United News of Bangladesh

In the middle of winter, trading activity has surged at the historic Sarojganj date molasses market in Chuadanga, one of Bangladesh’s most renowned traditional haats for palm jaggery, with the aroma of freshly boiled sap filling the air. Nearly 300 years old, Sarojganj Haat sits twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, and during the peak season now records transactions worth more than Tk one crore weekly. On each market day, sales range between Tk 1.5 crore and Tk 2 crore. If the current momentum continues, total transactions this season are expected to reach Tk 50–55 crore, according to local traders. A visit to the haat presents a vibrant tableau of rural commerce. Earthen pots brimming with liquid jaggery line the stalls, while freshly made nolen patali are neatly stacked alongside newly produced molasses displayed in bamboo baskets and wooden frames. Buyers and sellers engage in animated bargaining, their calls echoing through the market. Read more: A Sweet Legacy: Traditional molasses-making flourishes in Jhenaidah village Renowned for its distinctive taste, rich colour and natural aroma, Sarojganj’s date molasses enjoys strong demand across the country. Retail prices currently range from Tk 230 to Tk 350 per kilogram, depending on quality. Earthen pots weighing between 12 and 16 kilograms sell for Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,600, while different varieties of nolen patali fetch between Tk 300 and Tk 430. Molasses collected from the haat is supplied to a wide network of districts, including Dhaka, Kushtia, Meherpur, Jhenaidah, Pabna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barishal, Sylhet, Khulna, Mymensingh, Magura, Rajbari and Panchagarh. Sazzad Hossain, a molasses producer from Sarabaria village in Chuadanga Sadar upazila, said the jaggery is prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations. “Sap collected from date palm trees is boiled in traditional ovens using tin strainers. When the sap thickens, it is stirred continuously to make molasses. We have been producing pure jaggery using this age-old method for generations,” he said. On market days, sellers arrive with their produce by bicycle, van or even carrying heavy earthen pots on their heads. Buyers carefully examine the colour, thickness and overall quality before finalising their purchases. Read more: Cold and fog bite into Narail’s honey season Shahidul Islam, a trader from Pabna, said he returns to Sarojganj every year because of the product’s purity. “The price is a bit higher, but the quality is superior,” he said. Date palm farmer Jamal Uddin from Baliakandi village in Chuadanga Sadar said he is collecting sap from 35 palm trees this season and expects to produce around 400 to 500 kilograms of molasses. Local trader Ujjal Kumar Adhikari described Sarojganj Haat as one of the largest molasses markets in the country, operating continuously for nearly three centuries through generations of traders and producers. Haat operator Md Alauddin Ala said traders from across Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, regularly attend the market. “Each haat sees transactions worth Tk 1.5 crore to 2 crore, and we ensure the safety of both buyers and sellers,” he said. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Chuadanga, sap is being collected from around 2,72,000 date palm trees in the district this season, with a production target of 2,700 metric tonnes of molasses. Read more: Severe cold throws normal life in Chuadanga out of gear Deputy Director Md Masudur Rahman Sarkar said farmers are producing pure, sugar-free molasses and that regular monitoring is being conducted to prevent adulteration. Locals said trading at the Sarojganj date molasses market will continue in full swing until Chaitra, promising yet another successful winter season for this historic marketplace that remains a symbol of Chuadanga’s rich agrarian heritage.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Monday morning (January 12, 2026), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 285 at 9:43 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Read more: Daily Danger in Dhaka: Food, air, water offer residents few safe choices Cairo in Egypt, Chengdu in China, and Delhi in India occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 300, 244, and 241 respectively. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI levels of 101–150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka's air quality turns `unhealthy for sensitive groups’ Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Life across all five upazilas of northern Lalmonirhat has slowed to a shiver as the biting cold of Poush tightens its grip.  With an unrelenting cold wave sweeping the region, quilts and mattresses have become the primary shield against the freezing nights, leaving local quilt makers with barely a moment to breathe. Read more: Cold wave disrupts life, livelihoods across northern Bangladesh At haat-bazars and roadside shops across Lalmonirhat Sadar and surrounding areas, business is booming.  