United News of Bangladesh

The government of Bangladesh has taken a project aimed at strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of poor and marginal communities in Cox’s Bazar, one of Bangladesh’s most disaster-prone districts,  through sustainable, nature-based solutions. The project, titled “PRO-ACT Bangladesh – Resilience Strengthening through Agri-Food Systems Transformation in Cox’s Bazar,” will be implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) under the Ministry of Agriculture and is set to run until June, 2028. With an estimated cost of Tk 53.01 crore, fully funded by foreign grants, the project seeks to improve food and income security, promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce disaster risks in four upazilas — Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ramu, Ukhiya, and Teknaf. Under the initiative, 10,000 farmers will receive training and input support to cultivate nutrient-rich crops, while 600 families involved in aquaculture will be trained in modern fish-farming techniques. Besides, 1,050 farmers will be supported in toxin-free dry fish processing including branding and market access development. Read more: Access to credit for agri sector can enhance food security: Bangladesh Bank Governor The project also envisions creating five agricultural aggregation centres to boost market connectivity and promote ICT-based agricultural extension services. Local service providers and farmers’ groups will be trained on financial literacy, digital tools, and business planning to improve access to agricultural credit and strengthen value chains. To enhance disaster preparedness, communities will receive training on the Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) and crop-based land use maps will be developed to integrate disaster risk reduction into agricultural planning. According to the Planning Commission, the project will play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and addressing the environmental degradation worsened by the Rohingya refugee influx — including deforestation, land erosion, and waterlogging. Funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Forest Department, and Department of Fisheries, PRO-ACT Bangladesh focuses on restoring ecosystems and strengthening the adaptive capacities of vulnerable populations. With a target to reach more than 54,000 beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, women, and marginalised groups, the initiative aims to transform Cox’s Bazar’s agri-food systems through climate-smart agriculture, sustainable resource management, and inclusive economic opportunities. Officials said the project aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term climate adaptation goals and underscores the government’s commitment to building a resilient future in the face of worsening climate challenges. Read more: Bangladesh's food security at risk as farmland shrinks by 3.75 percent in 8 Years: BBS Survey Cox’s Bazar is facing frequent exposure to a wide range of natural hazards and extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, landslides, flash floods and  storm surges. In recent years, the district has been particularly vulnerable to recurring landslides and cyclones. The severity of these disasters is worsened by widespread poverty and the limited coping capacity of local communities — with about 33 percent of the district’s population living below the poverty line, according to UNDP. Since 2017, Cox’s Bazar has also hosted around one million Rohingya refugees, which has significantly increased the population at risk. The influx has contributed to new environmental and safety challenges, including deforestation, hill-cutting, and mounting pressure on infrastructure. Because of overcrowded settlements, hilly terrain, and temporary housing conditions, Rohingya families are particularly susceptible to severe weather events. Read more: Dream project derails; Khulna-Mongla railway struggles without freight flow

Once hailed as a gateway to economic transformation, the long-awaited Khulna–Mongla railway now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled promise. The 91-kilometre line, built to connect the country’s second seaport with the national rail network, was seen as a game changer for trade and industry. Yet, one and a half years on, the dream remains unfulfilled. Constructed at a cost of Tk 4,261 crore, the project was designed to provide a faster and more cost-effective route for transporting import and export goods through Mongla Port. Despite the impressive infrastructure, the line has so far failed to deliver on its economic promise. At present, the railway is being used only for passenger services, while freight operations remain almost idle. According to railway sources, goods have been transported just three times since the line was inaugurated in 2023 — on 6 February, 23 March, and 25 June of 2025 — carrying a total of around 19,000 metric tonnes from Chattogram to Sirajganj. No freight movement has taken place since then. Read more: