United News of Bangladesh

As winter sets in, consumers in Chandpur are finding a welcome relief in kitchen markets, as the prices of winter vegetables see a modest decline, particularly benefiting low-income groups. Vendors in the coastal district say this year’s price correction is a departure from previous trends, attributing the stability to the absence of syndicates that traditionally caused sudden spikes. “If this situation continues, it could provide lasting relief for consumers,” a local vendor told UNB. Agriculturists echoed this observation, noting that last year, potato prices had surged to Tk 80 per kilogram, while high-quality potatoes are now available at Tk 22–25 per kilogram. Read more: Dry fish trade keeps Narail economy moving in winter Other vegetables have also become more affordable: papaya is selling at Tk 25–30 per kilogram, and lower-quality potatoes are offered at six to seven kilograms for Tk 100 in van markets across neighbourhoods. Similar pricing patterns are evident in the district town’s roadside markets, including Wireless, Baburhat, Bohoria, Mahamaya, Bakila, and Munshirhat in Matlab. Over the past fortnight, fresh winter vegetables such as bottle gourd, ridge gourd, black eggplant, pointed gourd, chichinga, okra, and cucumber have seen price reductions of Tk 10–15 per kilogram, now retailing at Tk 45–50 per kilogram. Other staples include radish at Tk 40 per kilogram, fresh cauliflower at Tk 35–40 per piece, and smaller cabbages at Tk 40 each. Bitter gourd remains relatively expensive at Tk 80–90 per kilogram, green chilli is Tk 80, coriander leaves Tk 30–40, medium-sized bottle gourd Tk 40, and carrots Tk 120 per kilogram. Local tomatoes sell for Tk 100–120 per kilogram, taro at Tk 40–50, and leafy vegetables such as red amaranth, pumpkin, kolmi, pointed gourd, and radish are priced between Tk 20–30 per kilogram. Onion prices have fallen to Tk 50 per kilogram. Read more: Polyshade tomato farming reviving Narail’s rural economy Traders in the city’s busiest market, Biponibag, including Juel Mia, Jahangir Khan, Iqbal Bepari, and Abul Kalam Bepari, expect prices to fall further in the coming days. Observations across other prominent district markets, such as Palbazar, New Market, Puranbazar, Wireless Market, and Biponibag, confirm this trend. Vegetable vendors selling directly from vans are offering produce at Tk 5–10 lower per kilogram than retail shops, attracting crowds of low-income buyers, especially in the evenings. Each morning, large quantities of fresh vegetables arrive via trawlers from remote char areas in Matlab Uttar, Chandpur Sadar, and Haimchar, including Raj Rajeshwar, Char Ibrahim, Harina, Char Kashim, Kanudi and Bishnupur. Despite the ample supply, the lack of government regulation in retail markets keeps prices higher than production costs. Mohammad Mobarak Hossain, an agricultural officer at the Department of Agricultural Extension in Chandpur, told UNB that authorities have no power to control market prices. He said winter vegetable cultivation targets cover 6,100 hectares, aiming for a total production of 134,200 metric tons. Vegetables are grown across nearly 12,000 hectares along riverbanks and chars, with additional supply coming from neighbouring districts. “There is no shortage of winter vegetables,” he emphasised. The current price trend provides a glimmer of hope for consumers, signalling a more stable market for winter staples this season. Read more: Naogaon farmers face uncertainty as unseasonal rain hits early crops

