United News of Bangladesh

Concerns are mounting over the quality of a road reconstruction project in Kaliganj Upazila of Lalmonirhat district after allegations surfaced that substandard materials are being used in the government-funded work. Local residents allege that low-quality brick chips are being used in the road’s base layer, casting doubt on its long-term durability. The ongoing work involves reconstructing approximately 900 metres of road from Duhuli Bazar to Namurihat in Chawlbala Union. Locals allege that the contractor is rushing the work using substandard and unnumbered brick chips (rabbish), ignoring repeated objections from the community. Read more: Sylhet waterlogging mitigation project delayed again; sees 44pc cost surge Residents are criticising the muted response of some officials and staff from the Kaliganj Upazila Engineering Office, questioning their accountability in monitoring the project. Sources reveal that the road reconstruction is part of the Rural Road Maintenance Project, being implemented by the contractor Shan Traders, with a projected cost of Tk 7,524,690 under tender notice number 05/25-26. The work started on December 31, 2025 and is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2026. However, allegations suggest that the contractor is attempting to expedite the project through substandard work. Local resident Mohammad Habib Mia expressed his frustration, saying, “They are laying the road with inferior brick chips. It will be destroyed in a short period, and we will face the same hardships as before. We have protested, but no one pays attention.” A field visit on Monday afternoon confirmed the claims. Despite the presence of two assistant officers responsible for monitoring the project, substandard materials were being used openly. Sub-Assistant Engineer Md. Simon, in charge of supervision, declined to comment when approached by the media. Quilt makers race against time as bone-chilling cold grips Lalmonirhat Attempts to reach the contractor, Mashiur Rahman, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls. In response, Upazila Engineer Md Habibur Rahman Habib said instructions have been issued to remove the substandard material. If these directives are ignored, necessary action will be taken against the contractor, he added.

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.    

Prices of winter vegetables are still relatively high despite adequate supply at kitchen markets in Lalmonirhat, adding to the woes of people with fixed income already overburdened with soaring prices of daily essentials. During the peak winter season, kitchen markets in  five upazilas of the district including—Patgram, Hatibandha, Kaliganj, Aditmari and Lalmonirhat Sadar—are brimming with winter vegetables. Cauliflower, cabbage, beans, carrots, radish, tomatoes, spinach and other winter produce are available in abundance, yet their prices remain sharp. Prices of winter vegetables drop in Khulna, essentials continue to rise During a recent visit to the market on Saturday (Jan 10) this UNB Correspondent found that potatoes are being sold at Tk 30–40 per kg, eggplant at Tk 50–60 per kg, tomatoes at Tk 70 per kg, carrots at Tk 40 per kg, beans at Tk 60 per kg, pumpkin at Tk 50 per piece, raw bananas at Tk 30 per dozen, ladies finger beans at Tk 60 per kg, pointed gourd Tk 60 per kg, bottle gourd Tk 40–60 per piece depending on size, cauliflower at Tk 40 per piece, cabbage at Tk 50 per piece, papaya at Tk 30 per kg, radish Tk 40 per kg, sponge gourd at Tk 50 per piece, bitter gourd at Tk 50 per kg, red spinach at Tk 20 per bunch and mustard leaves at Tk 20 per bunch. Customers are negotiating prices with vendors, often moving from one stall to another in search of better deals. Consumers said the high prices of vegetables throughout the year put pressure on household budgets and while winter usually brings some relief, the relief is minimal this year. Salma Begum, a housewife from Shialkhowa, said that earlier they used to buy a few vegetables for 200–300 taka. Now, with the same amount of money, one can't even fill a bag with vegetables and even the variety in the family's meals is decreasing. Another buyer, Samad Mia, an office employee at an organisation, said that because vegetable prices are high, they no longer have the opportunity to eat vegetables regularly. Winter was supposed to be truly comfortable for middle-class people like us, but now it is not. Saiful Islam, a vegetable seller, said, “Production usually rises in winter, but this year cold weather has affected supply, keeping prices relatively high.” Mohammad Helal Mia, a seller from Namuri market, added, farmers should have brought more vegetables to the market, but the sudden cold has disrupted supply. Another seller said that although higher prices increase profit per unit, fewer buyers mean overall sales remain unsatisfactory. “If the price is lower, people buy more. This way, our products don't remain unsold either,” he said. Early variety winter vegetables raise hope among Jessore farmers According to the stakeholders, if weather conditions are not favorable, vegetable prices may remain high throughout the winter season.

