The government has initiated measures to cut operating expenditures in the coming years, aiming to curb the rising trend witnessed in recent years due to various global and domestic challenges. The operating expenditures are projected to account for 58.7% of public expenditure in the 2025-26 fiscal year and 58.4% in 2026-27, according to an official document from the Ministry of Finance. The government has targeted operating expenditures at 59% of total public expenditure for the current fiscal year. Operating expenditures include wages, salaries paid to the government employees, purchase of goods and services, subsidy and transfer payments, interest paid for domestic and foreign loans and expenditures on 'food account operation'. According to the document, operating expenditures increased from 55.6% in FY19 to a peak of 62.6% in FY23, driven by the twin crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war which required significant government spending. Key drivers of increased spending Interest payments have risen steadily, reflecting growing debt servicing obligations. Subsidies and transfer payments have also expanded from 2.9% of public expenditure in FY19 to an estimated 4% in FY24, emphasising social welfare and economic stabilisation measures, said the document. The operating expenditure, spanning from FY19 to FY23, maintained an average of 7.6 percent of GDP. Read: Govt expenditure reduced by Tk 47,367 crore in revised budget of FY2023-24 With the revised budget for FY24, this figure has surged to 8.6 percent. This marginal leap arises from the increase in domestic interest rates and the volatility of exchange rates in the global economy, which together elevate interest payment expenses. Despite these challenges, the government anticipates stabilizing operating expenditure at 8.3% of GDP in the medium term, driven by strategic adjustments and fiscal discipline. The food subsidy has increased by 14.1 % in FY24 compared to the previous FY23, which also contributes to this escalation. Managing Salaries and Goods Expenditures The share of salaries and allowances as a percentage of GDP decreased from 1.8% in FY19 to 1.4% in FY23, not due to salary cuts but reflecting broader economic growth. The share of expenditures on pays and allowances is projected to be 1.5 percent of the GDP by FY25, still lower than the 1.8 percent of FY19. The government is committed to optimising expenditure on pay and allowances while also ensuring efficient public service delivery, the document stated. While the proportion of expenditures on salaries and allowances compared to the GDP has decreased from 1.8 percent in FY19 to 1.4 percent in FY23, this change is not due to a reduction in salary amounts. Read more: CSOs demand public expenditure review commission The share of expenditures on pays and allowances is projected to be 1.5 percent of the GDP by FY25, still lower than the 1.8 percent of FY19, reflecting a broader economic development rather than cuts in salaries. The reallocation of resources to more pressing areas during the COVID-19 years and the austerity measures adopted since 2022 caused the expenditure on goods and services to fall from 7.3 percent in total expenditure in FY19 to 5.9 percent in FY23. The revised estimates of FY24 show that expenditures on goods and services in FY24 were 6.1 percent of total expenditures. The Finance Division has projected that expenditure on goods and services will remain around 6 percent in the medium-term. Rationalising Subsidies and Strengthening Social Support The government is pursuing a strategic approach to rationalise subsidy allocations, prioritizing livelihood support programs for vulnerable populations. Subsidies for agriculture, energy, and power sectors remain a focus amid rising essential costs. Energy subsidies are set for a gradual reduction, supported by systematic price adjustments and the implementation of formula-based fuel pricing mechanisms. However, lingering subsidy arrears from previous fiscal years will require ongoing attention. Promoting growth and sustainability To drive economic growth, the government plans to provide fiscal incentives for export diversification, remittance growth, agricultural development, and the adoption of green technologies in the RMG sector. Emphasis is also given on hybrid technologies, electric vehicles, and ICT service exports. Special attention will continue to be given to agriculture and exports, which are regarded as the backbone of the country’s economy, said the document.

Since the student-led July-August Uprising, large-scale open-air concerts in Dhaka have been put on hold until Friday night’s much-anticipated concert “Magical Night 2.0” at the Army Stadium featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam. While the musical experience was enthralling for fans and admirers of the beloved singer, who was accompanied from his motherland by fellow young and popular Abdul Hannan, Bangladesh's own heartthrob Tahsan, the Kaaktaal band, and Bangladeshi EDM and DJ duo Aperuss, the overall experience of audiences and other stakeholders did not match. The main act of the concert began with the young Bangladeshi band Kaaktaal’s performance, who amped up the gradually increasing crowd with their songs like “Rokto Gorom Matha Thanda” and more. Abdul Hannan took the stage at around 7 pm, greeting the crowd by saying, "I am so overwhelmed with your response. This crowd is my biggest crowd so far." Atif Aslam’s Dhaka concert organizers address ticketing concerns, confirm venue Besides his regular songs such as “Iraaday,” he performed Harry Style's "As it was" and his recent collaboration with popular Pakistani band Kaavish at this year's Coke Studio Pakistan, titled "O Yaara."

