United News of Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, situated on a 32-katha plot donated to her by the government in 1981, has been prepared for her elder son and party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to stay with his family, as he is preparing to return home, ending his 17 years of exile in London, according to BNP insiders. They said the duplex house at 196 Gulshan Avenue, located just beside Khaleda’s current residence ‘Feroza’ and formerly used by a multinational company’s managing director, has undergone major renovation to make it suitable for Tarique’s residential use. A number of senior BNP leaders confirmed that Tarique will move into this house once he returns from London. Earlier, on June 5, the interim government handed over the title deed of the house to Khaleda Zia. After the assassination of Ziaur Rahman on May 31, 1981, while he was President of the Republic, his wife Khaleda Zia was allotted the house. Besides, BNP leaders said a new political office close to the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office is being rented for him, which he is expected to use to lead the party’s next election-related activities. Party insiders have hinted that Tarique’s return is closely tied to the announcement of a clear election roadmap by the Election Commission. “Once the roadmap is in place, he will come back to reenergise the party and lead from the front,” said a senior BNP leader close to Tarique, requesting anonymity. He said they believe the Election Commission will announce the election roadmap within July, as the government is trying to make notable progress regarding reforms and the trial of those involved in mass killings during the July–August mass uprising last year. CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi “Tarique Rahman may return home any day before the historic August 5, the day of the ousting of the Awami fascist regime, if the election roadmap is announced by July,” the BNP leader said. He said Tarique will be given a grand reception from the airport to the Gulshan house upon his return, to make his homecoming a historic and memorable day. Besides, the BNP leader said their party has plans to hold a grand public rally on August 5 in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office to mark the fall of the Awami League regime and the fleeing of autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina in the face of a mass uprising on that day last year. "If all goes as planned, Tarique Rahman will attend the rally and deliver an address as the chief guest—marking his first in-person political appearance after his homecoming,” he said. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said Tarique Rahman will return home very soon. He said all arrangements have been made, including preparing the house, to welcome their acting chairman upon his return. Another BNP Standing Committee member, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, said Tarique Rahman will definitely stay in a suitable house when he returns. When the date of Tarique’s return approaches, he said, initiatives by his party and family regarding his residence will become visible. Prof Yunus-Tarique London meeting raises hope, shows democratic direction: Dudu

The escalating Iran-Israel conflict is heightening economic uncertainty for Bangladesh, prompting economists and analysts to urge immediate preparedness for its potential impacts. “A sustained escalation in the Middle East could trigger a cascade of challenges, primarily driven by surging global oil prices, disrupted trade routes, and potential impacts on remittance inflows, threatening Bangladesh's economic stability and growth trajectory,” said Dr Selim Raihan, Professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka and Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM). Talking to UNB, Dr Raihan said Bangladesh, as an increasingly export-oriented economy, is heavily reliant on smooth international trade and stable energy prices. The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector, which accounts for over 83 percent of the country's total export earnings, is highly vulnerable to global economic disruptions. Secure trade routes and stability in the US and European markets are essential for sustaining RMG exports, he said. Dr Raihan also pointed out that Bangladesh’s energy security is deeply linked to imports, particularly those passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping corridor that handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption in shipments through this route could severely affect the country's economy. Meanwhile, Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, energy adviser to the interim government, said the oil supply chain is likely to remain stable, but uncertainty surrounds the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Purchase body approves proposals to procure rice bran oil, LNG cargo Global oil prices have already surged in response to rising tensions, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) both recording sharp increases. Experts warn that a prolonged conflict, especially one that disrupts the Strait of Hormuz, could drive oil prices up to US$90–$120 per barrel. For a country like Bangladesh, which