Dhaka: Security has been beefed up at all airports across the country, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following an intelligence alert over possible extremist attacks on key installations. Airport sources confirmed on Monday that surveillance has been intensified at sensitive points, particularly at Shahjalal International Airport. A warning letter issued by the Bangladesh Police headquarters prompted authorities to take immediate precautionary measures.

Following the alert, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh issued a high-level warning, instructing all law enforcement units operating at airports to strengthen security arrangements. Officials said additional personnel—both in uniform and plain clothes—have been deployed, while intelligence monitoring has been increased. Security checks at all arrival and departure points have also been tightened, with instructions to report any suspicious activity immediately.

A senior official at the airport said that although no specific threat has been identified, precautionary steps have been taken in advance. “Instructions have been given to strengthen security at all airports. This is part of our routine preparedness as well,” the official said.

He added that airports with limited nighttime operations have also been instructed to enhance security during night hours, and strict monitoring is being ensured at all entry points to prevent any lapse. The alert follows intelligence information suggesting that a banned extremist outfit may be planning coordinated attacks on key state installations.

According to an internal letter issued by police headquarters and signed by DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Ahsan, several individuals linked to the outfit have recently been in regular contact, raising concerns of a potential threat.

The letter also mentioned that two dismissed army personnel were reportedly in communication with a detained extremist suspect, Istiak Ahmed Sami, also known by aliases Abu Bakkar and Abu Mohammad. Potential targets listed in the alert include the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, as well as police and military installations, places of worship, entertainment venues and other key infrastructure.

Law enforcement officials said the group may attempt to carry out attacks using various methods, prompting heightened concern over national security. In response, police headquarters has directed all relevant agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, enhance surveillance and improve intelligence coordination to prevent any potential incidents.

Jamal Uddin & Sujon KoiriSujon Koiri: Concerns over renewed militant activity in Bangladesh have intensified following the emergence of a warning letter from Police Headquarters, prompting widespread public debate over whether extremist groups, long perceived as dormant, are reorganizing and reactivating. The issue has quickly become a national talking point, raising a central question: why are militant groups appearing to resurface after years of relative silence?

According to law enforcement officials, human rights activists, and security analysts, such groups never fully disappear. Instead, they enter phases of strategic dormancy, using periods of low visibility to restructure, rebuild networks, and consolidate strength.

Experts say this so-called “silence” often reflects a calculated effort to exploit favorable political conditions, institutional weaknesses, and social vulnerabilities. Extremist groups, they note, tend to re-emerge when opportunities align.

In the past, militant organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have operated using cross-border networks. Recently, attention has turned to the Pakistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with intelligence sources indicating that possible links involving individuals within Bangladesh are under investigation.

The issue gained further urgency after a warrant officer of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), previously reported missing from a base in Chittagong, was located in a camp run by the banned TTP.

The development has prompted a comprehensive internal investigation into potential extremist infiltration within the armed forces. According to relevant sources, Pakistani authorities informed Bangladesh that the individual had been working on behalf of the TTP, an armed group engaged in conflict with the Pakistani state and known for its alignment with the Afghan Taliban.

While the presence of TTP-linked individuals in Bangladesh is not unprecedented, the involvement of a member of the armed forces marks a significant escalation. A 2013 US State Department report noted the arrest of three TTP members in Bangladesh, and as recently as last year, at least four Bangladeshi nationals linked to the group were reportedly killed in a Pakistani military operation.

In response, heightened surveillance and security measures have been introduced at key BAF installations, including Zahurul Haque, AK Khandaker, and Matiur Rahman bases. Law enforcement officials attribute the recent uptick in militant concerns to several factors. Among them is the escape of hardened militants following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024. A number of detainees fled from Kashimpur High Security Prison during that period of instability.

Police Headquarters data indicates that as of December 2025, 133 of the 202 escaped prisoners remain at large. A senior officer of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of clear directives regarding fugitives and individuals released on bail.

