Illegal sand lifting and trading is rapidly expanding in Bangladesh, emerging as a lucrative but highly damaging enterprise due to inadequate administrative oversight and weak regulatory enforcement. Despite its widespread use in both private and government construction projects, the sector largely operates outside the legal framework, with enforcement efforts falling short. Dr Adil Mohammed Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institution of Planners (BIP), told UNB, “The government has to make a massive plan to bring the sand business and sand lifting under control to save the environment, rivers and agricultural land.” Thousands of people are engaged in both legal and illegal sand businesses. Zia Uddin, a sand trader from Keraniganj and owner of Zia Trading, which has been involved in the sand and stone trade for over 25 years, said most traders are not officially registered. “In some cases, local governments and deputy commissioners provide leases to lift sand,” he added. Zia also pointed out the dominance of politically influential individuals in the illegal trade, which is estimated to be worth several thousand crores of taka. “Sand is a crucial resource for construction and infrastructure development in Bangladesh, leading to high demand,” he said. Rising Prices and Growing Market Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reflect the increasing value of sand. In June 2024, the wholesale price in Dhaka stood at Tk 2,800 per 100 cubic feet, with a nationwide average of Tk 2,960. Prices have fluctuated over the years, with the lowest recorded in July 1994 at Tk 425 per 100 cubic feet, and a high of Tk 3,400 in August 2023. Different types of sand fetch different prices. For example, yellow Sylhet sand is more expensive than white sand. DCs asked to stay vigilant about illegal sand extraction from rivers In 2020, white sand in Dhaka’s largest sand market sold for around Tk 1,500 per truck, while yellow sand fetched up to Tk 7,000. Market Scale and Informality Liakat Ali Bhuiyan, Senior Vice-President of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), cited a 2023 study estimating Bangladesh’s annual sand requirement at seven crore tonnes, valued at approximately Tk 35,000 crore. “This represents a sevenfold increase from the estimated market value of Tk 5,000 crore prior to 2010. This market volume is continuously growing,” he said. But, a significant portion of this market remains informal. Estimates suggest that 60–70 per cent of the sand is extracted illegally from rivers, often without environmental or hydrological considerations, making the true scale of the trade difficult to determine. Methods of Illegal Extraction · Illegal sand lifting is prevalent across rivers, canals, wetlands, and even reserve forests. Common methods include: · Dredging: High-capacity, locally made diesel-powered dredgers are used to extract large volumes of sand. · Manual Lifting: Labourers often use small boats to lift sand by hand. · Land Excavation: Sand is also illegally mined by excavating land near rivers or in protected areas, causing severe habitat destruction. These operations are often conducted openly and with impunity, especially where influential individuals are involved. While mobile court raids are occasionally carried out, illegal activities frequently resume soon after. Illegal sand extraction exacerbating riverbank erosion, threatening lives in Manikganj Legal Framework and Enforcement Gaps The key legislation regulating sand extraction in Bangladesh is the Balu Mohal O Mati Bebosthapona Ain (Sand Fields and Soil Management Act), 2010. It includes several important provisions: · Extraction Prohibited in Sensitive Areas: Sand lifting is banned within one kilometre of critical infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, dams, roads, and residential zones. It is also prohibited inside forests without explicit permission from the forest department, as per the Forest Act. · Permit Requirements: Legal extraction requires permits from the relevant authorities. The government may declare certain zones as designated sand quarries. · Environmental Oversight: While the Act considers environmental concerns, it does not mandate environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for all projects, a loophole critics say weakens safeguards. · Penalties: Offenders may face up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Tk 10 lakh. Mobile courts can try these offences. However, the fact that these offences are both bailable and compoundable undermines enforcement, according to activists. Task force conducts operation against illegal sand extraction in Feni river Environmental and Socio-Economic Consequences The environmental impact of illegal sand lifting is both severe and wide-reaching: · Riverbank Erosion: Sand removal destabilises riverbanks, accelerating erosion and displacing communities. · Damage to Infrastructure: Structures such as bridges and embankments face weakening due to undermined foundations. · Habitat Destruction: Riverbeds and sandbars that support biodiversity are damaged, threatening aquatic life and fish production. · Altered River Morphology: Changes in river flow and bed depth increase flood risks and affect groundwater. · Water Quality Degradation: Increased turbidity harms aquatic ecosystems and reduces water usability. · Loss of Agricultural Land: Reduced water tables and soil moisture negatively affect crop yields. · Impact on Forests: Illegal sand mining near forests leads to deforestation and further environmental degradation. Calls for Reform and Stronger Enforcement 26 dredging machines seized for illegal sand extraction from Feni River Although mobile courts and local administrations occasionally seize dredgers and fine violators, enforcement is insufficient to stem the tide of illegal activity. Environmentalists and community activists are calling for amendments to make offences non-bailable, stricter law enforcement, and enhanced transparency in the sand mining sector. The continued growth of illegal sand lifting poses not only an environmental and infrastructural threat but also undermines government revenues and the rule of law.

