United News of Bangladesh

The collapse of  Berigaon bridge in Surma union of Sunamganj Sadar has left around 50,000 people effectively cut off, disrupting communication in at least three unions  and causing severe hardship for residents. The decades-old bridge, a key transport link for Surma, Jahangirnagar and Rangarchar unions, collapsed during Ramadan, halting the movement of people and vehicles and forcing commuters to take long alternative routes. Constructed during the Pakistan era to ensure easier movement for people in the then greater Rangarchar area, the bridge had long been in a vulnerable condition.  Local residents said it had remained risky for nearly three decades despite repeated complaints to authorities and elected representatives. In early 2024, the bridge underwent temporary repairs after being declared unsafe but those measures failed to hold, eventually leading to its collapse. With the bridge now completely unusable, residents are forced to travel nearly two kilometres via Mangal Kanta Bazar in neighbouring Jahangirnagar union, significantly increasing travel time and transport costs. The disruption has particularly affected students, office-goers and patients, many of whom are struggling to access schools, workplaces and healthcare services. “Transport costs have increased, and we are avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary. It has become very difficult to commute to the town,” said Shah Rukh Mia, a local resident. Another resident, Abdur Rahman, said the collapse has severely disrupted daily life. “We are facing immense hardship. A new bridge must be built immediately,” he said. Expressing frustration, Suhel Ahmed said the northern part of Surma has long been neglected in terms of development. “Despite electing representatives repeatedly, our problems remain unresolved,” he added. Jahangirnagar Union Parishad Chairman Rashid Ahmed said the bridge was the main communication route for the area and its collapse has intensified public suffering. “A new bridge is urgently needed to restore normal life,” he said. Md Anwar Hossain, senior assistant engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Sunamganj, said a temporary structure similar to a Bailey bridge will be installed using slab components to restore movement of people and vehicles. “At the same time, the process of constructing a new bridge is already underway and efforts are being made to complete it as quickly as possible,” he said.

Along the shifting banks of the Brahmaputra, uncertainty has once again gripped riverine communities in northern Bangladesh, as relentless erosion over the past week has rendered at least 50 families homeless and pushed many more to the brink of displacement. The worst-affected areas are Sukherbati and Ghughumari villages in Char Shaulmari union, where nearly 400 metres of homesteads and large swathes of cropland have already been swallowed by the river, said locals. A visit to the area shows residents scrambling to move their homes and belongings to safer ground. Many families have already taken shelter with relatives or in nearby areas while others remain in vulnerable condition as cracks widen dangerously close to their houses. “We have lost everything to the river,” said Sirajul Islam, 45. “I don’t know where to go or how to rebuild my life.” Kashem Ali, 55, said, “One by one, our land and houses are disappearing into the river. We are becoming destitute,” he said. Experts attribute the intensifying erosion to both seasonal and structural factors. Professor Shafiqul Islam, president of the Kurigram district Char Development and Implementation Organisation, said erosion tends to increase during the dry season when water levels in the Brahmaputra fall. Diesel crisis disrupts irrigation in northern Bangladesh “The narrowing of the river channel and the weak soil structure along the banks are accelerating the erosion,” he said. He urged the authorities concerned to take effective steps to rehabilitate affected families. Local representatives warned that the situation could worsen without urgent intervention. Iman Ali, former chairman of Roumari upazila parishad, said the matter has been communicated to State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, seeking immediate action. Rakibul Hasan, executive engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board in Kurigram, said a river management project has been submitted to the Planning Ministry to control erosion along a 16.5-kilometre stretch — from Saheber Alga in Ulipur to Kodalkati in Char Rajibpur. The proposed project, estimated to cost around Tk 8.5 crore, aims to establish permanent river control measures. “If approved, it will help mitigate erosion effectively,” he said. Tk 1,359cr project aims to transform Munshiganj-Dhaka connectivity For now, however, affected families remain in distress, fearing that without swift and effective measures, the erosion could intensify further and trigger a larger humanitarian crisis in the area — a recurring hardship for communities living along the fragile banks of the Brahmaputra.