Once known for its vibrant markets, bustling roads and deep-rooted heritage, Hajiganj municipality in Chandpur now groans under the weight of a crisis it can no longer ignore, a mounting sea of waste threatening the health and dignity of its people. Every day, some 60 tonnes of waste are left scattered across this busy town, not in hidden corners or behind closed gates, but right in the heart of its daily life. Streets, water bodies, bridges and even revered landmarks have become unwilling hosts to piles of filth that emit a stench strong enough to make passersby wince and residents fall ill. The municipality, home to over 100,000 people and a floating population of up to 60,000 more, is among the more developed urban centres in the district. Delays stall Chandpur River Port, locals left waiting Established in 1985 and upgraded to a first-class municipality in 2004, Hajiganj is crisscrossed by the bustling Chandpur–Cumilla regional highway and thrives on trade, education and local governance. Yet, beneath the surface of its economic bustle lies a truth too foul to ignore as there is no designated dumping ground for its waste. A Town Choked by Its Own Growth From early morning to late evening, cleaners under the municipality’s care collect around 30 tonnes of garbage. But that is only half the story. Another 30 tonnes, equally offensive and potentially more dangerous, is dumped haphazardly by residents and businesses alike. Together, this wave of waste surges through Hajiganj daily with no sustainable outlet. The result? Waste now lines key arteries of the town: from the Mithania Bridge on the Cumilla highway, to the Dakatiya Bridge on the Hajiganj-Ramganj road, past the rail crossing on Hajiganj-Kachua road and heartbreakingly close to the historic Hajiganj Boro Mosque. The air is thick with the stench of rot and the acrid smoke from burning refuse, forcing the townspeople to breathe in danger with every breath. Locals voice their agony with weary resignation. “The smell and smoke have made our lives miserable,” said Abdur Rahim and Nasir Gazi from Paschim Bazar, adding, “Mosquitoes are everywhere, and dengue has returned with a vengeance.” Children and the elderly suffer the most. Their fragile bodies react quickly to the polluted air — many coughing, wheezing, or bedridden with fever. CNG driver Nurul Islam paints a grim picture of his daily route, “When we drive along the Hajiganj-Kachua road, the smell of rotting garbage is unbearable. And when it’s set on fire, the entire area disappears in smoke for hours.” Launch operations suspended in Chandpur for inclement weather A System Without a Solution Despite repeated calls for action, the municipality appears cornered. Mahbubur Rashid, the assistant engineer (water and sanitation) of Hajiganj, admitted the bitter truth, “The municipality owns no land to set up a dumping station. We’re still using sites chosen by past administrations.” Current administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ibne Al Zayed Hossain assured that efforts are being made to address the crisis. “We’re trying to remove the waste heaps. But for a lasting solution, we need mass awareness and public cooperation,” he said. The situation is worsened by the near-complete absence of clean and accessible public toilets, a silent hardship that especially affects women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. A National Crisis in a Local Shell Hajiganj is not alone in this crisis. A study by the Asia-Europe Foundation shows that more than half of all waste in Bangladesh is dumped in the open. Uncollected and often burned in the open air, this waste poses massive threats — from polluting water sources to clogging drainage systems and exacerbating waterlogging even after light showers. As towns grow and cities sprawl, so too does the tide of waste — unchecked, unmanaged and in many places, simply ignored. Dhaka, the nation's capital, is already counted among the world’s most polluted cities. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns that without urgent, coordinated measures, the waste problem will only worsen — not just in megacities but in smaller municipalities like Hajiganj. A Cry for Cleanliness Hajiganj’s predicament is a poignant reminder that development without planning leads not to progress, but to peril. Its streets echo with a silent plea — for dustbins over ditches, for solutions over stench, for a future where its children can play in parks, not pick through piles of refuse. If ever there was a time for action, it is now. Before Hajiganj — and towns like it — are buried under the very waste they produce.

Two men died after being electrocuted in Chandpur town’s Puran Bazar area on Friday morning. The deceased were identified as Md Montu Dhali, 70, son of late Abdul Dhali, and Md Anwar Hossain Khan, 55, son of Amin Khan – both residents of the West Jafarabad village. Quoting locals, Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station Officer-In-Charge (OC) Md Bahar Mia said that the house became electrified due to an earthing issue. Anwar was electrocuted when he touched the tin wall of the house while trying to step outside and screamed for help. Montu Dhali was electrocuted when tried to rescue him. 3 killed by lightning strikes in Chapainawabganj Locals said both victims were rushed to Chandpur General Hospital, where the on-duty Residential Medical Officer (RMO), Dr Asibul Ahsan, declared them dead upon arrival. “No complaints were filed by the victims' families. Two separate unnatural death cases have been registered at the police station,” he said. The bodies were handed over to the families, added the OC.