The cycle of road tragedies and inaction continues in Faridpur for various limitations and excuses. Despite a string of deadly road accidents in the past two years, none of the recommendations made by official investigation committees have been implemented—leaving families devastated and the public demanding accountability. A Pattern of Neglect Between 2023 and 2024, three major accidents occurred in the district, all around the Eid holidays, claiming 29 lives and injuring over 100 people. Each incident prompted the district administration to form investigation committees. But, their suggestions—ranging from improved speed control to vehicle fitness checks—have remained on paper, ignored by the authorities concerned. One such incident took place on 24 June 2023, when an ambulance lost control on the Banga-Maligram expressway and caught fire, killing eight people, including women and children. In response, a six-member committee headed by then Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Bipul Chandra Das submitted a report two days later. The committee’s recommendations included: *Installation of CCTV on highways *A ban on unfit vehicles *Monitoring by highway police at key locations *Enforcing driver’s licence verification *Installation of speed detectors *Mandating speed governors in vehicles Yet, to date, none of these measures have been implemented. A year later, on 8 April 2025, another tragic accident involved a bus lacking a valid fitness certificate. 2 die as truck hits tree in Faridpur The driver, who reportedly had no verified licence, fled the scene. Back on 16 April 2024, a collision between a bus and a pickup in Kanairpur left 14 people dead, including women and children. A seven-member committee was subsequently formed, led by then ADM Mohammad Ali Siddiqui. Submitted on 21 April, the report called for, among other measures, the control of auto-rickshaws on highways—a recommendation that remains unheeded. This is despite a standing High Court directive to restrict auto-rickshaws from operating on highways, which remains blatantly ignored. Excuses and Limitations When questioned about the lack of highway control cameras and checkposts, Superintendent of Madaripur Highway Police, Shahinur Alam, pointed to institutional limitations. “The Highway Police have no authority to install control cameras on the expressway,” he said. He also cited resource shortages: “We face a severe manpower shortage. There is also a shortage of vehicles. With this limited manpower, it is difficult to establish checkposts at multiple locations.” Faridpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Kamrul Hasan Mollah explained, “Recommendations are generally of two types—those that can be implemented immediately and those requiring coordination with various agencies. Without a collective effort, implementing these recommendations is difficult.” He added that the current investigation committee’s findings, along with past unimplemented suggestions, would be reviewed. Seven killed, 31 injured in devastating Faridpur bus crash “A meeting will be called with relevant government and private agencies, bus owners, and workers to assign responsibilities for implementation,” the DC said. Speed Limiters Still a Distant Dream Among the earlier recommendations was a proposal for nationwide installation of speed-limiting devices in vehicles through the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). Faridpur BRTA Assistant Director Md Nasir Uddin, however, said no such initiative currently exists. “The BRTA has no such initiative to install speed-controlling devices in all vehicles,” he admitted. Public Frustration Grows The ongoing disregard for safety measures and official recommendations has sparked frustration among local citizens. Advocate Shipra Goswami, Senior Vice-President of the Faridpur Conscious Citizens Committee (Sanak), said, “If the responsible authorities within the state machinery had performed their duties properly, many issues would have been resolved easily.” “No one wants to lose lives prematurely. Drivers, passengers, and all road users must act responsibly for road safety. Local administration, highway police, road transport authorities, and BRTA officials must perform their duties patriotically. Only then can many irregularities be prevented," she added. 2 die in Faridpur highway collision As families continue to mourn and accidents recur with haunting regularity, Faridpur’s roads stand as a grim reminder of promises made—but never kept.

