Economy
Giant 32-kg Poa Fish Caught Near St Martin’s; Fisherman Demands Tk 600,000
A 32-kg giant poa fish was caught in the net of fisherman Abdul Goni near Saint Martin’s Island in Teknaf on Saturday morning (22 November). The fish was caught around 10:30am and is now being negotiated for sale, with Goni demanding between Tk 500,000 and Tk 600,000.
Goni, a resident of Ward-5 in Saint Martin’s Union, said he was out fishing as usual when the large poa fish became trapped in his net. The catch has drawn crowds of locals eager to see the rare specimen, though it has not yet been sold.
He added that large poa fish have been appearing in his nets for several years, enabling him to become financially independent. Locals now call him “Poa Goni” for his frequent big catches.
According to Teknaf Upazila Fisheries Officer Md Delowar Hossain, the fish contains a valuable organ called “padna” or “fola,” which is dried and exported as raw material for pharmaceutical use. This makes poa fish significantly more valuable than regular fish.
Economy
Beximco Scandal: Charge Sheet Filed Against Salman F Rahman and 28 Others in $82 Million Money Laundering Case
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Police has submitted charge sheets against Beximco Group Chairman Salman F Rahman, along with 28 individuals and 17 companies, in connection with 17 money laundering cases. The allegations state that a huge amount of money was siphoned abroad under the guise of foreign trade.
The CID investigation found that 17 associate companies of the Beximco Group exported goods but failed to repatriate the earnings, amounting to 8 crore 27 lakh 45 thousand 308 US dollars (over Tk 1,000 crore), within the stipulated time. The money laundering allegedly took place while Salman F Rahman served as the Private Sector Industry and Investment Adviser to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the ousted Awami League government’s tenure.
The charge sheets were submitted to the court following the investigation into the 17 money laundering cases filed at the Motijheel Police Station. Motijheel Police Station’s General Register Officer (GRO) Md. Roknuzzaman confirmed the filing of the charge sheets, stating they would be presented before the court for trial.
Key Individuals Accused:
The list of 28 accused includes Salman F Rahman’s close relatives: his son Ahmed Shayan Fazlur Rahman, his brother A S F Rahman, and his nephew Ahmed Shahriar Rahman.
The CID has requested arrest warrants for all the accused individuals who are currently absconding, with the exception of Salman F Rahman who is already in prison.
One of the companies, Bextex Garments Limited, is specifically mentioned for laundering 1 crore 90 lakh 30 thousand 236 US dollars through 17 LCs between 2020 and 2024. The remaining amount was allegedly laundered through 16 other associate companies.
Mohammad Shamsuddoha Sumon, Additional Public Prosecutor of the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, stated that the state will work towards the speedy disposal of these money laundering cases to ensure the repatriation of the laundered funds and the maximum punishment for “economic predators” like Salman F Rahman.
Bangladesh’s banking sector is in worse condition than that of war-torn countries, said Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, claiming that non-performing loans have reached 36 percent—three times higher than in war-affected economies.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a four-day Ceramic Expo at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) on Thursday, he said the previous government left the economy in severe distress, while the current interim government is working to restore stability.
According to the adviser, business activities are beginning to recover and the country’s foreign exchange reserves have shown signs of improvement. He described the ongoing Ceramic Expo as a reflection of that recovery.
He further said the government is committed to supporting the ceramic industry to ensure its continued growth. Industry entrepreneurs noted that the expo offers an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh’s ceramic sector on an international stage. They believe that highlighting import–export challenges will help address existing barriers and pave the way for expanding export markets while meeting domestic demand.
A fire broke out at the Grameen Bank branch in Mohammadpur upazila of Magura in the early hours of Monday, around 3:30am. Quick action by the police, the fire service and local residents brought the blaze under control, preventing major damage to the institution.
According to Billal Hossain Mridha, sub-officer at the Mohammadpur Fire Service Station, the fire originated at the bank located beside Aminur Rahman Degree College. Several essential documents and pieces of furniture were damaged before firefighters managed to douse the flames. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and an investigation is underway.
Mohammadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Abdur Rahman said officers reached the scene immediately upon receiving the alert. With the joint effort of police and firefighters, the fire was brought under control. He added that investigators are working to determine whether the fire was accidental or deliberate. The extent of the damage will be assessed after the investigation.