Manikganj's Shibalaya upazila is witnessing rampant illegal sand extraction using dredgers on the Alokdia Char of the Jamuna River, severely affecting homes, farmland, and public infrastructure. Four dredgers and two shallow machines are reportedly extracting sand, causing extensive riverbank erosion that has already displaced several families. Villagers claim the erosion has engulfed farmland, homes, and even a mosque, with two primary schools and the Mujib Fort, a government structure built at a cost of Tk 3 crore, at risk. Residents have filed written complaints to the district administration and the Ministry of Shipping, demanding an immediate halt to the illegal activities. During a visit to the area, six sand-extraction machines and multiple bulkheads were found operating about three kilometers away from the government-leased sand field in South Teota. These machines extract sand near the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh's (PGCB) electricity poles, endangering critical infrastructure and exacerbating river erosion. Bean cultivation transforms farmers' fortunes as it gains momentum in Lalmonirhat

The country risks plunging into an economic crisis in the coming days if the government fails to accelerate public and private investments within the shortest possible time, analysts have warned. According to Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, private investment remains stagnant in the country. “At present the stagnant situation of private investment is going on, this is due to instability and political insecurity and indiscipline,” he said recently during a briefing on ECNEC meeting. According to sources in the Planning and Finance Ministry, the country is now facing challenging times in sustaining production in the private sector. Already RMG and other factories in the private sector have faced serious instability and disruption of production due to various types of movement including labour movement. “There is no interest at all (from the private investors) in investment in the private sector,” the planning adviser had told the briefing. Meanwhile, the accelerating interest rate on bank lending caused another trouble for the economy as this acceleration put barriers for the private investors to take loans from the banks. “As a result, the investors are not showing interest in going for new investments,” Wahiduddin said. Bangladesh Bank on October 22 hiked the policy or repo rate further by 50 basis points to 10 percent in its efforts to rein in inflation, which has been stubbornly high for the last two years. Banks borrow from the central bank at the repo rate. The latest hike comes in less than a month after the BB increased the repo rate to 9.50 percent from the previous 9 percent. The general point-to-point inflation rate in Bangladesh rose in November reaching 11.38 percent, up from 10.87 percent in October 2024. This rate is the highest in the last four months. According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the increase was driven by a rise in food inflation, which jumped to 13.80 percent from 12.66 percent. Meanwhile, non-food inflation showed a slight rise of 9.39 percent from 9.34 percent in November. The general point-to-point inflation rate both in urban and rural areas also increased last month. The point-to-point inflation in rural areas in November was 11.53 percent which was 11.26 percent in October. The food inflation in the rural areas was 13.41 percent in November from 12.75 percent in October while the non-food item was 9.72 percent in November from 9.72 percent in October. On the other hand, the point-to-point inflation rate in urban areas in November was 11.37 percent which was 10.44 percent in October. The food inflation in November was 14.63 percent which was 12.53 percent in October while the non-food item in November was 9.31 percent which was 9.06 in October.   The wage rate index in November was 8.10 percent which was 8.07 percent in October 2024. On the other hand, the review meeting of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) monetary policy committee (MPC) has decided not to increase the policy interest rate for the time being. The committee acknowledged that although inflation remains elevated, the monetary policy stance is on the right track and there is no immediate need to raise the policy rate further. The MPC assessed the current macroeconomic situation, challenges, and outlook from domestic and global perspectives. Moreover, the MPC focused on reviewing the current inflation trend and outlook, economic activities and growth prospects, recent financial market developments, and developments in the external sector. Specifically, the MPC extensively reviewed the overall banking sector's liquidity situation, particularly the cash flow shortage of some conventional as well as Islamic banks, interest rate trends, the foreign exchange reserve position, and exchange rate developments. Read: Investment in education must be increased to overhaul the system: Dr Salimullah Khan The committee anticipates that inflation will likely decrease due to the downward trend in the global price outlook, moderation in geopolitical tensions, the stability in our exchange rate, the expected good harvest of Aman paddy, and the increasing supply of winter season vegetables. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has fixed the maximum interest rate on credit cards at 25 percent from 20 percent after banks insisted the central bank raise the rate to recover operation costs. According to the BB, banks will be able to charge a maximum interest of 25 percent from credit card customers. So far, the maximum interest limit was 20 percent. The planning ministry officials apprehended that as the private investment is remaining stalled and public investment is experiencing lowest ever, the economy of the country might go through a tough time in the coming days, “If the public expenditure does not improve also then there would be an economic recession in the country,” the planning adviser had said in the briefing. During the first four months of the current fiscal year, from July to October, the ADP implementation rate stood at only around 8%, the lowest figure in recent years, according to the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) of the Planning Ministry. Read more: Foreign Adviser calls for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh Its data highlights that, in contrast, the same period last year saw an execution rate of 11.54%.  Specifically, for the period from July to October of the current fiscal year, the government managed to implement development projects worth Tk 21,978 crore, according to the IMED. Finance Ministry sources said that as the stagnant situation is on and the inflation is increasing, employment generation will suffer whether the economy does not see any expansion in the coming days. They mentioned that middle income group and lower middle income group are experiencing the worst of this inflation. The planning commission officials hoped that while stability will come in the economy, the private investors will step forward with their investments.

Bean cultivation is gaining popularity in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, with its high yield and fair market prices offering farmers a pathway to prosperity. Farmers are increasingly dedicating their minimal land and resources to bean farming, often alongside other vegetables, creating vibrant landscapes adorned with colorful blossoms. Favorable weather conditions have contributed to this year’s bumper harvest, sparking optimism among farmers who see clusters of beans as symbols of financial hope. According to local farmers, bean seeds are typically sown in rows of pits enriched with organic fertilizer at the end of the Bengali month of Ashar (June/July). Within two and a half to three months, after careful nurturing with fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides, the beans are ready for harvest and sale. Many farmers in Lalmonirhat have significantly improved their livelihoods through bean farming, which requires minimal capital but yields substantial returns. In addition to cultivating beans for consumption, many farmers grow beans specifically for seeds, which hold considerable market value. Seed companies often collaborate with farmers, providing guidance and purchasing the seeds at fair prices for storage and distribution. Seed-focused farming, while requiring additional care and investment, offers higher profits. Abul Bashar, a farmer from Duhuli village in Kaliganj upazila, said he has no land of his own. He had leased 25 decimals of land for bean cultivation and other vegetables with a promise to share one-third of the produce with the landowner, annually. This year, he brought 25 decimals of land under bean cultivation and spent Tk 13,000. Read: Prices of meat, chicken, green chilli and vegetables still high despite falling demand Every week, he gets 6-8 maunds of beans from the field which will continue for next two months. However, the price of beans will likely drop further with availability of it in the local market, he said. Currently, he managed to sell beans at Tk 35-40 per kg directly from his field. Badal Mia, another farmer, said there is no alternative than cultivating beans for high profits with small land and minimal investment. He spent Tk 15,000 on 30 decimals of land and sold 7 maunds of beans weekly. “I managed to get back the production cost and now focused on occasional spraying and harvesting for sale. Last year, he earned Tk 1 lakh from the same amount of land,” said Badal. He expected high profit from his land following the good price of beans at the local markets. Asadullah, another bean farmer, said he earned Tk 60,000 by selling beans last year and the price of beans is higher due to its demand. He claims that bean cultivation is unmatched for higher profits on small land. Samad Mia, a farmer from Sonarhat in Kaliganj upazila, said he decided to quit farming as he did not get profit from his rice cultivation on highlands. Following a relative’s suggestion, he experimentally cultivated beans on 10 decimals of land two years ago and earned significant profits. Since then, his interest in bean cultivation has grown. “This year, I have brought 40 decimals of land under bean cultivation and earned Tk 30,000. If weather and market conditions remain favorable, he expects to earn Tk 1 lakh," said Samad. With earnings from bean cultivation, Samad supports his family, funds his children's education, and leases more land annually, overcoming financial hardships. Inspired by his success, many farmers in his village have also started commercial bean cultivation. Rabiul Islam, an assistant agricultural officer in Cholbola union, said, "We’ve advised farmers on winter bean cultivation and they are set to gain substantial profits this season." Read more: Urban Agriculture: Top 10 Monsoon Vegetables to Grow in Bangladesh Tushar Kanti, agriculture officer in Kaliganj upazila, said beans are a protein-rich vegetable with significant demand in the country. "Favorable weather conditions this season have led to a bumper yield, ensuring good profits for bean farmers," he added.