Policing is more than just a profession—it is a role synonymous with responsibility. It is a career fraught with challenges, and for women in Bangladesh, those challenges are often doubled. Conversations with female officers across various ranks within the police department reveal both the progress made and the persistent struggles women in uniform continue to face. The Challenge of the Badge Farhana Yasmin, Deputy Commissioner (Women & Investigation), explains that policing, by its very nature, is a physically demanding occupation—unlike desk-based roles, it demands immediate action, unpredictable hours, and continuous duty. “I have been working around 17 years in policing,” she shares. “There are no time bounds, no fixed job descriptions,” she says. “If I’m told to go somewhere, even if it’s overnight duty from 7 PM to 7 AM, I have to do it—no questions asked. This applies from constables to officers. Family considerations don’t count. Unless you’re severely ill or hospitalised, you can’t say no. We’re told, ‘You joined knowing the challenges—so you must face them." This rigid expectation, she explains, disproportionately affects women. “In our social structure, a man’s primary role is seen as earning, and a woman’s as maintaining the family. So if a woman prioritises her profession, it often creates tension at home. We’re seeing more female officers experiencing family breakdowns as a result.” Speakers call for urgent police reform to create public-friendly policing She said, “We don’t recruit policemen from outside the country; they come from the same society where such treatment of women is normalised. So what happens to women in other offices, happens here too.” Daycare and Basic Facilities Still Missing One of the most pressing concerns for police mothers is the absence of daycare facilities. “We spend most of our time on the field, and many of us have young children at home. We’re constantly stressed—how they’re doing, what they’re eating,” Farhana said. “For working mothers everywhere this is a challenge, but in policing, where there are no fixed hours, it’s even worse,” she said. Another glaring gap is the lack of access to proper toilet facilities during long hours on duty. “Male officers can manage. For women, it’s much harder. Public restrooms aren’t always usable or safe,” she added. Nasrin Sultana, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Media & Public Relations Division of DMP, echoed the same concerns. Stop moral policing and injustice against artists: cultural activists She said, “The lack of daycare facilities is a major issue for us. I’ve been in the police force for eight years. I initially worked at the CID Headquarters and later went on a peacekeeping mission. She went on to say, "During the mission, we were trained on how to conduct joint patrols, how to collaborate with local forces, and how to maintain liaison—these were key learning areas. Policing is undoubtedly challenging for women in Bangladesh. However, facing these challenges hasn’t been too difficult for me, as joining the police had always been my ambition.” Finding Purpose Amid Pressure Despite the difficulties, Farhana highlights the positives. “There are many opportunities to explore and contribute. We get to work in different locations through transfers, gain diverse experiences, and ultimately, serve the people of our country. That gives me peace of mind.” The Numbers Behind the Uniforms According to the latest data from Police Headquarters, there are 17,276 women in the Bangladesh Police. This includes 14,021 constables, 399 Nayeks, 1,344 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI), 980 Sub-Inspectors (SI), 93 Sergeants, 130 Inspectors, and 309 officers ranging from ASP to Investigation roles. Speed up implementation of beat policing: DMP Commissioner   While the presence of women in policing continues to grow, it is evident that systemic changes—in infrastructure, policy, and mindset—are necessary to ensure their strength and service receive the support they truly deserve.

