United News of Bangladesh

In a rare twist of weather in the middle of Chaitra, a wintry chill has swept  Faridpur, with dense fog enveloping the district and worrying farmers particularly onion growers. From early Sunday morning, a thick blanket of fog covered fields, roads and homesteads, creating an environment like more a winter dawn than the late dry season.  Even after sunrise, the sun remained obscured for hours as mist lingered, reducing visibility and slowing the rhythm of the morning. A mild, cool breeze added to the unusual atmosphere giving many residents the sense that the seasons had momentarily lost their way. Yet life in rural areas carried on.  Farmers were seen heading to the fields with their cattle, while households went about routine chores. Women members of farming families were busy parboiling paddy in courtyards, as they would on any other morning. “It feels like winter has returned,” said Ashutosh Malo, a farmer from Bhimpur village in Boalmari upazila. “We don’t usually see such dense fog in Chaitra. It is uncomfortable to work in the fields, and I fear it may not be good for crops.” His concern is shared by many, especially onion growers who are now at a crucial stage of cultivation.  Farmers worry that prolonged fog and excessive humidity could harm onion plants, increasing the risk of leaf rot and fungal infections, ultimately affecting yields. According to the district weather office, the situation is linked to seasonal transition.  A slight drop in night-time temperatures combined with high humidity has led to the formation of dense fog in the early hours. Abdus Samad, in-charge of district weather conservatory centre said such conditions may persist for the next few days and advised farmers to take precautionary measures, especially for sensitive crops like onions. “Instead of the usual heat and harsh sun of Chaitra, this sudden chill has given nature a different look,” said Advocate Shahiduzzaman Liton, a nature enthusiast. “But it has also created fresh concern among farmers. Such abrupt changes are not a good sign.”  

As the festive calm of Eid-ul-Fitr settles over the capital, a different kind of movement has taken hold across Dhaka’s major transport hubs. Thousands of homebound people—many of whom spent the final days of Ramadan and even Eid day itself working long hours—are now leaving the city, clutching modest earnings and Eid bonuses, hoping to reunite with families they could not join in time for the festival. From the crowded platforms of Kamalapur Railway Station to the chaotic bus counters at Gabtoli, Kalyanpur and Shyamoli, the scenes reflect both relief and quiet exhaustion. These travellers are not holidaymakers returning from celebration, but workers who sacrificed their Eid to secure extra income in a time of rising living costs. At Shyamoli bus counter, 32-year-old worker Abdul Halim waited with a small travel bag and a packet of sweets for his children in Rangpur. He said he had worked double shifts in the week leading up to Eid and even stayed on duty the day before the festival to qualify for a bonus. “I could have left earlier, but then I would miss the bonus,” he told UNB. “My children were upset, but I promised them I would come just after Eid. This money will help us for the next month.” The bus counters in Shyamoli were busy with similar stories. Men and women, many visibly fatigued, queued for tickets or sat on luggage, waiting for delayed coaches. Transport workers said the post-Eid rush this year appeared more intense than usual, driven largely by those who stayed back to work until the last possible moment. At Kalyanpur bus counter, rickshaw puller Shahid Mia, 45, said he earned nearly double his usual daily income in the last three days before Eid. “People were shopping, travelling, hiring rickshaws all the time,” he said. “If I left early, I would lose that chance. I prayed Eid in Dhaka and started working again the same day.” Shahid is now heading to his village in Kurigram, carrying new clothes for his wife and grandchildren. “It is not the same as celebrating together,” he admitted. “But at least I can take something for them.” Transport workers themselves were among those delaying their journeys home. Bus helpers, drivers and ticket sellers said they remained on duty throughout the holiday period due to high demand. At Gabtoli bus terminal, one of the busiest in the capital, bus supervisor Mizanur Rahman said he had not had a proper break in over a week. “We worked day and night,” he said. “Even on Eid day, buses were running full. Now I am taking leave for two days to go home.” The terminal was slightly crowded with passengers trying to board buses to northern districts. Many complained of long waits and limited availability of tickets, as transport services struggled to cope with the sudden surge. Among them was domestic worker Rokeya Begum, who had spent Eid