United News of Bangladesh

Eminent economist Professor Abu Ahmed has warned the country’s economy might witness depression due to the tight monetary policy of the central bank to fight inflation. “This is not a good policy for our economy,” he said while talking to UNB over telephone. He mentioned that Bangladesh Bank has increased the interest rate heavily aiming to control the inflation which was in the double digit recently. “Investment has already been lowered along with lowering consumption, as a result the revenue collection has been dropped,” he said. Abu Ahmed, who serves as director and chairman of the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh, clearly said that in the current scenario the revenue collection will not increase to the desired level. “Economic gowth rate is downward, so far no investment, there is no employment generation,” he said. He criticised central bank’s policy to contain inflation through increasing repo rate and interest rate. “This step might work for the advanced economy, but this will not work in economies like Bangladesh,” he said. The senior economist of the country said that this step of the central bank is causing irreparable loss to the country. “This is also discredit for the government, which resulted in less revenue collection, reduced budget size. This is not a good policy for our country,” he added. He suggested that the chief adviser sit with the finance adviser and Bangladesh Bank governor to fix the matter. Economist Abu Ahmed questions logic behind complying with all IMF conditions He also pointed out that due to this step the capital market of the country is suffering a lot. “The root cause is this step of the central bank. This resulted in higher interest rate of the bond market that pushed money to flow there,” he said. The Bangladesh Bank maintained its tight monetary policy for the January–June 2025 period, aiming to control persistent inflation, stabilise the foreign exchange market, and strengthen the banking sector. In its latest Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), the central bank has kept the key policy (repo) rate unchanged at 10%, alongside maintaining the Standing Lending Facility (SLF) rate at 11.5% and the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate at 8.5%, establishing a policy rate corridor of ±150 basis points. Inflation has been a significant concern, with the rate peaking at 11.38% in November 2024 before easing to 9.94% in January 2025. The central bank has set an inflation target of 7–8% by June 2025, anticipating that measures such as monetary-fiscal coordination, exchange rate stability, and increased agricultural production will contribute to achieving this goal. To address exchange rate volatility, BB has continued implementing a crawling peg exchange rate mechanism, enhancing both flexibility and stability in the foreign exchange market. The banking sector remains under pressure due to rising non-performing loans (NPLs) and sluggish credit growth. In response, the central bank is conducting asset quality reviews and pursuing the recovery of misappropriated assets to restore public confidence in the financial system. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s economic growth projections for the fiscal year 2024–25 (FY25) have been revised downward by major international financial institutions, reflecting the country’s ongoing economic challenges. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has adjusted its GDP growth forecast for Bangladesh to 3.76% for FY25, slightly down from its previous estimate of 3.8%. This revision marks the lowest growth rate since the COVID-19 pandemic in FY2019–20. The IMF attributes this slowdown to factors such as public unrest, flooding, and the impact of tighter monetary policies. However, it anticipates a rebound to 6.5% growth in FY26 as these issues are addressed and policies are relaxed. The World Bank has also revised its growth projection for Bangladesh, now estimating a 3.3% increase in GDP for FY25, down from an earlier forecast of 4.1%. This adjustment represents the lowest growth rate in 36 years. The World Bank cites subdued investment, industrial activity, and heightened political uncertainty as key factors contributing to the economic slowdown. Monetary Policy: Private sector unhappy with lower credit flow target Similarly, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered its GDP growth forecast for Bangladesh to 3.9% for FY25, a decrease from its previous estimate of 5.1%. The ADB attributes this revision to weaker domestic demand amid ongoing political and economic challenges. Despite the slowdown, the ADB projects a recovery to 5.1% growth in FY26. These downward revisions underscore the significant economic headwinds Bangladesh faces, including high inflation, political instability, and external shocks. The convergence of these factors has led to the most substantial growth slowdown in decades. Nevertheless, all three institutions express cautious optimism for a medium-term recovery, contingent on the implementation of effective policy measures, restoration of investor confidence, and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment. The IMF and ADB, in particular, highlight the potential for growth acceleration in FY26, provided that current challenges are adequately addressed. As Bangladesh navigates these economic challenges, the government’s commitment to structural reforms and prudent fiscal management will be crucial in restoring growth momentum and ensuring long-term economic stability.

