United News of Bangladesh

Four years after its official declaration as an administrative unit, Madhyanagar Upazila in Sunamganj district remains in a state of limbo, with residents still waiting for essential services and infrastructure to take shape. The delay has left around 1.5 lakh people grappling with everyday difficulties, highlighting both frustration and cautious hope for change. Madhyanagar, carved out from parts of Jamalganj and Dharmapasha upazilas and officially operational since a government notification on 24 July 2022, has yet to see the construction of a permanent administrative building. Illegal topsoil extraction threatens ‘Gaillar Haor’, croplands in Sunamganj At present, the upazila operates from the first floor of a mother and child welfare centre (MCWC), while most departmental work is handled by officials from neighbouring Dharmapasha, juggling additional responsibilities. Of the 212 posts approved for 23 government departments, only nine are filled, leaving 203 vacancies, according to local administrative sources. Currently, only four first-class officers – an engineer, a project implementation officer, an election officer, and a primary education officer – are stationed in Madhyanagar, supported by five third- and fourth-class employees struggling to manage daily operations. “The situation has created immense difficulties for local residents seeking routine services. We are doing our best, but without manpower and infrastructure, progress is slow,” said an official requesting anonymity. Life under threat: Feni schools continue classes in unsafe buildings The health sector paints an equally bleak picture. The upazila lacks a health complex and does not have a single MBBS doctor, locals said. Although there are two mother and child welfare centres and two union-health centres, a shortage of medical staff forces residents to travel to Dharmapasha Upazila, or Sunamganj Sadar Hospital even for general or emergency treatment. Yet amid the despair, there are glimmers of hope. Madhyanagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ujjwal Roy confirmed that a proposal for 16 acres of land has been submitted to the relevant authorities for constructing both an administrative building and a health complex. “We hope work will begin soon once the proposal is approved,” the official said, indicating possible relief for the long-suffering community. Crumbling roads in Kaliganj: Residents sound alarm over use of substandard materials Local people’s voices reflect a mixture of annoyance and cautious optimism. Advocate Muhammad Nazmul Hossain stressed the urgent need for action, saying, “The demand to develop Madhyanagar as a complete and model upazila has been long-standing. Effective initiatives must be taken without further delay.” Similarly, Abdul Qayum Majnu, joint convener of Madhyanagar Upazila BNP, voiced frustration over the slow pace of progress. “Despite four years passing since the upazila’s declaration, necessary infrastructure and manpower are still lacking. The administration must act sincerely,” he said. Jhenaidah reels from 301 suicides in one year, women bear the brunt Covering 222 square kilometres and comprising four unions and 147 villages, Madhyanagar has significant potential to grow into a model upazila. But until the planned infrastructure and staffing materialise, its residents continue to navigate the challenges of an underdeveloped administrative system, hoping that the long-promised development is finally on the horizon.  

Fertile farmlands of ‘Gaillar Haor’ in Shantiganj upazila of Sunamganj district has been facing severe degradation as an influential syndicate continues large-scale illegal extraction of topsoil, posing a serious threat to local agriculture and rural infrastructure. The upper fertile layer of cropland, commonly known as topsoil, in Alampur village under Purba Pagla Union, is being indiscriminately removed using excavators, according to local people. The soil is reportedly being used to fill private homesteads and roads, while the ongoing operation has disrupted both agricultural productivity and daily life. During a recent visit to the area, this UNB correspondent observed multiple excavators digging deep pits across vast stretches of cropland. Read more: Unchecked soil lifting threatens Gomti River, infrastructures in Cumilla The extraction continued day and night, with rows of heavy dump trucks transporting the soil to different locations. The constant movement of trucks has damaged newly built rural roads, intensifying public suffering. Local people alleged that the illegal activity is being carried out under the direct leadership of influential former local representatives Saidul Islam and Kalam Mia. Farmers affected by the soil removal expressed deep concern and said they feared retaliation if they protested openly. Several farmers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the removal of topsoil, the most fertile portion of farmland, has permanently destroyed soil productivity. They warned that deep excavation has also increased the risk of adjacent farmlands collapsing. If the haor is carved up like this, there will be no land left for cultivation in the future, said Jamaluddin, a farmer. They demanded immediate and strict intervention from the administration. Under the Soil and Sand Management Act, 2010, extracting soil from agricultural land for commercial or personal use is a punishable offence. Locals, however, alleged that the syndicate continues its activities by evading administrative oversight or using political influence. Beyond agricultural damage, the operation has also caused severe deterioration of rural roads. Read more: Overuse of chemical fertilisers threatens soil health in northern Bangladesh Heavy trucks carrying soil have led to road collapses, making daily movement increasingly difficult for villagers. When contacted, Fatema Tuz-Zohra, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Shantiganj upazila, said the administration is aware of the issue. “Cutting topsoil from cropland is completely illegal. We have received information about soil extraction in Alampur village. A mobile court will be conducted there soon,” she assured. Those who were involved in the act would not be spared and legal action will be taken, including the seizure of machinery used in the illegal activity, she said. Meanwhile, experts from civil society urged for exemplary punishment, including imprisonment and confiscation of excavators, to protect the haor’s fragile ecosystem. Read more: BIWTA dredging restores navigability of Sunamganj rivers; boosts trade, employment They also feared that if the government did not take immediate action, Shantiganj’s agricultural economy and ecological balance could suffer irreversible damage.