From dawn to deep night, the courtyards of quilt makers echo with the rhythmic khat-khat of sewing machines, as artisans wash cotton, stuff layers and stitch tirelessly to keep up with soaring demand. Over the past few days of continuous cold, demand for quilts and mattresses in rural areas has multiplied several times.  Artisans say that while much of the year passes in relative idleness, these three winter months are their main earning season.  The workload has now become so intense that many shops are struggling to find time even for meals.  Alongside new quilts, there is a rush of customers bringing old ones for repairs or refilling with fresh cotton. A visit to Tushbhandar Bazaar in Kaliganj upazila reveals clear class-based preferences. Low-income buyers are opting for cheaper quilts made from recycled cotton, while middle-income families prefer kapash or shimul cotton.  However, rising prices of cotton and fabric have made quilts more expensive across the board. Customer Malek Mia said, “Compared to last year, it now costs Tk 300 to Tk 500 more to make a quilt. With prices rising everywhere, surviving has become increasingly difficult for ordinary people like us.” Veteran artisan Solaiman Ali of Kaliganj said each craftsman is producing three to four quilts a day, yet meeting delivery deadlines has become a struggle.  Quilt makers in Lalmonirhat swamped with orders as winter sets in “As the cold intensifies, the pile of orders keeps growing,” he said. Trader Samad Mia noted that depending on quality, the cost of making a quilt now ranges between Tk 1,500 and Tk 2,000. Due to the higher price of shimul cotton, many customers are choosing kapash cotton as an alternative. Meanwhile, members of the local civil society have called for stronger winter relief efforts for the poor and destitute.  The Lalmonirhat district administration has already begun distributing blankets, offering some relief amid one of the harshest winter spells of the season.    

A mild to moderate cold wave sweeping across large parts of Bangladesh has begun to affect daily life, agriculture and health, particularly in the northern districts, as temperatures dip and dense fog blankets vast areas of the country. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), a cold wave is currently prevailing over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, as well as the districts of Gopalgonj, Moulvibazar, Cumilla, Feni, Khulna, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia. The situation is likely to persist in the coming days. In its latest bulletin issued on Thursday morning, the Met office said moderate to thick fog may occur over river basins, while light to moderate fog is expected elsewhere during the late night to morning hours. Ongoing cold wave likely to continue till Jan 11 Despite the cold conditions, the weather is forecast to remain dry, with a temporarily partly cloudy sky across the country. Night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged, while day temperatures may rise slightly. The country’s lowest temperature on Thursday was recorded at Srimangal in Sylhet at 7.0 degrees Celsius. Dhaka registered a comparatively milder 12.5 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, meteorologists are also monitoring a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The system, which intensified from a depression at 6 am on Thursday, is moving west-northwestwards and is likely to cross the Sri Lanka coast. Its associated trough extends up to the North Bay, while a ridge of the sub-continental high pressure system stretches across West Bengal and the adjoining western parts of Bangladesh. Severe Cold in Lalmonirhat From Lalmonirhat, UNB’s correspondent reports that a severe cold wave has gripped the district, accompanied by dense fog and chilling winds, significantly disrupting normal life. The Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory recorded the district’s lowest temperature at 10.3 degrees Celsius at 9 am on Thursday. Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of the Kurigram Rajarhat Meteorological Office, warned that temperatures may fall further in the coming days. Severe cold wave paralyses Chuadanga Heavy fog covering roads and open fields during the early morning hours has slowed traffic, particularly on highways and regional roads. The impact has been especially harsh on daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers and agricultural labourers, many of whom are unable to work, pushing already vulnerable families into financial hardship. Children and elderly people remain the most at risk as cold-related illnesses rise. Local health facilities, including Upazila Health Complexes, have reported an increased number of patients seeking treatment for cold-induced ailments. The cold spell has also posed challenges for farmers. To protect Boro paddy nurseries and winter vegetable fields, cultivators are taking additional precautions. However, the prolonged lack of sunlight caused by dense fog has raised concerns over the potential spread of crop diseases. Read more: Cold and fog bite into Narail’s honey season Residents have urged the authorities to ensure adequate distribution of winter clothing among the poor and vulnerable, warning that the suffering of low-income families could intensify if the cold wave continues.