Diesel shortage in Bangladesh’s northern districts is disrupting irrigation at a critical stage of the Boro season, raising fears of a drop in rice production and deepening anxiety among farmers. Growers in 16 districts including Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj, said they are unable to irrigate their fields due to a lack of fuel. As vast tracts of cropland are drying up during peak Boro cultivation many fear irreversible damage to the country’s main food crop. The ongoing fuel crunch has left diesel-run irrigation pumps, tube wells and agricultural machinery idle across large swathes of farmland. Farmers allege that most filling stations in Rangpur and Rajshahi regions are either out of stock or unable to meet demand, forcing them to turn to the open market where diesel is being sold at Tk 50–80 above the government-set price. The price surge has added to already rising cultivation costs, pushing many farmers deeper into debt. A visit to Madhupur Char area in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur found the situation particularly severe. Farmers there said diesel prices have jumped from Tk 102 to Tk 120 per litre within the past five days, significantly increasing irrigation expenses. “Costs were already high. Now with rising fuel prices it has become even harder to manage irrigation,” said farmer Saidul Islam. In Shialkhowa village of Kaliganj upazila in Lalmonirhat, farmer Hasim Mia said he failed to find diesel after visiting several filling stations. “I finally had to buy from a local retailer at Tk 220 per litre,” he said. Another farmer from Kakina village, Moslem Uddin, said, “I searched the entire msrket on Friday but couldn’t find even a litre of diesel. My Boro field is drying up,” he said, adding that he was willing to pay up to Tk 250 per litre but still could not secure any fuel. Operators of irrigation pumps said the shortage has made it nearly impossible to continue operations. Many have been forced to increase irrigation charges, further burdening farmers. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a target has been set to cultivate Boro rice on around 6,52,000 hectares of land this season in five districts—Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha and Nilphamari-- under Rangpur division and four districts—Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore and Chapainawabganj-- under Rajshahi division. Iran-backed Houthis join war, global markets on edge However, with irrigation in these regions heavily dependent on diesel, the current crisis is disrupting water supply across a vast area. Roughly 21 percent of irrigated land in these regions relies on diesel-powered pumps. Of the 21,535 deep tube wells, 615 run on diesel. Among 210,449 shallow tube wells, 98,268 are diesel-operated. Similarly, of the 17,647 low-lift pumps, 11,458 depend on diesel. Agricultural economists have urged the government to prioritise fuel allocation for the farming sector to avert a potential food production crisis. They said the global fuel market has been under pressure due to ongoing Iran-US conflicts, prompting the government to introduce rationing measures. While such steps may be justified, experts stress the need to clearly prioritise critical sectors like agriculture in fuel distribution. Agronomist Abdus Salam said Boro rice is Bangladesh’s principal food grain and is highly dependent on irrigation. “Around 62 to 65 percent of Boro fields rely on diesel-powered irrigation. Ensuring fuel supply to agriculture at this stage is crucial,” he said. He also suggested that similar to electricity, diesel supply for irrigation should be brought under a structured management system to ensure uninterrupted farming during peak seasons. However, additional director Dr Azizur Rahman and additional director Sirajul Islam of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi and Rangpur, respectively, claimed they have not received complaints regarding diesel shortages or overpricing and said irrigation activities remain normal. However, farmer said if the fuel shortage continues, irrigation across vast crop fields will be severely affected. Advocate Palash Kanti Nakh, president of Farmer and Workers Association, in Rangpur division, said the government must stand by farmers despite the global nature of the fuel crisis. “Boro cultivation requires adequate water at this stage. Without irrigation, yields could drop by half, pushing farmers into deeper financial distress,” he said. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said efforts are underway to ensure farmers can access diesel more easily. In a move to mitigate the urgent demand of the country, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved emergency diesel import proposals amid the unstable Middle East situation. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for the current fiscal year held virtually with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. The meeting approved in principle two proposals of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the country in the context of the ongoing geopolitical instability following tensions involving in the Middle East.

