United News of Bangladesh

Hilsa, the pride of Bangladesh’s rivers and the heart of its culinary culture, has once again slipped beyond the reach of ordinary consumers as prices surged dramatically at the century-old Mir Kadim wholesale fish market in Munshiganj. Within just 48 hours, hilsa prices have jumped by up to Tk 700 per kilogram, leaving both buyers and traders frustrated — each side pointing fingers over the sudden spike. During a visit to the bustling Mir Kadim market on Friday, the scene was as lively as ever. Buyers and sellers packed into narrow lanes, where freshly caught silver hilsa shimmered under bright lights. Yet, for many who travelled long distances hoping to savour the seasonal delicacy, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment. A one-kilogram hilsa is now priced at Tk 2,600–2,700, while the larger 1.5-kg fish are selling for Tk 3,200 per kg — a price bracket that has become a luxury for most households. Even the smallest hilsa, weighing just 150–200 grams, now cost Tk 650–700 per kg. Hilsa returns to Khulna markets after 22-day ban Consumers allege that syndicates are manipulating prices, while traders argue that the root of the crisis runs deeper. Sand Extraction and Illegal Nets Blamed Al Helal Royel, president of the Mir Kadim Fish Traders’ Association, said rampant and unplanned sand extraction is destroying natural breeding grounds, while the widespread use of illegal current nets is depleting fish stocks at an alarming rate. “Fish stocks have fallen. Demand is high but supply is low — that’s why prices are increasing,” he explained. According to the district fisheries office, Munshiganj produced 31,348 metric tonnes of fish in the past year. However, fish availability typically dips during winter, amplifying the strain on supply and pushing prices upward. Delicious hilsa slips from table to luxury list Other Fish Prices Also on the Rise It isn’t just hilsa causing concern. Almost all fish varieties at Mir Kadim have seen significant price hikes. A survey of the market revealed the following rates: ·         River Pangas: Tk 800–1,000 per kg ·         Farmed Pangas: Tk 150–200 ·         Rui: Tk 350–450 ·         Katla (farmed): Tk 400–500 ·         Katla (river): Tk 600–700 ·         Local boal: Tk 800–1,000 ·         Farmed boal: Tk 500–550 ·         Golda shrimp: Tk 700–1,000 ·         Bagda shrimp: Tk 600–700 ·         Aiyr: Tk 1,000–1,200 ·         Farmed koi: Tk 200–220 ·         Local koi: Tk 800–1,000 ·         Local sing: Tk 800–1,000 ·         Farmed sing: Tk 300–400 ·         Chitol: Tk 500–600 ·         Koral: Tk 600–700 Read more: Hilsa floods Chandpur markets, prices drop Traders say the overall supply of both river and farmed fish is far from stable, contributing to the sharp rise in prices. A Market with a Century of Legacy Mir Kadim, one of the country’s oldest and busiest fish markets, operates through 43 wholesale sheds. Each morning, within just two to three hours, the market handles fish sales worth around Tk 1 crore. On weekends and holidays, the volume multiplies several times as buyers flock in from neighbouring districts. But for now, the soaring prices, particularly of hilsa, have dampened spirits. What was once a common delight is increasingly becoming an occasional indulgence for many Bangladeshi families. Read more: Hilsa Ilisha: The National Fish and Silver Pride of Bangladesh

The Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) has urged the government to crack down on the syndicates responsible for unfair increase in air fares. In an online discussion held on Wednesday the ATAB leaders called upon the government to intervene decisively to rein in soaring airfares. They described it as artificially created seat shortages orchestrated by these syndicates. The discussion meeting was chaired by ATAB President Abdus Salam Aref.  SCB to partner with Biman in the airline's first Regional Treasury Centre ATAB Secretary General Afsia Jannat Saleh moderated the event. The discussants raised concerns about the detrimental impact of these alleged syndicates on passengers. ATAB representatives claimed that these "unscrupulous groups" are manipulating ticket prices, leading to significant hardship for travelers. Furthermore, ATAB alleged that these same groups are actively engaged in spreading false and misleading information targeting the legitimately elected ATAB committee through various online and traditional media channels, with some instances involving direct threats. They asserted that the "ticket syndicate is a dishonest cartel" involved in black marketing and hoarding to create artificial crises for excessive profit. They urged the immediate revocation of their licenses and demanded stringent legal action against those involved. ATAB leaders suggested that a recent government circular aimed at curbing such syndication has disrupted the monopoly of these groups, leading to their current efforts to regain control through conspiratorial campaigns against ATAB's current leadership. Key figures including ATAB Vice President Mohammad Ziaur Rahman Khan Rezwan, former Executive Vice President and current Executive Committee member Alhaj H.M. Mujibul Haque Shakur, former Secretary General Jinnur Ahmed Chowdhury Dipu, and Deputy Secretary Dewan Rushu Chowdhury voiced their concerns and called for unified resistance against these syndicate groups. They urged the authorities to take swift action to ensure transparency and equal opportunity within the travel trade sector. Established in 1976 and recognised by the government and the Ministry of Commerce, ATAB represents nearly 4,000 licensed travel agencies in Bangladesh. The organisation plays a crucial role in shaping aviation and tourism policies in collaboration with the government.  Chinese airlines to launch Ctg-Kunming flights for Bangladeshi medical travel

