United News of Bangladesh

As the gleaming glass towers reshaping Dhaka’s skyline, experts warn that the rapid proliferation of high-rise buildings with extensive glass facades is intensifying urban heat, with little attention given to mitigating strategies suitable for tropical climates. They said sustainable design considerations appear largely overlooked, as the publicly available versions of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2015 and 2020 lack detailed mandatory requirements for glazing performance, such as U-value and solar heat gain coefficient. According to multiple new studies and environmental experts, the city has witnessed a boom in glass-clad high-rises particularly in Gulshan, Banani, Uttara, Motijheel and Dhanmondi mirroring architectural trends from tropical metropolises like Singapore and Dubai over the past decade. Asked about the growing number of glass towers and city heat, Chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said, “Dhaka’s growing number of glass-covered buildings may look modern, but they are silently worsening the condition of city’s heatwave. The urban heat island effect and the city's need for air conditioning are exacerbated by these glass buildings' absorption and emission of solar radiation.” “In reality, the apparent improvement in design is contributing to an unsustainable rise in temperature. To address this, we need to focus on climate-responsive design features like shaded exteriors, green roofs and enhanced natural ventilation,” he said. Kamruzzaman Majumder said if nothing is done quickly, Dhaka's modern buildings could become a heat trap, which would be harmful to both the environment and people's health. September heatwave—a reminder of global warming A recent study by the Centre for Atmospheric Studies found that surface temperatures in glass-dominated areas such as Gulshan, Banani and parts of Uttara are 3–5°C higher than in greener, low-rise neighbourhoods. Chair of the Department of Environmental Science at Stamford University show that 70–80 percent of new buildings in Dhaka’s upscale areas now feature glass facades covering at least 60 percent of their exterior. A 2019 survey found over 100,000 air conditioners running across just 1,068 apartments in Dhanmondi, underscoring the city’s mounting energy burden, he added. The broader urban trend is equally concerning. According to a 2024 study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Atmospheric Sciences, Dhaka’s average UHI intensity — the temperature difference between urban and nearby rural areas — now stands at 0.48°C, with a maximum daily difference of 2.15°C. The research found that UHI intensity in Dhaka has been rising by 0.21°C per decade since 1995. The study also revealed that heat waves and UHI effects reinforce each other, particularly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, making Dhaka’s hot months even more oppressive. Another modelling study by Seoul National University found that converting conventional low-albedo roofs into “cool roofs” could reduce Dhaka’s afternoon air temperature by 0.57°C during heatwave conditions, while green roofing and vertical greenery could provide additional cooling effects. Dhaka South City Corporation officials told UNB that they are reviewing urban design codes to promote heat-resilient materials, reflective coatings, and increased tree coverage as part of upcoming building regulation reforms. For many residents, the problem is already tangible. “By noon, our glass office turns into a furnace,” said Shakil Ahmed, who works in a corporate tower in Gulshan. “Even powerful air-conditioners can’t keep up.” Cool showers soothe Dhaka’s heatwave; more rain expected The BNBC 2020 (published by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works) provides the overarching regulatory framework for design, materials, construction, occupancy and building services. Under the earlier draft of BNBC 2015: Materials used for insulation (floor/roof/wall) must have a “flame spread rating not more than 25” and “smoke density not more than 450” while Part 5 (Building Materials) lists “Thermal Insulating Materials” and “Glass and Glazing” among categories. The code is explicit about fire-resistance, non-combustible construction types, and materials standards. While insulation and thermal materials are mentioned, there is no detailed mandatory requirement in the publicly-available version of the BNBC (2015 or 2020) for glazing performance (for example U-value, solar heat gain coefficient), or for façade design in tropical climates (shading, reflectivity, vertical greenery). The code treats “thermal insulating materials” mainly from fire-safety / building materials specification perspective, not explicitly from urban heat island mitigation or solar-heat gain minimisation. There is little to public evidence that the code mandates limiting large glass-façade ratios in tropical, dense urban areas, or offers prescriptive performance criteria for glass towers (reflectivity, external heat reflection, thermal load, etc.). For materials and construction methods aimed at reducing ambient urban heat (e.g., cool-roofs, high-albedo surfaces, shading devices), the code mentions basics but does not appear to give strong enforceable clauses specifically for façade design or urban-microclimate control. President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) Professor Adil Mohammed Khan said the use of large glass