Darshana Railway Station falls silent as cross-border trade grinds to a halt Initiated in 2010 with foreign loan support, the Khulna–Mongla railway was implemented by India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and IRCON International. It features a 5.13-kilometre railway bridge over the Rupsha River — the largest in the southwest — along with nine stations, 66 small bridges, and 246 culverts. On paper, it has all the elements of a transformative project. In reality, both locals and experts say it has fallen short of expectations. Local residents said regular freight train services could have generated jobs, spurred industrial growth, and strengthened the regional economy. Instead, they now see a costly piece of infrastructure sitting largely underused. Business owners echo similar frustrations, pointing to a lack of coordination between Mongla Port and the railway as a key reason behind the stagnation. “The infrastructure exists, but there is no effective coordination, so the potential remains untapped,” said Md Sajjadul Islam, Proprietor of Zain International. Several importers have blamed operational limitations at Mongla Port, including limited capacity for large vessels, outdated cranes, inadequate storage and container facilities, and slow unloading operations, for discouraging freight movement by rail. Read more: Bangladesh Railway sets sights on new locomotives to revamp services: Sheikh Moinuddin Despite these challenges, railway officials insist they are fully prepared to handle freight transport. “We have made all necessary preparations including rakes and engines. But due to the limited volume of goods at Mongla Port, we cannot yet run regular services,” said Farid Ahmed, Manager of Railway Western Zone. He said the railway authorities are holding meetings with industrialists, exporters, and importers to promote the benefits of rail-based transport and attract more freight users. Meanwhile, Mongla Port Authority Director (Traffic) Md Kamal Hossain said that efforts are underway to modernise port facilities and expand terminals. “We are considering various incentives to encourage importers and boost port activities,” he said. Experts say the project’s struggles reflect a broader issue, a lack of strategic coordination among key stakeholders. Economist Anwarul Qadir believes that the Khulna–Mongla railway had the potential to transform the Southwest’s economy if freight operations had started as planned. “This was a loan-funded project, and the interest burden is growing,” Prof Qadir warned. “To make it viable, the government must adopt a coordinated plan linking the port, railway, and commercial stakeholders. If regular freight movement begins, it could revitalise the entire southern economy,” Qadir added. Read more: Mongla Port exceeds net profit target by Tk 41.64 crore in FY25

Onion prices have gone through the roof in the capital, leaving consumers reeling as the kitchen staple’s cost surged from Tk 70 to a staggering Tk 120 per kilogram within a week, causing frustration among city dwellers. A visit to several wholesale and retail markets in Dhaka on Thursday revealed that onion prices have jumped by Tk 40–50 per kg compared to the previous week.  In retail outlets, onions were selling between Tk 110 and Tk 120 per kg. Wholesale markets also saw a sharp surge. The price per palla (5 kg) has doubled — from Tk 260 to Tk 520 — with some traders charging as high as Tk 540 per palla, meaning wholesale rates have now crossed Tk 100 per kg. Shariful, an onion trader at Uttar Badda kitchen market, said the wholesale price per sack had increased by Tk 26–28 per kg within just two to three days, forcing them to sell at higher rates. Another trader, Aminul, noted that supply has dwindled compared to demand. “Prices have been rising since the last week of October and the trend continues,” he added. Hidden hands in the fields: Dealers blamed for artificial fertiliser shortage in north Buyers expressed frustration over the sudden price hike, saying the abrupt surge has left them anxious. “Just three days ago, onions were Tk 80 a kg. Now it’s over Tk 100. There’s no logic behind such a sudden spike,” said Fahmidul, a customer at Karwan Bazar. Wholesalers claimed they were compelled to sell at higher prices as the per-maund rate had risen steeply. Some accused middlemen of hoarding onions to release them later at inflated prices. “The price of onions has doubled within a week. We had to buy at Tk 4,000 per maund. Once we started selling those, the market price jumped overnight,” said Sanoar Hossain, a wholesaler at Uttar Badda. Consumers, however, complained that the market monitoring is largely ineffective. “Every time we hear it’s not the sellers’ fault, and that farmers don’t get fair prices either. Then who’s making the profit? It’s the government’s responsibility to find out, but they never seem to succeed,” said shopper Maymuna Akter. Sources at the district level said most onions in Dhaka come from Pabna, Faridpur, and Rajbari, where prices have also risen to nearly Tk 100 