Strengthening its position in favour of holding a fair national election by 2025, BNP has conveyed a strong message to its alliance partners that they and the people of the country will not accept any conspiracy to manipulate the polls by forming a ‘puppet’ political party. The party communicated its message through three separate meetings on Saturday with the 12-Party Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote, and the Labour Party at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, securing their full support for its position. Talking to UNB, senior leaders of BNP and its allied parties expressed doubts about the interim government’s intentions following the Chief Adviser’s sudden announcement of an unclear election roadmap on December 16, without prior consultation with political parties amid efforts to form a new political party, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, which seems to be backed by the state and supported by certain advisers. They also suspected that the government is deliberately avoiding a clear election timeline only to delay the polls under the pretext of reforms, with the primary aim of giving student leaders—who led the Anti-Discrimination Movement in July-August—time and space to organise their new party for the election. The top political leaders also said two student leaders, inducted into the advisory council, are unethically supporting other student leaders in forming the new party. They also claimed that other leaders from the Anti-Discrimination Movement, including Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, are getting state backing for their efforts to form the party. They feared that if the new party was formed with state backing, it could attempt to manipulate the upcoming election with the government's support, potentially triggering a fresh crisis in the country amid various plots against the nation. The political leaders, however, said they do not want to create any distance with the government at this stage. Instead, they plan to persuade the government to hold the election by September or October next year and to refrain from assisting anyone in forming new parties. Contacted by UNB, Jatiyatabadi Samamona Jote Chief Fariduzzaman Farhad said during the meeting with BNP leaders, various issues were discussed, with a particular focus on the election and the students' efforts to form a political party with state patronage. Interim govt-backed party can’t mislead people: Dr Zahid He said two advisers to the interim government are directly involved in the formation of the new party, which is unethical. “If they wish to form a party, they should resign first. We’re not against students forming a party, but it should be done independently, without any support from the government.” Farhad, also the President of the National People’s Party (NPP), expressed concern that if a party is formed with the government's help, it could attempt to influence the election, paving the way for depoliticisation. Shahadat Hossain Selim, coordinator of the 12-Party Alliance, said, “Some activities of the government have caused confusion and resentment among us. We shared these concerns with the BNP leaders. We and the BNP are on the same page regarding holding the election within 2025.” Selim said both BNP and their alliance oppose the formation of any party, including student-led one, using state machinery. “We don’t like the body language demonstrated by the student leaders and their attacks on democratic political parties. We also reject their efforts to form a party with associates, such as the councillors of dissolved city corporations and municipalities. We object to the way they defame senior political leaders like Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir,” he said. Selim, also the president of a faction of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said when a party is formed with state patronage, it is often labelled a puppet or "King’s party." "We’re concerned because such a party never has good intentions.” He said King's parties were formed in the past, including during the Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin regime following the 1/11 political changeover, but the people did not accept them. Selim questioned how advisers of the interim government can be involved in the formation of a political party by breaching their oath. He also claimed that Sarjis and Hasnat were travelling to various parts of the country and using state machinery to establish a new party. "During their visit to the Khulna division, the divisional commissioner attended their programme." Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran said the student leaders are using government officials, such as DCs, SPs, and OCs, to organise various meetings aimed at preparing for the formation of a political party. “The students can form a party, but it should be done independently, without any government backing. If they continue their efforts to launch the party with state support, they will provoke the politicians,” Iran said. BNP’s Nazrul pushes one-point demand, eyes new action programmes He said they will seek a meeting with the Chief Adviser to share their concerns and urge the government not to take any steps that would erode the confidence of political parties and the people. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said, “We have no objection if anyone launches a political party. But we do object if a party is formed under the patronage of the interim government and the state. We also oppose any delay in the election simply to give a party space to organise under the pretext of reforms." He said the people would not accept a puppet party formed with the backing of the interim government. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said if any political party is formed under state patronage, the credibility of the interim government will be lost. “It is acceptable if a new party is formed by others, especially those involved in the anti-discrimination movement, as we move toward democracy. But it should not be a King's party,” he observed. Rizvi said they have heard that councillors from the dissolved city corporations and municipalities would be inducted into the Jatiya Nagorik Committee to help organise the party. "If this happens, it will send a very negative message to the public.”

Traders at the Jatrabari wholesale kitchen market are running business directly on the highway, narrowing a vital thoroughfare and creating significant challenges for pedestrians and vehicles. A visit to the area by the UNB correspondent reveals a chaotic scene where vehicles transporting vegetables frequently load and unload on the road from midnight onwards. Private cars remain parked on much of the highway throughout the day, aggravating the congestion. In the afternoons, a makeshift wholesale kitchen market operates on the road, blatantly violating traffic regulations. Vegetables and fish are sold here, further contributing to disorder and disruption. For the traders, occupying the road seems to have become the norm. “We operate our businesses with proper permissions. Customers appreciate the convenience of finding us on the roadside and enjoy wholesale rates on essential items,” claimed Rahim, a vegetable trader. Circular Waterway Project around Dhaka fades amid neglect, poor planning But these practices have led to severe traffic problems. Wholesalers distribute goods to other parts of the country from this road, causing consistent gridlock. One wholesaler dismissed concerns, advising reporters to focus on other matters and claiming no complaints had been received about their operations. Regular commuters, however, paint a different picture. Abu Bakr, a private job holder who travels through the area daily, described the experience as “hellish,” particularly during the summer. “Police and the administration witness this chaos every day but remain completely indifferent,” he said. Veteran driver Abdul Halim, who has navigated the Dhaka-Comilla route for over two decades, shared his frustration. “Crossing just half a kilometre in the Jatrabari kitchen market area can take more than 30 minutes due to the mismanagement. Both sides of the road are problematic,” he said. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dhaka South City Corporation Mizanur Rahman told UNB that they have taken all measures to hand over the shops to the traders as soon as possible. " We have already discussed the issues in our recent meeting. It will be solved immediately to bring the discipline in the kitchen market," he said. The Jatrabari wholesale kitchen market was one of three such facilities built by Dhaka City Corporation to relocate traders from Karwan Bazar. Completed in 2015, the four-storey market on five bighas of land was designed to accommodate 895 shops. BB drafting separate rules for Islamic banking; ‘bankers divided’ But the facility remains largely unused. Traders operating in open spaces have refused to move into the market, citing difficulties in conducting their business from within the building. The abandoned structure has since become a hotspot for drug addicts. The third and fourth floors lie vacant, and parts of the second floor are being used as a garage for rickshaw vans. In the middle of the building, darkness prevails even during daylight hours. Many shop shutters have been stolen, and some units are filled with waste from the fish market. Dhaka’s two city corporations have officially approved 64 kitchen markets across the capital, but countless unauthorised markets continue to spring up, particularly at major intersections. These illegal establishments are often backed by influential local groups. Traders at such markets argue they pay rent comparable to legal markets but remain silent about who receives these payments. Critics point out that much of Bangladesh’s marketing sphere, including kitchen markets, is controlled by powerful financial syndicates. Even in regulated markets, government-imposed pricing is frequently ignored. Customers’ lack of awareness and indifference often make enforcement ineffective, leaving buyers at the mercy of fluctuating prices.

