United News of Bangladesh

Allegations that a government canal is being blocked to construct a pipe culvert have raised serious concerns among farmers in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia, with at least 70 hectares of agricultural land at risk of permanent waterlogging. Local residents of Nandlalpur Union recently submitted a written complaint to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), accusing influential individuals of obstructing a key canal at Buzruk Bakhai Bottola intersection to install a narrow pipe culvert. They fear the move will severely disrupt natural water flow. According to the complaint and local sources, the nearly one-kilometre-long canal runs from Buzruk Bottola in Nandlalpur Union to Mirzapur Bazar in Shilaidaha Union. Read more: Fertiliser crunch threatens Kushtia’s onion boom despite high prices It plays a crucial role in draining water from the Buzruk Bakhai, Chandpur, and Bahalbariya beels into the nearby Gorai and Padma rivers. However, the canal has not been properly excavated or maintained for several years. Local farmers alleged that portions of the canal have gradually been encroached upon, with multiple pipe culverts constructed to create makeshift roads. This has led to prolonged waterlogging in the surrounding lowlands for at least six months each year. As a result, farmers in the area are able to cultivate only one crop—Boro rice—during the irrigation (IRRI) season. The situation has worsened following a recent initiative to block a 22-foot-wide section of the canal at Buzruk Bakhai Bottola, replacing it with a three-foot-wide pipe culvert under a Union Parishad project reportedly costing around Tk 6 lakh. Farmers fear the narrow culvert will further obstruct water flow, rendering vast tracts of farmland uncultivable throughout the year. A visit to the site revealed a concrete bridge over the canal at Bottola intersection. The western side of the canal has been partially filled with sand, while the remaining portion has been narrowed to about three feet with concrete casting. At least 27 pipes were observed stacked in the courtyard of a nearby house, suggesting preparations for the culvert installation. Meanwhile, farmers and labourers were busy transplanting Boro seedlings in adjacent fields. Read more: As haor waters recede, Sunnamganj farmers sow hope in every field Suman Hossain, a local resident, said, “People associated with the chairman started blocking the canal to install pipes in the morning. Locals protested and forced the workers to leave. We later filed a written complaint with the UNO demanding that the work be stopped.” Rashidul Sheikh, son of farmer Azizul Sheikh from Buzruk Bakhai village, stressed the canal’s importance. “The canal is the only route through which water from the beels flows to the Padma River. We get only one harvest a year. If the canal is blocked, there will be no crop at all,” he said, demanding the immediate cancellation of the project.