A major road development project  in Munshiganj is set to ease chronic travel woes and strengthen connectivity with the capital as authorities move to upgrade key highways linking the district with Dhaka’s main transport corridors. The Tk Tk 1,359cr project fully funded by the government aims to upgrade three regional highways and one district road to modern standards, improving links between Dhaka–Mawa–Bhanga (N-8) and Dhaka–Chattogram (N-1) highways. Officials say the project to be implemented by the Roads and Highways Department under the Road Transport and Highways Division is expected to be completed by June 2029. Spanning Munshiganj Sadar, Tongibari, Sirajdikhan and Srinagar upazilas, the project will upgrade roads from Munshiganj Old Bus Stand to Chonbari in Srinagar, creating a more efficient and safer road network. For thousands of daily commuters and traders, the project promises shorter travel times and smoother journeys to Dhaka, particularly through improved access to the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway. Residents of Munshiganj, long dependent on congested and narrow routes, are expected to benefit from faster connectivity while transport operators anticipate reduced travel delays and vehicle operating costs. The project includes widening road embankments, reconstructing pavements for both two-lane and four-lane sections, and carrying out surface development to enhance durability and traffic capacity. To improve safety and traffic flow, the project  includes construction of underpasses, overpasses and bus bays, alongside modern drainage systems,according to project documents . Bridges and culverts will also be a key focus. Authorities plan to build six RCC box culverts, 31 additional culverts for local communications, and 14 RCC slab bridges to strengthen linkages between main and feeder roads. Side drains with footpaths and RCC retaining walls will be constructed in selected stretches, while intersections will be redesigned to handle increased traffic volumes. The project also involves land acquisition, relocation of utilities such as electric poles, and maintenance arrangements during the construction period. Key roads under the plan include the Munshiganj Old Ferry Ghat–Old Bus Stand road, Fatulla–Munshiganj–Louhajang–Mawa road, Muktarpur Ferry Ghat road, and the Munshiganj (Hatimara)–Kunderbazar–Srinagar (Chonbari) road. These routes serve as vital arteries connecting the district’s major upazilas and are widely used for commuting, goods transport and access to Dhaka. Officials say the upgraded network will significantly improve traffic movement from the Muktarpur Bridge over the Dhaleshwari River to Srinagar on the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway, easing congestion and ensuring quicker access to the capital. Planning Commission officials believe the project will not only enhance connectivity between the two national highways but also boost economic activity in Munshiganj by facilitating smoother movement of people and agricultural goods. They added that improved road infrastructure is expected to support broader socio-economic development in the district and beyond.  

At a time when public hospitals across Bangladesh often struggle with overcrowding and staff shortages a starkly different picture has emerged at the Khulna Divisional Chest Disease Hospital where nurses significantly outnumber admitted patients. The 100-bed facility at Mirerdanga under Khan Jahan Ali Police Station currently has only 26 patients admitted against a sanctioned 93 nursing posts. Even with several nurses on leave or in training, the number of on-duty nurses frequently exceeds the patient count, according to hospital sources. The comparatively lighter workload and fewer complications have made the hospital a preferred posting for many nurses. Some have reportedly managed to remain stationed here for years avoiding transfers that are common in the public health system. However, the situation has also sparked allegations of underutilisation of human resources. Critics claim that with fewer patients to attend to, some nurses spend idle time on mobile phones or in casual conversations during duty hours. Hospital authorities, however, strongly deny such claims. Farida Yasmin, acting deputy nursing superintendent, said nurses remain actively engaged in a wide range of responsibilities beyond direct patient care. “In addition to providing regular services to patients, nurses are involved in ECG procedures, MDR-related tasks, operation theatre duties, computer work, and preparing patient reports,” she said. She added that nurses are assigned across three shifts — from 8:00am to 2:00pm, 2:00pm to 8:00pm, and 8:00pm to 8:00am — and must also cover emergency duties in multiple wards. “In four critical wards alone, eight to ten nurses are deployed. Nurses also handle emergency department responsibilities during morning and evening shifts,” she said. Yasmin further noted that a shortage of doctors at the hospital has increased the burden on nurses, who often have to manage patients round the clock in the absence of physicians. “There is no scope for idleness or passing time on mobile phones,” she added. According to hospital data, of the 93 sanctioned nursing positions, 84 are currently filled. Among them, 17 nurses are on leave, nine are undergoing BSc nursing training, one is on maternity leave, two are on quarantine leave, and others are on various types of leave, deputation, or training assignments. Despite these constraints, the hospital continues to function with a structured duty roster across three shifts. Yasmin also highlighted structural challenges within the institution including limited training opportunities for nurses compared to other government hospitals. “Regular training helps improve professional skills, but such opportunities are limited here,” she said. She added that the post of nursing superintendent has long remained vacant, with a senior nurse supervisor currently performing the duty in an acting capacity. Another pressing issue is the lack of usable residential facilities. The hospital’s staff quarters have remained abandoned for years, forcing nurses to commute from distant areas and often making it difficult to report to duty on time. The unusual staff-to-patient ratio at the hospital has reignited debate over the distribution of healthcare resources.  

