Bangladesh
Form expert committee to review govt data: Debapriya
Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of CPD, on Thursday urged the government to form an expert committee to review existing data to make it correct and justify fact and figure with actual situation.
This is needed to exit from “data blindness and non-credibility of data”, he said “otherwise the policy will be prepared depend on immature data, and its effect would dangerous.”
His remarks came in a review session on “What Impact Will Pandemic Have on SDGs Delivery in Bangladesh?”, organized by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh on Thursday, in the capital.
He said without credible and updated data, policy focused on which level, for whose and where cannot be determined. As a result Bangladesh's sustainable development goals (SDGs) achieved will be given in the right point and right places.
Read: TCB to procure huge sugar, chickpea, lentil and edible oil for Ramadan supply
The program discussed the aforesaid issues and proposed tangible policy measures, particularly in view of the upcoming national budget of fiscal year (FY)2022-23.
Debapriya said SDGs achieving progress slips the target due to the effect of Covid-19 pandemic and data dearth as well as non-credible information.
The data of government entities even faces credibility problems as those consequences are not being matched with different economic and social context which needs reform first to implication of policy, he said.
Dr Debapriya, also the convener of Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh , in his keynote presentation, shared the findings of a study conducted by the Citizen’s Platform, which assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of SDGs in Bangladesh from the perspectives of the disadvantaged population groups.
The immediate focus must be on protecting the purchasing power of the disadvantaged people by controlling the cost of basic living and enhancing income opportunities.
The government should immediately reduce duties, tariffs and taxes to make prices of essentials more affordable and provide access to basic commodities at “fair prices” by expanding open market sales (OMS) operations of TCB.
The government should expand public works, social protection programe and food assistance and increase the tax rebates for job creation. Public resources will need to be redirected for subsidy to protect prices of electricity, fuel, food and fertilizer, stated in the paper.
Debopriya said given the resource constraint, the government will need to use public money under ADP more efficiently and accelerate investment in the rural public health system and address education loss, he said.
Read: Come and make Bangladesh your home, Hasina tells UAE investors
“The upcoming national budget of FY22-23 should be designed in the context of following recent developments which threaten to raise vulnerabilities of the disadvantaged. Overall policy approach should be towards using SDG as a framework for post-pandemic recovery by prioritizing public expenditure on education and health in view of COVID losses. Additionally, the SDG tracker should be updated urgently,” Debapriya stated.
Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Core Group Member, Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh and Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) discussed social protection and has demanded to expand the social safety net adequately in urban and peri-urban areas. To this end, lack of data and information is obstructing the government to reach the people in need.
Dr Ahmed Mushtaque Raza Chowdhury, Core Group Member, Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh and Convener, Bangladesh Health Watch (BHW), Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive, Nagorik Uddyog, Reefat Bin Sattar, Director – Programme Development and Quality, Save the Children in Bangladesh, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Executive, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Dr Mostafizur Rahaman, Program Manager, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) on Education, Khandekar Jahurul Alam, Executive Director, Centre for Services and Information on Disability (CSID) on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Raju Bashfor, General Secretary, Horijon Eikko Parishad, Thakurgaon District on Dalit, Anisatul Fatema Yousuf, Coordinator, Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, among others, spoke at the function.
24 fishermen held for catching crab in Sundarbans reserve forest
The Forest Department officials on Thursday detained 24 fishermen for catching crabs at reserved area in Khiringi River at Satkhira range in the Sundarbans
With this, 45 fishermen were detained from Sundarbans in the last three days.
The fishermen detained today were produced before a Satkhira court.
Read: 5 members of fraud gang held in city
The detainees are Rashidul Islam,35, Rafiqul Islam,45, Ebadul Morol,50, Yunus Ali,48, Bokkar Gazi, 40, Ilias Morol,45, Mojibor Rahman,46, Habibur Rahman,29, Aksed Ali,37, Abdul Malek, 45, Nowser Gazi,40, Asadul Sheikh,26, Ariful Haque,27, Ajijul Sana, 42, Abdul Maleque Gazi,42, Abdur Rashid Gazi,50, Abdul Khalek Gazi,46, Takub Gazi,50, Al Amin, 32, Didarul Islam,56, Azizul Sheikh,40, Mojobor Sheikh, 40, Jannatul Ferdous,25, and Asadul Haque.
MA Hasan, Sundarbans Satkhira range officer, said those fishermen entered the forest taking approval but they were catching crabs from reserved areas.
