United News of Bangladesh

For the families living along the vulnerable left bank of the Padma River, downstream of the Padma Bridge, the sound of rushing water is no longer poetic—it is a warning. With monsoon clouds gathering on the horizon, these riverside communities are once again bracing for nature’s fury, all while the embankment that promises to protect them remains incomplete. According to Engr Enamul Haque, Sub-divisional Engineer of the Munshiganj Water Development Board, only 47.67% of the work has been completed so far. Despite a multi-crore riverbank protection project launched nearly four years ago, thousands remain anxious and exposed. The project, which began in October 2021, was meant to bring long-awaited relief to erosion-prone stretches from Shimulia in Louhajang up to Dighirpar in Tongibari upazila.  But as the seasons have changed, little has changed for the people on the ground. “I lost my land and my house to the river over 20 years ago,” said Kazi Babul of Gaodia village.  “Now I live just 200 metres from the river. Every time it rains heavily, we stay awake at night. If only the embankment work was done—we might finally get a peaceful night’s sleep," he said.  The project, overseen by the Munshiganj Water Development Board, covers a total of 16.87 kilometres of riverbank.  Padma River erosion threatens homes and agri land in Faridpur Of this, 9.10 km is designated for permanent embankment work, and 4.62 km for precautionary protection, which involves placing geo-bags filled with sand in erosion-prone zones. Initially slated for completion by October 2023, the project has seen both its scope and cost expand significantly. The original budget was set at Tk 446 crore for a 9.1-kilometre stretch. As the project's length increased to 13.72 kilometres, the allocation rose to Tk 470 crore.  It was revised again in December last year, raising the budget to Tk 527 crore and the project length to 16.87 kilometres. But, the deadline has now been extended to September 2026. Yet progress remains painfully slow. Engr Enamul Haque said the project is being implemented through 26 separate packages. “The total length now stands at 16.87 km,” he said, noting this includes 1.3 km of pre-existing embankment. But, 1.85 km of vulnerable riverbank lies completely outside the project’s coverage, leaving residents in those pockets especially worried. Golam Mostafa, a resident near the mouth of the Konkoshar Canal, lives in one such area. “About 500 metres west of my house falls outside the embankment zone. Last year, waves caused serious damage during the monsoon. If we had permanent protection here, we would be able to live without this constant fear.” Mostafa noted that over the last 25 years, the Padma has swallowed nearly 40 villages in Louhajang and Tongibari. Around 50,000 families have lost their ancestral homes, farmland, and stability—becoming climate migrants within their own country. From a distance, the Padma flows with majestic calm. But for those living along its left bank, it carries memories of broken homes and washed-away futures.  Padma river embankment risks catastrophic collapse They’ve placed their hopes in the embankment project—a man-made barrier to halt a natural force. But until the work is finished, peace remains as elusive as dry ground during the monsoon. Engineer Haque assures that action will be taken if erosion appears, whether along permanent or temporary stretches. “We are monitoring closely. If any section shows signs of damage, we will respond immediately,” he said. Time and tide wait for no one. But for many like Babul and Golam Mostafa along its banks, they can only wait—and hope—that help arrives before the next storm does. With additional inputs from Julfekar Dehan

Though long accustomed to monsoon floods, Dhaka has in recent years experienced unprecedented waterlogging that persists for weeks, even after moderate rainfall. A growing number of studies blame clogged drains from polythene bags and the loss of natural canals due to encroachment as major reasons for the prolonged waterlogging in the city. A study led by Sarwar Uddin Ahmed and Keinosuke Gotoh, affiliated with Nagasaki University’s Faculty of Engineering and Graduate School of Science and Technology, respectively, has delved into the environmental dynamics of Dhaka’s waterlogging problem. Their research, combining Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) surveys and satellite remote sensing, highlights the complex interplay between human behaviour, urban development and environmental degradation in exacerbating flood risks. Polythene Bags: Small Culprits, Big Impact For decades, Dhaka’s drainage system has struggled to cope with the city’s rapid urbanisation and monsoon rains. But the surge in polythene bag usage has proved to be an especially pernicious problem. These lightweight, durable plastic bags are frequently discarded in the streets, blocking drains and water channels. Comfort in the rain, discomfort in the streets As Ahmed and Gotoh point out, polythene bags have jammed the drainage infrastructure, preventing free water flow and causing water to stagnate. “Waterlogging is no longer just a result of heavy rainfall. Even moderate showers can lead to floods bcause the city’s drainage is clogged by plastic waste, particularly polythene bags,” Ahmed explained.

