Rehana Khatun,  a jobseeker in her early 30s, has expressed her hope of reviving her lost dream following the recommendation to raise the age limit for entering government service to 35 years for men and 37 years for women. "I had lost my dream, but now I have got the second chance to reclaim it," said Rehana, who completed her graduation and post-graduation in Bengali from Islamic University, Kushtia. The Public Administration Reform Commission, formed by the interim government, has recommended the government to raise the maximum age for applying for public service jobs to 35 years for men and 37 years for women. Rehana, mother of a two-year-old baby, said she faced viva voice of 7-8 job examinations, but failed to get any government job. “As I have already crossed the existing age limit of 30, I lost my dream and had to bow down to my fate as the previous government was adamant not to increase the age limit,” she said. Rehana said she had quit her all efforts and preparatory works for job exams, but now she is going to restart that with fresh enthusiasm as the recommendation is placed. Rehana, an inhabitant of Khuksa municipality in Kushtia, said she was very interested in a good job like government one as she is the eldest among her four siblings. But she did not get enough time and scope to enter the public jobs as the session jam killed two years before completing her post-graduation at the end of 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic killed another two years. Thousands of jobseekers left in uncertainty as PSC halts recruitment exams She said the recommended 37-year age limit for female is not irrational as the girls face more adversities than their male counterparts in life. Another jobseeker, Sohel Amin, 31, who completed BBA and MBA from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), said they welcomed the recommendation as they now can dare to dream again for a public service job. “Though we’ve demanded for raising the age limit to 35 years and withdrawing this limit in some cases like education, health and research-related jobs, we’re still happy what now they recommended,” he said. Sohel said they also welcomed the 37-year age limit for women saying that even it would have been better if the committee recommended for withdrawal of this age limit for women. He said they have been placing the demand for rising the age-limit over the last 12 years but the demand was irrationally ignored by the previous government. Describing the interim government as a student-friendly one, he said, “We’ve become more hopeful over the fulfillment of our demand as the new government took over the charge.” Shariful Hasan Shuvo, convener of a jobseeker platform, ‘Chakrite Abedoner Boyos Sima 35 Prottasi Sikkharthi Sommonnoy Parishad,’ said they are happy with the recommendation what the commission placed. “It’s reflection of our demand. We’re happy with the recommendation. But we expect there would no deviation in recommendation and it would be placed in the council of advisers and published in a gazette notification soon,” he said. Shuvo said their seniors started the movement in 2011 to meet the demand for raising the maximum age limit for entering government service after the government increased the retirement age to 59 years from 57 years. About the rationale of the demand, he said it takes 27-28 years for a student to complete post-graduation and the average life expectancy significantly enhanced in the country. Now the maximum age limit for all to enter public service is 30, while the limit is 32 years for children and grandchildren of freedom fighters.

