U She Thowai Marma

A tunnel meant to connect now isolates: rain seeps through its walls, debris seals one end, and a parked microbus clogs the other. The Tk11 crore Bandarban Bus Terminal tunnel lies dim and forgotten, its promise buried beneath neglect. Photo: U She Thowai Marma
Infrastructure

Tk11 crore tunnel turns hazardous within 2 years, poor maintenance blamed

In Galanggya union of Ruma, a lone hut rises at the heart of a Jhum field. Built for rest after a long day’s toil, it will soon serve another purpose—sheltering the harvest once the golden rice is thrashed. Photo: U She Thowai Marma/TBS
In Focus

Jhum cultivation: A vanishing hillside harvest heritage

A monkey in a cage at the "mini zoo" located in Bandarban's Meghla Tourism Centre. Photo: Courtesy
Bangladesh

Bandarban court orders closure of 'mini zoo', wildlife to be transferred to Dulahazra Safari Park

The Chakma people celebrate Fulbiju and Tanchangya people celebrate Fulbishu to welcome the new year. Photo: TBS
Bangladesh

Welcoming new year, Boisabi festival begins in the hills with 'Fulbiju'

An area clear-felled for tobacco cultivation on the bank of the river Sangu in Bandarban. The chemicals used in tobacco farming also pollute the creeks – the main source of drinking water for hill communities. Photo: Syed Zakir Hussain
Panorama

How tobacco farming is speeding up deforestation in the hills

Deforestation and land erosion have resulted in reduced flow of the Sangu River, which is making lives even harder for people living in the river basin. PHOTO: SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN
Panorama

Vanishing forests, receding waters and impending disaster in the Sangu river basin

Nizam Uddin, the abducted manager of Sonali Bank's Ruma branch.
Bangladesh

Sonali Bank manager released as Tk15 lakh ransom paid to KNF

Representational Image
Bangladesh

Three bank robberies within 16 hours rock Bandarban, manager kidnapped

Shahidul Islam points to bullet hole in his window. Photo: U She Thowai Marma
Bangladesh

'I woke up late, so I survived': Man recalls day when bullets from Myanmar hit his house

A rice bank, established 18 years ago, in Boromodok area of Bandarban’s Thanchi upazila, is still helping jhum farmers during the two to three months of food scarcity each year. Photo: TBS
Bangladesh

The last of 'rice banks' in Bandarban ensures food security for jhum farmers

Photo: DC Bandarban/Facebook
Bangladesh

Manipuri weaver fashions full-length sari from banana plant

37km Alikadam-Poamuhuri road changes local economy
Bangladesh

37km Alikadam-Poamuhuri road changes local economy

Workers clean photovoltaic panels inside a solar power plant in Gujarat, India, July 2, 2015. REUTERS/Amit Dave
Economy

Bandarban farmers benefit from BADC’s solar power plants