day cooking and cleaning in her employer’s home in Dhanmondi. She said she was allowed to leave only after completing her duties. “I started work early in the morning on Eid day,” she said. “There were guests all day. I could not even call my family properly. Today I am going home with my salary and a small bonus.” Her destination is Thakurgaon, where her two young daughters are waiting with relatives. “They wore their Eid dresses without me,” she said quietly. “Now I will go and celebrate with them, even if it is late.” At Kamalapur Railway Station, the situation was equally intense. Trains departing for Rajshahi, Khulna and Chattogram were filled to capacity, with many passengers standing in aisles or sitting on the floor. Railway officials said the post-Eid pressure is a familiar pattern but has grown more pronounced in recent years as more low-income workers delay travel to maximise earnings during the festive period. Among the crowd was Mohammad Sohel, a food delivery rider who worked throughout Ramadan evenings and continued on Eid day. “Eid is actually one of the busiest days for us,” he said. “People order food for guests. I made good money, but I could not go home.” Sohel is now travelling to Cumilla, carrying a new mobile set he bought for his younger brother. “This is my way of celebrating,” he said. “It is late, but still meaningful.” Many small businessmen also stayed back in Dhaka to capitalise on last-minute Eid shopping. Nur Alam, who runs a fruit shop on footpath at Shyamoli cinema hall area,  said he sold a considerable size of various types of fruits on Eid day also which gives him a good amount of profit. “Sales were very good, so I decided to stay and sell. Now I am going home with more money than I expected.” Economists say such behaviour reflects the economic pressures faced by low-income urban workers, who often prioritise income over social rituals. “Eid is both a religious and economic event,” said a Dhaka-based labour analyst works for an international organisation. “For many marginal workers, the scope to earn extra income during this period is too important to miss. They delay their returning home, even if it means missing the core celebration.” However, the delayed journey home comes with its own challenges. Extra pressure of passengers, higher fares in some cases, and physical exhaustion sometimes make the trip difficult. At Gabtoli, several passengers alleged that some buses were charging above the standard fare, taking advantage of the demand. Although authorities said monitoring teams were active, enforcement remained uneven. Despite the hardships, there was a sense of quiet determination among travellers. For many, the journey home—even after Eid—remains deeply significant. Back at Shyamoli, Abdul Halim finally boarded a crowded bus after hours of waiting. As the vehicle slowly pulled away, he looked visibly relieved. “Eid is not only one day,” he said with a faint smile. “When I reach home and sit with my family, that will be my Eid.” Across Dhaka’s transport hubs, similar journeys were unfolding—stories of labour, sacrifice and delayed joy. While the city returns to its routine, these Working people carry with them the different kinds of Eid experience, shaped not by celebration, but by the need to earn, endure and eventually return home.

While millions across Bangladesh mark Eid-ul-Fitr with prayers, feasts and family reunions, the day unfolds very differently for thousands of day labourers, rickshaw pullers and transport workers in the capital. For them, Eid is less about celebration and more about survival, as work obligations and economic necessity keep them tied to the city, far from loved ones waiting in distant villages. From the early hours of the morning, when worshippers gather at mosques and open grounds for Eid prayers, many among the urban working class are already on the move. Their day begins not with new clothes or festive meals, but with the familiar urgency of earning enough to sustain their families. At Gabtoli, one of Dhaka’s busiest transport hubs, drivers, helpers and ticket sellers remain occupied even on Eid morning. Long-distance buses continue to arrive and depart, carrying passengers returning to the capital after celebrating Eid in their village homes. For transport workers, the holiday often means longer shifts rather than rest. Abdul Jalil, a 42-year-old bus helper, said he had not been home to Kurigram for Eid in three years. “If I go home, I lose income. My children are small. They expect new clothes and good food. I send money instead. That is my Eid,” he said, standing beside a coach preparing for departure. Like Jalil, countless transport workers choose to stay back, ensuring the city’s wheels keep turning. Their work becomes even more crucial during Eid, when travel demand surges. Yet, this necessity comes at a personal cost — missing