United News of Bangladesh

Farmers in Faridpur are passing busy time in taking care of the planted onion seeds on 1,854 hectares of land with the aim to meet local demand for the spicy vegetable. The district’s Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) hoped a turnover of at least Tk 500 crore from the crop in the current season. The district has long been renowned for onion cultivation, positioning the second-largest onion-producing region in the country. After jute, farmers here focus on paddy and onion farming due to its fertile soil, which is highly suitable for these crops. Over the past one decade, the district has witnessed a bumper yield of onion seeds, covering more than 50 percent of the country’s total demand for government-certified onion seeds., The huge demand of the seeds has been playing a significant role in improving the livelihoods of local farmers, who call the seeds as “black gold” due to their high economic value. In Faridpur Sadar, Boalmari, Bhanga, Madhukhali, and Sadarpur upazilas, huge farmlands are covered with white onion blossoms now. A visit to Ambikapur union fields under Sadar upazila revealed that farmers and labourers were meticulously hand-pollinating the flowers due to a decline in bee populations, with others in weeding and applying pesticides to prevent rot. Shaheda Begum and Lovely Parvin, two farmers from Ambikapur, said growing ‘black gold’ is like caring for a child. The onion cultivation begins in November-December, with harvesting taking place in April-May. The seeds are then preserved for a year before being planted and sold in the following season. During the onion seed season, labourers from different parts of the country come to the district to work in the fields. Anwar from Pabna, Abdur Rahman Paramanik from Kushtia, and several others said that they have been migrating to Faridpur for over a decade to earn their livelihood through onion seed farming. “We work tirelessly to ensure high-quality seed production. When yields are good, both farmers and workers benefit financially,” they said.

A sense of unease grips the residents of Mohammadpur as the area finds itself at the heart of a growing crime wave. The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has recently identified 13 hotspots within the locality as ‘red zones’ for mugging, shedding light on an escalating crisis that has left residents fearful and law enforcement agencies scrambling for solutions. From Dhaka Udyan to Basila Bridge and Taj Mahal Road to Japan Garden City, these areas have become dangerous terrains where criminals operate with alarming impunity. According to a senior DB official, the proliferation of teenaged gangs has exacerbated the situation, pushing criminal activities, including mugging, drug trading, and violent attacks, to intolerable levels. The lawlessness in Mohammadpur has been particularly noticeable since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year. The once-thriving neighbourhood has transformed into one of Dhaka’s most crime-infested zones, with reports of gunfire, robbery, and armed assaults becoming a daily occurrence. Such an environment has led to a heightened sense of insecurity among residents, who fear that no time of the day is truly safe. Teen Gangs The rise of teenage gang culture has emerged as a major concern for both law enforcement agencies and the local community. Authorities have identified around 100 members of such gangs operating in Mohammadpur alone. The audacity of these criminals was starkly displayed on February 6, when four police officers—three of them sub-inspectors—were severely injured during an anti-drug operation in Rayer Bazar. The attackers, armed with sharp weapons, left the officers battered, reinforcing fears about the growing brutality of teen gangs. One of the most shocking incidents occurred in late January when a video surfaced on social media showing a teenage boy wielding a machete and assaulting another in broad daylight in the Dhaka Udyan area. Special police operation to tackle growing mugging incidents The video sent shockwaves through the city, highlighting the reckless nature of these crimes and the lack of fear among perpetrators. Habibur Rahman, a long-time resident of Dhaka Udyan, believes the unchecked rise of teen gangs is the primary reason behind the surge in crimes. “These groups operate freely, and many are involved in drug peddling and violent attacks. The situation has worsened in recent months,” he said. Fear in Broad Daylight What makes the situation more alarming is that mugging and violent crimes are no longer restricted to the cover of darkness. According to an intelligence report, Dhaka currently has 432 high-risk mugging spots, with Mohammadpur alone accounting for 108 of them. Many residents report that criminals strike even during daylight hours, creating an atmosphere of perpetual anxiety. Rabiul Islam, a security guard, became one of the most high-profile victims when he was fatally stabbed by muggers in Dhaka Udyan on October 10 last year. Another gruesome attack followed on January 30 when 26-year-old Md. Sumon Sheikh had his left wrist