United News of Bangladesh

Farmers across five northern districts — Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Nilphamari — are facing mounting difficulties due to what they describe as an artificial crisis of non-urea fertilisers such as TSP, DAP and MOP. Many have been forced to pay extra or delay cultivation, raising fears of reduced crop yields. Although the Agriculture Department has dismissed the situation as artificial, farmers say fertilisers are simply unavailable through official dealers. They allege that retailers are selling fertilisers at inflated prices, taking advantage of the high seasonal demand. Officials insist that there is no genuine shortage, claiming that sufficient stock is available in the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) warehouses. They blame a section of unscrupulous dealers for creating an artificial crisis to earn higher profits. Farmers struggling to prepare land With the potato and maize planting season approaching, many farmers have been unable to prepare their fields in time. Abdar Hossain, a farmer from Karanpur village in Lalmonirhat, said, “When we go to dealers, they say fertiliser is out of stock. But retail shops have plenty—only they charge Tk 8–10 more per kilogramme.” Govt approves purchase of 65,000 MT of fertilizer Abu Taleb, a farmer from Baura in Patgram upazila, echoed similar concerns, “Land cannot be prepared without non-urea fertiliser. Fertiliser is needed most now, and demand will rise further in November. If we do not get it on time, we will suffer a big loss.” In Rangpur’s Gangachara, farmer Sujan Mia said they are unable to get fertiliser even after offering to pay extra. “We are at a loss as to how to cultivate maize in the pasture,” he said. Another farmer, Joynal Abedin of Kaunia, expressed frustration, saying, “Fertiliser is not available from dealers, but retailers sell it at a higher price. In which country do we live? Nothing seems to be in order.” BADC Lalmonirhat warehouse assistant director Ekramul Haque said fertilisers are being sold through 144 authorised dealers in the district at government-fixed prices. “The government sells TSP at Tk 25 per kg, DAP at Tk 19 and MOP at Tk 18 to dealers, who may add a Tk 2 profit per kg,” he explained. Haque maintained that the warehouse holds sufficient stocks as per government allocation, though he acknowledged that the allocation is around 25 percent lower than total demand. Similarly, the BADC additional director in Rangpur claimed there was no shortage in any district and blamed dishonest traders for creating panic in the market. “We are closely monitoring the market, and the problem will be resolved soon,” he added. Sirajul Islam, additional director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rangpur, agreed that the crisis was being fuelled by a few profiteering traders. “There is sufficient fertiliser stock in BADC warehouses. Some traders are creating an artificial shortage in the hope of higher profits. Mobile courts are being conducted against such unscrupulous traders,” he said. 416 bags of fertilizer unauthorised for sale seized in Lalmonirhat

A quiet agricultural revolution is taking place in Narail, where farmers are turning to year-round polyshade tomato cultivation for higher yields and better profits. Things look to be very encouraging.  With support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) under the Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Management Project, farmers in Tularampur of Sadar upazila have planted the summer variety Bari-8 with remarkable success. Thanks to modern techniques and proper care, the yields have been impressive and profits are encouraging. Kamalpur farmer Kamrul Islam shared his story proudly.  “I cultivated tomatoes on 20 decimals of land after receiving training from the agriculture office. I spent about Tk 60,000, and I expect to make a profit of Tk 100,000 to Tk 150,000," he said.  Another farmer, Baharul Molya, said, “I usually grow other crops, but when tomato prices went up, I decided to try summer tomatoes this year. I got good yields and expect solid profits after expenses.” Tomato farmers in Chandpur struggle as prices plummet Farmer Rana Molya credited training from the agriculture office for helping him control diseases and boost production.  “There’s high demand in the local market. I sold tomatoes at Tk 80–90 per kilogram wholesale. With expenses around Tk 60,000, I expect to earn Tk 100,000 to Tk 160,000 in profit," he said.  Encouraged by these results, many other farmers are preparing to switch to tomato farming.  According to Rajib Biswas, a sub-assistant agriculture officer at Tularampur Union, summer tomatoes were grown on about 1.5 acres of land this year. “As market prices stay high, farmers’ interest in tomato farming is growing. We provide them with training, technical advice, and necessary inputs. Cultivating tomatoes on one acre costs roughly Tk 300,000, but farmers can earn Tk 250,000 to Tk 300,000 in net profit," Rajib said.  With growing demand and impressive returns, more farmers are expected to take up tomato cultivation in Narail next year.  The success of this venture is not only boosting incomes but also reshaping the rural economy—offering new hope and opportunity in the heart of Bangladesh’s farmland. Bumper tomato yields bring no joy to Sunamganj farmers