Unchecked sand mining from the Chela River has resulted in devastating riverbank erosion, posting a grave threat to agricultural lands, educational institutions, markets and forcing many people to shift to other places.   The erosion has already devoured two villages and five more villages in Doarabazar upazila are facing threat. Local people have demanded the authorities’ immediate intervention to halt sand extraction from the river, which flows through Narsingpur union.   Visiting the erosion-hit areas, UNB the correspondent found that 30 families in Sarpinpara village on the northern bank of the Chela River have turned homeless. Farmers in Kishoreganj busy preparing seedbeds for Boro cultivation The victims included families of Azad Mia, Sanur Ali and Monir Hossain whose homes were washed away.   Besides, the river eroded 20 homesteads, a school and a customs office in Purbachairgaon village over the past one year as sand lifting from the river continued. It also devoured 50 homesteads and rural roads in Sonapur, Daulatpur, Rahimerpara and Sarpinpara villages.   Shahjahan, a resident of Purbachairgaon village, said he lost two acres of land and his home to the river in the past two years. Now, he and his family live in a loft on a land. “If sand mining isn’t stopped, no village along the Chela River will survive,” he said.   Azad Mia of Sarpinpara described how sand mining has left families destitute. “We’ve moved our home five times, but all our land is gone. The Chela River is swallowing us whole,” he lamented.   Azad Mia alleged that some unscrupulous people in collusion with local authorities are illegally extracting sand.  Union Parishad member Faiz Uddin of Rahimerpara village accused local influential people of profiting from sand mining at the cost of local lives and livelihoods.   "Even after 52 years of independence, the plight of the riverbank people has been ignored," said Faiz Uddin. He called for an immediate halt to sand mining leases and measures to protect the vulnerable areas.   ‘Bou-Jamai Mela’ celebrates rural tradition in Lalmonirhat Contacted, members of Sylhet Battalion 48 BGB denied allegations of their involvement, claiming that sand miners often evade their watch.   Narsingpur UP Chairman Nur Uddin Ahmed said that the number of people on the riverbanks who have lost their homes is increasing day by day. He warned that continued erosion could erase entire villages from the map.   Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ilias Mia said, "I have just heard that homes are being destroyed due to sand mining from the Chela River. Necessary measures will be taken to protect the area along the riverbanks."

The 112-kilometre Circular Waterway around Dhaka, a project with immense potential linking five rivers and connecting four river ports, is losing its significance due to neglect and ineffective planning by authorities, experts say. The previous government, they said, failed to deliver a fully functional circular waterway despite initial promises. Significant funds were allocated, but the focus remained on mega projects rather than city-centric initiatives like this waterway, according to them. Nationwide canal cleanup campaign on, aims to restore country’s waterways: Adviser Rizwana Urban planners believe the Circular Waterway could have been transformative in easing Dhaka's traffic congestion and revitalising its waterways, but inadequate planning and execution have rendered the project less impactful, undermining its purpose and potential benefits. The implementing authorities claimed that 7,000 out of 10,000 waterways have been made operational. But the Dhaka circular waterway's speed boat service, launched in 2022 with five high-speed vessels on two private routes—Tongi, Abdullahpur-Kodda, and Tongi/Abdullahpur (Gazipur)-Ulukhul (Kaliganj)—has struggled to attract passengers. The first initiative to build circular waterways around the capital and launch water bus services was taken in 2000, with two waterbuses operating on the Ashulia-Sadarghat route in 2004. But these services were suspended shortly after. 