severed during a mugging incident in the Adabor Balur Math area. Sumon was crossing the road at around 2:45 pm when the attackers pounced, leaving him critically injured. Police arrest 3 suspected mugging gang members in Dhaka's Uttarkhan Passersby rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, but the brutality of the crime left a deep scar on the community’s psyche. Authorities Respond: A Glimmer of Hope? In response to the worsening crime situation, the DB of DMP, alongside joint forces, has ramped up operations in Mohammadpur. Law enforcement agencies have arrested several gang members, while others have reportedly fled the area due to intensified crackdowns. Joint Commissioner (DB-North) of the DMP, Mohammad Rabiul Hossain Bhuiyan, acknowledged that crime in Mohammadpur had reached an intolerable level in recent months. However, he assured residents that with persistent efforts, the situation is beginning to show signs of improvement. “We have conducted repeated anti-crime operations. A large number of miscreants, including teenage gang members, have been arrested. Many others have fled the area,” he said. Despite these efforts, concerns remain. For many residents, safety still feels like a distant dream. Until criminals are fully eradicated and law enforcement establishes firm control, Mohammadpur will remain a battleground between security forces and a rising wave of organised street crime. Drive to continue till Dhaka free from mugging: DMP Commissioner For now, the residents of Mohammadpur wait—hoping for the day their neighbourhood will once again be a place of peace, rather than fear.

As the golden sun casts its warm embrace over the lush fields of Bagerhat, the arrival of watermelon season paints a picture of abundance and promise. The much-loved summer fruit has begun gracing markets, drawing eager customers who revel in its juicy sweetness and refreshing taste. Along the bustling roadside of Mithapukur Par, towering stacks of freshly harvested watermelons create a mesmerising green landscape. The vibrant scene is punctuated by the chatter of excited buyers, some halting their vehicles in spontaneous delight, drawn by the sight of the plump, glistening fruits. Currently, watermelons are fetching Tk 50 per kilogramme, a price that, while slightly steep for some, is expected to ease in the coming weeks as supply surges. With the season just kicking off, farmers brim with optimism, hoping for a prosperous yield that will bring them good returns. A Season of Bounty and Hope Shankar Kumar Majumdar, Deputy Director of the Bagerhat Agricultural Extension Department, highlighted that while watermelons are now available year-round, their peak season begins in March. This year, an excellent harvest has brought several hybrid varieties to the market, including Dragon King, Pakija, Big Family, Asian, and Banglalink—each boasting its unique sweetness and texture. "Since watermelons have just started entering the market, prices are slightly higher. However, we expect them to decrease as the supply increases," Majumdar explained, radiating confidence in this year’s yield. Jaintapur’s Watermelon Boom: From fallow lands to flourishing fields Watermelon cultivation follows a precise rhythm dictated by the seasons. The summer crop, planted between November and December, reaches peak availability by mid-April, ensuring a steady flow of the fruit throughout the warmer months. A Refreshing Delight with a Price Tag For customers like Halim Sheikh, the sight of these succulent fruits was too tempting to resist. Holding a six-kilogram watermelon he had just purchased for Tk 300, he shared his excitement, "It’s exciting to see such a large supply of watermelons so early in the season. My family loves them, so I didn’t mind the price." Yet, not everyone found the cost agreeable. Buyers like Milton, Alam, Towhid, and Amal deliberated over their choices, selecting smaller fruits to match their budgets. "Watermelon is a must-have during Ramadan and summer, so we bought some, but we had to choose smaller ones to stay within our budget," one of them remarked. Off-season watermelons making Narail farmers smile Despite the initial price concerns, the arrival of watermelons signals the beginning of a season that embodies refreshment and joy. As the weeks roll on and the market floods with this beloved fruit, it won’t be long before its affordability matches the delight it brings to every table. A Taste of Summer, A Farmer’s Dream For the farmers who have toiled under the sun, the scene at the markets is heartening. The sight of delighted customers, the weight of fresh harvests in their hands, and the hopeful glances exchanged over stacks of watermelons reflect the age-old cycle of nature’s generosity and human perseverance. On a remote char in country's poorest district, watermelon cultivation transforms lives As Bagerhat’s watermelon season gains momentum, the promise of a fruitful harvest lingers in the air. And with every bite of the crimson, juicy flesh, the taste of summer finds its way into homes, bringing refreshment, nostalgia, and the simple joy of nature’s sweetest offerings.