panels in building designs across Dhaka city has increased significantly in recent years. From high-rise commercial buildings to residential projects, most of the walls are now being covered with glass panels—often perceived as a “modern” or “smart” look. However, in reality, this trend has become one of the major contributors to rising urban temperatures. DGHS issues advisory to stay safe amid ongoing heatwave “Glass facades allow sunlight and heat radiation to enter buildings and also reflect it outward. This causes the surrounding air to heat up, intensifying the urban heat island effect. In a densely populated city like Dhaka—where green spaces and open areas are already scarce—these glass buildings are effectively turning into heat traps,” he said. At the same time, such buildings require continuous air-conditioning, which increases electricity demand and generates more heat—creating a cycle that continuously raises the city’s overall temperature , he added. Professor Adil said it is essential to include clear policies in our building code regarding the use of glass. Specific guidelines should determine which sides of a building and what percentage of the facade can be made of glass. Climate-responsive architecture must be encouraged. Given Bangladesh’s hot and humid climate, features such as shaded balconies, cross ventilation, and the use of local materials are far more suitable than extensive glass facades.Implementing a Green Building Code is now a necessity.

Once expected to be a beacon of healthcare in the southwestern region, Chuadanga Sadar Hospital is now struggling to deliver even basic medical services. A severe manpower shortage, coupled with the absence of an anaesthesia consultant for nearly a year, has left hundreds of patients in distress and turned the 250-bed hospital into a place of frustration and uncertainty, locals said. Although the hospital was upgraded to a 250-bed facility years ago, it continues to operate with the manpower sanctioned for just 50 beds — and receives allocations for food and medicine suitable for only 100 beds. “The mismatch between infrastructure and staffing has pushed the hospital to the brink of dysfunction,” said an official of the hospital wishing anonymity. Established in 1970 as a 50-bed facility, Chuadanga Sadar Hospital was upgraded to a 100-bed hospital in 2003. Yet, the upgrade came without additional staff. In October 2018, then Health Minister Mohammad Nasim inaugurated a new six-storey building with 250 beds, built at a cost of Tk 30 crore. Seven years on, however, the expanded facility remains largely underutilised. While the building stands tall, the workforce to run it effectively is painfully thin. Among the 50 sanctioned posts, 29 are currently vacant, including those of senior eye consultant, senior and junior anaesthesia consultants, senior paediatrician, senior medicine consultant, junior ENT consultant, junior radiologist, medical officer, and dental surgeon, according to the official. Besides, 20 posts across the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades have also been vacant for years. The absence of an anaesthesia consultant has crippled the operation theatre, which has been virtually non-functional since January. Even routine surgeries have been delayed indefinitely, forcing patients to seek treatment elsewhere at higher costs and greater risk. In a stopgap arrangement, Assistant Surgeon Dr ASM Mostafa Kamal from Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex has joined the hospital on deputation. Having completed anaesthesia training, he is temporarily overseeing surgical procedures. But hospital staff and patients alike say this is merely a patch on a widening wound. Newly built Sylhet district hospital set to open after long delay “Even minor surgeries are being delayed due to the lack of an anaesthesia consultant,” said a doctor at the hospital, requesting anonymity. “We are compelled to refer both regular and emergency patients to other facilities, which adds to their expenses and suffering.” For patients and their families, the crisis is personal and painful. “I’ve been admitted for a month,” said Uzir Ali, a patient in the male surgery ward. He went on to say, “The doctor said my operation would be on Monday, but it still hasn’t happened. Even poor people can’t find peace in death.” Parvina Khatun, who has been tending to her mother in the female surgery ward, voiced similar frustration, “My mother’s operation was scheduled last week, but now they say we have to wait longer.” Another patient, Selina Khatun, shared her despair, saying, “I’ve been here for 15 days. They gave a date, then changed it. Now I don’t know when, or if, it’ll ever happen.” Junior Surgery Consultant Dr Ehsanul Haque Tanmoy confirmed that the operation theatre had been almost shut since the anaesthesia consultant was transferred in January. “It reopened on a limited scale in September when an assistant surgeon with anaesthesia training joined us. But this is not sustainable. If both anaesthesia consultant posts were filled, we could run surgeries properly,” he said. The hospital’s Acting Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Wahed Mahmud Robin said the crisis has reached an unbearable point. Doctor shortage cripples healthcare services at Doarabazar Health Complex