Vehicle imports through Bangladesh’s main seaport have jumped sharply ahead of the national election through Chattogram port, giving a significant boost to government revenue. More than 7,000 vehicles were cleared through the port over the past six months, generating over Tk 1,200 crore in customs revenue, according to data provided by port and customs officials. The volume marks a record for both Chattogram Port Authority and Chattogram Customs House, driven by stronger demand and faster clearance following policy interventions by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The officials said importers have accelerated deliveries in recent months, partly to meet pre-election demand and partly to avoid the risk of higher tariffs in the future. Read more: Police to act against noise from vehicles, construction work, loudspeakers For years, hundreds of imported vehicles had remained stuck in the port’s car sheds as legal disputes and procedural delays prevented importers from taking delivery. Recent measures by the NBR have helped unlock those bottlenecks, allowing both older stock and newly imported vehicles to clear more quickly. As a result, importers are now taking delivery of at least 50 vehicles a day, easing congestion and encouraging fresh imports. Under port regulations, vehicles left uncleared for more than 30 days are transferred to Customs for auction. Currently, only 103 vehicles meet the criteria for auction — a sharp decline from previous years. Data from the Chattogram Port Authority shows a steady rise in monthly imports since the start of the current fiscal year. In July, just 450 vehicles arrived through the port. The number crossed 1,000 in August and climbed to 1,058 vehicles in December. In total, importers brought in 841 brand-new vehicles and 6,225 other vehicles through 16 specialised roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships over the six-month period. “Vehicle imports have increased significantly compared to the beginning of the fiscal year,” said Omar Faruk, Director (Administration) of the Chattogram Port Authority. “Faster clearance has helped reduce congestion in the port’s car sheds.” Read more: Bangladesh suspends Vannamei shrimp fry imports amid disease concerns Customs data points to a similar trend. Sharif Md. Al-Amin, Assistant Commissioner at Chattogram Customs House, said that during the first six months of the last fiscal year, the port cleared 6,651 vehicles, generating Tk 1,153 crore in revenue. “Compared to the previous fiscal year, this represents an increase of 1,034 vehicles and an additional Tk 124 crore in revenue,” he said. Industry insiders say the surge reflects broader dynamics in Bangladesh’s vehicle import market. Mohammed Habibur Rahman, former Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA), said the country imports more than 20,000 cars annually, primarily from Japan and other markets. While Chattogram handles a large share of those imports, many traders prefer Mongla port, citing lower costs and quicker processing times, he added. Still, the recent uptick at Chattogram has sharply reduced backlog. Only 471 vehicles are currently waiting for delivery at the port’s two car sheds, which together can accommodate 1,250 vehicles. In previous months, the number had hovered around 2,000. Read more: Bangladesh Bank allows 270-day credit for LPG imports With clearance speeding up and revenue climbing, officials say the port’s vehicle yards are now operating at a fraction of the pressure seen earlier,  an uncommon development ahead of a national election, when trade flows typically face uncertainty.