the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of children, and the peace of village life. Across the city, rickshaw pullers form another group for whom Eid brings little respite. With many residents travelling out of Dhaka, the streets may appear quieter, but those who remain still depend on rickshaws for movement. For pullers, this creates an opportunity to earn slightly more than usual, prompting many to forgo visits home. In Dhanmondi, 35-year-old rickshaw puller Shah Alam was seen waiting for passengers shortly after Eid prayers concluded. Originally from Gaibandha, he said he had sent most of his earnings to his wife and two children. “They bought clothes for Eid. I talked to them on the phone this morning. They were happy. That is enough for me,” he said with a faint smile. However, his voice carried a sense of quiet resignation. “Of course I want to be there. But if I leave, who will earn? Eid comes every year, but expenses are every day.” Day labourers, particularly those engaged in construction and informal work, face an even harsher reality. With many worksites temporarily closed during Eid, their already irregular income becomes uncertain. Some try to find alternative work, while others remain in the city in the hope of securing small jobs. At Mohammadpur, a group of labourers gathered near a bazar, hoping to be hired for loading, unloading or other odd tasks. Among them was 28-year-old Mizanur Rahman from Sunamganj. He said he could not afford the journey home this year. “The bus fare has increased. If I go home, I will spend everything. Then how will I survive after Eid?” he asked. Instead, he sent money to his parents and younger siblings. “They celebrated. I stayed here. It is painful, but this is life.” The emotional toll of such separation is often overlooked. For many workers, Eid serves as a reminder of the distance between their aspirations and reality. Phone calls and mobile money transfers have become substitutes for physical presence, but they cannot replace the experience of sharing meals or embracing loved ones. Transport workers, in particular, describe Eid as one of the busiest and most demanding times of the year. Drivers must remain alert for long hours, navigating crowded roads and tight schedules. Helpers manage passengers and luggage, often under stressful conditions. At Sayedabad, truck driver Kamal Hossain said he had been on the road since the previous night. Transporting goods is essential to keep markets supplied during Eid, he explained. “People need food, clothes, everything. If we stop, the system stops,” he said. Yet, behind this sense of duty lies personal sacrifice. “My family is in Barishal. They had Eid without me. I will go after a few days, Inshallah,” he added. In areas like Badda and Uttara, where a significant number of low-income workers reside in rented accommodations, Eid day often passes quietly. With many house owners and employers away, these neighbourhoods take on a subdued atmosphere. Small groups of workers gather to share simple meals, sometimes cooking together to recreate a sense of community. For some, charitable distributions provide temporary relief. Local residents and organisations distribute food, clothing and small amounts of money, offering a glimpse of the festive spirit. However, such assistance remains limited compared to the scale of need. Economists and labour rights advocates note that the situation reflects deeper structural challenges. The informal sector, which employs a large portion of the urban workforce, lacks social protection, job security and paid leave. As a result, workers must choose between income and personal well-being, even during major religious festivals. “Eid highlights inequality in a very visible way,” said one labour activist. “For middle and upper-income groups, it is a time of joy and family. For many workers, it is a reminder of economic pressure and social discrimination.” Despite these hardships, many workers express resilience and a sense of responsibility towards their families. Sending money home, ensuring children can celebrate, and maintaining a steady income remain their top priorities. Back in Gabtoli, as the day progressed and buses continued to move in and out, Abdul Jalil paused briefly between trips. Asked what Eid meant to him, he reflected for a moment before replying, “Eid means happiness. But happiness is different for different people. For me, it is knowing my family is okay.” As evening approaches and families across the country gather for festive meals, thousands of workers in Dhaka will continue their routines — pulling rickshaws, driving vehicles, or waiting for the next opportunity to earn. Their Eid is quieter, marked not by celebration but by endurance. Yet, within that endurance lies a profound expression of care — a commitment to families far away, sustained through sacrifice, distance and the hope of better days ahead.