A BNP delegation is all set to meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday to deliver a ‘strong message’ that the party will not accept any attempt to delay the national election beyond December this year. Talking to UNB, BNP senior leaders said the party will also urge the Chief Adviser to issue a clear statement regarding the election timeline, urging an end to the ongoing December-June uncertainty. They said their party will provide reasons and logical justifications for their demand to hold the national election within this year, particularly by December. BNP leaders said their party will also call upon the head of the interim government to take necessary steps to complete the reform process by the coming June in order to dispel public concerns over a possible attempt to delay the election under the pretext of state restructuring. They said if their demand is met and a clear commitment is given, the party will shift its focus to election preparations and devising strategies to win over voters. If no consensus is reached during the meeting, BNP leaders indicated that they would launch a movement demanding the restoration of democracy and holding the national election within this year. Party insiders said the BNP has outlined a series of peaceful programmes over the next three months as part of its organisational preparations for the 13th national election, expected in December. These programmes may include rallies, marches and processions, beginning at the grassroots level and expanding nationwide with large public gatherings. The plan was initially worked out in a recent meeting of the party's organisational secretaries and has been informally communicated to the top leadership. “If BNP does not receive a clear message on the election timeline in the meeting with the Chief Adviser, the party may begin implementing these programmes by the end of this month. According to the schedule, a BNP standing committee member, led by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will meet the Chief Adviser at his official residence and state Guest House, Jamuna, at 12pm. A BNP standing committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, has expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing campaign aimed at postponing the national election and keeping the current interim government in power for five years. BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage He said whenever BNP demands a clear electoral roadmap from the Chief Adviser, various advisers issue conflicting statements to divert attention from the issue. As an example, he said, the Home Affairs Adviser recently claimed that the public wants the interim government to remain for five years, while Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter went so far as to say this government was ‘elected’ by people through a mass uprising. The BNP leader said during the last meeting with their party, the Chief Adviser had promised that his government’s actions would be directed towards holding the national election by December 2025. “But he is still wavering between December and June. We’re witnessing coordinated efforts, especially on social media, to justify a delay. That’s why we’re meeting the Chief Adviser again to clear up our doubts and confusion.” Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas alleged an attempt to prolong the election is visible. “There are people openly talking about keeping Dr Yunus in power for five years. But those trying to do that will not only damage his reputation but also cause serious harm to the country.” Abbas said he still believes Dr Yunus is committed to holding elections by December. “But, some Awami elements surrounding him are trying to mislead him. That’s our concern going into this meeting.” Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, another standing committee member, said BNP is still cooperating fully with the interim government. “We do not want to create any trouble. Our goal is to convince the government to hold the election without unnecessary delay. If our demand is met, there will be no conflict. But if the government goes in the opposite direction, we too may take a different stance.” BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said their party will use the meeting to clarify the government's intentions. “We’ll remind the Chief Adviser of his promise to hold elections by December and urge him to publicly confirm it through a press conference. We’ll also ask him to direct the Election Commission to complete all necessary preparations accordingly.” He said BNP is committed to reforms and has already put forward a 31-point state-reform framework well before the formation of the current government. “We won’t allow anyone to push their own agenda in the name of reforms.” Asked about their next steps, Salahuddin said the party will decide on its future course of action based on the outcome of the meeting with the Chief Adviser.

Once dubbed the “golden fibre” of Bangladesh, jute is increasingly becoming a source of concern for farmers in Faridpur due to soaring production costs and stagnant market prices. Farmers in the district, which leads the country in jute production, say this year’s expenses have surged by at least 30 percent, mainly due to adverse weather and a sharp increase in the prices of necessary inputs and labour. In the previous season, a maund (approximately 37.3kg) of jute fetched between Tk 2,500 and Tk 2,800 at the farmer level. But, with production costs equalling or even exceeding this amount, growers barely broke even. The hope for a profitable harvest remained out of reach, leaving many disheartened. Now, with the onset of the jute season, farmers across the upazilas of Saltha, Nagarkanda, Boalmari and Bhanga are toiling in the fields once more—sowing seeds and irrigating lands that only recently yielded onions and other winter crops. Yet, the prevailing mood is one of visible anxiety and uncertainty. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the target for jute cultivation in Faridpur this season is set at 86,525 hectares. But, a prolonged dry spell, worsened by erratic climate conditions, has made irrigation more difficult and costly than ever before. The falling groundwater table has forced farmers to run irrigation pumps longer and more frequently—tripling their water costs in many cases. “Some pumps can’t even draw enough water anymore,” said a group of jute farmers working in Dadur Bill of Boalmari upazila. “Our expenses are rising every day, from irrigation to fertilisers, pesticides and daily labour. It's becoming unsustainable.” On a recent visit to the jute fields across the aforementioned upazilas, farmers were seen engaged in various stages of cultivation—watering fields, sowing seeds, and clearing weeds. But in nearly every field, the farmers’ faces bore signs of frustration and concern. Ashutosh Malo, Faruk Jossen, and Moniruzzaman—jute farmers from Ghoshpur union—echoed a common sentiment: although the cost of production has surged, the price of jute has not kept pace. “We’ve been in financial distress for years now. Unless there’s government intervention to control input prices and ensure fair selling rates, we won’t survive.” Shahaduzzaman, Deputy Director of the DAE in Faridpur, acknowledged the increased cost of production this season. “Climate change and erratic weather patterns are major contributors to rising expenses,” he said. “However, better crop management and timely care can improve yields, which may help offset the higher costs to some extent.” Still, with no guarantee of fair prices at harvest and rising uncertainty in weather patterns, many Faridpur jute farmers are left questioning the sustainability of their long-standing reliance on jute cultivation. Unless meaningful steps are taken soon, the golden days of this golden fibre may be fading for good.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC will begin installing smart prepaid gas metres in 2026, having already appointed one project management consultant (PMC) while the selection of a second is in progress. “We’re hopeful that we can start the implementation of the smart prepaid metre project by the second half of 2026,” said Shahnewaj Parvez, Managing Director of Titas Gas, the largest state-owned gas distribution entity with a 55% market share and 2.878 million consumers. 3-member probe's report on back-to-back Sundarban fires reaches DFO's desk Another PMC will be appointed soon, as the selection process is underway for the ADB-financed project. Meanwhile, Development & Technical Consultant Limited (DTCL), a local firm, has been awarded the consultancy contract under the WB-financed project. Titas Gas has so far installed 420,000 prepaid metres in its command areas, primarily covering Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Narsingdi, since launching the initiative more than a decade ago. These prepaid metres were installed with financial support from the Japanese donor agency JICA. “This time, however, the new project will be financed by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, and all metres will be smart prepaid ones. The previous ones were only prepaid, not smart prepaid,” said the Titas Gas MD. He explained the distinction between prepaid and smart prepaid meters, noting that while users of prepaid meters must visit vendor points to recharge, smart prepaid metres allow users to recharge from any location using a smartphone. “This is the biggest advantage of the smart prepaid meter,” he added. Under the new project, 1.75 million smart prepaid metres will be installed in Titas-controlled areas. The ADB will finance 650,000 metres, while the WB will fund the remaining 1.1 million metres.Officials said two separate agreements were signed with the World Bank and the ADB about 18 months ago for the installation of the 1.75 million smart prepaid metres. Explaining the significance of the PMC, the Titas Gas MD emphasised its critical role in project implementation, including planning, designing and overseeing technical aspects.“The main technical aspects remain in the hands of the PMC. Normally, one or two companies are appointed as PMC,” he told UNB. The PMC is also responsible for monitoring and supervising the tendering process and implementation works. Due to fraud practices in the tendering process, one selection was canceled, and a re-tendering process was initiated to appoint the second consultant, he noted. Official sources confirmed that in November 2023, Titas Gas signed two loan agreements for the installation of 1.75 million smart prepaid meters under two projects. Bringing 10 million expatriate voters under balloting system a big challenge On November 23, 2023, Titas signed a loan agreement with the World Bank for the installation of 1.1 million smart prepaid meters under the Gas Sector Efficiency and Carbon Abatement Project. On November 28, 2023, the company signed another agreement with the ADB for the installation of 650,000 smart prepaid meters under the Smart Metering Energy Efficiency Improvement Project. The government initiated the smart prepaid meter project for Titas Gas to reduce excessive system losses to a reasonable level. As the oldest and largest gas distribution company in terms of operational area and sales volume, Titas Gas has been struggling with a 7% system loss. Company officials estimate that Titas incurs losses of Tk 150-180 crore per month due to system loss. If checked, the company could save Tk 1,800-2,160 crore annually. Titas Gas has already installed about 350,000 prepaid gas meters for household consumers in Dhaka with financial support from JICA. These meters are primarily in Gulshan, Banani, Mohammadpur, Paltan, Ramna, New Market, Khilgaon and Segunbagicha. Under the new project, WB-financed smart prepaid metres will be installed in Dhaka South and Narayanganj, while ADB-financed metres will be installed in Dhaka North and Gazipur. Titas Gas currently serves over 2.878 million consumers, including 2.853 million households, 12,078 commercial consumers, 5,429 industrial consumers, 1,755 captive power plants, and 396 CNG stations. According to official statistics, Titas Gas holds 55% of the gas market share, while the other five gas distribution companies account for 45%. Its vast operational area covers Dhaka, Manikganj, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi and Mymensingh. Over 1.67 lakh tube-wells dry up in Feni amid acute fresh water crisis Titas annually sells approximately 14,459.41 million cubic metres (MMCM) of gas (2021-23 fiscal years), generating a revenue of Tk 26,387.12 crore.