72-hour roads, waterways blockade underway in Khagrachhari, Rangamati The route was reopened with two waterbuses in 2010, but efforts to revive it multiple times proved unsuccessful. In the first phase, a 30-kilometre route from Sadarghat to Ashulia was established at Tk 40 crore, while a 40-kilometre Tongi-Rajakhali-Demra-Kanchpur route was built at Tk 54 crore in the second phase. Meanwhile, the Hatirjheel water taxi service, launched in 2016, has gained popularity for both communication and leisure. Sixteen water taxis/buses operate daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, connecting Karwan Bazar, Moghbazar, Eskaton, Bangla Motor, and Tejgaon with Badda, Gulshan, Rampura, and nearby areas. Passengers believe Hatirjheel’s success could pave the way for reopening similar routes across the city, providing an affordable and convenient travel option for Dhaka residents. The previous government initiated a $2 billion project to establish 91 kilometres of inner circular roads by 2030, integrating road and rail communication with the city’s waterways. The Water Development Board plans to develop 24 kilometres of roads, including embankments and elevated routes from Beribadh on the city’s eastern side to the elevated expressway, while the Roads and Highways Department will construct the remaining 67 kilometres. Roads will connect Teromukh to Demra via Dhaur, Gabtali, Sadarghat, Postagola, and Chashara, with the Water Development Board focusing on embankments and elevated roads along Dhaka’s eastern fringe. In 2018, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved an 80-kilometre circular rail track aligned with these roads under a public-private partnership. The project, estimated to cost $8.36 billion following a pre-feasibility study, will include 20 stations. According to sources at the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), progress on the project has been hampered by politically connected local stakeholders occupying river areas. For instance, recovering a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the Tongi Canal in Mausaud Mouza, Uttarkhan, has proven challenging. A lawsuit by a prominent company in the Tongi area has delayed access to a 1-kilometre section of the Turag River. Despite these obstacles, significant progress has been made, with remaining issues being addressed politically as the interim government remains committed to expediting the project. But the declining utility of Dhaka's surrounding rivers is evident. The number of cargo vessels has dropped drastically, and passenger vessels are almost non-existent for short distances. Speaking on November 8 after inspecting World Bank project activities at the Dockyard and Engineering Workshop (DEW) and DEPTC in Narayanganj's Sonakanda, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain highlighted the challenges of clearing seaports, river ports and land ports. He emphasised addressing irregularities and encroachments as a priority. "We are gradually tackling these issues, but change cannot happen overnight. Three months into our efforts, we are still working diligently. Walkways and rivers will soon be free from encroachment." On the same day, a human chain was organised at Sowarighat on the banks of the Buriganga River by Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA) and Buriganga Bachao Andolan. Participants called for immediate measures to curb encroachment and pollution while demanding the launch of a circular waterway around the capital. Mihir Biswas, president of Buriganga Bachao Andolan, criticised the government’s slow implementation of plans despite publicised promises. He urged authorities to prioritise river restoration by redefining boundaries and completing the list of encroachments as per the High Court’s directive. Talking to UNB, Mohammad Azaz, chairman of the River and Delta Research Center (RDRC), stressed the need to reactivate the Dhaka Circular Waterway project. He noted that the interim government’s interest presents an opportune moment to revive environmentally friendly river tourism and ensure effective project implementation. Adil Muhammad Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), attributed the past failures of the project to insufficient vessel availability and inadequate secondary feeder services. Highlighting the success of Hatirjheel’s water taxi service, he underscored the need to complete the 2015 project to protect the banks of Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleshwari, Shitalakshya, and Balu rivers. "An operational waterway will reduce road congestion and lower transportation costs for goods. Quality service will encourage a large number of passengers to opt for affordable river travel," he told UNB.    