“The home affairs advisor of the interim government and the IGP have repeatedly said that militancy does not exist in Bangladesh,” the officer said. “After such statements from the top level, there is little we can do at the field level.”

Intelligence officials have also pointed to changes in regional mobility. The easing of visa procedures for travel to Pakistan since the political transition has increased cross-border movement, which some believe may be contributing to the current security concerns. Additionally, unease has been expressed among field-level officers over reports of visits by influential figures linked to the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, coupled with what critics describe as a lack of official response.

Dr Md Tawohidul Haque, an associate professor of Institute of Social Welfare and Research and criminologist at the University of Dhaka, described the developments as a serious warning signal.

“The significance of this issue extends beyond internal discipline within a force,” he told. “It raises broader concerns about national security. If extremist influence penetrates sensitive institutions such as law enforcement, it could pose a major threat.”

Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton echoed similar concerns, arguing that the current situation is not a sudden development but the result of long-standing structural issues.“Milit ants have not suddenly emerged,” he said. “They have existed at various levels within the state, society, and system for a long time.”

According to him, militant groups have continued covert organizational activities even during periods of apparent inactivity. The political changes following the fall of the Awami League government have, he suggested, created new opportunities for previously fragmented networks to regroup and expand. He also pointed to a recent explosion at a madrasa in Keraniganj as a possible indicator of militant activity. Investigations and media reports have suggested links to extremist elements, raising concerns that explosives produced there may have been distributed to other parts of the country.

“Militants are not only increasing their activities but also making various preparations,” Nur Khan said, adding that allegations of involvement by members of certain forces have resurfaced, heightening the need for vigilance. Despite these concerns, he expressed cautious optimism: “Since the issue has been identified, the government is expected to take necessary steps to restore public confidence and prevent further criminal activities.”

Additional Inspector General of Police (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant. “Bangladesh Police is always on alert to prevent militant activities,” he told. He added that specialized units, including the CTTC and Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), are actively monitoring developments. Rafiqul Islam noted that several militant suspects released on bail over the past year and a half have been rearrested, while others remain under surveillance. However, he said there is no confirmed information regarding the involvement of police personnel in extremist activities.

Shaikh Shahrukh: Thirteen years after the Rana Plaza collapse reshaped Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector, the industry has undergone sweeping changes — safer factories, stricter compliance and global recognition for green manufacturing. Yet beneath these gains lies a more complex reality: workers still face pressure on the factory floor, survivors continue to struggle with long-term hardship, and manufacturers are grappling with rising costs and financial strain. Workers across major industrial hubs say workplace safety has improved significantly since the 2013 disaster.

“Now there are fire exits, and we have regular drills,” said a female worker in Narayanganj. But concerns remain. “The production pressure is still very high. If we fail to meet targets, wages can be deducted,” she added. A worker in Gazipur said union activities remain sensitive in some factories. “There is always fear of losing jobs,” he said. Others noted that while safety awareness has increased, preparedness during real emergencies still needs improvement.

“Before Rana Plaza, we didn’t even know what a fire exit was. Now we get training, but in a real situation, not everyone can respond properly,” another worker said. For factory owners, the transformation has required heavy financial investment. “After Rana Plaza, entrepreneurs had to invest heavily to ensure safety,” said Faiz Ahmed Khan, managing director of Haseen Kayaba Group.

While necessary, he said, these investments have not been matched by higher prices from international buyers. “Many factories took bank loans to upgrade compliance. Those liabilities still remain,” he said.

Ahsanul Russel, managing director of Tua Ha Textile Mills Ltd, echoed the concern. “We carried out extensive renovations to meet compliance standards. But order prices did not increase accordingly,” he said, adding that many factories are still repaying loans taken during that period. Industry insiders say smaller factories were particularly vulnerable, with many unable to survive the financial shock.