Thousands of unruly people have looted fish from at least 10 leased out waterbodies in three upazilas of Sunamganj—Shalla, Dirai and Jamalganj—over the past week. Locals said the looting plan was announced in advance through loudspeakers, drawing crowds from nearby unions. Despite prior the announcement, law enforcement agencies looked helpless in preventing the mass looting, said leaseholders. On Wednesday, large groups stormed Medha Beel and Betargang waterbodies in Dirai and Aila Beel in Jamalganj. BNP leader suspended in Jashore for ‘looting’ rice  The leaseholders said they suffered huge financial losses as their fish stocks were completely wiped out. Witnesses said thousands of people from villages like Shyamarchar, Loloarchar, Maiti, Chandrapur and others in Dirai-Shalla descended on the waterbodies at dawn with traditional fishing tools to catch fish from the leased-out areas. Desperate leaseholders urged the villagers to stop it but the looting continued. Even police presence at the scene failed to deter the looters, who took off with fish worth crores of taka, said witnesses. Rushan Mia, president of Machranga Cooperative Society, one of the affected leaseholders, said, "Thousands of people stormed our leased waterbodies and took away everything. We tried to stop them, but it was impossible. We have lost crores. We don’t know how to recoup the losses." 3 held over attempted looting at Gulshan house: CA’s Press Wing  On Sunday, thousands of people looted Meghna waterbody in Dirai and Atni Beel near Joypur village in Shalla. On Monday, around 8,000-10,000 people looted fish from Kashipur Laira Digha Group Fisheries protected area. On Tuesday, mobs ransacked fish stocks from the Satua River in Shalla’s Atgaon village. Leaseholders said their investments and government revenue were at risk due to the recurring mass lootings. Projesh Das, general secretary of Uttar Jarulia Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, said, "This is unprecedented. We pay Tk 45 lakh in revenue every year. Fish were supposed to be harvested next year, but within two days, 10,000-15,000 people took everything. Even informing the police did not help. We have lodged a written complaint with the Deputy Commissioner." Sunamganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Media) Zakir Hossain assured that law enforcement was aware of the situation. "We are in discussions with leaseholders, and legal actions will be taken against those responsible," he said. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Elias Mia, who also heads the district waterbody management committee, acknowledged the severity of the issue. "Around 40,000-50,000 people were involved in these incidents. They used traditional fishing tools and weapons to capture fish illegally.These waterbodies are under government leases, and such looting will discourage future leasing, impacting national revenue. If leaseholders seek legal action, law enforcement agencies will take necessary steps," he said. Leaseholders and local officials have urged authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further looting and ensure that such illegal activities do not threaten legal leaseholders in the future.  