Rows of unsold potato sacks in Chandpur’s cold storages reflect a season of deepening losses, turning what was once a lucrative crop into a source of financial despair for thousands of farmers. In local markets, old potatoes are fetching as little as Tk 7–8 per kilogram, well below production and storage costs, leaving farmers with little incentive to withdraw their stored produce, locals said. Outstanding dues for seed potatoes purchased on credit last season remain unpaid, while storage fees continue to accumulate, they said. Agriculture officials said the district’s 56,860 potato farmers are concentrated mainly in Chandpur Sadar, Matlab South, and Kachua upazilas, where some 5,000 hectares are under potato cultivation. Read more: Delays push up cost of seed potato project to Tk 1,138.74 crore Despite the market downturn, they said, planting continues, though many farmers have scaled back their operations in response to last season’s losses. “The absence of syndicates this season has kept potato prices low,” said Mobarak Hossain, officer at the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). “Last season, syndicates pushed prices up to Tk 80 per kilogram. That situation does not exist this year,” he said. The ripple effect is felt throughout the supply chain. Cold storage operators in Kachua upazila are struggling as farmers hesitate to withdraw their produce. Mangal Khan and Yasin Mia, managers of local facilities, said that with market prices so low, even selling the stored potatoes fails to cover storage costs. A bumper harvest last season exacerbated the problem. Good-quality old potatoes now sell for Tk 8–10 per kg, while new potatoes are priced around Tk 20 per kg. Farmers who invested heavily are counting losses. “I produced 100 maunds of potatoes and made no profit at all—everything turned into a loss,” said Bachchu Miji, a grower and trader at Bakila Bazar in Hajiganj upazila. Others, including farmers from Shah Mahmudpur in Chandpur Sadar, echoed his frustration. Hanif Patwary, whose 33 sacks of potatoes stored at Baborhat BSCIC cold storage sold for just Tk 3,000 per 50 kg sack, said, “After suffering such losses, I will not cultivate potatoes again.” Bangladesh hosts its first-ever Potato Festival The situation is mirrored in Kachua upazila, where more than half of stored potatoes remain in cold storage past the usual withdrawal period of November–December, frustrating both farmers and storage operators. Meanwhile, the prices of other vegetables have also softened. Beans, snake beans, bitter gourd, and carrots now sell at Tk 60 per kg, and tomatoes at Tk 40 per kg, down from Tk 90–120 per kg just two weeks ago. Despite the downturn, potato planting continues in Chandpur Sadar, Haimchar, Kachua, and Matlab upazilas, with some farmers reducing cultivation areas due to past losses. Shamsul Islam of Bagadi and Ismail Hossain and Suruj Mia of Dhanpardi said they planted on smaller plots, wary of another season of poor returns. New potatoes arriving from Munshiganj have further driven prices down, falling sharply from Tk 70 to Tk 20 per kg, boosting consumer demand. Currently, 5 kg of new potatoes sell for Tk 100, while 10 kg of old potatoes go for Tk 50–60. Chandpur’s 10 operational cold storages are holding 80,169 tonnes of potatoes against a maximum capacity of 80,250 tonnes, according to Mobarak Hossain. Abu Taher, Deputy Director of DAE Chandpur, said the cultivation target for the current season has been set at 7,200 hectares, down 1,000 hectares from last year, citing farmers’ discouragement and mounting debts. “Farmers are naturally drawn to crops that guarantee fair prices. While about 4,000 hectares are already under potatoes, the focus is shifting to crops that ensure financial returns,” he said. Read more: Sirajganj’s mustard fields bloom into golden seas, promise bumper harvest For Chandpur’s potato farmers and storage operators, the coming months will be critical, as the market continues to weigh on livelihoods and investment decisions, according to the officials.

Ferry services on the Shariatpur-Chandpur Harinaghat river route have been suspended since 11:30pm on Saturday (January 03, 2026) due to dense fog, disrupting transport on both sides of the river. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Narsinghpur ferry terminal Assistant Manager Md Iqbal Hossain said ferry operations were suspended  at around 11:30pm on Saturday as thick fog engulfed the river basin, gradually reducing visibility. Read more: As haor waters recede, Sunnamganj farmers sow hope in every field At one stage, he said,  navigation marker lights along the waterway became unclear, prompting authorities to suspend all ferry and vessel movement to prevent accidents midstream. As a result, passenger buses, goods-laden trucks and other vehicles were stranded at ferry terminals in both Shariatpur and Chandpur. Hossain said no ferry had to anchor mid-river during the suspension. “Ferry services will resume once the fog density decreases and visibility improves,” he added. Read more: Dhaka’s air quality remains ‘unhealthy’ amid fog

