United News of Bangladesh

The interim government is slashing allocations for several major development projects in the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP), cutting over Tk 12,000 crore from eight of the top 10 priority projects due to slow progress and fiscal constraints. According to planning ministry sources, allocations for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project will remain unchanged, while funding for the Dhaka–Ashulia Elevated Expressway will be increased. They, however, said allocations for the remaining eight major projects are being reduced. The National Economic Council (NEC) is expected to approve the revised ADP at its meeting on Monday, to be chaired by Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus. Read more: Rangamati: IG goes where no govt has gone before, with water management initiative for Rangamati A senior official at the Planning Ministry said large projects often receive high allocations at the start of the fiscal year, but full utilisation becomes difficult due to low implementation progress. He added that weak revenue collection has also contributed to the need for budget cuts. Projects facing reduced allocations include MRT Line-6, MRT Line-1, MRT Line-5 (North), the four-lane highway from Hatikumrul in Sirajganj to Rangpur, the Dhaka–Sylhet four-lane highway, Matarbari Port Development, expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project from the airport to Gazipur. Read more: A costly bridge in Manikganj waiting for roads In the current ADP, Tk 8,631 crore was allocated for MRT Line-1. Under the revised ADP, the allocation is proposed to be reduced to Tk 801 crore, a cut of Tk 7,830 crore. The allocation for the extension of MRT Line-6 from Motijheel to Kamalapur is being reduced from Tk 1,347 crore to Tk 1,023 crore. Funding for MRT Line-5 (North) is proposed to be lowered from Tk 1,490 crore to Tk 592 crore.  The allocation for the Matarbari Port Development Project is proposed to be reduced from Tk 4,086 crore to Tk 1,085 crore. The Dhaka–Sylhet four-lane highway project will see a reduction of Tk 55 crore, with Tk 1,668 crore proposed in the revised ADP. The expansion project of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will have its allocation reduced by Tk 733 crore to Tk 306 crore. The BRT project from the airport to Gazipur will see its allocation reduced by Tk 256 crore to Tk 168 crore. The four-lane highway project from Hatikumrul to Rangpur will have Tk 310 crore cut, with Tk 1,562 crore proposed in the revised ADP. Speakers question government’s role amid rising violence and election security concerns The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project will retain its original allocation of Tk 10,011 crore. Meanwhile, the allocation for the Dhaka–Ashulia Elevated Expressway project is being increased by Tk 1,134 crore, bringing its total allocation to Tk 4,476 crore in the revised ADP. Overall, about Tk 30,000 crore is being cut from the current fiscal year’s ADP. Planning ministry officials said the revised ADP size may be set at Tk 2 lakh crore, down from the original Tk 2.30 lakh crore. Funding from domestic sources is proposed to be reduced from Tk 1.44 lakh crore to Tk 1.28 lakh crore, while project aid will be lowered from Tk 86,000 crore to Tk 72,000 crore. The current ADP includes 1,171 projects. Last year, the revised ADP was reduced by Tk 49,000 crore, bringing its size to Tk 2.16 lakh crore. Read more: DWASA moves to set up Tk 721cr training, research academy

The interim government has taken up a water management initiative in the hill district of Rangamati to ensure sustainable water supply, protect riverbanks and improve livelihoods in one of the country’s most environmentally fragile regions. The project, titled Sustainable Water Management of the Karnaphuli and Associated Rivers in Rangamati Hill District, will be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) under the Ministry of Water Resources at an estimated cost of Tk 687.39 crore, fully funded by the government. Implementation is scheduled from January 2026 to June 2030 and will cover 10 upazilas of Rangamati district, according to the project document. Officials said the project is crucial for securing surface water availability in the hill district, where communities largely depend on rivers and streams for drinking water, irrigation, fisheries and transportation. Read more: Irregularities deepen doubts over Khulna’s mega embankment project The Karnaphuli River and its associated rivers—Kachalong, Raikhyang and Shalak—serve as lifelines for the region, particularly during the dry season when water scarcity becomes acute. According to the project outline, one of the key objectives is to restore and maintain navigability and year-round water flow in the feeder rivers of Kaptai Lake through extensive dredging. The Kachalong, Raikhyang and Shalak rivers will be dredged to remove accumulated silt, helping to reduce sudden flooding during the monsoon while ensuring adequate water supply during the dry