, their long-term impact on consumers, and what can be done to address the issue. Working to make BSTI an int’l standard institution: Industries Minister A Common Yet Unethical Practice Counterfeit versions of popular brands are widely available in markets across the capital, particularly in electronics, cosmetics and clothing. Consumers, often unaware of the deception, purchase these items believing them to be genuine ones. Producers admit that these counterfeit goods are cheaper to manufacture but are sold at prices close to the original, ensuring high profit margins for sellers. A particularly concerning practice is the mixing of substandard goods with genuine ones. Investigations found that many grocery stores and markets dilute higher-quality products with inferior ones to maximise profits. Expired or low-grade rice is often blended with premium varieties and some traders sell diluted milk while passing it off as fresh. Global congress to establish standards for marketing of breast-milk substitutes next week Besides, some shopkeepers change expiration dates on food and medicine packaging, putting public health at risk. Others refill branded bottles of cooking oil or honey with cheaper alternatives, further deceiving unsuspecting buyers. Arif, a customer, shared his frustration with UNB, saying, “Some shops charge higher prices for low-quality goods, misleading customers into thinking they are buying premium products. They may also offer discounts on defective items without informing buyers of the defects.” Meanwhile, Shanto, another consumer, noted that many electronic goods, cosmetics and accessories sold in Dhaka are smuggled or unauthorised imports that do not meet safety standards. “They are sold at attractive prices to lure customers,” he said while purchasing lights for his shop. Health and Economic Consequences Experts warn that the rise of substandard products poses a significant threat to public health. Physicians highlight that consuming low-quality food, medicines and cosmetics can cause serious health complications. Besides, consumers end up paying high prices for products that either fail to function properly or do not last long. As a result, trust in local markets diminishes, pushing many buyers towards larger retail chains or online stores. Beyond harming consumers, counterfeit goods also damage genuine businesses, reducing their sales and credibility. Such practices lead to significant tax revenue losses for the government, as illegal and smuggled goods evade taxation. Government Action – Is It Enough? Many believe that the government and regulatory bodies have not done enough to control the situation, allowing dishonest businesses to thrive. Experts suggest that strengthening monitoring agencies such as the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) is crucial. Conducting frequent raids and imposing heavy fines on violators could act as a deterrent. Consumer reduce demand for substandard goods. Besides, promoting digital payments and verified online platforms could help minimise fraud. Introducing technological solutions, such as QR codes, mobile apps, and blockchain tracking, could further enhance product authenticity verification. Experts said that establishing an official complaint system where consumers can report fraudulent activities may also prove beneficial, experts added. Officials at BSTI acknowledge the need for stronger enforcement but stress that consumer awareness and ethical business standards are equally vital. “While law enforcement and regulations play a crucial role in controlling these practices, increasing consumer awareness and promoting ethical business standards are just as important,” they stated. Shopkeepers' Perspective Small shopkeepers argue that they often sell substandard products out of necessity, as they struggle to compete with larger retailers and online businesses. Some claim they unknowingly receive fake or low-quality goods from wholesalers, making it difficult to ensure product authenticity. Others, however, openly admit that selling sub-standard products boosts their earnings, as many customers seek cheaper alternatives. A Collective Responsibility Addressing this growing issue requires a collaborative effort from the government, businesses, and the public. Stricter monitoring, consumer education, and technological advancements in product verification could help combat the spread of sub-standard goods. Without firm action, dishonest business practices will continue to flourish, ultimately harming both consumers and the country’s economy.    