per kg. When asked about the soaring prices, Zahidul Islam, Senior Agricultural Marketing Officer at the Department of Agricultural Marketing, said the surge is seasonal rather than sudden. “Between late October and early December, onion prices typically rise. Farmers have run out of stock — the supply now lies with wholesalers. Until new onions hit the market, prices will remain high,” he explained. Prices of essentials continue to soar in Khulna straining consumers He added that import restrictions and higher onion prices in India have caused pressure at the Hili land port, which has also affected the domestic market. Asked when prices might stabilise, Obaidur Rahman Mondol, Director of the Field Wing at the Department of Agricultural Extension, said farmers have started planting early varieties of onions, which are expected to reach the market by early or mid-December. “There’s no fresh onion supply yet. Farmers are now cultivating murikata onions, which were planted in October and harvested in December,” he said. But the farmers cultivating murikata onions are skeptical. Arshad Molla, a farmer from Sathia in Pabna, said they suffered losses last year.  “We lost Tk 500–1,000 per maund last season. Even though onions now sell for over Tk 3,000 per maund, the price falls below Tk 2,000 as soon as the new harvest hits the market,” he explained. “Many farmers didn’t grow murikata onions this year. And due to rainfall, those who did started planting late,” he added. Despite the delay, the Department of Agricultural Extension does not expect a major impact on supply. “The harvest may be delayed by only four to five days compared to last year. Murikata onions are planted on high ground, so there’s little risk of damage from waterlogging,” said Obaidur Rahman. While traders attribute the shortage to halted imports, the Ministry of Commerce said any import decision will be made after reviewing the market situation. A senior commerce ministry official, seeking anonymity, said, “The agriculture ministry has informed us that new onions will hit the market within two weeks. If that happens, we may not approve imports. Although Bangladesh produces around 3.5 million tonnes annually, nearly 25% spoils, which is why we usually import 500,000–700,000 tonnes every year.” The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), however, believes the price hike is artificial and driven by manipulation. “A vested group is taking advantage of the election and political instability to create an artificial crisis. If the government stops market manipulation, prices will drop automatically,” said CAB Vice President Nazer Hossain. According to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), onion prices have surged by more than 50% in a month.  Although prices remain lower than the same period last year, consumer rights groups have urged stronger market monitoring to rein in the hike.  

In remote char areas of Kurigram, hope has long ebbed away with the shifting currents of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. As the national elections draw near, residents of these flood-prone lands say they see little reason to vote as their faith in politics washed away by years of unmet promises and unchanging hardship. For the people of these transient islands, politics has become an empty word. Votes come, but no change comes in our lives, said several villagers, echoing a sentiment shared across Kurigram’s char communities. Home to some of Bangladesh’s most impoverished citizens, Kurigram remains at the bottom of the country’s development index. Sand syndicates tighten grip on Bangladesh's northern region Government data show that 70.8 percent of its population lives below the poverty line, while 53.2 percent are categorised as extremely poor. Around 60 percent of residents are landless and 57 percent suffer from various diseases. Life in the char areas is defined not by political boundaries but by rivers -- the Brahmaputra, Dharla, Teesta, and Dudhkumar -- which constantly redraw the map of existence here. Spanning roughly 800 square kilometres, the chars shelter about 550,000 people, many of whom lose their homes and livelihoods each year to relentless river erosion. Aminur Rahman, a farmer from Kodalkati Union in Char Rajibpur upazila, spoke with quiet resignation, “During elections, everyone comes smiling, promising roads and work. But when the floods come and the houses are washed away, no one shows up. We don’t have time to think about voting — we spend our days worrying about food.” Naogaon farmers face uncertainty as unseasonal rain hits early crops For Rahimullah of Kalir Alga Char in Jatrapur Union, elections have become meaningless. “What will happen if we vote? The river breaks, houses are destroyed, there’s no work and no food. Voting doesn’t change any of that.” Mozammel of Kheruar Char in Nayarhat Union, Chilmari upazila, shared a similar view. “We are people of the river — politics does not touch us. When elections come, people arrive to take pictures, but no one stays afterward.”  