The interim government is set to unveil a Tk 790,000 crore national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year on June 2, a defining moment for Bangladesh as it navigates mounting economic pressures and charts a course for stability and growth. This will be the first budget to be presented by the newly installed appointed administration, which faces the daunting task of curbing persistent inflation, reinvigorating private investment and strengthening social safety nets amid global and domestic uncertainties. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed will deliver the budget speech in a pre-recorded broadcast scheduled for 4 pm on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. Private television channels and radio stations have been requested to air the speech simultaneously, using BTV’s official feed. In contrast to previous years, the proposed budget is Tk 7000 crore lower than the current fiscal year’s allocation of Tk 797,000. According to Finance Ministry officials, this reduction aligns with a strategy for fiscal consolidation, ensuring a more implementable and efficient financial plan. The projected budget deficit stands at Tk 226,000 crore, down from Tk 256,000 crore in the current fiscal year, representing 3.62% of the GDP. To bridge this gap, the government will depend on foreign borrowing, bank loans, and savings certificates. An ambitious GDP growth target of 5.5% has been set for FY26, slightly higher than the revised 5.25% for the current year. But, international financial institutions, including the World Bank, IMF and ADB, predict growth will remain below 5%. Inflation control remains a priority, with the government aiming to bring it down to 7%. However, economists warn that persistent inflationary pressures could pose risks to achieving this target. Japan to provide $1.063 billion for budget support, railways To alleviate the financial strain on lower-income groups, the budget includes an expansion of social safety net programs, increasing both beneficiary numbers and allowance amounts. Key sectors prioritised for funding include agriculture, health, education and technology. The Annual Development Programme (ADP) allocation is projected at Tk 230,000 crore, a reduction from Tk 265,000 crore in the current fiscal year, signifying a more focused investment approach. Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has assured that the upcoming budget will be business-friendly, introducing tax policies designed to enhance investment, GDP growth and job creation. The revenue collection target for FY26 is set at Tk 518,000 crore, up from Tk 480,000 crore in the current fiscal year. But, the IMF has recommended a more aggressive target of Tk 580,000 under its reform agenda. Non-development expenditures will rise, with major allocations earmarked for debt servicing, food subsidies, and banking sector reforms. The non-development budget is expected to reach Tk 560,000 crore, an increase of Tk 28,000 crore compared to the current fiscal year’s allocation. The government also plans to strengthen the banking sector with a dedicated allocation to cover the capital shortfall of state-owned banks. Besides, subsidies for agriculture, fertilizers, and electricity will continue to support key industries. As anticipation builds for the budget announcement, public sentiment is mixed—hopeful about stronger social safety nets and inflation control, yet wary of implementation challenges. Finance Adviser to unveil budget on June 2 Economists caution that without structural reforms and effective execution, the budget’s ambitious goals may be difficult to achieve. They advocate for enhanced wealth taxation and improved enforcement mechanisms to broaden direct taxation and minimize dependence on regressive indirect taxes. The budget presentation by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed will be closely scrutinised, as it is expected to shape Bangladesh’s economic recovery and growth in the post-uprising political transition era.  