is heavily dependent on imported fuel, such a scenario could lead to a skyrocketing import bill. “Countries like Bangladesh, which rely heavily on oil imports, will be among the hardest hit,” said Dr Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). He warned that a spike in oil prices would act as a “barometer of commodity prices in the global market,” triggering inflation across various domestic sectors and placing immense pressure on household budgets. In addition to energy concerns, the escalating tensions also threaten global trade and supply chains. Ongoing Houthi militant attacks in the Red Sea have already disrupted major shipping routes to Europe, pushing global logistics costs up by over 20 percent. A prolonged conflict would likely worsen these disruptions, raising the cost of importing essential raw materials and finished goods, while also increasing shipping costs for Bangladesh’s exports. This would erode the competitiveness of the RMG sector, which depends on timely and cost-effective logistics. Airspace closures across the Middle East have further complicated international aviation routes, raising operational costs for both cargo and passenger movement. Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told UNB that the garment industry has kept its production running even during energy shortages. Israel-Iran conflict enters third day with escalating missile strikes, rising death tolls Another blow in the form of price hikes or supply disruptions could be devastating, especially after the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remittances, a crucial pillar of Bangladesh’s economy and a key source of foreign exchange, also face potential, albeit indirect, risks. Although recent figures show strong remittance inflows supporting the recovery of foreign exchange reserves, prolonged instability in the Middle East could affect the employment and earnings of millions of Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the region. Should security conditions deteriorate in host countries, future remittance inflows may decline, placing further pressure on the country’s foreign currency reserves, which are already strained by rising import payments. According to Bangladesh Bank, gross foreign exchange reserves have recently recovered to over US$25 billion. These reserves remain vulnerable to external shocks. A sustained rise in import costs, due to higher oil prices and increased shipping expenses, could rapidly deplete reserves, making it difficult to finance essential imports and maintain macroeconomic stability. Economists urged the government to stay vigilant and proactive by developing contingency strategies. These include diversifying energy sources, exploring alternative trade routes, and providing targeted support to the RMG sector to cushion the blow of global instability. Trump blocked Israeli plot to assassinate Iran’s Khamenei: Reports The ripple effects of a prolonged Iran-Israel conflict could severely dampen Bangladesh’s economic outlook, potentially slowing GDP growth and heightening inflationary pressure on its population, they said.

Dedicated mass transport for women in Dhaka remains largely a dream, despite the growing demand for safer and more comfortable travel options. Women make up approximately 51% of Bangladesh’s population. Yet, studies show that only around 21% of public transport users are women. A recent survey by the Aachol Foundation revealed that over 60% of female adolescents in Dhaka who use public transport have experienced some form of harassment. There is no shortage of accounts and reports of women facing harassment, danger, and discomfort while using mass transportation, particularly where vehicles are overcrowded, poorly regulated, or lack adequate safety measures. Despite this, government initiatives have yet to meet the urgency of the problem. In a bustling city like Dhaka, Sarah, a working professional, relies on public transport for her daily commute. Each morning, she boards an overcrowded bus filled with commuters. As the vehicle winds through congested streets, she finds herself squeezed between strangers, struggling to maintain personal space. For her, this isn’t merely uncomfortable—it’s a daily safety concern. BRTC bus services introduced amid nationwide rail disruption One day, during rush hour, the bus was particularly packed. Sarah experienced unwanted physical contact from a man who stood next to her and repeatedly brushed against her inappropriately. With no room to move and no way to escape, she felt trapped. She tried to make eye contact with other passengers in the hope someone would intervene, but most looked away. As the bus neared her stop, Sarah forced her way through the crowd, shaken and harassed. She was left feeling angry, embarrassed, and afraid. What made the situation worse was the absence of surveillance or visible security on board, and the lack of a clear, responsive system for reporting such incidents. Though not the first time Sarah had faced harassment, this particular incident left her feeling powerless. The absence of accountability made her question whether her safety would ever be taken seriously by the transport authorities. Women across Dhaka share similar experiences—enduring physical harassment, verbal