United News of Bangladesh

Thousands of hectares of boro paddy in Sunamganj’s haor areas are under threat as severe waterlogging triggered by unusually heavy upstream rainfall continues to inundate croplands across the district. The situation has turned critical since the last week of March when excessive rainfall in upstream catchment areas caused rivers to swell and overflow, sending water rushing into the low-lying haors. Farmers are now locked in a dispute over how to manage the excess water. While those in the upper haors are pressing to cut embankments to ease waterlogging, downstream farmers are resisting the move, fearing their fields will be submerged. According to official data, at least 1,189 hectares of boro land have already gone under water. Sources at the Water Development Board (WDB) said 710 Project Implementation Committees (PICs) were formed this season across 53 haors to construct crop protection embankments. Although earthwork has been completed turfing is still underway in many areas. Rainfall data shows a sharp increase this year, with Sunamganj recording around 200 millimetres of rain in March compared to just 5 millimetres during the same period last year. “The excessive rainwater from upstream has overflowed rivers and entered haors from multiple points,” said a senior WDB official. An emergency meeting held by the district administration on March 31 was followed by field inspections to assess drainage requirements. Khulna division reports 56 suspected measles cases in 24 hours Authorities have so far cut embankments in at least 10 haors on a limited scale to release trapped water. However, tensions among farmers persist. “If farmers in the upper areas cut the dams, those downstream resist to protect their crops,” said Md Selim, a resident of Mohanpur village in Sunamganj Sadar upazila. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), boro has been cultivated on 223,511 hectares in more than 200 haors in the district this season. “If fully harvested, the crop could yield around 1.4 million tonnes of rice, with an estimated market value of Tk 5,050 crore,” said DAE Deputy Director Md Omar Faruk. “But farmers now fear significant losses due to waterlogging and the possibility of further heavy rainfall,” he said. Waterlogging has already affected several haors, including Mini Pagnar, Halir, Kailani, Chhayar, Putiyar, Dakuar, Joalbhanga and Kanlar. Local farmers complained that many natural drainage canals have been encroached upon or filled up over the years, worsening the situation. Chittaranjan Talukder, vice-president of Haor Banchao Andolan, said early and intense rainfall has overwhelmed the natural water bodies. “Rivers, canals and beels that usually act as reservoirs are already full and overflowing. Waterlogging is widespread, and farmers are struggling to cope,” he said. adding that proper dredging of rivers and wetlands could help mitigate the crisis. WDB Executive Engineer Mamun Howlader said emergency drainage   efforts are underway. “Rainfall in both Cherrapunji and Sunamganj has been significantly higher this year. Some haors are already being drained,” he said. Officials warned that the situation may worsen, with heavy rainfall forecast for April 6–7. “As the season progresses timely intervention is crucial to prevent large-scale crop losses,” said Omar Faruk. With uncertainty looming, haor farmers are now anxiously waiting for effective measures to save their standing crops.

Beneath the quiet agricultural landscape of Pirganj upazila in Rangpur lies a long-standing but largely untapped story of coal reserves and iron-rich mineral deposits, now drawing renewed attention from policymakers and experts. Recent reviews of historical data, alongside ongoing exploration, have highlighted the significant potential of the Khalashpir coalfield and surrounding areas. However, officials said comprehensive feasibility studies are still needed before any commercial extraction can begin. A resource identified decades ago Interest in Khalashpir dates back to 1959–62  when the then Geological Survey of Pakistan first identified coal potential in the Gondwana Basin during exploratory work in the area. Further exploration by Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) in 1989–90 involved drilling four wells across a 25-square-kilometre area. Three of these confirmed the presence of high-quality bituminous coal at depths between 257 and 451 metres. Initial estimates indicated around 143 million metric tonnes of coal within a 2.52-square-kilometre zone. Later studies suggested significantly larger reserves, according to official documents gleaned by UNB. In 2006, a study by CJMDC estimated approximately 705.69 million tonnes of coal across a 7.62-square-kilometre area. Around the same time, Hosaf International Ltd., in collaboration with a consortium including Shandong-Ludi and Xinwen Mining Group, conducted a techno-economic feasibility study after obtaining a licence from the Bureau of Mineral Development. During 2005–06, the consortium drilled 11 additional boreholes, leading to a preliminary estimate of about 685 million metric tonnes of coal spread over 12.25 square kilometres in Khalashpir coalfield. Need for updated feasibility assessment Despite these promising findings, no commercial extraction has yet taken place. In 2009, the Hydrocarbon Unit reviewed earlier studies with technical assistance from UK-based International Mining Consultants Group Consulting Limited. The review identified limitations in previous assessments and recommended a comprehensive, full-scale feasibility study. Officials say such a study remains essential to evaluate environmental, technical and economic viability before any final decision is made. “Existing data are encouraging, but not sufficient for commercial development,” an official said. “A detailed and updated feasibility study is required.” Iron-rich mineral potential In addition to coal, Pirganj has also shown promise for iron-rich mineral deposits. Geological exploration in