Sylhet, Bangladesh: The country’s first farmers’ market has officially started in Sylhet, marking a new step toward improving the agricultural system and supporting local farmers.

The market has been introduced to allow farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers, creating a more transparent and fair trading environment.

Farmers Get Direct Access to Buyers

Under this new system, farmers can bring fresh vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural goods straight to the market. This removes the need for middlemen, who usually take a share of the profit.

As a result, farmers are expected to earn better prices for their products while maintaining control over their sales.

Consumers Benefit from Lower Prices

The farmers’ market is also good news for consumers. With fewer steps between farm and table, the cost of products is likely to be lower than in traditional markets.

Buyers can also enjoy fresher produce, as items are sold shortly after being harvested. This improves both quality and safety.

Government Initiative for Fair Trade

The market has been launched under the supervision of local authorities and agricultural departments. It is part of a broader effort to improve the country’s food supply system.

Officials aim to reduce unfair pricing and limit the influence of market middlemen. Regular monitoring will help ensure that the market operates smoothly.

Weekly Market System Introduced

The farmers’ market will run on selected days each week. This schedule allows farmers to plan ahead and participate regularly.

Authorities are closely watching the response from the public. If successful, similar markets could be launched in other regions across Bangladesh.

Support for Small Farmers

Small and local farmers are expected to benefit the most from this initiative. Direct selling gives them a better chance to earn fair income without depending on multiple traders.

It also encourages farmers to maintain high-quality produce, as they interact directly with customers.

A Positive Step for Agriculture

The launch of the first farmers’ market in Sylhet is an important move toward building a more efficient and fair agricultural system. It strengthens the connection between farmers and consumers while promoting transparency in the market.

As millions prepare to leave the capital for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, the Dhaka–Sylhet highway has once again emerged as one of the most critical concerns for homebound travellers. Despite ongoing preparations by authorities, fears of severe congestion, long delays, and commuter suffering persist along this vital corridor.

The Dhaka–Sylhet route, part of the country’s N2 national highway, connects the capital to the northeastern region and serves passengers travelling to Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj. Every year during Eid, this highway experiences intense pressure—but this year, the situation appears even more challenging due to ongoing construction and infrastructure limitations.

According to Highway Police, at least 43 congestion-prone points have been identified along the approximately 209-kilometre stretch between Dhaka and Sylhet. Key bottlenecks include areas such as Kanchpur, Bhairab, Brahmanbaria and Osmaninagar, where traffic flow is frequently disrupted.

One of the most problematic segments remains the Ashuganj–Bishwaroad stretch in Brahmanbaria. This 12-kilometre portion is undergoing slow-paced expansion work, often leading to hours-long traffic jams. Damaged road conditions, potholes, and narrow lanes further aggravate the situation, forcing vehicles to crawl and creating long tailbacks.

Authorities have acknowledged the challenges. Officials from the Roads and Highways Department say that only around 20 percent of the six-lane expansion project has been completed so far. While temporary repairs have been carried out and traffic management measures strengthened, the unfinished construction continues to hinder smooth travel.

In addition to construction delays, several other factors are likely to worsen congestion during the Eid rush. Unauthorised roadside markets, illegal parking, and random stopping of buses and CNG auto-rickshaws contribute to traffic disruption, particularly in busy intersections like Bishwaroad and Ashuganj.

Transport experts warn that travel time on this route—typically around five to six hours—could double or even triple during peak Eid days, stretching to 12–15 hours in extreme cases.

Meanwhile, pressure is already building at key exit points from Dhaka. Areas like Jatrabari, a major gateway to several highways including the Dhaka–Sylhet route, have started experiencing congestion as the Eid exodus gains momentum.

To mitigate the situation, authorities have deployed additional highway police and introduced measures to keep at least two lanes operational in construction zones. Restrictions on heavy vehicles and improved coordination among agencies are also part of the plan. However, given the scale of travel demand and persistent structural issues, commuters remain sceptical.

For many, the journey home during Eid is not just travel—it is an emotional return to family and tradition. Yet, the recurring challenges on the Dhaka–Sylhet highway continue to turn that journey into a test of endurance.

Unless long-term infrastructure upgrades are completed and traffic discipline enforced, the highway is likely to remain a major concern during every festive season.

The High Court of Bangladesh has ordered the government to take proper steps to protect and preserve historic relics kept at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet. The decision highlights growing concern over the preservation of valuable artefacts connected to one of the most respected Sufi saints in the region.

The court issued the directive after a public interest petition raised questions about how these important historical items are being maintained. Authorities have been asked to explain why stronger preservation measures have not yet been put in place.

Concern Over Preservation of Sacred Relics

According to the petition, several artefacts believed to be linked to Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) are currently kept at the shrine. These items hold deep religious, cultural, and historical significance.

The High Court emphasised that such relics must be properly protected so they are not damaged or lost over time. Preserving these objects would help safeguard the legacy of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and ensure future generations can learn about Sylhet’s spiritual history.

Proposal to Establish a Museum at the Shrine

During the hearing, the possibility of creating a museum at the shrine complex was also discussed. A dedicated museum would allow the relics to be carefully preserved while also making them accessible to visitors and researchers.

Such a facility could help document the life and influence of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and become an important educational attraction in Sylhet.

One of the Most Important Religious Sites in Bangladesh

The shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) is located in the centre of Sylhet city and is one of the most visited religious landmarks in Bangladesh.

Hazrat Shahjalal (RA), a 14th-century Sufi saint, is widely known for his role in spreading Islam in the region. Over the centuries, the shrine has become a major pilgrimage site, welcoming thousands of devotees and visitors every year.

The surrounding area also forms an important part of Sylhet’s cultural and historical identity.

Protecting Sylhet’s Religious Heritage

The High Court’s order has drawn renewed attention to the need for better preservation of historic and religious sites in Bangladesh.

Protecting the relics at the shrine would help maintain an important part of Sylhet’s heritage while allowing visitors to better understand the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA).

As Sylhet continues to grow as a popular travel and pilgrimage destination, proper preservation of its historical landmarks remains essential.

Manchester / Sylhet — Biman Bangladesh Airlines has once again cancelled its direct passenger flights between Manchester and Sylhet, a decision that has triggered frustration among Bangladeshi travellers in the UK, particularly within the Sylheti community.

The airline has blamed aircraft shortages and operational pressures, including the need to prioritise other international and Hajj-related flights. However, many passengers and community leaders argue that these challenges are recurring and should have been addressed through better long-term planning.

The Manchester–Sylhet route has long been seen as a vital lifeline for Sylhetis living in northern England, providing a direct and convenient travel option. Frequent suspensions have led to growing concerns about the reliability of the service, forcing passengers to rely on longer, more expensive journeys via London or other hubs.

Members of the UK Bangladeshi community have expressed their disappointment on social media, with some accusing the airline of neglecting a route that serves a loyal and high-demand passenger base. Calls are growing for Biman to show clearer commitment and transparency regarding the future of the service.

Passengers with existing bookings are being advised to contact Biman or their travel agents for refunds or alternative arrangements. However, many travellers say the disruption has already caused significant inconvenience.

Biman has yet to announce when the direct Manchester–Sylhet flights will resume, leaving uncertainty for thousands of UK-based Sylheti passengers.