In the hilly, forest-fringed regions of Bangladesh, the once-delicate balance between humans and elephants has steadily unravelled into a dangerous struggle for survival. As elephants trample crops and, at times, cause tragic human fatalities, humans retaliate with electric traps and gunfire, leading to an alarming number of elephant deaths.  Against this backdrop of escalating tension, the government has embarked on a dual-pronged strategy aimed at creating a safe distance between the two species. A Vision in Two Parts To reduce this conflict and restore harmony, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is advancing with two key plans—restoration of forest lands and the promotion of eco-tourism.  Through these initiatives, the government seeks not only to mitigate environmental and climate crises but also to ensure elephants roam safely within their natural habitats. Stakeholders believe that, beyond resolving human-elephant tensions, eco-tourism holds the promise of yielding significant economic dividends for the country. Inspiration from Turkey In realising these ambitions—especially in the realm of eco-tourism—Bangladesh is keen to draw upon Turkey’s experiences and best practices. This intention was revealed during a meeting on May 27 at the Panthapath Water Building, where Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, held discussions with a delegation led by Turkish Ambassador to Dhaka, Ramis Şen. Elderly woman killed in wild elephant attack in Sherpur

Inclement weather persisted across the coastal district of Bhola on Friday, as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal brought strong winds, tidal surges and widespread rainfall. The adverse conditions caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure and livestock in several remote upazilas.  Cloudy skies and overcast conditions were seen from early morning, followed by rainfall in areas including Dhal Char after noon. The storm, accompanied by unusually high river pressure and gusty winds, left thousands of homes and countless trees either destroyed or severely damaged. Five platoons, including three at the Ilisha Launch Ghat, were also destroyed by the stormy winds. According to Bhola Deputy Commissioner Md Azad Jahan, at least 5,200 homes in remote char areas were damaged by Friday’s storm and tidal onrush. Many families have been left homeless and are now enduring severe hardship. Over a thousand cattle and other livestock were reportedly washed away. Shariful Islam, a long-time resident of Dhal Char union under Charfasson upazila, watched helplessly as tidal waters surged into the locality again on Friday afternoon. “It came so fast. Many houses were destroyed… affected families are in extreme distress,” said Shariful. In nearby Rajapur union, the situation was equally devastating. Ponds overflowed, washing away a season’s worth of fish in moments, he noted. A local madrasa was also heavily damaged. “The tin roof was torn off like paper,” said Amir Hossain, a resident who witnessed the destruction. Charfasson, Monpura and Tajumuddin upazilas were among the hardest hit, with more than a thousand houses affected. Deep depression weakening, heavy rains to continue across Bangladesh Dhal Char, Char Kukri-Mukri, and Mujibnagar unions saw the highest levels of destruction, according to Charfasson Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rasna Sarmin Methy. “In these three unions alone, 700–800 goats and cows were swept away,” said UNO Methy. Relief work is under way, with 500 food packages already distributed to affected families, she added. In Lalmohan upazila, areas such as Lord Hardinge, Ramganj, Dhaligournagar, Char Bhuta and Paschim Char Umed unions saw 20 houses completely destroyed, while around 500 more were partially damaged. Depression-induced rains disrupt life in Chandpur The embankment at Purbo Syedabad in Lord Hardinge union was breached, flooding two villages. Torrential rain and tidal waters also submerged parts of Char Kochuakhali and ward No. 9 of the municipality, leaving nearly 10,000 residents waterlogged. Monpura UNO Likhan Banik said homes in Kolatoli union, which has no embankment protection, were submerged, along with other low-lying areas outside the embankments. “Around 3,400 homes in the upazila were partially damaged by the tidal surge, but a full assessment is still under way,” he said. Md Asfaud Doula, executive engineer of Water Development Board-2 in Bhola, said abnormal tides in the Meghna River breached embankments at Syedabad in Lalmohan upazila and Swiss Gate in Chandpur union of Tajumuddin upazila. The breach measured about 20 metres in Lalmohan and 15 metres in Tajumuddin. Repairs have been completed in Lalmohan, while work continues in Tajumuddin, said Doula. In the mid-Meghna chars, large numbers of buffaloes were swept away. Thousands of fish ponds and enclosures were also inundated, resulting in major fish losses. Victims in Tajumuddin called for the construction of permanent embankments to safeguard Bhola from future tidal and storm-related disasters. DC Azad Jahan said he visited the damaged embankments on Friday afternoon and confirmed that the administration has begun distributing dry food while compiling lists of affected families for further support. With additional inputs from Julfekar Dehan

With the monsoon setting in, riverbank erosion has started threatening the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari, particularly Ferry Ghat No-7, which now faces serious risk. The swirling currents caused by ferries docking and departing are accelerating erosion, endangering nearby homes and infrastructure. During a visit to the area on Tuesday morning, it was found that water levels in the Padma River were rising, worsening the erosion that has already damaged the stretch from Pontoon No-7 to Pontoon No-6. Waterlogging: Two days of torrential rain cripples life in Narayanganj Shahadat Member Para and Chattar Member Para, located downstream from the terminal, are now under threat.  Locals expressed growing concerns and frustration. Barak Mridha, a grocer from the Ghat No-6 area, said he has lost everything to erosion three times in the past 15 years.  Tk 827cr Chandpur embankment project gains pace, but Meghna’s fury keeps residents on edge “The riverbank was once a kilometer away. Now it’s at my doorstep,” he said, blaming the authorities for their inaction during the dry season. Selim Khan, a banker from Chattar Member Para, said more than half of Daulatdia union has been claimed by the river over the past 15 years. “We’ve been pleading for 1river protection measures every year, but nothing effective has been done,” he said. Locals pointed out that both the ferry terminals and the launch terminal are at risk. Nurul Anwar Milon, manager of the launch terminal owners' association, said monsoon erosion submerges homes and structures annually. He stressed the need for preventive action before the situation worsens. Nasir Mohammad Chowdhury, Deputy General Manager of BIWTC's Aricha region, said all ferry terminals at Daulatdia face erosion risk, with Ghat No-7 being the most vulnerable. He said the issue was discussed at a recent coordination meeting at the Rajbari Deputy Commissioner’s office and that letters have been sent to both BIWTA and the Water Development Board (WDB) seeking urgent action. Nepal Chandra Debnath, Executive Engineer of BIWTA’s Aricha region, said preparations are in place to respond to major erosion events.  Authorities have been informed in advance to initiate necessary protective measures, he said.  