The Election Commission (EC), under the stewardship of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, has embarked on preparations for the nation’s 13th parliamentary election, setting the wheels in motion for what it promises to be a festival time in the country's democratic journey. In a decisive move, the EC has instructed its officials to initiate the procurement process for critical election materials. Plans are also underway to fast-track the door-to-door data collection drive, starting in January instead of March, to ensure an updated and robust electoral roll. US welcomes Interim Government’s steps toward election readiness These resolutions emerged from an impromptu meeting of the commission, presided over by the CEC on Thursday. The session delved into key issues, including voter list updates, constituency delimitation and the procurement of election essentials. Streamlined Procurement Timeline With swift execution, the EC feels that its secretariat could secure all necessary materials within six to seven months. Officials emphasised the need for meticulous planning to adhere to the timeline. Early or late? Chief Adviser’s election hint triggers mixed BNP reactions The meeting detailed the inventory required for the election, which includes transparent ballot boxes, indelible ink pens, official and marking seals, stamp pads, chargers, and other essentials. A review of the existing stocks against projected requirements underscored the urgency of the procurement process. Indelible ink, a crucial component, must be imported and typically requires up to 70 days for delivery. But the EC noted that some contractors have expedited the process in the past, raising hopes for an efficient turnaround. Aligning with Election Timeline Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus recently suggested that the 13th general election could be held in late 2025 or early 2026. Will be fully prepared to hold elections as per timeframe : CEC Responding to this, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin instructed EC officials to align preparations with this projected timeline. "We will be fully prepared to hold the election as per the timeframe suggested by the Honourable Chief Adviser," the CEC affirmed, exuding confidence in the EC’s ability to meet the challenge. Accelerating Voter List Updates The EC is also poised to expedite the annual update of the voter list. Traditionally, a draft list is published on January 2, inviting public feedback. Any complaints are resolved before the final list is released on March 2. BNP hopes election to be arranged soon The proposed early start to the data collection campaign reflects the EC's commitment to ensuring an accurate and inclusive voter list. Thursday’s meeting was attended by four election commissioners and senior EC officials, who pledged their collective efforts to ensure smooth preparations for the upcoming national elections.

In a country where public hospitals are often criticised for their inefficiencies, the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital (NIOH) in Dhaka's Agargaon area stands out as an exemplary institution. Despite operating under severe constraints, this government-run eye hospital delivers medical care to approximately 3,500 outpatients daily, a testament to its dedication and resilience. Legacy of Service Established in 1978, the hospital began its journey as the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar 100-bed facility, operating adjacent to the current Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital. Excitement brews at Dhaka University as Ducsu elections loom It was later expanded to its current capacity of 250 beds in 2006 and formally relocated opposite to the Agargaon Pangu Hospital in 2007. Known as the National Eye Hospital, NIOH is the apex institution for ophthalmology in Bangladesh, offering comprehensive eye care services. Growing Patient Base and Insufficient Staffing The hospital’s transition to a 250-bed facility aimed to address the increasing demand for eye care. However, it still operates with the manpower of its former 100-bed capacity. This includes a shortage of 20 doctors and 40 nurses, compounded by vacant positions for professors due to delays in promotions. Key sections of Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in dire need of renovation Despite these challenges, the hospital serves an unprecedented number of outdoor patients, growing from 500–600 daily under the 100-bed configuration to around 3,500 today. “Dhaka Medical College serves a similar number of outpatients with much larger manpower,” remarked Professor Dr Khair Ahmed Choudhury, the hospital’s director. Patient Experiences Patients acknowledge the quality of care but often express frustration over long wait times. Noor Mohammad, a 30-year-old from