months. Water resources officials said sustained water flow in these rivers is essential for maintaining water levels in Kaptai Lake, which feeds the country’s only hydroelectric power station. Improved water availability is also expected to support fisheries, a major source of livelihood for hill communities, and enhance surface irrigation for agriculture in downstream areas. The project also aims to excavate and re-excavate river-linked canals to improve surface irrigation and address chronic waterlogging in low-lying areas. Many canals in Rangamati have lost their capacity due to long-term siltation, disrupting water distribution and limiting agricultural production, particularly in the dry season. In addition to water supply, the project places strong emphasis on riverbank protection. About 13.72 kilometres of riverbank protection works will be carried out to safeguard critical infrastructure, educational institutions and settlements from erosion along the Karnaphuli and its tributaries. River erosion has emerged as a persistent threat in Rangamati, especially during the monsoon when heavy rainfall and upstream flows cause rivers to swell and change course. Officials noted that the Karnaphuli is the only riverine communication route between Barkal upazila and Rangamati district headquarters, making bank protection vital for maintaining connectivity and access to essential services. Read more: DWASA moves to set up Tk 721cr training, research academy Special attention will be given to the border-adjacent Thegamukh area along the India-Bangladesh frontier, where aggressive river erosion has endangered public installations, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) facilities, local markets and schools. Riverbank protection in this area is expected to help prevent further land loss and protect national territory. Project documents note that changes in the river system date back to the construction of the Kaptai Dam in the 1960s, which altered the natural flow of the Karnaphuli and its tributaries. Since then, sediment carried during the monsoon has been depositing in riverbeds and Kaptai Lake, gradually reducing water depth and flow capacity. As a result, navigation becomes extremely difficult during February to April, often isolating remote communities and increasing transport costs for essential goods. Farmers also suffer due to the absence of water in canals during the dry season, leading to reduced agricultural output. The proposed interventions are based on recommendations from a feasibility study conducted by the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) titled Feasibility Study for the Development & Management of Karnafully River Basin (With Halda River). The study identified erosion-prone zones and highlighted the need for integrated river training, dredging and canal excavation to ensure sustainable water management in Rangamati. Officials believe that once implemented, the project will significantly improve water security in the hill district, ensuring reliable surface water supply for domestic use, agriculture, fisheries and power generation. Improved river flow and connectivity are also expected to boost tourism, while construction activities and expanded economic opportunities will contribute to employment generation and overall socio-economic development in the region. With climate variability increasing pressure on hill ecosystems, authorities view the project as a strategic investment to balance development needs with long-term water sustainability in Rangamati.   Read more: Riverbank embankment sinks into Akhira before completion!

Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) is set to establish a dedicated Training and Research Academy aimed at reducing its long-standing dependence on costly local and foreign consultancy services. The proposed project, titled ‘Dhaka Wasa Training and Research Academy Establishment’, will be implemented at Mirpur Senpara Parbata Mouza in the capital at an estimated cost of Tk 721.42 crore. Dhaka Wasa will execute the project under the Local Government Division between October 2025 and June 2031. Officials said the project will gradually reduce Dhaka Wasa’s reliance on external consultants by creating a skilled pool of in-house professionals capable of planning, operating and maintaining complex systems. Read more: Dhaka WASA declares its headquarters 100% smoke-free According to official documents, the project is designed to build strong in-house technical capacity at a time when Dhaka Wasa is implementing complex, technology-driven infrastructure projects under its Water Master Plan and Sewerage Master Plan. Dhaka Wasa is undertaking several major projects including the construction of two water treatment plants and one sewage treatment plant, alongside the introduction of 145 District Metered Areas across the city to reduce system loss and ensure pressurised and uninterrupted water supply. Of these, 89 DMAs have already been established while the remaining ones are under construction. At the same time, advanced