Despite the cultural significance of hilsa and fermented rice during Pahela Baishakh, the bustling fish markets in Chuadanga experienced low turnout of customers ahead of the occasion leaving traders extremely frustrated. During a visit to the Boro Bazar fish market in Chuadanga district town on Sunday night and Monday morning, this UNB correspondent found that the fish traders were sitting idle while the number of customers were a few, though the price is comparatively lower than the previous years. Only four traders were seen selling hilsa at the fish market. “In the previous years, there was a mad rush for hilsa days before Pahela Baishakh but this time, hardly anyone is coming and there’s no enthusiasm among them,” said one of the traders. Hilsa was being sold at Tk 700 to Tk 1,600 per kg, depending on the size, but even the reduced prices failed to attract customers. “Last year, I used to sell 20 to 30 kg daily during this time,” said another trader. “This year, I can’t even sell 5 kg a day. Lowering prices isn’t helping.” Shahriar Hossain, a customer at the market, said, “I usually have panta( fermented rice) and hilsa every Baishakh. But this time, there’s less fish in the market and prices are too high. A medium-sized hilsa is priced at Tk 1,200 per kg. With other household expenses, it’s hard to justify the cost. Besides, the taste and freshness is not like before. I only bought one for Tk 600 because the kids insisted.” Sahab Ali, who has been selling hilsa before Baishakh for the past 10 years, said, “Customers used to flock to every Baishakh. But this year, the response is disappointing. Some complain about the price, others about the quality. Even after lowering prices, we’re seeing no benefit.” Sheuli Akhter, a government employee, said, “I came to the market for something special during the holiday but our family isn't that interested in panta and hilsa. Even the kids don’t like it, so we didn’t plan for it.” This year, the emotional connection with hilsa and panta that typically defines Pahela Baishakh appeared missing in Chuadanga. Economic pressure, frustration with the quality of hilsa or changes in the new generation's eating habits, might be the reason behind the lack of interest in hilsa.

A probe committee formed by the Forest Department has submitted its investigation report on the recent fires in two separate areas of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh, the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, but failed to pinpoint the cause of the fires. On March 22, a fire broke out at Tepar Beel in the Dhan Sagar area of the Chandpai Range under Sharankhola Upazila, and was extinguished the next day. Another fire was spotted on March 23 at Shaplar Beel under Morelganj Upazila. It took four days to fully bring the flames under control. Following the incidents, Divisional Forest Officer Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim of the Sundarbans East Division formed two three-member committees led by the Assistant Conservator of Forests Dipan Chandra Das. Meanwhile, the Forest Department also formed a five-member national-level committee, headed by the Conservator of Forests for the Khulna region, which is still investigating the fires. The report theorises seven possible causes for the fires that recently broke out in the Shaplar Beel and Tepar Beel areas under the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Division. The total loss from the fires is estimated at approximately Tk 10.5 lakh citing damage to flora, biodiversity, and the environment. The fires affected a total of 6.63 acres of forest land - 4.43 acres at Shaplar Beel and 2.20 acres at Tepar Beel. Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Dipan Chandra Das, head of both three-member probe committees, told UNB that they submitted separate reports to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) on April 7. Though the committee could not specify the exact cause, it listed seven probable ones, including unauthorised entry of honey collectors (mouals), who may have started fires while smoking or using fire-based equipment during honey collection, cattle herders, and deliberate arson by miscreants intending to tarnish the department’s reputation. The report also cited geographical changes — such as siltation of rivers and canals like the Bhola and Khorma — as contributing factors, restricting tidal flow and creating dry forest floors that are more susceptible to fire. Fire in Sundarbans' Shaplar Beel doused after 4 days The estimated loss from the fire at Shaplar Beel was slightly higher at Tk 6.5 lakh, with losses to biodiversity and the environment valued at Tk 3 lakh alone. At Tepar Beel, the report quotes