Every school day, teachers and students in Feni step into classrooms of many schools that could collapse under their feet. More than 200 government primary schools in the district are operating despite damaged infrastructure, with over fifty buildings officially declared unsafe. For those inside, each day is a constant struggle against fear. In Feni, a district of 559 government primary schools, the aftermath of the 2024 floods is still painfully visible. Of the 284 schools damaged by the floods, many remain unrepaired, leaving teachers, students and guardians anxious about their safety, both locals and officials said. Read more: Infrastructure, education projects worth over Tk 190cr get govt nod In Feni Sadar Upazila, 110 out of 151 schools continue to function despite structural damage. Daganbhuiyan Upazila has 16 affected schools out of 102. Sonagazi Upazila has 77 schools damaged, Chhagalnaiya 65, Parashuram seven and Fulgazi nine. Many of these schools struggle with broken furniture, cracked walls, exposed rods, and leaking roofs. At Paschim Sonapur Government Primary School in Kazirbagh Union of Feni Sadar Upazila, UNB found classes continuing in a building that seems ready to crumble. Plaster falls from the ceiling, iron rods stick out dangerously, and cracks snake across walls and pillars. Rainwater seeps into classrooms, leaving students soaked and frightened. “We are always afraid because the school building is unsafe. It has not been repaired for a long time. We want the government to build a new school so we can study safely,” said students Abrar Mahmud Iran, Bibi Mariam Maria, Jannatul Fateya, and Jannatul Maula Radia. Parents share the fear. Mohammad Faruk and Md Saiful Islam said, “We fear sending our children to school. The building is unsafe and we do not know what might happen. Who will take responsibility if an accident occurs? The school is supposed to serve as a shelter during floods, but now even that is risky. We strongly urge the government to take immediate action.” Read more: ADB pledges $2.57 bln to boost Bangladesh’s infrastructure, finance For teachers, daily lessons are delivered under a shadow of danger. Arup Dutta, a local resident, described how plaster frequently falls during classes, rods jut out from walls, and ceilings leak when it rains. “We are teaching in fear. The government must build a new building to safeguard students’ education and future.” Headmaster Sangram Lodh added that the building’s poor condition, worsened by last year’s floods, leaves him with no choice but to continue classes there. “Many parents are now sending their children to kindergartens or madrasas instead of government schools. Despite repeated requests, authorities have taken no action to build a new facility,” he said. Mohi Uddin Khandaker, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Teachers’ Association, emphasised that education must happen in safe and supportive environments. “Urgent steps are needed to develop these dilapidated schools so that students can study with interest,” he said. Feni District Primary Education Officer Firoz Ahmed confirmed the scale of the problem. “The district has 559 government primary schools across six upazilas. Several were damaged in the 2024 floods, and more than fifty are in risky condition. Some buildings have already been repaired.” Cooking inside operation theatre at Feni General Hospital; probe body formed He said details of unsafe schools have been sent to the relevant authorities. “We hope that when the Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP-5) begins in July 2026, all schools will see improvements.” Until then, however, the children of Feni continue their studies in fear, navigating classrooms where every crack and leak is a reminder of the risks they face, and the urgent need for action, according to locals.

Concerns are mounting over the quality of a road reconstruction project in Kaliganj Upazila of Lalmonirhat district after allegations surfaced that substandard materials are being used in the government-funded work. Local residents allege that low-quality brick chips are being used in the road’s base layer, casting doubt on its long-term durability. The ongoing work involves reconstructing approximately 900 metres of road from Duhuli Bazar to Namurihat in Chawlbala Union. Locals allege that the contractor is rushing the work using substandard and unnumbered brick chips (rabbish), ignoring repeated objections from the community. Read more: Sylhet waterlogging mitigation project delayed again; sees 44pc cost surge Residents are criticising the muted response of some officials and staff from the Kaliganj Upazila Engineering Office, questioning their accountability in monitoring the project. Sources reveal that the road reconstruction is part of the Rural Road Maintenance Project, being implemented by the contractor Shan Traders, with a projected cost of Tk 7,524,690 under tender notice number 05/25-26. The work started on December 31, 2025 and is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2026. However, allegations suggest that the contractor is attempting to expedite the project through substandard work. Local resident Mohammad Habib Mia expressed his frustration, saying, “They are laying the road with inferior brick chips. It will be destroyed in a short period, and we will face the same hardships as before. We have protested, but no one pays attention.” A field visit on Monday afternoon confirmed the claims. Despite the presence of two assistant officers responsible for monitoring the project, substandard materials were being used openly. Sub-Assistant Engineer Md. Simon, in charge of supervision, declined to comment when approached by the media. Quilt makers race against time as bone-chilling cold grips Lalmonirhat Attempts to reach the contractor, Mashiur Rahman, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls. In response, Upazila Engineer Md Habibur Rahman Habib said instructions have been issued to remove the substandard material. If these directives are ignored, necessary action will be taken against the contractor, he added.