With 7 percent system loss, the new management of the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company PLC has been facing the biggest challenge in its service delivery. “Some 7 percent system loss means the organisation loses Tk 150-180 crore per month in revenue,” said Shahnewaz Parvez, the new managing director of the Titas Gas PLC. “It means, the state-owned gas distribution entity can save Tk 1800-2160 crore a year if such a huge system loss is checked,” he told UNB. Among the six gas distribution companies, Titas Gas has been the oldest and largest one both in terms of its operational area and volume of natural gas sales. As per the official statistics, the Titas Gas, invented in 1964, alone holds 55 percent of the gas market share while the other five companies have 45 percent. UCB signs MOU with Titas Gas to provide banking solutions Titas Gas supplies gas to over 2.878 million consumers, including some 2.853 million household consumers, 12,078 commercial consumers, 5,429 industrial consumers, 1,755 captive power plants, and 396 CNG stations. Its vast operational area covers Dhaka, Manikganj, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi and Mymensingh. It annually sells about 14,459.41 MMCM (million cubic meters) of gas (2021-23 fiscal year), to earn a revenue of TK 26,387.12 crore.           After the fall of the Awami League regime, the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry also brought changes in Titas management as it was one of the ‘most corrupt’ organisations where the previous managing director Harunor Rashid Mollah was appointed on a contractual basis. There have been widespread allegations that Mollah was involved in various corruption schemes who gave a huge financial benefit to former state minister Nasrul Hamid to get his contractual appointment. Titas Gas faces assaults from local lawmakers' supporters when removing illegal gas connections: Titas MD One of the major allegations against the old management was that Mollah did not take adequate actions against the illegal connections which ultimately increased the system loss of Titas Gas from 2 percent in 2021-22 to 7 percent in 2024-25 fiscal years. Upon assuming office as Managing Director, Shahnewaz Parvez, who previously served as the Managing Director of GTCL, another Petrobangla company, took action against illegal gas connections. Within one month, he said, itas Gas had disconnected over 4,000 household connections and more than 90 industrial connections, primarily in Keraniganj, Narayanganj, Munshiganj and Rupganj. Official sources said Keraniganj was the parliamentary constituency of former state minister for power and energy Nasrul Hamid where the most illegal connections were found. Titas Gas officials said the mainly politically influential persons, especially the local MPs of the ruling party, were the main promoters of the illegal gas connections. As a result, on many occasions, the Titas Gas officials came under attacks from the ruling party men when they conducted operations against the illegal gas connections at different areas. Shahnewaz said Titas Gas has to lose revenue of over Tk 5 crore a day due to illegal gas connections. “So, it’s now our top priority to disconnect all illegal connections and remove the illegal gas pipelines,” he said, adding, if illegal connections are snapped it will play a good role to improve gas supply to many areas.

Nayamati, a key commercial hub in Narayanganj city, is marked by its narrow lanes, making it difficult for four-wheeled vehicles to navigate. Despite this, the area sees the annual trade of hosiery products worth hundreds of crores. However, these businesses, collectively valued in the thousands of crores, face significant fire hazards. A ground visit revealed that the entire area is ensnared in a tangle of electrical wires. In some spots, the clutter is so thick that the sky is barely visible from the streets. Locals report frequent fires caused by short circuits in these wires, which are typically extinguished using water from buildings on either side. However, in this bustling commercial zone, where every building is packed with fabric, chemicals, and thread, fire service vehicles are unable to reach the scene. "If a major fire were to occur in this area, no one knows how to handle it," said a hosiery businessman. On October 7 at 11pm, a severe fire erupted in Narayanganj's Kali Bazar area caused by an electrical short circuit, resulting in the destruction of 40 shops. Since that incident, fear and anxiety have taken hold of hosiery traders and workers in Nayamati. Read: Workplace Fire Safety: 12 Effective Ways to Prevent Fire Hazards The Bangladesh Hosiery Association reports that there are approximately 8,000 hosiery businesses in Narayanganj, with the majority situated in Nayamati and its vicinity. Data from the Fire Service highlights that Nayamati is at a high risk for fire incidents, despite its crucial role in meeting Bangladesh's domestic clothing needs. Hosiery businessman Abdus Selim stated, "Every market and building here involves transactions worth crores of taka, but there is no safety for our lives. If you monitor closely, you won't find any fire