Chittagong University (CU) inaugurated seven international-standard biotechnology research labs at the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology on May 23.

The forest department has reforested a total of 400 acres of protected forestland -- which was grabbed by locals in Kodolpur area of Chattogram’s Raozan upazila -- bringing a positive change for the region’s biodiversity.

Two water ambulances worth almost a crore have been lying abandoned on Sandwip island of Chattogram for a long time. This has barred locals from accessing healthcare facilities.

19 Badsha Mia Road, Chattogram, holds an old cemetery on its lands. Except that it’s not just any other cemetery, but rather one with huge historical significance.

Temporary dams in the canals made by Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) as part of implementing a mega project to address waterlogging in the port city have worsened the waterlogging problem.

Costs and deadlines of four ongoing projects to mitigate the waterlogging issue in Chattogram -- worth Tk 11,000 crore -- have been extended multiple times. However, the sufferings of the port city dwellers have increased with them.

Residents of West Bakalia (ward 17) in the port city are the worst sufferers of waterlogging during monsoon every year.

Accidents and casualties caused by open canals and drains are still fresh in the memories of port city residents. Yet the

Protecting Halda River’s broodfish and dolphins from poachers has become much easier, thanks to a small technological initiative. Chattogram region’s river police are now using CCTV cameras to monitor activities in the river.

The journey of Halda River Research Laboratory started on August 20, 2017 in two abandoned rooms at the Department of Zoology at Chittagong University (CU).

Halda is the only river in the country from where naturally laid carp eggs are collected for hatching. And yet, the river is being regularly polluted by industrial waste, posing a serious threat to its biodiversity.

Hundreds of fish egg collectors at Halda river, the only natural carp breeding ground in Bangladesh, are currently going through a huge crisis because of the limited allocation of wells.

Vermicelli, locally known as “Shemai” is a dish that’s ever-present in every household during Eid.

With Eid approaching, the spice market has stocked up on consumer goods. However, even though the wholesale market is somewhat stable in terms of the price of spices, retailers are selling the products to consumers at a higher margin.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Rejaul Karim then took the initiative as per which the final competition took place on a makeshift stage on the road beside Laldighi Maidan on due time, Baishakh 12 or April 25.

After a 25-minute mesmerising contest of physical strength and tactics, Tarequl Islam Jibon (Jibon Boli) won the title in Jabbar-er Boli Khela’s 113th edition held at Laldighir Par in Chattogram city yesterday, beating Shahjalal Boli in the final round.

Chattogram’s handmade footwear industry usually hits peak season during Ramadan, however, this year, the industry is set to undergo losses as the demand for local shoes has been decreasing.

With Eid approaching, the artisans of the port city’s Bihari Palli, who specialise in zardozi and karchupi work (intricate designs done by hand with beads and metal thread embroidery) are working day and night to straighten out their orders at different boutiques of the region.

The ringing sound of hundreds of sewing machines floats through Khalifa Patti in Chattogram every year before Eid-ul-Fitr. At least eight to ten people are hard at work round the clock in every shop of the market.

With Eid-ul-Fitr inching closer, sales in different shopping malls and roadside markets in the port city are picking up.