Shanerhat area during 1965–66 revealed the presence of metal-rich ores. Subsequent drilling by the GSB in 1999–2000 and again in the 2023–24 fiscal year confirmed the presence of iron and other metallic elements through preliminary analysis. A new exploration well is currently being drilled in the Chhota Paharpur (Shanerhat) area to determine the extent of the resource and assess its suitability for commercial extraction. Experts say further drilling and detailed laboratory analysis will be necessary to confirm the quantity and quality of these deposits. Balancing development and sustainability While the findings offer potential opportunities for reducing import dependence and strengthening the energy and industrial sectors, experts stress the need for careful planning. Coal mining, particularly in densely populated and agricultural regions, poses environmental and social challenges including land use, water management and displacement risks. Similarly, any development of iron ore resources will require strong regulatory oversight and environmental safeguards. Officials emphasised that future decisions will be guided by scientific evidence and sustainability considerations. “The potential is significant, but development must be responsible and well-planned,” an energy sector official said.

For decades land-related services in Bangladesh have been synonymous with long queues, opaque procedures and the pervasive influence of middlemen. From mutation delays to disputes over records, the system has often tested citizens’ patience and at times their finances. Now, the Ministry of Land is attempting a major reset. Through a comprehensive “Digitalised Land Management” initiative, the government is rolling out a series of reforms aimed at simplifying land services, ensuring transparency and making the system more citizen-friendly. At the heart of this transformation is the digitisation of the mutation process — a crucial step in updating land ownership records. Citizens can now apply for mutation through the land.gov.bd portal and track the status of their applications in real time, eliminating the need for repeated visits to land offices. Officials told UNB that the changes are designed to reduce human intervention, long considered a key source of delays and irregularities. A strict 28-day deadline has been introduced for completing mutation applications. Failure to meet this timeline without valid justification could lead to accountability measures against the responsible officials — a move that signals a shift towards time-bound public service delivery. To further enhance transparency, digital Khatiyans (Records of Rights) with QR codes are now being issued. These can be verified instantly online, reducing the risk of forgery and disputes over authenticity. The reforms also extend to financial transactions. Mutation fees can now be paid through Mobile Financial Services (MFS), making the process cashless. Officials said this will significantly curb opportunities for bribery at the local level. “Cash transactions with land offices have long been a source of harassment. Going digital effectively closes that door,” said a senior ministry official. Besides, once a mutation is completed, land holdings are generated automatically, while corrections to Khatiyans are processed through the system with minimal manual handling. Applicants are kept informed through automated SMS updates — a small but significant step towards improving user experience. The digital push is not limited to records and transactions. The government has launched the Bangladesh Digital Survey (BDS) using drones and advanced technology to create accurate land maps. Officials expect this to reduce boundary disputes — one of the most common triggers of litigation. Land disputes remain a major burden on Bangladesh’s judicial system. Around 80 percent of all civil and criminal cases are land-related. Nearly one in seven households — roughly four million families — is entangled in such disputes, many of which drag on for years, even decades. By improving accuracy in land records and mapping, authorities hope to address the root causes of these conflicts. Access to land information is also being expanded. Citizens can now view Khatiyans for any mouza online and request certified copies via post for a fixed fee, bypassing brokers who have traditionally dominated the process. However, officials acknowledge that not all citizens are digitally equipped. To bridge this gap, the government has introduced the “Land Service Support Guidelines 2025,” paving the way for around 900 private-sector-led service centres across the country. These centres assist people in filing digital applications for a nominal charge. Accountability mechanisms are also being strengthened. Under the “Land Service Complaint Management Guidelines 2026,” citizens can file complaints online or seek assistance through a 24/7 hotline. A dedicated Citizen Service Centre has already been set up at Bhumi Bhaban in Tejgaon, with plans to expand similar facilities nationwide. Despite the ambitious scope of the reforms, challenges remain — from ensuring digital literacy to maintaining system integrity across rural areas. Yet, for many citizens long frustrated by the complexities of land administration the shift signals hope. Jahanara Begum, a widow and a resident of Shantibagh, said, “I had to visit the land office more than 7/8 times for mutation purposes but my file did not move until I sought help from an influential person.” “I have seen how ordinary people suffer there. I hope digitisation will help ease public suffering,” she added. The government’s stated goal is clear: to build a system where land services are accessible, efficient and free from harassment and where the role of middlemen is reduced to zero. Whether this digital transformation can fully deliver on that promise will depend on its implementation. But for now, it marks a significant step towards modernising one of the country’s most problematic public service sectors.    