After a two-month ban that kept nets dry and hopes high, the beloved hilsa has returned to Chandpur’s markets, rekindling excitement among fishermen and food lovers alike. The renewed supply has led to a noticeable fall in prices, bringing relief to fish lovers and low-income families. A recent visit to Chandpur’s main fish landing station, known as the Chandpur Fish Landing Centre or ‘Boro Station Macch Ghat’, showed a marked rise in activity. Around 50 maunds of hilsa are now being brought in daily. Coolies like Fazal and Almas were seen working nonstop to handle the increasing volume. Senior fish traders, including Nurul Islam, Didar Khan and Shajahan Sardar, said hilsa from southern coastal areas such as Hatiya, Bhola, Sandwip and Charfesson have started arriving by pickup vans in recent days. Daily deliveries are now from 40 to 50 maunds. Fishing trawlers, which usually bring in 150–200 maunds at a time, have not yet resumed operations following the end of the ban. Even so, the growing supply from pickup vans over the past three days has helped stabilise the market and drive down retail prices. This decline is visible across Chandpur’s key markets—Natun Bazar, Pal Bazar, Wireless Bazar, Puran Bazar and Baburhat. Just a few weeks ago, a one-kilogram hilsa was priced at Tk 3,000. Now it is selling for around Tk 2,500. Medium-sized fish weighing 700–800 grams are currently priced at Tk 1,700–1,800 per kilogramme, down from Tk 2,300. Sylhet sees surplus of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha Smaller hilsa in the 300–400 gram range, sold in groups of three to make a kilo, are now available for Tk 1,000–1,100. At Biponi Bagh, Chandpur’s busiest fish market, the same trend is clear. One-kilogramme Padma hilsa are retailing at Tk 2,200–2,500, down from Tk 3,000–3,200. Fish weighing 600–700 grams are selling at Tk 1,500–1,550 per kilogramme, compared to earlier rates of Tk 2,200–2,300. Shoppers, many with smiles on their faces, were seen leaving markets with prized fish in hand. Traders said hilsa from the southern coastal districts are more affordable than those from the Padma River. One-kilogramme coastal hilsa is now priced at Tk 1,700–1,800. Smaller varieties are going for Tk 800–900 per kilogramme. Still, many buyers said these lack the distinctive taste and aroma associated with Padma hilsa. Fisheries officials, including Miznur Rahman and Mahbub-e-Rashid, sounded optimistic about what lies ahead.  “July through September will see abundant catches,” said one official. Hilsa traders and fishermen shared the same outlook. Shabebarat Sarkar, a trader with over 40 years of experience and president of a local fish traders’ association, said the volume of river hilsa will rise sharply once the monsoon sets in. Sea fishing remains under a separate ban. “With increased rainfall in June and July, water levels and river currents will rise—conditions that are ideal for hilsa migration,” he said. “We expect larger catches and even lower prices in the coming weeks," he added. Meghna’s Toxic Turn: Mass fish deaths spark alarm among fisherfolk As hilsa returns in greater numbers and prices ease, Chandpur’s markets are once again buzzing, with the energy of fish trading and the cheer of happy customers.    

A 26-year-old housewife was allegedly gang-raped while searching for her missing son in Kachua upazila of Chandpur district on Wednesday evening. Police, however, detained two men accused in the incident. They were identified as Md Suman, 31 and Md Mohsin, 28, hailing from Harichail village of the upazila. Of them, Suman is a bus driver and Mohsin a helper. The victim and the accused are known to each other, according to the police. Azizul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kachua police station, said that the housewife went out on Wednesday evening to search for her 10-year-old son Ibrahim, a madrasa student, who had gone missing. Madrasah student killed in Sherpur road accident The accused allegedly misled her by claiming that the boy was hiding in the house of one Arif in Munshi Bari in the village. When she went there, the accused allegedly raped her by turns. Later on Thursday, the victim filed a case with Kachua police station. Police detained the accused from the village shortly after the case was registered, he said, adding that the victim was sent to Chandpur Sadar Hospital for medical examination.    

