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Once a den of drug addicts, Ctg DC Park is now a kingdom of flowers
DC Park in Chattogram’s Fouzdarhat has become place of attraction for city dwellers for vibrant display of colourful flowers along the sea beach after the district administration developed the park inspired by Dubai's renowned Miracle Garden.
A month-long flower festival will begin at the park on Thursday (January 25, 2024) evening.The festival, organized for the second time, promises a delightful experience for visitors with a collection of 127 species of exotic flowers. In addition to the floral extravaganza, the event features added attractions such as kite flying, traditional sweets festival, boat exhibitions, art displays, and a music festival.
Read more: A festival of flowers in ChattogramOnce infamous as a drug den near the Fouzdarhat area on the Link Road in Chattogram city, DC Park was transformed into a 194-acre park by the district administration.The various species of flowers capture the attention of visitors, not just through their colours but also through the artistic arrangements.
Despite chilly weather, load-shedding persists amid severe gas crisis
Despite chilly weather, the country is experiencing load-shedding due to fall in power generation because of a severe gas crisis.
The data of the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), which controls the country's transmission system, shows that the country experienced about 322 MW of load-shedding on Wednesday (January 24) when the power generation fell to a level of 9113 MW at 9 am when normally the demand remains relatively lower during the peak winter compared with a day in the summer season.
In the summer, the demand goes up to 16,000 MW.
The PGCB data also shows that at the time the country's demand was 9450 MW and the gas-fired generation was reduced to a level of 4053 MW against its actual capacity of 11708.00 MW which shares 45.12 percent of the country's total grid-connected generation capacity of 25951 MW.
It reveals that in recent days the country experienced the most load shedding of 808 MW on January 21 at 11 am due to the gas crisis.
Available data with the state-owned Petrobangla shows that some 30 gas-fired power plants have remained off due to gas shortages that led to a drastic fall in power generation.
The plants include Unique Meghnaghat 584 MW, Doreen Narsingdi 22 MW SIPP, Doreen Tangail 22 MW SIPP, Summit Meghn. 335 MW, HPS (100 MW), Siddhirganj (2x120 MW), Tongi (80 MW), Aggreko (GSL)-145 MW Rent, HPL ( 360 MW ), HPL ( 360 MW ), Chandpur 150 MW CCPP, APS 450 MW CCPP, Ashuganj 200 MW Modular, APS 450 MW CCPP E, Sikalbaha 40 MW, Raozan (2x210) MW, S.Bazar 100 MW, S.Bazar 330 MW, K.gaon 3 yrs rent 50 MW, S.Bazar 3 yrs rental 50 MW, K gaon 142 MW CCPP, Habiganj 11 MW SIPP, Bibiyana-3 400 MW, F.ganj 15 yrs rent 51 MW, F.ganj 3 yrs rent 50 MW, Bogra 3 yrs rent (20 MW), Bogra 15 yrs rent (20 MW), Baghabari (100+71 MW, NWPGCL Unit - 1,2,3, Aggreko 95MW, and Bheramara 360 MW.
These plants together have a power generation capacity of 6012 MW from which the country is being deprived of.
The data also reveals that Petrobangla has been producing 2582.6 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd) against its total demand of more than 4,000 mmcfd meaning that the shortfall is over 1,500 mmcfd.
Petrobangla officials attributed this crisis to the fall in import of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
"The two LNG terminals have a combined capacity to supply a total of 1000 mmcfd while they are providing 529 mmcfd which is almost half of their capacity", said one official.
"Actually the ongoing dollar crisis has been the main constraint behind the decreasing import of the LNG", he added.
Due to a shortage in gas supply, residential consumers in Dhaka and elsewhere have been experiencing a serious difficulty in their day-to-day cooking while industries are suffering a lot.
Many residents from different areas in Dhaka city alleged that they don't get any gas during the day period and have to wait until midnight to manage their cooking.
Petrobangla and Titas Gas officials said they can not give any assurance for a substantial improvement in the supply until the dollar crisis is fully resolved.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid recently said that he hopes the situation in Dhaka city will improve soon.
He also noted that his ministry is taking measures to increase the import of the LPG as 80 percent of the household consumers use this liquefied gas while only 20 percent use piped gas.
‘Will work to be Number 1 in performance among all ministries’: Saber H. Chowdhury
In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview with UNB, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury (SHC) shares insights on the priorities and challenges with which he steps into his new role. The interview took place in the minister’s office at the Secretariat earlier this week:
UNB: What do you see as challenges facing the ministry?