The stock market experienced a week of mixed reactions, with the benchmark index ending flat by the week’s close. The volatility dominated the market as sellers retained their control, while cautious investors held back, preferring to watch the market’s trends and conserve cash, awaiting more attractive investment opportunities following recent corrections. Despite this, the market saw a modest recovery driven by positive sentiment sparked by reports of the central bank’s approval of anticipated Tk3,000 crore sovereign-guaranteed loans to the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB). Dhaka Stock Exchange sees positive momentum in early Thursday trading But, the recovery was short-lived as profit-taking by wary investors erased most of the gains by the final session, amid waning market momentum. The DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), dipped by 5 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 5,193 points. Investor participation also shrank, falling by 18.1 percent to Tk381.3 crore as ongoing economic uncertainties, political tensions, and social unrest made market participants more cautious, leading many to remain on the sidelines. The Bank sector saw the highest investor activity, accounting for 18 percent of the total turnover, followed by the Pharma sector at 12.3 percent and the Food sector at 10.7 percent. Most sectors ended the week in positive territory, with the IT sector gaining 3.8 percent as the top performer. On the other hand, the Life Insurance sector was the biggest loser, dropping by 0.9 percent. Stock market sees upward trend in early trading The capital market saw a slight upward movement, with the DSEX climbing 4.3 points, or 0.15 percent, to reach 5,193 points. Average daily turnover stood at Tk281.7 crore, representing an 18.14 percent decrease in market participation compared to the previous week. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's economy continues to navigate a complex landscape. Efforts to stabilise essential goods markets are ongoing, with a notable 5 percent drop in onion prices attributed to increased imports. The tourism sector, particularly in Cox’s Bazar, is enjoying a resurgence, boosted by the winter vacation period. In the industrial sector, businesses are dealing with inflationary pressures, higher energy costs, and rising storage expenses. The central bank has been actively addressing liquidity concerns, offering credit limit extensions and collateral-free loans. Despite these efforts, worries persist about the rising level of non-performing loans and high inflation. Mixed trend at Dhaka Stock Exchange amid reduced turnover Chattogram's fourth-largest bank has secured a significant loan to mitigate liquidity issues caused by irregularities. While the economy shows signs of growth, macroeconomic indicators reflect both opportunities and challenges, including rising wages and continued digitalisation efforts. Bangladesh is also focusing on reforms to attract foreign direct investment, aiming to streamline permit procedures and improve its institutional framework. International cooperation, such as with Norway, highlights the importance of global partnerships in supporting development efforts. But, structural vulnerabilities remain, with fiscal constraints and the need for a transition to renewable energy posing long-term challenges. Mixed performance in Dhaka Stock Exchange: DSEX gains 5.65 points in early trading Amid these economic developments, domestic gold prices have fallen, reflecting declines in the international market, while the price of white sugar has increased due to import dependency.