A deep crack at the joint of the vital ‘Matlab Bridge’ over the Dhonagoda River has sparked alarm among residents and motorists, raising concerns about a serious disaster if urgent repairs are not carried out. The bridge, which connects Matlab South and Matlab North upazilas and serves as a major route for travellers heading to Dhaka from Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Raipur, Ramganj and Hajiganj, sees thousands of vehicles pass over it every day. ‘It wasn’t there before quake’ Locals say the problem became visible only after the 5.7 magnitude earthquake on 21 November, which shook much of the country. During a visit to the site, it was found that shifting soil beneath the approach roads has created a large cavity, exposing iron rods and lifting sections of concrete. Read more: Earthquake Alerts: Best Free Mobile Apps in 2025-26 A sizeable hole has also opened on the approach road, turning it into a hazard for unsuspecting drivers. A noticeable gap has developed in the bridge’s central joint, and the structure visibly trembles when heavy vehicles pass, leaving regular users fearful. “There were no such issues before the earthquake,” said Mojibur Rahman, one of the residents, who urged the authorities to conduct a thorough inspection before it is too late. Others, including Kamrul Hasan and Golam Nabi, echoed the call, pointing out that emergency service vehicles, students and ambulances carrying patients are forced to use the compromised bridge daily. People are crossing it at great risk, they said. An essential structure at risk Built under a government project initiated in the 2015–16 fiscal year, the bridge was designed to ease communication between the northern and southern parts of Chandpur, reduce travel time to Dhaka and improve regional connectivity. The project originally carried a cost of Tk 84 crore, including Tk 56 crore for the bridge and Tk 28 crore for land acquisition. Read more: Only 3,252 out of 21 lakh buildings in Dhaka, Gazipur assessed for earthquake safety: RAJUK However, the structure—comprising seven spans, each 10.25 metres wide, and approach roads stretching 1.86 kilometres—was ultimately completed in June 2018 for Tk 92 crore. Since its inauguration, it has become a lifeline for thousands of commuters. Now, its deteriorating condition has left users anxious. College teacher Md Joynal Abedin described the situation as “very alarming”, while schoolgirl Nusrat Jahan said she feels unsafe every day: “It shakes a lot when heavy vehicles go over it.” Badiul Alam Babu, general secretary of Nirapad Sarak Chai for Matlab South, said the issue extends beyond the bridge itself. “The approach roads are also in very poor condition. This is an essential bridge. The department concerned must repair it without delay.” Promise of Action Matlab South Upazila Engineer Anwar Hossain said repair work would begin ‘very soon’. Chandpur Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Aliul Hossain added that engineers were being sent to assess the bridge. “Necessary action will be taken based on the enquiry report,” he said. For now, however, thousands continue to cross the compromised structure each day, hoping it will hold until repairs begin. Read more: Ceiling And Wall Cracks After An Earthquake: When To Worry