SHC: I think coordinating with all the ministries to protect the environment, or to control water, air and noise pollution, is the biggest challenge. Because, the Department of Environment only sets the standards. As a ministry, we identify problems. But enforcement is not solely our responsibility. Various ministries and departments of the government need to work collaboratively on this matter.
When it comes to dealing with climate change, many other departments of the government, and a number of ministries such as food, water resources, commerce, local government, industry, are involved. So the government has to take that overall responsibility. We work on the coordination efforts.
UNB: What will be your first priority?
SHC: First of all, we are emphasising on identifying how much capacity we have to work on the issues. Does the ministry and agencies under it have the requisite capacity for certain tasks? The name of our ministry is the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Biodiversity is a big issue that needs focus, but it's not in the ministry structure. Therefore, the capacity of the ministry is important to identify.
UNB: Bangladesh is one of the most affected countries due to climate change. What plans do you have in this field?
SHC: Climate change is one of the three issues of the ministry. It's global, we have no hand in it. But we are the most affected. Our strategy is to do as much as we can to reduce the effects of climate change and stand on the side of people. Although we do not have control over carbon emissions, we are not getting the amount of money we are supposed to get. Developed countries or donors do not keep the promises they made in terms of funding.
Proper use of the limited money given to them has to be ensured. We have to implement the action plans that we have in the field of climate change with transparency and cost-effectiveness.
Though Bangladesh is not responsible for climate change, it is one of the worst sufferers of the adverse impacts of climate change. We will work to build global public opinion against climate change.
True sustainable development is not possible without the development of the environment. Therefore, the policies and ideals of Bangladesh will have to be implemented to protect the environment. Despite various global economic and environmental problems, we will work under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to provide a livable environment and a better life to the people of Bangladesh.
Read more: Macron says France will sign agreement with Bangladesh to finance climate-change adaptation, loss and damage in first half of 2024
UNB: What plans do you have to protect the environment?
SHC: We're facing a lot of challenges in the environment. Every year many people die prematurely due to air pollution. Years are being lost from our lives, productivity is being destroyed. There is nothing new to say about it.
So when we talk about sustainable development, the issue of the environment comes into the mainstream. River pollution is a major challenge. Hills are being destroyed. How do we take effective action there? Everyone says it has to stop. But how? ETP plans have been installed in various places. In reality, we have seen that in many cases ETP plans are not maintained. It is launched just before the inspector’s visit. And even if they find violations, the penalty is not punitive enough. It needs to be updated.
I will say though, that the environment and forests are completely under our control. We can't blame anyone else for that. If there is any pollution in these two cases, we are solely responsible for it. Deforestation occurs on a greater scale in Bangladesh than in the rest of the world. So one of the focus points is the conservation of the forest. Another is the restoration of encroached forests.
If the forested area can be expanded, that's also a big deal. The forest is not just a tree, it is also about biodiversity. The whole ecosystem is related. While doing development work, many people say that if 5,000 trees are cut, we will plant 50,000 trees. But that can never actually compensate for what is lost. Because it's not just a tree, it's biodiversity.
UNB: How do you plan to ensure proper use and transparency of climate funds?
SHC: We will ensure that the allocated money actually reaches the affected people. Maximum efforts will be made to bring allocation from the International Loss and Damage Fund at the earliest, followed by its maximum utilisation, and we will ensure transparency in the use of climate fund money.
UNB: Brick kilns are responsible for the majority of air pollution in the capital, which regularly features near the top of the world’s most polluted cities. Do you have any specific plan to address this, as well as the damage they cause to the environment?
SHC: Effective measures will be taken against air pollution to protect public health. To this end, legal action will be taken against the air polluting brick kilns. Work will be done in coordination with the concerned ministries and agencies to control air pollution in Dhaka city. Other factors responsible for air pollution will also be controlled on a scientific basis.
‘Brick Kiln Tracker’ will be used to help identify environmental pollutants and illegal brick kilns and take appropriate legal actions against them. As a result, it will be easy to stop illegal activities by identifying the harmful brick kilns on priority basis. As a result, it will be possible to reduce air pollution caused by brick kilns.
The Department of Environment and National University of Singapore (NUS) have jointly developed the Brick Kiln Tracker based on IT and remote sensing technology. With the help of this latest technology using Artificial Intelligence, the monitoring and enforcement activities of the Department of Environment will be strengthened and successful.
