United News of Bangladesh

The Election Commission (EC) is planning to introduce a uniform code of conduct for elections to all five types of local government bodies to make the rules easier for people to understand and ensure effective enforcement ahead of a massive electoral cycle likely to begin later this year. As part of preparation to conduct elections to local government bodies throughout the country, the commission has already taken initiative to revise separate election codes for city corporations, municipalities, zila parishads, upazila parishads and union parishads. The EC has, in principle, taken a decision to make the election codes for the local bodies largely similar to the code of conduct applied in the recent 13th parliamentary election. Following the successful implementation of the latest code for parliamentary polls during the February-12 general election, the Commission now plans to incorporate several provisions, including restriction on using posters as well, in the polls codes for the local body elections. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said a proposal for a single code of conduct for all local government bodies would be placed before the Commission. “I think a single code of conduct rule should be there for all local government bodies. I will place a proposal for it,” he told UNB. Asked about possible changes to the codes, Masud said the local election code would be almost similar to the one used in the 13th parliamentary election. “There will be a ban on the use of posters and restrictions related to misuse of AI and social media,” he said. Senior officials of the EC Secretariat have already been instructed to prepare draft amendments to the polls codes and election conduct rules for city corporations, municipalities, district, upazila and union parishads. EC officials said the ban on posters in parliamentary elections gained positive results and the same approach would now be applied to local government polls to reduce environmental pollution and bring changes to traditional campaigning methods. Ahead of the last general election, the EC issued the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rules, 2025, prohibiting the use of posters,helicopters and drones, along with prohibition on misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in election campaigns. Under the 2025 code, posters are completely banned, while pamphlets, leaflets, handbills, festoons or banners made from non-biodegradable materials such as rexine, polythene or plastic are also prohibited. However, candidates are allowed to install a maximum of 20 billboards in a constituency, each measuring no more than 16 feet by 9 feet. The parliamentary election code also prohibits malicious use of AI in campaign activities. Harmful content, including hate speech, misinformation, manipulated images, fabricated election-related information and inflammatory language targeting opponents, women, minorities or any other groups, is barred on social media platforms. Punishment for violating the parliamentary election code was also strengthened, with the maximum penalty increased to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 150,000, up from six month jail and Tk 50,000 fine previously. EC officials said the Commission is also considering measures to prevent undue influence by members of parliament in local government elections as the upcoming elections to the local bodies without the use of political party symbols.  Abdur Rahmanel Masud said laws have already been passed in parliament to conduct the elections to local government bodies using non-party electoral symbols.  “We have received copies of the laws… But the commission has not yet decided when the elections will begin. For now, we are keeping preparations in place,” he said. With the government establishing a designated room named ‘visiting room’ for MPs at the upazila Parishad complex, the EC is thinking of introducing new provisions to prevent lawmakers from influencing in local polls from those offices. The commission is also planning changes to nomination forms, including mandatory disclosure of overseas assets in affidavits. Officials said the commission is taking preparations assuming that local government elections may start at the end of this year.  During the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference on May 5, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and the four election commissioners instructed field administrators to prepare for local polls and maintain standards similar to parliamentary elections. According to EC estimates, elections to 12 city corporations, over 450 upazila parishads, more than 300 municipalities and 61 zila parishads are already overdue and can be held immediately without legal complications.  Besides, the legal timeframe for holding elections to around 600 union parishads began in April, making polls mandatory by October next. The 180-day countdown for elections in more than 2,800 additional union parishads will begin by July. In this situation, the EC would be able to announce election schedules once it receives a green signal from the local government division, although the government has indicated that local government elections may begin at the end of the current year.