abuse, and a general lack of respect while using public transport. These stories underline the need to improve safety, establish secure spaces for women, and implement clear policies that foster a more respectful, inclusive travel environment. Such experiences often drive women away from public transport. Many turn to ridesharing services or taxis, but these alternatives aren’t always affordable, especially for women from lower-income areas. The persistent harassment women face reflects a wider issue of gender inequality, and highlights the urgent need for safer, more inclusive transportation systems. “Dedicated mass transport for women in Dhaka remains largely a dream, despite growing demand for safer and more comfortable travel options. Women in the city face persistent challenges, including harassment, overcrowding, and a lack of reserved seating in public transport,” said Natasha, an employee of a private company in Mirpur. While there have been initiatives, such as women-only buses operated by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) and ridesharing services aimed at female passengers, these remain limited in scale. Many face operational challenges, a shortage of vehicles and low public awareness. Ayesha, another office worker in Dhaka, said, “As a woman living and working in Dhaka, I can say that access to safe and affordable mass transport is a daily struggle. The buses and other public vehicles are often overcrowded, making it uncomfortable and unsafe, especially for women like me who travel alone. Many of us face harassment or feel vulnerable in these crowded spaces. Sometimes, we have to spend more money on rideshares just to avoid these risks, but not all women can afford that." Having women-only buses or designated safe spaces within the transport system would make a huge difference, she added, saying it would give women the confidence to travel for work, education, and social engagements without fear. More affordable and reliable transport would also help women access better jobs further from home, enabling them to support their families more effectively. She expressed the hope that the government and transport authorities would take women’s voices seriously and make public transport more inclusive. “Safe and accessible transport isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for our dignity, freedom, and empowerment.” BRTC to launch AC bus service in BRT corridor Sunday The need for a secure and reliable transport system for women is vital, as many depend on it for daily travel. Expanding women-only services, enforcing anti-harassment laws strictly, and investing in gender-inclusive infrastructure could help mitigate these challenges. Yet, without stronger policy commitment and investment, a functional and inclusive transport network remains out of reach, many women's rights activists say. To address these issues, women-only buses have been introduced in limited areas to provide safer travel for female commuters, they added. Despite these efforts, the low proportion of female users on public transport signals the pressing need to improve safety, accessibility, and cultural attitudes to encourage wider participation of women in mass transit. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is among the most densely populated cities in the world, home to over 20 million people. As the city grows, its transport infrastructure is coming under increasing strain. Rina, a university student, shared her concerns with UNB. She said many female students rely on public buses to attend classes. But the environment on these buses is often chaotic and unsafe. “Sometimes harassment occurs, and we don’t know who to report it to,” she said. “If there were women-only compartments or buses, I think more girls would feel comfortable continuing their education without having to worry about their safety,” she added. Sathi, a garment worker, said she begins work very early in the morning and finishes late at night. During those hours, public transport is either unavailable or unsafe for women. “I often have to take shared auto-rickshaws, but they’re costly and risky. Reliable and affordable transport that runs during early and late hours would help many women workers like me,” she added. Farida, a homemaker, said she often needs to take her children to school or visit the doctor. “But the lack of accessible transport with proper seating makes it hard for mothers and elderly women to get around.” Dhaka University launches shuttle bus service on trial basis for students  “It would be helpful if buses had reserved seating and easier boarding for women with children or elderly family members,” she added. “For women with disabilities, Dhaka’s public transport is nearly impossible to use,” said Laila, a disabled woman. “Most buses don’t have ramps or priority seating, and the roads aren’t suitable for wheelchairs.” She urged the government to make mass transport accessible to all women, regardless of their physical condition. Nadia, a daily wage earner, said she often starts work before dawn when transport is scarce. “I sometimes have to walk long distances or pay high fares for rickshaws. Cheaper, early-morning transport with women’s safety in mind would make a huge difference for women like me,” she said.