Controlling inflation, implementing economic reforms and ensuring macroeconomic stability will be the biggest challenges for Bangladesh’s interim government in formulating the budget for the next fiscal year, according to experts. They said the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, faces a series of formidable economic challenges as it prepares the national budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year as the nation is grappling with high inflation, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, a burgeoning external debt and an unstable foreign exchange market. Next budget to see cuts in tax waiver: NBR Chairman The main challenges for the interim government in the next fiscal year will include implementing effective fiscal and monetary measures to bring inflation down to the target of 6.5%, introducing structural reforms to enhance revenue collection, curbing corruption and improving public sector efficiency. Besides, formulating policies to address economic challenges following Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status will be crucial. Ensuring stability through prudent fiscal management, debt control, and fostering a congenial environment for investment and growth will also be among the top priorities. Economist and Dhaka University Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said the interim government should declare a revised budget just after assuming power as it inherited a precarious fiscal balance. “They had inherited a precarious economy which was on the cliff,” he said. NBR invites budget proposals for FY 2025–2026 Prof Titumir said the previous government’s debt was mounting, as it continued borrowing new loans to repay old ones.  “They (interim govt) have inherited such an economy where there is outflow, but no inflow, the economy was stagnant -- they have inherited a crisis of income and expenditure,” he said. Due to inflation, Titumir said, consumption had decreased and wages shrunk, leading to a rising trend of poverty even before they came to power. He said that there was no social security, while social protection remained fragmented and plagued by inclusion and exclusion errors. The government failed to address this issue due to the absence of a robust fiscal policy to drive economic growth. The Dhaka University teacher said that enterprises were reluctant to invest due to the ongoing liquidity crisis, which has consequently led to a rise in unemployment.  “As a result, a huge number of the youth population was supposed to be there for absorption in the job market, but they became precariat class,” he said. Talking about the challenges for the next budget, Titumir, a professor at the Department of Development Studies, pointed out that revenue generation will be a challenge for the government while formulating the budget for the next fiscal. Titumir said the government has to go for a good debt management which will take time, for this it should go for a common minimum reform programme. There should be a quick election for an elected government so that confidence may grow among the people of the country which will lead to the predictability of economic activity and stability, he said. He stressed for creating depthness in the social protection system as the inflation prolonged in the country. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, who is also the Chairperson of think tank Unnayan Onneshan, said that the government should go for a performance based subsidy programme shunning the pick and choose one. He slammed the government for not scrapping the capacity charge system in the power sector. “Subsidies in the energy, power and road sector were visible,” he added. Prof Titumir said that the government should provide a roadmap for the enterprises which are refraining from making new investments currently. “The government has to show that it has brought discipline in every sector, we are not seeing any discipline in the capacity charge system or other agreements that have done previously.” He also stressed the importance of bringing harmonisation of the fiscal and monetary policy which is still absent. Talking to UNB, former National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman and a member of the advisory committee to initiate reforms in the NBR, Muhammad Abdul Mazid said that there is an uncertain time in the coming days. “New government will come, but this interim government will stay in power for how long, there will be a surface level budget which will be automatically small one,” he said. There should be no mega projects in the next budget, he said, adding: “The next budget will emphasise the rebuilding of the economy, subsidy, social-safety net programmes and containing the inflation.” Talking about the deplorable condition in the banking sector, Mazid, chairman of the Social Development Foundation (SDF), said that the bleeding in the banking sector has stopped. “It is now in the recovery sector, if some of the siphoned money can be brought back it would be very good, the challenge will be in the reconciliation of the banking sector with the depositors,” he said. He also criticised the previous Awami League government for granting immunity in the power sector, a policy that continues to this day as there is no viable exit strategy midway. Currently, controlling inflation is the primary focus for the upcoming budget. Over the past two and a half years, overall inflation in Bangladesh has consistently surpassed 9%, with food inflation reaching double digits. In December 2024, inflation surged to 11.38%, marking a four-month high. The interim government aims to reduce the average inflation rate to 6.5% in the next fiscal year. To achieve this, the government plans to implement cost-saving measures in public spending, coordinate with a contractionary monetary policy, and proceed with caution in project implementation. These efforts are designed to restore macroeconomic stability and ease the financial burden on citizens. Revenue collection has fallen short, with a gap of approximately Tk 38,000 crore against the revised target of Tk 4,10,000 crore for fiscal year 2024. The banking sector is grappling with significant challenges, particularly a high volume of non-performing loans (NPLs). Political transitions have resulted in leadership vacuums within the central bank, further destabilising the sector. Liquidity shortages are acute, with banks struggling to secure funds even in the call money market. The interim government is prioritising reforms to address these vulnerabilities, focusing on enhancing transparency, improving governance, and restoring confidence in the financial system. A major concern is the $500 million debt owed to India’s Adani Group for electricity supplied from its 1,600 MW coal plant. This liability, inherited from agreements made under the previous administration, is a substantial financial burden. The interim government is reassessing such energy deals, aiming to renegotiate terms to ease fiscal pressures. Plans include reintroducing competitive bidding and implementing regulatory reforms to ensure transparency and cost-effectiveness in future energy agreements.  