UNB: What initiatives will you take to ease the process of obtaining environmental clearance, that has become a cumbersome process for citizens?
SHC: All necessary initiatives will be taken so that people can get services in time. We plan to simplify the process of obtaining environmental clearance certificates to reduce public suffering. At the same time no irregularities will be tolerated in the issuance of clearance.
UNB: What can we expect in the upcoming 100-day work plan?
SHC: The 100-day action plan will be announced next week. A 100-day work plan will be implemented incorporating various priority activities of the ministry. In particular, necessary steps will be taken to solve the problems of air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, plastic-polythene pollution and hill cutting. Bangladesh Awami League's election manifesto and Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan will be implemented on priority basis.
The law will be properly implemented for sustainable development and prevention of forest encroachment. International funding will be attempted. We will work to take the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change to number 1 (among all the ministries) in terms of performance. Transparency and accountability will be established in the activities of the ministry. Besides, active participation of the concerned ministries and departments is needed to prevent environmental pollution, so we will work in coordination with other ministries.
Read more: Hasina’s return to power will be welcomed in Global South: Policy analyst Kugelman
Faridpur farmers anticipate impressive mustard yield worth Tk 151.38 crore
In Faridpur, a significant increase in mustard cultivation has been reported, with the area under mustard crops expanding by over 2,000 hectares from the previous season. This expansion anticipates a high-yield output valued at an impressive Tk 151.38 crore.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Faridpur has noted that mustard now spans 14,842 hectares, targeting a yield of 1,360 kg per hectare. Given the current market rate, which surpasses Tk 3,000 per maund, the district's projected earnings are substantial.
Govt initiative to reduce edible oil imports: Jashore’s mustard farmers anticipate exceptional harvest
Anwar Hossain, the Agriculture Officer of Faridpur Sadar upazila, attributes this growth to the rising prices of edible oils. He observed that mustard cultivation has become a preferred choice in nearly all fields across the district’s nine upazilas. “Farmers are increasingly turning to mustard due to its lower maintenance, availability of resources like fertilizers and medicines, and encouraging government policies,” said Hossain.
The district has seen the cultivation of various mustard varieties, including BARI-14, 15, 16, 17, Bina-4, 8, 9, and Tori-7. This diversification, coupled with the growing demand for pure mustard oil, has led farmers to focus on high-yielding strains.
Local farmers, Ibrahim Mollah and Rahim Matabbar from Ambikapur, highlighted the advice from the Department of Agriculture to plant an additional crop before the boro paddy season. This strategy maximizes the use of fields and aligns with the mustard’s shorter growth period of just 80-90 days.
Farmers expect bumper mustard yield in Khulna
The cost of cultivating mustard ranges from Tk 7,000 to Tk 8,000 per bigha, with the potential to yield 5-6 maunds of seeds per bigha, especially under favorable weather conditions. This efficient production cycle and promising market rates are driving Faridpur’s agricultural sector towards a robust mustard season.
Soaring prices in Khulna markets: A struggle for middle and low-income groups
In the aftermath of the January 7 national election, the kitchen markets in Khulna have witnessed a substantial hike in the prices of daily essentials, severely impacting middle-class and low-income families. This sudden increase in prices is making it increasingly difficult for these groups to manage their household budgets.
Recent market trends show a noticeable rise in the cost of various commodities. In particular, the prices of rice have seen a significant uptick over the past week. Seasonal factors have also led to increased vegetable prices during the winter, and essentials like broiler chicken, flour, pulses, chickpeas, ginger, and garlic are not exempt from this trend.
RMG workers in Gazipur demonstrate for wages set by govt, gridlock on Dhaka-Tangail highway
Local consumers express a sense of helplessness, feeling like hostages to what appears to be an uncontrollable syndicate. This situation has exacerbated their financial challenges, especially for those struggling to meet daily expenses.
Traders attribute this surge in prices to a poor supply chain. However, residents speculate that certain unscrupulous traders are exploiting the post-election period to unjustifiably raise prices.
A recent survey of Khulna's kitchen markets revealed the following price points: Miniket rice at Tk 68-70 per kg, BR-28 Paijam variety at Tk 65-66 per kg, and local variety rice at Tk 50-52 per kg. Vegetable prices have also surged, with beans costing Tk 80-100 per kg, cauliflowers and cabbages at Tk 50 each, and eggplant, ridge gourd, and bottle gourd ranging from Tk 80 to Tk 100.
