Transformer thefts in Bagerhat have been rising sharply, causing widespread power outages and leaving thousands of customers without electricity. Over the last three and a half months, 22 transformers have been stolen from various areas, with most thefts occurring in Karapara union of Bagerhat Sadar upazila. The financial loss from these thefts is estimated at around Tk 20 lakh. The thefts have caused serious disruptions to electricity supply, affecting more than 4,000 customers. According to Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, three transformers were stolen in October, five in November, ten in December, and four as of January 20 this year. The most recent theft occurred on January 20, when a transformer was stolen from Darirsulpur village in Bagerhat Sadar upazila. Each stolen transformer, which costs between Tk 42,000 and 60,000, had an active power connection when it was stolen. The transformers range in size from 5 kVA to 50 kVA. Locals expressed concern about the thefts, saying they suffer both financially and from prolonged power outages. After the first theft, they are required to pay the additional cost of replacing the transformer. If the transformer is stolen again, they must pay the full price. Only after the payment is made, the new transformer is installed, they said. Read: Massive winter storm brings rolling blackouts, power outages Sushanta Roy, general manager (GM) of Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, said that thieves are able to climb electricity poles, remove the covers of transformers, and steal valuable copper wiring, leaving behind the transformer box and other components. “Despite multiple police reports, none of the stolen transformers have been recovered,” he added. He also mentioned that on December 29, a group of thieves attempted to steal a transformer in the Srighat area of Bagerhat Sadar upazila but fled, leaving behind their battery-run easy bike. On information, they went to the village, recovered the easy bike, and handed it over to the police station. He believes that by tracing the easy bike, police can arrest the members of the thief gang. The general manager urged police and the public to remain vigilant to help prevent further thefts. Md. Rokonuzzaman Khan, President of Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, expressed concerns about the frequent reports of transformer thefts from various areas. He highlighted that consumers are financially affected and suffer when transformers are stolen, despite paying their bills regularly. He questioned why they should bear the cost of stolen transformers. Read more: No more IPP in power sector with govt guarantee to buy electricity: Adviser

The Advisory Committee formed to propose positive reforms in the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has said that the existing tax policy is not recognised by the stakeholders as a good system in terms of international best practices, for investment in the country and to support sufficient revenue growth apart from establishing economic and social justice. The five member committee made the observation in its interim report which has been submitted to the government. It is worth noting that a good tax system means low rates, low exemptions, broad base, low trade and consumption taxes, progressive income tax, free from duplication, value and account-based taxes, etc, the report said. “Significant deviations are observed in the tax system of Bangladesh in these criteria,” it added. On October 9 last year, the interim government through a gazette notification formed the five-member committee comprising two former NBR chairmen and three former NBR members. The ex-chairmen are- Muhammad Abdul Mazid and Dr Nasiruddin Ahmed while three former members are— M Delowar Hossain, Farid Uddin and Aminur Rahman. Read more: NBR explains heavy tax cut in import of air purifiers As per the gazette, the advisory committee will advise on fiscal policy reforms, revenue administration reforms, assess the institutional capacity of the National Board of Revenue and provide recommendations for modernisation, advise on formulation of institutional frameworks and policies for integrity and good governance, advise on citizen communication and stakeholder engagement activities and any other policy advice related to revenue reforms. In its interim report, the Committee mentioned that the two functions related to tax revenue policy and revenue administration, which are recognised as very important for the stability and sustainable development of the macro economy, are being carried out simultaneously by the same board. As a result, the expected response and success in increasing revenue collection as per the needs of the government and providing services as per the expectations of the public are not being met, it said. The report also said that since the work of formulating tax policy and its implementation is entrusted to the same institution, various complaints and irregularities such as compromise, corruption and conflict of interest are coming to the fore in the formulation of the said policy and its implementation and control at various levels. The Committee mentioned that the two functions have to be done simultaneously, the policy makers and senior management authorities have to spend more time on policy formulation than on revenue policy management and revenue collection. "Therefore, they cannot take adequate measures to collect the expected revenue and increase institutional capacity for that purpose,” the report said. Although the two functions are embedded in the same organization, the jurisdiction of both, especially policy formulation, has not been specified, and in many cases, legitimate issues are neglected and overlapping is taking place. “There are also allegations that arbitrary power is being misused at times.” It is pertinent to note that in 2008, an order was issued by the then caretaker government to separate revenue administration and policy formulation activities, but it could not be implemented. Read more: NBR leadership structure a big barrier to reform: Advisory Committee In 2009, the next government did not cancel or suspend that decision but withdrew from implementing that decision. The Advisory Committee felt the need to review and take into consideration the experience of implementing the previous order while formulating the current proposal and making implementation recommendations. The National Board of Revenue was established by Presidential Order No. 76 of 1972 (National Board of Revenue Order of 1972). Since its establishment, the National Board of Revenue has been carrying out two interrelated/related activities in revenue collection by simultaneously formulating revenue policy and implementing the formulated policy. Since tax revenue is of utmost importance for the overall development of the state and the said Board is carrying out the two activities considered to be interrelated/related simultaneously, the possibility and apprehension of various limitations, distortions and weaknesses in tax revenue collection have been continuously strong and evident.

