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.

Salma Akter Sharmin: Amid a nationwide measles outbreak, concerns are mounting over continued transmission inside hospitals and homes, as shortages of beds and inadequate isolation facilities are forcing infected and uninfected children to share wards, leading to new infections. Health experts say measles, caused by a highly contagious virus, can infect 12 to 18 unvaccinated people through a single infected case.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), one death from measles was reported in the last 24 hours, while four more suspected deaths were recorded during the same period. A total of 1,170 new suspected cases were identified in the last 24 hours.

From March 15 to April 23 (8:00am), suspected cases have reached 28,334, of which 4,059 have been confirmed as measles. So far, 18,845 patients have been hospitalized with suspected and confirmed infections, while 15,728 have recovered and been discharged. Since the outbreak began, 39 confirmed deaths and 194 suspected deaths have been reported.

Data from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Hospital shows that 426 patients received outpatient care in the last 24 hours, while 100 were admitted. A total of 436 patients are currently undergoing treatment at the facility. One death was reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths at the hospital to 12. So far, 2,107 patients have been admitted there.

Hospitals, including the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali and other public and private facilities, are currently facing severe bed shortages. As a result, patients with highly contagious diseases such as measles and chickenpox are being treated in shared wards, contributing to hospital-based transmission, with new infections emerging among already admitted children.

A similar case has been reported in Chapainawabganj, where a one-and-a-half-year-old girl, Tahmina, was initially admitted with fever and later diagnosed with pneumonia. Her family said she developed measles symptoms after being exposed to infected patients in the same ward. Her condition deteriorated, and she was referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital and later to Dhaka Shishu Hospital. However, due to a lack of available beds, she is currently receiving treatment at DNCC Hospital.

Public health expert and vaccine specialist Dr. Md. Tajul Islam Bari said measles patients must be strictly isolated. “Whether in hospital or at home, isolation is mandatory. If patient numbers are high, additional beds or even temporary arrangements such as tents should be used,” he said, adding that failure to isolate patients accelerates transmission.

Doctors at DNCC Hospital said transmission from one patient to another within healthcare facilities is known as cross-infection. They added that infections are also spreading rapidly within families, creating what they described as a chain of transmission.

Dr. Shreebas Pal, consultant at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali, said measles, chickenpox, and mumps are all highly contagious diseases. Due to heavy patient loads, maintaining proper isolation is often not possible, leading to rapid spread of infection. He added that around 10 percent of patients admitted for other conditions are found to have contracted measles during treatment.

In response to the worsening situation, the Health Services Division has instructed all public hospitals to increase bed capacity. In a directive issued on Thursday (April 23), signed by Dr. Abu Hossain Md. Moinul Ahsan, Director (Hospitals and Clinics) of the DGHS, hospitals were instructed not to turn away any measles or suspected measles patients due to lack of beds. Instead, hospitals have been directed to arrange additional beds or alternative facilities where necessary.

Dhaka: Activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) assaulted two Ducsu office-bearers inside Shahbagh Police Station on Thursday evening. The victims are Ducsu Secretary for Literature and Cultural Affairs Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad and Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair.

Eyewitnesses said JCD activists went to the police station to file a case against Dhaka University student Abdullah Al Mahmud, whom they alleged was linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) and had made a Facebook post they considered offensive. The group had earlier announced the move.

At the same time, Abdullah Al Mahmud also arrived at the police station to submit a general diary over concerns for his personal safety. Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad, A B Zubair, and Fatima Tasnim Zuma accompanied him.

Witnesses said tensions escalated when both sides came face to face inside the station, leading to a confrontation between Ducsu representatives and JCD activists that quickly turned violent. Around 20 to 30 JCD activists then attacked Musaddiq and Zubair inside the police station, assaulting them separately, according to eyewitness accounts.

JCD leaders, however, claimed Musaddiq triggered the violence by attempting to strike a joint secretary of the Chhatra Dal’s Dhaka University unit. Senior JCD leaders later intervened and moved the two Ducsu leaders to a secure area inside the police station.

Witnesses also said a group of activists chanted slogans inside the station for around 20 minutes, demanding that the Ducsu leaders be handed over to them. Senior leaders later dispersed the group from the premises, though they remained gathered at the gate for some time.