As the country gears up for the national election, Narsingdi is witnessing a surge in the use of illegal firearms, raising serious concerns about public safety and the polls environment. In char areas of the district where fights once meant sticks and locally-made weapons, gunfights have now become common. Locals said criminal gangs armed with looted and smuggled weapons are locked in violent conflicts over political dominance, extortion, drugs and the illegal sand trade. A series of murders and clashes over the past year has deepened public fear and shaken confidence in law enforcement’s ability to keep the peace, police said. Read more: Police recover 9 locally made guns from Fatikchhari in Chattogram Of particular concern is the cache looted from Narsingdi District Jail during July 19, 2024 unrest when the prison was attacked, set ablaze and vandalised. All 826 inmates fled during the chaos and 85 firearms along with 8,015 rounds of ammunition were stolen. Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Sujan Chandra Sarker said over the past one and a half years, 58 of those weapons have been recovered but 27 firearms and 6,336 rounds of ammunition are still missing. The unrecovered cache includes China and BD rifles as well as bore shotguns now believed to be circulating in the district’s criminal underworld, he said. “These weapons are being used in political rivalries, extortion, drug trafficking and control over illegal sand business,” said another senior police officer requesting anonymity. “We have stepped up intelligence operations, but the network behind the arms trade is complex and well-organised,” he added. Police said in the last year alone, they recovered 42 firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition in different raids, filed 27 regular cases and arrested 56 people. Read more: 10 Indian air guns recovered from Sylhet’s Jaintapur The dangers rose further last December when Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, was shot dead in the capital’s Paltan area. Police later said the weapon used in the killing was recovered from Narsingdi town. Over the past year, the district recorded 94 murders, 17 robberies, 184 thefts, 85 rape or gang rape cases and 43 incidents of mugging, according to police record. Although 94 murder cases were filed most of the accused remain at large. The residents of Banshgari and Saidabad villages in Raipura upazila said armed criminals move around openly, spreading fear. Two retired army sergeants are alleged to be training local gangs in firearms use. Both are named in multiple cases, including murder. “People here live in constant fear. We see men with guns walking in the open. No one dares to protest” said a shopkeeper in Banshgari. Following a recent visit by the Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam, special drives were ordered in the char areas. In two such drives, law enforcers recovered several illegal weapons and arrested a number of suspects, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Sujan Chandra. Many believe policing efforts have been hampered by instability in leadership. Three superintendents of police were transferred in the past five months, causing what locals describe as a temporary disruption in law enforcement activities. One killed, 10 injured in clash over supremacy in Narsingdi Since taking charge, new superintendent of police Md Abdullah Al-Faruk has launched special drives against illegal arms and drugs. “The election will only be credible if people feel safe to go to the polling centres,” said a local rights activist. “Recovering every single looted weapon must be the top priority. Otherwise, fear will rule the ballot,” he added.

Jhenaidah has been rocked by a disturbing surge in suicides, with 301 people taking their own lives in 2025, laying bare deep-rooted mental health challenges, intense social pressures and gaps in public safety.  Women account for a disproportionate share of the deaths, heightening concerns over their vulnerability, according to official data. Of the total cases, 182 people hanged themselves, while 119 died after consuming poison. Abdur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Development Center (RDC), a human rights organisation based in Maheshpur, revealed  the statistics. In 2025, he said, 168 women and 133 men committed suicide in the district. In comparison, 319 people killed themselves in 2024—152 men and 167 women. In 2023, the total was 328, and in 2022, it was 323.  A statistical analysis shows that the number of suicides in 2025 has slightly decreased compared to the last four years. Jhenaidah Sadar recorded the highest number with 79 cases, followed by Shailkupa, 67, Maheshpur, 46, Harinakunda and Kaliganj (43 each), and Kotchandpur, 23. Of those who hanged themselves, 109 were women and 73 were men, while among those who consumed poison, 57 were women and 62 were men. The statistics were compiled using multiple sources, including monthly reports from the Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon's Office and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Over the past four years, a total of 1,271 people committed suicide in the district, with women making up a relatively higher proportion of the victims. Maheshpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Helena Akter Nipa said women are more prone to suicide due to emotional vulnerability. She cited social factors such as drug addiction, unemployment, mental health issues, family conflicts, failed relationships, extramarital affairs and poverty as contributing causes. In this regard, Kazir Nazir Uddin, chairman of Sadhuhati Union under Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila, told UNB that suicide has become a serious problem in the district. He said people are very emotionally sensitive and often take their own lives over minor issues.  Although the district administration is holding awareness meetings in the union, the number of suicides has not reduced significantly, Nazir said, adding that the situation is slightly better than last year. “Suicidal incidents could be reduced to some extent if strong family bonds and religious values were developed in every household,” he added. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the district Abdullah Al Masud emphasised the media’s responsible role in suicide prevention. Businessman takes own life with licensed gun in Jhenaidah “Suicidal incidents must be reported carefully to avoid inciting others. Expanding counseling services is crucial, as timely psychological support can help individuals in crisis,” he said. DC Masud pointed out that the district administration has continued field-level awareness activities to prevent suicide and urged people from all walks of life to participate in these efforts.