A prolonged spell of severe cold and dense fog is wreaking havoc on honey farming in Narail, leaving local beekeepers struggling with mounting losses and uncertainty over this season’s production. As winter tightens its grip on the region, honey cultivators are increasingly anxious, hoping for clearer skies and warmer days to safeguard their livelihoods. The district has endured several days of biting cold, coupled with thick fog that has disrupted not only daily life but also agricultural activity. Honey production has been particularly hard hit, with bees reluctant to leave their hives to collect nectar from mustard fields.  During visits to mustard fields and beekeeping sites in Narail Sadar upazila, hundreds of bee boxes were observed near blooming mustard crops. Yet there was little to no movement around them—a worrying sign for farmers who rely on this peak season for their honey harvest. Read more: Naogaon farmers make a fortune on mustard and honey Beekeeper Md Shompi Sardar explained that daytime fog is preventing bees from leaving their boxes. “For good honey collection, fog at night and sunshine during the day are necessary. Now the fog lingers throughout the day, so the bees stay inside and cannot collect nectar,” he said. Md Inamul Haque added, “Due to the fog, very few bees come out of the boxes. As a result, they consume the honey already stored inside. This year, many bees are also dying due to excessive cold and fog.” Meanwhile, Md Shahidul Islam expressed fears that honey production could decline sharply if the weather fails to improve.  “If favourable weather returns in the coming days, the situation may improve. Otherwise, honey production will drop sharply this season,” he warned. Highlighting the wider impact of the adverse weather, Md Arifur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Narail, said that honey production has been disrupted by the unfavourable conditions. “Despite the challenges, we are hopeful that honey production may reach 10 metric tonnes or more this year,” he added, noting that the department continues to provide technical support to beekeepers to ensure the production of pure honey. Read more: Naogaon farmers make a fortune on mustard and honey With the region’s honey sector facing a delicate balance between weather and livelihood, farmers now await a change in the elements that could determine the season’s yield.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked third on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 216 at 09:40 am this morning (December 28, 2025).   Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’ referring to an alarming healthy threat, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi, Afghanistan’s Kabul and again India’s Kolkata cities respectively occupied the first, second and and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 424, 243, and 214 respectively. Read more: Strong 6.6-magnitude quake hits off Taiwan’s northeast coast The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Read more: Air pollution: 5 ways to protect yourself from poor air quality

When the temperature starts to drop across Bangladesh, many people, especially children and elderly people, suffer from cold-related illnesses. A warm and cosy room can prevent such infections. That is why a room heating machine becomes essential during the cold months. Nowadays many reputed brands like Walton, Vision, Miyako, and several others offer quality room heaters under 10,000 Taka. This guide highlights ten popular models that can bring warmth, safety, and value to your home.  10 Room Heater Models for Bangladeshi Homes within BDT 10000 . Zaiko Ceramic Room Heater (1890) 2200 watts The Zaiko Room Heater 1890, priced at BDT 10,000, is a solid pick for anyone looking to stay warm during Bangladesh’s chilly winter months. Its 2200W PTC ceramic heating warms up quickly, and the LED display plus remote control make it easy to adjust from anywhere in the room.  The wide oscillation and temperature control help spread heat evenly, while the auto shut-off adds peace of mind. With its sleek black tower look and a 1-year service warranty, it is a dependable option for everyday comfort.   Read more: Popular Home Geysers (Water Heaters) Available in Bangladesh in 2025-26 Xiaomi Mijia Electric Heater Fan 2000W The Xiaomi Mijia Electric Heater Fan (2000W) is a stylish and efficient heating option. With graphene rapid heating, 70° oscillation, and intelligent thermostat control, it ensures quick and even warmth across rooms up to 1,400 sq. ft.  Controlled via the Mi Home app, it offers multiple modes and smart safety features. Weighing only 2.3 kg and priced at BDT 9,600, this compact heater combines performance and convenience, backed by a 7-day seller warranty.  Rowa Ceramic Room Heater 2000-Watt - 1591 The Rowa Ceramic Room Heater 2000W (Model 1591), priced at BDT 8,000, is an excellent choice for homes seeking efficient and stylish warmth. Featuring automatic overheat protection, variable thermostat control, and 90° oscillation, it ensures safe and even heating across the room.  Its lightweight 2 kg design and durable metal-plastic build make it both portable and sturdy. Backed by a 12-month service warranty, the Rowa 1591 offers reliable, energy-efficient comfort for cold winter days.  