United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is embarking on one of the most ambitious overhauls of its social protection system, seeking to replace fragmented welfare programmes with a digitally driven, citizen-centric model that promises to make benefits more transparent, targeted and accessible. Dynamic Social Registry (DSR), a nationwide digital platform being implemented by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Social Welfare, is designed to allow citizens to apply for social protection benefits from anywhere in the country while enabling the government to identify eligible recipients through data-driven poverty assessments, according to the budget document. The initiative signals a shift from traditional, programme-based welfare administration towards an integrated digital ecosystem where social protection is linked to verified household data, direct benefit transfers and continuous updating of beneficiaries’ socioeconomic conditions. A move away from fragmented welfare The government acknowledges that Bangladesh’s existing social protection framework—comprising more than 90 separate programmes—has struggled with overlapping benefits, weak coordination and exclusion of many deserving households. According to the budget document, the current system is “neither sufficiently responsive to contemporary needs nor sustainable in the long term.” The DSR is intended to address these weaknesses by creating a unified database capable of scientifically assessing poverty and determining eligibility across different social programmes. Officials said this will reduce duplication, improve targeting and ensure that government resources reach those who need them most. Building on a digital foundation The reform builds upon the Single Registry System, already introduced by the Finance Division to streamline beneficiary management. Under the system, social protection payments are transferred directly into beneficiaries’ mobile financial service or bank accounts through the Government-to-Person (G2P) payment mechanism. The registry currently contains information on around 4 crore beneficiaries and can verify another 2 crore citizens. According to the budget document, the digital registry has already improved transparency in beneficiary selection, strengthened account verification and eliminated duplication in fund disbursement. A life-cycle approach The budget outlines plans for a life-cycle approach to social protection, bringing every citizen—from birth through old age—under a comprehensive support framework. Officials say the strategy aims not only to provide financial assistance but also to promote economic empowerment and self-reliance while ensuring that vulnerable groups remain protected during different stages of life. The document also reiterates the constitutional commitment to ensuring food, clothing, shelter and employment for every citizen, while acknowledging that persistent poverty and unequal distribution of resources continue to drive inequality. Family Card Programme at the centre The government’s flagship initiative is the Family Card Programme which represents a significant departure from individual-based welfare schemes. Built on the philosophy that “the family, not the individual, is the fundamental unit of development,” the programme seeks to identify poor households and provide them with integrated support covering food security, healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities. Unlike many existing programmes, the Family Card is issued in the name of the mother or female head of household, a move aimed at strengthening women’s financial and social position within families. Each beneficiary household receives Tk 2,500 per month directly through the G2P payment system—almost three times higher than allowances under many existing safety-net programmes. The government is also incorporating household family-tree information into the database, creating a more comprehensive digital record of beneficiaries. Ultimately, authorities plan to transform the Family Card into a Universal Social ID Card for every citizen by 2030, replacing the allowance-based components of many existing social protection programmes. During the pilot phase, 60,044 female heads of households have been receiving benefits. In the coming fiscal year, the government plans to issue Family Cards to 41 lakh women, backed by a proposed allocation of Tk 14,500 crore. Expanded benefits across programmes Alongside structural reforms, the government has proposed expanding several existing social safety programmes. The Old Age Allowance Programme will add 100,000 beneficiaries, increasing total coverage to 62 lakh, while the monthly allowance will rise from Tk 650 to Tk 700. The Widow and Destitute Women Allowance Programme will also expand by 100,000 beneficiaries to 30 lakh, with monthly payments increasing to Tk 700. Under the Disability Allowance Programme, beneficiary numbers will increase from 34.5 lakh to 38 lakh, while monthly payments will rise from Tk 900 to Tk 1,000. The government also plans to expand educational support for students with disabilities by increasing beneficiaries from 81,000 to 100,000 and raising stipend rates across all education levels. Support for pregnant women and newborns will continue through the Mother and Child Assistance Programme, with beneficiaries increasing to nearly 19 lakh and an allocation of Tk 1,944.70 crore proposed for the next fiscal year. Financial assistance for patients suffering from cancer and five other chronic diseases will also be strengthened, with one-time grants doubling from Tk 50,000 to Tk 100,000. Pension and legal reforms The budget also proposes measures to improve the Universal Pension Scheme, including better management of pension funds and allowing participants to withdraw 30 percent of accumulated savings as a one-time gratuity. In addition, the government plans to establish a state-funded welfare programme for destitute orphan children and amend weaknesses in the Parents’ Maintenance Act, 2013 to improve its implementation. Challenges ahead While the reform agenda is among the most comprehensive attempts to modernise Bangladesh’s social protection architecture, successful implementation will depend on several factors. Maintaining accurate and regularly updated household data, ensuring digital access in remote areas, protecting personal information and coordinating among multiple ministries will all be critical to achieving the programme’s objectives. There will also be pressure to ensure that genuinely poor households are not excluded during the transition from existing schemes to a unified digital system.