The government of Bangladesh is set to promulgate an ordinance amending the Civil Aviation Act, 2017, to curb the activities of airline ticket syndicates. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has drafted the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, in this regard, according to sources at the ministry. Under the proposed amendment, any travel agency found charging passengers more than the approved fare will be required to pay up to three times the excess amount as compensation. Besides, hoarding air tickets to create an artificial crisis or selling them at inflated prices for profit will be treated as a criminal offence, punishable by a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, or a fine of up to Tk 50 lakh, or both. The draft also proposes the formation of a Civil Aviation Economic Commission to determine various fees, charges and tariffs. According to the draft, no ground operator will be permitted to operate in Bangladesh without proper registration. Biman flight cancelled as boarding bridge hits engine at Sylhet airport An official of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, seeking anonymity, said the draft of the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance has been prepared and that opinions from relevant stakeholders are being sought. Once finalised, it will be presented to the Council Advisers for approval. Sources said a powerful syndicate has developed around airline ticketing, particularly for routes to Middle Eastern countries where Bangladeshi migrant workers travel frequently. Due to long-standing irregularities, the government has often found it difficult to take effective action against such groups, prompting the decision to amend the law. The proposed law stipulates that charging passengers beyond the approved tariff will constitute an offence. The responsible travel agency will be required to refund up to three times the excess amount as compensation to the affected passenger. Regarding tariff submission and approval, the amendment states that all air operators must submit their minimum and maximum tariffs for every route and class to the chairman at regular intervals. Govt shares contact details for Biman passengers stuck in Kathmandu The chairman will approve the tariffs upon satisfaction. If monopolistic practices, abnormal price hikes or artificial shortages are observed on any route, the chairman may take necessary measures in the public interest to set reasonable fares. The newly proposed Civil Aviation Economic Commission will recommend to the government different types of fees, charges, royalties, premiums and rents based on factors such as airport location and the nature of aircraft and air operators. These recommendations will, however, not be binding on the government. Based on these recommendations, the government will fix the applicable fees and charges, which will be published in the schedule by the chairman under the Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2017. The commission will also have the authority to resolve disputes between air operators and the Civil Aviation Authority regarding fees, charges and other payments determined by the government. The ordinance also empowers the government to frame regulations concerning the appointment of General Sales Agents (GSAs) by foreign operators, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), air transport and environmental protection, and the functioning of the Civil Aviation Economic Commission. Experts call for strategy, skilled workforce to lift Biman from setbacks Under the current law, foreign air operators wishing to offer commercial air transport services in Bangladesh must appoint a GSA that is 100% owned and registered by a Bangladeshi citizen. The draft amendment proposes that any foreign air operator seeking to operate in Bangladesh may either establish its own office in the country or appoint one or more GSAs that are fully Bangladeshi-owned and registered. Domestic airlines may also appoint GSAs if deemed necessary. The ordinance further states that no ground operator will be allowed to operate in Bangladesh without registration. Operators must apply to the chairman following prescribed procedures, and registration certificates will be issued upon fulfillment of the necessary requirements. Similarly, no Global Distribution System (GDS) will be permitted to operate in Bangladesh without registration. Registered GDS operators must allow the chairman to audit and access booking and pricing data regularly. If any registered GDS is found to be misused against the public interest, the chairman may suspend or cancel its registration while ensuring that all existing bookings remain protected, according to the proposed ordinance. Read more: Air tickets must include agency name and price: Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry

Once vibrant lifelines for northern Bangladesh, the Teesta, Dharla and Jamuneswari rivers are now being ruthlessly stripped of sand by illegal dredging syndicates operating under the shadow of political protection and administrative inaction. Despite a standing government ban on sand extraction from these ecologically sensitive rivers, dredgers continue to roar day and night, turning riverbeds into pits as deep as 60 to 70 feet in some areas and transforming others into barren, desert-like highlands. Locals allege that the trade in stolen sand thrives not just because of political shelter, but also due to police complicity and the negligence of local administrations. “Police and administration officials take commissions at night. Everyone gets their share,” said one sand lifter in Badarganj upazila, requesting anonymity. During a recent visit to the Rajarampur Kashiganj area in Rangpur’s Badarganj upazila, dredgers were seen extracting sand openly from the Jamuneswari River. Legal notice served to stop sand extraction from Kalidas Pahalia in Feni Local residents claimed the operation has continued for nearly six years — first under the influence of local Awami League leaders and now reportedly under a local BNP leader’s patronage, after ‘managing’ the police. “Even when the UNO raids in the morning, dredgers return by afternoon with police help,” said a villager. Local administration officials, however, insist that they are actively working to stop illegal dredging. “Sand extraction is completely prohibited. Mobile courts are being conducted wherever we receive reports,” said Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahid Islam. Gongachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan Mridha said several dredgers were recently seized and destroyed during operations in the Teesta. 26 dredging machines seized for illegal sand extraction from Feni River

The expansion of Sylhet Osmani International Airport has ecome costlier by Tk 470.87 crore as project delays and major design revisions push up expenses and extend the completion deadline by two more years. Officials said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) recently approved the first revision of the Expansion of Sylhet Osmani International Airport (Phase-I) project, raising its total cost to Tk 2,780.66 crore from the original Tk 2,309.79 crore, an increase of about 20.39 percent. Under the revised plan, the project  implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism  will now continue until December 2027 instead of December 2025. Of the total cost, the government will provide Tk 2,718.54 crore while CAAB will contribute Tk 62.12 crore from its own funds. Fraud posing as customs officer arrested at Dhaka Airport The project is designed to expand facilities at the country’s third-largest international airport in response to a rapid rise in passenger and cargo movement. Officials said the cost hike is largely attributed to an expansion of the terminal building area by 3,646 square metres along with additional land development and civil construction work, which together added Tk 485 crore to the total estimate. The project aims to build a modern international passenger terminal, a cargo complex, a new control tower, taxiways, parking aprons, and drainage and utility infrastructure to accommodate rising air traffic. As of June 2025, the project’s financial progress stands at 14.49 percent (Tk 334.60 crore) while physical progress has reached 22.9 percent. The Planning Commission  approved the revised proposal noting that the project’s master plan and design have already been modified to meet operational requirements. The Commission further emphasised that completing associated infrastructure such as drainage and utility systems is essential for ensuring the airport’s readiness for expanded international operations. Sylhet Osmani International Airport serves a large expatriate community particularly from the UK, USA, Europe, and the Middle East. With industrial growth in the Sylhet region and increasing cargo demand, officials believe the expansion will significantly boost both passenger and freight capacity, positioning the airport as a modern regional hub for international aviation. Biman flight cancelled as boarding bridge hits engine at Sylhet airport Osmani International Airport, located about 15 kilometers northeast of Sylhet city, was originally built between 1944 and 1945 during the Second World War to monitor Japanese advances from Burma. Initially known as Sylhet Civil Airport, it primarily served domestic flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines from Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport. The airport was later renamed Osmani International Airport in honor of General M. A. G. Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Forces during the Liberation War. In 1986, the airport was upgraded to a fully functional domestic airport with the construction of a terminal building, installation of navigational aids, and reconstruction of the runway, taxiways, and aprons. A limited expansion in 1998 enabled the operation of medium-sized aircraft such as the Airbus A310. In 2002, the airport was designated as an international airport and received its first international flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. However, due to a shortage of modern equipment, it initially fell short of international standards. Runway lighting and other essential facilities were added in 2004, allowing safe night operations. Following the South Asia Transport and Trade Facilitation Conference in 2006, work began to upgrade terminal facilities to handle international operations. A new terminal building, two jet bridges, and a taxiway were constructed, enabling Biman to operate Hajj flights directly from Sylhet in 2007. In 2015, Fly Dubai became the first foreign airline to operate flights from Sylhet to Dubai, though the service was briefly suspended and later resumed in 2016. Now Osmani International Airport serves both domestic and international passengers and cargo, connecting Sylhet with major destinations at home and abroad through national and international carriers. Read more: Bangladesh's travellers take to the skies to escape traffic chaos

The long-awaited student union election process at Jagannath University have officially kicked off, following the publication of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election rules and the formation of its Election Commission, marking a distinctive step in the process. Political student organisations are now racing to form ‘inclusive panels’ while several independent candidates are also preparing to contest either through partial alliances or independent lists. According to various campus-based student groups, at least four organisations are in the process of forming three separate panels. JnU units of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir are planning to form inclusive panels, while Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad are holding talks to field a joint panel. JCD leader and prospective JnUCSU vice-president candidate passes away Left-leaning student groups are also moving towards unity to strengthen their position. Chhatra Dal’s Inclusive Presentation Sources within the JnU Chhatra Dal said that among the three top positions—VP, GS, and AGS—two may be filled by popular female candidates including at least one from outside the organisation. The group is trying to engage academically accomplished, athletic, and socially active students and five to seven potential candidates are expected to come from non-political backgrounds. “We have not yet finalised our decision. We are considering both internal and external aspirants. Our goal is to form a unique and inclusive panel by involving female and Hindu students,” said JnU Chhatra Dal member secretary Shamsul Arefin. Shibir’s Focus Popular Candidates Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, is also working to create a diverse panel by including non-members and female students. At least one of the top three positions may go to a non-member, sources said. The group plans to include members of Chhatri Sangstha, Jamaat’s female student wing, students involved in the July Movement, and other progressive people with strong academic and social credentials. JnUCSU election roadmap announced, polls on Nov 27 “We are working to form an inclusive panel consisting of members from Shibir, Chhatri Sangstha, and other students from outside the organisation,” said JnU Shibir president Md Riazul Islam. Adhikar and Chhatra Shakti After years of separate political activity, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad are now holding talks to launch a joint panel. Both groups, reportedly disheartened by poor results in other universities’ elections, are keen to consolidate their strength at JnU by nominating academically sound and movement-oriented candidates. “Negotiations with Chhatra Shakti are progressing well though some matters are still under negotiation,” said JnU Chhatra Adhikar Parishad president AKM Rakib. Chhatra Shakti convener Faisal Murad said, “Candidates will be selected based on merit and acceptance. Our panel will also include female and Hindu students.” What Leftists Want Left-leaning organisations are in talks to form a single alliance after facing setbacks in past elections due to division. They plan to include progressive, non-partisan students particularly those active in cultural and social organisations on campus. JnU