One of the most visible outcomes of post-Rana Plaza reforms has been the growth of environmentally sustainable factories. Bangladesh now has more than 210 LEED-certified green garment factories, many with top-tier Platinum and Gold ratings—the highest number in the world. These facilities incorporate energy-efficient systems, water recycling and environmentally friendly designs, marking a shift toward sustainable production. Before 2013, only a handful of factories met such standards.

However, industry leaders say green transformation has also increased production costs without ensuring better returns. “Compliance and sustainability have improved our global reputation,” said Fazlul Hoque, managing director of Plummy Fashions Ltd and former BKMEA president. “But production costs have risen sharply, while buyers continue to negotiate lower prices,” he added.

In the aftermath of the collapse, international initiatives such as the Accord and the Alliance carried out extensive inspections, focusing on structural, electrical and fire safety. Factories were required to reinforce buildings, upgrade electrical systems and introduce modern fire safety measures, including sprinkler systems and emergency drills. These reforms significantly improved safety standards across the sector. But they also raised the cost of doing business.

Industry estimates suggest that between 2,000 and 2,500 garment factories have closed over the past decade. Key factors include high compliance costs, shrinking profit margins, rising utility expenses and intense global competition. A factory owner in Gazipur said compliance upgrades alone cost between $700,000 and $800,000.

“Buyers did not increase prices. Loans went up, profits declined, and many factories could not survive,” he said, requesting anonymity. Manufacturers say pricing pressure from international buyers remains a major challenge, with some buyers continuing to negotiate aggressively despite demanding higher compliance standards.

Compared to the pre-2013 period, the industry now operates under stricter regulations, higher costs and tighter margins. Safety investment has increased, but so have operational challenges—from energy shortages to persistent loan burdens. Thirteen years on, Bangladesh’s garment sector stands as both a success story of reform and a reminder of unresolved pressures. While factories are safer and more sustainable, workers, survivors and business owners alike say the journey toward a fully balanced and resilient industry is still far from complete.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that the government has taken necessary steps to formulate and implement action plans based on a 180-day programme to implement the commitments made in the election manifesto.

“In line with the election manifesto, several important programmes have already been taken up on a priority basis and significant progress has been achieved in implementing those,” he said in reply to a starred question from treasury bench member from Pabna-5 Md Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswasin in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, said his government has initiated the ‘Family Card’ programme, considering the family as the core unit of development.

The programme has been launched with providing Taka 2,500 per month through ‘Family Card’ to the female heads of 37,814 families in 13 districts and three city corporations primarily to give protection to marginalised and low-income families, he added.

The Prime Minister also said the ‘Farmer Card’ programme was launched on April 14 aimed at ensuring agricultural development and providing benefits to farmers such as subsidized agricultural inputs, irrigation facilities, and easy access to agricultural loans and machinery. In the pre-pilot phase, he said, the programme is being implemented in 11 agricultural blocks across 11 upazilas in 10 districts.

Additionally, as per the ruling BNP’s election pledge, Tarique Rahman said agricultural loans up to Taka 10,000 in crops, livestock, and fisheries sectors have been waived. To this end, he said, the government has already allocated a budget of Taka 1,567.96 crore, benefiting about 13 lakh 17 thousand 500 farmers across the country.

The Prime Minister said under the 180-day priority programme of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, honorarium and festival allowances have already been sent to the bank accounts of 9,102 people working in mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries/pagodas and churches under a pilot scheme.

The process of expanding the programme is underway, he added. Tarique Rahman also mentioned that an initiative has been taken to introduce ‘e-Health Cards’, and a project is awaiting approval to this end. Under the project, providing medical services through the e-health card to the people of five districts- Khulna, Noakhali, Bogra, Sirajganj and Narsingdi- will be launched within 180 days, he said.