At the heart of Chuadanga district town stands a nearly 250-year-old three-domed mosque, a timeless symbol of faith, philanthropy and the region’s rich cultural heritage. Locally known as the Boro Mosque or Minar Mosque, the historic structure was founded in 1208 Hijri (around 1786 AD) by Kusum Bibi, a devout woman who donated 73 decimals of land and personally financed its construction. Widely regarded as the first mosque in the district town, locals say it was from here that the first Azan echoed across the area, marking the beginning of organised religious life in the region. Over the centuries, the mosque has served not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for Islamic education and community activities, maintaining its importance through the British and Pakistan periods and into independent Bangladesh. A legacy rooted in faith and generosity According to local accounts, Kusum Bibi led a simple life and was deeply committed to the welfare of people. Folklore suggests she discovered some earthen pots filled with gold coins while building her house.  

Bangladesh’s economy is grappling with intensifying pressure from multiple fronts  including the Middle East conflict and a volatile energy market which experts warn could destabilise macroeconomic stability. Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, chairman of think-tank Policy Exchange Bangladesh, told UNB that recent geopolitical tensions have sparked fresh concerns over energy security, threatening to disrupt power generation, industrial output, and the agricultural sector. A former World Bank economist, Dr. Reaz said the combination of internal structural weaknesses and external shocks poses a significant challenge for the government. “Middle East conflict and energy volatility, the escalating military activity involving the US, Israel, and Iran has sent ripples through the international energy market. Analysts fear that a prolonged conflict will lead to severe supply chain disruptions,” he added. Crucially, uncertainty of free vessel movement in the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ and Qatar Energy has reportedly declared "Force Majeure" on several long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply contracts due to production setbacks. This development threatens gas supplies to major economies like South Korea, China, and parts of Europe, potentially driving up global oil and gas prices. For an import-dependent nation like Bangladesh, this translates into higher transport costs and immediate inflationary pressure on essential goods, said economic analysts Dr. Reaz. Domestic supply concerns amidst global volatility, domestic fuel supply has come under scrutiny. Despite reports of long queues at petrol pumps and claims of shortages from pump owners, the government maintains that stocks are sufficient, he pointed out. Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, attributed the pressure to "panic buying." He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary hoarding, assuring that supply would remain steady if demand followed normal patterns. Economists warn that fuel shortages will hit every sector of the economy. Gas-dependent sectors such as RMG, textiles, cement, and fertilizer face production cuts, which could shrink export earnings and deplete foreign exchange reserves. Scarcity of diesel and octane threatens irrigation and mechanized farming, raising fears of reduced food production. Increased production and transport costs are expected to drive the cost of living even higher. Politicians and Experts warning that the political landscape is also reacting to the crisis, which would be affected living cost of people. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that the Middle East war could have a devastating impact on the national economy, specifically citing the inevitable rise in oil and commodity prices. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), described the energy and banking sectors as the "two lungs" of the economy—both of which are currently in a weakened state. He emphasized that the government must prioritize four areas: maintaining macroeconomic stability, reforming the banking sector, ensuring energy security, and boosting private investment. CPD reports a decline in private sector credit flow due to high interest rates. The closure of several industries and the migration of some entrepreneurs have exacerbated the employment crisis. Furthermore, the banking sector remains high-risk due to a massive volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) and a lack of good governance. Experts suggest that to mitigate these pressures, Bangladesh must intensify domestic gas exploration, find cost-effective LNG sources, and implement rigorous banking reforms. Whether the current administration can navigate these global and domestic hurdles remains the primary focus of the nation’s economists and business community.