technologies such as smart water meters and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems are being introduced for centralised monitoring and data management. Officials said Dhaka Wasa’s officers and staff do not yet have adequate expertise to operate and manage these modern systems effectively. Almost all planning, implementation, monitoring and optimisation activities are being carried out by domestic and international consultancy firms, making projects expensive and limiting long-term institutional learning. “Due to a lack of technical knowledge and proper training facilities, Dhaka Wasa has no alternative but to rely on consultants for specialised tasks like DMA management, leak detection, SCADA operation and smart metering. This significantly raises project costs and weakens internal capacity,”a senior official told UNB. Dhaka Wasa, Rajuk, DNCC to work jointly on wastewater of Gulshan, Banani Dhaka Wasa currently has a training centre but its infrastructure and human resources are inadequate for advanced training and research. Opportunities for gaining modern technological knowledge and hands-on experience remain very limited. Although Dhaka Wasa operates microbiology and chemical laboratories mainly to test water quality, meaningful research to improve water quality standards is minimal because of the absence of proper research facilities and trained manpower. The proposed academy aims to address these challenges by establishing an international-standard training and research institute focused on water supply and sewerage services. Major components of the project include the construction of a training and research centre, dormitory facilities, parking areas and a pilot plant, along with the procurement of modern training and research equipment. The project also allocates funds for architectural design, construction supervision and specialised technical consultancy during the initial phase. The financing plan includes Tk 90 crore from government funds, Tk 571.42 crore in project loans and Tk 60 crore from Dhaka Wasa’s own resources. Once operational, the academy is expected to provide advanced training to Dhaka Wasa officials and employees in areas such as low-cost water and sewage treatment technologies, DMA establishment, leak detection, smart metering and SCADA-based system management. Beyond Dhaka Wasa, the academy is also planned as a regional knowledge-sharing platform. It will offer training and capacity-building support to water and sewerage service providers from across Bangladesh and South Asia. Read more: ECNEC approves Tk 35,465 cr project to modernise Eastern Refinery “This institute will not only improve Dhaka Wasa’s operational efficiency but also help position Bangladesh as a regional centre for water management training and research,” said an official. The Planning Commission has already endorsed the proposal noting that its successful implementation will significantly enhance the knowledge and skills of officials working in water supply and sewerage services.

Rising gracefully over the Kaliganga River in Ghior upazila, the concrete bridge at Baikunthapur was meant to end decades of isolation for dozens of villages, yet today it stands idle, cut off from the very communities it was built to serve. Three years after its completion, the Tk 42.34-crore structure remains unused, reminding how poor planning can turn development into despair, locals said. Read more: A decade on, Uttara lake development still stuck in limbo With no approach roads on either end, the 365-metre-long bridge has failed to deliver its promise of connectivity. For residents of at least 30 villages on both banks of the river, daily life remains shaped by hardship, risk and long detours. Rather than easing communication, the bridge has become a symbol of frustration, according to villagers. They said they continue to cross the Kaliganga by ferry boats, often at personal risk, while motorcycles, vans and rickshaws are ferried across the river one by one. “What should have been a journey of minutes now takes hours — or requires travelling nearly 15 kilometres extra to reach essential destinations,” said Habibur Rahman of Baliabadha village. Constructed under the Construction of Important Bridges on Rural Roads (CIBRR) project, the bridge’s construction began in 2018 following a tender process, officials said. They said the project included approach roads, with land acquisition factored into the overall cost. While the main bridge was completed in 2022, the crucial connecting roads never materialised. Read more: Endless delay pushes Barui Para Bridge cost to Tk 136cr; frustration grows According to the officials, the delay stems from complications in land acquisition. About 6.20 acres of land were acquired for the approach roads, and Tk 12.10 crore was allocated to compensate affected landowners. However, delays in distributing compensation cheques meant landowners did not hand over possession of their land, bringing construction to a standstill. “As a result, the bridge has remained idle for three years — a costly piece of infrastructure serving no practical purpose,” said an official, preferring anonymity.