More than five decades after Bangladesh’s independence, thousands of Extra Departmental (ED) employees of the government postal service are still waiting for official recognition as departmental staff. Their long-standing grievances have now spilled over into a nationwide strike, disrupting mail delivery and causing inconvenience for customers awaiting important documents. Since July 6, ED employees across the country, including around 300 workers in Jhenaidah district, have been observing an indefinite work stoppage, demanding higher pay and recognition as regular departmental employees. The protest has effectively crippled operations at branch post offices, particularly in rural areas where ED workers form the backbone of postal services. As part of their movement, the employees have submitted memorandums addressed to the Prime Minister through Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), warning that the strike will continue until their demands are met. According to the protesters, nearly 23,021 ED employees are serving at 8,543 branch post offices across Bangladesh including around 300 workers at 104 branch post offices in Jhenaidah. “We have been victims of discrimination for years,” said Ripon Hossain, postmaster of Gopalpur Branch Post Office and one of the protesters. He said the then government had promised to increase their allowances in 2018 following earlier protests, but the commitment has remained unfulfilled even after eight years. “We do not receive festival allowances or Eid bonuses either. With today’s cost of living, it is impossible to support a family on such meagre earnings,” he said. Currently, an ED branch postmaster receives a monthly allowance of Tk 4,460, while EDDA peons receive Tk 4,354, EDMC runners Tk 4,177 and ED night guards only Tk 4,000. The prolonged strike has left customers struggling to access postal services. Mizanur Rahman, who visited the post office to collect important employment-related documents, said he had been returning for several days without success. “I was told the employees are on strike and no services are being provided. If my documents do not arrive on time, I could face serious problems,” he said. Postal authorities acknowledged that the strike has severely affected service delivery. Riazul Islam, Postmaster of Jhenaidah Head Post Office, said postal services in rural areas have been disrupted because of the work stoppage. “We are trying to ensure the delivery of highly urgent documents such as land records, appointment letters and court papers through alternative arrangements wherever possible,” he said. He added that higher authorities are aware of the hardships faced by ED employees and that the issue is now awaiting a policy decision at the central level.

Expecting a great game of football between Argentina and England, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Tuesday said football has an "amazing ability" to bring people together, and that is something they see clearly in Bangladesh. "Both teams are really strong and have legendary players. England has stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, while Argentina has Lionel Messi. With so much talent on the pitch, I know it will be a great game of football," she told UNB in an interview ahead of England-Argentina semi-final. The pair will resume one of international football's most storied rivalries at the Atlanta Stadium, as England bid to defeat the defending champions and reach their first World Cup final since 1966. The High Commissioner said the passion for the game here is incredible. "Whether it's people watching matches with friends and family, supporting their favourite teams, or celebrating the sport together, football creates connections that go beyond borders," she said. "That's one of the reasons football can play such a positive role in strengthening the friendship and cultural ties between the UK and Bangladesh," the British envoy said. Responding to a question, the High Commissioner said it is fantastic that England will be competing in the World Cup semi-final this year. "I know many people in Bangladesh will be supporting Argentina, but judging by all the England flags I have spotted around Dhaka, there are plenty of England fans here too. It's going to be a brilliant match," she said. Sarah Cooke thanked the Bangladeshis who support England. "Thank you so much for cheering on England in this crucial match. Your support is really appreciated." The High Commissioner said she knows the team takes a huge amount from the encouragement they receive from supporters around the world, and it is wonderful to see so many fans in Bangladesh backing England. Responding to a question, Sarah Cooke said, "I don't want to jinx the result on Thursday, but I am sure there will be lots of celebrations should England reach the final on Sunday. We all hope that football is coming home this year!"