A project to reduce chronic waterlogging, improve roads, and ensure safe drinking water in Sylhet City Corporation has been delayed again, increasing the cost by nearly 44 per cent. Waterlogging remains a serious problem in Sylhet city, causing long-term hardship for residents despite repeated attempts to tackle the issue. Millions of taka have been spent, but results have largely fallen short of expectations. Officials at Sylhet City Corporation said several plans were drawn up after the devastating 2022 floods to protect residents, but implementation has been limited. Read more: COMFLOT West project extended by 2 years; cost nearly doubles The cost of the project titled Alleviation of Waterlogging, Supply of Safe Water and Infrastructure Development of Sylhet City Corporation (Second Revised) has increased mainly due to prolonged implementation delays and an expanded scope of work, according to official documents. It was originally approved at Tk 1,228.02 crore and it has now stood at Tk 1,766.05 crore, reflecting an increase of about Tk 538 crore. The Local Government Division is the sponsoring authority while Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) is implementing the project. According to the Planning Commission documents, the bulk of the revised cost, Tk 1,520.56 crore will come from government funds, with the remaining Tk 245.49 crore to be met from SCC’s own resources. The project was initially scheduled for implementation between January 2020 and December 2023. Its timeline was later extended to December 2024 under the first revision, followed by a further extension to June 2025 without any cost escalation. Under the second revision, the completion deadline has been pushed back again to June 2026, citing the need for additional and more durable works. Officials said the revised scope reflects Sylhet’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall and upstream hill flows, which frequently cause severe waterlogging and damage to roads. Read more: Bangladesh Bank to launch Tk 10,000 crore bond for housing, rail projects To ensure long-term sustainability, the project now places greater emphasis on RCC roads, drains and retaining walls instead of conventional surfacing. Major components of the project include construction of 269.18 kilometres of roads and 363.92 kilometres of drains, along with 6.73 kilometres of retaining walls. The plan also covers 22.75 kilometres of road dividers with tree plantation, slope protection works using CC blocks and RCC retaining walls, and construction of boundary walls stretching 12.71 kilometres. One public toilet and 1.37 kilometres of steel railings along large drains are also included to enhance public safety. To improve urban services, the project include installation of 236.05 kilometres of water pipelines and 263.50 kilometres of electrical works, including an expanded number of streetlights to ensure safer night-time movement in newly extended city areas. Besides, 74 units of essential machinery and vehicles will be procured to support regular excavation and maintenance of 13 major canals and streams flowing through the city. The revision also accounts for increased road repairs including asphalt overlay on roads already showing cracks and potholes, and reconstruction of boundary walls demolished with homeowners’ consent during road widening. Sylhet’s Gowainghat house fire caused by short circuit, police confirm no communal link As of June 2025, the project’s cumulative expenditure stands at Tk 2,186.51 crore, with financial progress at 92.09 per cent and physical progress at 92.50 per cent, according to official records. The Planning Commission, in its recommendation, said successful completion of the project would significantly enhance civic amenities in Sylhet City Corporation by improving roads, drainage, footpaths and the supply of safe drinking water, thereby boosting overall urban resilience in one of the country’s most rain-prone regions.