Read more: Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in November 2025 Walton WRH-PTC302W Priced at BDT 7,500, this wall-mounted PTC ceramic room heater is another excellent mid-range option for household uses. It offers dual heating modes, fan mode, temperature control, and wide-angle oscillation for balanced warmth.  Convenience features like a 24-hour timer, weekly program, LED display, and window-open function make it highly user-friendly. With enhanced safety through overheat protection and child-lock, it delivers reliable performance and modern functionality within budget. Conion BE-1200N Room Heater The Conion BE-1200N Room Heater is a dependable winter essential for Bangladeshi homes. Its 1000W–2000W heat power, automatic oscillation, and thermal cut-out protection ensure efficient and safe heating for bedrooms or living rooms.  Designed with a VDE round plug, portable handle, and power indicator, it offers both convenience and reliability. Backed by a 1-year service warranty, it is priced at BDT 7,200. This heater provides excellent value for households seeking steady warmth within budget.  Read more: Top Home Electronics in Bangladesh: Simplify Your Life with These Smart Devices Vision Room Comforter - Wall Mount 873279  The VISION Room Comforter Wall Mount is also a stylish and efficient heating solution. With dual heating powers (1000W/2000W), a PTC ceramic element, and remote control, it ensures customisable warmth and safety.  Features like a 24-hour timer, child lock, and overheat protection make it family-friendly, priced at BDT 5,900. The wall-mount design saves space, while the LED display and glass panel add elegance. Backed by a 1-year service warranty, it is perfect for modern households.  Red Swiss Ceramic Portable Room Heater with Thermostat and Oscillation 2000W The Red Swiss Ceramic Portable Room Heater (2000W) is a powerful and stylish tower heater ideal for Bangladeshi homes. With PTC ceramic heating, fast warm-up, and oscillation, it heats rooms quickly and evenly, priced at BDT 5,900.  Safety features like tip-over and overheat protection make it family-friendly, while its quiet 35 dB operation ensures peaceful use. Offering an adjustable thermostat and fan/warm/hot modes, this compact floor-mounted heater delivers excellent performance within budget.  Read more: CCTV Camera Buying Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Miyako Electric Room Heater PTC-602 The Miyako PTC602 Electric Room Heater is a reliable and efficient heating option for Bangladeshi households. With fan, warm, and hot modes, a PTC ceramic heating element, and overheat protection, it ensures safe and consistent performance. Its 70° oscillation and automatic thermostat help distribute heat evenly across the room.  Weighing just 2 kg, it is highly portable and convenient, priced at BDT 5,710. Backed by a 6-month service warranty, it offers solid value within budget.  RAF 2000W Portable Ceramic Room Heater with Thermostat The RAF 2000W Portable Ceramic Room Heater is a stylish and efficient heating option for Bangladeshi homes. With rapid ceramic heating, auto oscillation, and an adjustable thermostat (50°F–99°F).  Priced at BDT 5,650, it ensures personalised comfort. Safety is enhanced through overheat and tip-over protection and V0 flame-retardant materials. Its touch control and 3D realistic flame add a modern touch, making it both functional and visually appealing. A great value pick for winter warmth.  Read more: Top Smart TV Picks: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide in Bangladesh NOVA Remote Control Room Heater NH-1202A The NOVA NH-1202A Fan Heater, priced at BDT 5,250, is a practical and budget-friendly heating option. With 2000W power, dual heat settings (1000W/2000W), and cold/warm/hot wind modes, it offers versatile use throughout the year.  Features like an adjustable thermostat, overheat protection, safety fuse, and a carry handle ensure convenience and safety. Though non-remote, its durable build and efficient performance make it a dependable winter companion.  Miyako 4-in-1 Electric Room Heater YAS-1418 The Miyako 4-in-1 Electric Room Heater (Model YAS-1418) is a compact and efficient option for Bangladeshi homes. Priced at BDT 4,700, it features fan, warm, and hot modes, along with overheat protection and PTC ceramic heating elements, and it delivers safe and reliable warmth.  Its 70° oscillation and adjustable thermostat ensure even heat distribution. Weighing only 2.5 kg, it is easy to move and ideal for small rooms. Backed by a 6-month service warranty, it offers excellent value for money.  Read more: Freezer Buying Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Final Words Choosing the right room heater within a 10,000 Taka budget is easier than ever, thanks to the variety of efficient and reliable models available in Bangladesh. Whether you need wall-mounted, ceramic, fan-based, or smart heaters, each option offers solid performance and safety features. These room heating appliances ensure warm, comfortable winters without overspending—making them excellent value for any household. 