A college student went missing while swimming in the Dakatiya River in Gunrajdi area of Chandpur town on Sunday afternoon. The missing student was Soumyadeep Sarkar (Apan), an HSC first-year student at Puran Bazar Degree College and son of Manik Ranjan Sarkar of Mission Road area in the town. Syed Morshed Hossain, deputy assistant director of Chandpur Civil Defence and Fire Service, said a team of divers was dispatched again on Monday to continue the search operation, he added. Witnesses said Soumyadeep along with a group of friends went to bathe in the Dakatiya River near Chandpur Municipality area. Human chain demands release of 7 Kurigram fishermen imprisoned in India While attempting to swim in the river during a friendly competition, a large wave generated by a passing sand-laden barge swept Soumyadeep underwater. Although his three friends managed to reach the shore Soumyadeep went missing, they said. After receiving the information, divers from the river fire service unit, members of the Coast Guard, and river police launched a rescue operation which continued until Sunday evening.  

In the quiet corners of Bangladesh’s rich heritage, where artistry meets tradition, the ethereal beauty of Jamdani sarees continues to enchant generations. A delicate interplay of threads weaves not just fabric, but stories—of dedication, craftsmanship and an undying love for heritage. Among these silent storytellers stands Roni Patowary, a young artisan from Paschim Char Krishnapur, a remote village in the South Algi Durgapur union of Haimchar, Chandpur. With deft hands and an indomitable spirit, he breathes life into the centuries-old craft of Jamdani weaving, turning fine threads into dreams draped in elegance. A Journey Etched in Determination Roni’s tale is one of resilience, woven through the struggles of time. Two decades ago, hardship forced him to leave his beloved hometown in search of sustenance. The bustling looms of Narayanganj became his classroom, where he mastered the intricacies of Jamdani weaving—a skill passed down through generations, delicate yet demanding, poetic yet precise. Bumper tomato yields bring no joy to Sunamganj farmers Fate, however, had written a different pattern for him. The call of home proved stronger than the allure of distant opportunities, and Roni returned to his village with newfound expertise. His modest tin-roofed home transformed into a sanctuary of artistry, where every warp and weft sings a song of tradition. "It takes me three to four days to craft a single Jamdani saree by hand," Roni shares, his voice a blend of pride and patience. "Though I receive orders from various places, each piece requires meticulous attention. There are no shortcuts in this craft." His father, Billal Patowary, beams with quiet pride. "Roni’s return has not just brought prosperity to our home but has rekindled a dying tradition in our village," he says. His mother, Salma Begum, speaks of the delicate process, a dance between hands and loom. "The art requires threads, wooden frames, spools, and scissors. Every motion is deliberate, every design an act of love." From Threads to Treasures Though formal education eluded him due to financial constraints, Roni found wisdom in the rhythm of the loom. Each saree he weaves is a labour of love, its value dictated by the intricacy of design and the fineness of the yarn. "Jamdani saree prices  range from Tk 3,700 to Tk 8,000, but the masterpieces—custom designs with intricate details—can fetch Tk 4-5 lakh," Roni explains. The magic lies in the selection of threads. The higher the thread count, the smoother the fabric, creating a piece that whispers elegance with every fold. The design yarn, woven with precision, emerges in contrast against the texture yarn, lending clarity and depth to the motifs. Once completed, each saree is starched and wrapped in bamboo, preserving its crispness and sheen—a final touch before it adorns a woman with grace. Dreams Beyond the Loom Yet, Roni’s aspirations extend beyond personal success. He envisions a future where his craft becomes a source of livelihood for many, where the looms hum with the dreams of his fellow villagers. Naogaon to see bumper mango harvest worth Tk 3,500 cr this year "I hope for support from both government and private sectors to scale up this initiative," he shares with quiet determination. "With the right assistance, I can employ more hands, ensuring that our local economy thrives through this age-old craft." His vision has not gone unnoticed. Sardar Abdul Jalil, Chairman of South Algi Durgapur Union Parishad, affirms, "We deeply appreciate Roni’s initiative. We are committed to helping him expand his enterprise so that this industry flourishes." Haimchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Salma Nazneen Trisha echoes this sentiment. "There are few industries in this region, so initiatives like Roni’s are invaluable. The upazila administration will provide the necessary support to help his business thrive." A Legacy Woven in Hope Roni Patowary’s journey is more than just a tale of artistic mastery—it is a testament to the resilience of Bangladesh’s cottage industries. His story reminds us that beyond every finely woven thread lies the spirit of a craftsman, the pulse of a culture, and the soul of a nation. As his loom continues to whisper stories of heritage, Roni stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that dreams—when woven with passion and perseverance—can become an enduring legacy.

