United News of Bangladesh

The government of Bangladesh on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) launched electronic bail bond or e-bail bond management system in eight districts if the country, aiming to make the bail bond submission process easier. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul inaugurated the programme virtually from the Secretariat. The new system has been introduced simultaneously in Manikganj, Bandarban, Meherpur, Joypurhat, Moulvibazar, Panchagarh, Jhalakathi and Sherpur following the successful pilot implementation in Narayanganj. The Adviser said the e-bail bond system was first launched on a trial basis in Narayanganj on October 15 last year and has been operating with cent percent success. Read more: Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 “Based on this success, we have further improved the software. Today, the e-bail bond system has been launched in eight more districts,” he said. He said the new system will save time and costs for litigants, lawyers, prison authorities and all other stakeholders involved in the bail process. Before the introduction of e-bail bonds, people had to go through multiple steps even after bail was granted, the adviser said. “As a result, litigants had to endure unnecessary loss of time, money and mental distress. In many cases, people had to remain in jail for several days or even weeks despite being granted bail. There was a lack of transparency and accountability, and it was not possible to identify where delays were occurring,” he said. Dr Asif Nazrul said the government plans to introduce the system in all 64 districts. “We still have 20 to 25 days. We will try to launch it in a few more districts during this time. We hope that within the next six months, the system will be operational in all districts,” he added. Read More: Rule of law biggest challenge despite progress: Asif Nazrul Responding to a question on whether future governments would continue the initiative, the adviser said he believes the system will be maintained as it does not involve any political controversy.

The interim government on Sunday explained why Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ support for ‘Yes’ vote in referendum is consistent with democratic norms in Bangladesh. "Professor Muhammad Yunus’ support for a ‘Yes’ vote is consistent with the reformist mandate of the interim government, Bangladesh’s urgent need for institutional renewal, established international democratic practice; and transparency and accountability to the electorate," said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Ultimately, the interim government said, the decision rests with the people of Bangladesh. "That is the democratic guarantee. Leadership does not negate that choice. It helps clarify it," said the press wing in a long explanation. Campaigning for ‘Yes’ in referendum is a state obligation: Adviser Nurjahan Recent commentary has raised concerns that the interim government and the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ open support for a ‘Yes’ vote in Bangladesh’s forthcoming referendum on institutional reforms may be inconsistent with the expectations of an interim administration. These concerns deserve respectful consideration, said the interim government. It, however, said the mandate of the interim government and comparative international practice, such criticism does not withstand close scrutiny when assessed in light of Bangladesh’s specific political context. In Bangladesh’s current transitional moment, silence would not represent neutrality, it would represent a failure of leadership, said the interim government. For Bangladesh at this juncture, the government said, the greater risk lies not in advocacy, but in equivocation. An interim government that declines to support the reforms it has championed would weaken public confidence, confuse voters, and undermine the coherence of the transition, it said.  

Bangladesh’s private sector risks a tightening credit environment as government borrowing from the banking system has surged to nearly Tk 60,000 crore in the first half of the current fiscal year, raising concerns about reduced lending capacity for businesses. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the government’s net borrowing from banks reached Tk 59,756 crore between July 1 and January 4 of FY2025–26. The amount accounts for more than 57 percent of the full-year borrowing target of Tk 1.04 lakh crore, surpassing the halfway mark well before the fiscal year’s midpoint. The pace of borrowing marks a sharp escalation from a year earlier. In the same period of FY2024–25, the government’s net bank borrowing stood at Tk 8,312 crore, meaning the current figure represents an increase of 619 percent. Read more: Govt exceeds IMF-set limit on external borrowing: Dr Salehuddin Although the government initially repaid a small portion of its bank liabilities at the start of the fiscal year, borrowing accelerated rapidly amid mounting fiscal pressures. Economists cite a combination of revenue shortfalls, declining foreign aid and rising expenditure commitments as key drivers behind the shift. “The government is not meeting its revenue targets, and expected foreign loans are not arriving on time,” said Towfiqul Islam Khan, economist and additional research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). "Consequently, the government is forced to lean on the domestic banking sector to cover the deficit," he said. Bangladesh Bank data show the government’s total outstanding debt to the banking system has climbed to Tk 6.10 lakh crore. Of the borrowing undertaken so far this fiscal year, Tk 35,750 crore has come from commercial banks, while Tk 24,006 crore has been taken from the central bank. Read more: IMF limits Bangladesh’s foreign borrowing Business leaders warn that heavy public-sector borrowing risks crowding out private investment by absorbing a significant share of available bank liquidity. Reduced access to credit could delay investment decisions, constrain production capacity and slow job creation, they say. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, managing director and chief executive officer of Mutual Trust Bank Limited, said the banking sector has been navigating a difficult period amid a broader erosion of confidence. He noted that while the economy and banking system have stabilised, growth has slowed due to the impact of “severe mismanagement of the macroeconomic situation”. “Excessive government borrowing reduces the capacity of banks to support the private sector,” said Abdul Haque, a prominent business leader and former director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). “This hampers employment and has a negative ripple effect across the entire economy," he said. Read more: NPL crisis chokes private credit growth, endangers Bangladesh's economic recovery: Experts Analysts caution that unless revenue collection improves and public spending is managed more effectively, continued reliance on bank financing could undermine private-sector activity and weigh on Bangladesh’s longer-term economic growth.