Just two days after the 58-day fishing ban ended, the fishermen of Barguna are beaming with joy as their nets come in heavy with shimmering hilsa.  The once-quiet fish landing centre in Patharghata has turned into a bustling hub of activity, alive with the vibrant sounds and sights of a thriving seafood market. Since the ban was lifted, the Barguna coast has seen a flurry of movement—baskets brimming with hilsa and other marine fish, traders and labourers working energetically and fishing communities filled with renewed hope. According to the Patharghata fish landing centre, a total of 20,817 kilograms of fish were brought ashore on the second day of the season.  This included 9,305 kilograms of hilsa, with the remaining 11,512 kilograms comprising other marine species—signalling a healthy resurgence of aquatic resources in the Bay of Bengal. Hilsa prices have shot up sharply. A one-kilogram hilsa is fetching as much as Tk1 lakh per maund.  Fish weighing 900 grams are selling for Tk89,000–90,000, 600–700g fish are going for Tk60,000–64,000, while the 500g variety is priced at Tk42,000–46,000 per maund. Such high prices are rarely seen in recent years. While the large size of hilsa has drawn strong interest from wholesalers and buyers, fishermen report that soaring costs are eating into their profits.  The rising prices of diesel, ice and labour have left many struggling to break even. The acute shortage of ice is a particular concern, as it affects the quality of the catch. With the sudden influx of fish, existing storage and transport facilities are falling short. This has led to spoilage and price drops in some markets, deepening losses for many fishers. Fishermen net hilsa again after 58-day fishing ban in Bay Biplob Kumar Sarker, an official at the Patharghata fish landing centre, said the catch volume indicates that the sea is once again abundant with fish.  He called for urgent improvements in preservation, market connectivity, and transport systems to reduce waste. Barguna District Fisheries Officer Mohsin said this year’s joint conservation effort with India during the ban has yielded results, as seen in the rising hilsa numbers.  To sustain this success, he stressed the importance of long-term planning, easier access to ice, fuel, and fishing supplies and introducing effective price control mechanisms to keep hilsa within the reach of consumers. Despite stronger catches in recent years, Hilsa remains expensive for Bangladeshi consumers due to persistent market challenges.  In FY 2022–23, Bangladesh produced 571,342 tonnes of hilsa, a slight increase from 566,593 tonnes in FY 2021–22. In FY 2023–24, production reached 5.29 lakh metric tonnes—about 11% of the country's total fish output. Hilsa contributes over 1% to the national GDP. Bangladesh remains the world’s top hilsa producer, accounting for over 80% of global output, according to Fisheries Adviser Farida Akther.  She shared these insights during Jatka Conservation Week in April. Hilsa returns to Chandpur markets after ban; prices fall, buyers rejoice Hilsa, a recognized Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh, directly employs around 600,000 people in harvesting.  An additional 20 to 25 lakh people are involved in associated sectors like transportation, sales, net and boat making, ice production, processing, and exports.

After a successful meeting in London between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the BNP is now gearing up for the national election, likely to be held in the second week of February next. Talking to UNB, senior BNP leaders said the meeting has brought hope and relief to national politics, paving the path for the much-needed stability. CA-Tarique meeting causes ‘heartburn’ among some political parties: Rizvi They believe it helped remove doubts about the election process and improved relations between the interim government and BNP and its allies. They also feel that if the government remains sincere and committed, it will be able to announce the election schedule soon after completing necessary reforms, preparing the July Charter and starting trials of those involved in last year’s mass killing during the July–August Uprising. BNP leaders hope Tarique Rahman will return home soon to lead the party and energise its members for a big win in the coming election. The meeting was particularly significant in light of the government’s previous announcement that the next election would be held in April 2026. BNP strongly opposed this and demanded an earlier date, which raised tensions. Prof Yunus-Tarique London meeting raises hope, shows democratic direction: Dudu Now, after the London meeting, BNP leaders are happy with the outcome and confident the election process will proceed smoothly. Sources close to the government and the BNP said the one-hour-and-20-minute meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman was carefully planned. It became possible due to the personal commitment of both leaders, along with intense behind-the-scenes efforts by two senior advisers, several civil society members, foreign diplomats, and a close aide to Tarique. They said the meeting was held in a friendly and respectful manner. Tarique focused on moving the election date from April to February. As Professor Yunus agreed, saying elections could be held before Ramadan, they said Tarique showed willingness to cooperate with on reforms, the July Charter, and the trial of those involved in last year’s widespread killing to suppress the mass uprising. Both leaders honoured the sacrifices of students and ordinary citizens and agreed that this was a chance to rebuild the country. Prof Yunus-Tarique talks a 'game-over' moment for conspirators: Shafiqul Alam The sources also said Tarique shared his vision for the future, while Professor Yunus made it clear that he has no political ambitions, saying his is only interested in making sure the election is fair and credible. They said Tarique also praised some of the government’s steps to fix the economy and promised to support a smooth transition to democracy. A BNP Standing Committee member confirmed that their Acting Chairman conveyed to Professor Yunus that if the party forms the next government, it will seek his advice and use his experience and international contacts to help rebuild the country. With the election timeline now clearer, he said the BNP will begin full-scale preparations for the polls. The BNP leader said most of the party’s promising candidates visited their constituencies during Eid-ul-Azha and were busy conducting mass contact campaigns. He said Tarique has already begun working on preparing a list of suitable candidates, gathering information about them, and developing the party’s election strategy. Besides, the BNP leader said they will soon begin talks with like-minded parties—such as Nagorik Oikya, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rab), Revolutionary Workers Party, Ganasamhati Andolon, LDP, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Ganoforum, National People’s Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Nationalist Democratic Movement, the 12-party Alliance, and Samomona Jote—about seat sharing in the election. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the meeting between Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman was very important for Bangladesh and its future. “It helped reduce uncertainty and opened the door for peaceful elections. “There were many questions about whether elections would happen. But now, the country is moving forward to the polls. Some are talking about reforms and trails, but these won’t stop the election,” he said. When asked if BNP is ready for the election, he replied that as a major political party, BNP is always prepared. The BNP leader said their party will complete all formal steps before the election schedule is officially announced. Once that happens, he said BNP will start selling nomination papers and select candidates through interviews. BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed called the meeting ‘historic’ and a ‘victory for democracy’.  He said people in Bangladesh have waited a long time for free and fair elections, and now that goal is in sight. The BNP leader believes a fair election will lead to a strong, democratic government and political stability. Salahuddin praised both Professor Yunus and Tarique Rahman for showing wisdom during their talks. “They agreed to hold the election in February, before Ramadan, after thinking about all the important issues.” He said the meeting focused on both the present situation of the country and important issues about building the nation’s future. BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie said the meeting brought peace and hope after months of political uncertainty. “Now, everyone is ready for an election festival. We will move forward with that spirit,” he said.  

In a quiet corner of Bagerhat’s Basabati area, the hum of sewing machines, the rustle of coconut husks and the steady hands of women workers are quietly shaping a story of empowerment, innovation and global reach. Here, female entrepreneur Rozy Ahmed has established a women-led cottage industry where dozens of local women produce an array of handmade, environment-friendly items – birdhouses, pet beds and toys, fabric slippers, baby accessories, and decorative flower pots – each crafted with artisanal care and aimed at international markets. Using sustainable materials such as coconut husk, bamboo, wood, cotton, fabric and jute, these products have gained popularity both at home and abroad. Birdhouses, slippers, soft toys, and hair bands made in Bagerhat are now being exported to Belgium, Germany and Greece. Every