Later in the evening, Ramna Zone Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam escorted A B Zubair and Fatima Tasnim Zuma to Shahbagh police station Jame Masjid around 9 pm after they were taken to safety.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Bangladesh called for urgent global action to bridge the widening SDG financing gap and to establish a fair, inclusive and responsive international financial system. At the General debate in ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum 2026 held at the UN Headquarters in New York today, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury underscored that geopolitical conflicts, declining ODA, climate shocks, trade barriers and energy uncertainties were shrinking the policy space for developing countries. In this context, Bangladesh had sought an extension of its LDC graduation preparatory period to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition.

The Permanent Representative also highlighted the country’s progress in political and economic recovery with the government focusing on macroeconomic stability, rebuilding business confidence, strengthening the banking sector, promoting investment, and expanding direct support to vulnerable people.

Stressing the need to lower debt costs, avoid inefficient infrastructure-related debt, and channel FDI into productive, job-creating sectors with technology transfer, Ambassador Chowdhury called for a more representative global financial system, climate justice, action on loss and damage, and the return of stolen assets to their rightful owner.

New York: Leaders and activists of the United States Awami League have strongly protested what they described as a conspiracy by BNP-Jamaat groups to ban the Bangladesh Awami League, warning of a strong movement if such efforts continue.

Speaking at a rally held on April 5 in Jackson Heights, New York City, party leaders expressed anger and concern over what they called a political conspiracy. They asserted that Bangladesh did not create the Awami League; rather, Bangladesh itself was born under the leadership of the Awami League. According to the speakers, those who do not believe in the red-and-green national flag are capable of engaging in such actions.

The speakers further noted that even Pakistani military rulers had once banned the Awami League, and alleged that BNP-Jamaat are now attempting to repeat that history. They said such efforts would never be allowed to succeed.

Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of the US Awami League, stated that the current government should not forget that the February 12 election lacks legitimacy, as it excluded what he claimed to be 55 percent of Awami League supporters. He added that this issue is increasingly coming to light and that similar voices of protest will soon rise across the United States, including New York. He warned that the power structure of what he described as extremist elements would eventually collapse.

The rally began with an opening speech by Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and was conducted by General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad.

Among those who spoke at the event were Sajjad Hossain Sabuj, Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.; Imdad Chowdhury, General Secretary of New York City Awami League; Vice President Sakhawat Hossain Chanchal; Dr. Masudul Hasan, Vice President of US Awami League; freedom fighters Sharaf Sarkar and Solaiman Ali; Zainal Abedin; John Sikdar; Organizing Secretary Mohiuddin Dewan; Sharif Kamrul Hira; M.A. Malek; Professor Shahnaz Mumtaz, President of US Mahila Awami League; Sheikh Atik, Vice President of New York State Awami League; General Secretary Shaheen Azmal; Ashraful Uddin, Vice President of US Swechchhasebak League; Bronx Awami League leader Md. Muhit; US Awami League leader Md. Tulon; Jubo League leader Sebul Mia; Chhatra League leaders Hridoy Mia and Zahid Hasan, among others.

Also present were journalist union leader Saban Mahmud, US Awami League Organizing Secretary Abul Hasib Mamun, and Executive Member Shahanara Rahman.

DHAKA – US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has expressed optimism over advancing bilateral relations, saying Washington is working to elevate ties with Dhaka under a clear vision set by President Donald Trump. In a video message, released on today marking 100 days since his arrival, the ambassador said, “After 100 days, I am even more optimistic about the future of US-Bangladesh relations.

“I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish next,” he said.

The envoy noted that Bangladesh and the United States have signed a ‘historic trade agreement’ aimed at balancing the trade deficit and enhancing mutual prosperity. “I have tirelessly advocated for U.S. businesses across Bangladesh to build those trade ties,” he said.

Christensen said the two countries are cooperating to combat illegal migration and strengthen a ‘closer security partnership’ for a free and open Indo-Pacific. “We are combating diseases like tuberculosis and measles through a new health partnership with Bangladesh,” he said.

The envoy said the United States remains the largest donor supporting Bangladesh’s hosting of the Rohingya people and will continue to push for a political solution to the crisis.