Bangladesh’s banking sector is struggling with a deepening crisis, as the latest independent audit for the June quarter exposes a collective capital shortfall exceeding Tk 1.55 lakh crore. Experts warn that restoring stability and achieving a standardised balance will require significant time and concerted effort. This alarming deficit highlights a growing systemic crisis driven by a dramatic surge in non-performing loans (NPLs) across the industry. According to data from the Bangladesh Bank (BB), 24 of the country's 61 scheduled banks have failed to maintain the legally required minimum capital. The list of non-compliant institutions includes four state-owned commercial banks, two specialised banks, and a staggering 18 private commercial banks. Economists are raising serious concerns, stating that the situation poses a significant threat not only to the stability of the individual banks involved but also to the overall resilience of the nation's financial sector. Mamun Rashid, an economic analyst, said that the stability of the banking sector will bring stability to the greater financial sector of Bangladesh. So, it is essential to emphasize the banking sector. Bangladesh Bank reinstates extra increment benefit to attract, retain top talent But this is a difficult job as over two dozen banks are struggling with over-loaded, defaulted loans. The banks required long-term planning with a stable political situation, he pointed out. He predicted that a stable political situation would create a flood of foreign investment in Bangladesh, which would bring stability in the banking sector as well as the financial sector. The combined capital shortfall for the 24 distressed banks stood at Tk 1,55,866 crore as of the end of June. This figure marks a sharp escalation from the previous quarter, where the shortfall among 23 banks was Tk 1,10,260 crore in March. The primary cause of this capital depletion is the overwhelming pressure from bad loans. As the volume of NPLs increases, banks are required to hold larger security provisions (loan-loss provisions). When they fail to maintain these necessary provisions, their capital base is directly eroded. Mahbubur Rahman, CEO of Mutual Trust Bank, told UNB that a significant portion of the NPL surge is due to past irregularities and alleged large-scale loan corruption under the previous government. BSEC needs autonomy like central bank: Anisuzzaman Following the recent change in the political landscape, banks are now beginning to report these previously hidden or 'evergreened' debts as genuine defaults, leading to a record increase in NPL figures over the last few quarters, he said. This surge in NPLs has, in turn, escalated the size of banks' risk-weighted assets, further increasing the requirement for capital, said Mahbub. Under the Basel-III framework, Bangladesh Bank mandates that scheduled banks must maintain a Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR) plus a Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) equivalent to 12.5 percent of their total Risk-Weighted Assets (RWA). Besides, banks have been directed since 2015 to maintain a minimum 3 percent Leverage Ratio (LR), which is slated to be gradually increased to 4 percent by 2026. The 24 banks on the shortfall list have demonstrably failed to meet these essential regulatory standards. The financial consequences for non-compliant banks are severe, including restrictions on paying dividends to shareholders and facing difficulties in conducting transactions with international banks, which view low capital adequacy as a major credit risk. The capital crisis has hit the state and private sectors with severity The two specialized banks are the worst hit. Bangladesh Krishi Bank recorded the highest overall capital shortfall at Tk 29,161 crore as of June. Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank followed with a deficit of Tk 2,620 crore. ICAB urges proper IFRS 9 implementation to restore banking sector trust Among the state-owned commercial banks, the highest deficits were reported by: ·         Janata Bank: Tk 17,025 crore ·         Agrani Bank: Tk 7,698 crore ·         Rupali Bank: Tk 4,173 crore ·         Basic Bank: Tk 3,783 crore Private Commercial Banks: Eighteen private banks are now on the capital deficit list, with several highly exposed. New additions to the list for the June quarter include NRBC Bank and Al-Arafah Islami Bank. The worst-hit private banks (excluding Shariah-based): ·         National Bank: Tk 8,459 crore ·         AB Bank: Tk 6,775 crore ·         Padma Bank: Tk 5,619 crore ·         IFIC Bank: Tk 4,051 crore ·         Shariah-Based Banks: The Islamic banking sector, which has been the subject of recent merger plans, also contributes significantly to the shortfall: ·         Union Bank: Tk 21,387 crore ·         Islami Bank Bangladesh: Tk 18,504 crore ·         First Security Islami Bank: Tk 10,501 crore ·         Global Islami Bank: Tk 5,552 crore ·         Social Islami Bank: Tk 2,079 crore Professor Shohidul Islam, Chairman, Department of Banking and Insurance, Dhaka University, told UNB that the alarming rise in capital shortfalls confirms that the financial sector's core problems—poor governance and lax lending practices—have come to a head, forcing the regulatory body to confront a crisis of confidence that may require extensive government intervention to resolve. He said some banks require a long time, 20 years to 30 years, to make a standard balance sheet in the defaulted loan and deposit ratio, as the loan scam in the banking sector has never happened in the world ever.