In the middle of winter, trading activity has surged at the historic Sarojganj date molasses market in Chuadanga, one of Bangladesh’s most renowned traditional haats for palm jaggery, with the aroma of freshly boiled sap filling the air. Nearly 300 years old, Sarojganj Haat sits twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, and during the peak season now records transactions worth more than Tk one crore weekly. On each market day, sales range between Tk 1.5 crore and Tk 2 crore. If the current momentum continues, total transactions this season are expected to reach Tk 50–55 crore, according to local traders. A visit to the haat presents a vibrant tableau of rural commerce. Earthen pots brimming with liquid jaggery line the stalls, while freshly made nolen patali are neatly stacked alongside newly produced molasses displayed in bamboo baskets and wooden frames. Buyers and sellers engage in animated bargaining, their calls echoing through the market. Read more: A Sweet Legacy: Traditional molasses-making flourishes in Jhenaidah village Renowned for its distinctive taste, rich colour and natural aroma, Sarojganj’s date molasses enjoys strong demand across the country. Retail prices currently range from Tk 230 to Tk 350 per kilogram, depending on quality. Earthen pots weighing between 12 and 16 kilograms sell for Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,600, while different varieties of nolen patali fetch between Tk 300 and Tk 430. Molasses collected from the haat is supplied to a wide network of districts, including Dhaka, Kushtia, Meherpur, Jhenaidah, Pabna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barishal, Sylhet, Khulna, Mymensingh, Magura, Rajbari and Panchagarh. Sazzad Hossain, a molasses producer from Sarabaria village in Chuadanga Sadar upazila, said the jaggery is prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations. “Sap collected from date palm trees is boiled in traditional ovens using tin strainers. When the sap thickens, it is stirred continuously to make molasses. We have been producing pure jaggery using this age-old method for generations,” he said. On market days, sellers arrive with their produce by bicycle, van or even carrying heavy earthen pots on their heads. Buyers carefully examine the colour, thickness and overall quality before finalising their purchases. Read more: Cold and fog bite into Narail’s honey season Shahidul Islam, a trader from Pabna, said he returns to Sarojganj every year because of the product’s purity. “The price is a bit higher, but the quality is superior,” he said. Date palm farmer Jamal Uddin from Baliakandi village in Chuadanga Sadar said he is collecting sap from 35 palm trees this season and expects to produce around 400 to 500 kilograms of molasses. Local trader Ujjal Kumar Adhikari described Sarojganj Haat as one of the largest molasses markets in the country, operating continuously for nearly three centuries through generations of traders and producers. Haat operator Md Alauddin Ala said traders from across Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, regularly attend the market. “Each haat sees transactions worth Tk 1.5 crore to 2 crore, and we ensure the safety of both buyers and sellers,” he said. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Chuadanga, sap is being collected from around 2,72,000 date palm trees in the district this season, with a production target of 2,700 metric tonnes of molasses. Read more: Severe cold throws normal life in Chuadanga out of gear Deputy Director Md Masudur Rahman Sarkar said farmers are producing pure, sugar-free molasses and that regular monitoring is being conducted to prevent adulteration. Locals said trading at the Sarojganj date molasses market will continue in full swing until Chaitra, promising yet another successful winter season for this historic marketplace that remains a symbol of Chuadanga’s rich agrarian heritage.

Conservation dredging by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has significantly improved navigability of key waterways in Tahirpur upazila, reviving trade, easing transportation and creating fresh employment opportunities in the region. As dredging has restored water flow in the Patlai, Baulai and Rakti rivers, cargo vessels carrying coal and stones are once again operating smoothly, particularly along the Takerghat–Mokshedpur route. The development has brought long-awaited relief to traders, workers and local residents dependent on river-based trade. For years, the three rivers would almost dry up during the dry season, crippling operations at the Barachhara, Charagaon and Bagli customs stations. Read more: Shipping Ministry forms committee over alleged BIWTA bribery Importers of coal and stone suffered heavy losses as goods transport stalled and thousands of workers were left without regular employment. To address the crisis, BIWTA has been carrying out conservation dredging over the past two to three years using cutter suction dredgers. As a result, navigability has improved markedly in the current fiscal year, allowing vessels to transport larger volumes of goods without disruption. In Takerghat area, the Patlai River, which once dried up completely during the dry season—forcing people and livestock to cross on foot—now supports the movement of both small and large vessels. Md Khasrul Alam, president of the Barachhara Coal Importers Group and former chairman of Sreepur Uttar Union Parishad, said the dredging had doubled business activities over the last two years. “If capital dredging is undertaken in the future, trade will increase manifold,” he said. Read more: Dawn upon Rangamati: Govt steps in to protect rivers and people BIWTA officials said dredged soil is being distributed free of cost for public welfare projects with due approval. The soil has been used to fill low-lying areas of government schools, colleges, mosques, madrasas, graveyards and rural roads across several unions, contributing to local development.