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) approved a Tk 35,465 crore project to modernise and expand Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL), aiming to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security, produce cleaner fuel and cut dependence on imported refined petroleum products. The approval came at an ECNEC meeting held at the NEC Auditorium of the Planning Commission with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Titled “Modernisation and Expansion of Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL),” the project has been undertaken by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and will be implemented by ERL on behalf of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). It falls under the power and energy sector and will be implemented in the Patenga area under Chattogram City Corporation in Chattogram district from December 2025 to November 2030. Read more: Endless delay pushes Barui Para Bridge cost to Tk 136cr; frustration grows Of the total estimated cost, Tk 21,277.59 crore will be provided as a government loan, while Tk 14,187.56 crore will come from ERL’s own resources. According to official documents, the key objectives of the project are to further reinforce national energy security, produce cleaner and more environment-friendly petroleum products and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported finished petroleum products. Under the project, a wide range of activities will be carried out, including site preparation, detailed engineering, procurement and construction involving both civil and mechanical works. A total of 20 processing units and 18 utility and off-site units will be installed as part of the expansion. Besides, electrical line connections will be taken from the Power Development Board (PDB), gas line connections from Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL), drainage infrastructure will be constructed, and computers, office equipment and other ancillary items will be procured. Read more: Irregularities deepen doubts over Khulna’s mega embankment project Eastern Refinery Limited, established in 1968, currently has a crude oil processing capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes per year. At present, ERL meets only about 20 per cent of the country’s total demand for petroleum products, with the remaining requirement being fulfilled through imports. This results in a substantial outflow of foreign currency for importing refined fuels. Officials said the introduction of Euro-5 fuel standards has made petroleum product specifications much more stringent. The proposed modernised refinery will produce Euro-5 standard environment-friendly gasoline and diesel, while upgrading existing diesel, motor spirit and octane produced at ERL to Euro-5 standards. Read more: Govt set to implement new project to digitise medical, nursing education In the meantime, BPC has already implemented the “Installation of Single Point Mooring (SPM) with Double Pipeline” project, which will enable transportation of up to 4.5 million metric tonnes of crude oil annually. This development has created favourable conditions for handling larger volumes of crude oil required for the expanded refinery. The Planning Commission, in its recommendation, said that once implemented, the project would enable the country to refine 3 million metric tonnes of crude oil annually and meet around 45 to 50 per cent of national demand for petroleum products. This is expected to enhance fuel storage capacity, save a significant amount of foreign exchange and contribute to ensuring long-term energy security for the country. Under a Processing Agreement with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), ERL processes crude oil imported by BPC and delivers the finished petroleum products to the other subsidiaries of BPC for marketing and distribution. Read more: Govt approves Tk 462.99cr Karnaphuli Tunnel connectivity project

The interim government of Bangladesh on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) approved a road connectivity project aimed at improving access between the much-talked-about  Karnaphuli Tunnel (Anwara end) and the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar National Highway at Gachhbari is set to be implemented, with the government allocating Tk 462.99 crore entirely from its own funds. The project, titled ‘Development of the Connecting Road from Karnaphuli Tunnel (Anwara) to Gachhbari of Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar National Highway’, will be undertaken by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) under the Road Transport and Highways Division. The implementation period has been fixed from October 2025 to December 2028. The approval came from the ECNEC meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, held at the NEC Conference Room of the Planning Ministry. Read more: Tk 2105 cr housing projects for July martyrs’ families, injured get govt nod Covering a total length of 21.08 kilometres, the project will be implemented in Anwara and Chandanaish upazilas of Chattogram district. Its primary objective is to upgrade the existing connecting road to appropriate standards and width to ensure uninterrupted, faster and safer road communication, reduce traffic congestion in Anwara and Chandanaish upazila towns, and develop an integrated, sustainable and cost-effective road transport network. According to the project profile, key activities include land acquisition, widening of road embankments, widening and strengthening of existing pavement, construction of new pavement with a width of 10.30 metres, surfacing works with DBS base and wearing course, construction of rigid RCC pavement, building of 18 RCC box culverts and three PC/RCC girder bridges, construction of RCC drain-cum-footpaths and retaining walls, and relocation of utilities. Anwara upazila holds significant geographical and economic importance, bordered by Patiya to the north, Banshkhali to the south, Chandanaish to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west. The road serves as a vital transport corridor for access to KAFCO, the Korean EPZ, Parki Sea Beach, the Marine Academy, the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mohsen Aulia (RA), CUFL and several industrial establishments. Due to heavy traffic, congestion and road accidents have become common in the area. Under the proposed project, the road from Gachhbari to Joykali Bazar will be widened over 16.48 kilometres from the existing 5.5-metre width, while a new 2.50-kilometre road will be constructed from Syed Kuchiar Mor to Sholokata. Read more: ECNEC clears 17 projects with Tk 15,383 cr Another 2.10 kilometres from Sholokata to Kalabibir Dighi Mor (R-170) will also be widened. The entire corridor will be upgraded to national highway standards with a width of 10.30 metres. The road connects Kalabibir Dighi Mor of N-115 road (R-170) to Gachhbari (Z-1040), linking with the N-1 national highway after 21.08 kilometres. At present, vehicles travelling from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar via the Karnaphuli Tunnel must pass through a 39-kilometre route via Patiya–Anwara Y-junction–Shantirhat–Patiya Bypass–Gachhbari. Once the project is completed, the distance from the Karnaphuli Tunnel to Gachhbari via Anwara will be reduced by around 18 kilometres, saving an estimated 35 minutes of travel time. Officials said the project was first proposed in July 2023 with an estimated cost of Tk 495.76 crore and an implementation period up to June 2026. Following several rounds of review by the Planning Commission and Project Evaluation Committee (PEC), the Development Project Proposal (DPP) was revised multiple times to rationalise costs and timelines. The latest revised DPP proposes a reduced cost of Tk 462.99 crore, with an extended implementation period of one year and six months. The Planning Commission, in its recommendation, said the project would establish a modern, safe and efficient road connection between the Karnaphuli Tunnel and the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar National Highway. This, it noted, would facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight vehicles, enhance the utilisation of the Karnaphuli Tunnel, and significantly improve connectivity between Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar. Read more: Sylhet Osmani Int’l Airport expansion project rises by Tk 470 crore  The Karnaphuli Tunnel is a landmark infrastructure project and the first underwater road tunnel in South Asia. Located in the port city of Chattogram, Bangladesh, the tunnel runs beneath the Karnaphuli River to connect the city's east and west banks, essentially implementing a "One City, Two Towns" model. The entire route measures 9.39 kilometers, with the main tunnel segment spanning 3.32 kilometers, featuring dual two-lane tubes. It was constructed using a slurry shield tunneling method by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The project, part of China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, cost around $1.1 billion, with partial financing from the Exim Bank of China. The primary objective of the tunnel is to revolutionize transportation dynamics in the region. It is expected to significantly reduce travel time and alleviate traffic congestion on existing bridges, particularly easing the journey between Chattogram and the tourist hub of Cox's Bazar from four hours to potentially two. It also provides a vital link to the Chattogram Port, Matarbari Deep Seaport, and the proposed industrial zones in the Anwara Upazila, fostering trade and investment. Read more: Endless delay pushes Barui Para Bridge cost to Tk 136cr; frustration grows However, the project has faced some initial challenges. Since its opening in October 2023, the tunnel has experienced lower-than-projected daily vehicle usage, leading to significant financial losses due to high maintenance costs and high tolls compared to nearby alternatives.