Intensifying climate change impacts are accelerating the Brahmaputra’s relentless erosion in Kurigram, deepening a decades-long crisis that has displaced thousands, wiped out vast stretches of land and pushed vulnerable communities into chronic uncertainty. For decades, the river has been steadily eating into its banks across the northern district, drastically altering its landscape and displacing hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom have rebuilt their homes multiple times only to lose them again. Originating in India’s Assam, the Brahmaputra enters Bangladesh through Narayanpur union of Nageshwari upazila and flows through Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari and Char Rajibpur before reaching Bahadurabad in Jamalpur, where it becomes known as the Jamuna. A roughly 70-kilometre stretch from Narayanpur to Rajibpur has been experiencing continuous erosion since the 1950s, said locals. Large parts in unions in Nageshwari, Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari and Rajibpur have been partially or completely eroded, displacing several lakh people and reshaping the district’s geography. The loss of agricultural land, educational institutions, religious establishments and other assets has dealt a severe blow to the local economy and social structure. To address the crisis, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has proposed a riverbank protection project worth around Tk 850 crore to protect the left bank of the Brahmaputra. The project aims to safeguard about 16.305 kilometres of vulnerable riverbanks across Ulipur, Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas. Planned for implementation from January 2026 to June 2029, it will cover areas including Saheber Alga, Habiganj Bazar, Namajer Char, Sonapur, Ghughumari and Sukher Bati in Ulipur; Phulua Charghat in Roumari; and Kodalkati, Hajipara and Char Neoyaji in Rajibpur. BWDB officials said the proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Water Resources after completing necessary surveys. It was forwarded to the Planning Commission on March 2 but is yet to receive final approval. Residents in erosion-hit areas say they are living in extreme hardship after losing their homes repeatedly. “I have built my house five times in my life, and each time it was taken by the river. I don’t know where to go now,” said Sharafat Ali, 56, from Saheber Alga in Ulipur. “The river has taken everything from me. I now live on someone else’s land with my children, and I fear the monsoon every year,” said Rahila Khatun from the same area. Zaidul Islam, a farmer from Phulua Char in Roumari, said he now works as a day labourer after losing 10 bighas of farmland to the river. “It is becoming impossible to survive after losing our homes again and again. If immediate steps are not taken, we will become completely homeless,” said Zarina Khatun from Char Rajibpur. Local representatives have urged the government to take urgent action, warning of a looming humanitarian disaster. “People have had to relocate five to six times. Without a sustainable embankment, a major humanitarian crisis is inevitable,” said Mozzaffar Hossain, chairman of Saheber Alga union in Ulipur. Representatives from Roumari and Rajibpur echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for immediate intervention to control erosion. Experts say the Brahmaputra’s unstable nature is a key factor behind the worsening situation. “The Brahmaputra is an extremely dynamic river. On average, it erodes about 50 metres of its banks each year, destroying homes, farmland and infrastructure. Over time, this is intensifying poverty and humanitarian challenges,” said Prof Shafiqul Islam Bebu, president of Kurigram District Char Development and Implementation Organisation. He also emphasised the need for regular dredging alongside embankment protection to maintain the river’s navigability. BWDB Executive Engineer Rakibul Hasan said a project proposal has been prepared after identifying vulnerable areas and that work would begin once approval is secured. Residents now hope the project will be approved and implemented without delay, offering protection from the relentless erosion and restoring some stability to life in the char areas. Although Bangladesh is responsible for less than 0.5 percent of global carbon emissions, it faces some of the gravest impacts of climate change. According to the World Bank, climate-related disasters could displace one in seven people in the country by 2050.