When a speeding train slammed into a bus at Padua Bazar in Cumilla killing 12 people recently, it was not just another accident—it was a stark reminder of a long-ignored danger along Cumilla’s railway tracks. Unprotected and poorly managed level crossings across Cumilla have turned into deadly traps. Over 350 lives in the past five years and leaving over a thousand others injured, said Md Jashim Uddin, Laksham railway police station Officer-in-Charge. The tragedy was not an isolated incident it was yet another reminder of a long-standing crisis. Spread across a 102-kilometre rail network, the district has more than 150 authorised and unauthorised crossings. Many of them lack basic safety system, making accidents—both minor and fatal—a frequent occurrence and posing constant risks to pedestrians and commuters. The Padua Bazar crash has once again brought the issue into sharp focus. A pattern of recurring tragedies The latest accident fits into a disturbing pattern. In 2024, seven passengers of an autorickshaw were killed after being hit by a train at an illegal crossing in Kalikapur under Burichang. In 2023, five people died in a similar accident in Tuguria area of Monohorgonj. In 2022, three schoolgirls were killed after being run over by a train near a railway gate in Bijoypur under Cumilla Sadar South. Earlier, in 2011, eight people lost their lives in a train-bus collision on an unauthorised level crossing in Shashidal of Brahmanpara. According to railway data, at least 347 people were officially recorded killed in train accidents in the Cumilla region over the past five years. However, the actual figure is believed to be significantly higher, as many incidents go unreported or are not formally documented. A network riddled with risks Data from railway sources highlight the scale of the problem as on  Laksam–Noakhali route (22 km), there are 14 authorised and 17 unauthorised crossings and Laksam–Chandpur route (14 km), there are 4 authorised and 13 unauthorised crossings. Besides, Along the Dhaka–Chattogram corridor within Cumilla (66 km), there are 66 authorised and 74 unauthorised crossings. Experts say the big number of illegal crossings significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, as most lack gates, signals, or personnel. Encroachment along railway tracks, nearby markets and settlements, reckless driving, and a lack of public awareness further compound the risks. Allegations of negligence by gatekeepers also surface after many incidents. Calls for accountability and urgent action Local rights activists say the problem has been ignored for years. Abdul Halim Majumder, general secretary of Cumilla Dakshin unit of Cumilla Bachao Manch, stressed the need to bring illegal crossings under strict control. He also called for extending the railway overpass at Padua Bazar and constructing another overpass on the Laksam–Noakhali road. OC Jasim Uddin said , “Without greater awareness and caution, it is difficult to prevent railway accidents.” Steps underway, but concerns remain Railway officials say initiatives have been taken to reduce the number of illegal crossings and improve monitoring of gatekeepers. Sub-assistant engineers Md Anisuzzaman and Golam Sarwar said efforts are ongoing to enhance safety system and minimise risks. Yet for residents who cross the tracks every day, the danger remains immediate and real.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set a series of key priorities including ensuring energy security, safeguarding Bangladeshi expatriates and expanding the trade and investment opportunities amid global tensions in the wake of the Israel-Iran conflict. A major focus will be to assist the government in facing the challenges arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict including ensuring an adequate supply of fuel oil. The ministry will also prioritise support for Bangladeshi expatriates in the Gulf region, working closely with host countries to minimise any adverse impact of the conflict on their employment. Ensuring access for Bangladeshi products to global markets and exploring new export destinations will remain another key priority,according to an official document. The ministry will support the effective implementation of existing trade agreements and consider new ones with major partners including the European Union and South Korea. It will also work in coordination with relevant government agencies including Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)to accelerate foreign investment in priority sectors. Expanding overseas employment opportunities will be another focus area. The ministry plans to explore new labour markets, enhance skills and training, reduce migration costs, and pursue a comprehensive migration policy to curb unethical practices in manpower export. A Foreign Ministry official told UNB that manpower export and the welfare of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) are central to the country’s current foreign policy. “However, our labour market is heavily dependent on the Middle East. The safety of our remittance earners has become a major concern amid the ongoing conflict. Ensuring their security is a top priority,” the official said. He added that diplomatic efforts are being strengthened to diversify labour markets. “In addition to the Middle East, initiatives are underway to send skilled workers to emerging markets in Europe, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Eastern Europe,” he said. Bangladesh missions abroad have also been instructed to strengthen emergency services to ensure the safety and rights of expatriates. According to the official document, economic diplomacy remains the government’s top priority. Efforts are ongoing to expand trade, investment, technology and energy cooperation with key partners such as Japan, China, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom and European countries. The Foreign Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Commerce, BIDA and BEZA to identify new opportunities and expand market access for Bangladeshi products. Potential markets include the Middle East—particularly Gulf countries as well as Latin America and Africa. On society's margins, even Eid isn't always a day of joy and celebration There is significant scope to boost exports of ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and jute products, alongside cooperation in agriculture, energy and sports. The official also highlighted the importance of people-to-people diplomacy in projecting Bangladesh globally as an emerging economy with a tolerant society and a dynamic young population. “Embassies have been instructed to actively promote Bangladesh’s positive image. We are also considering greater engagement with expatriates to leverage their experience, networks and success to boost investment and trade,” he added. Two Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries due to missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on March 2  said they will do everything for the Bangladeshis to ensure their welfare and safety of its citizens amid current situation in the Middle East. "They are our top most priority," said the Adviser, adding that the government is fully supportive of their welfare and protection.