extinguishing equipment or water reserves. Since fire service vehicles cannot access this area in the event of a fire, businesses should take that into consideration." However, no one seems to be concerned about it, Abdus Selim added. He alleged that the City Corporation, Fire Service, and other government agencies are also responsible for this situation. Abeda Parveen, a worker at Rahman Hosiery, stated, "The road we enter frequently catches fire due to the wires. We have to extinguish the flames using water and sand from the buildings. What more can I say about our workplace? If a fire breaks out on the ground floor, there’s no way for us to escape." Read more: Panel formed to prove vessel fire at Ctg port She noted the stark difference between garment factories and hosiery units, explaining, "Garment factories have two staircases and fire extinguishing equipment, while the hosiery units in Nayamati lack these essentials. Are our owners not making enough money? But, they seem to evade scrutiny." She called on the government to address this issue, warning that without intervention, they could face deadly fires. Meanwhile, some local business owners recognized that although the area is highly susceptible to fire hazards, the Fire Service pays little attention here. They pointed out that there have been no substantial efforts from this government agency to establish a safe commercial environment in Nayamati.  When reached for a comment, Fakhruddin Ahmed, Deputy Director of the Narayanganj Fire Service, stated, "Please call me during office hours; I am currently unwell." Read more: Top Strategies to Enhance Fire Resilience in Dhaka City

The recent floods in Sherpur, a northern district of Bangladesh, have caused extensive losses amounting to about Tk 600 crore in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, according to official sources. They said roads and other infrastructures under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) have suffered a loss of nearly Tk 113 crore in damages. The district office of Water Development Board has also incurred substantial losses, though an exact figure is yet to be reported, according to the officials. While the floodwaters began receding from Wednesday, the struggles of the flood-hit communities continue, as the full extent of the devastation becomes apparent. Waterborne diseases, such as diarrhoea, dysentery and skin infections, have been reported as the affected areas experience an acute shortage of clean drinking water. Read more: 3 die as flood situation deteriorates in Sherpur; army joins rescue operation However, district Civil Surgeon Dr Jasim Uddin refuted claims of a health crisis, saying that the diarrhoeal situation is under control. He mentioned that four medical teams, consisting of Army personnel, physicians, and medical students, are currently providing healthcare support to the affected population. On Saturday, a visit to Pichhlakuri village in Nakla upazila revealed the heartbreaking aftermath of the disaster. The village, home to around 100 families, including 40 from the Hindu community, suffered widespread destruction of homesteads, possessions and croplands along the Bhogai River. Members of the Hindu community expressed their grief over the fact that they were unable to celebrate Durga Puja, the largest festival in their religious calendar, as their temples were submerged when an embankment of the Bhogai River collapsed. Read:Death toll from Sherpur floods rises to 9 as one more dies Floodwaters still linger in several croplands, hampering recovery efforts. A one-and-a-half-kilometre road, extending from Pichhlakuri Government Primary School to Tarakanda, was heavily damaged, with over 50 cracks making it nearly impassable. The deteriorating road conditions have compounded the difficulties in delivering much-needed relief supplies to the flood-affected families. Ahalla Rani Borman, a 50-year-old resident, described the desperate conditions her community is facing. "We have no food, drinking water, or other essential supplies," she lamented. Borman claimed that they have only received a small amount of aid in the form of a single packet of hotchpotch and half a kilogram of puffed rice since the floods struck, and many families are enduring days of hunger. Borman further alleged that no government representatives, including members of the local union parishad, have visited the area to assess their situation or provide support. Read more: Flood Control and How to Minimise Losses