The cost of the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project, designed to boost Bangladesh’s export diversification and employment generation, has ballooned by nearly Tk 159 crore due to prolonged delays in implementation and rising foreign exchange costs. According to official documents submitted to the Planning Commission, the total estimated cost of the project—implemented by the Ministry of Commerce with World Bank financing—has now been proposed at Tk 1,264.17 crore under its third revision. Of the total, Tk 1,092.05 crore will come as a project loan from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) while the government’s contribution remains unchanged at Tk 172.12 crore. Bangladesh’s banking crisis deepens; audit uncovers Tk 1.55 lakh crore shortfall This represents a 14.38% increase over the second revised cost of Tk 1,105.27 crore, with the escalation attributed entirely to higher foreign financing requirements. The latest revision also seeks to extend the project’s completion deadline by one year to June, 2026, marking the third time the timeline has been pushed back since its approval. The EC4J project was originally approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in August, 2017 at an initial estimated cost of Tk 941 crore (GoB Tk 151 crore and IDA Tk 790 crore). Its first revision, approved in July 2019, increased the cost to Tk 1,012.12 crore and retained the project period up to June 2023. The second revision, approved in April 2023, raised the allocation to Tk 1,105.27 crore and extended the timeline to June 2025. The project aims to enhance export competitiveness in four target sectors — leather and leather goods, footwear, light engineering, and plastics — by improving technology, production capacity, and market readiness. Bangladesh losing grip on Middle East remittance lifeline! Officials said the need for a third revision stems mainly from delays in constructing two key technology centres under the project — the Centre of Excellence for Engineering and Technology (CEET) at Kaliakoir, Gazipur, and, the Design and Technology Centre for Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear (DTCLF) at Kashimpur, Gazipur. The construction of these facilities has been hampered by disruptions in the supply of construction materials and a shortage of skilled labour, causing at least six months’ delay in site handover and completion. The subsequent phases — including procurement, installation, and commissioning of specialised machinery and equipment — have also fallen behind schedule. Adding to the cost burden, the depreciation of the taka against the US dollar has raised the import cost of machinery and other technical equipment, prompting an upward revision in the machinery procurement estimates. NBR unveils 10-year strategy to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation The revision also includes a higher allocation for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the two centres to ensure their effective functioning with international technical support. Although the World Bank’s total credit commitment remains unchanged at US$ 100 million the higher exchange rate has inflated the taka-equivalent cost by nearly Tk 159 crore. As of June, 2025, cumulative expenditure under the project stood at Tk 611.57 crore, equivalent to 55.33% of the approved allocation and 48.38% of the proposed revised cost. The physical progress has been reported at 70%, with partial completion of training, technology support, and institutional capacity-building components. The project has also supported research and development (R&D) grants for export-oriented firms as well as partnerships with international institutions for feasibility studies and technical designs. Feasibility studies were earlier carried out by Global Development Solutions (GDS), PWC, EY, and CSI, followed by a detailed study by a joint venture of E-Zone HRM Ltd (Bangladesh), IL&FS (India) and TGI (Thailand), which recommended specific land, infrastructure, and machinery plans for the technology centres. The Planning Commission observed that the project remains crucial for export diversification and industrial competitiveness, especially in non-traditional sectors. It noted that EC4J aligns with the Eighth Five-Year Plan and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which focuses on inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and enhancing the role of industry in employment and GDP growth. Standard passenger services to be ensured at HSIA’s new terminal: Adviser Bashir Once completed, the project is expected to boost SME development, strengthen the country’s light engineering capacity, and create direct and indirect employment in multiple industrial zones in Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, Munshiganj, Narayanganj, and Kishoreganj. The Ministry of Commerce has now forwarded the third revision proposal to the Planning Commission for its evaluation and subsequent submission to ECNEC for approval. Officials expect that with the additional year and revised financial allocations, both technology centres can be completed and made operational within the new timeframe, helping to achieve the project’s long-term export competitiveness objectives.