Even though most of the agencies concerned are claiming that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is ready to start power generation, experts say that the plant is unlikely to be able to deliver any electricity before 2026. According to official sources and industry insiders, there is still a long way to go before the RNPP can start commercial operation by the end of 2025. “There are a lot of issues that still need to be resolved with Russia, including the repayment mode of the Russian loans and the test run of the plant,” a highly placed source told UNB. The construction of the country’s first nuclear plant, with two units having a total capacity of 2,400 MW of electricity generation, began in November 2017 with a target to commission the first unit in 2024 and the second unit in 2025. But neither of the units is ready for commissioning due to various unresolved issues related to delivering its output to the national grid. Bangladesh conceived the idea of establishing the RNPP in 2009 and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation on May 13, 2009, on the 'Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy' and engaged the Russian nuclear power agency Rosatom as the contractor for the plant’s construction. Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, recently visited Dhaka and met Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to discuss the project’s progress and shared its unresolved issues, seeking to address them. He also expressed Russia's commitment to facilitating the successful completion of the project, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and compliance with international standards. Both sides discussed the merits of revising the Intergovernmental Credit Agreement (IGCA) by extending the credit utilization period until the end of 2026. Rosatom readies Rooppur NPP unit-1 for 2025 launch But sources close to Rosatom said that the main focus of its chief was finding a solution to the repayment of the loans by Bangladesh, which has encountered difficulties following the start of the war in Ukraine due to US sanctions on Rosatom. Sources said that the Russian side proposed that Bangladesh open a branch of one of its state-owned banks so that Rosatom could deposit its money in the Russian bank. “But so far no progress has been made on this issue,” the sources stated. Regarding the repayment of the Russian loan, which is set to start from 2027 as per the agreement between Dhaka and Moscow, Dr Md Zahedul Hassan, Project Director of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project, declined to comment on the matter. He, however, claimed that Unit-1 of the project has achieved 94 percent progress and is now waiting for the power grid to be ready for connection. “We are now conducting individual tests of the plant's equipment and waiting for the grid line to be ready from Power Grid Bangladesh PLC to begin the test run of Unit-1,” he told UNB. He also informed that after connecting with the grid line, the RNPP project will need another 4-6 months to begin commercial operations. Regarding the power grid line, Md Delowar Hossain, Project Director of Power Grid Bangladesh, informed that a total of six grid lines are being contracted by his agency. “Of these, three lines are ready while the remaining three are under construction. If the RNPP wants to start its first unit, they can do so,” he stated. However, official sources at the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) indicated that even if the RNPP and Power Grid Bangladesh complete their works, it will be unlikely to start the commercial operation of Unit-1 until tariff and loan repayment issues are resolved. Reactor assembly completed at Unit-1 of Rooppur nuke plant He said that the RNPP authority had yet to complete the calculation of the project's total cost to offer a tariff for selling electricity to 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. Regarding the tariff issue, Dr Md Zahedul Hassan, Project Director of RNPP, admitted the matter and said that his organization has been preparing the tariff paper to begin negotiations with the BPDB. 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. From the very beginning, confusion has surrounded its eventual levelized tariff or the possible generation cost of each unit of electricity, said the official. On January 15, 2013, an agreement regarding a State Export Credit of US$ 500 million was signed for the preparatory phase of the construction works of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The Bangladesh government signed a US$ 12.65 billion general contract (GC) in 2015 with the Russian Federation for building the 2,400 MW nuclear power plant at Rooppur. Each unit will generate 1,200 MW of power. Cold run of diesel generator completed at Rooppur Nuclear Plant’s unit 1 Bangladesh signed a credit agreement with Russia to obtain $11.385 billion in Russian credit for the RNPP in July 2016. This credit will cover 90 percent of the project’s cost.

