DHAKA, Apr 13, 2026 (BSS) – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed was born on June 30, 1962 in Chakaria Upazila (now Pekua Upazila) of Cox's Bazar district in a respectable Muslim family.  His father is Moulvi Saidul Haque and mother Begum Ayesha Haque. He is the fourth child among two brothers and three sisters in the family. Ahmed had a brilliant academic career. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) and Master of Laws (LLM) degrees from the University of Dhaka. During his student life, he was widely recognized as a "gifted debater".  His student political life was vibrant and distinguished. He was a founding member of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and served as the Vice-President and Acting President of its Central Committee. He played a pivotal role in the anti-autocracy movements of the 1980s. Ahmed had an illustrious political and administrative career. He was engaged in the Law profession as a member of the Dhaka Bar Association for several years. As a 7th BCS (Administration) cadre officer, he served as Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner for several years.  Later, he served as the Assistant Private Secretary to the then Honourable Prime Minister Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia with reputation during the period of 1991-96. He created a milestone by being elected as a Member of Parliament three consecutive times from the Cox's Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency in the 6th, 7th, and 8th National Parliamentary Elections. During the BNP-led four-party alliance government in 2001, he served as the State Minister for Communication. His tenure was marked by extensive infrastructural development in the country's communication sector. Currently, he is a key policymaker for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and serves as a member of its highest decision-making body, the National Standing Committee.  During the movements for democracy in 2013, 2014 and 2015, he served as the party's Joint Secretary General and Spokesperson with immense courage. Despite adverse conditions, his leadership and guidance to grassroots workers earned him significant popularity.  On March 10, 2015, he became a victim of enforced disappearance by the fascist government and was forced into exile for nearly nine and a half years. Following the fall of the fascist government through the student-led mass uprising on August 5, 2024, he returned to his homeland. Upon his return, he played a crucial role in the process of national unity and democratic reform of state structure. He contributed significantly to building trust and consensus among various political parties and stakeholders through active participation in political dialogues organized by the National Consensus Commission led by Professor Yunus.  His prudence, diplomatic skills, and pragmatic approach in these dialogues were highly acclaimed and helped pave the way for Bangladesh's return to a democratic path. Ahmed has represented Bangladesh in various international organizations, including the United Nations, as well as in various international seminars, bilateral meetings, and conferences. In the current National Parliament, his profound constitutional knowledge, visionary thinking, and constructive participation in debates have made parliamentary proceedings more vibrant and effective.  His deep understanding of the Constitution and state governance structures continues to provide valuable insights in resolving complex national issues. Known as an efficient organizer and articulate leader, Salahuddin Ahmed enjoys reading books and gardening in his leisure time. His blend of administrative experience and political wisdom has elevated him to a unique height in national politics.  In personal life, he is married and father of two sons and two daughters. His wife Hasina Ahmed is a former elected Member of Parliament and a successful women leader.

CUMILLA, April 13, 2026 (BSS) - The traditional pottery industry of Bijoypur  in Cumilla is struggling due to shortages of gas and clay, even as artisans  remain busy producing items ahead of Pahela Baishakh. At the Bijoypur Rudrapal Pottery Cooperative Society Limited in Cumilla Sadar  (South) Upazila, potters are working intensively to prepare clay items such  as bowls, sanki, decorative animals, birds, and traditional festival goods.  Both men and women artisans are engaged in production from morning to  evening. Workers said demand for clay products rises significantly during Pahela  Baishakh celebrations, with items such as clay fish, elephants, horses,  banks, mugs, and yogurt bowls used widely in festivities and traditional  foods like panta ilish. However, artisans expressed concern that production is being hampered due to  ongoing gas shortages and difficulties in sourcing suitable clay. Although Bijoypur pottery products are supplied across the country and  exported to countries including Japan, Malaysia, Qatar, and the United Arab  Emirates, production capacity remains limited. Potter Suman Chandra Pal said preparations for Pahela Baishakh are in full  swing, but demand is difficult to meet due to resource constraints. Yogurt bowl artisan Shilpi Chakraborty said she has been working at the  cooperative for five years, earning only Taka 6,500 per month, which is  insufficient to cover family expenses and her child's education. "Due to increasing costs and reducing output, the artisans rely on  traditional firing methods for their clay production. They also face a severe  gas crisis since 2017 here," said Dwipak Chandra Pal, president of Bijoypur  Rudrapal Pottery Cooperative Society.  In addition, artisans said clay collection has become increasingly difficult  due to administrative restrictions, further threatening the sustainability of  the craft. Cumilla Sadar (South) Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sujan Chandra Roy said steps  are being taken to establish a modern sales center for potters, along with  phased efforts to address gas and other infrastructural problems.  He emphasized that pottery is an important part of national heritage and must  be preserved. Local stakeholders have urged urgent government intervention to ensure the  survival of Bijoypur's centuries-old pottery tradition.