Cattle farmers in Sirajganj are now busy fattening cattle ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with more than 617,000 sacrificial animals prepared to meet the growing seasonal demand. Farmers and traders said preparations have intensified across the district as the annual religious festival approaches, with hopes of better earnings during the peak cattle trading season. According to the district livestock department, farms in all nine upazilas have been rearing and fattening cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep for several months. Fattening activities are particularly visible in Shahjadpur, Ullapara, Enayetpur and Belkuchi upazilas, while farmers in Kamarkhanda, Raiganj, Chauhali, Kazipur and Sirajganj Sadar are also actively raising sacrificial animals. Apart from commercial farms, many rural households are rearing cattle on a small scale as an additional source of income ahead of Eid. Trading of sacrificial animals has already begun at some local cattle markets, although traders expect the main rush to start closer to Eid. District livestock officials said campaigns are underway to discourage the use of harmful chemicals and steroids in cattle fattening. “We are regularly visiting farms and encouraging farmers to follow natural fattening methods,” said Dr Anarul Haque, an official of the district livestock department. He said farmers are also receiving medicines, technical assistance and training to ensure healthy livestock production. Farmers, however, expressed concern over the rising prices of cattle feed, saying higher feed costs are increasing overall production expenses. “As feed prices continue to rise, the cost of raising cattle is also going up. That may push up cattle prices this Eid season,” said Abdur Rahim, a cattle farmer from Shahjadpur upazila. According to the livestock department, a total of 617,723 sacrificial animals have been prepared in the district this year against a local demand of around 293,000 animals. Officials said the surplus livestock will be supplied to Dhaka and other parts of the country ahead of Eid, creating income opportunities for both commercial farmers and marginal rural households. There are currently 27 permanent and 20 temporary cattle markets in the district where sacrificial animals will be traded, officials said. Veterinary teams will remain active at cattle markets to inspect animals and provide necessary medical support to ensure safe trading and animal health. Authorities are also taking online promotional initiatives to help farmers market their cattle and connect with buyers more easily ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

The recent suicide of a 35-year-old trader in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram has spotlighted a worsening drug crisis in the bordering upazila where easy access to narcotics is drawing youths into addiction and related crimes. Chandan Kumar Ravidash of Kurushafarusha village took his own life on May 8 after a prolonged struggle with substance abuse. A goldsmith by profession, he had built a small jewellery business in Balarhat Bazar and was supporting a family with three young children. His family said addiction steadily eroded his life draining his income, straining relationships and leaving him increasingly unstable despite repeated attempts at rehabilitation. “Drugs destroyed my son. We tried everything to save him, but couldn’t,” said his father, Dinesh Kumar Ravidash. “Now his children are left without a father. No parent should have to endure this.” Kishore Kumar Bhattacharya, a fellow trader, said Chandan was once known as a polite and cheerful man. “We still cannot accept his death. Addiction slowly ruined him,” he said. A wider, hidden crisis Chandan’s death reflects a broader pattern. On the same day, a widow in Naodanga area also died by suicide, reportedly driven by despair over her only son’s addiction. Local sources say many youths from across the upazila are currently receiving treatment in rehabilitation centers. For poor, agriculture-dependent families, the cost—often around Tk 40,000 per month—is a heavy burden, forcing some to sell land or assets. A resident from Gorokmondol, who requested anonymity, said, “My younger brother is addicted. We are trying to save him, but the cost of treatment is extremely difficult for us.” Abdul Majid Manik, a resident of Naodanga union, said he had to send his son to rehabilitation twice and even hand him over to police at one point. “Without collective social resistance, it is impossible to control this problem,” he said. A sharp rise in drug abuse in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram is sparking growing concern, as addiction spreads rapidly among young people and begins to take a heavy toll on families and the wider community. Residents say narcotics have become increasingly accessible in border are, drawing in youths, including school and college students. The fallout is evident in a parallel rise in crimes such as theft and mugging, leaving parents, teachers, and community leaders deeply concerned. Despite ongoing anti-drug drives by law enforcement agencies, locals said there has been little visible improvement. Many are now calling for tougher, more coordinated action to stem the crisis. Authorities warn of growing threat Local public representatives and educationists said  the situation is becoming increasingly alarming. Abdul Hanif Sarker, principal of Naodanga School and College, said drug use among students is rising. “We are running awareness campaigns, but without stronger social resistance, it is difficult to eliminate this,” he said, adding that addiction is also pushing many youths into criminal activities. Naodanga Union Parishad Chairman Md Hasen Ali blamed lack of family awareness. “When a child suddenly brings expensive items home, families often do not question the source. This negligence is dangerous,” he said. Police say anti-drug operations are ongoing, while the upazila administration has proposed setting up a permanent checkpoint in Balarhat to curb drug trafficking. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dilara Akter said administrative efforts alone are not enough. “Families must be more vigilant about their children where they go and who they associate with,” she said. Local people fear that without immediate and effective action, the future generation of Phulbari could face a devastating crisis. National backdrop adds urgency The situation in Phulbari reflects a broader national concern A total of 82 lakh people, almost 5% of the population in Bangladesh, use illegal drugs for recreational purposes, according to the findings of a nationwide survey. Professor Md Shahinul Alam, vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), disclosed the survey at a dissemination meeting titled “Estimation of the Number and Category of Persons Abusing Drugs and Associated Factors: The study was conducted under the supervision of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) and Bangladesh Medical University and Research and Management Consultants Limited (RMCL) jointly conducted the survey between February and June 2025. The study identified cannabis as the most commonly used drug, with nearly 61 lakh users nationwide. This was followed by methamphetamine or Yaba (about 23 lakh), alcohol (around 20 lakh), codeine-based cough syrup, sleeping pills and heroin. Around 39,000 people were found to inject drugs, placing them at high risk of HIV, hepatitis and other infectious diseases. Researchers found that drug users spend an average of Tk 6,000 per month on drugs. The study also revealed that drug abuse largely begins at a young age, with about 33 percent of users first taking drugs between the ages of 8-17, while 59 percent started between 18- 25.      