As dusk falls over the lush green campus of Jahangirnagar University (JU), the air buzzes with an unwelcome presence. Swarms of mosquitoes descend upon student dormitories, classrooms and common spaces, forcing students into a nightly battle against relentless bites and buzzing. The mosquito infestation, now worse than ever, has disrupted daily life, making studying a challenge and sleep a luxury. With the growing threat of dengue fever looming, anxiety grips the student body, who feel increasingly helpless in the face of the crisis. Campus Under Attack No corner of JU is spared. From dormitories to popular student gathering spots such as Mukto Mancha, Murad Chattar, Munni Sarani, Monpura, Transport Chattar, TSC, the Central Field, and Sundarban, mosquitoes have turned once-vibrant spaces into battlegrounds. Experts say the infestation stems from unchecked environmental conditions. Dr Kabirul Bashar, a professor at the Department of Zoology, points to human activity as a major factor. Decline in guest birds at Jahangirnagar University: A growing concern for biodiversity "Urbanisation and ongoing construction on campus have created ideal conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to breed. Overgrown bushes and stagnant drains provide perfect habitats for Culex mosquitoes. Without proper cleaning and drainage improvements, the situation will not improve," he warned. For students, the relentless mosquito invasion is more than just a nuisance—it is a daily ordeal that impacts their academic and personal lives. "The mosquito problem wasn’t this severe before. Now, it’s impossible to stay in my room. Even with mosquito coils, the insects don’t go away. Studying has become a challenge," said Redwan Mia, a third-year student from Kamaluddin Hall. The situation is just as dire for first-year student Naima Rose from Pritilata Hall. "JU is beautiful, but the mosquitoes are unbearable. They swarm in the evenings, making it impossible to study. I’m preparing for my tutorial exams, but I have to read from inside a mosquito net, fearing I might fall ill." Even the library, a sanctuary for many, offers little relief. Himel Hasan, a fourth-year student, described his frustration, "I brought a mosquito coil with me because even the library isn’t mosquito-free. My exams are approaching, but I can’t focus due to the constant buzzing and biting." Hall Authorities Struggle to Contain the Problem Despite growing frustration, hall authorities insist they are doing what they can with limited resources. Bribery allegation surfaces in Jahangirnagar University horticulturist recruitment "We spray insecticide twice a week and clean the surrounding bushes, but the mosquito numbers aren’t decreasing. Our resources are limited, so large-scale action isn’t possible," said Prof Lutful Elahi, Provost of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Hall. Prof Faruk Ahmed, Provost of Rokeya Hall, admitted that despite regular insecticide spraying, the problem persists. "Overgrown bushes and clogged drains remain major issues. We need a more coordinated effort to address this." Former Provost of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, Prof Abdullah Hel Kafi, issued a stark warning, "The mosquito infestation is severely disrupting students’ lives. Without regular insecticide spraying and proper cleaning of drains and bushes, the problem will only escalate, leading to more illnesses and academic setbacks." Health Concerns on the Rise With the rise in mosquito populations, the university’s medical center has seen a surge in students seeking treatment for fever and suspected dengue cases. Sumon Mia, a second-year student, was among those who visited the medical center after developing a fever. "I’ve had a fever for two days and came for a dengue test. Many others are here for the same reason. The mosquitoes are making it impossible to study or sleep." Dr Shyamal Kumar Shil, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, confirmed the growing health concerns. "We’ve conducted dengue tests for several students, but the number of confirmed cases remains low. However, unless the overgrown bushes and stagnant water are cleared, controlling the mosquito population will be difficult." Who Is Responsible? The university administration acknowledges the issue but insists the responsibility lies with individual halls. Prof ABM Azizur Rahman, Acting Registrar of JU, stated, "If mosquito infestations are reported, the estate office is responsible for taking action. We are ready to provide manpower and supplies, but no formal requests have been made by the residential halls." Tree felling goes unabated at Jahangirnagar University amid environmental concerns Similarly, Md Abul Kashem, Deputy Registrar of the Estate Department, emphasized that hall authorities must take the lead. "The halls are managing their own mosquito control measures. We supply insecticides and equipment when requested, but the primary responsibility lies with the hall authorities." With students bearing the brunt of the crisis, many are calling for a more coordinated response. What’s Next? Promises and Challenges Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Sohel Ahmed assured that steps are being taken. "We’ve instructed all halls to spray insecticides regularly, and the costs will be covered by their own funds. We will also provide necessary supplies. Each hall has sufficient manpower to clean bushes and drains, and they are well-compensated for their work. If additional assistance is needed, we will respond." Despite these assurances, the problem persists. Without immediate and large-scale intervention, the mosquito menace at JU threatens to escalate into a full-blown health crisis. For now, students remain trapped in an exhausting cycle of makeshift solutions, fighting a battle against an enemy that shows no signs of retreating.