A project envisioned as a vital connectivity link for Narail has instead come to epitomise years of delay, mounting costs and unmet promises. Construction of the Barui Para Bridge over the Nabaganga River in Kalia upazila has dragged on for nearly eight years, far exceeding its original one-and-a-half-year deadline. With only partial progress achieved, local residents and commuters continue to endure daily hardship, growing increasingly frustrated as deadline after deadline slips by. The prolonged delay has also come at a heavy financial cost. Originally approved at Tk 65 crore, the project’s budget has ballooned to around Tk 136 crore—almost two and a half times higher—largely due to design complications and repeated extensions. Crippling bridge forces 30,000 Lalmonirhat residents to risk their lives daily Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly improve road connectivity between Narail Sadar and Kalia upazila, while also easing communication with at least three neighbouring districts. Until then, the unfinished structure stands as a reminder of stalled promises. Supervised by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), construction of the bridge began in 2018. Despite the passage of time, the project remains incomplete. The latest extension has set June next year as the new deadline. So far, work on 11 piers, 11 spans and the approach roads on both sides of the river have been completed. However, the most critical section—the central portion of the bridge—remains unfinished. This includes three piers and three steel spans that are yet to be installed, locals said. According to RHD sources, the PC girder bridge measures 651.83 metres in length and 10.25 metres in width. While the original contract value stood at Tk 65 crore, repeated design modifications and time overruns have pushed the total project cost to Tk 135.92 crore. Read more: Bridge of hopes over Narendrapur-Kachrar canal still waiting The initial contractor, M/s Jamil Iqbal and Moinuddin Bashi Construction Company, was awarded the project in 2018. The construction process, however, faced major setbacks after the No-9 pier was washed away twice following collisions with bulkheads. Unable to complete four piers and three spans of the main structure, the contractor spent Tk 61 crore before the Roads and Highways Department ultimately terminated the first-phase contract after multiple deadline extensions. Subsequently, the RHD awarded the remaining work under a second-phase contract to Concrete and Steel Technologist Ltd. The firm has reported that installation work has already begun on three imported steel spans, including a large 86.73-metre steel arch span sourced from abroad. Abdul Wadud Khan Liton, a responsible official of the contracting firm, acknowledged the delays, attributing them to the complexities involved in importing specialised steel spans. Read more: Irregularities deepen doubts over Khulna’s mega embankment project “We expect to complete installation of two spans within this month. We are hopeful that the central arch span will be installed and handed over to the authorities before the deadline,” he said. Narail Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Md Nazrul Islam said construction work has resumed in full swing after correcting earlier design flaws. He expressed optimism that the long-awaited project would finally be completed by mid-June next year, paving the way for the bridge to be opened to traffic. For now, however, residents of Narail continue to wait—watching an unfinished bridge stretch across the river, emblematic of both promise and prolonged delay. Read more: A decade on, Uttara lake development still stuck in limbo

Riverbank erosion has long haunted the people of Koyra, a coastal upazila in Khulna, but this year their fears have intensified. Despite a massive government project meant to offer lasting protection, irregularities and sluggish progress are raising serious questions about whether the embankments will withstand the next tide. Experts say climate change, rising tidal pressure and shifts in river flow continue to intensify threats along the Bay of Bengal coast. Read more: Sand syndicates tighten grip on Bangladesh's northern region The government’s long-awaited sustainable embankment project—worth nearly Tk 12,000 crore—initially offered hope to thousands who face erosion every summer and monsoon. But allegations of mismanagement now overshadow the initiative. Illegal Sand Extraction, Tree Cutting Undermine Safety Locals and environmental groups report that sand is being illegally extracted from the Kopotakkho and Shakbaria rivers to support embankment construction. At the same time, riverside trees are being cut indiscriminately, weakening natural buffers meant to stabilise the structures. On December 4, these fears materialised when nearly 200 metres of embankment collapsed at Matiabhanga in South Bedkashi union—without strong winds or floods. The sudden breach inundated nearby areas. Two days later, fresh cracks appeared between Doshahalia in Maharajpur union and Hoglar, forcing residents to patch the damage themselves. Residents say they heard unusual soil-lifting sounds late at night before the embankment gave way. Many believe the incident was linked to unchecked extraction and construction malpractice. Read more: Teesta Dam ‘renovation’ in Rangpur turns into a 'sand bonanza' “The embankment just vanished before our eyes. We thought our homes and everything would be washed away,” recalled Masum Billah, a resident of Matiabhanga. Abdus Salam, another villager, said erosion has been intensifying daily. “Three houses have already been lost. Despite the long-standing vulnerability, no repairs were undertaken,” he said. Warnings Ignored, Cracks Left Unrepaired The breached area is part of a Tk 1,200-crore Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) mega project in Koyra and adjoining regions. The work includes raising and widening 32 km of embankments, slope protection, river management and riverside afforestation. But locals say they have seen little evidence of strong, sustained work on the ground. Didarul Alam, a member of Ward No. 3 of South Bedkashi union, said cracks had been reported a month earlier near the mouths of the Arpangasia and Kopotakkho rivers. “No effective measures were taken. Only a few sandbags were placed, which allowed the crack to widen and collapse,” he said. Read more: 130 metres of Teesta bridge embankment collapses threatening 1700 families BWDB Satkhira-2 Division Deputy Assistant Engineer Alamgir Kabir