Reflecting on his time in Bangladesh, he said he received a warm welcome from the people and enjoyed engaging with the country’s culture, including Pahela Baishakh festivities, cricket, and local cuisine.

“We could not have asked for anything more. I came at an important time, just before Bangladesh’s historic February election,” he said.

He noted that the United States was the first country to recognise the election results and congratulate the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The ambassador said he has worked for over two decades on US policy toward Bangladesh and the broader region, reaffirming his commitment to advancing American interests and strengthening bilateral ties.

Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on January 15 at Bangabhaban and expressed his eagerness to deepen cooperation. He added that over the past five decades, Bangladesh and the United States have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth, and sovereignty.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: A historic milestone has been achieved in New York, as a resolution has been adopted recognizing April 14 as “Bengali New Year Day,” marking a significant acknowledgment of Bengali culture and heritage. The resolution was passed on April 22 during a legislative session held in the state capital, Albany, bringing a grand conclusion to three days of vibrant New Year celebrations.

The proposal was introduced in the New York State Senate by Senators Luis Sepúlveda, Nathalia Fernandez, and Toby Ann Stavisky. Speaking in support of the resolution, Senator Stavisky emphasized the vital contributions of the Bengali community in education, business, and culture across New York’s diverse society. Her remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from fellow lawmakers and attendees. Approximately 50 prominent members of the Bengali diaspora were present at the session, rising to their feet in recognition of the moment.

The resolution calls upon Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim April 14, 2026, as Bengali New Year Day in New York State. It highlights the festival as a secular and inclusive cultural celebration with roots in the agrarian economy of the Mughal era, bringing together people of all backgrounds through music, dance, art, and traditional heritage.

It further acknowledges the Bengali-speaking population—one of the largest linguistic communities in the world—for its strong cultural presence in New York. From the late 19th century to the present day, Bengalis have made notable contributions in education, research, business, healthcare, and literature across the United States.

The resolution also recognizes the decades-long cultural contributions of Muktadhara Foundation, including its festivals and book fairs, and highlights the role of its founder Biswajit Saha. His contributions have been formally acknowledged by the state legislature, as his name is included among those receiving official copies of the resolution.

Following the formal proceedings, a cultural program began at 1:00 PM. The event opened with Rabindra Sangeet performances led by music director Mahitosh Talukder Tapas. Senator Stavisky delivered remarks during the program, praising the role of community organizations such as NRB Worldwide and the Muktadhara Foundation in promoting Bengali language and culture in New York.

Additional speakers included NRB Worldwide Vice President Kallol Basu, General Secretary Tofazzal Liton, and Mahitosh Talukder Tapas. In his remarks, Biswajit Saha expressed his vision of elevating Bengali New Year celebrations beyond the diaspora and into the broader American mainstream.

The cultural segment featured performances by young dancer Bhasha Saha and singer Durga Khatriya. Folk artist MD Shahin Hossain captivated the audience with traditional music. Under the musical direction of Mahitosh Tapas, five special songs were performed, making the hour-long program lively and festive. The event concluded with a collective rendition of the national anthem of Bangladesh.

The celebration, organized by the New York State Senate and led by Biswajit Saha under the banner of NRB Worldwide, began on April 11–12 in New York City—notably in Times Square and Jackson Heights—and concluded on April 22 at the State Capitol in Albany.

With the adoption of this resolution, Bengali New Year is now on a clear path toward official recognition as a cultural observance in New York State—marking a proud and historic achievement for the Bengali community in the United States.

District towns across Bangladesh are experiencing acute power outages as global energy supplies continue to be disrupted due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The situation has led to a sharp decline in electricity generation, with supply in many areas dropping to nearly half of the demand. In several regions, load shedding has taken a severe turn, with outages exceeding 10 hours a day.

On Thursday, power distribution companies struggled to maintain supply from morning until evening. Although scheduled outages were supposed to last one hour in different areas, the nationwide average exceeded two hours. Outside Dhaka, the situation is particularly dire, with some areas facing power cuts lasting eight to nine hours daily.

In Chittagong, residents are enduring daily power cuts ranging from seven to eight hours, severely disrupting normal life amid intense heat. Industrial production has also been affected. Rural areas are facing even worse conditions than the city, with electricity available for less than 10 hours out of 24.