As winter sets in, consumers in Chandpur are finding a welcome relief in kitchen markets, as the prices of winter vegetables see a modest decline, particularly benefiting low-income groups. Vendors in the coastal district say this year’s price correction is a departure from previous trends, attributing the stability to the absence of syndicates that traditionally caused sudden spikes. “If this situation continues, it could provide lasting relief for consumers,” a local vendor told UNB. Agriculturists echoed this observation, noting that last year, potato prices had surged to Tk 80 per kilogram, while high-quality potatoes are now available at Tk 22–25 per kilogram. Read more: Dry fish trade keeps Narail economy moving in winter Other vegetables have also become more affordable: papaya is selling at Tk 25–30 per kilogram, and lower-quality potatoes are offered at six to seven kilograms for Tk 100 in van markets across neighbourhoods. Similar pricing patterns are evident in the district town’s roadside markets, including Wireless, Baburhat, Bohoria, Mahamaya, Bakila, and Munshirhat in Matlab. Over the past fortnight, fresh winter vegetables such as bottle gourd, ridge gourd, black eggplant, pointed gourd, chichinga, okra, and cucumber have seen price reductions of Tk 10–15 per kilogram, now retailing at Tk 45–50 per kilogram. Other staples include radish at Tk 40 per kilogram, fresh cauliflower at Tk 35–40 per piece, and smaller cabbages at Tk 40 each. Bitter gourd remains relatively expensive at Tk 80–90 per kilogram, green chilli is Tk 80, coriander leaves Tk 30–40, medium-sized bottle gourd Tk 40, and carrots Tk 120 per kilogram. Local tomatoes sell for Tk 100–120 per kilogram, taro at Tk 40–50, and leafy vegetables such as red amaranth, pumpkin, kolmi, pointed gourd, and radish are priced between Tk 20–30 per kilogram. Onion prices have fallen to Tk 50 per kilogram. Read more: Polyshade tomato farming reviving Narail’s rural economy Traders in the city’s busiest market, Biponibag, including Juel Mia, Jahangir Khan, Iqbal Bepari, and Abul Kalam Bepari, expect prices to fall further in the coming days. Observations across other prominent district markets, such as Palbazar, New Market, Puranbazar, Wireless Market, and Biponibag, confirm this trend. Vegetable vendors selling directly from vans are offering produce at Tk 5–10 lower per kilogram than retail shops, attracting crowds of low-income buyers, especially in the evenings. Each morning, large quantities of fresh vegetables arrive via trawlers from remote char areas in Matlab Uttar, Chandpur Sadar, and Haimchar, including Raj Rajeshwar, Char Ibrahim, Harina, Char Kashim, Kanudi and Bishnupur. Despite the ample supply, the lack of government regulation in retail markets keeps prices higher than production costs. Mohammad Mobarak Hossain, an agricultural officer at the Department of Agricultural Extension in Chandpur, told UNB that authorities have no power to control market prices. He said winter vegetable cultivation targets cover 6,100 hectares, aiming for a total production of 134,200 metric tons. Vegetables are grown across nearly 12,000 hectares along riverbanks and chars, with additional supply coming from neighbouring districts. “There is no shortage of winter vegetables,” he emphasised. The current price trend provides a glimmer of hope for consumers, signalling a more stable market for winter staples this season. Read more: Naogaon farmers face uncertainty as unseasonal rain hits early crops

As winter settles over Narail, open fields in Shalua of Maijpara Union and Sholpur of Singasholpur Union transform into makeshift drying yards where the district’s famed dry fish season begins in earnest. For the communities here, the annual cycle is more than a tradition — it is a vital source of income that supports hundreds of families. Dry fish has long been considered a staple across the region, but in Narail it is an economic backbone. Fishermen, labourers, small traders, and transporters all rely on the trade, which has earned the district recognition as a notable hub for producing chemical-free dry fish. On raised bamboo macha, fish sourced daily from canals, beels, and rivers are cleaned, salted and arranged under the open sky to dry. The process is entirely natural, a fact that locals say has boosted demand in recent years. Read more: Fish export to India halted thru Akhaura land port Since this dry fish is prepared without any chemicals and in a safe environment, demand is increasing day by day, villagers said. Among those who travel to Narail for seasonal work are Md Kabir Sheikh and Kamrul Sheikh from Muksudpur in Gopalganj. They spend the winter months drying varieties such as climbing perch (koi) and glassy perchlet (chanda), along with the widely popular chapa shutki. No chemicals are used — only salt, they said, as rows of fish dried