an estimated loss of Tk 4 lakh. Key recommendations The committees led by ACF Das came up with some recommendations to guard against future fires in the region, including re-excavation of the Bhola River's canals to restore tidal flow. Another recommendation relates to the difficulty firefighters faced in finding adequate water sources nearby which they could then use to effectively mount a a dousing operation. In both cases, the Fire Service was forced to first construct pipelines from the nearest water source (which happened to be quite some distance away) that they could then connect to their spraying machines. Sundarbans Fire: Water being used to extinguish remaining flames and prevent reignition It was thus recommended to construct water reservoirs and small fire extinguishing units in forest camps, and also to install fire watchtowers and conduct increased drone monitoring. Other recommendations include deployment of additional manpower during the dry season, and training forest staff on fire management providing proper equipment. DFO Nurul Karim said the findings and recommendations have been sent to higher authorities and necessary actions will be taken accordingly.  

Enabling more than 10 million expatriate Bangladeshis to cast their votes in the 13th parliamentary elections has emerged as a significant challenge for the Election Commission (EC). While the EC is exploring three vital voting methods—proxy, postal, and online—it is currently prioritising proxy voting as the most viable option to engage the large Bangladeshi diaspora spread across the globe. Facilitating the participation of this sizable expatriate community is considered crucial for the upcoming national election, aligning with the commitment made by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. In his address to the nation on December 16, 2024, the Chief Adviser said this time the government is determined to ensure that expatriate Bangladeshis are able to exercise their right to vote. "We have heard assurances about this many times in the past. We want to ensure that this is implemented for the first time during the tenure of this government …a reliable system must be made for this,” he said. Following the commitment of the chief adviser, the EC has formed a committee headed by Election Commissioner Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah to examine different balloting systems and determine the best way to ensure expatriate Bangladeshis can exercise their voting rights. Though there are no precise statistics on the exact number of expatriate voters abroad, the Election Commission estimates that approximately 14 million Bangladeshis live in 40 major host countries around the world. NBR scrambling to meet IMF conditions on revenue collection for release of 2 tranches of $4.7bn loan The EC is now exploring the three balloting options—proxy, postal and online— it is leaning strongly toward introduction of the proxy voting system to ensure the participation of a large number of expatriate Bangladeshis in the upcoming election. Commissioner Sanaullah has recently said they must prioritize the proxy voting system in the next election if they would have to fulfill the expectations outlined by the Chief Adviser (on December 16, 2024). But the final decision regarding the system would depend on consensus among political parties and other stakeholders. Balloting Systems A proxy vote is a ballot cast by one person on behalf of another. A postal ballot is sent by post when the voter cannot be present, while an online ballot is cast via the internet. Regarding the postal system, Sanaullah explained that the committee's findings indicate it is currently ineffective for expatriates. “This is why not a single vote was cast by an expatriate in the 12th parliamentary elections, with only 433 votes cast from within Bangladesh,” he said. As for the online voting system, the Commissioner said it has not gained widespread popularity in countries like the United States, the Philippines, Estonia, and Mexico. “In our region, few countries like India and Pakistan have piloted online voting systems, but it is not yet a widespread practice,” he added. Proxy Voting System: A Viable Solution Sanaullah pointed out that the proxy voting system is already in use in various countries, including Australia and England. In India, it is limited to members of the armed forces. He emphasised that the proxy system is the most viable method for expatriate voting, as it can be implemented quickly and efficiently. “In Bangladesh, there is already a system where a person can sell land and other properties via power of attorney, and physically-challenged people can vote with assistance from