Md Rafique, a resident of the Shangeet Residential Area under Panchlaish thana, told, “Load shedding has become unbearable over the past few days. Power goes out 10 to 12 times daily, and once it goes, it returns after about two hours. We are without electricity for at least seven to eight hours a day. In this heat, the situation has become intolerable and needs urgent resolution.”

Responding to the situation, Md Akbar Hossain, assistant director (Public Relations) of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) in Chittagong, said that electricity distribution in Chattogram, the three hill districts, and Cox’s Bazar is managed from the Agrabad office.

“For the past four to five days, Chittagong has been experiencing load shedding of six to seven hours daily. During off-peak hours, outages reach up to 111 megawatts, but during peak hours, the situation worsens due to higher demand,” he said.

According to BPDB sources, peak hours typically run from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, when electricity demand is at its highest. Off-peak hours span from 11:00 pm to 5:00 pm the following day, when demand remains comparatively lower. However, the intensity of load shedding has been significantly higher during peak hours.

A report published on April 15 by the Chittagong Power Development Board revealed a significant gap between electricity demand and supply. On that day, power demand during off-peak hours stood at 1,384.09 megawatts, while peak-hour demand reached 1,432.73 megawatts. In contrast, load shedding amounted to 111.09 megawatts during off-peak hours and rose to 170.73 megawatts during peak hours.

Meanwhile, residents of Barisal are enduring prolonged power outages, with load shedding lasting five to six hours within a 24-hour period. The situation has left city dwellers struggling to cope with the intense heat, while business owners report mounting financial losses.

According to sources at the 33 kV substation control room in Rupatali, the combined daily electricity demand in Barisal and Jhalokathi ranges between 90 and 95 megawatts. However, only around 42 megawatts are being supplied. As a result, authorities are compelled to implement at least six hours of load shedding daily, with outages more frequent during peak hours.

Residents, including Mizanur Rahman of Kaunia and Sadeq Hossain of Circular Road, expressed frustration over the worsening situation. They said that as temperatures rise, power outages have increased, causing severe inconvenience to families. Nighttime outages, in particular, have made it difficult for children to sleep, adding to the overall hardship.

Business owners are facing even greater challenges. Traders from Chawk Bazar, including Minal Kanti Saha and Mohammad Shahin, said that due to the electricity crisis, the government has instructed shops to close by 6:00 pm. While they are complying with the directive, frequent outages between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, often occurring four times a day, are severely affecting their operations. Each outage typically lasts over an hour, discouraging customers during crucial business hours. As a result, many traders are struggling to cover daily expenses.

They also expressed concern over the lack of clear information regarding when the situation might improve, alleging that authorities have not provided definite assurances.

When contacted, Manjur Kumar Swarnakar, executive engineer of Barisal Power Sales and Distribution Division-1, told that his area has a demand of 78.5 megawatts but is receiving only 50 megawatts of electricity supply. “Under these circumstances, we are left with no option but to resort to load shedding,” he said.

Executive Engineer Manjurul Islam of Barisal Electricity Sales and Distribution Division-2 said the demand in his jurisdiction stands at 39 MW, while only 21 MW is being supplied. “Under these circumstances, we have no option but to implement load shedding,” he told.

Echoing similar concerns, Akhteruzzaman Palash, executive engineer of the Barisal 33 kV substation, said they are receiving less than half of the required electricity. “As a result, we are compelled to enforce load shedding for five to six hours daily,” he added.

In the Mymensingh zone—comprising Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Netrokona, Sherpur, Tangail, and Kishoreganj—the daily electricity demand is around 1,075 MW. However, only 750 MW is being supplied, leaving a deficit of up to 325 MW. Officials say this shortfall is causing four to five hours of daily load shedding, with rural areas experiencing nearly double that duration.

Masudul Haque, executive engineer of Power Grid Bangladesh PLC in Mymensingh, noted that the extent of load shedding fluctuates throughout the day. “It is comparatively lower during off-peak hours and increases during peak demand periods,” he said.