The government on Wednesday said it remains hopeful of a smooth transition through the national election but wants to prevent the arrival of any “unexpected individuals” from abroad who may attempt to create an undesirable situation during the election period. “We are not stopping the issuance of visas. Those who wish to come may apply for visas, and we will issue them as long as their purpose is valid,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to a journalist’s query regarding reports of the suspension of visa-on-arrival facilities. “You know, during the election period, there may be attempts to create unexpected situations. Some unwanted individuals may try to enter the country suddenly,” he said. The Foreign Adviser said the Ministry of Home Affairs is truly better positioned to comment on the matter but acknowledged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received instructions in this regard. Read more: Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan on Tuesday informed the general public that the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Thimphu has officially conveyed that the government of Bangladesh has suspended the “Visa on Arrival” facility for all eligible countries, including Bhutan, with effect from January 15 to February 15. In view of this, Bhutan said, all Bhutanese nationals intending to travel to Bangladesh during the above period are advised to apply for a visa in advance through the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimphu prior to their travel. The Bhutanese Ministry advised all travelers to take note of this change and make the necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain on January 8 confirmed that they have asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed for a time being on security grounds. “What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he said while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time. Read more: Foreign Adviser communicates with Pakistani counterpart ahead of OIC ministerial meet on Somalia Asked about the matter, Hossain on Wednesday had taken the decision due to a special situation, noting that they have to look after the security of the missions.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) slashed customs duty on imported mobile phones by 60 per cent aimed at keeping handset prices within the purchasing capacity of consumers amid rising living costs. It issued two separate statutory regulatory orders in this regard. According to an NBR notification, the customs duty on imported finished mobile phones has been reduced to 10 per cent from the existing 25 per cent. The revenue authority said the decision was taken to ensure that mobile phones remain affordable for the general public and to facilitate wider access to digital services. Read more: NBR links ASYCUDA World with BGMEA e-UD system to modernise bond management To protect local mobile phone assembling companies from facing adverse competition due to the duty cut on finished handset imports, the NBR simultaneously reduced customs duty on the import of raw materials and components used by domestic assemblers. In another notification, the duty on importing such components has been lowered to 5 per cent from 10 per cent. The NBR said the dual measures were designed to strike a balance between consumer interest and the sustainability of the domestic mobile phone assembling industry. As a direct impact of the revised duty structure, the government estimates that the price of each imported finished mobile phone priced above Tk 30,000 will fall by around Tk 5,500. Meanwhile, the price of each locally assembled mobile phone in the same price segment is expected to decline by approximately Tk 1,500. With mobile phones playing a critical role in communication, digital financial services, e-governance and education, ensuring affordability has become a key policy priority, NBR officials said. The revenue authority also reaffirmed that the government’s efforts to keep mobile phone prices within the reach of consumers would continue in line with its broader goal of promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to technology across the country. At the same time, Bangladesh has introduced the National Equipment Identity Register as a major regulatory step aimed at curbing the use and trade of illegal, counterfeit and unregistered mobile handsets, strengthening consumer protection and safeguarding government revenue. Launched under the supervision of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the NEIR system requires every mobile phone to be registered through its unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number before it can access cellular networks. Authorities say the platform will help block stolen or smuggled devices, reduce grey market imports, improve network security and ensure a level playing field for compliant importers and manufacturers who pay applicable duties and taxes. Read more: NBR launches e-VAT module for paper-based returns However, the rollout has triggered protests from mobile phone traders across the country particularly small and medium retailers who fear that the system could disrupt business and impose new financial and administrative burdens. Protesters have demanded a longer transition period, clearer guidelines, amnesty for existing stock and stronger public awareness campaigns before full enforcement.