The Sundarbans, a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO, has been witnessing an increase in the number of Royal Bengal Tigers, with their presence more prominent than ever across various forest regions. Recently, domestic and international tourists visiting the Katka Wildlife Sanctuary spotted three tigers together near the Betmore River, sparking widespread excitement. Forest officials confirm that the tiger population in the Sundarbans is on the rise. An analysis of the last three tiger censuses in the Bangladeshi part of the Sundarbans reveals an annual increase of 8 to 11 tigers. As of October 2024, the latest survey counted 125 tigers in the area, compared to 114 in 2018 and 106 in 2015, based on camera-trapping data. However, wildlife experts warn that climate change still poses a significant threat to these majestic predators. They also stressed the need to involve local communities in conservation efforts and raise awareness among the general population about protecting the Sundarbans. The Forest Department said that the habitat for tigers and other wildlife in the Sundarbans has been expanded. In 2017, the government extended the sanctuary areas within the Sundarbans. To ensure tiger safety, smart patrolling is being conducted alongside the regular activities of patrol stations in the Sundarbans. According to the Forest Department, tiger sightings in the Sundarbans have increased recently compared to previous times. Based on data from the Forest Department, tiger counts in the Sundarbans have been conducted using camera trapping in recent years. Read more: 2 killed in Bagerhat road accident The latest survey, conducted in October 2024, revealed that the number of tigers in the Bangladeshi part of the Sundarbans stands at 125. Previously, a similar survey in 2018 recorded 114 tigers, while the 2015 survey using camera trapping counted 106 tigers. While the tiger population in the Sundarbans is increasing, reports of tiger deaths also surface from time to time. According to the data of the Forest Department, 43 tigers died in various incidents in the Sundarbans over the past 24 years, from 2001 to May 2024. On January 18, this year, tourists witnessed the presence of three tigers near the Betmore River. Of them, two were adults, while the third was a tiger cub. Over a span of 40 minutes, tourists observed the tigers, with some capturing their movements in videos and photos. Earlier, on January 8, this year, Forest Department staff spotted a female tiger in a canal in the Karamjal area of the Sundarbans East Division. In January 2024, forest staff reported sighting four tigers in the Katka-Kochikhali area. Among these, two were adult tigers and two were cubs. Besides, tigers have occasionally been seen roaming near Forest Department offices. Tiger paw prints are frequently observed in various parts of the forest. Sometimes, tourists catch sight of these majestic animals. On certain occasions, tigers leave the Sundarbans, crossing rivers and canals to enter adjacent localities. Over the past 16 years, more than 50 tigers have ventured out of the Sundarbans into human settlements. Panic gripped various localities following the entrance of the tigers. Villagers have urged authorities to take measures to prevent tigers from leaving the Sundarbans and entering local communities. Md Al Amin Hossain, a tour guide who has spotted tigers seven times in the past decade, considers himself fortunate. Read more: Liliums grown in Bagerhat show surprising promise for farmers On January 18, this year, Al Amin along with 75 tourists boarded a ship named ‘MV Alaska’ on a three-day trip. That was when they witnessed three tigers near the Betmore River. Alamin shared that he had previously seen two tigers in the Katka area. Speaking to several fishermen from different areas, they shared that while fishing in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans, they occasionally hear tiger roars. They have also seen tiger footprints on the riverbanks. Some of them have even spotted tigers. Professor Anwarul Islam, CEO of WildTeam, which has been involved in tiger conservation in the forest, said, "It can undoubtedly be said that the tiger population is increasing. Some people have visited the Sundarbans 50 to 60 times without spotting a tiger, while others may have seen one on their very first visit. Tigers roam throughout the Sundarbans. If someone’s location, timing, and movement align with those of a tiger, they may have the opportunity to see one." Dr Anwarul said that the Sundarbans faced numerous challenges. "Due to climate change, the Sundarbans are under significant threat." He said issues like increasing salinity, poaching, fishing with poison, plastic pollution, deer hunting and some unknown threats persist. Meanwhile, about 500,000 people depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihood. Despite all these challenges, the tiger population in the Sundarbans remains stable, which gives us hope that this unique ecosystem will endure. He also emphasised the importance of involving forest-adjacent communities in tiger conservation. WildTeam, working in 49 Sundarbans-adjacent villages, has mobilised 340 members, including women, along with 55 Tiger