CHATTOGRAM, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Navy arrested 19 alleged smugglers and seized 1,140 sacks of cement from two engine-powered boats during anti-smuggling drives near Saint Martin's Island in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday. According to an ISPR release issued today, the Navy intensified patrols around Saint Martin's Island and adjacent maritime areas following reports of plans to smuggle cement to Myanmar by sea, evading government taxes. During a routine patrol by Navy ship Prottasha, the watch team spotted a suspicious vessel about 38 miles from the Saint Martin's lighthouse. The boat, identified as FB Shimanto, attempted to flee after receiving a signal from the naval ship but was later intercepted. Upon searching the vessel, Navy personnel recovered 450 sacks of cement, 250 sacks of pulses and chickpeas, 160 kilograms of ginger, and 360 bottles of energy drinks. In a separate drive, the patrol team detained another fishing boat, FB Surovi, and seized an additional 700 sacks of cement. Altogether, 19 members of the alleged smuggling group were arrested. The release said the cement was being smuggled to Myanmar for higher profits. The seized goods and the detainees were later handed over to the Navy's forward base on Saint Martin's Island for further legal action.

KHULNA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - An 80-year-old cook has been preserving a cherished Ramadan tradition in the city for more than three decades, drawing fasting residents each year with his signature halim. Popularly known as "Nana Halim," Mohammad Hazrat Ali prepares and sells the traditional iftar item exclusively during the holy month of Ramadan. His temporary stall, set up on the footpath in front of Government Pioneer Women's College in Khulna, attracts customers of all ages who eagerly await the seasonal delicacy. Hazrat Ali has been selling halim for about 31 years. However, due to age and health concerns, he has limited his activity to Ramadan over the past decade. Sales begin daily from around 2:00 pm and continue until just before iftar, with long queues forming hours in advance. Despite his advanced age, Hazrat Ali still personally supervises the cooking process to ensure the taste and quality remain unchanged. "I am not as strong as before," he told BSS. "My children are now well-established in their professions, and I also earn from a small fish farm. I prepare halim in Ramadan mainly for the fasting people. When everyone calls me 'Nana,' it brings me immense joy." Prepared primarily with quality mutton and clarified butter, his halim is widely regarded as one of the most sought-after iftar items in the city. Depending on demand, between 100 and 150 kilograms are cooked daily, with production increasing on holidays. Customers often start lining up from midday to secure their share. Prices have risen this year due to higher commodity costs, starting at Tk 200 per portion, while larger earthen pots are sold for up to Tk 1,800. A team of nine people, including seven assistant cooks, supports the preparation, which begins as early as 7:00 am each day. Hazrat Ali's journey began in the early 1990s after he lost his job at a factory in Chattogram. Later employed as a security guard at the college, he struggled to support his family and started selling halim from a van in 1993. Its distinctive taste quickly gained popularity through word of mouth, eventually enabling him to leave his job and focus entirely on the business. Due to illness, he stopped selling halim year-round around 2010-11 and now prepares it only during Ramadan. Local residents say the rich flavor, particularly the use of high-quality mutton, sets his halim apart from others available in the city. Businessman Monirul Haque, a regular customer, said he buys the halim several times each Ramadan for his family. "Such delicious halim is rare. We wait for it every year," he added. Abdus Salam, who runs a nearby photocopy shop, joins the team during Ramadan when his own business slows down. "At least we can earn some extra income during the fasting month by working with him," he added. Over the years, 'Nana Halim' has evolved from a simple food stall into a seasonal symbol of Ramadan in Khulna, with many residents considering it an essential part of their iftar tradition.