The poultry market is not immune to these increases, with broiler chicken now at Tk 220-225 per kg after a Tk 20 increase, and Pakistani chicken at Tk 320-340. Beef prices have also risen, selling at Tk 700 per kg despite authorities setting the price at Tk 650.
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Amirul Islam, a local fish trader, noted that fish prices have escalated by Tk 10-50. Additionally, the cost of chickpeas has jumped from Tk 85-90 to Tk 100-110 per kg, and high-quality pulses are now at Tk 150-160 per kg. Even the price of local onions has risen, now selling at Tk 80-100 per kg, up from the previous Tk 80-90.
This alarming price rise in essential commodities is placing significant strain on the residents of Khulna, with the most substantial impact felt by those in the middle and lower economic brackets.
Govt initiative to reduce edible oil imports: Jashore’s mustard farmers anticipate exceptional harvest
The mustard farmers of Jashore district are anticipating a record production and significant profits this year, thanks to favorable weather conditions and enhanced government support.
The Jashore Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) revealed that the area under mustard cultivation surpassed the initial target of 29,900 hectares, reaching 30,265 hectares. This increase is a part of the government’s initiative to reduce edible oil imports, as highlighted by DAE sources.
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A visit to Churamonkathi village in Sadar upazila showcased vast fields adorned with vibrant mustard flowers. The farmers have adopted Bari-9 and Bari-14 mustard varieties, with the government providing each farmer with one kg of seeds and 20 kg of fertilizers per bigha of land to encourage cultivation.
Jabed Ali, a farmer from Kulia village in Jhikargacha upazila, shared his optimism: “Compared to other crops like paddy, mustard cultivation is less expensive and more profitable. That’s why many of us have chosen to cultivate mustard.”
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The farmers are optimistic about the harvest, which is expected to begin within the next 20-25 days. “If the weather remains favorable, we anticipate a bumper yield,” Ali added.
Zahidur Rahman, another farmer from Keshabpur upazila, echoed this sentiment: “Last year, I harvested five maunds of mustard. With the current conditions, I expect an even greater yield this year.”
Dr. Sushanta Kumar Tarafdar, Deputy Director of DAE, underscored the government’s commitment to reducing edible oil imports. “By increasing the cultivation of Robi season crops like mustard, we aim to achieve this goal. This year, Jashore has seen a record yield,” he stated.
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The government provided seeds and fertilizers to 37,800 farmers across the district, including those in Abhaynagar upazila, where mustard cultivation covered 2,110 hectares.
The concerted efforts of the farmers, favorable weather, and government support have combined to set the stage for a highly successful mustard harvest in Jashore, marking a significant stride in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.
Voter turnout over 60% in 21 constituencies, below 30% in 52: EC stats
Though the overall voter turnout was 41.99 percent in the 12th parliamentary election held on Sunday (January 07, 2024), more than 60 percent of registered voters cast their ballots in 21 constituencies and less than 30 percent voted in at least 52 constituencies, according to Election Commission data.
The highest 87.24 percent votes were cast in Gopalganj-3 and Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was elected from the constituency, according to the data.
The lowest turnout was 13.04 percent in Dhaka-15. State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumdar won the election from the constituency as an AL contender.
In the national election held amid boycott of a major political party BNP, ruling Awami League secured 222 seats, while Jatiya Party obtained only 11 seats. Independent candidates clinched victory in 62 seats.
Besides, Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasod) and Bangladesh Kalyan Party each won a seat. The election result of Mymensingh-3 was postponed.
Out of the country’s 300 seats, Sunday’s balloting was held in 299 seats as the election to Naogaon-2 was earlier postponed by the commission following the death of a valid candidate there.
The five constituencies with more than 70 percent voter turnout are: Gopalganj-3 (87.24% turnout; AL candidate Sheikh Hasina won), Gopalganj-2 (83.20%; AL candidate Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim won), Brahmanbaria-6 (76%, AL’s AB Tajul Islam won), Chattogram-6 (73.24%; AL’s ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury won) and Sirajganj-1 (72.32%; AL candidate Tanvir Shakil Joy won).
Read: BNP demands fresh election to establish legitimate govt, PM Hasina’s resignation
The constituencies having over 60 percent voter turnout include Naogaon-1, Bagerhat-1, Bagerhat-2, Bagerhat-4, Barishal-1, Jamalpur-1, Mymensingh-10, Faridpur-4, Gopalganj-1, Madaripur-1, Cumilla-7, Cumilla-8, Feni-2, Noakhali-6, Chattogram-7 and Bandarban.
Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim secured the highest 295,291 votes for the ‘boat’ symbol in Gopalganj-2.
Tanvir Shakil Joy got the second highest, 278,971 votes, in Sirajganj-1.
Mirza Azam received 276,453 votes in Jamalpur-3 and Dipankar Talukdar got 271,373 votes in Rangamati.
Among the elected candidates, independent candidate Awlad Hossain secured victory obtaining the lowest number of 24,775 votes in Dhaka-4.
Candidates who won even after getting less than 40,000 votes are: AL nominated Muhammad Shafikur Rahman (36,458 votes) in Chandpur-4, independent contestant Saddam Hossain Pavel (39,321 votes) in Nilphamari-3 and AL’s Kamal Ahmed Majumdar (39,632 votes) in Dhaka-15.
Less than 20 percent votes were cast in five constituencies, which are Dhaka-15 (13.04%), Dhaka-17 (16.66%), Dhaka-8 (18.70%), Sylhet-1 (19.30%) and Dhaka-16 (19.88%). In Sylhet-1, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was elected.
Read: Visiting foreign observers describe National Election 2024 in Bangladesh as ‘free, fair and safe’
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and Secretary General Mujibul Haque won amid low turnout of voters in their constituencies.
GM Quader ran the election from Rangpur-3 where the voter turnout was only 22.36%. Mujibul Haque who contested the polls from Kishoreganj-3 witnessed voter turnout of 29.33%.
The constituencies that witnessed voter turnout of 20-29 percent also include Rangpur-3, Kurigram-1, Kurigram-2, Kurigram-3, Gaibandha-1, Gaibandha-3, Bogura-2, Bogura-4, Bogura-6, Bogura-7, Chapainawabganj-3, Rajshahi-2, Patuakhali-1, Barishal-5, Mymensingh-5, Mymensingh-6, Mymensingh-8, Kishoreganj-3, Manikganj-1, Dhaka-4, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-6, Dhaka-7, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-10, Dhaka-11, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-14, Dhaka-18, Dhaka-19, Gazipur-2, Sylhet-5, Sylhet-6, Habiganj-1, Chandpur-3, Chandpur-4, Noakhali-3, Noakhali-4, Lakshmipur-1, Lakshmipur-3, Lakshmipur-4, Chattogram-5, Chattogram-8, Chattogram-10, Chattogram-11, Chattogram-15 and Cox’s Bazar-1.
A total of 4,99,65,467 votes out of 11,89,89,241 were cast in 298 constituencies in the January-7 general election.
Read more: Envoys of India, China, Russia and four other countries congratulate Hasina on her big election victory
12th parliamentary election: all eyes on celebrity candidates
The 12th parliamentary election of the country is all set to take place on Sunday. Although being a Member of Parliament is nothing new from the entertainment and sports sectors, a number of celebrities have entered the race this time around as candidates.
While some of them are independent candidates vying for votes, others are party nominations, courtesy of the ruling Awami League. These candidates stepped outside the box and worked day and night, knocking on people's doors for the votes.
On the eve of the vote an analysis from observation of the last few days indicates that popular actor Ferdous Ahmed in Dhaka-10 constituency, former Bangladesh cricket team captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza in Narail-2 and the current National cricket team captain Shakib Al Hasan in Magura-1 are the top most popular candidates in their respective seats with Awami League's ‘Nouka’ (boat) symbol, without strong competition against them.
The rest of the celebrity candidates, including veteran thespian and former Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor from Nilphamari-2 seat and singer Momtaz Begum in Manikganj-2 seat f may have to face a tough fight even after receiving the nomination of Awami League.
Magazine show ‘Ittyadi’-famed popular singer-musician Nakul Kumar Biswas is contesting from the Krishak Sramik Janata League in Barisal-2, Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM) candidate and popular singer Doli Sayontoni is contesting from Pabna-2, and Dhallywood actress Mahiya Mahi is contesting as the independent candidate for Rajshahi-1 after getting refused nomination from Awami League.
Awami League set to win Sunday’s election amid opposition boycott
Bangladesh is set to hold the 12th parliamentary election on Sunday with the ruling Awami League’s victory is guaranteed for a historic fourth consecutive term amid an opposition boycott.
The main opposition BNP and several other parties are sitting out of the polls, which are being participated by the Awami League and 27 other political parties.
Thanks to the opposition boycott the AL is expected to sweep the polls to again form the government and extend its 15-year rule for another five years until 2029, according to analysts.