students besiege VC office, demand action over attack on teachers   “We will ensure maximum inclusivity in our panel. It will include progressive organisations, female students, indigenous students, and even participants from campus cultural groups,” said JnU Socialist Students’ Front president Evan Tahsib. Besides, students involved in journalism, cultural activities, and voluntary work are considering forming an independent panel under the Abakash Bhaban network. Dope Test The JnU Election Commission has announced a draft code of conduct that makes drug testing mandatory for all candidates contesting the central and hall union polls. Anyone testing positive for drug use will be disqualified. The draft, released on Thursday night, also bars students convicted of criminal offences, disciplinary violations, or sexual misconduct from voting or contesting. Students previously punished by the university will remain ineligible until their suspension period ends but may regain eligibility afterward. Campaigning inside classrooms or exam halls during academic sessions will be prohibited, as will rallies and assemblies on campus during the election period. Candidates may spend up to Tk 5,000 in hall elections and Tk 15,000 in central elections while offering food, drinks, or gifts to voters is strictly forbidden. Defamatory, hateful, or provocative speech is also banned. “The initial decision for drug tests has been made but no election date has been set yet. The schedule will be finalised through discussions,” said Chief Election Commissioner Prof Dr Mostafa Hasan. BNP announces possible candidates for 237 constituencies

Farmers in the northern district of Naogaon are struggling with fresh uncertainty as unseasonal rain, triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, has damaged prepared seedbeds for early winter vegetables and partially ripe Aman paddy. Potato fields, in particular, have been affected, causing concern among growers hoping to recover losses from last year. Agriculture officials said stagnant water in the fields has raised fears of widespread damage to newly planted potato seeds, transplanted Aman paddy and early winter vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, chili, eggplant and radish. Many plants, they said, are lying flattened in waterlogged fields across several upazilas. Read more: Polyshade tomato farming reviving Narail’s rural economy According to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Aman has been cultivated on 193,000 hectares this year, while early winter vegetables cover 1,845 hectares. Potato cultivation is targeted on 21,000 hectares. A field visit revealed that farmlands prepared for potato cultivation or recently sown are submerged, forcing farmers to focus on draining the water to save their crops. Farmers also fear delays in planting on fallow lands that remain waterlogged and excess moisture has already caused root rot in some vegetables. Zainal, a farmer from Kalikapur Dangapara in Atrai upazila, expressed his worries, saying, “Last year I suffered a big loss from potato farming; hence I planted early this year in hopes of a better price. But now rainwater has submerged the field and I fear the seeds may not sprout properly. I don’t know what to do.” Sharing a similar experience, Ashraf Hossain from Varsho village in Manda upazila said, “Early potato farming is always risky, but I wanted to try since others were doing it. I planted on one bigha of land, but the sudden rain has filled the field with water.” Read more: Hidden hands in the fields: Dealers blamed for artificial fertiliser shortage in north Ratan Mollah of Barshail in Sadar upazila said, “I just finished planting potato seeds when the rain began. It’s still drizzling, and the soil remains soaked. Potato seeds rot easily if they stay wet. I’m worried most of my field will be damaged.” Meanwhile, Susheel Mistri of Hapania reported that his Aman paddy, which was ripening, had been flattened by rain and gusty winds. Vegetable grower Indri Mia from Kirtipur said, “The rain over the past few days has caused rot at the base of my cauliflower and other vegetable plants.” Downplaying the extent of the damage, DAE Deputy Director Homayra Mondal said, “Although it rained, it wasn’t a heavy downpour. Potato planting has just started and the newly planted seeds may face minor setbacks, but fields planted eight to ten days ago will likely remain safe. The rainfall is even beneficial for Aman. If the water drains quickly, there won’t be any major problem.” Read more: Rain pushes green chilli price to Tk 300 per kg, almost all vegetable prices upward As farmers race against time to salvage their crops, the unseasonal rainfall has once again highlighted the vulnerability of early winter cultivation to unpredictable weather.