As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, a cattle farm in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat has become a center of attraction for locals thanks to two giant  bulls—‘Bir Bahadur’ and ‘Samrat’—weighing around 20 maunds (approximately 800 kg) each and priced at Tk 6-7 lakh. The bulls, raised at Muttakin Mubin Fattening and Dairy Farm in Cholabala union, are the pride of farm owner Alamgir Hossain Alam, a resident of Nithok village. Of the two, ‘Bir Bahadur’ stands out with his striking black coat, towering six feet in height and stretching nine feet in length.  His impressive physique and calm temperament have made him a favorite among visitors, particularly schoolchildren and villagers who frequently visit the farm to catch a glimpse of the animals.  Govt to deploy mobile vet clinics in cattle markets Claiming ‘Bir Bahadur’ to be the largest bull in the upazila, Alamgir said, “I’ve been rearing him naturally for the past three years with local feed and no chemical enhancers. It often takes three to four people to manage him due to his strength and size.” The bull is fed a nutritious diet including natural grass, oilcake, bran, and other organic items, and bathed three times a day with special care taken to ensure his health and hygiene, he said. During a recent visit to the farm, the UNB correspondent found that cattle farmers in the farm are now busy preparing for Eid, feeding their livestock with a combination of straw, green grass, oilcake, and grain.  Like previous years, many are eyeing buyers from both local and distant markets. “This year, despite the high cost of cattle feed, I’m hopeful about good returns,” Alamgir added.  “I’ve prepared 20 bulls for sale, including these two premium ones—Bir Bahadur and Samrat—expected to fetch Tk 6-7 lakh each,” he said. Kaliganj Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Md Ferdousur Rahman said  monitoring teams are active in the cattle markets and farms to ensure that no animals treated with harmful chemicals or steroids are sold.  Committee to probe Gabtoli cattle market lease irregularities “We’ll have veterinary medical teams at every cattle market during Eid,” he said. A total of 35,850 sacrificial animals—including cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep—are ready in the upazila, while the estimated demand is around 28,280.  “We have a surplus this year. Alongside physical markets, initiatives have been taken to facilitate online sales of cattle,” he added.  

The Election Commission (EC) is contemplating a major reshuffle in the parliamentary constituency boundaries ahead of the next national election focusing on logical demands in this regard. The commission has already received more than 400 applications that sought changes in at least 66 parliamentary seat boundaries in different districts. Most of the applications sought the restoration of the 2001 demarcation of the parliamentary constituencies. In the demarcation process, the EC would consider the applications that contain logical demands. Following the promulgation of the National Parliament Constituency Delimitation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 few days ago, the Election Commission started the process of drafting the demarcation of 300 parliamentary constituencies following the existing laws. The EC is giving importance to the applications submitted by the people, the latest census data and administrative, and geographical integrity in the demarcation process. As of May 19, the EC received at least 416 applications from more than 60 constituencies seeking changes in their boundaries. Most of the applications were submitted by BNP leaders and activists, including several former MPs and local government representatives. Nearly 90 percent of applications were submitted seeking the restoration of the 2001 constituency boundaries. The highest 103 applications were submitted for the change in Pirojpur-2 constituency (comprising of Kaukhali upazila, Bhandaria Upazila and Necharabad Upazila), followed by 92 for Cumilla-10 constituency (comprising of Sadar Dakkhin Upazila, Lalmai Upazila and Nangalkot Upazila). Besides, 38 applications were placed to demand rising the number of parliamentary seats by one in Manikganj district, and nine applications were submitted demanding an additional seat in Chandpur. Since the EC has decided to take into account "logical applications, all the applications are currently under scrutiny. EC to unveil electoral work plan by July: Election Commissioner Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker on Monday told UNB that they are considering the application submitted for delimitation of constituencies. “We are reviewing the logic behind the applications (submitted for delimitation). The logical aspects of their application are being considered. We have no personal motives,” he said. In response to a question about whether the EC will return to the 2001 boundaries, he said, "If the arguments of those who have applied are valid, we will consider. However, it is not like that the boundaries will be changed in all seats (as per their demands). There are many seats where the existing boundaries are logical." The Election Commissioner also said they will also consider the logical applications and all other aspects like the census data and administrative integrity during the demarcation of the parliamentary seats. EC officials said the number of constituencies in the city areas particularly – Dhaka and Chattogram-- is likely to decline while the number of the seats in rural areas may go up. The Election Commission will publish the draft delimitation of 300 constituencies in a gazette to receive objections. After disposal of the objections, the Commission will publish the final delimitation of 300 constituencies in another gazette before the next national election. EC officials said since the change in the boundary of one constituency affects neighboring seat/s, this time the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies would witness a major change after 2008. The boundaries of more than 100 constituencies were changed in 2008 but no major change was brought in the delimitation of constituencies before the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections. Some 50 constituencies witnessed changes before the 2014 election, while 25 parliamentary seats before the 2018 election and 12 constituencies before the 2024 election. Election Commission steps up preparations ahead of national election But, former local government secretary Abu Alam Shahid Khan said if the Election Commission brings changes in the parliamentary constituencies without negotiation among the government, the judiciary and the EC to avoid legal complications, it would invite risks to delay the next national election. “Though it is routine work for the EC, many petitions may be filed with the higher court challenging the EC’s decisions over the delimitation of constituencies, which would create risks to delay the election,” he told UNB. The former secretary said the EC should carry out this job through an agreement to avoid legal complexities in this regard. Election Commission considers proxy voting for expatriate Bangladeshis The 66 constituencies include Satkhira-3 and 4, Rangpur-1, Barguna-1 and 2, Pirojpur-1 and 2, Kishoreganj-2, Manikganj-1, 2 and 3, Munsiganj-1, 2 and 3, Dhaka-1, 2, 3, 7, 12, Gazipur-3 and 5, Narayanganj-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Rajbari-1 and 2, Faridpur-4, Shariatpur-2, Sylhet-3, Brahmanbaria-2 and 3, Cumilla-1, 2, 6, 9 and 10, Chandpur-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Feni-2 and 3, Noakhali-1, 2, 3 and 4, Chattogram-4, 5, 7 and 8, Gaibandha—3, Sirajganj-2, 5 and 6, Jashore-2, Jhalokathi-2 and Barishal-3. 

Rehabilitation of the Chandpur town protection embankment is progressing under a Tk 827 crore mega project aimed at shielding the riverside town from the relentless erosion of the mighty Meghna.  Despite visible headway, residents remain gripped by uncertainty and fear. Being implemented by the Water Development Board (WDB), the project is the largest of its kind for the region. So far, geobag dumping work under 15 of the 19 planned packages is nearing completion, with concrete CC block placement currently underway. Situated at the heart of Bangladesh, Chandpur has long served as a strategic river port, benefitting from robust river, rail and road networks.  Its commercial significance dates back to British colonial times. But this prosperity has come at a cost. During the monsoon, swelling currents from the Padma and Meghna rivers race towards the Bay of Bengal, accelerating erosion along a 40–50 kilometre stretch from Matlab Uttar through Chandpur to Haimchar. The destruction has been devastating.  Over the past five decades, vital infrastructure—including Chandpur’s historic Old Market, the main railway station, government buildings, and numerous commercial centres—have been lost to the river. Between 1973 and 2010, government records show Tk 164.30 crore was spent on emergency erosion protection, primarily using boulders and CC blocks.  But, most of these interventions were temporary and proved inadequate in the face of the Meghna’s force. Monsoon Nightmare: Erosion threatens Padma Bridge Project site The new project, approved by Ecnec in 2023, is being executed by WDB Chandpur with Dhaka-based RFL Group’s Property Development Ltd as the contractor.  According to WDB Executive Engineer Zahurul Islam, the rehabilitation work formally began in November 2023. “We’re currently working on 1.75 kilometres in Natun Bazar and 1.61 kilometres in Purana Bazar,” he told UNB. “ Besides, he said, about 200 metres along the Dakatiya River—between the two markets—is also being rehabilitated. Of the 19 total packages, 15 are now active, and project completion is targeted for June 2027. Roughly 15% of the work has been completed so far. “Each geobag weighs 250 kg. Following their placement, we’re now casting 50–45 cm concrete CC blocks for the final layer of protection,” Zahurul said.  He also noted that a task force and district administration representatives are monitoring progress on the ground. Work was briefly interrupted following political changes in August, leading to a four-month halt. But, activity has since resumed in full force. One of the project’s most challenging zones is the 'molehead'—the point where the Meghna, Padma and Dakatiya rivers converge. “The depth here reaches nearly 50 metres and currents can surge at 40 metres per second,” said Zahurul. “It’s the most vulnerable part of the embankment.” The danger is far from theoretical. The molehead has been the site of multiple tragic ferry disasters, including the MV Dinar sinking in 1993 that killed over 200 people, and the MV Nasrin incidents of 2002–2003, in which nearly 1,000 passengers, mostly from Bhola, perished. Other vessels, such as the MV Digonto, have also sunk in this hazardous stretch. Even in recent times, two tourists lost their lives when their boat capsized in the same area. Construction of Madhumati Embankment brings hope for a secure future Ironically, this treacherous location is also home to Chandpur’s main tourism hub, visited by thousands daily. Still, despite the scope and ambition of the project, local residents remain deeply concerned. Long-time residents like Begum, 60, Narghis, Nurunnahar and others expressed mixed feelings about the work underway. “We are happy to see progress,” said Shah Alam and Golam Mostafa of Natun Bazar, “but we still live in fear, especially during storms. Sandbags and blocks often get swept away or sink into the riverbed.” Veterans of the area, Abul Kalam Azad and Mainul Islam Kishore, recall how river erosion steadily devoured Old Market and Natun Bazar over the decades, forcing banks to relocate and shuttering dozens of salt and flour mills. “Our only hope is a strong, crack-free embankment from this Tk 827 crore project,” said Azad. “Only then can we sleep peacefully at night.”