For decades, Bangladesh’s coastal farmers have lived with a stubborn reality. Saline soil, prolonged waterlogging and the growing impacts of climate change have steadily narrowed their crop choices, leaving many vulnerable to repeated production losses. Now, a research initiative in Patuakhali is challenging that assumption with mangoes. Scientists at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) say they have successfully grown and evaluated 32 mango varieties, including several exotic cultivars, under the saline and waterlogged condition of the southern coast, raising hopes that commercial mango cultivation. The findings come from BARI’s Regional Horticulture Research Centre at Lebukhali in Dumki upazila, where researchers have spent years testing whether improved mango varieties from around the world can adapt to the country’s coastal environment. If the results continue over multiple growing seasons, researchers believe the initiative could diversify farming, increase rural incomes and eventually create export opportunities. A different future for coastal agriculture Bangladesh’s coastal belt has traditionally been regarded as unsuitable for many high-value fruit crops because of rising soil salinity and seasonal waterlogging. Climate change has only intensified those constraints. The BARI research seeks to turn those limitations into opportunities by identifying varieties capable of thriving where conventional orchards struggle. During the 2024-25 season, scientists evaluated 31 exotic mango germplasms alongside local materials, assessing their adaptability, yield, fruit size, colour, sweetness, edible portion, storage life and disease tolerance. Among the standout performers were six striking red-skinned varieties — Miyazaki, Lady Jane, Chiang Mai, Taiwan Red, Kuzai and King Chakapat. Red-skinned mangoes remain rare in Bangladesh, giving them strong commercial appeal. Researchers believe they could command premium prices in domestic markets while offering long-term export potential. Bigger, sweeter and available beyond the season Some varieties distinguished themselves not only through appearance but also through productivity and quality. Brunei King produced exceptionally large fruits, averaging about 2.35 kilograms each — several times heavier than ordinary mangoes commonly sold in local markets. Chiang Mai recorded the highest edible portion, with about 81 percent of the fruit consisting of flesh rather than peel and seed, making it attractive for consumers and processors alike. Sada Dofala registered 26 percent total soluble solids (Brix), indicating an exceptionally sweet fruit. Chiang Mai also emerged as the highest-yielding variety, with an estimated production potential of 2.73 tonnes per hectare. Kingston Pride and Katimon also demonstrated encouraging productivity under coastal conditions. Researchers identified another commercially significant trait in the Chokanon variety: off-season fruiting. Bangladesh’s mango season usually runs from May to August. A variety capable of producing fruit outside that window could allow growers to reach markets when supplies are limited and prices are considerably higher. Post-harvest performance has also been encouraging. Banana Mango remained in good condition for nine to ten days at room temperature, increasing its suitability for transport to distant markets and, potentially, export. Beyond mangoes The research programme extends well beyond a single fruit crop. Scientists are simultaneously developing production technologies for year-round guava cultivation in waterlogged areas and for mango, guava, dragon fruit, malta and pomelo under saline conditions. The broader objective is to diversify agriculture across Bangladesh’s coastal belt, reducing farmers’ dependence on a limited number of traditional crops while improving resilience against climate-related shocks. The research centre is also working directly with farmers by providing improved saplings, technical training, orchard management support and advice on disease control and modern fruit production. Farmers begin to take notice The research has already generated interest among growers. Md Abdul Jabbar Akand from Galachipa said he established a mango orchard on waterlogged land this year after receiving guidance from BARI. “Earlier we never imagined exotic mangoes could grow in our coastal conditions,” he said. “Now, after seeing the growth of the trees and the fruiting, we are much more confident.” Sufia Khatun, a farmer from Bauphal, said she is planning to expand from guava into mango cultivation if quality planting materials become available. Md Kabir Mridha of Kalapara said fruit cultivation on saline land had reduced production risks but added that wider success would depend on farmers having reliable access to improved saplings, technical assistance and stable markets. Research still underway Researchers caution that the findings remain preliminary. Senior Scientific Officer Dr Mahamuda Ratna said almost all tested varieties except MI PK-013 and MI PK-025 have shown encouraging performance in fruit quality, colour, edible portion, harvesting period and storage characteristics. However, she said recommendations for commercial cultivation would only be made after evaluations over multiple growing seasons. Principal Scientific Officer Dr Md Alimur Rahman said the ultimate goal is to identify mango varieties best suited to Bangladesh’s coastal climate while developing production technologies that enable profitable fruit cultivation under saline and waterlogged conditions.