Darshana Railway Station, once the heartbeat of Chuadanga’s trade, now stands silent and deserted as cross-border imports collapse, affecting revenue collection and leaving countless workers jobless. The decline has been dramatic as official figures show the station earned Tk 26.94 crore in revenue in the 2023-24 fiscal year. So far this fiscal year, the figure has dropped to only Tk 11.40 crore, a fall of nearly 60 per cent. Until recently, trains laden with imported goods such as corn, stone, onions, China clay, and gypsum and soybean meal would arrive daily, keeping hundreds of labourers, truckers and clearing agents engaged. Now, the scene has changed completely as only a handful of freight wagons carrying fly ash arrive occasionally, and even those are often unloaded elsewhere. Darshana was once the preferred entry point for traders due to its lower costs and strong logistical support. But the combination of complexities in opening letters of credit (LCs), a dollar shortage and uncertainty following the recent change in government has slowed imports to a crawl. As a result, 9,749 freight wagons brought in 576,559 metric tonnes of goods from India during the last fiscal year. This year, the number has fallen to 4,486 wagons carrying only 252,101 tonnes, less than half the previous volume, officials said. Operation of Balla Land Port suspended before it begins They said the slowdown has taken a devastating toll on those who depend on the yard for their livelihoods. Hundreds of transport workers and manual labourers have been rendered jobless. Some have switched professions, while many have migrated to other districts in search of work. “It feels like the Covid-19 days again. We sit idle all day because no trains come,” said yard labourer Saidul Islam, struggling to feed his family. Trucker Titu Mia echoed the sentiment. “Before, I could make two or three trips a day. Now, I hardly manage one trip in three days.” Truck owners say their vehicles remain idle for weeks, causing financial losses and mechanical deterioration. “We’re incurring losses every month. Many trucks are simply parked as there’s no business,” said one owner. Govt shuts 3 land ports; suspends operations of another

Bangladesh’s global mobility and international standing have suffered a sharp blow over the past year, with its passport ranking plunging to one of the weakest in the world amid reports of visa restrictions, deportations and rising global distrust. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, released on October 14 by UK-based Henley & Partners, Bangladesh now ranks 100th out of 106 countries, leaving its passports the seventh weakest globally. Bangladesh shares this position with North Korea while Palestine ranks one spot higher at 99th. Bangladeshi citizens currently enjoy visa-free access to only 38 countries, a figure many travelers dispute due to growing incidents of denial and enhanced scrutiny even at ‘visa-free’ destinations. A passport’s strength depends on various factors such as a nation’s economic and social Condition and development, job prospects, diplomatic engagement, visa agreements, cultural or historical connections and patterns of irregular migration. Visa Restrictions and Diplomatic Strains Experts attribute the decline to governance failures, human trafficking scandals, and strained diplomatic relations since the student-led ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government. Relations with India, Bangladesh’s largest travel destination, deteriorated sharply after the change. India closed all visa centers across Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, citing ‘security concerns’, though limited medical and student visa services later resumed. Sri Lanka has made pre-arrival Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) mandatory