Major cracks have developed on the approach road of a newly constructed bridge in Kachua upazila of Chandpur even before its official inauguration, triggering concern and anger among local residents over the quality of work and potential safety risks. The damage was reported at the bridge being constructed on the Majhigacha-Nindpur Ronger Bazar connecting road at Haripur village under Bitara union at a cost of Tk 2.32 crore. According to officials of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the project is being implemented under the “Programme for Supporting Rural Bridges,” financed jointly by the government of Bangladesh and the World Bank. The project, which includes a nearly 12-metre RCC girder bridge and its connecting road, is being carried out by the firm – Harun and Sons. A visit to the site revealed that soil beneath the guard walls on both sides of the bridge had eroded significantly, while large cracks and holes had developed at several points along the approach road. Even light rainfall has reportedly washed away soil and damaged the road surfacing, intensifying fears among residents ahead of the monsoon season. Local residents, including Md Hazrat Ali and Md Jilani, expressed frustration over the apparent poor-quality construction. They questioned how a project worth millions of taka could begin deteriorating before completion, warning of greater risks during heavy rains. About the allegations, Harunur Rashid of Harun and Sons said recent rainfall had damaged parts of the approach road and that repair work was already underway. He assured that any future damage would also be repaired. LGED Kachua Upazila Engineer Abdul Alim Liton said sections of the project were affected by recent heavy rainfall and that authorities are investigating the matter. He added that the contractor has not yet received the final payment, which will only be released after a full quality assessment.  

The government has taken some measures aimed at accelerating the disposal of pending cases in lower courts and expanding access to legal aid. Officials said the reforms are designed to ensure faster, more transparent and affordable justice, and to reduce the suffering of litigants. As part of the latest legislative push, parliament has amended two key laws to streamline civil and criminal procedures. The Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2026 introduces provisions for serving summons through SMS and voice calls, filing plaints and written statements via affidavit, allowing direct cross-examination, and enabling execution petitions to be filed within the original suit—removing the need for separate execution cases, according to an official document. Besides, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2026 allows courts to bypass the lengthy proclamation and attachment process for absconding accused and mandates digital methods for serving summons. In a significant shift towards digitisation, testimony from investigating officers, doctors and magistrates recording confessions is now being accepted online under the Information Technology Use Act, 2020, reducing the need for physical court appearances and expediting trial proceedings. To ease the burden on magistrates, the government has set up dedicated judicial magistrate courts, allowing them to focus more on trials rather than administrative and ancillary duties. In a bid to tackle the longstanding backlog, authorities have established 871 new courts and created 232 judicial posts, with 304 more in the pipeline. Recruitment is underway for 150 civil judges, while the appointment process for hundreds of judicial staff is also progressing. The Legal Aid Services (Amendment) Act, 2026 has made pre-litigation mediation mandatory in most cases under scheduled laws, with settlements gaining the status of court decrees once certified by the Chief Legal Aid Officer. The mediation programme, currently active in 20 districts, has already contributed to higher dispute resolution rates and a decline in new case filings, officials said. Other measures include expansion of legal aid services, introduction of online platforms, support for expatriates, appointment of specialised mediators, and a toll-free hotline (16699). To address infrastructure shortages, the government has proposed constructing Chief Judicial Magistrate court buildings in 23 districts and expanding existing facilities in four others. Plans for additional court buildings and judges’ residences are also being revised. Besides, an e-bail bond management system is now operational in 16 districts and will be introduced nationwide in phases. E-family courts are functioning in Dhaka and Chattogram, with plans for expansion across the country. Additionally, cause lists for all courts have been made fully accessible online while information and service centres have been set up on district court premises to assist litigants. The government is also preparing to launch online registration of Muslim marriages and divorces in selected areas under an ICT-based civil registration project, aimed at reducing fraud and litigation. An “e-Judiciary” project is in the pipeline to digitise the entire judicial process, from case filing to record management. The authorities also plan to amend the Bangladesh Legal Practitioners’ and Bar Council Order, 1972 to modernise the bar examination system and improve professional standards. Case backlog remains a major challenge in Bangladesh. As of December 31, 2025, a total of 4,041,924 cases were pending in subordinate courts, according to Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman. Experts attribute the delays to a shortage of judges, inadequate infrastructure, lengthy procedures and frequent adjournments, underscoring the need for sustained reforms.