The government will clear the arrears it owes to international energy suppliers within the next two months. "We are going to clear the arrears to international companies in the next two months," said Fouzul Kabir Khan, energy adviser of the interim government, in disclosing the government's plan in this regard. He mentioned that the Finance Ministry has assured him of providing all necessary support for making the payments. "We hope there will be a substantial breakthrough in clearing the arrear bills to international companies," he told UNB on Wednesday. Bangladesh has been struggling to pay international companies for its purchases of oil, gas, and electricity due to a shortage of foreign currency, as its reserves dropped to $22 billion in 2024 from $48 billion a year ago. According to official sources, approximately $700 million in overdue payments is owed to international oil companies (IOCs), including Chevron Bangladesh and QatarEnergy. If the overdue payments to power companies are included, the amount will exceed $2 billion, said an official at the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, requesting anonymity as he is not officially authorised to speak on the issue. BRTA faces potential closure over performance issues, warns Adviser Fouzul Chevron Bangladesh, which supplies more than half the country's local gas from its three fields in the Sylhet region, is among the companies awaiting payment. Of the country’s total gas production of 2,790 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD), Chevron supplies about 1,109 MMCFD, while other gas fields contribute 770 MMCFD, and the government imports 910 MMCFD. Industry insiders said Chevron's overdue payments now amount to approximately $190 million, equivalent to about five months worth of payments. The state-owned Petrobangla pays about $40 million per month. Official sources said the government has already started paying arrear bills to the Indian Adani Group, which has an outstanding balance of $600 million. "We have been paying Adani Group about $100 million, including some portion of the arrear bills. Its regular bill is about $80 million per month," said another official of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). Officials said that due to outstanding bills, several IOCs had threatened to halt local gas supply and LNG shipments from long-term contracts. Meanwhile, Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the government is focused on ensuring uninterrupted LNG imports. Energy supply is very important for industries, power plants, and household consumers," he said after attending the meeting of the Advisors Council Committee on Government Purchase. The committee approved the import of an LNG cargo for the current month.