The scenic hill district of Khagrachhari is all set to welcome a surge of tourists during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.  Authorities and businesses have completed extensive preparations to offer a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Known for its rolling hills, waterfalls and seasonal blooms, Khagrachhari is emerging as a preferred destination for holidaymakers seeking nature and tranquillity during Eid. Officials say renovation work at most tourist spots has already been completed to enhance their appeal. The district, whose economy heavily depends on tourism, is expecting a strong turnout that will benefit hotels, restaurants, transport operators and local markets. As the main gateway to Sajek Valley, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Khagrachhari is also focusing on improving connectivity. Work is ongoing on the Khagrachhari–Dighinala road to ensure a smoother journey, while transport operators have readied extra vehicles for the expected rush. Drivers on the route say most vehicles have been serviced ahead of Eid. “Minor issues have been fixed during Ramadan, and around 250 to 300 vehicles are expected to operate daily on the Sajek route during the holidays,” said local driver Md. Shimul, though he mentioned that fuel supply remains a concern.  

As glittering shopping malls and crowded markets signal the arrival of Eid in the capital, a different reality unfolds in its narrow alleys where thousands of marginalised families are preparing for a festival stripped of joy. In Mohammadpur’s Geneva Camp and nearby slums, the usual festive spirit is largely absent.  Instead, rising food prices, shrinking incomes and mounting debts dominate daily life. “I have three children. They keep asking for new clothes, but I cannot even ensure regular meals,” said Rahima Begum, a domestic worker. “Eid now feels like any other difficult day.” The situation is no different in Basila ,where many low-income families live in makeshift homes along the riverbank.  For day labourers and rickshaw pullers, incomes have fallen sharply while living costs continue to climb. Md Hanif, a rickshaw puller, said his earnings have dropped from Tk 700–800 a day to barely Tk 400 on some days. “After paying rent and buying essentials, nothing is left. Eid is a luxury we cannot think of,” he said. Many said they are cutting down on meals to cope. Meat - a staple of Eid celebrations - has become unaffordable. “My children have not eaten beef for months,” said Shirin Akter, who lives near Basila Bridge. “They keep asking if we will have meat on Eid day. I have no answer.” In Badda, another densely populated area of informal workers, the story remains the same.  Garment workers, cleaners and small vendors say wages have remained stagnant despite soaring expenses. Rashid Mia, a construction helper, said he has struggled to find regular work in recent weeks. “Some days I sit idle from morning to evening. Eid is near, but I have no savings. It is painful when my children ask for things I cannot provide,” he said. Women in these communities are bearing the heaviest burden often sacrificing their own meals to ensure their families can eat. “Everything is expensive - rice, oil, vegetables,” said Nasima Khatun, a part-time cleaner. “I skip meals so my children can eat. For Eid, I only wish they can have a decent meal.” Even in Uttara, considered one of Dhaka’s more affluent areas, pockets of hardship persist among low-paid workers living in informal housing clusters. Abdul Karim, a security guard, said his salary has remained unchanged for years. “My employer gives a small bonus, but it is not enough. Prices have doubled. Eid now brings stress instead of happiness,” he said. Many in these communities rely on informal loans to manage Eid expenses, often trapping them in cycles of debt. “I borrowed money last Eid and I am still repaying it,” said Salma Begum, a housemaid. “This year, I may have to borrow again just to buy clothes for my children.” “We depend on donations, but there is no guarantee,” said Hanif. “Some years we get help, some years we don’t.” Bangladesh’s point-to-point inflation increased to 9.13 percent in February from 8.58 percent in January, driven by a notable rise in food prices, according to the latest figures from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). Food inflation jumped to 9.30 percent in February, up from 8.29 percent the previous month. Non-food inflation also edged up slightly, reaching 9.01 percent compared to 8.81 percent in January. Price pressures remained more intense in rural areas than in urban centres, largely due to higher food costs outside major cities. The 12-month moving average inflation for the period from March 2025 to February 2026 was recorded at 8.65 percent, a decline from 10.31 percent during the corresponding period a year earlier, indicating some easing of overall inflation compared to last year. However, wage growth continued to fall behind inflation, raising concerns over shrinking purchasing power among workers. As the call for Eid prayers approaches, the contrast between abundance and deprivation across the capital becomes stark — a reminder that for many, Eid is no longer a celebration of joy, but a test of resilience.  