Earlier on Tuesday, 21 more fishermen were detained from the Sundarbans reserved forest area for the same reason, he said.
TCB to procure huge sugar, chickpea, lentil and edible oil for Ramadan supply
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will procure a huge quantity of sugar, chickpea, lentil and edible oil from local suppliers to sell those to people during the Holy Ramadan.
Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase in a meeting on Thursday approved three separate proposals, placed by the Commerce Ministry in this regard.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal presided over the meeting virtually while members of the cabinet body attended it.
Read: Long queues near TCB trucks exposes reality: BNP
As per the decision, the TCB will procure a total of 14,000 metric tons of sugar-7000 mts from Meghna Sugar Refined Ltd and City Sugar Industries Ltd each- at a cost of Tk 110.60 crore.
It will procure a total of 10,000 mts of chickpea from three local firms at a cost of Tk 81.40 crore.
Of these, 2000 mts of chickpea will be procured from Sena Kalyan Sangstha at Tk 16.28 crore, 4000 mts from Blue Sky Enterprise at Tk 32.56 crore and another 4000 mts from Ruby Food Products Ltd at Tk 32.56 crore.
The TCB will procure 19,500 mts of lentil from 7 local firms at a cost of Tk 211.57 crore.
The firms are Sabnam Vegetable Oil Industries Ltd, Ease Services Ltd, Porbo International, 4. Roy Traders, 5. Plantegic Incorporation, Bashundhara Food & Beverage Ltd and Basumati Distribution Ltd.
Read: TCB to provide food support to 1 crore families during Ramadan: Tipu
The TOB will procure 1,71,15,652 litres of soybean oil from 6 firms at a cost of Tk 287.54 crore.
The firms are Sena Edible Oil Industries Ltd, Super Oil Refined Limited, Meghna Edible Oils Refinery Ltd, City Edible Oil Ltd, Bashundhara Multi Food Products Ltd and Shun Shing Edible Oil Ltd.
Come and make Bangladesh your home, Hasina tells UAE investors
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday invited investors from United Arab Emirates to avail lucrative opportunities in Bangladesh, harness its potentials and make Bangladesh their home.
“Come and make Bangladesh your home. I assure you all that Bangladesh is now a land of lucrative opportunities,” she said.
She made the call while addressing the Bangladesh-UAE Joint Business Council virtually.
Hasina said that Bangladesh will become “Sonar Bangla” or “Golden Bangladesh” as envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“Thus, I end here by extending to you all a very warm invitation to come and join us in that dream and vision for Bangladesh,” she said.
Also read: Hasina focuses on food security as FAO conference opens
She said that Bangladesh has been one of the very few economies in the world that grew even during the pandemic.
“Our sustained growth has been made possible by clear vision, prudent planning, sound governance, political stability, and tireless efforts of our hard-working people and spirited entrepreneurs. Today, Bangladesh has emerged as a Development Miracle,” she said.
In this connection, she mentioned that the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predicts that Bangladesh will become the 24th largest economy of the world by 2036.
She said that the equitable and inclusive “development model” of Bangladesh has laid a solid foundation on which to further develop.
She mentioned that Bangladesh is on its way to turn its US$ 416 billion economy into one of the largest economies of the world soon and become a developed country by 2041.
“Bangladesh is moving fast in urbanization, industrialization, and in increasing tele-density to connect individuals to governance, innovation and markets. Our aim is to connect our factors of production seamlessly into the global markets,” she said.
Hasina said that Bangladesh offers a huge domestic market of more than 168 million. people while its population is young, energetic, and ambitious.
She appreciated deep and wide innovations in agriculture and extension, productivity and remittance saying that country’s disposable income is rising faster than many comparable countries.
“On top of it all, we have a great geo-strategic location, and direct connectivity to all major international trading and shipment routes. We are also at the junction of the populous and growing South Asian, Southeast Asian and East Asian regions.”
she said that Bangladesh’s huge domestic market and the markets adjacent to it Interestingly are virtually untapped.
“All these advantages make Bangladesh an attractive destination for investors, and a future manufacturing, and economic hub of the region.”
Also read: Hasina says people will surely support motherly leadership like hers
The PM said that Bangladesh is today one of the top-most RMG manufacturers in the world while it is also good in leather, eco-friendly jute and jute derivatives, food and above all, in ICT and in ITES (IT Enabled Services).