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

Once known for its vibrant markets, bustling roads and deep-rooted heritage, Hajiganj municipality in Chandpur now groans under the weight of a crisis it can no longer ignore, a mounting sea of waste threatening the health and dignity of its people. Every day, some 60 tonnes of waste are left scattered across this busy town, not in hidden corners or behind closed gates, but right in the heart of its daily life. Streets, water bodies, bridges and even revered landmarks have become unwilling hosts to piles of filth that emit a stench strong enough to make passersby wince and residents fall ill. The municipality, home to over 100,000 people and a floating population of up to 60,000 more, is among the more developed urban centres in the district. Delays stall Chandpur River Port, locals left waiting Established in 1985 and upgraded to a first-class municipality in 2004, Hajiganj is crisscrossed by the bustling Chandpur–Cumilla regional highway and thrives on trade, education and local governance. Yet, beneath the surface of its economic bustle lies a truth too foul to ignore as there is no designated dumping ground for its waste. A Town Choked by Its Own Growth From early morning to late evening, cleaners under the municipality’s care collect around 30 tonnes of garbage. But that is only half the story. Another 30 tonnes, equally offensive and potentially more dangerous, is dumped haphazardly by residents and businesses alike. Together, this wave of waste surges through Hajiganj daily with no sustainable outlet. The result? Waste now lines key arteries of the town: from the Mithania Bridge on the Cumilla highway, to the Dakatiya Bridge on the Hajiganj-Ramganj road, past the rail crossing on Hajiganj-Kachua road and heartbreakingly close to the historic Hajiganj Boro Mosque. The air is thick with the stench of rot and the acrid smoke from burning refuse, forcing the townspeople to breathe in danger with every breath. Locals voice their agony with weary resignation. “The smell and smoke have made our lives miserable,” said Abdur Rahim and Nasir Gazi from Paschim Bazar, adding, “Mosquitoes are everywhere, and dengue has returned with a vengeance.” Children and the elderly suffer the most. Their fragile bodies react quickly to the polluted air — many coughing, wheezing, or bedridden with fever. CNG driver Nurul Islam paints a grim picture of his daily route, “When we drive along the Hajiganj-Kachua road, the smell of rotting garbage is unbearable. And when it’s set on fire, the entire area disappears in smoke for hours.” Launch operations suspended in Chandpur for inclement weather A System Without a Solution Despite repeated calls for action, the municipality appears cornered. Mahbubur Rashid, the assistant engineer (water and sanitation) of Hajiganj, admitted the bitter truth, “The municipality owns no land to set up a dumping station. We’re still using sites chosen by past administrations.” Current administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ibne Al Zayed Hossain assured that efforts are being made to address the crisis. “We’re trying to remove the waste heaps. But for a lasting solution, we need mass awareness and public cooperation,” he said. The situation is worsened by the near-complete absence of clean and accessible public toilets, a silent hardship that especially affects women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. A National Crisis in a Local Shell Hajiganj is not alone in this crisis. A study by the Asia-Europe Foundation shows that more than half of all waste in Bangladesh is dumped in the open. Uncollected and often burned in the open air, this waste poses massive threats — from polluting water sources to clogging drainage systems and exacerbating waterlogging even after light showers. As towns grow and cities sprawl, so too does the tide of waste — unchecked, unmanaged and in many places, simply ignored. Dhaka, the nation's capital, is already counted among the world’s most polluted cities. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns that without urgent, coordinated measures, the waste problem will only worsen — not just in megacities but in smaller municipalities like Hajiganj. A Cry for Cleanliness Hajiganj’s predicament is a poignant reminder that development without planning leads not to progress, but to peril. Its streets echo with a silent plea — for dustbins over ditches, for solutions over stench, for a future where its children can play in parks, not pick through piles of refuse. If ever there was a time for action, it is now. Before Hajiganj — and towns like it — are buried under the very waste they produce.

Two men died after being electrocuted in Chandpur town’s Puran Bazar area on Friday morning. The deceased were identified as Md Montu Dhali, 70, son of late Abdul Dhali, and Md Anwar Hossain Khan, 55, son of Amin Khan – both residents of the West Jafarabad village. Quoting locals, Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station Officer-In-Charge (OC) Md Bahar Mia said that the house became electrified due to an earthing issue. Anwar was electrocuted when he touched the tin wall of the house while trying to step outside and screamed for help. Montu Dhali was electrocuted when tried to rescue him. 3 killed by lightning strikes in Chapainawabganj Locals said both victims were rushed to Chandpur General Hospital, where the on-duty Residential Medical Officer (RMO), Dr Asibul Ahsan, declared them dead upon arrival. “No complaints were filed by the victims' families. Two separate unnatural death cases have been registered at the police station,” he said. The bodies were handed over to the families, added the OC.