More than five decades after Bangladesh achieved independence, residents of around 10 villages in Lalmonirhat’s Kaliganj upazila are still waiting for a paved road that they say is vital to their daily lives. For thousands of people living in Duhuli, Barajan, Shialkhewa and surrounding villages under Chalbala Union the more than two-kilometre stretch connecting Duhuli Bazar with the road leading to Kamalabari Union has remained an earthen track since independence, turning into a muddy nightmare during the monsoon. Every spell of rain leaves the road submerged in water and covered with thick mud, making travel extremely difficult for pedestrians, motorcycles, vans and other vehicles, said locals. A recent visit to the area found knee-deep mud at several points, forcing commuters to wade through slush. Vehicles frequently get stuck, increasing travel time and transport costs for local residents. The hardship is particularly severe for schoolchildren. Hundreds of students use the road every day to travel to Duhuli Government Primary School and Duhuli High School and College. During the rainy season, many slip and fall while walking through the muddy road, sometimes sustaining injuries. Parents are also reluctant to send younger children to school when the road becomes nearly impassable. Farmers are also bearing the brunt of the poor road condition. Transporting agricultural produce to local markets has become more expensive as vehicles either charge higher fares or refuse to enter the area during the rainy season. Many farmers fail to market their crops on time, leading to financial losses. Local resident Suman Adhikari said the road has remained neglected since the country’s independence despite its importance to the union. “It is unfortunate that such an important road is still unpaved. Due to the lack of sincere initiatives by public representatives, people have been suffering for years. We want the authorities to take immediate steps to improve the road,” he said. Another resident, Nur Habib, said locals have repeatedly demanded that the road be paved, but no effective action has followed. “We have approached our elected representatives many times, but all we have received are assurances,” he alleged. Residents said the road serves not just one village but around 10 villages, with thousands of people, including students, farmers and daily commuters, depending on it every day. They urged the authorities to prioritise the road’s development to ease public suffering and support the area’s economic and social progress. Habibur Rahman, an engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Kaliganj, said a proposal has already been sent to the relevant authorities to obtain a Road ID, a prerequisite for bringing the road under a government development project. “The gazette notification process is currently underway. Once completed, we will be able to undertake paving work subject to government allocation and approval under an appropriate development project,” he said.

For many visitors, a trip to Jaflong in Sylhet is about more than its rolling hills, crystal-clear streams and breathtaking views along the Bangladesh-India border. It is also an opportunity to browse bustling roadside markets packed with Indian blankets, chocolates, spices, cosmetics, and other products widely believed to have entered the country through smuggling routes. These illegal goods are displayed and sold openly in shops across the tourist destination. Law enforcement agencies, including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), are also a familiar presence in the area. Yet many tourists say their shopping experience takes an unexpected turn once they begin the journey home. Visitors allege that products purchased openly from local shops are often seized at police checkpoints on the road, as they are being labelled as illegal. The situation has left many wondering why goods that can be bought so easily in the market are later treated as prohibited. Every day, people from different parts of the country visit Jaflong to enjoy its natural beauty. Most shops in Jaflong Bazaar sell Indian products widely believed to have entered the country through smuggling routes, and tourists buy them without hesitation. Meanwhile, police regularly operate checkpoints at different locations on the Sylhet-Tamabil highway, where such goods are confiscated on the grounds that they entered the country without legal customs clearance. Tourists argue that if these products are illegal, action should first be taken against those selling them openly in the market. Instead, they say buyers who purchased the goods in good faith face questioning, confiscation and inconvenience on their return journey. The issue has created growing frustration among visitors, who say they often buy products with receipts from local shops but still encounter complications on the road. According to multiple sources, Indian goods are regularly seized in different border areas as part of ongoing drives by law enforcement agencies to prevent the illegal entry of foreign products into the country. People concerned with the region's tourism sector believe the current situation is damaging Jaflong's reputation as a tourist destination. They say the authorities should adopt a clear and consistent policy. If such illegal products are allowed to be sold in the markets, tourists should not face harassment after buying them. If the goods are illegal, they argue, enforcement should focus on the supply and sales network rather than on visitors. Inspector (Investigation) of Jaintapur Model Police Station Usman Gani said bringing foreign goods into Bangladesh, transporting them or marketing them without paying the required customs duties and taxes is a punishable offence. He said they regularly conduct operations on the Sylhet-Tamabil highway to prevent smuggling and seize illegally imported goods entering through the border. Jaflong Tourist Police in-charge Tapan Talukder said the tourist police does not have the authority to seize illegal goods. "Although we are deployed in the tourist area, our main responsibility is to maintain law and order, ensure the overall security of tourists, prevent theft and robbery, and provide necessary assistance for visitors," he said. Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ratan Kumer Adhikari said businesses must comply with government regulations to operate legally, something many traders in the Jaflong tourist area are not doing. "For this reason, we conduct drives from time to time and take legal action against those involved, including seizing Indian goods," he said.  