The Malaysian Immigration Department busted a human trafficking syndicate and rescued 11 Bangladeshis during a special operation in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night. The syndicate was reportedly led by three Bangladeshi men. UN Resident Coordinator meets Foreign Adviser to strengthen cooperation The Malaysian authorities conducted a coordinated operation across three locations, leading to the arrest of three primary suspects, aged 35 to 38, and a 32-year-old Bangladeshi woman, reportedly the partner of one of the men. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed the successful rescue of 11 Bangladeshi nationals, aged between 30 and 38, who were reportedly victims of exploitation. “These individuals were trafficked and exploited for profit by the syndicate. Our operation led to the confiscation of 17 Bangladeshi passports, 20 mobile phones, RM800 in cash, US$800, and two vehicles,” said Zakaria in a statement issued on Friday. Singapore companies keen to invest in Bangladesh: Minister Fu The victims are currently under the care of the Immigration Department, pending further investigations. The authorities believe that the syndicate was operating a highly organised network that exploited vulnerable individuals for monetary gain. Zakaria reiterated the department’s commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring justice for victims. Source: Malaysian media

Hasnat Abdullah, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has expressed concerns about the interim government's inability to dismantle syndicates. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, he wrote, "Only the signboard of the syndicate has changed." Interim Government committed to curbing essential commodity prices by breaking syndicates: Mahfuj Alam He also highlighted the issue of rising egg prices, noting that "eggs exchange hands four times in Karwan Bazar alone while still on the truck." Hasnat also questioned the primary significance of their movement if the syndicate remains intact and prices of goods continue to soar.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday alleged that the ruling-party-backed syndicate is hiking the prices of imported goods unusually by establishing its control on the market and supply chain.  “Those who are looting the market every day and increasing the prices of goods are the people of the Awami League syndicate. Only those who belong to Awami League can now open LCs for the import of goods,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said dollars are now being given to the ruling party-supported importers to open LCs and import goods. “But ordinary importers are not able to import the goods as they’re not given dollars. So, those who are importing goods by opening LC are selling the imported goods in the market at high prices. As the supply chain is in the hands of people belonging to the ruling party, they are controlling the market and hiking the prices of the imported goods,” he observed. Jatiyatabadi Sanskritik Dal, the BNP's cultural front, arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity protesting the price hikes in oil gas and all essential goods and a recent attack on BNP joint secretary general Khairul Kabir Khokon in Narsingdi.  Khosru, a BNP standing committee member and a former commerce minister, said the main reason behind the increase in commodity prices is the Awami economy model. “They (AL) have created that model for plundering, but the common people of Bangladesh are paying a heavy price for it…the lines behind the trucks of TCB are getting longer day by day, exposing people’s real condition.” According to the current economic model of Awami League, he said the government will extract money from the people's pockets by increasing VAT, taxes, and the prices of gas, electricity, oil, and daily essentials, including imported goods. “Later, the ruling party people will loot the money and siphon off it abroad. Read more: BNP finds “govt syndicate” behind price hike The BNP leader bemoaned that the resources and money of the country are being accumulated in the hands of less than one percent today, destroying the lives of common people. “This wealth is not only being accumulated in Bangladesh as they (AL leaders) are taking it abroad and making assets in Canada, Dubai, USA, UK, Malaysia, and Turkey by siphoning off money abroad. “People belonging to Awami League are accumulating wealth all over the world.” He called upon people from all walks of life to get united to protect the country and establish a pro-people government through a fierce movement. Referring to the meetings of US State Department Counsellor Derek Chollet with the PM, Foreign Minister, and senior journalists, Khosru said the US senior official has given a clear message that the relation and cooperation of America will decline with a country where democracy erodes. "It’s a very strong warning and he issued it sitting on the soil of Bangladesh, and said there is no compromise on the issue of human rights, democracy, and press freedom. The democratic countries that believe in human rights, the rule of law, public security, and freedom of speech are now saying these words,” he observed.  