slowly under the sun. While the work continues smoothly, selling remains a challenge. Fisherman Md Mosa Mia said lower water levels during winter make it easier to catch different local species, allowing producers to buy raw fish at relatively low prices. The difficulty lies in accessing the market. “We buy the fish and make dry fish. But without a broker, it has become difficult to sell,” he said, adding, “If we could sell directly to buyers, we would earn better profits.” Another fisherman, Alok Biswas, described the realities of production: two to three maunds of raw fish reduce to one maund after drying. Read more: PKSF holds policy dialogue on fisheries market “Depending on the type, one maund of dry fish is sold for Tk 7,000 to Tk 8,000,” he said. Official target and growing reputation Narail District Fisheries Officer Mahbubur Rahman said a target of 80 metric tonnes of dry fish production has been set for the district this year. “Since the dry fish here is chemical-free, it is in demand not only within the district but across the country,” he said. The Fisheries Office has been providing training and technical support to help producers maintain quality and strengthen their position in the market. For now, as winter sunlight glints across the bamboo platforms, families continue the work that has sustained them for generations. The methods remain simple, the challenges persistent, but for Narail, dry fish remains a lifeline — one that keeps the district’s economy moving long after the drying season ends. Read more: Hilsa prices soar further putting this beloved fish beyond reach

Even as winter sets in, the coastal district of Barguna remains gripped by dengue, with new infections being reported daily and the death toll continuing to rise. As of November 18, the district has recorded at least 15 dengue deaths, while more than 9,000 people have been affected this year.  According to data shared on Tuesday by the district civil surgeon’s office, 117 dengue patients are currently receiving treatment at the Sadar and upazila hospitals across Barguna. Within the past 24 hours alone, 21 new patients were admitted to the 250-bed Barguna General Hospital, which is now treating 60 dengue patients.  During the same period, the upazila health complexes saw 18 fresh admissions—three in Amtali, two in Bamna, four in Betagi and nine in Patharghata.  A total of 67 patients are currently under treatment at these facilities. Official records show that 9,029 dengue patients have been treated in Barguna this year, of whom 8,927 have recovered and returned home.  Barguna District Hospital treated 7,044 of these cases, while 1,985 patients received treatment at upazila-level health complexes. DSCC Administrator visits dengue control activities at Green Road, Dhanmondi Patharghata ranks second in infection numbers after Barguna Sadar, having treated 910 patients so far. The upazila has reported two hospital deaths. Government data confirm 15 dengue-related deaths within the district—12 at Barguna General Hospital, one in Amtali and two in Patharghata. However, an additional 49 residents of Barguna died while undergoing treatment outside the district, pushing the unofficial death toll to around 64. Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Abul Fattah noted that the district had been declared a dengue ‘hotspot’ as early as March. ‘Through multiple cleanup drives, coordinated efforts by the local administration, and the relentless work of health workers, we were able to keep the situation under control.  Keeping deaths at 15 despite such a large patient count was a major challenge,’ he said. While dengue cannot be fully eradicated, raising public awareness, keeping surroundings clean and eliminating mosquito breeding sites could significantly reduce future risks, he said.  Meanwhile, Bangladesh recorded four more dengue deaths in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the nationwide fatality count to 343 this year. During the same period, 920 new patients were hospitalised, bringing the total number of infections to 86,924, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Health Ministry issues dengue awareness alert amid rising cases DGHS data show that the new cases were reported as follows: 146 in Barishal Division (outside city corporation areas), 116 in Chattogram Division (outside CC), 147 in Dhaka Division (outside CC), 211 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 151 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 72 in Khulna Division (outside CC), 65 in Mymensingh Division (outside CC), two in Rangpur Division (outside CC) and 10 in Sylhet Division (outside CC). Last year, dengue claimed 575 lives. In 2023, the country experienced its deadliest year on record, with 1,705 dengue deaths. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 318,749 recoveries that year.