In Bangladesh’s haor region where monsoon waters transform roads into waterways for nearly half the year, boats are not merely a means of transport—they are a lifeline and for decades, Maijbari, a village in Sadar upazila, has quietly kept that lifeline afloat. Located just three to four kilometres from Sunamganj town, the village has earned a reputation as the district’s “boat village,” where generations of artisans have preserved the craft of wooden boat building. More than 3,000 residents depend directly on the trade, producing a wide range of traditional boats, including barki, khilua and dingi. Boatbuilding continues throughout the year, although demand peaks during the rainy season when the haor landscape becomes a vast expanse of water. According to local sources, around 400 small and large boats leave Maijbari every month. The annual market value of the industry is estimated at nearly Tk 22 crore, with buyers travelling from Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Netrokona, Kishoreganj and other districts. The boats serve multiple purposes—from carrying passengers across flooded villages to transporting fish, feeding fish in ponds and navigating rivers, canals and wetlands. Depending on their size and design, prices range from Tk 12,000 to Tk 150,000. Yet behind this thriving business lies a difficult reality. Despite producing boats worth crores of taka every year, most craftsmen struggle to make ends meet. Rising timber prices have become one of their biggest challenges, said the boatmakers . With quality wood becoming increasingly scarce locally, artisans now have to source timber from distant districts, pushing production costs sharply higher. Lack of capital presents another obstacle. Many craftsmen rely on advance payments from moneylenders or traders to finance production. In return, a significant portion of the proceeds from each sale goes to these financiers, leaving the builders with only a modest share despite months of labour. “We’ve been in this business since the time of our forefathers,” said veteran boatmaker Tajud Ali. “But profits are shrinking as costs continue to rise. Somehow we’re managing to survive. We cannot abandon a tradition that has been passed down through generations. If the government provided loans on easy terms, it would help us greatly.” Another craftsman, who has spent around 45 years building boats, said financial security has remained elusive despite a lifetime devoted to the trade. “From sunrise to sunset, we work with wood. Boat building is the only source of income for my family,” he said, expressing hope for greater government support. The craftsmen believe the industry has significant untapped potential. They said easier access to institutional credit, modern technical training and better marketing support could help preserve the traditional craft while improving the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on it. M.N.M. Asif, deputy general manager of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in Sunamganj, said the organisation has introduced programmes to support artisans involved in the boat industry. “BSCIC is providing training programmes, and small loans are also available under certain conditions,” he said. “We will continue taking necessary initiatives to further develop this traditional sector.”