For many low-income families in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia buying beef at market prices remains a distant dream.  But a grassroots initiative — locally known as ‘ Meat Cooperatives’ is steadily changing that reality, helping hundreds enjoy meat during Eid. “We are poor people. We earn daily and spend daily. With current market prices, buying meat is nearly impossible,” said 55-year-old day labourer Md Roich Uddin from Jotmora village in Jaduboyra union. With a smile, he added, “I saved Tk 50 every week in the cooperative. With the savings of a whole year, I got around four kilograms of meat. This Eid, I will enjoy it with my family.” He said the price per kilogram of meat through the cooperative stood at around Tk 650, significantly lower than the market rate. The initiative, which has been gaining popularity in recent years, involves groups of 20 to 30 members who contribute small amounts weekly — typically Tk 50 or Tk 100 — throughout the year.  The accumulated funds are then used to purchase cattle ahead of Eid or to buy meat directly from butchers, which is later distributed among members. Amirul Islam, an easy-bike driver from the same village, said, “Beef now costs Tk 750 to Tk 800 per kilogram in the market. After meeting household expenses, many cannot afford it. So, we formed a cooperative of 30 members. Some contributed Tk 50 weekly, others Tk 100. In the end, some received four kilograms, others up to eight.” Local people said rising meat prices in recent years have pushed it beyond the reach of low and lower-middle-income families, making such cooperatives an effective alternative to meet protein needs  especially during Eid. A visit to several areas including Jaduboyra, Panti, Bagulat, Chapra, Nandalalpur, and parts of the municipality on Thursday morning revealed a festive yet busy scene.  Some were cutting meat, others were weighing portions, while many waited eagerly to receive their parts.. CNG driver Gafur Sheikh, 45, from Ward No. 9 of Kumarkhali municipality, said, “I earn around Tk 600 a day. It’s not possible to buy meat at Tk 750 per kg. So I saved Tk 500 per month in the cooperative. This year, I received nearly nine kilograms of meat, which we can store and consume over months.” In Tebaria village alone, there are at least three such cooperatives.  One of them, led by Shahidul Islam, 68, has been operating for six years and now has around 150 members. “Each member contributed Tk 400 per month. This year, we collected about Tk 7.2 lakh and bought six bulls,” he said, adding that the total meat yield could reach around 30 maunds. “Members get meat at Tk 70 to Tk 100 less per kilogram than the market price,” he added. Upazila Livestock Officer Md Alamgir Hossain said field visits showed two to three cattle being slaughtered in each village under such initiatives. “In nearly 200 villages in the upazila, more than 600 cattle have been sacrificed under these cooperatives, with an estimated market value exceeding Tk 6 to 7 crore,” he said. The average cost per kilogram of meat in these schemes ranges between Tk 665 and Tk 670. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farzana Akhter said it promotes a culture of savings and reduces pressure on the market. “If such collective efforts grow, it can help stabilise meat prices and ensure affordability. More such cooperatives should be encouraged,” she said.