Despite an ample supply of winter vegetables, their prices are soaring day by day, making it difficult for low- to middle-income people to have them on their plates. As November comes to an end and December approaches, winter vegetables have started arriving in Khulna's markets. Within a month, the prices of vegetables and other essential items have spiralled out of control. People can hardly purchase any vegetables below Tk 70 per kilogramme. Even after reducing the tariffs on onions and potatoes, there has been no noticeable impact on Khulna’s market prices. Despite the drive by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, the prices remain beyond control, leaving low-income buyers struggling. The sharp rise in prices has created a crisis for people from lower- and middle-income groups. During a recent visit to different kitchen markets in Khulna city on Wednesday and Thursday, new potatoes were being sold at Tk 100, while old potatoes were being sold at Tk 75. Local variety onions were being sold at Tk 130, while Indian onions were priced at Tk 100 per kilogramme. Rice prices to come down with new Aman rice in market, hopes Food Adviser

The government’s initiative to stop the use of illegal polythene bags is not achieving significant success due to the lack of available and affordable alternative shopping bags. No visible impact of the government’s drives against polythene bags is seen in different kitchen markets, grocery shops and vendors, despite one month having elapsed since the ban was enforced on November 1 last. Environmental activists, ordinary people and shop owners said the government should focus on developing suitable and affordable alternatives alongside stopping the production of polythene bags and imposing barriers on the import of polythene raw materials. “The decision to stop the use of polythene bags is the right step. But it would be tough to stop it without giving the people effective alternatives, no matter how much pressure is exerted,” said Dr Lelin Chowdhury, Executive President of Poribesh Bachao Andolan (Poba). Noting that jute bags have bright potential as alternatives to polythene bags, he suggested the government make jute bags cheap and available. If needed, the government should provide subsidies to make jute bags competitive as they are bio-friendly and environment-friendly. 15 MT polythene bags seized in Sylhet, shops fined Tk 1.1 lakh Regarding the government’s earlier abortive effort to stop the use of polythene in the early 2000s, the environmental activist said the achievement could not be upheld as the then government failed to provide an effective alternative following the ban on polythene at that time. He said it is not an easy task to change the long-standing habit of using polythene bags. “We’ll have to give people effective alternatives to polythene bags; otherwise, this initiative would not be a complete success this time as well,” said Lenin Chowdhury. Govt taking action against illegal polythene producers: Environment Minister Environmental activist Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said when polythene bags were first banned in 2002, the people refrained from using them for some days, fearing punishment. However, they started using polythene again due to the lack of suitable alternative bags. “This time, there is focus only on the enforcement of the ban on polythene bags. No step is noticed regarding manufacturing alternatives,” he said. Dr Majumder, the Chairman of the Department of Environmental Science at Stamford University Bangladesh, said polythene bags are manufactured in some 1,000 small factories in Dhaka and outside Dhaka. So, the government needs to pay more attention to shutting down the factories and creating barriers to the import of its raw materials, he said. Over 2500 raids carried out against production and use of banned polythene: Saber The strict enforcement of laws, creating public awareness, stopping the manufacturing of polythene bags, and developing cheap alternative bags should be done simultaneously, said Dr Majumder, who is also the Founder Director of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) at the university. Moin Uddin, a resident of West Shewrapara in the capital, was seen using four polythene bags to carry vegetables and grocery items while returning from the kitchen market in West Shewrapara on Wednesday.  

An Australian-led international study has revealed that over 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year are linked to air pollution stemming from landscape fires, underscoring the grave health risks associated with such environmental events. The research, conducted by Monash University in Melbourne and published on Thursday, found that an average of 1.53 million deaths annually between 2000 and 2019 were attributable to the harmful air pollution caused by these fires. A striking 90 per cent of the fatalities occurred in low and middle-income nations, with sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Asia bearing the brunt of the impact. Health Risks and Regional Disparities Of the annual deaths, 450,000 were linked to cardiovascular disease, while 220,000 were due to respiratory illnesses. Fine particulate matter from landscape fires accounted for 77.6 per cent of the fatalities, while surface ozone contributed the remaining 22.4 per cent. The research highlighted stark regional inequalities, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the highest rates of mortality linked to landscape fire-sourced air pollution. Read:New Delhi shuts schools, bans construction as air pollution reaches worst levels "As wildfires become increasingly frequent and severe due to a warming climate, urgent action is needed to address the substantial health impacts and environmental injustices tied to climate-related mortality," the authors stated. Call for Global Support The study advocates for high-income nations to provide financial and technological assistance to help vulnerable developing countries mitigate the health impacts of air pollution from landscape fires. It also stresses the need to address socioeconomic disparities in mortality rates. By providing targeted support, the authors argue, wealthier nations can help reduce the disproportionate burden faced by poorer regions, ultimately contributing to a more equitable approach to combating climate-related health crises. This comprehensive study involved contributions from researchers across the globe, making it a significant step towards understanding and addressing the human cost of air pollution caused by landscape fires. Source: With inputs from agencies