insisted that repair work is underway and that a temporary ring embankment has helped halt further flooding. Environmentalists Alarmed by Project Irregularities Environmental activists say the recent embankment breach in winter—traditionally a calm season—is highly unusual and signals structural weaknesses. Anwar Hossain, convener of the Coastal and Sundarbans Conservation Movement, expressed deep concern over illegal sand lifting and deforestation along river chars. These destructive practices, he said, directly undermine embankment durability. “Breaches like this in winter are unprecedented,” he said, pointing to irregularities in project execution despite substantial government funding. A Coastal Region Running Out of Time For vulnerable communities already living on the edge, the collapse has renewed fears of a future defined by unchecked erosion, tidal surges and displacement. With the monsoon months only half a year away, residents worry that without transparency, accountability and swift action, the mega project may fail to deliver the protection it promised. Read more: Illegal sand extraction in Feni continues despite political shift Locals say they cannot afford another collapse, or another year of neglect.

The government has taken a project aimed at streamlining and strengthening the management of medical, population and nursing education services across the country. The project “Integrated Improvement in the Management of Activities of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), NIPORT and the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM)”, undertaken by the Health Education and Family Welfare Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, involves an estimated cost of Tk 211.90 crore. It will be implemented between July 2025 and June 2026. Read more: Barishal Nursing College remains dysfunctional for 4th day According to project documents, the initiative seeks to mainstream essential activities previously carried out under the Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Programme (HPNSP), which concluded its fourth phase in June 2024. Although the sector programme played a central role in improving healthcare delivery since 1998, the ministry identified an array of structural limitations, including duplication of tasks and overlapping responsibilities across operational plans. The proposed project aims to gradually transition critical activities from the HPNSP framework into the regular institutional structure of the health education and service system, ensuring continuity through a more stable and recurring budget. The project intends to upgrade medical, nursing and midwifery education through modernised simulation laboratories in five government medical colleges, the development and customisation of ten software modules, and hands-on training programmes for faculty members in medical and dental colleges. It will also strengthen digital record management for medical students, improve online-based e-library services and enhance the Performance Management Information System (PMIS). Besides, the DGME will store and manage academic and administrative data under a unified digital platform, while the training provided through hospital management modules is expected to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Collaborative efforts can elevate nursing education in Bangladesh: Speakers The programme also focuses on strengthening human resource and facility management. The DGME, DGNM and NIPORT will introduce digital registries, automate hostel seat allocation and fee management, and upgrade utilities and administrative systems in education and training institutions. Alongside 3,030 units of medical and surgical equipment, 145 computers, 2,397 educational tools, 2,696 pieces of furniture and 600 bedding sets will be procured to address existing shortages. Ninety-six office equipment items will be purchased for improving workplace conditions. NIPORT will implement a large portion of the training component. The organisation is expected to deliver 600 batches of training, involving 15,000 participants across its 35 institutions, while the DGNM will conduct 320 batches for an additional 9,600 nurses and midwives. The NIPORT will also update three training curricula, complete twelve unfinished studies under the fourth sector programme, and carry out two major national surveys: the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) and the Bangladesh Health Facility Survey (BHFS). These data-driven activities are considered essential for evidence-based policy-making in health, population and nutrition planningsaid officials. Bangladesh Medical Education Accreditation Bill, 2023 passed in JS Officials said the selection of project areas has been based on the administrative and operational jurisdictions of the three implementing agencies. DGME activities will cover all government medical and dental colleges, IHTs and MATS institutions across all divisions. NIPORT’s coverage includes its headquarters in Dhaka, fourteen Regional Population Training Institutes located at the district level, and twenty-one Regional Training Centres at the upazila level. Nursing and midwifery institutions, as well as government hospitals with nursing staff across the country, fall under the DGNM component. A pre-appraisal assessment reviewed the activities and expenditures of the three directorates under the previous operational plans and incorporated technical estimates verified by the Technical Specification Committee. The Project Evaluation Committee (PEC), in its meeting held on 8 September 2025, recommended approval of the proposal subject to compliance with its observations. The ministry has agreed to restructure the Development Project Proposal (DPP) accordingly. The Planning Commission said the project will significantly contribute to improving medical, nursing and midwifery education while enhancing family planning services. NIANER hosts seminar on innovations in nursing education and practice It added that the project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, the Bangladesh Population Policy 2025 and the broader objectives of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division to ensure quality health education and affordable, high-standard family planning services for all. Officials believe that once implemented, the project will help modernise competency-based clinical education, improve institutional transparency, support digital transformation across training facilities and contribute to strengthened health service delivery nationwide.