Lalmonirhat’s Shibram Ideal Public School, located near the Circuit House at the heart of the district, has emerged as a bright example in the region’s education sector. Established in 2015, the unique institution is modelled on the cadet college system, according to its founder and director, Rashedul Islam Rashed. One of the school’s primary goals is to prepare its younger students for future admission into cadet colleges. Read more: Dhaka to get state-of-the-art special needs school A closer look reveals the school’s distinctive approach: students across all classes exhibit remarkably uniform handwriting, imbued with artistic flair. This meticulous attention to penmanship has consistently amazed parents and visiting officials alike. Alongside mother tongue education, the school places strong emphasis on English proficiency and provides tailored instruction in students’ respective religious teachings. This year, the school has distributed copies of the Holy Quran to all 42 students, further strengthening its commitment to holistic learning. 4th International Symposium on Quality Assurance in Engineering Education concludes The school has also been recognised at the Rangpur divisional level, securing first place in a handwriting competition. In addition, it has ranked among the top schools in the district in private scholarship examinations. Shibram Ideal Public School attracts students not only from within Lalmonirhat but also from neighbouring districts. For these students, the school offers a child-friendly residential facility. Local students attend regular daytime classes but often return in the afternoons or evenings to continue their studies in a stimulating and enjoyable environment. The school’s residential programme provides distant students with nutritious meals, comfortable accommodation, and attentive guidance in academics and character-building. Govt set to implement new project to digitise medical, nursing education

With barely a third of its sanctioned workforce, the Lalmonirhat Technical Training Centre (TTC) is pressing ahead—quietly but resolutely—to keep its skill-building mission alive. Despite having 81 approved posts, only 39 are currently filled. The challenge deepened when 16 officers and staff were transferred following an institutional merger, leaving the centre to operate with just 23 personnel. Yet, training continues without interruption, thanks to determined staff and revived leadership. A recent UNB visit found the centre bustling once again after years of stagnation. A total of 412 trainees are now enrolled across two shifts, receiving instruction in 13 courses. Established in 2006 beside the Haribhanga air base, around three kilometres from Lalmonirhat town, the TTC was created to produce skilled manpower under the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). Read more: ADB, Bangladesh sign $150m deal to boost technical training for employment creation Today, it prioritises high-quality technical education tailored to the needs of both domestic industries and overseas labour markets, including the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Under a new government initiative to boost skill development, the centre is adopting updated programmes designed to prepare competitive workers for international employment. Trainees are provided with a supportive learning environment, and the centre assists in arranging employment after course completion, an approach that has significantly increased interest among local youth. The TTC offers courses of two, three and six months, along with a 30-day housekeeping programme for domestic workers heading abroad. There are also specialised training options for SSC graduates to encourage self-reliance. Read more: Ecnec nods setting up 50 technical training centres Driving instructor and trade in-charge Kamruzzaman said the centre has evolved into a meaningful platform for producing skilled human resources. He acknowledged that past leadership was marred by irregularities, which stalled progress and damaged the institution’s reputation. “Under the new leadership of Principal Engineer Md Ainul Haque, the quality of training has improved considerably,” he said. Senior Instructor (Electrical) Shri Jageshwar Barman said the TTC is now focused on producing technically competent workers capable of contributing both at home and overseas. Courses such as mobile phone servicing have been modernised and made more practical, he added. Read more: Crisis of care: Manpower shortage cripples Chuadanga Sadar Hospital Trainees Saiful Islam and Habibur Rahman, who are preparing for overseas employment, praised the sincerity of the instructors and the harassment-free learning environment. Principal Engineer Md Ainul Haque, who recently assumed charge, said the centre had long operated in a fragile state but has now regained stability and is conducting regular training programmes. “With only 23 staff against 81 approved posts, we face limitations. But I am confident that our trainees will acquire the skills necessary for self-employment and overseas work as capable, qualified professionals,” he said.