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is now putting its focus on settling the long pending cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system to boost the revenue collection. The revenue collecting authority of the country is at unease as the first two months of the running FY24-25 saw a setback in the collection due to the political unrest, officials said. A senior official of the NBR said that all commissionaretes have been asked to make a list of long pending cases which can be settled through the ADR. The NBR official said that emphasis has been given to utilise the ADR system to clear these cases. The official wished anonymity as he is not authorised to speak on the subject. In a recent meeting, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan asked the officials to take effective steps in this regard, said another official this week. "The NBR chairman also asked the officials to take all out efforts to realise the outstanding taxes," the NBR official said. The NBR introduced ADR on July 1, 2012 to speed up disposal of the revenue-related cases through out-of-court settlement. NBR reforms advisory committee likely to start work next week despite some confusions ADR is a tool that parties can use to settle disputes with the help of a third party. It is used for disagreeing parties who cannot come to an agreement short of litigation. However, ADR is also increasingly being adopted as a tool to help settle disputes within the court system. The NBR chairman has asked the  officials concerned to expedite the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the NBR official told UNB. Another senior official of the NBR said that as per the law taxpayers have to apply to resolve the tax related disputes. He mentioned that some taxpayers always try to evade tax and feel encouraged to settle the matter in the courts.  He also said that those who failed to make any headway in the courts usually come to the ADR system for resolving their disputes. An NBR official involved in the ADR said that due to the reluctant attitude from the businesspeople of the country the system is yet to give its full swing benefit for them and also for the national exchequer. "The NBR has taken various types of initiatives to vibrant the system, and a former NBR member has been appointed after forming a neutral cell for this system," he said. The NBR chairman, while talking to reporters recently, said ADR is a system where both parties can avail a win-win chance. NBR accelerates efforts to clear revenue case backlog He mentioned that if the taxpayers and tax authority do not come to a consensus then there is nothing to do in this ADR system. “For that reason many do not want to go to the ADR process,” he said. In this connection, the NBR chairman pointed out the reluctant attitude of taxpayers and tax collecting authority as they both want to win it all. “In ADR system both have to compromise or both have to sacrifice, that is the meaning of the ADR,” he said. The chairman  mentioned that those who are involved in the ADR are very much experienced and know the law very well. “They try to convince both parties to come for a consensus. If the taxpayers and tax collecting authority do not want to go for a long legal battle then ADR is the best option,” the NBR chairman said. As per available data, there are more than 27,000 cases pending in various courts related to income tax, Vat and duty involving not less than Tk 39,000 crore. Read more: How to file your Tax Returns in Bangladesh

Residents of Magura are increasingly distressed as the prices of essential commodities have surged alarmingly across the district. The sudden spike has left many struggling to make ends meet, raising widespread concerns about the impact on daily life. In recent weeks, prices of various essential items, including vegetables, eggs, and chillies, have escalated dramatically. The price of raw chillies has soared to Tk 500 per kg, an incredible increase from just Tk 100 to Tk 120 per kg two weeks ago.  Similarly, farm eggs are now selling at a record high of Tk 180 per dozen, up from Tk 150 a week earlier. Local markets have felt the impact of these price hikes, making it increasingly difficult for families, especially those from middle and lower-middle-class households, to afford basic groceries. The prices of potatoes, bitter gourds, and brinjals have also surged, with potatoes now costing Tk 60 per kilogram, pointed gourds at Tk 80 per kg, and brinjals reaching Tk 120 per kg. Read: Drives conducted in Dhaka’s kitchen markets to monitor prices of essentials “This is becoming unbearable. Everything costs more, yet our incomes remain unchanged. It’s a struggle to buy groceries,” lamented a local buyer. The situation is dire, with some families reportedly leaving markets empty-handed due to soaring prices.  “Many come to the market without buying anything and leave disappointed, while others are forced to pay inflated prices,” another resident added. Market control officials attribute the crisis to excessive rainfall disrupting supply chains, and rising wholesale prices.  “Due to heavy rainfall and increased wholesale prices, the costs of raw chilies and vegetables are rising daily,” stated an official. They expressed concern that if this trend continues, prices may escalate further. Rising transport costs are also contributing to the increases, they noted. The repercussions of these price surges are evident, with many vendors reporting a decline in sales. “I used to sell out my stock easily, but now many customers leave without making a purchase,” said one seller, highlighting the impact on local businesses. Read more: Special task force formed to monitor prices of daily essentials The markets have become nearly devoid of small fish, with what little remains priced beyond the reach of average buyers. Larger fish are also expensive, making them inaccessible to many. Even during the peak hilsa season, prices remain high, with almost every vegetable priced at 80 to 120 takas. Meanwhile, although the prices of beef, goat, and both local and broiler chicken have not surged, the costs of rice and oil have increased. District market control officer Mamunul Islam confirmed that excessive rainfall and rising wholesale prices are driving up the costs of raw chilies and vegetables. He noted the potential for further price increases if the situation continues, exacerbated by rising transport costs.  Read more: Essentials’ prices up in Khulna kitchen markets