while Saudi Arabia suspended work visas for Bangladeshis and 13 other nations in May 2025. Govt plans to lower passport costs for overseas Bangladeshis Denmark and several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam, have also tightened visa processes for Bangladeshi applicants. Travelers report longer verification times, higher rejection rates and even offloading at immigration checkpoints despite holding valid visas. Crisis Deeping The recent wave of deportations of undocumented Bangladeshis has worsened the country’s passport crisis. On September 8, Kyrgyzstan deported 180 unregistered Bangladeshis who fell victims to fraud while the US sent back 30 earlier that month. Between January 2024 and September 2025, at least 187 Bangladeshis were deported from the US. In late September, another 52 Bangladeshis were deported from Italy, Austria, Greece, and Cyprus, and on August 30, the UK deported 15 for immigration violations, according to media reports. Malaysia also sent back 98 Bangladeshis on August 15 following earlier deportations of 204 others. Human Trafficking Undermining Trust Analysts say these failures, combined with the surge in irregular migration and human trafficking, have directly contributed to Bangladesh’s passport devaluation and declining credibility abroad. ‘Except Israel’ to be reinstated on Bangladeshi passport The 2025 US Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report again placed Bangladesh in Tier 2, noting limited progress in combating trafficking. The report documented 3,410 Bangladeshi victims last year, 765 in sex trafficking, 2,572 in forced labour, and 73 in other forms of exploitation while government figures acknowledged only 1,462 victims. Besides, the law-and-order situation has sharply deteriorated since mid-2024. According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 179 people were killed in mob attacks between August, 2024 and June, 2025, including several cases that shocked the nation including the lynching of two men in Rangpur’s Taraganj on August 9. At an event in July at the Foreign Service Academy, Asif Nazrul, Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul said that despite holding a red official passport, he still faced suspicious looks abroad simply for being Bangladeshi. Bangladesh moves up one step in global passport strength index He added that when he used a regular green passport, the challenges were ‘far worse’. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, speaking at the same event, admitted that Bangladeshis often face harassment overseas, saying the passport’s declining value is partly the nation’s own responsibility, not just that of foreign authorities. Dhaka University Professor Aynul Islam said Bangladesh’s passport ranking fell for two main reasons. “Technically, our e-passport isn’t well integrated with global databases, it is readable but not fully adaptive or advanced, so Bangladeshis can’t use automatic immigration systems,” he explained. “Besides, after the political changeover, a tendency was seen among many to migrate abroad.” Many have misused their passports or used them illegally, committing fraud or providing false information, he said. Aynul Islam said, since July 24, the number of Bangladeshis seeking political asylum overseas has been higher than ever before. “These developments have made several countries cautious, prompting them to restrict the entry of Bangladeshi nationals.” "Similar trends in Sri Lanka and Nepal have worsened the region’s image, prompting several embassies in Dhaka to stop accepting Bangladeshi passports.” “This broader regional trend has contributed to the decline in passport rankings, as countries are increasingly reluctant to accept travelers from these nations.”