Bangladesh’s public administration remains mired in chaos as several employees’ associations have launched fresh protests demanding sweeping reforms, removals, and policy reversals, further exposing the instability of administrative discipline following the fall of the Awami League government. Several groups of current and former officials have taken to the streets again, protesting issues ranging from alleged political appointments to policy discriminations among cadres. Demonstrations, sit-ins and human chains inside and outside the Secretariat have become a regular affair with rising tensions among displeased sections of the bureaucracy. As disorder grows and agitations intensify, insiders warn that failure to restore order in public administration may severely hamper government functions in the days ahead. Discord Deepens Protest programmes continue under various banners including the Discrimination Elimination Forum for Retired Officers (Additional Secretary) and Anti-Discrimination Employee Unity Forum who are demanding immediate dismissal of politically-linked and contractual officials. The government's recent move to draft a unified recruitment policy for non-cadre officials and issuance of an ordinance to dissolve the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has only added fuel to the fire. The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council is agitating for six-point demands while the Inter-Cadre Discrimination Elimination Council—representing officers from the 25 cadres except administration cadre—has long been campaigning for reforms to ensure fair promotions and an end to quota-based appointments to posts of deputy secretary and above. Besides, NBR officers have announced a full-fledged strike demanding repeal of the ordinance splitting the revenue board into two divisions. Protests also erupted over demands to upgrade administrative and personal officials to supernumerary assistant secretary (non-cadre) positions and to elevate second and third-class employees to secretarial ranks. Retired officers have joined the fray as well protesting under different banners and staging demonstrations with their own sets of demands. July Oikya's Pressure Mounts A relatively new group, July Oikya, recently published a list of 44 allegedly partisan secretaries and 95 magistrates still in service, accusing them of being loyalists of the previous Awami League regime. The group is calling for their compulsory retirement and has issued a seven-point demand warning of a "March to Secretariat" movement if their demands are not met by May 31. Contacted by UNB, Public Administration Secretary Mohammad Mokhlesur Rahman declined to comment on the situation. But, several officials at the ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that the July Oikya list has triggered immense pressure on the government’s top brass. Policymakers are reportedly uneasy over Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman’s inability to restore order in the administration. “The ministry is facing operational paralysis due to constant demands and unrest,” one official said. Public Servants Protest ‘Repressive’ Ordinance The Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council held demonstrations on Sunday opposing the draft Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. They threatened not to return to work until the withdrawal of the draft ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025. Md Badiul Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council, came up with the announcement while demonstrating at the main entrance of the Secretariat. They met secretaries of the Law and Public Administration ministries urging them to drop the ordinance’s punitive provisions. The controversial draft ordinance—approved on May 22 at an advisory council meeting—has drawn severe backlash for incorporating clauses that allegedly allow summary dismissal of public servants without due process. Protesters argue that this contradicts constitutional protections and could be misused to suppress dissent within the civil service. Md Badiul Kabir, president of the Coordinated Council, told UNB that the ordinance includes "coercive clauses" which would allow removal of employees without a chance to defend themselves. “This is a black law. The 2018 Public Service Act already outlines codes of conduct and disciplinary provisions. There is no justification for inserting new draconian elements,” he said. More Agitations Likely Anti-Discrimination Employee Unity Forum member secretary Kazi Meraz Hossain expressed concerns saying the government must terminate all partisan and controversial contract-based officials. Govt employees threaten to continue strike at Secretariat “This movement is part of a wider demand to rid the public service of fascist beneficiaries and restore neutrality,” he said, adding that a sit-in is scheduled for May 25 at the Cabinet Division and Ministry of Public Administration to press home their demands. On May 13, nearly 40 members of this forum besieged the office of the Additional Secretary (Recruitment and Promotion) at the Ministry of Public Administration, disrupting operations throughout the day. Deputy Secretary Jamila Shabnam was allegedly harassed and her phone snatched during the protest. Revenue Officers Defy Govt Statement Following the May 12 ordinance dissolving the NBR, revenue officials from Customs, VAT and Income Tax departments launched a series of protest programs, demanding the withdrawal of the order and the resignation of the NBR chairman. Secretariat officers, employees protest draft ordinance on govt jobs They also sought transparency