Bangladeshi businesspeople in Thailand believe that the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, can explore new avenues for trade and cooperation, unlocking the potential for manpower exports to the Southeast Asian nation through intensified diplomatic efforts. Despite being one of the world's largest exporters of textiles and garments, they said Bangladesh currently exports only about $60 million worth of ready-made apparels annually to Thailand, a country with a clothing demand exceeding $40 billion each year. Countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia export significant quantities of garments to Thailand, supported by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). In contrast, Bangladesh has yet to secure a similar deal that would enhance its RMG product exports to Thailand. Talking to UNB, Bangladeshi businesspeople also noted that Thailand attracts over 30 million visitors each year and has a substantial labour market for foreign low-skilled workers in sectors such as tourism, agriculture and fish processing.  However, Bangladesh has so far been unable to access this market in its next-door neighbour due to lack of agreements and genuine efforts. They also said the diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand has existed for 52 years, with a flight time of nearly two hours between the two countries. Yet, only around 4,000 Bangladeshis currently reside in Thailand, most of whom are engaged in business, as access to the growing labour market remains limited. Bangladesh has consistently experienced a large trade deficit with Thailand, which exported over $1.18 billion worth of products to Bangladesh in 2023. Conversely, Bangladesh's exports to Thailand amounted to only $90 million As Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to visit Thailand for the Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit in November, the businesspeople said he can focus on signing the FTA and some other agreements to create scope for exporting manpower in the wealthy country of the Southeast Asia. “Although Thailand is geographically close to Bangladesh, we have been unable to tap into its thriving business, commerce, and labour market due to a lack of proper diplomatic efforts,” said Kamrul Hasan Rimu, a Bangladeshi engaged in the import and export business in Thailand. Dr Yunus praises Russian cooperation in power, energy sectors Rimu, who has been living in Thailand for nearly 40 years since completing his studies at Dhaka University in 1985, said Bangladeshis mostly come to Thailand for personal visits and medical tourism while a very small portion is doing business in the country. He said five documents—including a Letter of Intent to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as well as Memoranda of Understanding on Energy Cooperation and Tourism Cooperation--between Bangladesh and Thailand were signed during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit on April 26 this year to enhance cooperation between the two nations. Rimu urged the interim government to prioritise signing the FTAs by intensifying diplomatic efforts, especially given that China and India secured FTAs with ASEAN countries long ago, opening significant opportunities for exporting goods to Thailand with lower tariffs. “When we import apparels from China and India, we face a 5 percent tax and a 7 percent VAT. But tariffs on Bangladeshi products are 32 percent (25 percent tax and 7 percent VAT), making it challenging to promote many Bangladeshi products in Thailand,” he explained. Rimu argued that the exports of Bangladeshi products, particularly apparels, could soar if the taxes are reduced from 25 percent to 5 percent through the FTAs. “There is a considerable demand for T-shirts in Thailand, mostly now imported from China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Currently, we cannot import T-shirts directly from Bangladesh due to excessive taxes. So, some traders are importing Bangladeshi-made T-shirts via India, using its label,” he said. He said the prices of T-shirts in Bangladesh are lower than in any other country. “Therefore, Bangladesh has significant potential to capture the T-shirt market in Thailand if the taxes are reduced to 5%.” Rimu stressed that Bangladesh has an opportunity to tap into Thailand's labour market if an agreement can be reached. “There is scope for Bangladeshis to work in hotels, restaurants, bars, agriculture and fish processing, areas currently dominated by Burmese workers. The minimum wage for these low-skilled jobs exceeds Tk 50,000, which is significantly