Several families from the Harijan community in Purba Bazar, Matlab Dakkhin upazila of Chandpur, are living under the open sky after a devastating fire destroyed their homes on 27 February. The fire, which originated from a battery shop in the evening, quickly spread to nearby areas, engulfing 10 shops and five houses in Harijan Polli. Many affected families have been left without shelter, struggling to survive with limited resources. "We ran out of our homes to save our lives, but we couldn't take anything with us. Our house burned down, and we have lost everything," said Shankar, one of the fire victims. 12 years of murder: Taqi Mancha vows to fight for justice "We have been spending nights under the open sky for over a week, unable to sleep due to worries and mosquito bites." The fire has left the victims in dire conditions, with many seeking refuge in temples and churches. Although some managed to save a few belongings, most lost their possessions, including furniture, cash, and gold ornaments. In response, the local business association, Matlab Bazar Bonik O Jonokalyan Samiti, has stepped in to provide food assistance to affected families. "Our association and local residents have immediately extended support to those affected," said Md Mujibur Rahman, senior vice-president of the association. General Secretary Faisal Sarkar said these were all low-income families. Now, they have no place to stay and are forced to live on the streets. Matlab Dakkhin Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Amjad Hossain said that financial aid and housing support would be provided to all affected families. "We will ensure assistance so that they can return to a normal life as soon as possible," he said. Besides, efforts are underway to support shop owners who suffered losses in the fire, said the UNO.

The body of an unidentified man, aged around 45, was recovered from the Meghna River near Chandpur Launch Ghat on Friday morning. River Police recovered the body around 9 am from the east-northeast side of the launch terminal after being alerted by locals, said Sub-Inspector (SI) Billal Azad. The deceased was wearing black pants and a white sky-blue printed full-sleeved shirt. He had light brown skin, was approximately five feet six inches tall, and had partial black hair on both sides with baldness, according to police. Woman shot dead, UP chairman’s house vandalised in Narsingdi Chandpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AKM S Iqbal said a general diary (GD) has been filed regarding the incident. The body has been sent to Chandpur Government General Hospital for an autopsy, and efforts are underway to ascertain the man's identity. "If the identity remains unknown, the body will be handed over to Anjuman Mufidul Islam for burial," the OC added.

The ferry services between Chandpur’s Horinia Ghat and Shariatpur’s Alur Bazar Ghat resumed after 10 hours of suspension due to the thick fog in the Meghna River. Faisal Alam Chowdhury, manager of Horinia Ferry Ghat at Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), said the ferry services resumed around 10 am after the fog cleared.    Earlier at 12am, the BIWTC was forced to suspend the ferry services between the ghats to ward off any unwanted incident amid the poor visibility. Fog-hit ferry services resume on Aricha-Kazirhat, Paturia-Daulatpur routes The suspension caused a good number of light, medium, and heavy cargo vehicles stuck on both sides of the ferry ghat. People didn’t come out of their homes unless emergency as the thick fog blanked the district headquarters and surroundings. Fog disrupts ferry services on two key waterways Ali Azgar, supervisor of launch operators at Chandpur Ghat, said that the launch schedule from Chandpur to Dhaka collapsed due to poor visibility. Three scheduled launches from Chandpur Ghat to Dhaka could not leave at 6am, 7am, and 8am, according to the staff members of those launches. Moreover, launches coming from Dhaka to Chandpur were also delayed, with several passenger launches, including Sonar Tari, Meghna Rani, and Hasan Imam, still stuck in the river due to the dense fog. Fog-disrupted ferry services on Aricha-Kazirhat route resume after 6 hrs They are moving very slowly, and it will take several more hours to reach the Chandpur Ghat, according to the launch supervisors. Shah Mohammad Shoaib, meteorologist of Chandpur's weather office, said that they recorded on Thursday a temperature of 15.6°C, a six degree Celsius fall compared to Wednesday.