The opposition is staying out of the race after Hasina’s government rejected its demand to transfer power to a non-partisan administration to oversee a free and fair vote.
In a new development in the country’s electoral history the ruling party is facing tough fight mainly from the party’s own members contesting as independents.
In a televised address to the nation wrapping up her election campaign on Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appealed to the voters to go to polling centres early in the morning. She asked them to cast their ballots for boat, her party’s election symbol.
But the opposition BNP and its like-minded parties have called for a 48-hour hartal (general strike), including on the Voting Day.
Security has been stepped up across the country after a series of arson attacks on polling centres and fire on a moving train, Benapole Express, on Friday night that left four people, including children charred to death.
On Saturday, election officials fanned across the country to reach election materials – expect ballots – to the polling centres, said the EC. The ballots, however, will be sent to the centres in the morning of the voting day.
The balloting will start at 8am and continue till 4pm non-stop in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies. Voting in Naogaon-2 constituency has been postponed following the death of an independent contender, according to the Election Commission.
As many as 1,969 candidates, including 436 independent contenders are running in the general election.
In 80 to 100 constituencies, tough fights are expected to be seen between AL candidates and its own rivals who are running as independent contestants.
The ruling party nominated candidates are vying in the election with 'boat' symbol in 265 seats, while the party is sharing 26 seats with Jatiya Party and six seats with three partners of its 14-party alliance – three for Jasod, two for Workers’ Party and one for Jatiya Party (JP-Manju).
There is no AL candidate in Barishal-4 and Cox's Bazar-1 as the candidacies of its nominated contestants were cancelled in the two constituencies. AL MP Pankaj Nath as an independent candidate is running in Barishal-4 and Kalyan Party Chairman Syed Muhammad Ibrahim in Cox's Bazar-1.
How the fishermen of Dublar Char vote during shutki season
The election wind has touched the Dublar Char, popularly known as “Shutki Polli” or Dried Fish Village, near the Sundarban in full swing as the 12th parliamentary election is knocking at the door.
Thousands of fishermen have been leaving for home to join the voting festivities as they want to elect their favorite candidate by voting. A number of fishermen were seen today leaving for the coast with their boats with high enthusiasm.
According to the Forest Department, more than 9,000 fishermen who came to Dublar Char during the dried fish processing season have returned home to vote.
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Dublar Char consists of Alorkol, Middle Fort, Coconut Baria and Shalar Char. Every year, several thousand fishermen and hired hands flock to the area to catch fish and make shutki (dried fish).
The Forest Department also said that this year, the authorities concerned have given permission to erect 108 makeshift houses and 78 depots for accommodation of fishermen and preservation of dried fish.
Fishermen usually return home at the end of the season. But this time the fishermen are returning to their respective homes to cast their votes in the parliamentary elections.
The fishermen hail from Sharankhola, Rampal, Morrelganj, Mongla, Khulna Sadar, Koyra, Dakop, Batiaghata, Satkhira Sadar, Ashusuni and other upazilas of Bagerhat district.
10,000 fishermen likely to gather at Dublar Char as dried fish processing season starts
Several fishermen from Rampal and Mongla areas of Bagerhat district, Dakop of Khulna district and Satkhira said that they want to elect their preferred candidates in the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections. Many will go to their homes by Saturday morning. After voting on Sunday, they will leave for Dublar Char again on Monday with boats.
The fishermen expect that whoever they vote for will be elected and speak for them in parliament. The elected representatives will work to improve the fate of the common people.
Fishermen hope the next government will keep the prices of essential commodities including rice, pulses and oil within the purchasing capacity of the common people.
Forester Md Khalilur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Dublar Char fishermen's patrol outpost, said more than 10,000 fishermen come to Dublar Char during the 'Shutki' season. After the allocation of symbols to the candidates in the election, many of the fishermen living there campaigned for their preferred candidate. Some even hung posters of the candidate in Dublar Char.
"Two days before casting their votes in the 12th parliamentary elections on January 7, the fishermen left for their homes with permitted boats," he added.
Bagerhat's Dublar Char abuzz as fish drying season begins
Md Khalilur Rahman said there are now about 1,000 fishermen in Dublar Char. The fishermen who went to vote will return to Dublar Char on Monday.
Kamal Uddin Ahmed, chairman of Dubla Fisherman Group, said fishermen were huge enthusiastic about the 12th parliamentary election this year. Ninety percent of the fishermen return home with their boats to vote.
According to the Sundarban Forest Department, the 'Shutki' season started in November and will continue till March.