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is facing an alarming threat as relentless riverbank erosion steadily devours its landmass, displacing communities, destroying infrastructure and shrinking vital forest cover. Spanning the delta region of the Padma, Meghna and Brahmaputra river basins, the Sundarbans is a crucial ecological zone shared between Bangladesh and India. It is home to rich biodiversity, including the endangered Royal Bengal tiger. But continuous erosion is rapidly reshaping the landscape, with islands and coastal land disappearing into the sea. Vanishing Land and Lost Infrastructure Jetties, Forest Department offices and other vital infrastructure are being washed away, forcing officials to abandon their posts. In September last year, the East Sundarbans Division sought assistance from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to curb erosion at nine vulnerable locations. Although sand-filled geo bags were placed in front of the Forest Office to mitigate the damage, the measure has largely proven ineffective. Top 3 Books in English on the Bangladesh Sundarbans According to sources in the Forest Department, the situation has worsened over the years, swallowing entire forested areas along with their trees. The jetty at the Dubla Forest Office, several drinking water ponds, cyclone shelters and freshwater reservoirs at Meherali Char have already been lost to the rising tides. Meanwhile, the old rest house and jetty at Katka have disappeared, and the two-storey Bogi Forest Office building is on the brink of collapse into the river. “The forest land is continuously being destroyed, and many trees have already vanished. The old rest house at Katka has gone into the sea, and numerous areas deeper into the Sundarbans have been submerged,” said Soyebur Rahman Suman, in charge of the Katka Sanctuary Centre, a popular tourist spot in the Sundarbans. A Sabur, an officer at Bogi Forest Station, echoed similar concerns. “Our office-cum-barracks are also at risk of being submerged. Staff have been forced to move to alternative shelters to avoid further danger.” Despite efforts to control the damage, the situation has not improved. “The Water Development Board placed sandbags in September and October last year to prevent erosion, but they have not been effective,” added Sabur. Nylon net fencing starts in Sundarbans to prevent tigers entering surrounding localities Nine Critical Zones Under Threat Forest officials have identified nine key locations that are severely affected by erosion: ·         Kachikhali Sanctuary Centre ·         Katka Sanctuary Centre ·         Chandeshwar Patrol Outpost ·         Jelepalli Dubla Patrol Outpost ·         Bogi Forest Station ·         Jhapsi Patrol Outpost ·         Jongra Patrol Outpost ·         Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre ·         Shuarmara Patrol Outpost Rana Deb, Sharankhola Range Officer of the Eastern Sundarbans Division, noted that while some forest areas are eroding, new chars (sandbanks) are forming in other river regions. But this offers little consolation given the immense destruction already suffered by the Forest Department, particularly after Cyclone Remal. Funding Shortages Hindering Protection Efforts Abu Raihan Md. Albunni, Executive Engineer of BWDB in Bagerhat, admitted that financial constraints have hindered further erosion prevention efforts. “Sand-filled geo bags were placed in front of Bogi Forest Station, but due to budget limitations, no action has been taken in other erosion-affected areas,” he said. Divisional Forest Officer of the East Sundarbans Division, Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, expressed grave concern over the worsening crisis, attributing it in part to climate change. “We sent a letter to the Executive Engineer of BWDB in September last year, requesting urgent intervention at nine locations. Although some geo bags were placed in Bogi, they were ineffective in halting the erosion,” he said. Sundarbans Day to be observed Friday, still awaits national recognition Alarming Shrinkage of the Sundarbans A World Bank report, Coping with Climate Change in the Sundarbans: Lessons from Multidisciplinary Studies (2020), presents alarming evidence of the forest's shrinking footprint. The total area of the Sundarbans (including both Bangladesh and India) measured 11,904 sq km between 1904 and 1924. By 1967, it had reduced to 11,663 sq km, and in 2016, it further declined to 11,506 sq km. According to various sources, the Sundarbans is crisscrossed by approximately 450 rivers and canals, stretching about 350 km in total length. Natural tidal activity continuously reshapes these waterways, causing both erosion and deposition. However, the extent of land loss in the last century has far outpaced natural recovery, posing an existential threat to the forest and its inhabitants. Need for Urgent Action The relentless erosion of the Sundarbans demands immediate intervention from policymakers, conservationists and international stakeholders. Without robust mitigation strategies and sustainable erosion control measures, the continued loss of land will exacerbate climate vulnerability, displace more communities, and push the region’s fragile ecosystem further towards collapse. Conservation projects paying fruit as Sundarbans witness increase in tiger population