item stitched, shaped, or assembled in Rozy’s workshop represents not only the skill of its maker but a growing connection between rural Bangladesh and the global economy. The initiative began in 2019, during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when Rozy started producing coco poles, mulching mats and flower baskets for local sale. As the pandemic deepened in 2020, she turned crisis into opportunity by involving unemployed women from her neighbourhood. Boat craftsmen in Narail struggle for survival  Starting with 10 to 12 trainees, her small venture received its first breakthrough with a bulk foreign order for 1,000 birdhouses. “Buyers from different countries are showing interest in these eye-catching products,” Rozy said. “Foreign clients are getting in touch through local buyers to place orders," she said. From that point, the business began to grow. Rozy developed new designs and expanded her workforce. By 2022, the factory was exporting to Belgium, with subsequent orders from other European countries. In May this year alone, the factory shipped 11,000 pairs of slippers to Greece, with another 60,000 now in production. “In total, we’ve sold products worth around Tk 5 crore, both locally and overseas,” Rozy said. “Demand is rising, but there’s a shortage of raw materials like coconut husk. As local supply has declined, we’ve had to start importing husk from India," he said. The enterprise has become a lifeline for many local women. Handicrafts in Bangladesh booth attract visitors in Seoul Friendship Festival

The construction of a vital bridge over the Sonakata Canal in Taltoli upazila of Barguna has remained in limbo for four years, leaving locals, forest officials and tourists grappling with continued hardship. Authorities cite 'design complexities' as the primary reason for the prolonged delay, while residents point to administrative inefficiency and a lack of will to complete the project. A visit to the site revealed that only two 48-metre girders have been constructed—one on each bank of the canal. The central 24-metre span, along with the approach roads, remains untouched, a stark sign of the incomplete state of the project. When completed, the 72-metre RCC girder bridge is expected to play a crucial role in providing all-season access to Tengragiri Ecopark, located in Fakirhat under Taltoli upazila. The eco-park, home to the country’s second-largest mangrove forest, once welcomed 400–500 visitors daily during the dry season, according to the Forest Department. With the bridge incomplete, tourist numbers have dropped significantly, causing a loss of revenue for the government and harming local livelihoods. For over two decades, residents of the area have depended on a makeshift bamboo bridge to cross the Sonakata canal, facing daily risks and inconvenience. Delayed Dreams: 7 years on, Faridpur Bridge remains a broken promise The promise of a permanent solution came in the 2020–21 fiscal year when the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), under the Rural Bridge Rehabilitation Project (RBRP), initiated the bridge construction with an estimated budget of Tk 6.97 crore. The project contract was awarded in January 2020 to Barishal-based M/S Builders & M/S Amir Engineering Corporation. Although the work was initially scheduled to begin on 20 February that year, it commenced later in 2020 and quickly stalled after partial progress. The project had a completion deadline of 20 February 2021. Officials at the Taltoli Upazila Engineering Office indicated that the project faced interruptions due to objections raised by local residents regarding the design. Residents, on the other hand, accused the contractor and officials of using the design concerns as a pretext for the delay, claiming that repeated appeals to resume construction were ignored. Farazi Md Yunus, chairman of the local union parishad, questioned the reasoning behind the long halt. “No heavy vessels operate in the canal and there is no logical reason to suspend construction,” he said. He urged the authorities to ensure swift completion of the long-awaited project. Attempts to reach the contractors for comment were unsuccessful, with no one willing to speak on the issue. Md Sakhawat Hossain, the Upazila Engineer of Taltoli, reiterated that the work had stalled due to local objections and design-related issues. Md Mehedi Hasan, Executive Engineer of LGED in Barguna, maintained that the existing design is sufficient for the bridge to be completed. Bridge of Risk: Sunamganj’s villagers still rely on abandoned structure “The matter has been reported to the Chief Engineer’s Office. Construction will resume once we receive the necessary clearance,” he said. As the delay drags on, the people of Taltoli continue to suffer the consequences of a project caught in bureaucratic stagnation and technical indecision.