The collapse of  Berigaon bridge in Surma union of Sunamganj Sadar has left around 50,000 people effectively cut off, disrupting communication in at least three unions  and causing severe hardship for residents. The decades-old bridge, a key transport link for Surma, Jahangirnagar and Rangarchar unions, collapsed during Ramadan, halting the movement of people and vehicles and forcing commuters to take long alternative routes. Constructed during the Pakistan era to ensure easier movement for people in the then greater Rangarchar area, the bridge had long been in a vulnerable condition.  Local residents said it had remained risky for nearly three decades despite repeated complaints to authorities and elected representatives. In early 2024, the bridge underwent temporary repairs after being declared unsafe but those measures failed to hold, eventually leading to its collapse. With the bridge now completely unusable, residents are forced to travel nearly two kilometres via Mangal Kanta Bazar in neighbouring Jahangirnagar union, significantly increasing travel time and transport costs. The disruption has particularly affected students, office-goers and patients, many of whom are struggling to access schools, workplaces and healthcare services. “Transport costs have increased, and we are avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary. It has become very difficult to commute to the town,” said Shah Rukh Mia, a local resident. Another resident, Abdur Rahman, said the collapse has severely disrupted daily life. “We are facing immense hardship. A new bridge must be built immediately,” he said. Expressing frustration, Suhel Ahmed said the northern part of Surma has long been neglected in terms of development. “Despite electing representatives repeatedly, our problems remain unresolved,” he added. Jahangirnagar Union Parishad Chairman Rashid Ahmed said the bridge was the main communication route for the area and its collapse has intensified public suffering. “A new bridge is urgently needed to restore normal life,” he said. Md Anwar Hossain, senior assistant engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Sunamganj, said a temporary structure similar to a Bailey bridge will be installed using slab components to restore movement of people and vehicles. “At the same time, the process of constructing a new bridge is already underway and efforts are being made to complete it as quickly as possible,” he said.

Along the shifting banks of the Brahmaputra, uncertainty has once again gripped riverine communities in northern Bangladesh, as relentless erosion over the past week has rendered at least 50 families homeless and pushed many more to the brink of displacement. The worst-affected areas are Sukherbati and Ghughumari villages in Char Shaulmari union, where nearly 400 metres of homesteads and large swathes of cropland have already been swallowed by the river, said locals. A visit to the area shows residents scrambling to move their homes and belongings to safer ground. Many families have already taken shelter with relatives or in nearby areas while others remain in vulnerable condition as cracks widen dangerously close to their houses. “We have lost everything to the river,” said Sirajul Islam, 45. “I don’t know where to go or how to rebuild my life.” Kashem Ali, 55, said, “One by one, our land and houses are disappearing into the river. We are becoming destitute,” he said. Experts attribute the intensifying erosion to both seasonal and structural factors. Professor Shafiqul Islam, president of the Kurigram district Char Development and Implementation Organisation, said erosion tends to increase during the dry season when water levels in the Brahmaputra fall. Diesel crisis disrupts irrigation in northern Bangladesh “The narrowing of the river channel and the weak soil structure along the banks are accelerating the erosion,” he said. He urged the authorities concerned to take effective steps to rehabilitate affected families. Local representatives warned that the situation could worsen without urgent intervention. Iman Ali, former chairman of Roumari upazila parishad, said the matter has been communicated to State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, seeking immediate action. Rakibul Hasan, executive engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board in Kurigram, said a river management project has been submitted to the Planning Ministry to control erosion along a 16.5-kilometre stretch — from Saheber Alga in Ulipur to Kodalkati in Char Rajibpur. The proposed project, estimated to cost around Tk 8.5 crore, aims to establish permanent river control measures. “If approved, it will help mitigate erosion effectively,” he said. Tk 1,359cr project aims to transform Munshiganj-Dhaka connectivity For now, however, affected families remain in distress, fearing that without swift and effective measures, the erosion could intensify further and trigger a larger humanitarian crisis in the area — a recurring hardship for communities living along the fragile banks of the Brahmaputra.