Erosion by the Gorai River is threatening a key rural road and putting more than 50 families at risk in Baliakandi upazila of Rajbari, causing growing concern among local residents ahead of the monsoon. Several parts of the Narua-Konagram road, which connects Narua and Jangal unions, have already been severely damaged by river erosion. In the Jamsapur area, around 100 yards of the road has narrowed so much that it has effectively turned into a footpath. Although battery-run auto-rickshaws and vans are still moving with difficulty, larger vehicles have been unable to use the road for several months. Locals said accidents often occur when small vehicles overturn while trying to pass through the damaged portions. Residents fear the situation could worsen rapidly during the rainy season if immediate protection work is not carried out. The road, built on an embankment under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), was later paved by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). It is regularly used by residents and students from Narua, Jamsapur, Konagram, Morabila and nearby villages.

Haribhanga mango is expected to generate trade worth over Tk 250 crore this season, as the harvest of Rangpur’s signature fruit is set to begin in mid-June, agriculture officials said. The Haribhanga mango, a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh, is widely known for its distinctive taste, aroma and premium market value, making it one of the most commercially important fruits in northern Bangladesh. Agriculture officials say if weather conditions remain favourable, the current season could generate business worth more than Tk 250 crore from this mango alone.“We are expecting trade of over Tk 250 crore from Haribhanga mango this year,” said Md Sirazul Islam, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Rangpur division.According to the DAE, more than 3,000 hectares of land in Rangpur district have been brought under Haribhanga mango cultivation this year.Recent rainfall has supported fruit growth and improved juiciness, although some areas experienced minor damage due to hailstorms and strong winds. Overall, officials expect a better yield than last year.Agricultural experts say Haribhanga mango follows a natural alternate bearing cycle – known locally as “on year” and “off year”— and this season is considered an “on year,” meaning trees are bearing significantly more fruit than usual.The mango is typically harvested in mid-June when it reaches full maturity, although early market arrivals often include unripe fruit sold at higher prices by some traders.Data from agriculture offices shows that mango buds began appearing in December and harvesting is expected to begin on schedule this year.Haribhanga mango is known for being fiberless, sweet and highly aromatic, with a thin skin, small seed, and an average weight of 200-300 grams.Farmers estimate an average yield of 10-12 tonnes per hectare. With cultivation spanning over 3,000 hectares, total production value is projected to exceed Tk 250 crore.However, farmers remain cautious about weather risks.“Some of my orchards have been damaged by storms and further bad weather could cause losses,” said Nazmul Islam, a mango grower from Padaganj in Mithapukur, who cultivates mangoes on over 12 acres of land.Despite minor damage from recent hail and wind, growers remain optimistic about a strong harvest if conditions remain stable.Local wholesalers say demand is already building ahead of the season. “Buyers from Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet have started contacting us. We expect both price and demand to be strong this year,” said Abdul Malek, a trader.Experts note that Haribhanga mango is no longer limited to the domestic market. It is exported to countries, including Malaysia and Singapore, while direct sales through social media and e-commerce platforms have increased significantly in recent years. Its GI status has further strengthened brand value and pricing.Fakhrul Anam Benju, President of the Rangpur chapter of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), said the mango’s commercial reach is expanding rapidly but challenges remain.“Despite its huge potential, farmers are concerned about the lack of cold storage and modern preservation facilities. Since Haribhanga is highly perishable, special transport arrangements such as dedicated trains or faster logistics should be introduced,” he said.DAE’s Sirazul Islam said the crop is in its peak “on-year” cycle and that they are actively supporting farmers with technical guidance.On February 12, 2024, Haribhanga mango received official recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh.