A Bangladeshi man was shot dead allegedly by members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat early Thursday (December 04, 2025). The deceased was identified as Sabuj Mia, 29, son of Sirajul Islam of Pochabandar village under Jagatber union in Lalmonirhat. Locals said Sabuj and a group of farmers had gone to the Shamshernagar frontier area at dawn to work on their croplands when gunshots were heard from the Indian side. Sabuj was found critically injured moments later. Shamshernagar Border Outpost Commander Kamal Uddin, quoting locals, said BSF members later took away the body. Read more: Bangladeshi man shot dead by BSF near border in Chuadanga He said a protest letter has been sent to the BSF. Meanwhile, Abul Kasem, company commander of the BGB-51 Battalion, said repeated attempts had been made to arrange a flag meeting, and high-level communication with the BSF was underway. Patgram Police Station OC Mizanur Rahman said they were aware of the incident and a flag meeting between BGB and BSF commanders may take place soon. Read more: BNP to prioritise water-sharing, end ‘Indian hegemony’: Fakhrul

Once a vibrant fixture of rural Bengali culture, the traditional ‘Nabanna Utsab’, the festival celebrating the first harvest, is quietly fading from many villages across Lalmonirhat, according to local residents. With the end of the Bangla month of Hemanta and the touch of approaching winter, farmers across the district are busy harvesting Aman paddy. Golden fields still stretch across the horizon, carrying the familiar scent of new grain, yet the festive celebration that once marked this season is rarely seen nowadays. Villagers said that although the joy of harvesting remains, the communal spirit of sharing the first cooked rice from the new crop—a hallmark of the ‘Nabanna Utsab’ —has largely diminished. “We heard from our parents how festive the day used to be. People would go to each other’s houses to eat the first rice. But now we hardly see such practices,”said Saiful Islam, an SSC student from Shialkhowa village in Kaliganj upazila. Recalling the joy and celebrations of the past, 70-year-old farmer from Aditmari upazila, Shafique Mia said they were poorer 30 years ago, but the joy of the new harvest was greater. “We used to make pitha, polao and share with neighbours after offering the first rice to the imams. Now income has increased, but happiness has decreased. The young generation doesn’t even know what ‘Nabanna’ really means,” he said. Farmer Jomir Ali, drying paddy in the field, shared a similar memory. “We used to cook rice from the new crop and give the first plate to the imam of the mosque for blessings. We did doa and ate together. That tradition is almost gone now,” he said. Read more: Continuous rain flattens half-ripe paddy in Lalmonirhat, farmers worried Saleha Begum, another elderly villager, said people once respected tradition and valued togetherness.

With winter’s first chills settling over the northern districts, Lalmonirhat’s quilt makers are bustling with activities, as demand for quilts and mattresses soars. Thick morning fog, cool evening breezes and the nightly dew signal the changing season, prompting residents to prepare for colder days ahead. As temperatures dip, workshops and markets in Lalmonirhat are buzzing with both artisans and eager buyers. A stroll through the markets of the district’s five upazilas revealed shops adorned with vibrant fabrics and cotton, catering to a growing crowd. Some customers opt for ready-made quilts, while others place bespoke orders, leaving the workers fully absorbed in their stitching. Situated along the Teesta River and bordering the northern frontier, Lalmonirhat experiences harsher winters than much of the country. This year, preparations began earlier than usual, prompting a rush in quilt and mattress production. From dawn till dusk, shops remain alive with activity, as middle- and upper-middle-income families flock to purchase winter essentials. Read more: Dense fog blankets Lalmonirhat as signs of winter emerge Rising costs are, however, casting a shadow over the seasonal bustle. Traders report that increasing prices of cotton, fabric, foam, and other materials have pushed up the cost of producing quilts and mattresses. Currently, quilt fabric is selling for Tk 50–60 per yard, mattress fabric Tk 50–55, and jajim—a heavier mattress—Tk 160–190. Meanwhile, karpash cotton fetches Tk 180–200 per kilogram, poly-cotton Tk 120–130, wool Tk 55–60, and jute Tk 40–45 per kilogram. Ready-made quilts are priced between Tk 1,600 and Tk 2,600, mattresses from Tk 1,700 to Tk 3,500, jajims from Tk 3,500 to Tk 6,500, and pillows range from Tk 150 to Tk 400. Belal Mia, a seasoned quilt maker at Shialkhowa Bazar, said, “I’ve been making quilts and mattresses for nearly 10 years. With another worker, I can finish seven to nine orders a day.” Customers, too, are adjusting to the rising costs. Samad Mia, a local resident, explained, “We heard this winter may be colder, so I’m making my quilt in advance. We are poor people—the price of a blanket is beyond our reach. So, we are making quilts at a relatively lower cost.” Read more: Early winter chill grips Bangladesh’s northern districts Md Hamidur Rahman said, “It may not feel cold during the day, but nights are getting chillier. A thin sheet is no longer enough. So I made two quilts for my family, which cost Tk 5,300.” Salma Begum remarked, “Everything has become expensive—cotton, fabric, labour costs. Still, we have to make quilts; winter will get harsher ahead.” Shopkeepers remain hopeful despite the challenges. Jalal Uddin said, “Demand is rising as winter gets colder. Sales are not as high as before, but we expect business to pick up in the coming days.” Md Safiqul Islam, owner of Maa Tula Store in Aditmari Bazar, said, “November to February is our busiest season. As the cold intensifies, orders for quilts and mattresses continue to increase.” As winter casts its frosty spell across Lalmonirhat, the rhythmic hum of sewing machines and the vibrant display of fabrics offer a comforting promise: warmth and comfort for all who prepare in time. Read more: Dug-up road turns into knee-deep canal; Kaliganj villagers have to use rafts

