Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that the licensing of media outlets during the former government’s tenure will undergo investigation. He accused the previous administration of manipulating media to justify abductions, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses. Alam also urged media outlets not to produce content that supports fascism. He criticized some outlets for labeling the July uprising as a movement and for referring to the current government as a transitional regime. “More people were killed in Bangladesh between July 19 and August 5 last year than in Gaza during the same period,” he said.

Food adviser Ali Imam Majumder noted that rice prices are now becoming more affordable, but emphasized that prices shouldn't drop excessively, to ensure farmers receive fair value. “Fair pricing will encourage production,” he said. Highlighting a bumper Boro harvest, he discussed improvements in storage infrastructure, including the conversion of the Narayanganj port warehouse into a silo. Majumder also mentioned that Bangladesh consumes 7 million tons of wheat annually, while domestic production remains at just 1 million tons—making imports essential.

The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, under the Ministry of Industries, awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates during a special event marking World Intellectual Property Day 2025. Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Fouzia Khan, received the GI certificates on behalf of the district for Rata Boro rice and Austagram cheese. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Kishoreganj’s agricultural and food industries and is expected to enhance the reputation and market value of these local products.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen visited mango orchards in Nachole, Chapainawabganj, and expressed keen interest in importing Bangladesh’s premium mangoes. Impressed by the agricultural practices, he stated China aims to import up to 120,000 metric tons of mangoes this year, praising the fruit’s taste and quality.

Home and Agriculture Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Industry and Housing Advisor Adilur Rahman visited farmers engaged in paddy harvesting and threshing in Arial Beel, Munshiganj. They participated in harvesting activities and pledged to stop illegal soil excavation in the beel area. They also announced plans to dredge local canals and build two cold storage facilities for preserving vegetables, emphasizing that curbing corruption would accelerate national development.

Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said the government will monitor rice markets to prevent syndicates from exploiting farmers. “Farmers must receive fair prices,” he stated, adding that previous harvest seasons were free of syndicate interference. “We aim to ensure a smooth system again this season.”

Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has assured that the government has sufficient stockpiles of food grains, and there is no cause for concern regarding food security. Addressing the losses incurred during the recent floods, he stated that the government is importing food grains to compensate. A bumper Boro harvest is expected this season across the country, including the Haor regions. The government is actively working to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. “Farmers and agricultural laborers are the frontline soldiers of our development. If they thrive, the country will prosper,” he added. The government is also addressing irrigation issues in Haor areas, the illegal drying of canals and wetlands under the pretext of fishing, fertilizer and seed availability, and crop preservation. He further promised dredging of rivers and canals, highlighting Kishoreganj’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Vandals set fire to a grove of 700 trees in Baidergaon, Munshiganj, on Wednesday night, destroying 300 mango trees, 200 lemon trees, and over 100 other trees.

A local farmer suspects an act of personal vengeance behind the arson attack. Residents believe the perpetrators used petrol or kerosene to ignite the fire. Caretaker Abdur Sattar learned about the incident early Thursday morning after receiving a call from a neighbor.

Faridpur district, the second-largest onion producer in the country, has recently shifted from depending on external sources for onion seeds to becoming a significant supplier itself. Local farmers now provide 50% of the country’s demand for onion seeds. This season, the district’s onion seed production is expected to exceed 400 crore BDT in value, according to the Agriculture Department. The seeds, known locally as “black gold,” are highly prized. A total of 964 tons of seeds will be produced, with the cultivation target set for 1,820 hectares. The district’s central areas are seeing the highest levels of seed production.

Farmers are struggling to recover their production costs as market prices remain low. The situation worsened after cold storage rental fees surged to BDT 250-300 per sack. The influence of syndicates and middlemen has further distressed farmers. The agriculture ministry stated that future subsidies will be region-specific, prioritizing crops that thrive in particular areas. Plans for mobile cold storage units are also in discussion. Officials revealed that last year’s potato cultivation increased fourfold, along with onion farming, leading to a cold storage crisis and financial losses. Farmers who sold potatoes at BDT 70-80 per kg in July-September were forced to sell them at BDT 12 per kg by January.

To ensure food security and sustainability, the government is placing special emphasis on increasing agricultural production, according to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He stated that the Chief Adviser has repeatedly instructed stakeholders to take necessary initiatives to boost agricultural productivity despite limited land resources. The government is also focusing on modern agricultural technology and proper utilization of resources to enhance food production. Addressing concerns about global trade conflicts, he emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency, stating that countries producing more food will be better positioned in the future. He also underscored the need for proactive measures to prevent a recurrence of crises like the 1974 famine.

In Jhenaidah, vast fields near the central bus terminal and behind the banana market are now dominated by tobacco cultivation. As one moves further along the road, the dried-up Nabaganga River reveals farmers attempting paddy cultivation in the riverbed. Excessive use of fertilizers has been degrading the fertility of agricultural land. Despite repeated warnings from the agricultural department, farmers are leasing out their lands to tobacco growers, lured by lucrative offers from tobacco companies. Each bigha (0.33 acres) of land fetches around BDT 40,000 in lease payments. Tobacco farming in the district has expanded from 193 hectares last year to 229 hectares this year, while paddy cultivation spans 90,194 hectares. Tobacco companies provide advance payments and fix purchase prices, ensuring profitability, making it an attractive option for farmers. Conversely, vegetable growers have faced heavy losses, further pushing cultivators toward tobacco farming. When questioned about paddy cultivation in the dried-up riverbed, the Water Development Board stated that a committee has already been formed to oversee the river's re-excavation.