After two days of relentless rain, life in Narayanganj city and surrounding areas has ground to a halt, with widespread waterlogging submerging streets and disrupting daily life for thousands. The downpour, which began on Thursday morning and continued intermittently until Friday afternoon, inundated nearly all parts of the city. The city’s main thoroughfares, including the vital BB Road, along with countless alleyways and residential areas, are now submerged in knee-deep water, creating a scenario that many residents are describing as an "urban flood." A visit to key areas such as Chashara, Deobhog, Baburail, Khanpur, Banglabazar, and Nitaiganj on Friday afternoon painted a grim picture, rickshaws being pushed manually, and residents forced to walk through murky water to get home. Monsoon Misery Looms: Dhaka braces for worsening waterlogging crisis “I’ve been waiting for over an hour,” said one passenger stranded at Chashara intersection. “The rain has stopped, but the water isn't draining. There’s no rickshaw, and I’ve had to walk through dirty water just to get this far.” Streets once bustling with rickshaws and motorbikes now lie eerily silent. Vehicles have stalled mid-road, battery-run auto-rickshaws have run out of charge, while commuters wade through stagnant street water to reach their destinations. The impact has not been limited to transportation. Dirty, drain-fed water has seeped into many shops on ground floors of homes. In several areas, authorities were forced to cut off electricity supplies as a safety measure. Battery-run rickshaw driver Sohel Mia of Deobhog, his vehicle half-submerged, lamented, “The battery’s gone. Water got inside, and I can’t even get back to the garage. Now I have to push it all the way.” According to officials from the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC), the situation is not new. Poor drainage infrastructure and unplanned urbanisation have turned even moderate rainfall into a public crisis. “Most of the drains are clogged,” said an NCC official requesting anonymity. “People dumping waste directly into them only worsens the situation.” However, efforts are underway to address the crisis. NCC has launched a project to construct a 7-kilometre-long drainage network, of which 3 kilometres have been completed. The officials said, “Once finished, the new drains can significantly reduce waterlogging during monsoon.” Meanwhile, NCC Administrator HM Kamruzzaman expressed regret over the public suffering and assured residents that “authorities are working to complete the drainage work as soon as possible.” However, no definitive timeline has been given for when the situation might permanently improve.