others. This tradition aligns well with the proxy voting system.” “This is the only method that the (balloting) can be done in minimum time and in real time,” said the Election Commissioner. Dhaka-Ctg underground fuel supply pipeline project likely to begin operation by end of April To determine the best approach for expatriate voting, the Election Commission plans to hold a workshop on the three balloting systems on April 7 and 8. Experts from Dhaka University, BUET, MIST and NGOs as well as former EC officials will participate in the workshop. Later, the EC will discuss with political parties and other stakeholders. Then if the EC sees that this is acceptable, then it will go to the system development. “We hope, although it is a conditional matter … We think we will be able to implement proxy voting on a larger scale and the rest systems on a trial basis,” said Sanaullah. Expat Voter Estimate Though exact data on the number of expatriate voters is unavailable, the EC has gathered information from 44 Bangladeshi missions in 34 foreign countries. The number of expatriates is estimated at 13.2 million. Assuming that 70 to 80 percent of them are eligible voters, there are around 10 million voters. According to another estimation made by the EC, there are some 14 million expatriate Bangladeshis who are now living in 40 major host countries. Of them, the highest 4,049,588 expatriate Bangladeshis are living in Saudi Arabia, while 2,371,545 in United Arab Emirates, 1,500,870 in Oman, 1,057,056 in Malaysia, 808,090 in Qatar, 782,657 in Singapore, 628,950 in Kuwait, 410,460 in Bahrain, 167,086 in Lebanon and 180,563 in Jordan. The 30 other major host countries are Libya,  the Maldives, Sudan, South Korea, the UK, Italy, Hong Kong, Egypt,  Brunei, Mauritius, Iraq, the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Greece, Spain, Germany, South Africa, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey and Cyprus.

An alarming crisis of fresh water has gripped Feni, with more than 1.67 lakh tube wells across the coastal district running dry amid intense heat and prolonged drought. Tens of thousands of residents without access to safe drinking water, posing serious public health risks and threatening agricultural output. According to the Feni District Public Health Engineering Department (DPHED), water is unavailable in 1,67,386 tube-wells due to the underground water layer dropping significantly. The crisis has intensified in several upazilas where around 70% of tube-wells have stopped producing water, and locals are being forced to fetch water from distant sources or consume unsafe water from ponds and ditches—leading to outbreaks of diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases.  “There is no water in tube-wells, ponds, canals, or beels. Rain is the only solution,” said the department’s Executive Engineer Md Shafiul Haque. He attributed the crisis to climate change, excessive groundwater extraction for agriculture, and the absence of rain, which has caused the water table to fall drastically year after year. “If it rains, the water layer will rise again, and water will be available,” he added. Of the 36,811 registered tube wells in Feni, 9,871 have been long out of order. Among the remaining 26,941 active wells, nearly half have dried up. Additionally, more than half of approximately two lakh shallow tube wells installed privately are no longer producing safe water. Dhaka's Narai River: From majestic waterway to filthy dumping ground In August last year, devastating floods damaged 16,415 tube wells completely and 27,600 partially, and many of these have yet to be restored or repaired, according to SM Mahfuzur Rahman, sub-assistant Engineer at DPHED Feni.  “This has further worsened the safe water shortage in flood-affected areas,” he said. A visit to Fulgazi Upazila revealed a grim picture: shallow tube-wells at depths of 40–50 feet have completely dried up, leaving about 15,000 tube wells unusable. Many residents now travel long distances for water, and farmers are anxious about their Boro paddy yield due to the drought. “We spent so much on planting Boro rice seedlings, but cracks are forming in the soil due to the heat and lack of rain. Now we’re unsure if we’ll get a proper harvest,” said a local resident. Mohammad Abdullah Arman, sub-assistant Engineer at Fulgazi Upazila’s Public Health Engineering Department, said the upazila has 1,061 government shallow tube wells, 1,188 deep ones, and 887 submersible pump-equipped wells across 87 villages in six unions. In addition, there are about 17,000 private tube wells, 70% of which are no longer lifting water. “There’s no alternative system in place, so rainwater is our only hope,” he added.