Cox’s Bazar has turned into a bustling hub of festivity as an overwhelming influx of tourists floods the country’s premier seaside destination during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. With a week-long holiday drawing travellers from across the country, the beach town is witnessing  an unprecedented surge in visitors. According to local hotel owners, more than 500 hotels, motels and resorts are operating at full capacity, with most already booked in advance until March 30. From families to groups of friends, thousands have chosen to spend their Eid break by the sea, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Key tourist spots including Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni beaches remain packed throughout the day, while popular attractions such as Inani Beach, Marine Drive, Himchhari, Ramu Buddhist Temple and Moheshkhali’s Adinath Temple are also teeming with visitors. “The natural beauty of Cox’s Bazar always fascinates me. That’s why I came here to spend Eid,” said Abdul Mabud, a tourist from Narayanganj. “I plan to stay for two more days. It feels wonderful to be here.” Tourism businesses rebound after Ramadan lull The massive tourist turnout has breathed new life into the local tourism-dependent economy. Businesses that remained subdued during Ramadan are now experiencing a revival particularly dried fish traders. “Business was slow during Ramadan, but in the past two days, we’ve seen a large number of tourists,” said Mofizur Rahman, a dried fish seller at the Burmese Market. “We are hopeful that sales will continue to improve in the coming days,” he said. “Tourist pressure has increased significantly during Eid. Every hotel is fully occupied,” said Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel Owners’ Association. “We have instructed all establishments to ensure fair pricing and prevent any harassment of visitors,” he said. Authorities tighten security amid huge crowds Amid the surge, authorities have stepped up security measures across the district. Personnel from the district administration, Tourist Police and other law enforcement agencies are maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to ensure the safety of visitors. However, ensuring beach safety remains a challenge due to limited manpower. “After a month and a half of low tourist flow, the beaches are now crowded again,” said Md Imtiaz Ahmed, a project officer of Sea Safe Lifeguard. “We are struggling to ensure safety for over a lakh of tourists with only 27 personnel. Still, we are doing our best.” Tourist Police Sub-Inspector Sujan Chakraborty said security has been given top priority. “With the huge influx of visitors, our teams are on duty across beach areas, hotel zones and entertainment spots,” he said. Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan assured that the administration is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. “Tourists are guests in our city. We will continue to ensure their safety and provide necessary services,” he said. Extended holidays fuel massive tourist turnout As the holiday continues, Cox’s Bazar remains abuzz with life, reaffirming its status as the country’s most sought-after tourist destination. Following an additional executive order, government employees enjoyed a seven-day holiday from March 17 to 23. Tourists throng Bandarban even on third day of Eid holidays Offices, courts, banks and other institutions reopened  on March 24, with work continuing on March 25 before a public holiday on March 26 for Independence Day. The weekend on March 27–28 will follow, with regular activities resuming on March 29. Those who have taken leave on March 24 and 25 are enjoying a 12-day break.

As spring breathes life into the hills of Khagrachhari, vast stretches of sloping land and crop fields are turning golden with blooming sunflowers, offering a striking visual spectacle and a promising economic opportunity for local farmers. The bright yellow blossoms, standing tall under the soft spring sun, are not only adding colour to the hill landscape but also signalling a shift towards a potentially profitable crop. With relatively low production costs and encouraging yields, sunflower cultivation is emerging as a viable alternative that could strengthen the economy of the district. Bangladesh, known for its six distinct seasons, is now in the heart of spring—a time when nature rejuvenates itself with vibrant flowers and gentle breezes. Amid this seasonal transformation, the hills of Khagrachhari are witnessing a quiet agricultural revolution led by sunflower farming. Primarily an oilseed crop, sunflower is valued for producing high-quality edible oil, as well as for use in bird feed and ornamental purposes. The plant’s unique characteristic of following the sun from east to west during the day adds to its appeal. Each sunflower head is not a single flower but a cluster of over 2,000 tiny florets forming a large bloom. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Khagrachhari, sunflower cultivation has expanded to around 36 hectares across all nine upazilas  this season, maintaining last year’s coverage. Around 300 farmers have been supported with hybrid TSF-275 sunflower seeds and necessary fertilisers under government initiatives. Matiranga, Dighinala and sadar upazilas  have seen the highest concentration of cultivation. In Sapmara area of Matiranga, farmer Keshor Ranjan Tripura said he cultivated sunflower on 40 decimals of land for the first time, following guidance from agricultural officials. “I irrigated the field four times, and the total cost was around Tk 6,000. The yield looks promising—I expect about 10 maunds if everything goes well,” he said. Another farmer, Anjana Tripura from Notun Para, shared a similar experience. She invested around Tk 10,000 per bigha and is hopeful of harvesting between 8 to 10 maunds. “Seeing my success, neighbouring farmers are becoming interested in sunflower cultivation,” she said, adding that she plans to expand farming with further government support. Golden Shift on Teesta: Sunflowers replace tobacco in Lalmonirhat’s char lands Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Md Selim Rana said farmers in the hill region are being trained and assisted to adopt sunflower as an alternative oilseed crop. “It has strong potential to meet local edible oil demand in the future,” he added. Deputy Director of DAE in Khagrachhari, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, said the climate and soil are well-suited for sunflower farming. “We are providing seeds, incentives and technical support. Farmers are responding positively, and the crop can play a significant role in boosting the rural economy while reducing dependence on imported edible oil,” he added.