In the lead-up to Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival for Muslims, an unusual sight is capturing public imagination in Benapole, seven camels, widely revered as the 'ships of the desert', have arrived at a local farm, each priced between Tk 30 to 35 lakh. The majestic animals are being kept at the farm of Nasir Uddin, a local businessman in Putkhali village under the Benapole Port Police Station, close to the Bangladesh-India border.  One of the camels has already been sold, while the rest continue to draw crowds from near and far. Imported from Saudi Arabia nearly a year ago, the camels have been raised alongside cattle on Nasir’s farm.  “I brought in the camels out of personal interest,” Nasir told UNB. Standing tall at 12 to 15 feet, the camels are now fully ready for Qurbani (sacrifice) during Eid, according to the farm owner.  Eid-ul-Azha: Cattle markets gain momentum in Madaripur Although Nasir declined to disclose the import cost, he emphasised the meticulous care the animals have received over the past year to ensure their health and readiness. The news of the camels’ presence has spread rapidly, prompting prospective buyers from across the country to travel to Benapole to witness the rare animals for themselves. Farm workers said the camels are receiving special attention as Eid approaches.  Each is bathed daily and fed a carefully curated diet of maize, grass and chickpeas.  Their feeding and grooming routines follow a strict schedule to maintain their optimal condition. Topu Kumar Saha, livestock officer of Sharsha upazila, said camels, being non-native to Bangladesh, require special care.  “Deworming medication is being administered regularly and authorities are closely monitoring the animals to ensure they are not artificially fattened with injections,” he said. Char dwellers in Faridpur pin hopes on Eid-ul-Azha for livestock sales The camels’ presence has stirred considerable interest in Putkhali and the surrounding areas over the past year. Residents and visitors alike—from children to the elderly—have been flocking to the farm to catch a glimpse, take photographs and record videos with the animals, adding to the festive atmosphere that now envelops the village. As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, these desert giants have not only become a symbol of sacrifice, but also a source of joy and fascination for the local community.

Already grappling with multiple problems like traffic congestion, mosquito infestations and pollution, Dhaka’s residents are now bracing for yet another challenge—waterlogging—as the monsoon approaches. Despite numerous projects undertaken over the years efforts have largely failed to deliver the desired relief from this persistent problem and experts have warned that this year the situation could be worse than before. In recent weeks even brief spells of rain have submerged several areas in the capital, halting traffic, flooding roads and lanes and exposing the fragile state of the city’s drainage system. Despite repeated assurances and spending of crores of taka by the two city corporations, the problem shows no sign of abating, leaving residents frustrated and fearful of another season of waterlogged. It has become a growing challenge for residents, severely impacting daily life and leading to a range of negative social, physical and economic effects. It disrupts routine activities, causes severe traffic congestion and damages infrastructure, particularly in low-lying homes, educational institutions, shops and commercial establishments. Expensive Efforts, Minimal Results According to official sources, a large amount of money has been spent over the past 17 years by Dhaka Wasa and city Corporations to address waterlogging. Dhaka WASA initially held responsibility for drainage infrastructure, including 385 km of major pipelines and 26 canals. Excavation of 15 canals can solve 80% of waterlogging in Dhaka: Study In late 2020, the government transferred this responsibility to the two city corporations along with control over all canals and drains. Since then, both the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have each spent crores on infrastructure, cleaning drives, and new equipment. In 2023–24 fiscal year alone, DSCC allocated Tk 90 crore directly to waterlogging mitigation with an additional Tk 30 crore for cleaning operations, Tk 2 crore for restoring canals and ponds, and Tk 1 crore for purchasing water pumps. Besides, DNCC earmarked Tk 25 crore for modernising pump house equipment, Tk 38 crore for canal development and tree plantation and around Tk 25 crore more for cleaning, repair and maintenance of canals, culverts, and lakes. But the ground reality tells a different story. The capital continues to reel under the pressure of monsoon waterlogging, with many questioning the effectiveness of these expenditures. Waterlogging Hotspots Despite these efforts, the waterlogging problem in Rampura, Malibagh, Mouchak, New Market, Azimpur, Nilkhet, Bakshibazar, Sayedabad, Shonir Akhra, Old Dhaka, Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Shewrapara, Motijheel, Banani, Khilkhet, Uttara, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, Agargaon, Mohammadpur, Merul Badda, Vatara, Kuril, Bashundhara and parts of Gulshan and Hatirjheel remained unchanged. According to city corporations ‘officials, the same areas are expected to