Economy
How a Farmer Turned Saudi Date Farming Skills into Local Prosperity
Abdul Motaleb, a resident of Paragaon village in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka, has turned Saudi Arabian date farming experience into a thriving business back home. After working in date plantations in Saudi Arabia between 1998 and 2001, he returned with 35 kg of high-quality seeds. Starting with 275 saplings on 70 decimals of land, he now owns a 7-bigha orchard with over 3,000 trees.
His farm produces premium varieties like Ajwa, Sukkari, Amber, Lipjell, and Mariyum, selling at prices ranging from Tk 600 to Tk 4,500 per kg. Seedlings sell for Tk 500 to Tk 200,000 each. Motaleb claims an annual income exceeding Tk 5 million.
Over 18 years, he refined his plantation to retain only female trees for higher yields. Alongside his son Mizanur Rahman, he has launched a new 8-bigha farm with 8,000 trees aimed at producing date molasses. They have also developed a new crossbreed variety capable of producing abundant sap.
Motaleb’s success has inspired others, including Afaz Pathan, who now manages 10 acres of date farms earning Tk 2–3 million annually. Local agricultural officials say dates are low-maintenance, but government incentives could boost cultivation. During a recent visit, Divisional Commissioner Mokhter Ahmed announced plans to raise the issue of expanding Saudi date cultivation and incentives in the cabinet meeting.
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 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.