Once the indigenous varieties of paddy were cultivated on a large scale in haor areas in Sunamganj. But with the passage of time the native paddies have almost disappeared thanks to the arrival of high-yielding hybrid varieties. Local farmers and others involved with agriculture blamed the growing dominance of multinational companies and hybrid paddy cultivation. Just two decades ago, the haors such as Shani, Matian, Mahalir and Bordi Gurmas in Tahirpur upazila of the district had been thriving with various native varieties of Boro paddy, grown to shield against floods. Indigenous Boro paddy was easy to cultivate with no fertilizers or pesticides. These varieties were resilient to climatic changes, surviving excessive rainfall or drought with minimal impact and even didn’t need irrigation. However, in recent years, the rise of hybrid paddy and the aggressive dominance by multinational companies are pushing the traditional varieties out of the fields. In search of higher yields, farmers are shifting to hybrid paddy as the government is encouraging hybrid paddy cultivation to ensure food security and self-sufficiency. Despite this shift, Tahirpur Upazila Agriculture Office continues to advise farmers to preserve seeds of local paddy varieties alongside high-yield hybrids. Among the native varieties that have already disappeared from the haor region are Rata, Gachi Shail, Najishail, Lakai, Pani Shail, Bor, Tepy, Rangila Tepy, Rajashail, Begun Bichi, and Boro Zira. These varieties, once used to prepare delicious dishes for guests, were not only known for their taste but also their nutritional value. Read: Govt to procure 51,973 MT paddy from Khulna amid bumper harvest Local agriculture officials said that the low yield of indigenous paddy has caused farmers to lose interest in cultivating. Now varieties like BRRI Dhan-28, BRRI Dhan-29, BRRI-1203, and Shakti are now the dominant crops in the haors. In Shani Haor of the upazila, farmer Jasim Uddin said that cultivating indigenous paddy used to be cheaper and during harvest time, the village was filled with traditional snacks like pithas (rice cakes), payesh (rice pudding), chira (flattened rice), khoi (puffed rice), and muri (puffed rice). These celebrations have now disappeared. He also said that indigenous paddy cultivation did not require excessive use of fertilizers or pesticides. Echoing Jasim, another famer Satyar Ray said that they didn’t need to buy paddy seeds from the market in the past. They would simply store some of their harvest to use as seeds for the following year. However, now they must purchase expensive seeds every year, and they also need to apply large amounts of pesticides, fertilizers, and water to achieve satisfactory yields, he recalled. Asaduzzaman, plant conservation officer at Tahirpur Upazila Agriculture Office, shared that farmers are opting for high-yielding paddy varieties to get more benefits. Read more: Bumper Aman paddy yield brings joy to farmers in Chapainawabganj He said that during various training sessions organised by the agriculture office, they encourage farmers to preserve indigenous paddy seeds along with hybrid varieties. Despite the lower yield, indigenous paddy is sold at a higher price in the market, he observed.

A significant portion of Bangladesh’s population believes the caretaker government is providing better security for religious and ethnic minorities compared to the previous Awami League government, reveals a recent survey by Voice of America (VOA). The survey, conducted in late October, found that 64.1% of respondents think the caretaker government is offering greater protection to minorities than the previous administration. In contrast, 15.3% believe the situation has worsened, while 17.9% feel it remains unchanged. It, however, says that the perceptions of security vary between Muslims and non-Muslims. The poll included 1,000 respondents selected to reflect Bangladesh’s demographics. The sample was evenly split between men and women, with 92.7% identifying as Muslim. Slightly over half of the respondents were under the age of 34, and about a quarter resided in urban areas. Initial Turmoil After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, religious minorities, particularly Hindus, faced a wave of violence, including attacks on homes, businesses, and places of worship. "Attacks were motivated both by political affiliations and simply for being a minority," said Nur Khan Liton, a human rights activist. He noted incidents such as arson attacks on Ahmadiyya communities in Panchagarh. Highlighting the longstanding vulnerability of minorities in Bangladesh, Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, criticised successive governments for failing to protect minority rights. “The indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are deliberately marginalised, and authorities have deprived them of their rights. Hindus and Ahmadiyyas remain targets of extremist groups,” Ganguly said in an interview with VOA. However, under the caretaker government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, significant efforts have been made to stabilise the situation. Civil society, religious institutions, and security forces came together to protect places of worship. "Within a month, we observed notable improvements due to collaborative efforts from the public, political parties, and religious groups," said Nur Khan, now a member of the newly established Commission on Enforced Disappearances. Differences in Perception The survey revealed a divide in perceptions of safety between Muslims and minorities. Among Muslim respondents, only 13.9% felt the situation had worsened under the caretaker government. However, 33.9% of minority respondents believed their security had declined. Jayati Sarker, a Dhaka resident and NGO worker, expressed mixed feelings. While she previously felt safe returning home late at night, she now fears venturing out even earlier in the evening. "In the past, I didn’t hesitate to return home with my daughter at 11 p.m. Now, even at 8 p.m., I feel unsafe," she said. Despite these concerns, some respondents acknowledged a sense of relief due to the absence of certain political elements. "For 15 years, Awami League activists acquired Hindu-owned land at low prices or forced sales. Now, they are gone, creating a sense of relief," Sarker added. Read: 60.4 % think freedom of expression improved under interim govt: VOA survey  Hiren Pandit, a programme coordinator in Dhaka, noted improved security in rural areas due to increased military deployment but remained cautious about the future. "Our village homes were burned down, and we still live with insecurity," Pandit said. International Concern The post-transition violence against minorities in Bangladesh has drawn international attention. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has consistently voiced its concerns, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed minority rights with Dr Yunus during their September 26 meeting in New York. Donald Trump, the newly elected US President, condemned the violence in an October 31 post on social media platforms X and Truth Social. “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh,” Trump wrote. Future Prospects In an address marking the caretaker government’s 100 days, Dr Yunus attributed the violence to political motivations rather than religious tensions. “Some incidents were given a religious guise to destabilise the country further,” he said. Read more: VOA Survey on Bangladesh: 61.1% want elections soon, 65.9% prefer reforms first Human rights activist Nur Khan sees encouraging signs but emphasised the need for consistent actions over the coming months to rebuild trust within minority communities. "The sense of unease is reducing, but whether minorities can feel fully secure depends on the government’s initiatives in the next six to nine months," Khan said.

Bangladesh’s export sector is showing signs of steady recovery, overcoming disruptions caused by the political turmoil in July and August that led to the ouster  of the Awami League government. According to data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), export earnings in October surged by approximately 19 per cent compared to the same period last year. Goods worth $15.88 billion were exported in the first four months of the current 2024-25 fiscal year, marking an increase of about 11 per cent compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. In October alone, Bangladesh exported goods valued at $4.13 billion—$650 million or 18.68 per cent more than the corresponding month last year. During July, August and September, the country’s export earnings stood at $3.82 billion, $4.07 billion and $3.86 billion respectively. Bangladesh Bank data indicates that export earnings for the first three months of the current fiscal year amounted to $11.66 billion, a 7.62 per cent increase from last year’s $10.83 billion. Export earnings during the July-August period were $7.85 billion. Knitwear exports during the July-September period amounted to $5.35 billion, an 8.25 per cent increase from the $4.94 billion recorded in the same period last year. Woven garment exports rose by 7.33 per cent to $4.16 billion compared to $3.88 billion in the previous year. NBR plans online tax reforms to simplify process for taxpayers Exporters attributed the recent rebound to delayed shipments of orders that had been stuck due to labour unrest, the quota reform movement, and student uprisings during July-September. Many of these pending orders were shipped last month, several exporters told UNB.  They added that the seasonal demand for winter and Christmas-related products also contributed to the rise in exports, which increased in both value and quantity. A senior official of the Newage Group confirmed that their factories are operating at full capacity. “We are booked until June 2025, and hopefully other factories are performing similarly,” he said, emphasising that securing work orders depends on reputation, quality, and compliance standards. An official document suggests that Bangladesh may witness further growth in export volumes, driven by shifts in global trade dynamics. The World Trade Organization (WTO) forecasts that despite a contraction in global trade in 2023, merchandise trade volumes are expected to grow by 2.6 per cent in 2024 and 3.3 per cent in 2025. NBR to gradually rationalise 60 tariff lines by 2026 The recovery is expected as inflation subsides, encouraging consumers to purchase more goods. Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) are projected to experience faster export growth than advanced economies.  The Eurozone, which suffered a significant contraction in 2023, is predicted to recover gradually with export growth of approximately 3 per cent from 2025 onwards. Bangladesh’s export growth, which slowed from 8.79 per cent in 2023 to an estimated 3.93 per cent in 2024, is expected to rebound, reaching 8.83 per cent by 2027. China’s export growth is forecast to remain moderate, ranging between 1.8 per cent in 2025 and 2.85 per cent in 2026, while India’s exports are projected to recover strongly from a contraction of -2.76 per cent in 2023 to approximately 4 per cent in 2025. In contrast, the UK is expected to see subdued export growth, with contractions in 2023 and 2024, followed by modest growth rates below 2 per cent until 2027.  Meanwhile, the US is projected to maintain a stable export growth rate of around 3 per cent throughout 2024-27. As exports recover, Bangladesh’s imports are also expected to rebound in the medium term. According to the IMF, Bangladesh’s import volume growth is projected to recover sharply from a contraction in 2023 to moderate growth of 4.1 per cent in 2024 and robust growth of approximately 18 per cent in 2025. 10.50 lakh complete registration for online tax payment so far: NBR However, country-specific dynamics reveal varied trajectories. For instance, China’s import growth is expected to decline to 3.4 per cent in 2024 and 0.9 per cent in 2025.  Meanwhile, India’s import growth is forecast to accelerate from 4.8 per cent in 2024 to 6.6 per cent in 2025 and beyond. Import growth in advanced economies such as the UK and the US is expected to remain low, with the UK even projected to experience negative growth in 2025.

