CHATTOGRAM, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS): Election campaign has officially started in 16 constituencies in Chattogram, reflecting the nationwide preparations for the 13th National Parliament elections. Candidates are actively seeking voters’ support through their campaign efforts.  A total of 113 candidates from 25 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islami Front, Islami Andolon, Khelafat Majlis, Jatiya Party, and independents are competing in these constituencies across the district city and various upazilas.   The candidates, workers, and supporters were filled with election excitement as they received their symbols on Wednesday.  BNP candidate and standing committee member of the party in Chattogram-11 (Bandar-Patenga) constituency Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, kicked off his electioneering from Kadamtali area this morning.  Speaking at a roadside meeting, he emphasized that the people will determine the country's future through voting. The elected government should be accountable, responsive, and meet the people's expectations. He stated that only BNP can materialize the aspirations of the people. People are eagerly waiting to cast their votes in the upcoming elections.  Earlier in the morning at 10:30, he visited the graves of his late father former minister Mahmudunnabi Chowdhury, and mother Meherunnesa Chowdhury. He then embarked on a mass contact program starting from Kadamtali and visited various areas including Madarbari DT Road, No. 2 Goli, Jugichand Mosque Lane, Majhir Ghat Station Colony, Ice Factory Road, Nalapara, Old Custom, and Malum Mosque area.  The mass contact event saw a significant turnout of leaders, activists, the general public, and women. City BNP Joint Conveners SM Saiful Alam, Shawkat Azam Khaja, along with members Md. Salauddin, Mashiul Alam Swapan, Joynal Abedin, and others accompanied him.   The formal election campaign of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Dr. AKM Fazlul Haque for Chattogram-9 (Kotwali Baklia) constituency was inaugurated at the north gate of Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque on Thursday afternoon.  City Ameer Mohammad Nazrul Islam emphasized the need for honest and competent leadership to transform Chattogram into a beautiful, clean, and humane city.   The campaign in support of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Principal Shamsuzzaman Helali for Chattogram-10 (Double mooring-Pahartoli) seat began at 10 am. It was inaugurated by Jamaat-e-Islami City Ameer Mohammad Nazrul Islam from Shulakbahar Arkan Society.   In Chattogram-11 (Bandar-Patenga) constituency, Jamaat-e-Islami 10-party-backed candidate Mohammad Shafiul Alam engaged in a successful mass outreach, starting from Munshipara in the city and interacting with the public in various areas like Chhattar Haji Bari, Dhopapara, Chandapara, Uttar Jelepara, and Dakshin Jelepara.   In Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency, BNP candidate Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury began his day by offering Fajr prayers at Fauzdarhat Station Fakira Jame Mosque and visiting the graves of his ancestors at the family graveyard.    The election campaign for BNP candidates in Chattogram-9 (Kotwali Baklia), Chattogram-10 (Double Mooring-Pahartoli), and Chattogram-8 (Chandgaon-Boalkhali) constituencies officially began.  BNP Vice Chairman Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin inaugurated Abu Sufian's campaign in Chattogram-9, while Sayeed Al Noman started his campaign in Chattogram-10 by visiting his father's grave.  Ershad Ullah kicked off his campaign in Chattogram-8. NCP candidate Jobairul Arif, part of the 10-party alliance also began campaigning in the same constituency.    

KHULNA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Live yeast and flaxseed supplements can significantly increase milk production of cows and improve milk quality, a recent research conducted by Khulna University (KU) has found.  The findings were presented at a workshop titled 'Enhancing Milk Production and Quality through Supplementation of Live Yeast and Linseed Seed in Dairy Cows', held today at the KU's Central Research Laboratory Conference Room.  The research project was implemented by the Agrotechnology Discipline of the university with financial support from the Southeast Bank PLC. In his keynote presentation, Professor Dr Sardar Shafiqul Islam, Principal Researcher of the project, said that dairy farming remains a major source of livelihood for rural households across Bangladesh. However, milk yield and quality at the farm level have yet to reach expected standards, primarily due to inadequate balanced nutrition and a lack of modern feeding management practices.  He explained that nutritional biotechnology has opened new opportunities in livestock nutrition, where natural feed additives such as live yeast and flaxseed can be effectively utilized. According to the research findings, live yeast enhances rumen fermentation efficiency, improves digestion, and enables cows to extract maximum nutrients from feed. This results in increased milk production, improved milk composition, enhanced disease resistance, better body condition, and improved reproductive performance. Flaxseed, a locally available feed ingredient in Bangladesh, is rich in high-quality oil, protein, fibre, and essential minerals. It is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which significantly enhance the nutritional value of milk. The study revealed that supplementing dairy cow diets with 400-600 grams of flaxseed per day increased milk yield by an average of 20-25 percent.  In a field trial conducted in the Khulna region, average daily milk production increased from 8.55 kg to 10.48 kg per cow. Researchers further noted that alpha-linolenic acid present in flaxseed increases omega-3 fatty acid levels in milk, which is beneficial for human health, particularly in reducing heart disease risk, supporting brain development, and strengthening immunity. Additionally, the supplementation increased milk protein, fat, and total solids content, thereby improving milk quality and market value. Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of Khulna University Professor Dr Md Harunur Rashid Khan said the ultimate objective of research is to ensure that its outcomes benefit people and contribute meaningfully to national development.  He stressed the importance of increased research in the agricultural sector, noting that there remains considerable scope for further studies on improving milk yield and quality. He also highlighted that Khulna University has consistently prioritized research, adding that for the first time, funding has been allocated for collaborative research, which will be expanded in the future. Special guest Treasurer Professor Dr Md Nurunnabi emphasized that research outcomes must reach marginal farmers and grassroots-level beneficiaries. He underlined the need for cost-effective technologies so that farmers can adopt the findings easily, leading to reduced production costs and better market prices. "Unless farmers and dairy entrepreneurs achieve economic security, research cannot be considered truly effective," he added. Professor Md Rezaul Islam, Head of the Agrotechnology Discipline, chaired the workshop. Director of the Research and Innovation Centre Professor Dr Kazi Mohammad Didarul Islam and Khulna District Veterinary Officer Dr Sanjay Biswas, among others, spoke. Teachers, students, livestock professionals, and marginal farmers participated in the workshop, reflecting a strong interest in applying research-based nutritional strategies to improve dairy productivity in Bangladesh.