With speeding vehicles, reckless driving and weak traffic enforcement turning roads into perilous stretches, Bangladesh’s rapid urbanisation — most evident in the chaotic streets of Dhaka — has made road safety a growing national concern. Although Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems (AES) promises stricter monitoring, faster penalties, and more disciplined roads and many countries have already embraced such systems with proven results Bangladesh is only beginning to test the technology. As part of the pilot project, an automated case system targeting speed control has been introduced on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway with video-based enforcement quietly operational since the first week of July this year. During a visit to the expressway, vehicles were found generally adhering to the speed limits and traffic rules. Drivers appeared more cautious under the new monitoring system. Ripon, a private car owner, said, “Driving violating the speed limit can bring hassle as the cameras are recording everything. It is a very good initiative, as it will help drivers avoid unnecessary competition on the roads. Driving on the expressway feels safer than before.” Officials at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said the plan includes installing red-light cameras, speed detectors, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems, and AI-powered monitoring tools at major intersections and in busy areas. “Manual policing alone cannot manage Dhaka’s traffic anymore. Automated enforcement will help us penalise violations like speeding, wrong-lane driving, and red-light jumping in real time,” said a senior DMP traffic official requesting anonymity as the project is still under review. Globally, AES has shown impressive results. New York City recorded a 60% reduction in speeding near school zones, Singapore reported a 25% decrease in congestion after introducing electronic road pricing, and Dubai saw a 45% drop in road fatalities after adopting smart cameras. Dhaka commuters get no respite from traffic gridlocks In India, cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad use AI-enabled detection cameras, while an e-challan system issues instant SMS fines linked to vehicle registration. Bengaluru’s pilot AES saw traffic signal violations drop by 30% in its first year. More recently, AI-powered traffic cameras in Ho Chi Minh City recorded over 3,100 violations between September 1 and October 3, in an early test of the city’s automated enforcement system. In Bangladesh, the initiative will be integrated with the BRTA’s e-challan system to automatically issue digital fines. The Safe City Surveillance Hub, currently used mostly for crime monitoring, is expected to serve as the central command centre for the new system. Pilot installations are planned for high-risk areas including Farmgate, Shahbagh, Bijoy Sarani, Moghbazar, and Airport Road, where signal violations and speeding frequently contribute to congestion and accidents. “It’s good in theory, but I hope the system is transparent and tickets are issued correctly. Otherwise, it will create frustration,” said Mintu, a Dhaka-based car owner. “All laws are implemented for private car owners; it should be the same for commercial vehicles. Removing rickshaws and auto-rickshaws should be a priority for hassle-free driving,” he added. Bus driver Sumin Mia noted that many drivers are unaware of traffic rules adding that AES alone cannot solve the city’s traffic chaos without public awareness campaigns. According to DMP data, over 4,000 road crashes were reported in Dhaka last year, with speeding and signal violations accounting for nearly 40% of cases. The project faces challenges, including infrastructure upgrades, data privacy concerns, and public awareness. Authorities have not yet announced a formal launch date or budget but officials indicated the first phase of AES could roll out by mid-2026. Professor Dr Md Shamsul Hoque, Director of the Accident Research Institute (ARI) at BUET, said, “AES alone will not bring improvement unless the entire transport system is organised. Thousands of vehicles operate daily without registration. Developed countries have comprehensive databases, which makes enforcement easier. The automated system in Gulshan detects major violations daily but enforcement cannot be instant. The project should be reviewed if it does not function effectively.” Battery-run autorickshaws, slow-moving vehicles banned from Dhaka's main roads: DMP Md Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (Passengers’ Welfare Association), said, “Without transparency and accountability in institutions responsible for road safety, no real improvement is possible. Urgent reforms in this crucial sector are necessary; otherwise, people will continue to suffer in daily travel.” The Road Safety Foundation has identified a number of persistent risk factors behind rising road accidents across the country, calling for urgent improvements in infrastructure, traffic management and community behaviour. The organisation said faulty road design, poor maintenance and the absence of essential safety measures, including signs, lane markings, dividers and warning boards, remain major contributors to fatal crashes. RSF analysed around 37,000 road accidents using both media reports and the foundation’s own data and examined accident types and severity to classify areas according to risk and the findings were released on Saturday. High-speed traffic without proper enforcement and reckless movement of mixed vehicles on the same route also heighten the risk, it added. The organisation urged authorities to undertake comprehensive corrective measures at dangerous spots nationwide. These include redesigning risky road sections, ensuring proper maintenance, and installing necessary signage and lane separation facilities to guide traffic safely. It also stressed the need for stricter enforcement of speed control through technology, along with dedicated service lanes or dividers to separate different categories of vehicles. Read more: How to Get Traffic Updates in Dhaka: Useful Apps and Sources