The authorities of Dhaka University have suspended 113 students and expelled another on different charges including for breaching rules and regulations and using unfair means in examinations. The decision to punish the students was taken at a meeting of the Disciplinary Committee of the university with Vice-chancellor Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman in the chair. DU Proctor AKM Golam Rabbani confirmed the matter saying that the decision will come into force after being passed by the syndicate. The expelled student is Jim Najmul of Masterda Surja Sen Hall of the university. He has been permanently expelled for eve-teasing as the allegation brought against him was proved, he said. Besides, a total of 113 students were suspended for various periods on account of using unfair means in examinations, eve-teasing, behaviour contradictory to university rules, and for taking drugs. Read more: Female student complains of harassment at DU dorm The proctor said that the committee awarded the punishment to 113 of the university and its affiliated colleges for different periods. Some 109 students from the affiliated colleges were suspended from two to four years for using unfair means in examinations and misconducting with teachers during discharging duties. The other four students belonging to the DU were also suspended for violating discipline for a maximum two years.

The Dhaka University (DU) syndicate on Sunday approved a budget of Tk 922.48 crore for the fiscal year 2022-23 which was Tk 831.79 crore in the last year. The syndicate committee of the university has approved the budget at a syndicate meeting held at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban which was headed by DU Vice-chancellor Professor Md. Akhtaruzzaman. Also read: DU holds 'Gha' unit admission test "DU Treasurer Professor Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed presented the proposed budget at the meeting which has been approved to be presented at the nest annual session of syndicate meeting which will be held on June 16," a press release issued by DU public relations said.

The general recruiting agents in the country jointly expressed their stand against allowing “a 25-agency syndicate” for exporting manpower to Malaysia. The agents announced it at a press briefing held at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday. They said it was unfair, unwanted and humiliating for Bangladesh that Malaysian Minister for Human Resources Sarvnan sought a list of 25 agencies and 250 sub agents from expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry.  All recruiting agencies are of equal qualifications and they have acquired license by providing same amount of caution money so they can’t be considered sub agents of 25 chosen ones. They also questioned on what basis the 25 agencies and sub agent’s qualifications will be measured. Also read: Ensure quick services to expats, FM Momen asks DCs They said, earlier in 2016, 10 agencies were approved and 210 others as sub agents but in real none other than those 10 agencies could send workers to Malaysia. Those agencies took two to three times more plane fare from the expat workers sent from Bangladesh to Malaysia, they said. The agents expressed their concern that those 10 agencies will try to misappropriate approval for these 25 “syndicates” like before from the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Mentioning all the recruiting agents from countries like Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Pakistan can send their workers without any syndicate to Malaysia, they said Bangladesh as a sovereign country should also be allowed the same.   Also read: Malaysian govt wants to cut out third parties in foreign recruitment However the agents appreciated the letter sent by Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmed to Malaysian government proposing open recruitment from all the legal agencies of Bangladesh on January 18. They demanded including the proposal at the upcoming meeting of Bangladesh-Malaysia working committee and its implementation.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police's (DMP) Detective Branch of Gulshan zone on Monday arrested five people, including a woman, in connection with manufacturing counterfeit drugs under a US-China brand. The arrestees are Lubna Akhter, Anwar Kazi, Ram Chandra Basak, SM Tajmul Tariq and Kanak Kumar Shaha. Acting on secret tips, the DB ran a series of raids at the capital's Hatirpul, Rampura and Malibagh area today, said a media release. During the raids huge numbers of various unlicensed tablets and capsules made in unauthorized factories of Narayanganj’s Jalakuri were recovered from the arrestees.   READ: Expired medicines worth Tk 30 cr destroyed in 11 months; DGDA submits report to HC During the preliminary interrogation, the arrestees confessed collecting plastic bottles, caps and silicone from the Chawkbazar-Midford area and printing colourful English stickers and labels from local press services, before they could send the drugs to market. The preliminary inquiries also revealed that some doctors were prescribing those counterfeit and adulterated drugs to patients. A syndicate of wholesalers in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Manikganj used to market those using college-going girls, the media release also said. During the raids counterfeit drugs and medicine including Motive Xtra and J- Plus, labeled as Made in USA and Desire S Aksim Lab Bangladesh were recovered. The team also recovered Issy R Omega3, Cibacal D, Neogel MaxTM, NeixitTM, OrcalTM, OrkidTM, ImpaleTM and Procare Probiotic4, labeled as made in Guangzhou, China. READ: Expired medicines recovered from septic tank Legal action was being taken against the arrestees and efforts were being made to arrest the members of the syndicate.

Claiming that there was no syndicate behind rice and onion price hike in the country, BIDS researchers and economists on Sunday suggested the government to conduct a study properly on the production and demand of essential items to stabilise the market.