higher than in Malaysia and many other countries.” Abdul Quayum, another Bangladeshi businessman residing in Thailand for over three decades, echoed Rimu, noting that the Thai fish processing industry has a demand for foreign low-skilled workers. “With over 30 million visitors annually, foreign workers are involved in various services related to the tourism sector. Thus, Bangladesh should strive to enter the Thai labour market,” he said. He highlighted Thailand’s goal to increase foreign visitors to 40 million by 2025, which will likely create more job opportunities for foreign workers. “Bangladesh can capitalise on this by signing agreements with Thailand. Quayum stressed that the visa process for Bangladeshis must be simplified through mutual understanding and agreements, suggesting that the visa-on-arrival facility available in the 1980s could be reinstated. Mahbub Talukder, known as Don in Pattaya City, shared his experiences as a successful businessman running gift and tailor-made shops. He pointed out the vast opportunities for Bangladeshis in hotels, restaurants, gift shops and garment stores. “There are also numerous job opportunities in the tourism sector, but the government needs to secure agreements with Thailand to facilitate this,” he said. Mahbub underscored the importance of branding Bangladesh in Thailand. “Many Thais lack proper knowledge about Bangladesh and its products, often mistaking Bangladeshis for Indians. Effective branding is crucial to enhance bilateral cooperation, trade, and business.” He suggested that the government could leverage Thailand's experience to develop Bangladesh into another holiday destination for foreigners by improving tourist spots and ensuring necessary facilities. Read more: RMG workers’ protests disrupt traffic in Dhaka’s Mirpur

Small investors in Bangladesh’s stock market remain trapped, with their woes persisting due to a lack of confidence, weak governance and economic instability, despite assurances from regulators of an eventual market rebound, according to experts. “No one, not even the regulator or stock market authorities, pays heed to our screams,” said Saiful Islam, a grocery owner and one of the affected investors,” in a broken voice while talking to UNB regarding the capital market. Saiful invested Tk 14 lakh in 2010 to buy shares of different companies listed in the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). Dhaka stocks drop in early trading today After graduating in 2004, Saiful found no suitable job and then started a small business in the Motijheel area in 2007 with support from his father-in-law. He made a good profit in the business and invested the money in the share market. In 2010, Saiful invested around Tk 14 lakh, of which Tk 6 lakh was his own and Tk 8 lakh he borrowed from relatives. All of his investment was stuck in shares of different companies due to a major scam in the capital market in 2011. Like Saiful, thousands of investors lost their hard-earned capital in 2011, and after that, some were able to regain part of their capital. However, most of them left the capital market, losing nearly all their investment. Many such investors are still in the market, hoping for a rebound in the DSE, but without any good news. DSEX drops by 43 points as prices of 288 companies fall, Chittagong Stock Exchange follows suit There is no sign of lifting the floor price before the next election. However, economists say that people do not have confidence in the market. The BSEC advises investors to remain patient. Analysts say that the small investors’ woes in the capital market are unlikely to end before the national election as their wait for a good time is prolonged by Bangladesh’s recent ‘instability’. The small investors’ shares were once stuck at the floor price (minimum sale rate) due to the overall economic downturn. The floor price barrier ended after the change in government in Bangladesh. However, the prices of most companies' shares have not increased to the desired level for small investors. Dhaka Stock Exchange sees early week gains This has been painful for many unfortunate small investors in the capital markets, according to market analysts. Policymakers and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) paint a rosy picture for small investors, saying that the stock markets will rebound with the enlistment of new companies and the injection of large investments. However, the situation for small investors seems hopeless. A large number of shareholders have been stuck with their investments in the capital market for over a decade amid fading hopes. Experts' Analysis Dr ABM Mirza Azizul Islam, an economist and former adviser of a caretaker government, told UNB that there has been a crisis of confidence among investors in the stock market for a long time. “To this are added various economic crises, the international situation, and everything, including elections and national politics. As a result, first of all, steps should be taken to eliminate the trust crisis. In this case, trust should be ensured by establishing good governance,” he added. Dhaka Stock Exchange slips below 5,400-point as Islami Bank shares plummet nearly 10% “That