The government has taken a series of measures to modernise agriculture through expanded support for farmers, climate-resilient farming and greater use of technology, aiming to strengthen food security. The initiatives, announced in the FY2026-27 budget, seek to transform agriculture into a self-reliant, technology-driven and climate-resilient sector, reduce production costs and improve rural livelihoods. A key feature of the plan is the nationwide rollout of the Farmer Card programme, for which the government has allocated Tk 1,062.5 crore in the new budget. Launched formally on April 14 this year, the programme has so far covered 22,065 farmers under a pre-pilot phase in 11 upazilas across 10 districts. Fish farmers, livestock farmers and salt cultivators have also been brought under its coverage. The government plans to distribute 4.25 million Farmer Cards across 100 upazilas in FY2026-27 before expanding the programme nationwide. Eligible landless, marginal and small farmers will receive an annual one-time cash assistance of Tk 2,500, along with 10 additional benefits promised in the government’s election manifesto. The budget also provides Tk 1,567.96 crore to implement the government’s decision to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, in the crop, fisheries and livestock sectors. To strengthen farmers’ resilience against climate shocks, the government said it is preparing to introduce agricultural insurance while continuing concessional credit programmes. Loans at four percent interest will remain available for cultivating pulses, oilseeds, spices and maize, as well as for salt cultivation in coastal areas. Farmers in hill districts will continue to receive loans at five percent interest through Bangladesh Krishi Bank. The government also pledged to continue agricultural rehabilitation and incentive programmes through free distribution of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs while expanding farm mechanisation and building a comprehensive digital database of farmers. Among new initiatives is the revival of the Voluntary Canal Excavation Programme, aimed at restoring natural water flows, improving irrigation efficiency and reducing dependence on groundwater. To promote environmentally sustainable irrigation, the government plans to install 98 solar-powered irrigation pumps and 27 solar-powered dug wells, alongside expanding drip irrigation and aquifer recharge technologies. Fertiliser subsidies will continue, while 30,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser donated by Russia through the World Food Programme will be distributed free among farmers during the fiscal year. The budget also focuses on reducing post-harvest losses by expanding cold storage facilities, packaging houses and cold-chain infrastructure through public and private investment. A specialised cold storage facility will be established in the Barendra region to support mango growers. Agricultural research will prioritise developing high-yielding, salt-tolerant and drought-resistant crop varieties. The government also plans to introduce an Agropreneurship Start-up Policy and an Agricultural Cooperative Policy to create employment opportunities for young people. On food security, the government has set a food grain procurement target of 4.129 million metric tonnes for FY2026-27, up from the revised target of 3.819 million tonnes in the current fiscal year. Food grain storage capacity is expected to increase from 2.316 million tonnes in FY2024-25 to 2.45 million tonnes by FY2026-27. The government also plans to procure paddy directly from farmers across all upazilas through the Krishaker App, alongside expanding digital food management systems. To support low-income families, 5.5 million beneficiaries will continue to receive 30 kilograms of rice per month at Tk 15 per kg for six months under the Food-Friendly Programme. Open Market Sale operations have been expanded to 419 upazilas, where rice is being sold at Tk 30 per kg, while subsidised rice and flour will continue to be distributed through more than 1,000 sales centres across the country. A digital database for Food-Friendly Programme beneficiaries and an online food grain price monitoring system are also being developed. The budget gives renewed attention to the fisheries sector, setting a production target of 5.635 million metric tonnes of fish in FY2026-27. Under its blue economy strategy, the government plans to expand commercial tuna fishing, promote seaweed cultivation and increase fisheries export earnings to US$1 billion by 2030. Kuakata and Salimpur will be declared new Marine Protected Areas, while a modern fishing port will be established at Matarbari to encourage sustainable exploitation of marine resources. The government also plans to expand fish sanctuaries and nursery management to conserve indigenous fish species. Under the principle of “Jal Jar, Jola Tar” (Those who fish shall own the water), local fishers and low-income communities will receive greater access to water bodies, canals and haor areas. Coverage under the Vulnerable Group Feeding programme will be expanded to include 1.5 million fisher households, including newly enlisted families from haor regions and the Sundarbans. The government further announced plans to introduce the country’s first fisheries insurance scheme and promote mechanisation in commercial fish farming. In the livestock sector, authorities said locally developed vaccines against Avian Influenza and Goat Pox have completed field trials and will soon be supplied nationwide. The government also plans to ensure adequate stocks of animal disease prevention medicines at every upazila while strengthening the production of safe and quality feed for poultry and fish farms.  

At first glance, it looks harmless. Standing two to three feet tall with lush green leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers, the plant resembles coriander. But beneath its innocent appearance lies a growing threat to agriculture, public health and livestock. Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), one of the world’s most invasive and toxic weeds, is spreading rapidly across Chuadanga, prompting concern among farmers, agricultural scientists and health experts.  They warn that failure to contain it now could have serious long-term consequences. Field visits and local inquiries found the weed spreading across all four upazilas of the district—Chuadanga Sadar, Alamdanga, Damurhuda and Jibannagar.  It is increasingly visible along roadsides, railway tracks, fallow land, border areas and even around cropland.  Yet most residents remain unaware of the plant’s identity or the dangers it poses. Originally native to North and South America, parthenium is believed to have entered Bangladesh through neighbouring India before gradually expanding across different regions.  Despite its relatively short life cycle of just three to four months, a single plant can produce thousands of seeds several times during its lifespan.  The seeds are easily dispersed by wind, rainwater, vehicles and animals, allowing the weed to colonise new areas rapidly. Farmers said the plant has become noticeably more common over the past few years.  