He further explained that the Mymensingh Power Station, with a capacity of 210 MW, is currently generating only 30 MW due to gas shortages. Likewise, the United Jamalpur and United Mymensingh power plants, which have a combined capacity of 315 MW, are producing just 67 MW amid a shortage of furnace oil. The situation has been exacerbated by a recent hike in furnace oil prices by Tk 24.59 per litre. In addition, electricity supply from major plants, including Ashuganj, Sirajganj, and Bibiyana, has declined.

However, Engineer Abul Kalam, assistant chief engineer of the Bangladesh Power Development Board in Mymensingh, claimed that load shedding remains minimal. He attributed frequent outages in rural areas to weather-related disruptions. “Storms and rainfall often cause trees to fall on power lines, leading to temporary outages. Restoration efforts take time, which may create the impression of increased load shedding,” he said.

Residents, however, paint a different picture. Abdullah, a resident of Gopalnagar village, said prolonged outages are a daily reality. “Electricity remains unavailable most of the time. Once it goes out, it takes one to two hours to return. We experience four to five hours of load shedding daily. During storms or heavy rain, outages can last the entire day,” he said, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by rural communities.

Load shedding continues unabated in Sylhet, with frequent power outages both day and night causing widespread public suffering. The situation has become particularly challenging for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinees, whose examinations are scheduled to begin on April 21.

According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), Sylhet is currently experiencing load shedding of around 20–25 percent of its daily electricity demand. However, residents claim that the actual outages are more frequent and prolonged than official estimates suggest.

Panna Roy, a resident of Akhalia and a private sector employee, told, “We are going through a miserable time with our children due to constant power cuts. There was no electricity in my house from 12:00 am to 3:30 am on Wednesday. Again, it was out for an hour from 8:00 am on Thursday. Even at the office, power kept coming and going. It feels like we get electricity for an hour, only to lose it the next. On average, we are facing nine to ten hours of load shedding daily.”

Echoing similar concerns, Kobi Nombrom Shankar from Kushighat said he experienced three power outages within just two hours while visiting an office in the Nayasarak area. “We are facing at least seven to eight hours of load shedding every day,” he added.

Business owners in Sylhet have also expressed frustration over the worsening situation. Abdul Rahman Ripon, president of the Sylhet Metropolitan Business Unity Welfare Council, said, “Shops have to close by 7:00 pm, and by the time we open around 11:00 am, half the day is already gone. Even then, electricity is unavailable for a significant portion of the day. If this continues, we may be forced to shut down our businesses.”

BPDB sources said that on Wednesday, the Sylhet region recorded a demand of 170 MW against a supply of only 130 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 40 MW and approximately 25 percent load shedding. In Sylhet district alone, demand stood at 110 MW, while supply was limited to 83 MW, leading to outages exceeding 25 percent.

Mohammad Imam Hossain, chief engineer of BPDB’s Sylhet division, said the situation stems from a mismatch between supply and demand. “We are experiencing an average of 20–25 percent load shedding daily due to insufficient power supply. This is not limited to Sylhet; similar conditions prevail across the country amid the global energy crisis,” he said.

Load shedding has intensified nationwide since early April, driven in part by rising temperatures. While urban areas are coping relatively better, rural regions are facing more severe outages, often lasting six to seven hours daily on average. The situation has also increased reliance on generators.

In Rangpur, residents are experiencing power outages at intervals of one to two hours, significantly disrupting daily life. Although scheduled outages are supposed to last one hour, they often extend beyond two hours. In areas outside the district town, power cuts have reportedly reached up to 10 hours a day. The situation is even more severe at the upazila level, where load shedding occurs almost every hour after evening, totaling 10 to 12 hours daily in rural areas.

Residents said the city has been enduring continuous load shedding for the past 10 days. On Thursday morning, between 5:00 am and 9:00 am, outages occurred almost every hour across most parts of the city, except for some priority areas. Traders at District Council Super Market and Jahaj Company Shopping Complex said frequent outages are severely affecting business operations. “We don’t even get enough time to charge IPS systems,” they said, adding that daily power cuts last eight to nine hours.

Students, including SSC candidates, are also struggling to continue their studies amid persistent disruptions, raising concerns over their preparation for the upcoming exams. Shamsul Islam, an engineer at the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) in Rangpur, said, “We are compelled to implement load shedding due to insufficient power supply from the national grid. There is little we can do under the circumstances.”