The hill district of Bandarban continues to draw large crowds of tourists even on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, as visitors flock to its scenic landscapes of green hills, waterfalls and clouds. After remaining relatively quiet during Ramadan, tourist spots across the district have come alive with the footsteps of travellers, with hotels, motels and resorts reporting near-full occupancy following advance bookings. Nature lovers from different parts of the country have poured into Bandarban, eager to experience its unique blend of hills, rivers, waterfalls and the cultural diversity of its 11 indigenous communities. Popular tourist destinations including Meghla, Nilachal, Shailaprapat, Chimbuk, Nilgiri and Debotakhum are now bustling with visitors. Many tourists expressed fascination at the breathtaking views of hills, rivers and mist-covered landscapes during the Eid holidays. Roduan, a tourist from Dhaka visiting Nilachal, said Bandarban stands out for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. “The combination of hills, rivers, waterfalls and clouds is something you can only truly experience here,” he said. Another visitor, Shirin Akter, who was travelling across different upazilas in the district, said the long Eid break allowed her to explore multiple destinations. “I had heard about Bandarban’s beauty but it’s beyond imagination when seen in person,” she added. To ensure a safe and smooth tourism experience, local authorities have strengthened security measures across tourist spots and accommodation facilities. Members of the Tourist Police have increased surveillance in key locations. President of Bandarban Hotel and Resort Owners Association Md Sirajul Islam said most hotels and resorts in the district have been fully booked during the Eid period. “We have coordinated with hotel owners to ensure that tourists do not face any inconvenience,” he said.  

In a rare twist of weather in the middle of Chaitra, a wintry chill has swept  Faridpur, with dense fog enveloping the district and worrying farmers particularly onion growers. From early Sunday morning, a thick blanket of fog covered fields, roads and homesteads, creating an environment like more a winter dawn than the late dry season.  Even after sunrise, the sun remained obscured for hours as mist lingered, reducing visibility and slowing the rhythm of the morning. A mild, cool breeze added to the unusual atmosphere giving many residents the sense that the seasons had momentarily lost their way. Yet life in rural areas carried on.  Farmers were seen heading to the fields with their cattle, while households went about routine chores. Women members of farming families were busy parboiling paddy in courtyards, as they would on any other morning. “It feels like winter has returned,” said Ashutosh Malo, a farmer from Bhimpur village in Boalmari upazila. “We don’t usually see such dense fog in Chaitra. It is uncomfortable to work in the fields, and I fear it may not be good for crops.” His concern is shared by many, especially onion growers who are now at a crucial stage of cultivation.  Farmers worry that prolonged fog and excessive humidity could harm onion plants, increasing the risk of leaf rot and fungal infections, ultimately affecting yields. According to the district weather office, the situation is linked to seasonal transition.  A slight drop in night-time temperatures combined with high humidity has led to the formation of dense fog in the early hours. Abdus Samad, in-charge of district weather conservatory centre said such conditions may persist for the next few days and advised farmers to take precautionary measures, especially for sensitive crops like onions. “Instead of the usual heat and harsh sun of Chaitra, this sudden chill has given nature a different look,” said Advocate Shahiduzzaman Liton, a nature enthusiast. “But it has also created fresh concern among farmers. Such abrupt changes are not a good sign.”