Two major bridges in Sunamganj’s Tahirpur upazila, together worth Tk 130 crore, remain incomplete nearly seven years after construction began, despite repeated deadline extensions and the disbursement of over 80 percent of project funds. The projects, the ‘Shah Arefin–Advaita Maitri Bridge and the Dampur Bazar Bridge’, were launched to boost communication, trade and tourism in the remote, resource-rich border region. But, delays, poor management and disputes between the contractor and authorities have left both structures in limbo. According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), construction of the 750-metre Maitri Bridge over the Jadukata River at Binnakuli Bazar began on 4 December 2018, with an estimated cost of Tk 85.99 crore. The contractor, Toma Construction & Co. Ltd, owned by Awami League leader Lion Jahangir Alam Manik, received Tk 67.61 crore in payments. Teesta cries for survival as northern Bangladesh’s lifeline runs dry The 450-metre Dampur Bazar–Baliaghat New Market Bridge over the Patlai River, estimated at Tk 43.76 crore, has already seen Tk 35.56 crore disbursed. Its initial completion date was set for 2021. Although LGED officials claim that 78 percent of the Maitri Bridge and 85 percent of the Dampur Bridge have been completed, locals strongly contest these figures, saying visible progress falls far short of the money spent. A recent visit to the sites revealed desolate scenes -- scattered building materials, deserted makeshift offices, and no active construction. Locals say work has been stalled for months, with no sign of the contractor’s staff. “The contractor’s team has disappeared,” said Tofazzal Hossain, president of the Charagaon-Barchhara Workers’ Welfare Association. “If this bridge were completed, thousands of people in the border areas — including farmers, labourers, and traders — would benefit greatly.” Deadlock between two departments brings Gomti Bridge Project to standstill The incomplete bridges have caused immense frustration among residents. Locals from Tahirpur, Bishwambharpur, Madhyanagar and Dharmapasha upazilas say the projects were expected to transform transport and trade for over a million people, improving links with Sunamganj, Netrakona, and Dhaka. “This bridge could have changed our communication network entirely,” said Shahin Ahmed, a resident of Binnakuli. “But even after seven years, it remains half-built.” Md Nasir, project manager at Toma Construction, said the company had suffered major setbacks due to floods and the pandemic. “We lost millions of taka in materials when floodwaters damaged pillars and submerged our equipment. Despite the losses, we are trying to finish the project within the next six months.” LGED officials, however, say the contractor has already been terminated for failing to meet the deadline. Darshana Railway Station falls silent as cross-border trade grinds to a halt District LGED Executive Engineer Md Anwar Hossain confirmed that the contract with Toma Construction was cancelled. “We have prepared a new estimate for the remaining work and sent it to the project office. It was returned for revision, but we will resubmit it soon. Once approved, a new tender will be floated to appoint another contractor,” he said.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just about ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, or Perplexity; in an age charged with the excitement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, billions of dollars are being poured into AI and automation as global tech giants compete fiercely, and this technological wave has now reached Bangladesh as well. When businessman Selim Hossain called a private bank’s customer service recently, he expected to go through the usual menu options. Instead, he encountered something entirely different. “An AI answered my call. It responded exactly as a human executive would — it felt like I was talking to a real customer service officer on a personal line,” he said, still astonished by the experience. It is not just banking. Where once large customer service teams were required, now most tasks are handled through AI chatbots, and these have already evolved beyond text-based chat to live voice calls. Starlink officially launched in Bangladesh Faraz Ahmed, CEO of Global Leads Telesolution, a