In Naogaon, one of Bangladesh’s leading rice-producing districts, a season of abundance has turned into one of distress as farmers struggle with falling paddy prices. Despite a bumper Boro harvest this season farmers said they are incurring significant losses, with market prices dropping well below last year’s levels. The situation has left many farmers frustrated as higher yields have not translated into better earnings. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), 192,500 hectares were brought under Boro cultivation across 11 upazilas in Naogaon this season. The production target has been set at 1.32 million tonnes of paddy, which would yield approximately 0.88 million tonnes of rice. Harvesting has already begun, but only about 25–30 percent of the crop has been cut so far. However, current market prices remain discouraging. Farmers say paddy is now selling at Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,100 per maund—significantly lower than last year’s peak price of at least Tk 1,400. “We are selling at a loss,” said Abul Kalam Azad, a marginal farmer from Bijoykandi village in Raninagar upazila. “After spending nearly Tk 30,000 per bigha, we are getting back only Tk 25,000 to Tk 26,000. That means a loss of Tk 5,000 to Tk 6,000 per bigha.” Like many others, Azad cultivated paddy on leased land, paying around Tk 14,000 per bigha annually. Total production costs—including land preparation, seedbed, transplantation, irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides, harvesting and threshing—have risen sharply this season. Bipath Chandra Pramanik, another farmer from the same area, said a lack of sunshine has made it difficult to dry freshly harvested paddy, forcing farmers to sell their produce prematurely at lower prices. “We took loans for cultivation. Now creditors are pressuring us and we have no option but to sell immediately,” he said. “If we could dry the paddy and wait a few days, we might get a better price.” Farmers say a price of Tk 1,300 to Tk 1,400 per maund would at least allow them to break even. Not all farmers, however, are rushing to sell. Shamsur Rahman, a relatively well-off farmer from Khatteshwar village, said he has stored his harvest in hopes of better prices. He cultivated Jirashail paddy on 20 bighas of his own land. “I will sell after the rainy spell ends and the paddy dries properly,” he said, expressing hope that prices will rise in the coming weeks. A visit to major paddy markets including Abadpukur Hat, Lohachura Hat and Ahsanganj Hat revealed an oversupply of freshly harvested, wet paddy, which is contributing to the price slump. “Most of the paddy arriving in the markets is still wet and buyers are limited,” said trader Enamul Haque. “On Tuesday, depending on quality, paddy was sold between Tk 1,000 and Tk 1,100 per maund.” Traders said unsold stock from the previous season remains in storage, making buyers less interested in purchasing new supplies. Farhad Hossain Chakdar, general secretary of Naogaon District Rice Mill Owners Group, attributed the market downturn partly to excessive imports in previous periods. “Large traders are already facing liquidity constraints due to unsold stocks,” he said. “Without their active participation, a recovery in paddy prices is unlikely.” He urged the government to speed up procurement and clear public food warehouses to stabilise the market. “If the government buys paddy at Tk 36 per kg, farmers will benefit and the situation may improve,” he added. Agriculture officials, however, remain cautiously optimistic. Homaira Mondal, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension(DAE) in Naogaon, said the harvesting season has just begun and prices are expected to improve. “Farmers are currently selling wet paddy, which affects prices,” she said. “As the peak harvesting period begins and dry paddy enters the market, prices are likely to rise.” She added that government procurement, once started, would further support farmers. Local stakeholders say the seasonal price drop has become a recurring problem. “Every year during the harvest season, farmers face a price crash,” said a local rice trader. “Unless fair prices are ensured and agricultural incentives are increased, marginal farmers will continue to suffer.”