About the canal excavation program, the Prime Minister said, the canal excavation/re-excavation programme under the government’s 180-day plans started on March 16. Until June this year, the Ministry of Water Resources, Local Government Department and Ministry of Agriculture will excavate/re-excavate 1,204 kilometers of canals, he said.

Besides, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will re-excavate/renovate 1,500 kilometers of canals through Kabikha (food for work), Kabita (money for work) and TR (Test Relief) during this period, the premier added.

“Our plan is to excavate and re-excavate a total of 20,000 kilometers of canals and rivers in the next 5 years,” the Leader of the House said.

Tarique Rahman said that 1.5 crore saplings of various species have already been produced for afforestation with the aim of planting 25 crore trees and creating green jobs in five years.

“The produced saplings will be planted in the upcoming monsoon this year,” he added.

About the education sector, the Prime Minister said activities are going on to distribute uniforms among 2 lakh government primary school students free of cost in this fiscal year.

In addition, the implementation of the ‘One Teacher One Tab’ plan has started in various schools in phases, he said, adding, free Wi-Fi will be introduced in 2,336 technical institutions and 8,232 madrasahs across the country within 180 days to modernize technical and madrasa education.

About the infrastructural development, the Prime Minister said a committee formed at the central level is working to determine playgrounds and develop infrastructure in urban and rural areas across the country. He said the government has a plan to create open playgrounds on 8 bighas and 10 bighas of land in each union and upazila respectively.

About the IT sector, Tarique Rahman said a committee has been formed to effectively operate the Hi-Tech/Software Parks and ICT Centers and to take effective initiatives to start PayPal’s operations in Bangladesh.

In line with BNP’s election pledge, he said sports allowance has been introduced for national athletes under the salary structure. “Initially, a plan has been made to bring 500 athletes under this allowance, of which 129 athletes have been provided with allowances in the first phase,” the BNP chairman said.

Noting that the loan limit for language student visas has been increased from Taka 3 lakh to Taka 10 lakh without security, the Prime Minister said this loan has been simplified for students going to Japan on the basis of a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) before obtaining a visa.

About the energy sector, he said as part of generating 20 percent renewable electricity by 2030, a total of 35 megawatts of electricity has already been added to the national grid through the National Rooftop Solar Programme and net metering.

Regarding employment, Tarique Rahman said the government has decided to recruit five lakh government employees, out of which the process of recruiting 2,879 people against vacant posts in the Ministry of Public Administration and subordinate offices and organizations is underway.

DHAKA – Praising the armed forces for their contributions to safeguarding national security, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed them to protect sovereignty of the country and uphold dignity of the constitution, rising above party-affiliation and opinions. He also called upon the members of the armed forces to maintain public trust, and stay committed to serving the nation with integrity, dedication, and sacrifice.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the call while addressing a Darbar for the military officials at the Dhaka Cantonment Auditorium here, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. Earlier, on his arrival at the venue, the premier was received by his Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division.

“The armed forces are not the property of any particular individual, family or party. The armed forces are a symbol of the strength and dignity of an independent state,” the premier said, adding, commitment to the constitution and the unwavering trust of the people must be the core base of the armed forces to walk the path.

“Protecting the independence and sovereignty of the country is the sole and sacred responsibility of each of our members,” he added.

In the past, the Prime Minister said, there had been attempts to weaken the army and make it controversial through various incidents and activities. Referring to the Pilkhana massacre, he said the army was damaged through that incident and in subsequent times, there were attempts to make the force controversial for various activities.

Highlighting the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to modernizing the army, Tarique Rahman said that it is important to nurture the patriotism and strong spirit that had developed in the army since that time.

“If there are united armed forces, no one can defeat Bangladesh,” he added.

Terming the Bangladesh Army’s participation in the UN peacekeeping mission as a major achievement, the premier said this achievement reached a higher level internationally during the BNP government. He said that the armed forces are not only an indispensable force in times of war, but also play a role as vigilant guards to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and an important role in dealing with any natural disaster.