After a two-month ban that kept nets dry and hopes high, the beloved hilsa has returned to Chandpur’s markets, rekindling excitement among fishermen and food lovers alike. The renewed supply has led to a noticeable fall in prices, bringing relief to fish lovers and low-income families. A recent visit to Chandpur’s main fish landing station, known as the Chandpur Fish Landing Centre or ‘Boro Station Macch Ghat’, showed a marked rise in activity. Around 50 maunds of hilsa are now being brought in daily. Coolies like Fazal and Almas were seen working nonstop to handle the increasing volume. Senior fish traders, including Nurul Islam, Didar Khan and Shajahan Sardar, said hilsa from southern coastal areas such as Hatiya, Bhola, Sandwip and Charfesson have started arriving by pickup vans in recent days. Daily deliveries are now from 40 to 50 maunds. Fishing trawlers, which usually bring in 150–200 maunds at a time, have not yet resumed operations following the end of the ban. Even so, the growing supply from pickup vans over the past three days has helped stabilise the market and drive down retail prices. This decline is visible across Chandpur’s key markets—Natun Bazar, Pal Bazar, Wireless Bazar, Puran Bazar and Baburhat. Just a few weeks ago, a one-kilogram hilsa was priced at Tk 3,000. Now it is selling for around Tk 2,500. Medium-sized fish weighing 700–800 grams are currently priced at Tk 1,700–1,800 per kilogramme, down from Tk 2,300. Sylhet sees surplus of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha Smaller hilsa in the 300–400 gram range, sold in groups of three to make a kilo, are now available for Tk 1,000–1,100. At Biponi Bagh, Chandpur’s busiest fish market, the same trend is clear. One-kilogramme Padma hilsa are retailing at Tk 2,200–2,500, down from Tk 3,000–3,200. Fish weighing 600–700 grams are selling at Tk 1,500–1,550 per kilogramme, compared to earlier rates of Tk 2,200–2,300. Shoppers, many with smiles on their faces, were seen leaving markets with prized fish in hand. Traders said hilsa from the southern coastal districts are more affordable than those from the Padma River. One-kilogramme coastal hilsa is now priced at Tk 1,700–1,800. Smaller varieties are going for Tk 800–900 per kilogramme. Still, many buyers said these lack the distinctive taste and aroma associated with Padma hilsa. Fisheries officials, including Miznur Rahman and Mahbub-e-Rashid, sounded optimistic about what lies ahead.  “July through September will see abundant catches,” said one official. Hilsa traders and fishermen shared the same outlook. Shabebarat Sarkar, a trader with over 40 years of experience and president of a local fish traders’ association, said the volume of river hilsa will rise sharply once the monsoon sets in. Sea fishing remains under a separate ban. “With increased rainfall in June and July, water levels and river currents will rise—conditions that are ideal for hilsa migration,” he said. “We expect larger catches and even lower prices in the coming weeks," he added. Meghna’s Toxic Turn: Mass fish deaths spark alarm among fisherfolk As hilsa returns in greater numbers and prices ease, Chandpur’s markets are once again buzzing, with the energy of fish trading and the cheer of happy customers.    

A 26-year-old housewife was allegedly gang-raped while searching for her missing son in Kachua upazila of Chandpur district on Wednesday evening. Police, however, detained two men accused in the incident. They were identified as Md Suman, 31 and Md Mohsin, 28, hailing from Harichail village of the upazila. Of them, Suman is a bus driver and Mohsin a helper. The victim and the accused are known to each other, according to the police. Azizul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kachua police station, said that the housewife went out on Wednesday evening to search for her 10-year-old son Ibrahim, a madrasa student, who had gone missing. Madrasah student killed in Sherpur road accident The accused allegedly misled her by claiming that the boy was hiding in the house of one Arif in Munshi Bari in the village. When she went there, the accused allegedly raped her by turns. Later on Thursday, the victim filed a case with Kachua police station. Police detained the accused from the village shortly after the case was registered, he said, adding that the victim was sent to Chandpur Sadar Hospital for medical examination.    

A college student went missing while swimming in the Dakatiya River in Gunrajdi area of Chandpur town on Sunday afternoon. The missing student was Soumyadeep Sarkar (Apan), an HSC first-year student at Puran Bazar Degree College and son of Manik Ranjan Sarkar of Mission Road area in the town. Syed Morshed Hossain, deputy assistant director of Chandpur Civil Defence and Fire Service, said a team of divers was dispatched again on Monday to continue the search operation, he added. Witnesses said Soumyadeep along with a group of friends went to bathe in the Dakatiya River near Chandpur Municipality area. Human chain demands release of 7 Kurigram fishermen imprisoned in India While attempting to swim in the river during a friendly competition, a large wave generated by a passing sand-laden barge swept Soumyadeep underwater. Although his three friends managed to reach the shore Soumyadeep went missing, they said. After receiving the information, divers from the river fire service unit, members of the Coast Guard, and river police launched a rescue operation which continued until Sunday evening.