Friends, 50 Tiger Scouts and other community groups to promote conservation. "Sundarbans is like a mother to us," said Dr Anwarul, adding that public involvement in conservation creates a strong sense of accountability and deters illegal activities. Azad Kabir, in-charge of Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre, said tigers are occasionally spotted in various areas of the Sundarbans. Up to four tigers have been seen together at once. While the forest staff is seeing tigers, tourists visiting the Sundarbans are also witnessing them. There has been a noticeable increase in tiger sightings in the Sundarbans compared to before. It is believed that the number of tigers in the Sundarbans is on the rise. Kazi Mohammad Nurul Karim, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division, said the tigers are roaming around the Sundarbans safely following the elimination of poaching activities in the Sundarbans. Read more: 25 kg venison seized in Bagerhat With their habitat being secure, ample food, and favorable environmental conditions, the tiger population is increasing. Occasionally, tigers can be seen roaming in areas such as Katka, Kochikhali, Hiron Point, Harbaria, Chandershar, Charkhali, Supoti, and Neelkamal in the Sundarbans, he said. The Sundarbans Tiger Conservation Project is ongoing to protect tigers. Under this project, various activities are being carried out in the Sundarbans. The DFO further informed that under the tiger conservation project, 12 freshwater ponds have been dug in various areas of the Sundarbans to provide food for tigers and other wildlife. To ensure that tigers and other wildlife can take refuge in higher ground when floodwaters rise, 12 earthen embankments have been constructed. As a result, tigers in the Sundarbans are now much safer. This is why the number of tigers is increasing, according to the DFO. Sources said, the total area of the Sundarbans is 6,017 square kilometers, of which 4,143 square kilometers is land. Currently, more than half of the total area of the Sundarbans is protected forest. Each tiger in the Sundarbans marks 14 to 16 square kilometers (home range) for its habitat. The Royal Bengal Tigers roam across the entire Sundarbans. Despite the threat posed by poachers, climate change, and increasing salinity, the tiger population in the Bangladesh portion of the Sundarbans is still increasing, according to experts.

The Advisory Committee formed to recommend proposals for the reform of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has identified the dual role of the secretary of the Internal Resources Division (IRD) as an obstacle to the NBR’s efficiency. The same person serves as the IRD Secretary and the NBR Chairman, complicating the NBR’s effective performance, the committee said in its interim report recently submitted to the government. On October 9 last year, the interim government formed the five-member Advisory Committee through a gazette notification. NBR explains heavy tax cut in import of air purifiers The committee comprises two former NBR chairmen—Muhammad Abdul Mazid and Dr Nasiruddin Ahmed—and three former NBR members-M Delowar Hossain, Farid Uddin, and Aminur Rahman. As per the gazette, the committee's responsibilities include advising on fiscal policy and revenue administration reforms, assessing the NBR’s institutional capacity and recommending modernisation measures. It also focuses on promoting integrity, enhancing governance and improving citizen and stakeholder engagement regarding revenue reforms. The interim mentioned that the dual role of the IRD Secretary and NBR Chairman, created to address administrative complexities, has hindered effective governance. Established in 1979 under a Secretary’s leadership, the IRD was intended to oversee tax policy, tax administration and taxpayer services as outlined in the Rules of Business, 1976. But the report highlighted that the overlapping responsibilities have resulted in inefficiencies. To resolve these issues and create a transparent, development-friendly revenue framework, it called for amendments to Presidential Order No. 76 of 1972, proposing the restructuring of the NBR and IRD. This demand is also being voiced by various stakeholders including development partners, the report added. NBR reduces import duty on air purifiers to provide relief from pollution In this context, the Advisory Committee after reviewing the relevant rules and regulations in this regard with a holistic view, proposals and suggestions from the relevant stakeholders, and following the international best practices, proposed that two activities of the National Board of Revenue- formulating revenue policy and revenue collection by implementing the policy. The committee recommended separating the functions of policy formulation and revenue collection by establishing an independent “Revenue Commission” with a department status. While the commission would focus on policy development, the restructured NBR would concentrate on policy implementation and revenue collection, it said. To make the proposed reforms effective, the report said, the organisational structure of both the proposed institutions will be upgraded by changing both horizontally and vertically.