The role of Bangladesh Armed Forces is globally recognized in establishing peace in war-torn countries by being members of UN peacekeeping missions outside the country’s borders, the Prime Minister said.

“We want an armed force that will be respected by external powers and trusted by the country’s people,” he said, adding, the armed forces must always maintain a high ideological position without compromising professionalism.

Addressing the Darbar, the Prime Minister highly praised the professionalism, discipline, and contributions of the armed forces in safeguarding national security and enhancing Bangladesh’s image in the international arena.

He particularly commended their role in maintaining the overall law and order in the country since August 2024 and in ensuring the smooth and successful completion of the 13th national parliamentary election.

Tarique Rahman assured full government support to enhance the future capabilities, modernization and effective participation of the armed forces in national development. Senior military and civil officials stationed in Dhaka, along with members of different ranks, attended the Darbar. Members stationed in other parts of the country joined the event through video teleconference.

With its political activities banned under an amended anti-terrorism law, the Bangladesh Awami League’s only remaining path to resuming operations now lies in the courts, legal experts say. The 13th National Parliament on Wednesday approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, formalising an ordinance issued during the interim government’s tenure that allows authorities to prohibit activities of individuals or entities accused of involvement in terrorism.

Under the law, the government can ban organisational activities through a gazette notification, restrict public statements, and prohibit meetings, processions and campaigns across all platforms. While the Awami League as an entity has not been dissolved, the ban on its activities effectively sidelines it from political engagement.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Mamun Mahbub said the party still has a constitutional avenue to challenge the decision. “The Awami League has not been banned as a party, only its activities,” he said. If it wants to return, it must file a writ petition in the High Court. He added that the court could examine whether the restrictions are legally justified and consistent with constitutional provisions.

The ban has sparked debate among legal experts, particularly over its compatibility with Article 38 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.Human rights lawyer Manzil Morshed said such restrictions may not withstand judicial scrutiny unless clearly justified. Citizens have a fundamental right to organise. If this law is challenged, the court will assess whether that right has been unlawfully curtailed, he said.

He argued that only organisations engaged in activities threatening state security or public order can be legally banned, and any broader restriction could be struck down.

The amendment empowers the government to declare any individual or organisation involved in terrorist activities as banned, either by listing them in an official schedule or by prohibiting all activities. It also restricts any form of communication or mobilisation in support of such entities, including through media and social platforms.

The ordinance was originally issued in May 2025 under presidential powers when Parliament was not in session and has now been enacted into law without changes. Analysts say the issue now shifts from the political arena to the judiciary.

With the law in force, the Awami League’s ability to operate depends largely on whether it chooses to challenge the ban – and how the courts interpret constitutional safeguards against state restrictions. For now, the High Court stands as the final avenue for the party to seek restoration of its political activities.

The ongoing Middle East conflict and global economic instability could push around 1.2 million additional people in Bangladesh into poverty this year, the World Bank has warned, highlighting growing risks to livelihoods and economic stability. The projection was outlined in the World Bank’s Bangladesh Development Update (April 2026), released on Wednesday, which cautions that rising inflation and declining incomes may prevent a large segment of the population from escaping poverty.

According to the report, individuals earning less than $3 per day are considered below the poverty line. Prior to the escalation of the Middle East conflict, around 1.7 million Bangladeshis were expected to move above this threshold in 2026. However, that figure is now projected to fall to about 500,000, leaving roughly 1.2 million people unable to rise out of poverty.

The World Bank noted that Bangladesh’s progress in reducing poverty has slowed in recent years. The national poverty rate increased from 18.7% in 2022 to 21.4% in 2025, with around 1.4 million people newly falling below the poverty line last year alone.

The report warns that external shocks — particularly the war in the Middle East — are compounding existing economic pressures, threatening to reverse earlier gains. The World Bank projects that Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth could slow to 3.9% in the 2025–26 fiscal year, as global uncertainty dampens consumption and investment.