The prices of essentials and kitchen items in Khulna have remained on an upward trajectory for nearly two months, putting them beyond the reach of many consumers. Most vegetables are now being sold for over Tk 80 per kilogramme, with no sign of prices coming down despite improved weather conditions. Traders had initially blamed heavy rainfall for the surge, but they now attribute the continued hike to seasonal changes and supply shortages. The prices of fish, meat and garlic have also increased alongside vegetables, while the costs of rice, lentils, chicken, eggs and meat remain unchanged in some categories. Onions, however, have seen yet another price jump. Vegetable prices soar in Dhaka's kitchen markets; no item below Tk 80 Consumers allege that a syndicate of unscrupulous traders is manipulating prices to make extra profits despite adequate supply in the markets. Locals further point to poor market monitoring and the absence of regular drives by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection as key factors behind the rising cost of essentials. During a visit to several kitchen markets across Khulna city on Friday, this correspondent found that the prices of vegetables, fish and other daily necessities had increased across the board. Traders said the prices of edible oil have stayed mostly steady, though slightly higher than before. Bottled soybean oil from popular brands such as Fresh, Teer, and Bashundhara (5 litres) is selling at Tk 920 — or Tk 184 per litre — up from Tk 183 just three weeks ago. Loose soybean oil costs even more, at Tk 200 per litre, compared to Tk 195 three weeks ago and Tk 180–185 two months ago. Prices of chicken, fish rise in Dhaka’s kitchen markets Vegetable prices have soared abnormally, with few items now available below Tk 60 per kilogramme. At Khulna City Corporation’s Sandhya Bazar in Moylapota, eggplants were selling at Tk 100–120 per kg, green chilies at Tk 240, cauliflower at Tk 140, bitter gourd at Tk 60, ladies’ finger at Tk 40–50, ridge gourd at Tk 50–60, tomatoes at Tk 100–120, Chinese garlic at Tk 150 and local garlic, depending on quality, between Tk 80 and Tk 130 per kg. Beans were priced at Tk 60–80, pumpkins at Tk 50, bottle gourd at Tk 60, teasel gourd at Tk 50–60, potatoes at Tk 20, carrots at Tk 120, green bananas (per bunch) at Tk 40–50 and early winter beans at Tk 80 per kg. Local onions are now being sold at Tk 75 per kg, up from Tk 70 just last week. Lentil prices have also shown no sign of easing. Coarse lentils are being sold at Tk 100 per kg and fine lentils at Tk 150, compared to Tk 80–90 and Tk 140–145 per kg, respectively, six weeks ago. Rice prices remain unstable as well. Over the past two months, rates have increased by Tk 4–5 per kilogram. In retail markets, Swarna rice is selling at Tk 55–56, Atash Balam at Tk 62–65, premium Miniket at Tk 75, lower-grade Miniket at Tk 60–66, and Basmati at Tk 90–95. Just a month ago, the same varieties were available at Tk 52, Tk 58–62, Tk 70–72, Tk 60–62 and Tk 80–85, respectively. Poultry prices have climbed too. Broiler chicken is selling at Tk 170 per kg, up by Tk 15 from last month. Local cock chicken costs Tk 280 and Sonali chicken Tk 350 per kg, compared to Tk 260–265 and Tk 320–335, respectively, a month earlier. Egg prices have risen again after a brief period of stability. Layer chicken eggs are selling at Tk 48 per dozen, while local eggs remain between Tk 60 and Tk 64 per dozen. Beef prices, ranging from Tk 650 to Tk 700 per kg across city markets, remain unaffordable for many low- and middle-income families. Similar price patterns were observed in other major markets, including Rupsha KCC Market, New Market, Mistripara, Dolkhola and Approach Road markets. Traders blamed excessive rainfall for damaging crops, particularly chilli plants, causing fluctuations in supply and subsequent price hikes. Shafiqul Islam, a shopper at KCC Sandhya Bazar, urged the authorities to take prompt measures to stabilise the market. Mozahidul Islam, a fish trader visiting Rupsha KCC Market, said, “Prices of soybean oil, vegetables and almost everything else have gone up. The government should conduct mobile court drives and ensure that every shop displays a price list to prevent overcharging.”