Farmers in Shailkupa Upazila of Jhenaidah district are facing a severe shortage of chemical fertilisers during the peak onion cultivation season. The fertiliser is not available from dealers as expected, and what is available in the open market is being sold at higher prices. This has left many farmers worried about their crops, fearing they could incur financial losses without access to the necessary fertilisers. Farmers across the upazila are complaining that they cannot get the fertiliser they need from the local dealers. Large influx of migratory birds enhances scenic charm of Ramrai Dighi in Thakurgaon Shariful Islam, a farmer from Dhaora village, has planted onions on 5 bighas of land and is concerned that the shortage of fertiliser may ruin his harvest. "If I can't apply fertiliser on time, I could lose all my capital," he said. Like many other farmers, Shariful has been forced to buy fertiliser from the open market at high price. Farmer Rafiqul Islam said, "When we go to the dealer to get fertiliser at the government-set price, the dealer refuses, claiming they don't have any." "But when we go to the open market, we can find fertiliser, but the price is Tk 300 to 400 higher per sack," he added. Record Aman harvest, yet rice prices soar: Who's to blame? Ayub Hossain, another farmer from Madandanga village, said "I have planted onions on 2 bighas of land this season, nurturing regularly in the hope of a good harvest. But I fear a crop failure if I can't apply fertiliser in time. If I lose my onions, I will lose all my investment." Other farmers, like Abul Hossain, face similar challenges. "I need 6 bags of fertiliser, but I have to stand in line all day to get just one bag," he said. Another farmer, Ismail, said, "If I can't give fertiliser on time, the onion yield won't be good. I'll lose my investment, and if that happens, I won't cultivate onions next year." Farmers in the region have further alleged that the dealers appointed at the union level do not operate from their designated locations. Instead, they have set up shops in municipal areas, selling fertiliser at prices higher than the rates set by the government. This has led to widespread frustration among farmers, especially during the peak onion planting season. They are now demanding a prompt solution to the ongoing fertiliser crisis. Sunamganj villagers haunted by river erosion blamed on illegal soil cutting Dealers, however, claimed that the supply is insufficient to meet the high demand. Shailkupa Upazila Agriculture Officer Arifuzzaman said that the shortage was partly due to farmers storing fertiliser in their homes, which has further limited availability. He assured that efforts are being made to distribute fertiliser to all farmers, and additional guidance is being given for better yields. This season, the target area for onion cultivation in Shailkupa is 12,000 hectares, with a demand for 8,000 metric tons of fertiliser, including urea, TSP, and DOP. However, the available supply has not been enough to meet these needs, leaving many farmers frustrated and worried about their crops.  

Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC has showcased remarkable resilience, achieving a 5% growth in deposits year-on-year as of December 2024. Despite challenges in the banking sector, the bank has firmly established its position as a trusted institution among depositors and investors. The financial statement of Islami Bank revealed deposits amounting to approximately Tk1.61 lakh crore in December 2024, compared to Tk1.54 lakh crore in December 2023. Investments also saw an increase, rising from Tk1.50 lakh crore in 2023 to Tk1.59 lakh crore in 2024. December 2024 proved to be a record-breaking month for remittances, with the bank receiving around Tk681,00 crore—approximately one-third of the country’s total remittances for the month. Islami Bank continues to lead the private sector in import and export finance, recording Tk648,00 crore in import financing and Tk324,00 crore in export financing for 2024. Currently serving 2.5 crore customers, the bank’s expansive network of 400 branches, 265 sub-branches, 2,800 agent banking outlets, and 3,000 ATM/CRM booths underscores its commitment to reaching every corner of the nation. A branch manager, speaking anonymously, assured, “Customers can withdraw money from branches without interruption. There are no complaints about liquidity issues, and cash transactions are operating normally.” Read: Islami Bank to issue new shares, sell S Alam Group's seized ones The bank’s RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) system has also remained fully operational, ensuring smooth and timely money transfers. Resilience Amid Challenges Despite the liquidity challenges faced by the banking sector in August 2024, Islami Bank has managed to recover swiftly. Governor of the Bangladesh Bank Dr Ahsan H Mansur recently commended the bank's important role in the country’s economy, stating, “Islami Bank is the number one bank in the country. It has turned around within the shortest time and is moving forward smoothly. This bank will not look back anymore.” Dr Shah Md. Ahsan Habib, a professor at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM), attributed the bank’s resilience to its deep grassroots connections and the strong social networks of its employees. Read more: Islami Bank appoints 4 audit firms to investigate irregularities post S Alam Group takeover He highlighted the role of small depositors, saying, “In the context of Bangladesh, small depositors are the assets of a bank. Islami Bank, with its vast network, has successfully gained the trust of these depositors.” Leadership and Achievements Islami Bank’s Chairman, Md Obayed Ullah Al Masud, affirmed the institution’s consistent leadership in the private banking sector. He revealed that Bangladeshi expatriates remitted $26.89 billion in 2024, with Islami Bank facilitating 21.47% of this, equivalent to remittances from 163 countries. The top remittance-sending nations included Saudi Arabia, the USA, the UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar, Italy, and Kuwait. “Our 5% deposit growth in 2024 compared to 2023 is a testament to the confidence people have in us. Islami Bank will only continue to move forward,” Masud stated confidently. The bank’s contributions to the economy are vast, with investments in over 6,000 industries, support for 20 lakh entrepreneurs, and employment opportunities for 1 crore people. Read more: No restrictions on business operations and opening LCs in Islami Bank: BB Governor Besides, its small investment schemes have benefited 18 lakh marginal families, further cementing its role as a driver of socio-economic development. As the leading private sector bank in Bangladesh, Islami Bank’s robust performance, grassroots connections, and unwavering customer trust place it firmly on the path to continued success.

Several hundred thousand residents in Jagannathpur upazila of Sunamganj are going through severe hardship due to the poor condition of three major bridges over the Naljur River. These bridges, located in the heart of the upazila, have become increasingly unsafe, causing constant traffic jams and raising concerns over potential accidents. One of the main bridges, situated near the food warehouse in Naljur area, has been under construction for over a year and a half, after the old bridge was demolished. Despite initial promises, the new bridge is only about 60 percent complete, with no end in sight. Meanwhile, another bridge, the Dak Bungalow Bridge, is under threat due to increased vehicle pressure, and its narrowness is causing frequent traffic congestion. Hatirjheel: From scenic spot to a place of fear The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing use of an alternative Bailey Bridge, which operates under one-way traffic. The approach road to this bridge is in terrible condition, making it difficult to navigate. Adding to the problem, a bamboo bridge built for pedestrians next to the new bridge is rapidly deteriorating, making it almost impossible to walk across safely. Zakir Hossain, a local resident of the area, said "We are fed up with the constant demolition and delay of these bridges.”  “We’ve been living with this problem for too long, and the administration has not taken effective action," Zakir added. Another passerby, Shamim Ahmed, said that the crowd in the area has increased significantly after the Upazila Sadar was converted into a municipality. Siddhirganj Lake Project, supposed to be completed in 2021, still incomplete “Lakhs of people are suffering due to the pitiful condition of these bridges," he added. The issues surrounding these bridges have a long history. In 1987, the original bridge in front of the food warehouse was built with the initiative of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. However, during the tenure of the previous government, it was demolished, and on March 26, 2023, former Planning Minister MA Mannan laid the foundation for a new bridge, modeled after Hatirjheel in Dhaka. The project was estimated to cost Tk 14 crore and work was given to Kishoreganj-based contractor M/s Bhati Bangla Enterprise. However, despite the expectation that construction would be completed by April 2024, the work has been progressing at a slow pace, with only 60 percent of the work completed. Large influx of migratory birds enhances scenic charm of Ramrai Dighi in Thakurgaon Local residents raised concerns during the bridge's construction, warning that it might go under water during the monsoon and urged for it to be raised. However, their concerns were ignored, and the bridge sank during heavy rains and flash floods, causing traffic to be closed for three to four months each monsoon. Meanwhile, the construction of the Dak Bungalow Bridge on the same river began in 1988 with funds from locals and businessmen, and was completed in 1996 by LGED. In 2022, the bridge was damaged when an excavator accidentally cut through its pillar during river excavation work. This led to an 11-month closure of the bridge, with the only available traffic route being the damaged alternative bridge. Even after steel plates were installed to temporarily restore the Dak Bungalow Bridge, its condition remained precarious, and traffic was restricted due to the heavy vehicle load and rising water levels. Saiful Alam, site manager overseeing the construction of the new bridge, said that delays were partly due to the rising water levels in the river. Informal bargaining overtakes app-based ridesharing in Bangladesh! However, he assured that construction was now progressing rapidly and would be completed soon. "We expect the construction work of the bridge to be finished by February," said Sohrab Hossain, Jagannathpur Upazila Engineer at the Local Government Engineering Department. Once the new bridge is completed, it is hoped that the public suffering will ease. However, until then, the residents of Jagannathpur remain caught in a cycle of traffic chaos, safety concerns, and frustration over ongoing delays. Traffic congestion escalates in Narayanganj city due to rules violation

Hatirjheel, a scenic lake in Dhaka celebrated for its picturesque views and bustling crowds, is increasingly becoming synonymous with fear and crime. While it remains a favoured destination for families, couples and tourists, the area’s darker side has drawn growing concern. A visit to Hatirjheel and conversations with visitors revealed a mix of admiration for its beauty and apprehension about safety. Raihan Masud, a resident of Badda, often visits the lake with his young child. “My child enjoys coming here on weekends, so I bring them during the day. However, the area feels unsafe, especially after dark. We often hear of thefts and muggings, so we leave before nightfall,” he shared. For some, the fear is closer to home. A local resident, speaking anonymously, recounted a burglary in their neighbourhood. “The house opposite mine was robbed one evening before the owners returned from work. We heard their screams and found the house ransacked. The thieves fled before taking anything, likely out of fear of being caught,” he said. As evening descends on Hatirjheel, certain areas become eerily quiet. Read: Police rescue kidnapping victim in Hatirjheel, arrest three suspects Teenagers and middle-aged individuals gather in groups, but interactions with them often elicit evasive or hostile responses. Local vendors, who operate until around 11 pm, say the atmosphere changes late at night. “Drug use and muggings start happening after we leave,” one vendor explained. Police Perspective Inspector Raju Ahmed of Hatirjheel Police Station confirmed that the area faces persistent crime. “Hatirjheel is a hotspot for theft and mugging. Most perpetrators are drug addicts, often unemployed and from lower-income backgrounds. These crimes are easier for them to commit given the area’s dense population and economic disparity,” he said. Inspector Ahmed also pointed to the prevalence of drug use in Hatirjheel. “The majority of addicts here consume marijuana, including teenagers, rickshaw pullers, and even wealthier individuals who arrive in cars to drink alcohol. While large drug shipments are rare, small-scale dealing is common. We detain those we catch red-handed, but large-scale arrests are limited.” A Cycle of Arrests and Bail The police claim to make hundreds of arrests daily. “By morning, our cells are full of those detained for drug use or loitering. Read more: Body of Gazi TV’s newsroom editor recovered from Hatirjheel Lake But most of them secure bail quickly, including individuals previously involved in major crimes. Their associates often continue criminal activities like theft and mugging,” Ahmed added. Despite recognising the area’s vulnerabilities, the police have yet to officially declare Hatirjheel a crime hotspot. “We analyse crime patterns to guide our operations, but no formal designation has been made,” Ahmed said. A Six-Month Snapshot of Crime According to police data, the last six months have seen 19 murders, four rapes, 23 thefts, 16 suicides, and six muggings in the Hatirjheel area. While no bodies have been found in public spaces, these crimes often occur in nearby homes, with investigations ongoing. “We are working to uncover the root causes of these incidents and take appropriate action,” the police officer said. Hatirjheel’s transformation from a serene urban retreat to a feared crime zone is a troubling development for Dhaka’s residents. For now, locals said, its beauty remains tempered by caution, as visitors weigh the risks of enjoying its charm.