Economic analysts and veteran bankers warned that the staggering volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) in 29 banks has moved beyond a financial hurdle into a systemic threat, effectively ‘choking’ the country’s liquidity and fueling inflationary pressures. Nearly half of the scheduled banks, including 17 listed on the stock exchange, will be unable to pay dividends this year as the central bank enforces strict regulations to address the country’s high non-performing loan (NPL) crisis. As per the Bangladesh Bank directive, any bank with a classified loan rate of 10 percent or higher is prohibited from distributing dividends, regardless of their net profit for the fiscal year. As of December 2025, 29 public and private banks reported double-digit default rates. Selim Raihan, professor of DU and Executive Director of SANEM told UNB that the surge in defaulted loans is a symptom of long-term structural weakness.  "When nearly half of the banking sector sees double-digit defaults, it is no longer about individual business failures; it is about a culture of impunity. These 'frozen' assets are money belonging to ordinary depositors that is now trapped in the hands of a few, preventing the capital from being recycled into productive sectors,” he said. Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasized the impact on the broader economy, such as-  "The massive NPL volume is a major driver of our current inflation. Because banks cannot recover these funds, they are forced to increase the 'spread'—charging honest borrowers more to cover the losses of the defaulters. This raises the cost of doing business across the board,” She added. According to the latest report of Bangladesh Bank, the default loans peaked at nearly 36 percent in September under the interim government's transparency measures, intensive recovery efforts and rescheduling brought the total down to Tk 5.57 lakh crore by the end of December. This represents 30.60 percent of the total outstanding loans in the banking sector. Among state-owned banks, Janata Bank holds the highest volume of defaults at Tk 72,152 crore, or 74 percent of its total loans. Rupali Bank, the only state-owned bank listed on the stock exchange, has a default rate of 41.58 percent or Tk 19,631 crore. In the private sector, several banks—particularly those within the recently merged as Sammilito Islamic Bank—show alarming figures. Union Bank leads with a 97.64 percent default rate, followed closely by First Security Islamic Bank 96.43 percent and Global Islamic Bank 96.27 percent. Other major institutions, including National Bank 51.99 percent and Islami Bank Bangladesh 49.34 percent, also remain above the threshold. A Managing Director of a leading private bank speaking on condition of anonymity, described a "liquidity trap" created by the NPL crisis. He also said that some entrepreneurs are living luxurious lives and travelling abroad in business class air flights. But he is a bank loan defaulter. The total system is happening through a mechanism, where he avoids paying defaulted loans.  “Deposits come in, loans go out, and interest returns to fund new loans. When 30 percent of that cycle stops (due to defaults), the chain breaks. We are now in a position where we have to compete aggressively for deposits by offering high interest rates just to stay liquid. This high cost of funds makes it almost impossible to offer affordable credit to the RMG or SME sectors," he pointed out. Summary of Major Defaulting Banks in Bangladesh (Based on December 2025 Data)

Despite the transport minister’s claim that no extra fares were charged during the Eid rush, passengers have alleged widespread overcharging, with evidence found even on state-run BRTC buses. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam recently said fares remained fair during Eid, adding that in some cases passengers were even charged less than the fixed rates. However, visits to major bus terminals in the Dhaka including Sayedabad, Gulistan, Gabtoli and Mohakhali between Tuesday and Wednesday revealed a different scenario. No extra bus fare during Eid, route permits to be cancelled for violations: Minister Passengers alleged that both private operators and Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) buses charged fares higher than the approved rates. On Wednesday evening, Faisal Hossain bought a ticket from the BRTC counter at Gulistan for Barishal. While the usual fare is Tk 600, he was charged Tk 1,000. Similar complaints were reported by many passengers travelling on BRTC buses to Barishal since afternoon. Responding to the issue, Barishal BRTC depot manager Julfikar Ali said two special buses had been deployed for Eid, which have fewer seats, allowing slightly higher fares but not as high as Tk 1,000. He alleged that a syndicate involving drivers, helpers and others at ticket counters was attempting to raise fares ahead of Eid.