More than a decade after it was first approved with the promise of giving residents a cleaner, greener and more accessible lake environment, the Uttara Lake Development (1st Revised) Project remains mired in delays, extensions and rising costs. What was once envisioned as a model urban regeneration initiative—protecting the Uttara lake system from encroachment, improving water retention, preventing pollution and creating vibrant walkways and recreation spaces—has instead become a striking example of chronic stagnation in public infrastructure development. Recently the government extended the project deadline for the sixth time, pushing completion to June 2026. A Decade of Deadlines Missed The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works was originally approved in 2014. At the time, it carried a modest two-year timeline from July 2014 to June 2016 and a cost estimate of Tk 37.32 crore. Read more: Banani Society's 55k Adda Park: Community-led initiative transforms decaying lakeside into urban oasis But as years passed with repeated extensions and little visible improvement, the financial footprint expanded dramatically. After revisions, the cost now stands at Tk 90.73 crore, nearly two and a half times the original estimate. RAJUK alone is bearing Tk 78.85 crore of that amount. “We need to protect the lake from pollution and encroachment, but all we see are deadlines being moved,” said Aminul Haque, a long-time resident of Sector 4. Why the Delay? RAJUK Lists a Long Chain of Reasons Officials attributed the most recent delay to multiple complications in the field. Unusually heavy rainfall during the current fiscal year has held back progress, while the land acquisition process has taken longer than expected. Read more: Kaptai Lake must be protected as a national asset: Farida Akhter The project area includes two mosques, forcing RAJUK to proceed cautiously. Daytime restrictions on truck movement have meant that sludge removal could only be carried out at night. Moreover, the project site is situated in a densely populated and congested neighbourhood, requiring slow and careful pallasiding work to avoid disturbing surrounding houses. RAJUK officials also reported resistance while attempting to evict illegal structures in an adjacent slum, further slowing the pace of work. The Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) approved the government’s proposal for a one-year extension, but only under strict conditions. IMED emphasised that all remaining activities must be completed within the newly approved timeframe and no further extensions would be allowed. Read more: Teesta Dam ‘renovation’ in Rangpur turns into a 'sand bonanza' It observed that no audit objections were raised between the 2017–18 and 2022–23 financial years, but that audit work for 2023–24 is still pending. Current Progress: Some Movement, Much Left to Do According to RAJUK’s latest report, cumulative financial progress reached Tk 56.84 crore, or 62.65 per cent, as of May 2025, while physical progress stood at 65 per cent. The Planning Commission acknowledged the challenges of working in such a densely populated area but agreed that the extension was necessary to complete the remaining 35 per cent of work, including the removal of illegal structures around the lake. The project has been allocated Tk 16 crore in the Annual Development Programme for the 2025–26 financial year. Residents Wait—and Hope On paper, Uttara Lake should by now be lined with walkways, lush greenery, open spaces and cleaner water flowing through a restored ecosystem. But for many residents, the lake remains a reminder of promises delayed and opportunities lost. Read more: Tk 2105 cr housing projects for July martyrs’ families, injured get govt nod “It’s not that nothing has changed,” said Mumu Chowdhury, who lives near the lake area. “But the pace is too slow. We deserve better—this is our environment, our community.” With yet another deadline now set for mid-2026, residents are hoping this will finally be the last extension.