regarding the recommendations of the advisory committee. Though the Finance Ministry later clarified that the government had not decided to split the NBR ‘at this moment’, protestors rejected the assurance and vowed to continue their agitation. Pen-Down Threat from 25 Cadres Officers from the 25 non-administration cadres, long aggrieved by alleged discrimination in promotions and postings, have also threatened to intensify their pen-down strike unless their demands are addressed. Former Secretary Abu Alam Md Shahid Khan said the post-Awami League administrative order has yet to return. “Leadership weakness has prevented the current government from containing the situation. Skilled officers must be placed where they are most effective,” he said, warning of further unrest unless prompt action is taken. Another former secretary, Abdul Awal Majumdar, described the situation as a “colossal failure of the government”. “Much of this could have been resolved early if competent people were placed in leadership and if decisions were taken with careful evaluation,” he added.  

With the holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha just two weeks away, hopes are running high among the low-income residents of the remote char areas of Faridpur, who see the occasion as their biggest economic opportunity of the year. Spanning across three upazilas of the district, the chars (shoals) along the Padma and Arial Khan rivers are home to thousands of families, most of whom rely on livestock farming for their livelihood. Each household typically raises multiple animals throughout the year with the aim of selling them ahead of Eid, when demand peaks. Durign a recent visit to the remote areas of North Channel, Decreer Char and Char Madhabdia unions, as well as parts of Charbhadrasan and Sadarpur upazilas, reveals a familiar scene—men, women and even children tending to cattle, goats and sheep. Families are seen herding their animals in the morning for grazing and bringing them back before sunset, continuing this cycle year-round. Firoz Molla, a resident of Char Dholai in North Channel Union, owns 26 sheep. He is optimistic about fetching a good price for them this Eid, which he says would help secure his family’s livelihood for the next year. Similar expectations are echoed across the 13 unions located within Faridpur’s char region. Khulna farmers brace for Eid-ul-Azha with surplus of sacrificial animals

India and Bangladesh which share a long and historically sensitive border are facing new  tensions over growing incidents of people being forcibly pushed into Bangladesh from India labelling them as ‘Bangladeshi’. These  ‘push-ins’ involving Bangladeshi nationals, Rohingya refugees, and unidentified people — are raising concerns over human rights violations and potential strains on cross-border relations, trade, and people-to-people ties. Despite formal diplomatic protests lodged by Dhaka, the push-in incidents have continued  in  several border points. Trade chokes through Sylhet borders amid Indian restrictions On Thursday alone, over 100 people were  sent across the border, according to sources at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). They were detained from borders  in Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Moulvibazar, Feni, Cumilla and Khagrachhari districts. According to official and local sources, over 300 people were pushed into Bangladesh between May 4 and May 15 from India . BGB and residents  in borders report a surge in 'push-in’ or 'attempt of push-in' incidents from India to Bangladesh. BSF patrols are reportedly taking a harder line on suspected cross-border movements rising fear among civilians. India and Bangladesh have established legal frameworks and protocols for the repatriation of illegal migrants but the deportation continues ignoring the protocols Experts say this action is  a violation of international human rights laws and goes against existing bilateral agreements between the two countries. Push-ins by India continues; BGB strengthens border patrols When his attention was drawn about  "Pushed-in" by Indian BSF, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said that BGB have already detained some Bengali-speaking persons, who failed to show any ID or passports after illegally entering Bangladesh from India. Some claim to be Bangladeshi nationals who had previously gone to India, he said. Identities of those persons are being verified by the concerned government agency, and appropriate action will follow in coordination with police, he added. Some of them have reported being blindfolded and transported from distant regions before being abandoned at isolated stretches of the border. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has detained those who crossed over and is currently interrogating them to verify their identities and ensure security measures. On May 21, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain said communication with New Delhi continues and Dhaka is trying that nothing happens beyond the set mechanisms. “They (India) have conveyed their position to some extent and we explained our position. We are trying to make them understand that this is not right,” he said, referring to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The Adviser said the Indian side has given Bangladesh a list and Dhaka is verifying it through the Home Ministry. Bangladesh’s position is that it will examine each case separately and will receive only if there is proof that they are Bangladeshi National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman recently said any repatriation should occur through formal diplomatic channels.  