Despite government initiatives to regulate vehicles, unfit and unregistered vehicles continue to dominate the streets of Dhaka, raisning road safety concerns and  the risk of accidents. Officials said authorities have the capacity to act only against registered vehicles that lack fitness clearance. But, thousands of unregistered vehicles, operating without undergoing mandatory fitness tests, remain unchecked, contributing to traffic casualties and chaos. A visit to various routes by a UNB correspondent and conversations with traffic policesde this troubling scenario clear.  Law enforcement officials admitted their helplessness in addressing the issue, as many commercially operated vehicles bypass the required fitness procedures. “Filing cases alone is not solving the problem,” traffic police officers remarked, adding that vehicle owners and operators often exploit loopholes to continue their operations. In a bid to curb the menace, the Police Headquarters issued a directive on April 29, instructing all field-level units not to allow unfit vehicles on the roads. But, the ground reality tells a different story. Government data reveals that as of April 15 this year, some 6.17 lakh vehicles failed to undergo the mandatory fitness tests. DU students protest killing of lawyer by Hindu fanatics, call to ban Abdur Rahim, a regular passenger of a bus named 'Lovely' that operates between the Signboard and Aminbazar areas, said, “The operators don’t care about fitness because they believe it can be managed anyway.” Mohammad Hridoy, a private car driver, explained that while fitness certificates must be renewed annually, owners often delegate the task to third parties due to the perceived hassle. Jamiruddin, a driver, candidly said that they manage to circumvent fitness regulations on the road. A duty sergeant, requesting anonymity, admitted that compromises are sometimes made to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles. “It’s common knowledge how the transport sector operates,” he said. Khondaker Nazmul Hassan, Additional Commissioner of DMP Traffic, emphasised  their commitment to ensuring vehicle fitness. “In the last three months, we have filed 23,000 cases for the absence of fitness certificates. Commercially operated vehicles are more likely to lack fitness compared to private cars,” he said. He added that the authorities are actively controlling the situation through regular checks and impounding unfit vehicles. “We have impounded more vehicles than our capacity, especially those over 20 years old. Some vehicles were returned to their owners after due process, but they must comply with fitness requirements before operating again,” he said. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) mandates annual fitness checks and certificate renewals for all vehicles. Operating without a valid fitness certificate is a punishable offence that may result in fines and imprisonment. Country's longest railway bridge to open over Jamuna in Sirajganj Stakeholders, however, have raised concerns about BRTA's capacity to address the issue effectively, citing manpower shortages.  Bus operators said that 75 companies run 3,974 buses in Dhaka, while 120 operators oversee more than 5,000 buses nationwide. A private car owner with a vehicle between 1501cc and 2000cc must now pay Tk 50,000 as Advance Income Tax (AIT), up from the previous Tk 30,000, in addition to the costs of obtaining fitness clearance. Dhaka breathes ‘very unhealthy’ air Monday morning The consequences of unfit vehicles are dire, as the rate of road accidents continues to climb. BRTA statistics reveal 4,153 deaths from 4,494 crashes nationwide between January and September this year, compared to 4,016 deaths from 3,727 crashes during the same period last year. The Road Safety Foundation reported 5,598 fatalities in 5,485 crashes, while Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity recorded 4,745 deaths in 4,620 crashes during the same timeframe. With increasing casualties and declining fitness compliance, experts and officials agree that addressing this crisis requires stronger enforcement, greater resources for BRTA and accountability across the transport sector.