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, according to officials. They said 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: Govt cuts Tk 12,000cr from top development projects over slow progress 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. Read more: Rangamati: IG goes where no govt has gone before, with water management initiative for Rangamati 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. Riverbank 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 said 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. They said 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. Read more: DWASA moves to set up Tk 721cr training, research academy 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. Read more: A costly bridge in Manikganj waiting for roads 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.

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

More than 15 months after the government imposed a ban on polythene in retail markets, the banned plastic continues to be widely used across city streets and rural bazars in Bangladesh, reflecting weak enforcement and easy availability, according to market observers and industry insiders. “Across Dhaka and other major towns, shoppers leave markets with bags full of banned polythene, with neither sellers nor buyers appearing to exercise caution or awareness,” said Hasan Shahriar, businessman. Despite laws existing for over two decades, he said, polythene remains a persistent feature of daily commerce. Analysts, including environmentalists and journalists, insist that without robust enforcement, assured alternative supplies, and a crackdown on entrenched syndicates, the country’s attempts to curb plastic usage are doomed to repeatedly falter. Read more: Lack of coordination dooms govt drive against polythene, single-use plastics Fighting for environmental protection requires more than legislation; it needs pragmatic planning and political will, they said. On the Ground: Polythene in Every Stall Field visits to Dhaka’s markets reveal that fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, and groceries are all still sold in polythene. Vendors cite its low cost, availability, and convenience as key reasons for continuing its use, while buyers face no additional cost. In contrast, alternatives such as paper, cloth, or jute bags remain largely absent. Some supermarkets in the capital have reportedly reduced polythene usage, but the change has yet to spread widely. Before the interim government’s enforcement drive, several rounds of consultations took place with environmental advisers and stakeholders. Traders were given deadlines to comply with the ban, yet polythene reappears in large markets, bazaars, and alleyways shortly after enforcement actions. Vendors argue that without viable alternatives, they are compelled to continue using polythene. Environmental authorities maintain that all efforts are being made to eliminate its use. Law Exists, Enforcement Lags Bangladesh first banned polythene production, marketing, and distribution in 2002 under the Environmental Conservation Act, which criminalised general polythene bag use. In 2024, the interim government renewed the ban, effective from 1 October, prohibiting polythene bags in supermarkets nationwide. From 1 November, nationwide enforcement extended to all bazaars and retail outlets, outlawing production, sale, storage, transport and use of polythene and polypropylene shopping bags. Read more: Rizwana for developing habit of using cloth, jute bags instead of polythene In practice, however, the ban has been largely symbolic. While initial enforcement was stringent, compliance waned within days, and polythene quickly returned to the market. Numbers Are Stark Research indicates that nearly 3,000 factories in Bangladesh produce millions of polythene bags daily. In Dhaka alone, approximately 20 million bags are generated each day. Around 80% of the population relies on polythene or plastic products in some form, placing Bangladesh among the world’s most plastic-polluted countries. Open Factories in Old Dhaka Despite the ban, hundreds of polythene factories operate openly in areas such as Debidashghat Lane, Gani Miar Hat, and Larkipotti in Old Dhaka. Locals claim that these syndicates maintain operations with tacit administrative approval. A 2025 raid on an illicit factory in Chawkbazar, during which environmental officers were attacked, underscored the syndicates’ reach. Monitoring and Enforcement Director Shawkat Ali suffered serious injuries in the incident. A Lack of Alternatives Markets, including Karwanbazar, Kitchen Market, and Muslim Bazar show near-universal polythene use. A vegetable vendor told UNB, “If I don’t give polythene, customers will go elsewhere. Paper or jute bags simply aren’t available in the market.” Read more: Jute: The Greenest Alternative to Plastic Bags Buyers echo this, noting that bans alone cannot suffice without affordable, practical alternatives. Many alternative bags in supermarkets remain beyond the reach of ordinary consumers. Environmental and Health Risks Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumdar of Stamford University, and Director of CAPS, told UNB that polythene harms the environment in three key ways: soil pollution, blocked drains causing waterlogging, and ineffective waste management. When burned, it releases toxic gases; in water, it degrades quality. When it enters the food chain, it increases risks of cancer and other diseases. He stressed that effective reduction requires alternatives that are cheap, portable, and suitable for wet goods. “Without such options, bans are ineffective,” he said. Preparedness Gaps Lead to Failure Former Additional Director of the Department of Environment, Engineer Md. Abdus Sobhan, told UNB that the sudden announcement of the ban without preparation was the primary cause of failure. “Markets lacked alternatives, administrative capacity was limited, and coordination among law enforcement was weak,” he said. Read more: Govt to distribute jute bags at subsidised rates: Adviser Rizwana Alamgir Kabir, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Environmental Movement, added that polythene can only be eliminated permanently if low-cost, easily accessible alternatives are provided. “If jute bags cost twice as much, people will never adopt them,” he warned. Government Response Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Environmental Adviser, told UNB that the government is striving to enforce the law. “Supermarkets in Dhaka no longer provide polythene. Implementing the ban across the country is challenging, but we have started. The next elected government can continue implementation.” She stressed that public awareness is vital, and a ‘polythene-free daily’ mindset must be cultivated. Md Ziaul Haque, Additional Director of the Department of Environment, said enforcement continues through awareness campaigns and mobile courts, alongside attempts to disrupt the supply chain. “Trucks carrying polythene from Dhaka to other regions have been intercepted, and factories temporarily shut down. We will resume these operations swiftly,” he added.