Bangladesh also enjoys full-spectrum coverage by high-speed internet with more than six hundred and fifty thousand full-stack freelance developers, she added.
“Important to mention is our labor force, which is hardworking, affordable and quick learners," she said.
She said that Special Economic Zones and High-Tech parks are ready for new ventures.
“We are ready with both policy and infrastructure support to ensure that investors choosing to make Bangladesh their home shall find only the best in the world.”
She mentioned that Mega Projects like the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Payra Seaport, Matarbari Power Plant and Deep-Sea Port, Dhaka Metro Rail, Elevated Expressway Project and so on, are already transforming the infrastructure of Bangladesh.
“Significantly, they connect our geographic space into the economic space of the South and the Southeast Asian transport and connectivity corridors.”
“We are now intensifying our connectivity into multiple layers of food, finance and energy security. Our financial markets are now ready to support advanced private equity and fin-tech solutions.”
The prime minister said that Digital Bangladesh that the government had aspired for almost twelve years ago – is now a reality.
“I, therefore, invite you to come and partner with us.”
The political stability in Bangladesh means that investors can plan for long term, she added.
She said that there is also no limitation on foreign ownership of business.
“Moreover, Bangladesh possesses a healthy foreign currency reserve. Also, investors are free to repatriate their profits. Indeed, Bangladesh’s sovereign rating is rising fast.”
She also mentioned that Bangladesh is firmly committed to the realization of the SDG 2030.
“We are eager to join hands with you to help our disadvantaged friends across the globe in realizing them.”
In this connection she said that trained human resources, managerial and administrative service providers, and ICT developers give us the strength to join our hands with you wherever in the world.
She also felicitated the business leaders of the UAE and Bangladesh for launching the Joint Business Council.
“I have great expectations from the Council and hope of much rewards and satisfaction.”
The Business Forum was held at the DP World pavillion in the Dubai 2020 expo venue.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Affairs Adviser Salman F Rahman, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, FBCCI President Jasim Uddin, Chairman of the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abdulla Mohamned Al Mazrouei also spoke on the occasion.
Later, an MoU was signed between the FBCCI and the UAE Chambers to establish a Joint Business Council between the two countries.
FBCCI President Jasim Uddin, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abdulla Mohammed Al Mazrouei signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides.
Sheraspace marks milestone of gender parity in workforce
Sheraspace, a young digital interior design company, has recently celebrated the milestone of achieving a 50-50 male-female ratio in its workforce.
The prop-tech interior design firm, that started its journey in 2019, has successfully achieved gender equality, having over 50% of its 37-member team being occupied by females.
Sheraspace marked the achievement on the occasion of Women’s Day 2022 at its office, said a press release on Thursday.
In a statement on the occasion, the company said Bangladesh has taken strides in empowering women by increasing female employment and reducing the wage gap between males and females.” In order for the momentum to be carried forward, organizations need to channel conscious and strategic efforts in instilling gender equality in the workplace.”
“On the occasion of Women’s Day 2022, Team Sheraspace is proud to share that over 50% of our 37-member team is occupied by females. With equality being one of the core values of our company, Sheraspace has strived to establish a gender-balanced organization with an eye toward staying true to our core beliefs,” it said
The statement said the days of Sheraspace co-founder and CEO, Sarjeena Maodud, being the only female on the team seems long gone and this is a milestone that sets the tone for the company’s growth and future goals. “Our employee-first and people-centric approach to working remains integral to Sheraspace’s culture, as we look to garner more diversity in the team and promote equal gender representation in leadership positions.”
It said Sarjeena Maodud and Nizam Farid Ahmed aspire to build further upon its progress on the gender-equality front.
“Change begins with you. There was a time when I was the only female on the team and I realized that needed to change. It is definitely a gratifying moment for all of us at Sheraspace to have 50% of its team members are now female. I believe it is reflective of Sheraspace’s values of inclusivity and equality.” said Sarjeena Maodud.
She added, “The work doesn’t end here though. It is important that we build further upon this and empower and promote more female participation in leadership positions in our company.”
According to the World Economic Forum, the private sector will remain a powerful partner in enhancing gender equality. Hence measures taken by private Bangladeshi organizations in ensuring gender equality is crucial to the country’s economic advancement. Efforts in ensuring gender-balance in private organizations shall thus serve as a powerful means of contribution to Bangladesh’s economic growth.