Prices of chicken in Dhaka have spiked by 15–20 percent within a week ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, squeezing household budgets and prompting concerns over supply disruptions and possible market manipulation. A visit to major wholesale markets including Karwan Bazar, Kaptan Bazar and Jatrabari, shows that prices of different varieties of chicken have increased by Tk 60 to Tk 120 per kg ahead of the festival. Shahzadpur’s famed cloth market bustles with Eid trade boom At the wholesale level, Pakistani cock variety Sonali chicken is now selling at Tk 330–340 per kg, while hybrid Sonali is priced at Tk 300–320. According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing, these prices were below Tk 300 at the beginning of Ramadan. In retail markets at Motijheel, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Rampura and Badda, consumers are paying even higher prices. Pakistani cock Sonali is being sold at Tk 380–400 per kg, while hybrid Sonali ranges between Tk 340–360. During the first week of Ramadan, these varieties were priced between Tk 280 and Tk 320 per kg, indicating a 15–20 percent hike within a short period. Broiler chicken, which accounts for a major share of consumer demand, has also seen a sharp increase, rising from around Tk 160 per kg just days ago to Tk 220–240. Meanwhile, local (deshi) chicken is being sold at Tk 700–720 per kg, nearing the price of beef. Traders attributed the sudden price hike to supply disruptions, particularly delays in transportation. Hafiz Uddin, a wholesaler at Kaptan Bazar, said trucks carrying chickens from outside Dhaka are taking longer to reach the capital, increasing overall costs. Retailers, however, alleged that some wholesalers have reduced supply ahead of Eid, forcing them to sell fewer chickens at higher prices. The price surge has left consumers frustrated. “How does chicken priced at Tk 280 suddenly become Tk 380? Broiler prices have also jumped from Tk 160 to Tk 230 per kg,” said Sumaiya Akter, a buyer at Rampura market. Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) accused traders of exploiting the situation by using fuel-related issues as a pretext to raise prices. CAB President AHM Shafiquzzaman said the government must strengthen market monitoring to keep prices within consumers’ reach. “Bangladesh is not facing a severe fuel crisis. Traders are using fuel rationing as an excuse to increase prices. Despite the unjustified hike, effective market monitoring is not being ensured,” he said. Expressing concern over the volatile meat market, he added that while marginal farmers are not making adequate profits, consumers are paying more, indicating the growing influence of middlemen in the supply chain. CAB urged the authorities to take effective measures to bring discipline to the market ahead of Eid.

As Eid-ul-Fitr draws near, Sylhet is witnessing a surge of homebound travellers, with crowded streets and bus terminals reflecting the festive rush. However, alongside the excitement of returning home, concerns are mounting over possible travel woes on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway. The rush began gaining momentum from Tuesday as government employees started a seven-day holiday following the last working day on Monday. Since then, transport hubs across the city have been packed with passengers heading to different parts of the country. Eid is expected to be observed on March 21, subject to the sighting of the moon. To ease travel pressure, authorities earlier declared a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23 and later added March 18. Despite these arrangements, travellers and transport operators fear that the Sylhet-Dhaka highway may once again turn into a major bottleneck. The route, a key corridor for passengers from Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj, has long been plagued by narrow sections, damaged roads and ongoing construction work particularly in Brahmanbaria and parts of Narayanganj. Officials warn that a journey that usually takes five to six hours could stretch to 12 to 15 hours during the peak Eid rush. The most critical section remains the 12-kilometre stretch between Ashuganj and Bishwaroad where construction of a six-lane highway has been progressing slowly. Traffic congestion at the Ashuganj roundabout and Bishwaroad intersection often persists for hours, causing severe delays. Patuaria ferry terminal still unprepared, Eid travellers fear suffering Other congestion-prone areas include Katihata, Sultanpur and Tontor Bazar in Brahmanbaria, where damaged road conditions force vehicles to move slowly. With an increase in vehicle movement during Eid, the situation is expected to worsen significantly, said travellers and highway police. Unauthorised CNG auto-rickshaw stands at Bishwaroad, Kuttapara, Ashuganj, Sohagpur and Sonarampur along with roadside markets and illegal structures are also likely to disrupt traffic flow. According to police, 43 congestion-prone points have been identified along the Sylhet-Dhaka highway. Authorities have deployed additional highway police personnel and taken measures to keep at least two lanes operational in construction zones, while also attempting to control slow-moving vehicles. Despite these efforts, many travellers remain concerned, recalling previous Eid journeys marked by long hours of delays, particularly on the Brahmanbaria stretch. With the number of vehicles expected to rise sharply in the coming days, the combination of heavy traffic and ongoing infrastructure work may once again turn the journey into a prolonged and exhausting experience for Eid travellers. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday said efforts are underway to ensure everyone can travel home without any inconvenience. “Managing this huge pressure is challenging. However, following the Prime Minister’s directives, the way we are working gives us hope that everyone will be able to travel home without any hassle,” he said while inaugurating Gona Bridge in Bakerganj upazila of Barishal.