face worse waterlogging again this year. In the north, waterlogging is likely in areas like Badda, Vatara, Tejgaon, Kuril, Bashundhara and around the airport road. In the south, Khilgaon, Mugda, Jurain, Rajarbagh, New Market and parts of Motijheel and the Secretariat area are on the list. Reasons Behind Waterlogging Urban planners and experts point to several deep-rooted issues behind Dhaka waterlogging. Those areas have unplanned urbanisation, canal encroachment, poor drainage infrastructure and lack of waste management. Polythene bags, plastic wrappers, and food packaging often block drains in the capital, further aggravating the problem. Commuters suffer as rain causes waterlogging in Dhaka Dr Adil Muhammad Khan, professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Jahangirnagar University, said Dhaka's waterlogging issue requires urgent short-, mid- and long-term strategies. “Corporations no longer have the luxury of shifting blame. The solution lies in strong planning and strict implementation,” he said. River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC), a non-government research organization, has recently conducted a study that identifies nine waterlogging-prone areas in the capital and offer solutions to the ongoing problem. The study titled ‘Waterlogging in Dhaka city and our encroached canals’ was conducted in July, 2024. The canals recommended for excavation include Rupnagar Main Khal, Baunia Khal, Baishteki Khal, Sangbadik Colony Khal, Kalyanpur Khal, Ibrahimpur Khal, Panthapath Box Culvert Khal, Rayerbazar Khal, Jirani Khal, the south end of Rampura Khal, Dolai Khal, Kadamtali Khal and Manda Khal. The study identified nine waterlogging hotspots: Pallabi Shiyalbari, Rupnagar, and Eastern Housing; Kalshi and Mirpur 11; Tolarbag, Ahmed Nagar and Paikpara; Shewrapara, Kazipara, and Kafrul; Kolabagan, Dhanmondi 27, Kathalbagan, Green Road and Hatirpool; Hazaribagh, Nawabganj, Rayerbazar, West Dhanmondi, and Dhaka Newmarket; Rampura and Badda; Sutrapur, Wari, Nawabpur, Kazi Alauddin Road, Siddique Bazar, Narinda and Tanti Bazar; and Jurain, Siddhirganj, Zaker Manjil, Shyampur, Purba Jurain, Saddam Market and Rayerbagh.

Ankuzanpara, once a quiet and picturesque village in Taltali upazila of Barguna, now lies under a heavy blanket of smoke and sorrow. The fresh air that once breezed through its trees and the crystal-clear river that sustained its people have become tainted — choked by toxic fumes and environmental decay. Since the 307-megawatt coal-fired power plant began operations in the area, villagers say their lives have been engulfed by an inescapable shadow.  What was promised as a symbol of progress has turned into a source of disease, displacement, and despair. “The government gave us electricity, but how will my daughter survive?” asked Idris Ali, holding his five-year-old daughter Samia who suffers from painful skin conditions.  Her frail body is marked with red patches — a condition her family cannot afford to treat.  “We used to breathe fresh air. Now, it’s filled with poison. And nobody in the administration seems to care,” he said. Environmental and health experts have raised concerns over the alarming increase in pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter in the air, which are triggering respiratory issues and skin diseases.  New energy-and-power projects have to take approval of the commission: BERC Chairman Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. A doctor at Taltali Upazila Health Complex  said cases of skin disease and asthma have doubled in the last two months.  “We’re seeing an unusual spike in respiratory and dermatological issues,” the doctor said, requesting anonymity. But it’s not just people suffering. Nature, too, is bearing the brunt. “There are no fish left in the river,” said fisherman Monirul Islam.  “Whenever we throw our nets, all we get is waste and dead fish. The smoke and contaminated water are killing everything.” Farmers said their crops aren’t growing well anymore.  “The trees are dying, and we feel weak due to constant exposure to polluted air. This land used to be our life — now it feels like a curse,” said a farmer. Dr Mir Mohammad Ali, a faculty member of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University’s Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, warned that toxic substances such as aluminum, methane, sulfur dioxide, and heavy metals from the plant are seriously degrading water quality in rivers and the Bay of Bengal. Corruption in land purchase eats away Tk 390 crore in 3 power projects, says TIB “These pollutants disrupt aquatic biodiversity and the life cycle of fish. If this continues, it could harm food security and the economy of the entire coastal belt,” he said. Environmental activist Mostafizur Rahman believes the project was initiated without proper consideration of the local ecology and population. “Everyone — from government officials to scientists to locals — knew the risks. Still, they went ahead. And now, this so-called light has come at a devastating cost.” Md. Arifur Rahman, the Taltali coordinator of the environmental group “Dharitri Rokkhai Amra (We for Saving  the Earth)”, said they have repeatedly protested, formed human chains, and submitted petitions — all have gone in vain. “We’ve warned that coal-fired power generation poses grave risks to both humans and aquatic life,” he said.