local teleservice company, said the industry has transformed drastically over the past five years. “Previously, handling foreign clients required at least 15–20 team members, sometimes even 50 for large companies. Now, five people can manage an entire teleservice team — thanks to AI and automation,” he said. He explained that AI can be trained to handle specific client interactions. Human intervention is only needed when an issue arises. “By subscribing to advanced AI software instead of maintaining large teams, we’ve redefined the entire teleservice job structure in Bangladesh,” Faraz added. In the private job market, the familiar ‘curriculum vitae’ or ‘résumé’ is also seeing a shift. According to a study titled ‘Application of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management: A Bangladesh Perspective’ by the University Library of Munich, most Bangladeshi companies now use AI-based automation for CV and résumé screening. AI is not only handling candidate screening but also the first stages of interviews. Various applications now replicate the functions of an entire HR team. Mahmudul Hasan, Assistant Manager in the HR department of a software company, said most firms now rely on AI for attendance tracking, résumé screening, and even conducting preliminary interviews. Starlink: CA Prof Yunus greets all involved He mentioned AI-powered software like Olivia, HireVue, Leena, and Latis, which can conduct video interviews and assess candidates’ coding skills — even through complex tasks that human evaluators might find challenging. “In a mid-sized company, an HR manager might earn around Tk 150,000 a month for tasks like talent acquisition, interviewing, attendance and performance checks. A single AI software can now handle all that for just Tk 100,000–200,000 a year,” Hasan noted. In Bangladesh’s garment industry, the once-common position of ‘supervisor’ is disappearing fast. “Our sewing machines now have screens displaying daily targets. If production falls below 50%, a red light flashes; above 70%, orange; and 100% completion triggers a green light,” explained one worker. This monitoring system is now entirely AI-driven. A semi-automated application named Nidle is commonly used in the sector to track how long each worker operates a sewing machine and how much time is spent idle. AI is also transforming video editing, content writing and voiceover work. Shamim Ahmed, CEO of View Motion360, a contract-based video content production firm, said Adobe’s AI tools have made their work much easier. OpenAI adopts new business model, keeps Microsoft as key partner “With Adobe Firefly, we can now handle graphics, image generation, and video editing with basic skills. In a few years, Photoshop and Premiere Pro will become fully AI-driven. Then, professional-quality content can be produced without hiring designers or editors,” Shamim added. A 2019 UNDP study on Bangladesh’s job market projected that by 2030, around 5.38 million people may lose their jobs as automation replaces traditional roles. To survive, workers will need to adapt and upskill in line with new technologies. According to a 2023 McKinsey study, half of all jobs worldwide could be AI-driven by 2060 — meaning offices that once needed 100 employees may function more efficiently with 50 or fewer. Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Reading, UK, Dr Niaz Asadullah, cautioned that Bangladesh’s pace of automation is outstripping the development of a skilled workforce. “Pursuing automation without upskilling people will lead to severe unemployment,” he warned. He urged the government to overhaul the education system to ensure graduates leave with practical skills. “Existing workers also need proper training to remain relevant in an automated economy,” he added. Bangladeshi IT expert Imtiaz Hasan, now working as a cybersecurity researcher at trading firm Deriv in Malaysia, said, “Many think automation is a threat to humans — but it’s actually two-sided. If you fall behind, AI becomes a threat. If you adapt and upskill, AI becomes your tool.” He emphasised that while Bangladesh is advancing in automation and AI, the country should now focus on developing homegrown software and building a skilled, automation-resilient workforce instead of relying solely on foreign solutions.    

