Mintu Deshwara

Built at a cost of nearly Tk 50 crore, Balla land port in the north-eastern district of Habiganj now stands largely unused, with parts of its infrastructure overrun by jungle and cattle grazing on the premises.

According to locals, the project was taken up because of the “special interest” of a senior government official from Habiganj. The Bangladesh Land Port Authority chairman, however, rejected the claim, saying there was no official reference to support it.

Forest guards and beat officer were at Jankichhara camp gate and main gate at the time of the incident

Habiganj’s Kaliganj residents struggle to repair homes and recover losses as repeated flooding hits at least 30 villages

With no permanent dumping site, commuters, traders and residents face stench, insects and health concerns every day

Forest Department files case on instructions from PMO and environment ministry

Protests spread as workers reject 5% wage increment and demand union election

It can produce only a fraction of the district's demand amid manpower shortages and ageing infrastructure