At a briefing in Dhaka, World Bank Bangladesh and Bhutan Director Jean Pesme said weak revenue collection, rising trade barriers — including retaliatory tariffs — and persistent inflation are adding to economic strain. He stressed the need to sustain reform efforts and improve the investment climate to generate jobs and support long-term poverty reduction.

The report identifies several channels through which the conflict could impact Bangladesh’s economy. It warns of pressure on the current account balance, driven by disruptions in imports, exports and remittances, as well as exchange rate volatility. Rising global fuel prices are expected to push up transport costs, contributing to higher inflation.

At the same time, government finances may come under increased strain due to higher subsidy requirements for fuel and fertiliser. The report also highlights the risk of widening inequality, with the Gini coefficient projected to rise slightly in 2026, reflecting uneven income distribution.

Without the impact of the conflict, the World Bank estimates Bangladesh’s poverty rate could have declined to 19.3% by 2028. However, current conditions may delay that trajectory. The report underscores the importance of controlling inflation, expanding employment opportunities and strengthening the investment environment to mitigate the impact.

Experts say the coming months will be critical, as policymakers seek to balance short-term shocks with longer-term economic recovery. As global uncertainties persist, the World Bank’s warning signals a growing risk that external conflicts could translate into deeper economic hardship for millions in Bangladesh.

DHAKA – Ten more people have died of suspected measles in the country in the last 24 hours, according to the control center of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). In a press release today, it said that in the last 24 hours, 1,248 new suspected measles patients have been identified across the country and 189 laboratory-confirmed patients have been found.

According to the release, from March 15 to April 8, the total number of confirmed measles patients was 1,599 and the number of suspected measles cases was 11,133. DGHS has so far confirmed a total of 21 deaths as measles-related and 138 people have died of suspected measles during the same period, it added.

During this period, the highest number of suspected measles cases was reported in Dhaka Division, where 4,667 people were infected. Of these, 991 people were confirmed to have measles.

The DGHS is continuously monitoring the situation and is regularly collecting and analyzing information through the Integrated Control Center. In addition to ensuring necessary medical care for patients, the people have been advised to remain vigilant.

For many in Bangladesh, the country’s strained health system is not an abstract policy issue but a daily reality measured in long waits, rising bills, and difficult choices between treatment and survival. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these weaknesses sharply, yet little has changed since. Shortages of doctors and nurses, low budget allocation, mismanagement, and soaring treatment and medicine costs continue to weigh heavily on patients and families.

Experts say the system lacks a comprehensive master plan and remains overly centralized, leaving rural and district-level facilities under-resourced and overcrowded. Decentralization, they argue, is key to making healthcare accessible to ordinary people.

In Bangladesh, health sector allocation remains below 1% of GDP, with most of it spent on salaries and allowances. Although the World Health Organization recommends at least 5%, that benchmark has not been achieved. During the interim government period, the sector saw little visible progress. The BNP’s election manifesto included a pledge to allocate 5% of GDP to health, though experts say implementation will be difficult.

Health Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said the government plans to spend 5% of GDP on the sector, focusing on infrastructure development and modernization to improve services and build a healthier nation. The Health Sector Reform Commission has recommended allocating at least 15% of the national budget to health. However, only 5.3% has been allocated in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Public health expert Dr. Lelin Chowdhury said that although the allocation is low, even the existing resources are not being effectively utilized. He said the health ministry and its directorates lack the capacity to manage funds efficiently and need restructuring, though no initiative is visible.

For patients, the imbalance between demand and available healthcare providers is most visible at hospitals and clinics. Bangladesh has only 0.83 doctors per 1,000 people, with around 90,000 practicing physicians. Nursing shortages are even more severe: against a need of 310,500 nurses, only 56,734 are currently employed—just 28% of the requirement.