The Siddhirganj Lake project, intended to enhance the area’s natural beauty and provide a Hatirjheel-style environment, has been stalled for over five years. Siddhirganj, located in Narayanganj, has seen rapid population growth due to industrial development, with the Adamji EPZ alone employing nearly 100,000 workers. This industrialisation has left little room for natural beauty in the area. In an effort to address this, the Narayanganj City Corporation launched several mega projects, one of which was the Siddhirganj Lake project, aimed at improving the area's natural beauty. The project began with the re-excavation of the lake, along with roadworks, drains, walkways, and landscaping in the 2018-19 fiscal year. Former Mayor Dr. Selina Hayat officially inaugurated the project in two phases on February 11 and May 3, 2019. The beautification of the five-and-a-half-kilometre stretch from Golakata Bridge in Ward No. 3 to Bhangar Bridge in Ward No. 8 was estimated to cost Tk 63.48 crore, while the construction of six bridges over the lake was budgeted at Tk 35.84 crore. The project was to be implemented by Narayanganj City Corporation with funding from JICA, and the work was expected to be completed within a year. However, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and internal issues, extending the deadline to December 2021. Now, as the country has entered 2025, the work still remains incomplete. According to the City Corporation, only 3.8 kilometres of the lake project has been finished. Read:  Illegal structures removed from Gulshan Lake The entire project includes a variety of features such as lake excavation, construction of roads, drains, and bridges, as well as the development of gardens, boating piers, toilets, fountains, street lights, and benches. Despite the delays, the lake area has become a popular spot for local residents. Salam, a young man who regularly visits the area, said, "After the project was approved, we haven't seen anything as promised. One year’s work has not even been completed in five years.” “We regularly walk and hang out here. We want the lake to be finished so we can enjoy the natural environment," he added. Another resident, Jamal, added, "The work on the Lake has been stopped halfway. It would have benefited us a lot if the work was completed." Engineer Azgar Hossain, an official from Narayanganj City Corporation, said the project is 5.2 kilometres long, of which 3.8 kilometres have been completed. Read more: Launch movement in Kaptai Lake still suspended due to poor navigability He also mentioned that JICA had unexpectedly halted funding, which led to the delay. Hossain assured that the remaining work will be completed once new funding is secured.

The interim government is contemplating on the small but people oriented development projects to accelerate the very low implementation of the annual development project (ADP). According to the Planning Ministry sources, in the last couple of ECNEC meetings the advisers have detailed discussions on this issue to induce a vibe in the economy as it is now more or less at a stagnant situation after the fall of Awami League government on August 5 last year. A top official of the Planning Ministry said that the government has directed the concerned officials to pick up small projects which could be implemented very quickly. Worried about slowdown, govt pushes for speeding up ADP implementation “But these small projects must be beneficial to the local people greatly, this is the intention of the current government,” the official told UNB. The ECNEC meetings chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus made it clear that the government wanted to implement some good projects for the welfare of the people of the country. In this regard, the ECNEC meetings asked the officials concerned to have discussions with the people who will be benefited by these projects. Interim govt seeks to rationalise health sector funding in ADP In this connection, a planning commission official said that directives have been given to talk to the local people first while taking any development in a specific area. In this connection, he mentioned that if any irrigation project has taken for a specific area it should be done through a proper consultation with the local people to find out their traditional irrigation process and their attitude towards the new irrigation system. “If the new irrigation project is designed from the capital city without consulting with the local people then it would not bring any positive results for the users. The local people may not get involved in this project or feel encouraged to use it,” he said. The planning commission official said that forcing any big project through taking assistance from the lending agencies might not end with good maintenance. ADP set to shrink significantly in interim govt’s revised budget “So the government wanted to implement small projects with local consultation to improve ADP implementation rate and induce money to roll the economy,” he said. According to the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), ADP implementation during the July-November period was 17.1% in the last fiscal, 2023-24, and 18.4% in 2022-23. Versus just 12.3% in the current 2024-25 fiscal, of the Tk 278,288.90 crore ADP passed by the AL government in its last budget. After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 in the face of a student-led uprising, the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on August 8. IMED data shows that ADP spending in the July-November period amounted to Tk34,214.55 crore, compared to Tk46,857.38 crore in the equivalent period of the previous fiscal year. IMED officials cited delays in the review the interim government had initiated into all  ongoing and newly proposed projects, along with increasing delays in the release of funds, as factors contributing to the slowdown in ADP implementation. Additionally, many contractors abandoned projects after the interim government assumed power in early August.