Once a mighty river that breathed life into northern Bangladesh, the Teesta now lies silent and broken, as its shimmering waters replaced by stretches of sand and its flow reduced to a faint memory for the millions who once depended on it. The lifeline of two crore people lies gasping for breath as its waters vanishing, its banks eroding and its people left clinging to the memories of a river that once defined their existence. Once a symbol of abundance, locals said, the Teesta today survives only in fragments, swelling briefly during monsoon, then receding into a barren desert of cracked sandbanks as winter approaches. The river’s decline has plunged the lives of Teesta basin residents into uncertainty, threatening their farms, fisheries and future. By late October, the mighty Teesta had already dried up, long before the arrival of the dry season. According to the Water Development Board (WDB), water flow at the Teesta Barrage point over the past 10 days averaged only 17,000 cusecs and continues to drop daily. As the water disappears, so too does the livelihood of thousands. Farmers and fishermen along the Teesta’s banks say they are ‘dying along with the river’, WDB officials said. Experts trace the beginning of this decline to the construction of India’s barrages at Gajoldoba near the Teesta’s entry point and at Doani in Lalmonirhat, which disrupted the river’s natural flow. Over time, its life-giving waters have been diverted through canals, leaving vast stretches of the riverbed dry. Standing along the Teesta today, one can almost hear what locals describe as the ‘sigh of a dying river’, echoing across endless sand where strong currents once flowed. Youth in Lalmonirhat stage flash mob demanding ‘Teesta Mega Project’ The river’s navigability has dropped so drastically that irrigation under the Teesta Barrage — the country’s largest irrigation project — may face severe challenges in the coming dry season. Large parts of the riverbed now lie exposed, marked only by shallow pools and scattered dunes, according to the officials. Originating from Himalayan glaciers, the Teesta flows through India’s Sikkim, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri before entering Bangladesh through Dahagram in Lalmonirhat. From there, it meanders through Nilphamari, Rangpur and Gaibandha before merging with the Brahmaputra. Once, its fertile chars produced rice, jute, maize, sesame and vegetables in abundance, shaping the region’s agriculture, culture and livelihoods. However, the construction of the Gajoldoba Barrage in 1983 disrupted Teesta’s natural course — triggering water shortages in dry months and devastating floods in monsoon. According to WDB data, more than 20,000 families have been displaced by river erosion in the past decade, with nearly 35 kilometres of riverbank severely eroded. Recently, a 350-metre stretch of the Teesta bridge protection embankment at Mahipur in Lalmonirhat caved into the river. In Kurigram’s Ulipur upazila, over 100 homes have been lost to erosion, while in Gangachara more than 50 families have been displaced. Hundreds more remain marooned in four villages of Rajarhat upazila. For years, residents of northern Bangladesh have taken to the streets under the slogan ‘Save Teesta, Save North Bengal’. Environmental activists and locals have recently organised human chains, sit-ins and torch processions across Rangpur division, demanding immediate action. Movement intensifies as Teesta activists announce ‘Silent Rangpur’ campaign in 5 districts

With Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election expected in the first half of February 2026, election experts are increasingly voicing concern over the administrative preparations to conduct a credible national vote. As the countdown to the polls continues, questions are mounting about the government’s logistical planning, transparency and capacity to ensure an election that is free, fair and acceptable both domestically and internationally. Former Secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder, Public Administration Expert Mohammad Firoz Mia and newly appointed Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Ehsanul Haque talked to UNB on the issue. The interim government has reaffirmed its determination to hold the election within the stipulated timeframe, ‘under any circumstance’, but analysts warn that the credibility of the process will hinge on the effectiveness and neutrality of the civil administration, they said. Although the Election Commission (EC) is formally tasked with organising the polls, its success at the field level will largely depend on the efficiency, morale and impartiality of the bureaucracy. This has given rise to a pressing question: is the current administrative machinery adequately prepared to deliver a free and fair election? EC seeks round-the-clock police deployment for Nirbachan Bhaban ahead of election Over the past 15 months, the civil administration has been struggling to regain its footing. Frequent transfers, promotions, and contractual appointments have reportedly created confusion and a crisis of confidence among officials. Many within the bureaucracy are said to be apprehensive about potential repercussions if they act with full impartiality. Public administration experts, however, maintain that the situation can still be salvaged, provided there is sincerity and political goodwill. They emphasise the urgent need to appoint qualified, courageous and neutral officials to key field positions, particularly District Commissioners (DCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs). Strengthening the morale of law enforcement agencies and ensuring their impartial conduct are also viewed as critical to restoring public confidence in the electoral process. According to experts, despite a demoralised and divided bureaucracy, a credible election remains