This shortage means longer waiting times, hurried consultations, and overworked medical staff. In many rural and upazila-level facilities, patients often find no choice but to travel to private hospitals or delay treatment altogether.

Each doctor ends up seeing far more patients than recommended, while limited nursing support affects patient care and recovery. The situation contributes to declining service quality and growing frustration among patients. The government has announced plans to recruit doctors, nurses, and technicians in phases. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said the shortages will be addressed gradually through large-scale hiring.

Dr Lelin Chowdhury noted that the country has about 172,000 hospital beds, with roughly 100,000 in the private sector and 72,000 in the public sector. He said oversight capacity is limited, particularly in monitoring private facilities, and there is no dedicated system to ensure quality standards. He added that serving a population of 180 million requires a comprehensive plan and better distribution of services.

For many families, the biggest burden is not just access to care but the cost of it. A study by the Health Economics Unit shows that individuals bear the majority of healthcare expenses. In 2018, 2019, and 2020, out-of-pocket spending accounted for 64%, 66%, and 69% of total health expenditure, respectively, while government spending remained much lower.

More than 8.6 million people fall below the poverty line each year due to medical expenses, with medicines alone accounting for 64.6% of total spending.

A 2020 study found that individuals bear 68.5% of total healthcare costs themselves. A Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) report published in July 2024 showed that out of every Tk100 spent on healthcare, patients pay Tk73—54.40% on medicines, 27.52% on diagnostics, 10.31% on doctors, and 7.77% on transportation.

Latest estimates from the World Health Organization and the World Bank indicate that 44% of households face financial hardship due to healthcare costs. Public health expert Professor Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed said many people are forced to forgo treatment, deplete savings, take on debt, or sell assets to afford care. “The burden falls most heavily on the poor,” he noted.

Lelin Chowdhury said tertiary care services remain concentrated in Dhaka and major cities, leaving district-level populations underserved. He stressed that decentralization is necessary to reduce pressure on urban hospitals and improve access to advanced care closer to home.

The Health Sector Reform Commission, formed by the 2024-2026 interim government, submitted 32 recommendations aimed at short- and medium-term improvements, including structural reforms, digital health systems, increased funding, universal health coverage, protection of healthcare workers, and better medicine management.

Commission chief Dr. A.K. Azad Khan said the responsibility of the commission was to recommend reforms, while implementation lies with the government. Public health expert Dr. Mushtaq Hossain said the recommendations have largely not been acted upon. He added that even a monitoring committee was not formed to oversee reforms, and little attention has been given by the current government as well.

For patients and families navigating this system, the gap between policy discussions and everyday realities remains stark—reflected in overcrowded wards, rising bills, and the ongoing question of who will truly take responsibility for a health sector under strain.

DHAKA – The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved five development projects with an estimated total cost of Tk 483.43 crore. Of the total project cost, Tk 390.84 crore will be financed from the government exchequer while Tk 92.59 crore will be sourced through project loans or grants. The approval came at the 9th ECNEC meeting of the 2025-26 fiscal year and the first meeting of the current government, held at the Cabinet Division conference room in the city.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting. The five projects approved today are as follows: The General Social Infrastructure Development Project-2 (GSIDP-2), managed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), has had its budget increased to Tk 1,450 crore and is scheduled for completion in June 2027.

In contrast, the Char Development and Settlement Project-4 (CDSP-4) saw a reduction in its total cost, which now stands at Tk 30.7186 crore.The IT Training and Incubation Center project received a cost increase of Tk 228.4454 crore which now stands at Tk 533.5492 crore and will now continue through June 2026.

Funding for the Modernization of Diagnostic Imaging Facilities across eight divisional medical college hospitals has risen to Tk 1,213.7050 crore, with the project timeline extended to June 2028. Finally, the Establishment of Gopalganj Dental College and Hospital (2nd Revision) was granted a cost increase of Tk 26.49 crore, bringing its total budget to Tk 139.3093 crore with a target completion date of June 2026.