The residents of Kaliganj upazila in Lalmonirhat are enduring extreme hardship as a vital road, left dug up for construction work, has turned into a hazardous waterway. Makeshift rafts are now being used to cross the stretch, with accidents reported almost daily, yet authorities appear slow to intervene. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) confirmed that a Tk 5.87 crore allocation was approved for the improvement of the Duhuli–Jorgach GC Road (length: 5.25 km) in Chalbala Union. Barendra Construction Limited won the tender and deposited the required performance security, but the company could not start work as the work order had not been issued. In early August, however, another contractor allegedly began work on the project without authorisation. Complaints were subsequently lodged with the LGED Executive Engineer and Kaliganj police. Informal workers battle soaring inflation in Bangladesh Following administrative intervention, the unauthorised work was halted — but not before around 1.5 km of the road had been dug up, rendering it impassable. Locals say the stretch has since become a knee-deep canal, making walking extremely difficult and halting all vehicular movement, including vans, rickshaws and ambulances.  

The illegal trade of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders continues unabated in Lalmonirhat’s villages and markets, reflecting a nationwide problem in Bangladesh, amid lax government monitoring and inadequate regulation. From roadside tea stalls to grocery stores, hardware shops and even cement depots, the highly flammable cylinders are reportedly available everywhere, often stored recklessly beside open flames! Many sellers distribute cylinders without fire safety measures or approval from the Department of Explosives, placing both buyers and residents at constant risk. Cross-filling, the transfer of LPG from one cylinder to another, is also carried out by unauthorised individuals and unregulated businesses across the country. As LPG is highly flammable, improper handling and the use of substandard equipment can lead to leaks, fires, explosions and even fatalities. Bangladesh’s leather sector stuck at $1bn; $5bn could be tapped: Experts Locals claim that this illegal trade is widespread in almost every market in the district and is operating openly in the sight of authorities. Cylinders are frequently transported on trucks and vans, only to be carelessly unloaded by being tossed onto the ground, further heightening the risk of leaks, fire, or explosions. Nur Alam, a resident of Khorda Bamandanga in Sadar Upazila, said, “Gas cylinders are kept in roadside tea stalls where fires are always burning. There’s no safety system in place.” A shopkeeper in Hatibandha Upazila, requesting anonymity, admitted that he sells LPG cylinders without a licence. “We buy supplies from trucks and store them in our shops. But we don’t really know the risks involved,” he said. Fire Service and Civil Defence Station Officer Rokonuzzaman confirmed that the illegal trade persists in the district’s markets, in clear violation of safety regulations. “This business must operate under rules and structure. We are working with the district administration to conduct mobile court drives regularly,” he said. Deputy Commissioner of the district HM Rokib Haydar said restrictions have been imposed to prevent the sale of LPG cylinders without a Department of Explosives licence. “Mobile courts are already conducting drives and these operations will continue,” he said. Even though thousands of LPG cylinders exceed their safe lifespan, they continue to be refilled and delivered to households across the country, contributing to a growing number of gas-related explosions and casualties. Experts warn that LPG cylinders are extremely flammable and, if mishandled, could cause devastating accidents.