The situation is particularly acute in eight upazilas of Rangpur, where rural electrification systems are in place. These areas are experiencing at least 10 hours of load shedding daily. Biplab Kumar Pal, deputy general manager of the Badarganj Rural Electrification Association, said, “The demand in my area is 20 MW, but we are receiving only 8 MW. Under such conditions, it is impossible to meet consumer demand, leaving us with no option but to enforce load shedding.”

Khulna is facing severe and frequent load shedding as electricity supply in many areas has dropped to nearly half of the demand, pushing the situation into a critical state. In several locations, power outages are lasting for more than 10 hours a day. According to data from the West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL), load shedding reached 202 megawatts during the peak hour at 1:00 pm on April 16, with Khulna city alone accounting for 115 megawatts of the shortfall. Central control room data of WZPDCL shows that at the same time, total electricity demand under its jurisdiction stood at 762 megawatts, while supply was only 560 megawatts, resulting in a deficit of 202 megawatts.

In Khulna city, demand was 160 megawatts against a supply of 131 megawatts, leaving a shortfall of 29 megawatts. In the wider Khulna zone, demand stood at 573 megawatts while supply was 458 megawatts, creating a deficit of 115 megawatts. In the Barisal zone, demand was 189 megawatts against a supply of 102 megawatts, resulting in an 87-megawatt shortfall.

However, the ground reality appears to be more severe than official figures suggest, with residents reporting outages lasting more than 10 hours in many areas. A responsible source from the Rampal Power Plant said the facility generated 1,250 megawatts of electricity on April 16 and that production has remained stable despite ongoing global energy supply challenges. The plant continues to play a significant role in supporting the national power grid.

Despite this, residents of Khulna city report frequent outages throughout the day. Locals say power cuts occur every 30 to 60 minutes and last for 60 to 90 minutes at a time. “In our area, when electricity goes out, it does not return for one and a half hours. Even after it returns, it goes off again within 30 minutes. Overall, we are experiencing 10–11 hours of load shedding daily,” said Azmal Hossain, a resident of the Goborchaka area in the city.

Residents of Ward No. 23 in Khulna city also reported outages lasting up to two and a half hours on April 16 at midday, along with brief interruptions in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Reports were compiled by correspondents from Khulna, Barishal, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Rangpur.

DINAJPUR – Bangladesh today has started receiving 5,000 more tonnes of diesel from India through the cross border pipeline, said officials familiar with the process. “Another 5,000 tonnes of diesel has stated coming to Parbatipur Padma Oil depot from India through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline,” Parbatipur Padma Oil depot Manager Md Ahsan Habib Chowdhury said.

He said that the Parbatipur Rail Head depot has started getting the supply since the morning of April 16. According to the ministry, 8,000 tonnes of diesel came to Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh, India on April 14, while 22,000 tonnes of diesel in March. A total of 30,000 tonnes of diesel so far arrived at Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh, India from March to April 14, the sources said.

The depot authorities said that another 7,000 tonnes of diesel will come from Numaligarh Refinery Limited, India, in the next 4 to 5 days. In April Bangladesh will receive a total of 25,000 tonnes of diesel.

“The government is continuing to import diesel from India through pipelines to maintain normal fuel stocks and ensure uninterrupted supply,” said the depot manager. The depot authorities kept the depot open on Friday (holiday) to ensure smooth fuel supply, he said.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: At the 59th Session of the Commission on Population and Development at the UN Headquarters in New York today Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury called for strengthening research and data systems, bridging the digital divide through enhanced international cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building, promoting the ethical use of emerging technologies with strong data privacy safeguards, and investing in digital skills particularly for women and youth while delivering its statement.

Highlighting the critical role of technology and research in achieving ICPD objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals, he noted that nearly one-third of the global population still lacks internet access, limiting opportunities in essential services.

In his statement the Ambassador underlined Bangladesh’s progress in reducing maternal mortality, expanding immunization coverage, strengthening community-based healthcare, promoting women’s empowerment and enhancing collaboration with research institutions. He also emphasized the use of digital health solutions, including telemedicine and real-time disease surveillance.

Stressing the importance of investing in youth, skills development and innovation, Ambassador Chowdhury also acknowledged challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and non-communicable diseases as barrier for sustainable development.