Jashore Correspondent: Tarafdar Mubtasim Sadik (Arko), a promising young cricketer from Mahakal village in Chengutia under Abhaynagar upazila of Jashore, has been selected as an opening batter in Bangladesh Under-19 National Cricket Team’s 30-member preliminary squad for 2026.

The achievement has been celebrated by his family, local residents and cricket enthusiasts, who see it as a proud moment for both Jashore and the Khulna region.

Sadik is the son of Md. Shahinul Haque Tarafdar and Nurunnahar Papiya. Notably, he is the only cricketer from Jashore district and the only specialist batter from Khulna Division to secure a place in the preliminary squad.

According to family sources, Sadik earned his place in the national U-19 selection camp after delivering consistent performances over the past three years in district-level competitions, divisional tournaments and the Young Cricketers League (YCL).

The talented opener made an immediate impact in the selection camp by scoring an unbeaten century in his very first match, underlining his batting credentials. He also finished as the second-highest run-scorer during the Khulna phase of the selection camp, further strengthening his case for national selection.

Sadik is scheduled to join the Bangladesh Under-19 National Team’s skill camp at BKSP on July 6, 2026. His selection places him in contention for the upcoming Under-19 Tri-Nation Series and the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup.

Residents of Abhaynagar have expressed confidence that the young batter will continue to excel at the national and international levels, bringing further recognition to Abhaynagar, Jashore and Bangladesh. His family has sought prayers from the nation for his continued success in his cricketing journey.

CAB Alleges Tax Cuts Not Reaching Consumers

Desk Report

Dhaka, July 5: Despite the government`s decision to reduce taxes on 63 essential commodities in the national budget, consumers have yet to see any meaningful decline in retail prices, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has alleged.

In a statement issued on Sunday, CAB Vice President SM Nazer Hossain said the tax relief, which was intended to reduce import and distribution costs, has failed to translate into lower prices for consumers. Instead, he claimed that prices of several essential items, including rice and soybean oil, are continuing to rise.

The government, in its first budget under the BNP administration, reduced source tax on a wide range of essential goods—including paddy, rice, wheat, flour, livestock, poultry, fish, onions, garlic, ginger, salt, sugar, edible oils, seeds and other agricultural products—from previous rates of 5 percent, 2 percent and 1 percent to just 0.5 percent. Source tax on all edible oils was also cut from 1 percent to 0.5 percent.

According to Hossain, the government expected the tax reductions to lower import and marketing costs, ultimately benefiting consumers through reduced retail prices. However, he alleged that traders are instead preparing to increase prices of some products.

He criticized traders for arguing that existing stocks had been imported at higher costs and that only future consignments might reflect the impact of lower taxes. At the same time, he noted that products on which duties had actually been increased were already being sold at higher prices, raising questions about what he described as a "double standard" in pricing practices.

Hossain also blamed weak market monitoring and what he termed a business-friendly approach by regulatory authorities for the continued instability in the essential commodities market.

"The government, as the market regulator, appears to be maintaining the same business-friendly stance as the previous administration instead of taking effective regulatory action," he said.

He further alleged that, rather than taking action against unscrupulous traders, some local authorities were effectively endorsing them. In some districts, he claimed, officials had even awarded "certificates of honesty" to traders, while neglecting the interests of consumers.

The CAB leader also pointed out that the budget abolished the 5 percent regulatory duty on imported spices and dates. However, he said the benefits of that policy have yet to reach consumers, with prices of several spices—including cinnamon, cloves, mace, poppy seeds, cashew nuts and almonds—continuing to rise in many markets.

Traders have maintained that price adjustments may occur only after new consignments imported under the revised tax structure reach the market. Hossain questioned the rationale behind the government`s revenue sacrifice if consumers ultimately receive no benefit.

Referring to statements made by government ministers during the post-budget parliamentary session, Hossain said ministers had expressed hope that tax reductions would lead to lower prices for essential goods. However, he said those expectations have not materialized.

He expressed particular concern over the continued rise in rice prices, describing rice as one of the most important components of the country`s food security.

Hossain also criticized the role of district administrations, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and other government agencies, alleging that they have remained largely inactive in controlling the market.

He warned that unless effective market oversight is ensured and consumers receive the intended benefits of the budgetary tax concessions, public confidence in the Prime Minister`s vision of a "people-friendly budget" could be undermined.