After a 22-day government ban, the Meghna and Padma rivers are set to come alive once again with the sound of boats and nets being cast, as nearly 43,000 fishermen in Chandpur prepare to resume hilsa fishing from Saturday midnight. The annual restriction on catching, selling and transporting hilsa, aimed at protecting mother fish during the breeding season — will officially end at 12 am, allowing fishermen to return to their traditional livelihood after weeks of hardship. According to Mirza Omar Faruk, Senior Fisheries Officer of Chandpur Sadar upazila, authorities maintained strict monitoring since the beginning of this year’s campaign. Bangladesh moves to curb illegal hilsa fishing as Indian fishermen enter waters: Adviser “The district and upazila task forces were active from day one to ensure that the ban was properly enforced,” he said. Assistant District Fisheries Officer Farhana Akter Ruma said that extensive drives were conducted across the rivers throughout the 22-day ban period to safeguard mother hilsa. Joint forces comprising the district and upazila administrations, fisheries department, river police, coast guard and the district task force patrolled the 70-kilometre sanctuary area day and night. During this time, 64 mobile courts were conducted — 32 in Sadar upazila, 20 in Haimchar, and 12 in Matlab North and South. 15 injured as fisheries dept, law enforcement officials attacked during anti-hilsa drive in Barishal Nearly two metric tonnes of mother hilsa were seized during the drives, along with over 5.5 lakh metres of illegal fishing nets worth about Tk 1.37 crore, which were later destroyed. In total, 77 cases were filed and 119 fishermen were jailed for violating the government ban. Authorities also collected Tk 50,000 in fines from offenders, while the confiscated fish were distributed among orphans and the poor. To support those affected by the ban, the government distributed 25 kilograms of rice to each unemployed fisherman as temporary relief. Many fishermen have, however, voiced concerns that this aid was insufficient. Talking to UNB on Saturday, fishermen including Rahim Majhi, Sakib Majhi and Omar Ali from Sadar upazila, and traders such as Sirajul Islam, Sheikh Amir Hossain, Yunus Miji and Delwar Hossain Mia from Harina Ferry Ghat, said that rice alone was not enough to sustain their families. “The government should provide cash support along with rice,” said Rahim Majhi. “We eat a lot of rice — 25 kilos doesn’t last long. If the money was sent to our mobile accounts, there would be no irregularities," he said.  

Drug peddling has emerged as a grave threat in the northern district of Lalmonirhat, where smuggling rackets appear determined to continue their operations despite repeated crackdowns by law enforcement agencies  and numerous cases filed against those involved. Locals living near the border with India say fear runs deep as narcotics continue to flood into villages, turning the entire areas into hubs for illegal trade. According to law enforcement officials, at least a hundred major drug dealers remain active in just two unions of Kaliganj upazila. Many of them are described as influential individuals, including elected local representatives, they said. Several suspects reportedly have as many as 10 to 14 cases filed against their names. Residents and police sources said all five upazilas in Lalmonirhat share direct border linkages with India, a condition that smugglers have long exploited. The situation has now reached what many describe as an alarming level, as the illegal trade encompasses phensedyl, Indian liquor, tapentadol, cannabis, yaba, and other substances smuggled across the frontier. Indian drugs seized in Satkhira Despite frequent arrests, the flow of drugs shows little sign of stopping. Instead, trafficking syndicates seem to be consolidating their power, aided by money, political influence, and increasingly sophisticated networks, according to the law enforcement authorities. In some instances, they said,  there have been attempts to intimidate law enforcement officers through propaganda and harassment aimed at weakening anti-drug drives. Police officials admit they face numerous challenges. While they regularly compile lists of known dealers and conduct targeted operations, the networks adapt swiftly. Many traffickers secure bail shortly after arrest and resume their illicit activities,  they said. Goral and Chandrapur unions in Kaliganj upazila are considered among the most vulnerable points. A police investigation centre was established in Goral in 2021 because of its remote location from the main police station. Initially, the centre struggled due to political interference, but officers say the situation has improved following the recent change in government. Sub-Inspector Mostakin Ahmed, who heads the Goral Investigation Centre, said he has arrested 70 accused and filed 68 cases within a year. He acknowledged receiving threats from drug traders but vowed not to compromise under pressure. In 2022, media reports revealed that barrels of phensedyl were being stored inside the home of local UP member Badsha, who has been arrested several times but subsequently released on bail. He admits to past involvement but now claims to have left the trade. Teen killed in gang war over drugs business in Mohammadpur Geneva Camp; two arrested Many local residents say they fear being stigmatised simply for living in a “drug-infested village,” a label that affects social relations and even marriage prospects. Some families reported broken engagements because outsiders refuse to form ties with villages associated with smuggling. “Just a handful of drug traders have destroyed our social environment,” said Anjurul Haque Mintu, executive director of Arannya School and College. “Students are at risk, and our youth are losing their future," he said. Farmers have also voiced their concerns, alleging that smugglers often damage crops at night while transporting narcotics, and that cattle smuggling tends to rise during winter. Kaliganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zakir Hossain said operations have been intensified under the directives of the district Police Headquarters. “We will not allow drug dealers to roam freely. Their plots will be foiled,” he asserted. Locals, however, said until the justice system prevents quick releases on bail, border control efforts will continue to be undermined.