Diesel shortage in Bangladesh’s northern districts is disrupting irrigation at a critical stage of the Boro season, raising fears of a drop in rice production and deepening anxiety among farmers. Growers in 16 districts including Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj, said they are unable to irrigate their fields due to a lack of fuel. As vast tracts of cropland are drying up during peak Boro cultivation many fear irreversible damage to the country’s main food crop. The ongoing fuel crunch has left diesel-run irrigation pumps, tube wells and agricultural machinery idle across large swathes of farmland. Farmers allege that most filling stations in Rangpur and Rajshahi regions are either out of stock or unable to meet demand, forcing them to turn to the open market where diesel is being sold at Tk 50–80 above the government-set price. The price surge has added to already rising cultivation costs, pushing many farmers deeper into debt. A visit to Madhupur Char area in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur found the situation particularly severe. Farmers there said diesel prices have jumped from Tk 102 to Tk 120 per litre within the past five days, significantly increasing irrigation expenses. “Costs were already high. Now with rising fuel prices it has become even harder to manage irrigation,” said farmer Saidul Islam. In Shialkhowa village of Kaliganj upazila in Lalmonirhat, farmer Hasim Mia said he failed to find diesel after visiting several filling stations. “I finally had to buy from a local retailer at Tk 220 per litre,” he said. Another farmer from Kakina village, Moslem Uddin, said, “I searched the entire msrket on Friday but couldn’t find even a litre of diesel. My Boro field is drying up,” he said, adding that he was willing to pay up to Tk 250 per litre but still could not secure any fuel. Operators of irrigation pumps said the shortage has made it nearly impossible to continue operations. Many have been forced to increase irrigation charges, further burdening farmers. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a target has been set to cultivate Boro rice on around 6,52,000 hectares of land this season in five districts—Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha and Nilphamari-- under Rangpur division and four districts—Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore and Chapainawabganj-- under Rajshahi division. Iran-backed Houthis join war, global markets on edge However, with irrigation in these regions heavily dependent on diesel, the current crisis is disrupting water supply across a vast area. Roughly 21 percent of irrigated land in these regions relies on diesel-powered pumps. Of the 21,535 deep tube wells, 615 run on diesel. Among 210,449 shallow tube wells, 98,268 are diesel-operated. Similarly, of the 17,647 low-lift pumps, 11,458 depend on diesel. Agricultural economists have urged the government to prioritise fuel allocation for the farming sector to avert a potential food production crisis. They said the global fuel market has been under pressure due to ongoing Iran-US conflicts, prompting the government to introduce rationing measures. While such steps may be justified, experts stress the need to clearly prioritise critical sectors like agriculture in fuel distribution. Agronomist Abdus Salam said Boro rice is Bangladesh’s principal food grain and is highly dependent on irrigation. “Around 62 to 65 percent of Boro fields rely on diesel-powered irrigation. Ensuring fuel supply to agriculture at this stage is crucial,” he said. He also suggested that similar to electricity, diesel supply for irrigation should be brought under a structured management system to ensure uninterrupted farming during peak seasons. However, additional director Dr Azizur Rahman and additional director Sirajul Islam of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi and Rangpur, respectively, claimed they have not received complaints regarding diesel shortages or overpricing and said irrigation activities remain normal. However, farmer said if the fuel shortage continues, irrigation across vast crop fields will be severely affected. Advocate Palash Kanti Nakh, president of Farmer and Workers Association, in Rangpur division, said the government must stand by farmers despite the global nature of the fuel crisis. “Boro cultivation requires adequate water at this stage. Without irrigation, yields could drop by half, pushing farmers into deeper financial distress,” he said. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said efforts are underway to ensure farmers can access diesel more easily. In a move to mitigate the urgent demand of the country, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved emergency diesel import proposals amid the unstable Middle East situation. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for the current fiscal year held virtually with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. The meeting approved in principle two proposals of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the country in the context of the ongoing geopolitical instability following tensions involving in the Middle East.