In the lushgreen hills and tranquil borderlands of Sylhet, a hush has fallen over the once-bustling trade arteries of Tamabil and Sheola land ports. Export activities at these two critical crossings have ground to a halt, the result of an abrupt ban imposed by neighbouring India, a decision sending ripples of distress through Sylhet’s trading community. According to sources, the crux of the issue lies in India’s decision to block the import of goods that it has placed on a restricted list. Ironically, it is precisely these blacklisted items that constitute the lion’s share of exports from Tamabil – which faces India’s picturesque Meghalaya state – and Sheola, which connects with Assam across the serene borders of Sylhet’s Beanibazar upazila. Now, a thick veil of uncertainty looms large over Sylhet’s export future. The ports, once alive with the hum of trade and the rhythm of transnational commerce, are eerily silent. Business leaders have sounded the alarm. Should this impasse endure, Bangladesh stands to lose a vital foothold in the lucrative northeastern market of India, often referred to as the 'Seven Sister' states. Bangladesh in touch with India over push-ins, port-related restrictions: Foreign Adviser This region, historically reliant on imports through these accessible land ports, had emerged as a promising consumer base for Bangladeshi goods. Conversations with local importers and exporters reveal a sobering reality. India, too, has long utilised these routes to ship goods into Bangladesh, drawn by the ease of transit and strategic proximity. This seamless two-way movement had once rendered Bangladeshi products exceptionally competitive and sought-after in India’s remote northeast. Among the items that have typically crossed the border are ready-made garments, fruits, fruit juices, household consumables, plastic products, furniture and crockery. However, most of these fall squarely within the purview of India's newly reinforced restrictions. Faced with this challenge, many traders find little incentive to dispatch the limited number of remaining permissible items, resulting in a de facto cessation of export activities. Adding to the gravity of the situation, sources indicate that numerous manufacturing hubs had been set up in the industrial belts of Habiganj in Sylhet – strategically aligned to serve the demand from across the border. These factories, focused largely on consumer goods and plastic items, are now confronting a precarious future. Unless the restrictions are lifted with urgency, the financial toll on these enterprises could be devastating. Bangladesh-India trade to continue in consumers’ interest: Commerce Adviser The human cost of this disruption is already being felt. Exporters, importers and industrialists are reeling from the sudden turn of events. Not long ago, shipments of plastic products and fruit juice flowed regularly through the ports. Now, those same trucks are being turned away, laden with unsold goods and unmet expectations. Shah Alam, a C&F (Clearing and Forwarding) agent stationed at Sheola Land Port, painted a bleak picture. “Major industrial units will suffer if the export ban continues,” he cautioned. “They may be forced to scale back production. India has not restricted all products, but the ones that are allowed are not imported in large quantities. The ban mainly targets high-volume goods, which has virtually crippled port activities,” he said. He added that a solitary truck of melamine goods managed to cross into India through Sheola on Monday (May 19). But, numerous others bearing plastic and consumer items were compelled to retreat due to the prevailing ban. Echoing the collective anxiety of Sylhet’s business community, Foyez Hasan Ferdous, President of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “It’s only natural that India’s restrictions would have a negative impact on Sylhet’s export trade. Both Bangladeshi and Indian businesses are being affected.” Ferdous urged the two nations to seek a diplomatic resolution through constructive bilateral dialogue, emphasising that such an initiative could provide much-needed relief to traders and communities on both sides of the border. Leading RMG exporters stung by India's decision to restrict imports  As the silence at Tamabil and Sheola persists, so too does the hope that reason and resolution will prevail – breathing life once more into the trade routes that have long connected people, goods, and aspirations across borders.