means investors have to be assured that if someone steals their money through manipulation, they will be prosecuted. Besides, the supply of good shares should be increased. Through these two steps, it is possible to solve the market problem. But it is not easy at all,” said Dr Azizul Islam. Dr Abu Ahmed, Chairman of the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) and former professor of Dhaka University’s Economics Department, said there are two crises in the market: one on the demand side and the other in investor confidence. On the supply side, he said, the problem is that there are fewer good companies. As a result, it is a win-win situation for manipulation and syndicates. “All in all, the stock market is currently in an unstable condition and the situation is gradually getting worse. The passage from here is very difficult,” he said. Ahmed also noted that people are sometimes investing in weak shares with the expectation of a big profit, which is not the right way of investing due to a lack of financial literacy. Read mnore: Share Market Investment Guide: How to Invest in Stocks in Bangladesh

Prices of hilsa have shot up again in Chandpur markets as a 22-day ban on hilsa fishing is set to begin at midnight on Saturday, to ensure safe spawning in the freshwaters of the Padma and Meghna rivers. The ban has sparked a rush at Chandpur’s Boro Station fish ghat, one of the country’s largest fish landing centers, where buyers have been scrambling to purchase the priced fish before the restriction takes effect. The government ban, aimed at protecting hilsa during its spawning season, will remain in place until November 3. Traders said hilsa weighing 1 to 1.2 kilograms is being sold for Tk2,800- 3,000 per kilogram, an all-time high. The price of smaller hilsa, weighing 500 to 900 grams, ranges from Tk 1,200 - 2,000 per kilogram. 479 MT hilsa exported to India through Benapole “Prices were lower just a week ago. Now, even though I want to buy, I can’t because the prices have gone up by Tk500 - 700 per kilogram, said Solaiman, a buyer from Ashikati area. At the fish landing centre, local fishermen were seen bringing in fresh hilsa, some from nearby areas, while others arrive by truck from Noakhali.  Omar Faruq, manager of the Kalu Bhuiyan fish shop, said “The upcoming 22-day ban is the reason. The number of retail buyers far outnumbers the fish supply here.”  With the ban approaching, some tourists have also flocked to the  landing centre, turning their fish-buying trip into a family outing, Faruq adding the market has been busy from morning till night, and on Fridays, many tourists were spotted buying hilsa and having it fried at nearby restaurants. 479 MT hilsa exported to India through Benapole Veteran fish traders like Nurul Islam and Mostafa Khan said they haven’t seen prices this high in over 50 years. In the city’s busiest markets, including Biponibagh and Palbazar, the story is the same.  Chandpur District Fisheries Officer Golam Mehedi Hasan explained the practice of imposing the ban. "Hilsa migrate from the sea to freshwater during this time to spawn. The 22-day ban covers a 70-kilometer stretch from Shatnol in Matlab Uttar Upazila to Char Bhairabi in Haimchar Upazila." All fishing, transporting, selling, and stocking of hilsa in this area will be prohibited durning the ban. Despite increased production—reaching 571,342 tonnes in the fiscal year 2022-23, up from 566,593 tonnes the previous year—the demand for hilsa remains high in Bangladesh, keeping prices elevated in the local market. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Bangladesh exported 664.86 tonnes of hilsa to India, generating $7.71 million, according to the Department of Fisheries. The previous year saw exports of 1,376.42 tonnes of hilsa, worth $13.68 million. Read more: 10 Tasty Ilish Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen

In Bangladesh, where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched, transgender people face extraordinary challenges in achieving educational and economic success. A study conducted by researchers from the Dhaka University highlights the critical barriers transgender people face as they strive for academic attainment. The study, led by Sadikul Islam, Brihonnola, Muhammed Mahbubur Rahaman and Md Arifur Rahman from the Institute of Education and Research, focuses on the untold experiences of transgender students, bringing to light a story of perseverance, aspiration, and systemic failure. Barriers The study, published in Teacher’s World: Journal of Education, focuses on eight adult transgender participants, most of whom identify as Hijra, a gender identity that has existed in South Asia for centuries. Despite an unquenchable thirst for education, the study reveals that transgender individuals in Bangladesh face widespread discrimination within educational institutions. Common challenges include being forced to falsify their sex identities, harassment from peers, and ignorance or indifference from teachers. These barriers severely hinder their ability to integrate into academic settings, resulting in diminished educational aspirations. The researchers utilised in-depth interviews and interpretive