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!

The interim government on Thursday (January 08, 2026) decided to fix the prices of 295 essential medicines in Bangladesh, making it mandatory for all pharmaceutical companies to sell these drugs at government-determined rates. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Advisers, aimed at ensuring affordable access to medicines for the majority of the population. “Prices of 295 essential medicines will be fixed by the government, and all companies will have to comply with these rates. The decision will be implemented very soon,” said Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy after the meeting. He said the list of essential medicines covers treatments for diseases affecting nearly 80 percent of the country’s population. Read more: Rising medicine prices threaten healthcare for marginalised communities, warns study “Once prices are fixed by the government, access to these medicines for a large segment of people will be ensured. This decision has been taken so that the cost of medicines does not become a barrier to healthcare for ordinary citizens,” Sayedur Rahman added. Describing the move by the interim government as a landmark step, he said companies currently selling medicines at prices higher than the government-fixed rates will have to reduce their prices accordingly. “Those selling at lower prices may continue to do so, or they can adjust to the government-fixed rates if they wish,” Dr Sayedur Rahman said. Explaining the pricing mechanism for foreign pharmaceutical companies, he said the government will assess company proposals by considering purchasing power parity (PPP). Separate categories will be maintained for under-patent and off-patent medicines. “A taskforce was formed which held discussions with all stakeholders involved in drug manufacturing and marketing. Initially, it will function as a Drug Price Authority and gradually evolve into a full-fledged authority. This will help remove existing barriers to access to medicines,” he added. Dr Sayedur Rahman also said the government plans to establish a dedicated Drug Pricing Authority in the future, responsible solely for determining medicine prices. “Considering global market trends and all relevant factors, medicine prices in the local market will then be more rational.” Read more: Availability of anti-hypertensive medicine at the grassroots level crucial to lower NCD risk Addressing concerns about substandard medicines, he said there is no such thing as a ‘low-quality medicine’. “If a product lacks quality, it ceases to be a medicine and becomes a chemical substance. The government is fully committed to ensuring quality from every aspect.”