In Narsingdi BSCIC industrial city, an expansion was carried out at a cost of nearly Tk 90 crore, citing unfavorable conditions in the old BSCIC industrial city. Over 150 plots were created, but due to poor management, industries have not yet developed. Business owners attribute the fragile situation to corruption and favoritism by the previous government. In 1986, a 15.39-acre plot of land in Shibpur, Narsingdi, was used to establish the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) industrial city. Despite almost four decades having passed since then, the area remained underdeveloped and faced numerous issues, prompting the decision to expand it. In 2015, 30 acres of land in Syednagar, in the same upazila, were acquired for Tk 88.4 crore to expand the project. The work was completed by June 2022, and the project was finished in October 2023. However, no significant industrial establishments have emerged, with only two sheds and a personal house visible in the area. BSCIC passed to revive industrial capacity, modernise outlook Business owners say that although adequate facilities such as gas and electricity are provided, genuine industrialists and entrepreneurs have not been allocated plots. The plots were given to those with the backing of the former government's industrial minister and political leaders, leaving real business owners deprived. As a result, the industrial city faces a shortage of industries. Meanwhile, business leaders argue that although there is a need for industrial expansion, the government's wrong policies regarding plot allocation have caused the project to fail. They demand a reevaluation and the handing over of plots to genuine entrepreneurs, along with further expansion of BSCIC to a much larger area. When asked who received the allocation for the more than 150 plots in the expanded area, BSCIC officials could not provide an answer even after 15 days. They also stated that the list of beneficiaries must be obtained from the Ministry. Mohammad Rashed Hossain Chowdhury, Narsingdi Deputy Commissioner (DC) stated, "Notices have already been issued to those who have not yet set up industrial establishments. If satisfactory responses are not received, action will be taken, including cancellation of plots through appropriate legal procedures." BSCIC officials’ training on salt iodization underway in Cox’s Bazar "If the 263 plots, including 95 in the old BSCIC and 168 in the new area, are utilized properly, it will contribute to the expansion of small and cottage industries in Narsingdi and create employment for millions of people," he added.

Once a vibrant sanctuary for migratory birds, Sylhet’s Beanibazar is now witnessing a worrying decline in its seasonal avian guests. The wetlands, rivers, canals and reservoirs that once echoed with the calls and songs of birds from distant lands have fallen eerily silent. A decade ago, the skies and waters of Beanibazar were alive with the vibrant hues and melodies of migratory birds, creating a mesmerising spectacle. Today, however, the scene is starkly different. Changing Landscape The rapid pace of urbanisation, widespread deforestation and excessive use of pesticides have significantly altered the natural habitats that once welcomed these birds.  The consequences are visible in the diminishing number of winged visitors that once made the region their temporary home during winter. Local residents recall a time when birds such as magpies, parrots, doves, crows and cuckoos were a common sight, flitting through the trees, fields, and courtyards.  The intricately woven nests of Babui birds on palm leaves once stood as a testament to nature’s exquisite craftsmanship. Today, such scenes are fading into memory. Even the well-known bird sanctuaries in the upazila have lost their charm.  The once-thriving Muria Haor, a major wetland that used to host thousands of migratory birds, now sees only a fraction of its former visitors. Decline in guest birds at Jahangirnagar University: A growing concern for biodiversity Poaching Problem Despite legal protections, illegal poaching continues to exacerbate the decline.  Locals allege that hunters use chemicals and traps to capture birds, further threatening their populations.  Without stringent enforcement of conservation laws, this unlawful practice remains a major concern. Dr. Mohammad Mobin Hai, Upazila Livestock Officer, attributes the decline to urbanisation, deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat loss.  Dr. Shamim Hossain, Upazila Livestock Extension Officer, points out that the destruction of forests has drastically reduced safe nesting areas for birds.  Meanwhile, Lokman Hakim, Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlights the dwindling food sources as another critical factor. Bigger Picture: A Global Crisis Beanibazar’s struggle is not an isolated case. A recent United Nations report reveals that 44% of migratory species worldwide are experiencing population declines, with one in five at risk of extinction.  According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around 14% of the world’s migratory birds—134 out of 960 species—are under threat. 1,200 trapped birds rescued, freed in Bagerhat  The findings underscore the impact of habitat destruction, urban expansion, agricultural development, and climate change on migratory species. Climate shifts, in particular, are disrupting migration patterns, forcing birds to alter their traditional routes or perish in the process. Call for Conservation The silence of Beanibazar’s once-vibrant bird sanctuaries serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s fragile balance. Without urgent conservation efforts, the seasonal spectacle of migratory birds may soon become a tale of the past. Protecting wetlands, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and restoring lost habitats could be the key to reversing this decline. As the region grapples with these challenges, the question remains: will Beanibazar’s skies once again fill with the fluttering wings of its lost visitors, or will their absence become permanent?