phenomenological analysis to assess the extent of the problem. Economic hardship and poverty compound the difficulties faced by transgender individuals, forcing many to abandon their studies prematurely. DU admission test: Students demand cancellation of  transgender quota Although Bangladesh officially recognised transgender people as a third gender in 2014, and granted them the right to vote in a separate category in 2020, these legal recognitions have not translated into meaningful changes within educational institutions. According to the study, societal stigmas remain deeply rooted, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion for the transgender community. Role of Families and Institutions The study highlights the critical role of both families and educational institutions in either supporting or undermining transgender people’s aspirations. The experiences shared by the participants indicate that the lack of acceptance from families can be just as damaging as the exclusion faced in schools. Without family support, many transgender individuals struggle to overcome the societal barriers that prevent them from pursuing an education. For the authors, creating an inclusive environment within both social and educational settings is essential for breaking the cycle of marginalisation. They argue that educational reforms alone will not suffice; broader societal acceptance of transgender rights is necessary to ensure that transgender students can access safe, supportive learning environments. The researchers call for greater understanding, empathy and policy changes to foster a system where transgender individuals can thrive without the constant threat of discrimination. Read more: Amid support and challenges, mosque for hijra community opens in Mymensingh Employment Challenges Another study, Employability of Transgender in Bangladesh: Problems and Prospects by Fariha Abedin and Md Atiqur Rahman Sarker, investigates the employment challenges faced by transgender individuals in Bangladesh. The study discusses the limited employment opportunities available to transgender people, who remain largely excluded from formal job markets due to their lack of education and professional skills. Despite the hardships, there are glimmers of hope. The government, along with organisations like the SME Foundation, the Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries Corporation and the National Skill Development Council, have initiated programmes aimed at improving the skills and employability of transgender individuals. These initiatives, which include financial and technical support for entrepreneurship, are helping to create pathways for transgender people to participate in the workforce. While these initiatives offer some hope, the overall picture remains grim. The majority of transgender individuals in Bangladesh remain uneducated, unemployed, and marginalised. The researchers point out that even those transgender individuals who manage to secure jobs are often relegated to blue-collar positions, with limited prospects for career advancement. The underlying issue is that societal perceptions of transgender people have yet to shift significantly, and as a result, their contributions in the formal economy are undervalued. Steps Towards Inclusion The authors of both studies argue that more needs to be done to ensure transgender individuals can access education and employment on an equal footing with their cisgender peers. For example, although some transgender people have begun working in sectors such as the beauty industry, hospitality, and ready-made garments, these are exceptions rather than the rule. The inclusion of transgender people in Bangladesh's economy and educational institutions is still in its infancy. The participants in the employability study expressed a common plea: to be treated with respect, provided with opportunities, and allowed to live and work as full members of society. As one respondent, referred to as P3, poignantly stated, “Please, give us the platform, give us hopes and respect. Allow us to be enlightened. We are as normal as you, and we can definitely work and live a normal life.” The research underscores the importance of creating targeted policies that address the specific needs of the transgender community, from education to employment. Although transgender people in Bangladesh were officially recognised as a third gender, the researchers emphasise that legal recognition alone is insufficient to change traditional societal attitudes. They call for the government, policymakers, and civil society to take a more active role in promoting transgender rights and ensuring their social inclusion. A Long Road Ahead The studies highlight the long road ahead for Bangladesh in terms of creating an inclusive society where transgender individuals can fully participate in educational and economic life. The existing initiatives, while encouraging, are still far from sufficient. For real change to take place, society must confront its biases and create opportunities for transgender people to contribute to the nation’s development. Read more: Digital media as a pathway to economic empowerment for Bangladesh's hijra community