Bangladesh is preparing for one of the most ambitious restructurings of its healthcare system promising to move specialised medical services closer to people, recruit over 100,000 health workers, modernise medical education and strengthen pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries. The roadmap, outlined in the FY2026-27 budget, seeks to address some of the chronic weaknesses that have plagued the health sector for years: overcrowded hospitals in Dhaka, shortages of doctors and nurses in rural areas, rising out-of-pocket medical expenses and an overdependence on imported medical devices. If implemented effectively, the reforms could significantly reshape healthcare delivery across the country. A shift away from Dhaka-centric healthcare Instead of forcing patients to travel to the capital for advanced treatment, every district hospital will be integrated with surrounding upazila health complexes under a new “Secondary Healthcare Unit.” Under the proposed structure, upazila health complexes will handle most maternal, neonatal, child and reproductive healthcare services while district hospitals will provide specialised treatment and surgeries, according to budget document. The objective is allowing patients to receive quality care near their homes while easing the overwhelming burden on tertiary hospitals in Dhaka. For decades, thousands of patients have travelled long distances to the capital because district-level facilities often lack specialists, equipment and diagnostic services. The resulting congestion has strained both hospitals and patients’ finances. The government believes strengthening district hospitals could reduce unnecessary referrals, lower treatment costs and improve healthcare equity. Expanding access through private hospitals Recognising the limitations of the public health system, the government also plans to increase collaboration with the private sector. Under a Strategic Purchasing model, selected healthcare services will be purchased from accredited private hospitals for poor and low-income patients who face long waiting times in government hospitals. If properly regulated, the approach could shorten waiting lists while making better use of existing private-sector capacity. The budget also proposes converting 192 unused government properties into modern primary healthcare centres under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. Addressing workforce shortages Bangladesh continues to face shortages of doctors, nurses and community health workers, particularly outside major cities. The government says recruitment has already begun for 5,000 MBBS doctors to fill long-vacant posts. It has also launched recruitment for another 100,000 health workers, around 80 percent of whom are expected to be women to strengthen maternal and community healthcare. Additional nursing positions have already been created, including 941 senior staff nurse posts and 947 midwife positions. The government also plans to train 60,000 frontline workers engaged in health, nutrition and family planning services. Modernising medical education Medical education is also set for a major overhaul. The existing MBBS curriculum will be redesigned using competency-based learning, integrated modular teaching, expanded clinical training and artificial intelligence-assisted medical technologies. An expert committee under the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council has begun preparing the new curriculum, which is scheduled for implementation by 2030. The reforms extend beyond doctors. The government plans to strengthen nursing education through a specialised Nurse Teacher Training Centre, expand master’s programmes in government nursing colleges and introduce additional Bachelor of Science in Nursing courses. Medical and dental students will also receive access to student loans, while talented students pursuing higher education abroad will be eligible for special bank loan facilities. To expose future physicians to rural healthcare realities, five Residential Field Site Training centres will be established using underutilised government facilities. Strengthening preventive healthcare A new national nutrition programme will target child stunting and malnutrition through coordination among the health, agriculture, education, sanitation, food security and social protection sectors. Priority areas include maternal nutrition, adolescent health, breastfeeding promotion, complementary feeding and nutrition awareness. Meanwhile, the government says it has rebuilt momentum in immunisation following the recent measles outbreak, claiming that nearly all eligible children were vaccinated against measles and rubella within its first 100 days in office. Affordable medicines and local production Another major pillar of the reform agenda focuses on reducing healthcare costs through improved access to medicines. Authorities are updating the National Essential Medicines List and preparing a modern drug policy to ensure safe, effective and affordable medicines. The pharmaceutical sector will continue receiving government support, including development of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Industrial Park and expansion of medicine and vaccine supply chains. Beyond pharmaceuticals, the government wants Bangladesh to emerge as a manufacturing base for medical equipment. The budget document identifies products such as syringes, ventilators, pulse oximeters, ECG machines, X-ray equipment, hospital beds and diagnostic kits as items with strong domestic production potential. To encourage investment, authorities plan export incentives, internationally accredited testing laboratories, online licensing systems, a specialised medical technology park and easier access to low-interest financing. Biomedical engineering education and research will also receive increased emphasis as the country seeks to build an export-oriented medical technology industry.