Amid the surge in dengue across the country, the situation has turned alarming in Barguna district with a sharp spike in both infections and fatalities. Some 67 new dengue patients have been admitted to Barguna Sadar Hospital. Besides, the death toll from dengue in the district this year has risen to 13, with five of those deaths reported from Barguna General Hospital. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), from January to June 13, a total of 1,631 people have been infected with dengue in Barguna. Among them, 1,438 have recovered. Barguna has the highest infection rate in the Barishal division at 61.80%, which is alarming, it said. The infection rate is the number of infection tests that return a positive result. Sources said Barguna General Hospital is facing a critical shortage of medical staff. Of the 55 sanctioned posts for doctors, only 19 are currently serving. The hospital has just 66 nurses against the requirement of 150. While there are only 55 designated beds for dengue patients, an average of 150–200 patients are being admitted daily. Including patients with other illnesses, the hospital is treating about 500 patients per day, alongside around 400 outpatients. Due to the lack of adequate facilities, many critical patients are being referred to Barishal and Dhaka. Recently, a 65-year-old woman identified as Papri Begum from College Branch Road died while going to Dhaka. Dengue claims one life, 169 hospitalised in 24hrs Besides, school student Omar Al Arabi from Khamarbari was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a hospital in Dhaka and a female entrepreneur Azmeri Monalisa Jerin also succumbed to dengue. One of the most heartbreaking stories is that of Naimur Rahman Prince, 26, a recent graduate preparing for the BCS exam, who died from dengue on Friday morning. He had aspired to secure a government job and support his family financially. Shilpi Begum, mother of one and half-year-old dengue patient Abdullah, said, “Both my son and I are hospitalized with dengue. The hospital doesn’t provide any blood tests or medicine—we have to buy everything from outside. My husband is a rickshaw-puller. How will we manage the expenses?” Another patient, Mizan, said “I’ve been admitted for four days but haven’t received even a basic saline drip. Pharmacies are out of stock too. And doctors are rarely available.” Ishrat Jahan, a senior staff nurse of the hospital, said “We are overwhelmed due to the severe manpower shortage. This Eid, we didn’t even get a holiday. We’re doing our best to serve the patients, but delays are inevitable and sometimes we face criticism for that. Although this is a 250-bed hospital, operations are being managed with resources for only 100 beds.” President of Sachetan Nagorik Committee, Monir Hossain Kamal, blamed poor management and public unawareness for the crisis. Dengue: 5 die, 159 new cases reported in 24hrs Dr Md Rezwanur Alam, superintendent of Barguna General Hospital, said “This is the peak season for dengue. The patient count far exceeds our 55-bed capacity. I believe nearly every household has at least one infected member. The situation is becoming a full-scale epidemic. We are facing an emergency beyond our capacity.” When asked about the surge, Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Abul Fattah said it is difficult to identify the significant cause of dengue in the district but the IEDCR (Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research) may be able to provide better insights. However, poor sanitation, lack of public awareness and patients’ failure to follow medical advice have contributed to the outbreak, he said. Many patients refuse to use mosquito nets, which is leading to further transmission, he added. Contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Barguna district, Mohammad Shafiul Alam said, “We’ve been seeing a rise in dengue cases for the past two months. Several people have died. In response, we’ve held multiple meetings and the municipality is continuing mosquito control efforts. We’ve also informed higher authorities about the acute shortage of doctors and nurses.”

A fresh wave of COVID-19 infections is sweeping across Bangladesh, triggered by the fast-spreading Omicron sub-variants JN.1, XFG, and XFC, reigniting public health concerns and prompting calls for renewed vigilance. While health authorities confirm a gradual rise in case numbers, experts stress that the overall severity remains low and the situation does not warrant public panic. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed that the two new sub-variants—XFG and XFC, both offshoots of the JN.1 lineage—were first identified in April 2025 at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Since then, COVID-19 positivity rates have steadily increased, particularly across nine surveillance districts monitored by icddr,b: Kishoreganj, Rajshahi, Cumilla, Khulna, Jashore, Sylhet, Barishal, Chattogram and Dinajpur. Data from these areas show that in May alone, around 7% of patients at study hospitals tested positive for the new variants, a significant leap from near-zero levels earlier this year. New Symptoms, Low Severity Despite the uptick, medical professionals emphasise that most cases are mild in nature. The predominant strains currently circulating include JN.1, LF.7, XFG, NB 1.8.1, and BA.2.86. While symptoms have shifted slightly—many patients now report loss of taste along with fever—hospitalisation rates remain manageable. Mask prices double as COVID infections surge