Across Sunamganj, 46 government health centres stand unusually silent—modern buildings with no doctors, no treatment and no purpose. Built to serve the sick and vulnerable, they now symbolise a collapsed promise, as absentee doctors leave entire communities without care. Yet, behind the locked doors and echoing corridors lies a stark reality, no doctors, no nurses, no medicine, just buildings. Across Sunamganj’s 11 upazilas, especially in remote unions like Lakshmipur in Dowarabazar, basic healthcare has become a luxury. According to locals and local health officials, not a single doctor is posted in any of the district’s 46 Union Health and Family Welfare Centres (UHFWCs). Among the 22 union-level sub-health centres, only five have doctors assigned—most of whom are regularly deployed elsewhere. The result is a silent collapse of rural healthcare. Despite improved roads and infrastructure in some areas, villagers are still being turned away from empty clinics. Recalling earlier days, community worker Syed Mia, now in his mid-age, said, “I got treated by an MBBS doctor here when I was in class four. The building was made of tin sheets, but care was real. Today, we have bricks and concrete—but no one to care for us.” As Lakshmipur Sub-Health Centre—once the only beacon of care for many people spread across three unions. Today, its gleaming two-storey building hosts just one sub-assistant medical officer, Monirul Islam. He is the sole lifeline for thousands, performing duties far beyond his capacity. “I open the gate, hoist the national flag, treat the sick, and clean the premises. When I’m sent elsewhere, the centre simply remains closed,” said Monirul, who lives on-site with his family. Doctor shortage cripples healthcare services at Doarabazar Health Complex Nurjahan Begum from the union said, “Last Tuesday, my grandson had a high fever. I walked for an hour to get medicine, but the centre was locked. Later, I heard the doctor was on exam duty.” Tarek Ahmad, a college teacher in the same village, added, “We haven’t had an MBBS doctor here for nearly a decade. When the sub-assistant medical officer is away, the hospital remains closed.” Some villagers have to travel two hours to reach Dowarabazar or Sunamganj town in case of emergencies. “Patients often die on the way,” Tarek said. Md Imdadul Haque Chowdhury of Lakshmipur village shared that nearly a hundred patients visit the centre daily, yet one community medical officer is their only hope. “For two days a week, even he is posted at the upazila health complex. From the outside, this two-storey building looks like a full-fledged hospital—but it’s practically abandoned,” he said. Stories like this echo throughout the district. In Jagannathpur upazila, five sub-health centres are barely functional. “These buildings exist only in name,” said Amit Dev, a local resident. “Sometimes someone opens them briefly, but there’s no real service.” Union Parishad Chairman Shahidul Islam Bakul confirmed the grim state. “We’ve sent reports, held meetings, even raised the issue at district level. Nothing has changed,” he said. A look at the official numbers confirms the crisis. Of the 22 sanctioned posts for sub-assistant community medical officers, only eight are filled. But most of these officers, too, are assigned to upazila health complexes rather than union facilities. There are no pharmacists. Only three support staff cover all 22 centres, according to locals. BSMMC ICU in Faridpur suffer from shortage of doctors

Low-lying areas of Sirajganj district have been flooded due to the rise in water level of the Jamuna River caused by heavy rainfall activities and onrush of water from upstream hill, triggering erosion in several points along the river area. The water level at the Sirajganj point of the Jamuna River has risen by 42cm in the past 24 hours, according to the local office of the Water Development Board. Nazmul Hossain, sub-divisional engineer (Headquarters) of the Water Development Board, said torrential rainfall and onrush of water from upstream have caused the river's level to swell significantly in recent days. As a result, low-lying areas along the river basin in Shahjadpur, Chowhali, Belkuchi, Kazipur, and Sirajganj Sadar upazilas have been inundated. The situation is gradually worsening as more areas, particularly in the char (river island) regions of Shahjadpur and Sirajganj Sadar upazilas, are being flooded. Crucial Sylhet road and bridge collapse into Kushiyara amid relentless erosion Besides, erosion takes a serious turn in different parts of the district including Bhatpiar area of Sirajganj Sadar, where homes and croplands are being devoured by the river. Authorities say the Water Development Board is taking necessary steps to control the erosion. Although the water level at the Sirajganj point of the Jamuna rose by 42cm but there is currently no threat of a major flood. However, if the water continues to rise, more low-lying areas could be submerged in the coming days.