Pakundia, Kishoreganj, brought his father, Chan Mia, for treatment. Despite his father’s diabetes, complex kidney disease, and glaucoma, Noor was satisfied with the quality of service, stating, “Although the hospital is overcrowded, the quality seems quite good.” Biman's capability in ground handling at ‘Third Terminal’ under scrutiny Similarly, Rana, an employee of the National Assembly, recounted his experience bringing his father, Kamal Uddin, from Gaibandha for eye surgery. Despite being given multiple operation dates, delays forced repeated visits to Dhaka. “The quality of service is good, but getting a serial number for surgery requires a lot of patience,” he said. Challenges in Surgery NIOH boasts thirteen operating theatres, including two emergency theatres. While 60–80 eye surgeries are performed daily, the high patient volume often results in prolonged wait times. Professor Dr Khair highlighted the need for expansion to meet demand. “If the hospital building could be extended vertically to 10 floors, it could accommodate 500 beds. The current structure already has a 10-storey foundation,” he noted. Healthcare Sector in Bangladesh The challenges faced by NIOH reflect broader issues in Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Despite rapid growth in medical equipment and devices, with a projected market size of USD 820 million by 2025, public hospitals remain underfunded and understaffed. Govt floats tender for 12 grid-tied solar plants in private sector The health expenditure as a percentage of GDP stood at 2.36% in 2021, reflecting a modest increase but still far below global standards. The healthcare industry in Bangladesh is dominated by the private sector, with significant growth in tertiary hospitals and diagnostic centres. As of 2019, the Directorate General of Health Services registered 255 public hospitals, 5,054 private hospitals and clinics and 9,529 diagnostic centres. Bangladesh currently ranks 88th in the WHO’s global healthcare quality rankings, outperforming most SAARC countries except Sri Lanka. Road Ahead The National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital exemplifies how resource constraints can be overcome through dedication and strategic planning. But, its ability to sustain this level of service hinges on addressing staffing shortages, infrastructure expansion, and streamlining patient care processes. With proper investment and management, this institution could further solidify its reputation as a beacon of hope in Bangladesh’s healthcare landscape, experts said.

The sale of winter clothes has increased at shops and different markets in Jashore town as cold has tightened its hold in the region for  the last few days. According to the Bangladesh Metrological Department , the temperature in Jashore dropped to 12.6°C on Wednesday, compared to a daytime high of 27.8°C and the same trend continued  from Friday to Tuesday. As the cold becomes more biting, people have been flocking to winter clothes shops. Dhaka 3rd most polluted city in the world this morning Makeshift stalls on Mujib Road, the Zila Parishad’s second-hand clothing market, and the Collectorate market are buzzing with buyers. Mujib Road footpath stalls and the Zila Parishad’s old clothes market saw a significant rush on Friday and Saturday. Shoppers were seen selecting sweaters, hoodies, caps, jackets, trousers and full-sleeve shirts for themselves and their families. Visiting the makeshift shops the UNB correspondent found sweaters priced between Tk 250 and Tk 300, hoodies from Tk 250 to Tk 400, caps and shirts from Tk 150 to Tk 350, jackets from Tk 300 to Tk 700, trousers  from Tk 100 to Tk 300, and full-sleeve shirts ranging from Tk 60 to Tk 100. Arif Hossain, a vendor at Mujib Road footpath , said, “Hoodies, trousers and full-sleeve shirts for children are selling well. The increased cold has boosted sales.” Another vendor, Siam, said they have displayed a variety of items to attract buyers. Harun Gazi, a trader at the Zila Parishad market, said there is high demand for children’s sweaters, jackets, and hoodies but  sale of  clothing for adults remained relatively low. Mild cold wave sweeps Chuadanga, intensifying winter conditions Sayera Khatun, a shopper at the market, said, “It’s getting colder. I came to buy winter clothes for my daughter and got her a sweater and a cap.” Another shopper, Shamsher Ali, shared, “I bought winter clothes for my young grandchildren.” Poppy Khatun and Asma Begum said  prices of new clothes seemed higher than last year although second-hand clothing remained affordable. BMD predicts cooler nights ahead Arman Hossain, another vendor, expects sales to increase further as the cold will intensify in the coming weeks. “With Poush approaching, colder weather is likely, and business will pick up even more. Sales are already better than last year.”