in Bangladesh Dr Mizanur Rahman, Superintendent of Kuwait Moitri Hospital, reported that patients with suspected new variant symptoms are being referred to the DNCC COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital. “Most complain of losing their sense of taste and have mild fevers. As of today, six patients are admitted and we’ve requested additional testing kits in anticipation of increased demand,” he said. Testing Capacity and Govt Preparations DGHS Director Dr Mainul Ahsan has assured the public that testing kits are available in abundance. “There is no shortage. If any facility faces a stockout, they should inform us. We are far better prepared now than in 2020,” he said. Echoing this, Halimur Rashid, Line Director at the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), noted, “The dominant strain is Omicron JN.1, and while three fatalities have occurred—all in individuals over 70—the symptoms across the board are largely unchanged. Widespread panic is unwarranted.” Lukewarm Public Response Despite health warnings, public response has been largely indifferent. At the DNCC Hospital, Rafiqul Islam, who brought in a relative with a fever, dismissed concerns. “We don’t think it’s COVID. People are just overreacting,” he said. Another visitor, Sirajul, admitted to experiencing classic COVID symptoms—fever, body aches, and shortness of breath—but hadn’t taken any action. “I thought it was just seasonal flu,” he shrugged. A visit to the DNCC COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital on June 14 revealed 16 patients admitted, mostly adults over 30, with only one child aged 11. But, tracking accurate data proved difficult due to outdated logs and a lack of on-duty medical staff. Ultimately, security personnel helped confirm the patient count. Rising Mask Prices Amid Renewed Demand As infections rise, face mask prices have surged in the wholesale markets. Opportunistic traders are reportedly cashing in on growing demand. A visit to Babubazar in Dhaka revealed large crowds of retailers rushing to stock up on masks, with wholesale prices nearly doubling within days. Latest Infection and Death Toll DGHS data indicates that between the mornings of 12 and 13 June, two COVID-related deaths were recorded—one each in Dhaka and Brahmanbaria. Fifteen new infections were confirmed during the same 24-hour period. Seven more cases were identified on 14 June from 139 tests, while five patients recovered. No additional deaths were reported that day.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is considering introducing a system to refund Advance Income Tax (AIT) paid by individuals whose income falls below the tax exemption threshold. To ensure hassle-free tax collection, the government has long imposed AIT on various income-generating sources such as interest on bank deposits, savings certificates, and other instruments. Financial institutions typically deduct AIT at a rate of 10 percent for individuals with a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and 15 percent for those without. However, concerns have been raised over the logic of deducting AIT from individuals who are not liable to pay income tax due to their low income. “We are seriously considering this issue,” a senior NBR official told UNB speaking anonymously this week.“We are planning to introduce a system that allows such individuals to get refunds of the AIT they have paid.” NBR officers declare chairman persona non grata The matter came up during a recent pre-budget discussion, where NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman shared a personal example. “One of my university teachers called to ask why he is paying AIT on his savings certificates and bank interest when his income is below the taxable limit,” he had told the meeting. The senior NBR official acknowledged that it is a fundamental question tied to the concept of tax justice. “We might even consider abolishing AIT on incomes that fall below the tax ceiling,” he added. In the interim, he suggested that an automated refund system could help. Taxpayers who fall below the income tax threshold but have paid AIT can submit their annual tax return claiming a refund. “Once verified, we can refund the amount directly to the taxpayer’s bank account,” the official said. However, he noted that a fully automated system is essential for seamless processing. The NBR is currently working on digitising its processes, including the introduction of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), which will allow for electronic filing, tracking, and refunding. Under the current system, governed by the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984, taxpayers can claim refunds by filing Form-IT-11Ga (for individuals) or Form-IT-11Gha (for companies), along with supporting documents such as TDS certificates and payment challans. Although the law provides for refunds, the process has been criticized for being slow and bureaucratic. Many taxpayers choose to adjust excess payments against future liabilities rather than wait for refunds. The NBR hopes that ITAS will streamline the system, reduce delays, and foster greater taxpayer confidence. “Once the system is fully automated and integrated with the Bangladesh Bank, approved refunds will be deposited directly into taxpayers’ accounts, without any manual intervention,” the official said. “There will be no physical interaction. Tax officials will verify everything through the interconnected system, ensuring transparency and efficiency,” he added.