The government has stepped up a wide range of initiatives across the country to increase fish production, expand aquaculture technologies and improve the livelihoods of marginal fish farmers. The programmes being implemented by the Department of Fisheries focus on modern farming practices, restoration of water bodies, conservation of indigenous species and strengthening supply chains to sustain the sector’s steady growth. Officials said regular training sessions are being conducted to enhance farmers’ technical knowledge and practical skills. These include hands-on guidance on carp polyculture, monosex tilapia farming, pangas cultivation and the culture of indigenous small fish species such as shing, magur, gulsha, pabda and tengra, according to an official document. To accelerate technology adoption, demonstration farms are being set up in different regions, allowing farmers to observe and replicate improved aquaculture techniques. At the same time, poor and marginal fish farmers are receiving free inputs—including fish fry, feed, lime and fertilisers—to reduce production costs and increase output. Efforts are also underway to rehabilitate water bodies through pond renovation and re-excavation, aimed at improving water retention and boosting productivity. Besides, carp and indigenous fish fry are being released into open water bodies and institutional ponds to enhance natural fish stocks and support nutritional needs, particularly among low-income communities. To reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the fisheries supply chain, insulated fish boxes, plastic crates, fish cutting and descaling machines are being distributed among traders and stakeholders. Beel nursery programmes have also been introduced, where hatchlings are reared into fingerlings before being released into open waters to improve survival rates and increase overall fish production. Conservation remains a key pillar of the initiative. Fish sanctuaries are being established and restored in rivers and wetlands to ensure breeding and protection of native species. Authorities are also conducting regular drives and mobile courts under the Fish Protection and Conservation Act, 1950, to curb illegal fishing practices and safeguard aquatic resources. Officials said steps are being taken to ensure the quality of fish feed through licensing, monitoring and testing. To promote intensive aquaculture, aerators are being distributed to farmers to maintain adequate oxygen levels in ponds under high-density culture systems. Meanwhile, the government-owned fish seed production farm at Chatmohar is undergoing renovation, including pond re-excavation, hatchery modernisation and infrastructure repairs, to improve access to quality fry and training facilities for farmers. Alongside technical support, the government continues to provide interest-free microcredit to fish farmers under the “Microcredit Programme Guidelines for Fisheries Sector-2011.” The loans are distributed through a revolving fund system, with beneficiaries required to pay only a five percent service charge. Fish remains the primary source of animal protein in Bangladesh, and its consumption has grown significantly over the past three decades, driven largely by aquaculture expansion. According to official data, per capita fish consumption has now reached around 62–63 grams per day, surpassing the national nutrition target of 60 grams. Bangladesh achieved self-sufficiency in fish production in the 2016–17 fiscal year, and annual output currently exceeds 4.5 million metric tonnes. Bangladesh earned Tk 4,376 crore by exporting 71,477 metric tons of fish and fish products in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Despite this progress, experts caution that challenges persist. Earlier studies by FAO and WorldFish indicated gaps in consumption, particularly in rural areas, where access to fish protein remains lower than in urban centres. Researchers also warn that while overall fish intake has increased, dietary diversity has declined as farmed fish increasingly replace nutrient-rich indigenous species from natural water bodies—raising concerns over micronutrient deficiencies among poorer households. Recent estimates put annual per capita fish consumption at around 27 kilograms, a sharp rise from just 7.5 kilograms in 1990. However, rising fish prices, climate change impacts, shrinking rivers and wetlands, pollution and post-harvest losses continue to affect availability and affordability. Experts say sustaining production growth while ensuring equitable access and preserving biodiversity will be key to meeting Bangladesh’s future protein demand and addressing nutritional gaps, particularly among low-income and rural populations.    

Breaking away from traditional career expectations, an increasing number of women in Khagrachhari are choosing entrepreneurship over conventional jobs, emerging as successful business owners and contributing to the local economy. After completing their education, many women in the hill district are no longer waiting for government or private sector jobs. Instead, they are launching their own ventures, ranging from clothing and fashion businesses to traditional jewellery and indigenous handmade products. Women entrepreneurs in the district say they will be able to generate more employment opportunities and make a significant contribution to the country’s economy if they receive low-interest loans, flexible financing and stronger government patronage. Challenging the long-held notion that women are confined to household chores and childcare, women entrepreneurs in Khagrachhari are proving their capabilities in business and innovation. According to local entrepreneurs, around 45-50 women in the district are currently engaged in various businesses. Many are involved in clothing trade, fashion accessories and the marketing of traditional indigenous attire, including Pinon Hadi, a popular garment worn by ethnic minority women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Several of them have already achieved notable success, although they say additional institutional support is necessary to scale up their businesses. Among the prominent entrepreneurs are Tejashree Chakma, proprietor of Fusion Mart; Baby Chakma, owner of Fashion Code; and Hira Chakma, proprietor of Hira Fashion. They said most women entrepreneurs in Khagrachhari are educated and deliberately chose business as a profession instead of pursuing conventional employment after graduation. They also said experienced entrepreneurs are encouraging newcomers, and a stronger community network among both new and established businesswomen could further strengthen the district’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.