Confident B’desh seeks global partnership to realize development dreams: FM
Bangladesh has sought global partnership to take its “steady growth trajectory” to another height for graduating to a developing country by 2024 and a developed nation by 2041.
“The message must be loud and clear – we add value – we are ready – partner with us,” said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen while addressing at the Bangladesh Economic Forum 2022 in Dubai on Thursday.
Momen mentioned key areas of potential partnership - food, finance, design, connectivity, ports, power, energy and human resources, according to message received in Dhaka.
Read: Assistant teacher recruitment test in April to fill 45000 vacant posts at primary schools
He said they have established a new wing – the international trade, investment and technology wing - to deal and coordinate all trade and investment issues for supporting all relevant national authorities and ministries, including BIDA, BEZA, BSEC and High-Tech Park Authority and to closely work with them as “One-Government”.
PM’s Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority Sheikh Yousuf Harun, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin, representatives from the public and private sectors of both Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates were present at the event.
Assistant teacher recruitment test in April to fill 45000 vacant posts at primary schools
Recruitment test for appointing 45000 assistant teachers in the primary schools will be held in April.
The successful candidates will be appointed in July, according to a decision taken at a ministerial meeting on Wednesday presided over by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossain.
Read: Civic body launches anti-dengue drive in north Dhaka
On October 20, 2020, the Directorate of Primary Education issued a circular to recruit assistant teachers in 32,557 vacant posts.
However, Due to Covid-19 pandemic situation the examinations were not held and in the meantime more than 10,000 posts became vacant because of retirement.
Read: HC issues contempt of court rule against the CEC
The ministry has now decided to hold the test to fill 45,000 vacant posts of assistant teachers to resolve disruption in class activities due to shortage of teachers.
Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Aminul Islam Khan, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Alamgir Mohammad Mansurul Alam were, among others present at the meeting.
HC issues contempt of court rule against the CEC
The High Court has issued a contempt of court rule against Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal for failure to register Ganasanghati Andolan as a political party despite its earlier order.
The HC bench of Justice Mamnoon Rahman and Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman passed the order on Thursday following a petition by Gonosonhoti Andolon chief coordinator Zonayed Saki.
The HC also issued a rule to the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to take punitive action against CEC.
Also read: Junaid Saki files contempt of court case against CEC
Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua stood for Zunaid.
On April 11, 2019, the HC passed an order to provide registration to Ganasanghati Andolan as a political party.
But the Election Commission is yet to comply with the court order.
On December 28, 2017, Ganasanghati Andolan filed a petition seeking registration for the party.
“Despite having a clear order in this regard, the authorities concerned did not take any initiative yet,” said Jyotirmoy.
Also read: President appoints former defence secretary Kazi Habibul Awal as the new CEC
Zonayed filed a petition on February 10, seeking punitive action against the CEC.
Govt. will soon distribute funds to help rebuild damaged temples and Hindu businesses
The government will provide Tk. 44.75 lakh to the Hindu community to help rebuild the temples, puja mandaps and shops which were damaged in attacks during last year’s Durga Puja festival in Noakhali, Cumilla and Cox's Bazar districts, an official said on Thursday."We are going to hand over cheques of Tk 44.75 lakh soon among 31 temples and business houses of the Hindu community from the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund at the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," PMO Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah said.
Read: Temples, Hindu households vandalised in Khulna: Puja Udjapan ParishadIn a separate press release signed by PM's Assistant Press Secretary M Ashraf Siddique Bitu, also said that the Religious Affairs Ministry is also providing similar kind of assistances to the damaged temples and business houses.
Mehdi Hasan new Bangladesh Ambassador to Sweden
The government has appointed Mehdi Hasan, currently serving as the Director General (Administration) at the Ministry, as the next Ambassador of Bangladesh to Sweden.
Ambassador-designate Mehdi Hasan is a career diplomat belonging to the 17th batch of the BCS (Foreign Affairs) cadre, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Also read: Two newly-appointed Bangladesh ambassadors call on President Hamid
In his diplomatic career, he served as the Consul General in Hong Kong and Counsellor in Manama. He also served at Bangladesh Missions in Moscow and New Delhi in different capacities.
Mehdi Hasan did his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Masters in Water Resource Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET).
Also read: Nazmul Islam new Bangladesh Ambassador to Oman
He obtained a ‘Diploma’ (Masters) in International Relations from the International Institute of Public Administration in Paris.