possible if the government takes decisive corrective measures and empowers competent officials at the field level. Former Secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder told UNB that despite the weaknesses within the bureaucracy, “good elections are possible if bold steps are taken.” BNP eyes broader political alliance to foster national unity ahead of election He pointed, “The people had confidence in the caretaker governments during the 1991, 1996 and 2001 elections, but the current government does not have that credibility. Fair elections will depend largely on the field administration — their competence, impartiality and strength of conviction.” “If the government genuinely conveys a message of neutrality and allows field officials to work independently, then good elections are still achievable,” he added. Public administration expert Mohammad Firoz Mia echoed similar sentiments, saying that the current bureaucracy lacks the capacity to conduct elections comparable to those of 2008. “It is crucial to restore morale. Fair elections will not be possible unless officials are freed from fear,” he told UNB. He cautioned that administrative efficiency alone would not suffice if political actors remain uncooperative. “Curbing election brokers and political interference at the field level remains a major challenge.” Political parties, including the BNP, NCP, and Jamaat-e-Islami, have all expressed scepticism about the neutrality of the administration. BNP has alleged that officials loyal to Jamaat are being placed in influential positions, while Jamaat claims that 70–80 per cent of bureaucrats are under the sway of a particular political party. BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan pointed out that about 10 lakh personnel are required to operate some 42,000 polling stations nationwide. “This enormous operation depends entirely on the government administration. The real question is — will they act impartially or not?” he said. The government insists that it remains firmly committed to holding a free and impartial election. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that all administrative transfers and postings ahead of the polls will be made under his direct supervision. “Deputy Commissioners will be appointed after careful selection of qualified officials.” Meanwhile, Ehsanul Haque, the newly appointed Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, told UNB, “Our directive is clear …this will be a fair election.” Haque said he is personally taking responsibility to ensure the field administration performs its duties with complete impartiality.  

The western district of Chuadanga has been reeling from the escalating impacts of climate change, with farmers suffering losses worth ‘hundreds of crores of taka’ over the past five years. Prolonged droughts, devastating storms and extreme cold spells have battered agriculture, livestock and fisheries, leaving thousands of families struggling to survive. “Extreme heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Its impact is far reaching. As we see in Bangladesh that the rising temperature is affecting our health and productivity, and the country’s prosperity,” said Jean Pesme, The World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. Between April and June each year, temperatures now frequently soar between 36°C and 40°C, scorching farmlands and reducing yields. Winters, on the other hand, have become unusually harsh, with temperatures plunging to record lows, compounding the stress on crops and livestock. Worsening Climate Disasters Chuadanga’s agricultural sector has been particularly hard-hit by repeated bouts of drought, storms and irregular rainfall. Major crops such as Boro paddy, wheat, maize, winter vegetables, tobacco, onions, bananas, papaya, betel leaves and fruit orchards have suffered extensive damage, with many farmers unable to recover before the next calamity strikes. Disaster Preparedness: Govt to construct 90 three-storey cyclone shelters  in 12 districts Field surveys conducted by non-governmental organisations, including Wave Foundation and Riso, indicate that the scale of devastation may be far greater than official figures suggest. Their studies estimate that climate change is causing annual agricultural losses amounting to between Tk 200 crore and Tk 300 crore in the district. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has reported significant losses over the last five years, with 2022 emerging as the most catastrophic year.

The government has taken a move to construct 90 three-storey cyclone shelters in 47 upazilas of  12 districts under the Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions as part of preparedness for the disaster-porne region.  Each shelter will have a total floor area of 1,272 square metres and the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 people, providing refuge to some 90,000 vulnerable residents during emergencies. The project titled Construction of Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelters in Coastal and Cyclone-prone Areas (Phase-III) aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods in disaster-prone coastal regions. The project, to be implemented under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief at a total cost of Tk 636.09 crore, entirely funded by the government. To be executed by the Department of Disaster Management, the project is scheduled to run from July 2025 to June 2028. 16 years on, memories of Cyclone Aila still haunt southwestern Bangladesh According to project documents, the new shelters will not only serve as life-saving refuges during cyclones but will also function as educational institutions during normal periods. Each will include facilities for clean water through deep tube wells, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy systems. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to reduce disaster risks in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Bangladesh ranks ninth globally and fifth in Asia in terms of exposure to natural hazards, according to the World Risk Report 2022. With over 35 million people living in the 17 coastal and cyclone-prone districts, ensuring resilient infrastructure remains a national priority. Since independence, 4,653 cyclone shelters have been constructed in  the coastal belt by various agencies. Under the first and second phases of this this programme, 100 and 220 multi-purpose cyclone shelters were built respectively. The third phase continues that effort to strengthen coastal resilience. Cyclone, severe heatwaves likely in May The project’s annual expenditure has been set at Tk 98.41 crore for FY2025–26, Tk 320.74 crore for FY2026–27, and Tk 216.94 crore for FY2027–28. The budget includes Tk 530.43 crore for construction, Tk 20.92 crore for RCC roads, Tk 11.40 crore for furniture, and Tk 58.67 crore for other expenditures. Although the project is not revenue-generating, officials noted that it will have a strong socio-economic impact by safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods. It is also expected to contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including targets resilience, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable infrastructure. A feasibility study conducted by the Department of Disaster Resilience and Engineering (DRE) at Patuakhali Science and Technology University confirmed the viability of the project. Planning Commission officials said that once implemented, the project will significantly enhance community preparedness and institutional capacity for disaster management, while improving the living standards of vulnerable coastal populations through risk reduction and rural employment generation. Bangladesh is highly susceptible to natural disasters and the effects of climate change. Annually, the country faces numerous calamities such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and tidal surges, leading to significant loss of property, livelihoods, and lives. Following the disastrous flood of 1988 and the destructive cyclone of 1991, Bangladesh shifted its strategy from a "reactive humanitarian response" to a more "proactive risk management" approach, focusing on preventing disasters before they strike. Today, Bangladesh stands as one of the leading examples globally for its remarkable progress and innovation in disaster management.

The long-awaited Gomti River bridge construction project in Muradnagar has hit a roadblock, caught in a bitter dispute between two government departments. The disagreement over the bridge’s height has stalled the third package of the Muradnagar–Daudkandi road development project, leaving thousands of residents to bear the brunt of the delay. Official sources reveal that the project, with a budget of Tk 84.5 crore, has been suspended due to objections from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). The board insists that the new bridge must be constructed at least 20 feet higher than the existing Bailey bridge to avoid obstructing the river’s flow. But the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) argues that raising the bridge by only 3 to 4 feet would suffice, maintaining consistency with other bridges along the Gomti. Broken bridge leaves thousands stranded for years in Mirzaganj The deadlock has stalled the finalisation of the bridge’s design, leaving the issuance of tenders in limbo, sources say. Consequently, they said, this critical infrastructure project has remained in limbo for an extended period due to the tug-of-war between the two departments. Currently, a Bailey bridge built in 1988 spans the Gomti River, now in a dilapidated and unstable condition. Hundreds of vehicles cross the bridge daily, braving significant risks. Locals fear a major accident could occur at any moment, as even heavy vehicles make the structure tremble. “The same Bailey bridge has been our only lifeline for nearly 40 years. The government allocated funds, yet the work has not started due to the quarrel between two offices. Our hopes are now turning into despair,” said local resident Md Rafiqul Islam. Meghna-Gomti Bridge: ACC reviewing allegations of irregularities in toll collection contract On November 9, 2023, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the Tk 348.26 crore project, which encompasses widening and straightening 35 kilometres of road, replacing eight old Bailey bridges with five new RCC girder bridges and constructing three RCC culverts. The project was divided into three packages. While work on the first two packages is ongoing, the third package has been stalled due to the BWDB’s non-approval, raising concerns that the allocated funds may be returned. Muradnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Abdur Rahman emphasised the urgency, saying, “A durable bridge over the Gomti River is essential. Without it, the public’s suffering will not be alleviated. We are in constant communication with the concerned departments to find a swift solution.” Khondokar Golam Mostafa, RHD Executive Engineer in Comilla, said, “The height proposed by BWDB is unrealistic. It is not feasible to design the bridge at that level, which is why tender invitations cannot be issued. However, efforts are underway to resolve the issue.” Meanwhile, BWDB Executive Engineer Md Rashed Shahriar of Comilla said, “I have been here for a year, and I am not aware of this matter.” Residents accuse the responsible departments of negligence, procrastination, and lack of coordination, despite the government’s allocation for development. They warn that if the problem is not resolved quickly and construction does not commence, the allocated funds may be returned, a major loss for the people of Muradnagar.