The government has started work to develop the country’s first-ever integrated national transport master plan and final map by December, aiming to bring all modes of communication under a single coordinated framework, said Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Road Transport, Bridges and Railways. Bangladesh's transport sector master plan is a multi-modal strategy focusing on developing and integrating road, railway and water transport to support economic growth, improve efficiency and enhance safety.  Its key components include expanding railway networks, modernising ports and waterways, and improving the road network with new infrastructure and better traffic management.  The plans also emphasise sustainability through initiatives like promoting public transport and green vehicles, and are supported by large-scale investments, particularly in projects like the Revised Strategic Transport Plan for Dhaka and the 30-year Railway Master Plan. “We have already started preparing the national map. InshaAllah, by December we will be able to complete both the final map and the master plan. The goal is to complete and leave behind this master plan within the tenure of the current government,” Moinuddin said in a recent interview with UNB. Bangladesh Railway sets sights on new locomotives to revamp services: Sheikh Moinuddin He said the plan is being designed in such a way that any future government can continue its development activities based on it. “This will ensure that long-term transport and infrastructure development follow a consistent framework,” he added. Moinuddin said the integrated master plan will combine all modes of transport — road, rail, aviation and waterways — for the first time in Bangladesh. “Every developed country has an integrated master plan which we lacked so far. We are now fixing that gap,” he added. The special assistant said the plan will simplify the country’s logistics and supply systems including transportation of goods from ports and economic zones. “For instance, agricultural products in the northern districts often get wasted due to transport bottlenecks. The master plan will help solve such issues,” he said. Bangladesh is working with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement the master plan, he said. Govt plans rail link for all economic zones starting with Mirsarai “We are conducting the feasibility study ourselves but both the World Bank and ADB will provide technical support and international expertise,” Sheikh Moinuddin said. He said while local experts understand the domestic context well foreign specialists bring valuable international experience. “One professor from IUB is already working with us but we plan to include experts from abroad to improve the plan’s quality,” he added. Sheikh Moinuddin said it aims to accelerate balanced development in all districts. “Transportation will be the key driver for developing economically lagging regions. Once connectivity improves, industrial and economic growth will naturally follow,” he said. “Bangladesh’s transport system remains largely Dhaka-centric and our objective is to strengthen inter-district connectivity so that national development no longer revolves solely around the capital,” he said. Bangladesh’s transport and logistics sectors have been suffering from fragmented planning, poor inter-agency coordination, and a concentration of infrastructure around Dhaka. Successive governments have launched projects focusing on roads, bridges, and railways, but without an all-encompassing national framework. Officials said the new integrated master plan backed by global lenders is expected ensurined balanced regional development and long-term sustainability.  

Unchecked swarms of e-bikes and rickshaws have plunged Jashore’s roads into relentless gridlock, turning everyday commutes into exhausting ordeals for its weary residents. Traffic congestion across various parts of the city has reached such a level that movement has become nearly impossible in many areas. Not only vehicles but also pedestrians are struggling to move freely on the roads, according to commuters. They alleged that the unregulated movement of easy bikes and rickshaws has now reached its peak, while the traffic police have failed to take effective measures. Questions have also been raised about the role of the municipality. a drive to control unlicensed auto-rickshaws was recently launched, it has largely stalled amid protests, said pedestrian Rana Hossain.During visits to different city areas, it was observed that the actual number of vehicles plying the roads is far higher than the number of authorized easy bikes and rickshaws. Many of these vehicles come from surrounding upazilas, and “on-test” motorcycles also move freely. Traffic police activities appear mostly limited to checking motorcycle documents, while reckless motorcycle riding by teenage drivers has become a common sight. According to Jashore Municipality, there are 7,768 vehicles—both legal and illegal—operating in the city. However, locals claim the real number is much higher. Engine-driven auto-rickshaws are reportedly the worst offenders.