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ACC investigates corruption allegation against BIWTA’s additional director
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started an investigation into alleged irregularities, corruption and illegal amassing of assets by AKM Arif Uddin alias Arif Hasnat, Additional Director of Ports and Transport Department of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.
The anti-graft watchdog has formed a-two member inquiry committee headed by Deputy Director (investigation and inquiry-2) of the ACC Md. Hafizul Islam for fare . Another member of the team is its Assistant Director Subhash Chandra Majumder.
This information was in a letter of the ACC written to the Director (Administration) of the BIWTA. The ACC’s letter, signed by ACC Deputy Director (investigation and inquiry-2) Md. Hafizul Islam, was issued on last September 3.
In the letter, the ACC has asked for several important information about Narayanganj river port from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022 and Dhaka river port (Sadarghat) from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022.
New commissioner at Anti-Corruption Commission
These include accounting records of revenue collections, documentary records of earned revenue deposited (including deposit slips) in the government treasury and bank statements for the specified period.
Arif Uddin, currently posted at BIWTA's head office, was in charge of Dhaka and Narayanganj river ports at the time mentioned above.
ACC's letter has sought details of salary and allowances drawn by Arif Uddin since joining BIWTA till June 30 this year and office orders related to the responsibilities assigned to him.
ACC has also sought all records related to applications and approvals for holding business or shares in the names of Arif Uddin and his wife, children and brothers.
The ACC’s letter said that a letter was sent to the BIWTA on August 3 this year seeking above information for the sake of the ongoing investigation. But the BIWTA has not given it. For this reason, the inquiry activities are being hampered, it said.
Is our anti-corruption agency a cruel joke?
According to the ACC, though another letter was sent to the Director (Admin) BIWTA on September 3, seeking the same information and documents by 10 am on September 8.
However, it has been found that BIWTA has not sent any information to the ACC till writing this report.
When contacted BIWTA Director (Administration) Wakil Nawaz told UNB that his office (BIWTA head office) did not receive any letter from the ACC, which was sent on August 3 last month. However, he acknowledged that his office has already received the second letter, which was sent on September 3.
When he was asked why they (BIWTA) failed to provide the information to the ACC by September 8 this month, Wakil Newaz said he has been working on it and he hopes to provide the ACC required information very soon.
Anti-Corruption Drive that raised hope in 2019
When contacted by UNB Arif Uddin denied the allegations, saying that couple of years ago same type of allegations were brought against him and finally nothing was found against him.
After several years, someone brought the allegation to the ACC again against me. The ACC has been investigating the matter now. After completion of the ACC’s inquiry, the organization will take step as per its findings, said Arif, who has been also performing additional duty as Director (Land and Law) of the BIWTA.
Bangabandhu Tunnel awaits inauguration; toll rates finalised
The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, running beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, is now awaiting inauguration, with the primary construction phase successfully concluded.
The main tunnel is fully equipped and prepared for vehicular movement. This historic project marks the country's first-ever underwater tunnel, and preparations for its grand inauguration are underway.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the tunnel in Chattogram on October 28. Marking the occasion, the prime minister will address a rally at the Anwara end of the tunnel.
Also read: Uttara to Motijheel in 38 mins once part of Metro Rail from Agargaon opens on Oct 20
Commencing from the following day, the tunnel will be open for vehicular traffic, providing a significant transportation milestone for the region.
In this regard, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the primary construction phase of the tunnel has been successfully concluded.
“Presently, the focus is on resolving technical matters within the tunnel. The inauguration of this remarkable project heralds Bangladesh's entry into the era of underwater tunnels,” said Quader.
This ‘monumental achievement’ will usher in a new era of communication within the country, marking a source of immense national pride, he added.
Also read: After 10 years of delay, Mongla-Khulna rail line likely to open in October
The Bridges Division Secretary Md. Manzur Hossain told UNB that the primary tunnel is fully ready for vehicular traffic.
“Ongoing efforts encompass various aspects, including the establishment of essential infrastructure such as fire service and police station buildings. The overall progress of the tunnel project stands at 98 percent,” he said.
"Our activities will continue even after the inauguration. It has been discussed to establish a police station, a dumping area, and a station, and the space is available for that. Those who are involved in the operation and those who will perform maintenance will have their own vehicles," he added.
The secretary said that the traffic division has devised a dedicated plan for managing the flow of traffic both within and around the tunnel area, aiming to ensure seamless transportation.
Inside the tunnel, vehicles will be able to run at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour.
It has been decided which vehicles will run in the tunnel. Tolls have also been fixed, said the Bridges secretary (see bolow).
Also read: HSIA Terminal 3: Final preparations on course for Oct 7 inauguration
“The concept of the tunnel is new to us. That's why it has some challenges. It is different from other bridges or roads. In that case, we have to make sure that the tunnel will be safe and those who use it will also be safe,” said Hossain, adding, “From that perspective, I don't think it's safe for two- or three-wheelers at the moment.”
Harun-ur-Rashid, project director of the tunnel, told UNB that the scope of Chittagong city will increase once the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tunnel is opened.
"Chittagong city marks one end of the tunnel, while the other end leads to Anwara Upazila. The development of tunnels is transforming Anwara into a burgeoning city. Concurrently, the land prices in Anwara Upazila have seen a substantial increase."
Numerous industries, both large and small, are emerging on both sides of the road leading to the tunnel's terminus in Anwara Upazila.
When the tunnel becomes operational, it will reduce the Karnaphuli River crossing time to just three minutes.
As time is of the essence, the economy is expected to thrive. The tunnel is poised to bring about a transformative change in road connectivity between the capital, Dhaka, and Chittagong city, as well as the tourist destination of Cox's Bazar.
Also read: Dhaka-Bhanga railway track via Padma bridge all set for trial run on Thursday
The main tunnel spans a length of 3.32 kilometres, with each of the two four-lane tubes measuring 2.45 kilometres.
Additionally, there will be a 5.35 km link road at both the west and east ends of the main tunnel, along with a 727-metre-long flyover at the Anwara end.
The tunnel is situated at a depth ranging from 18 to 31 metres beneath the Karnaphuli River.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina initiated the commencement of boring for the first or northern tunnel from Patenga to Anwara on February 24, 2019.
The loan agreement had been signed on June 30, 2015, following a feasibility study of the project in 2011 and a Memorandum of Understanding in 2014.
Construction work officially began on December 5, 2017, following the appointment of the contractor.
This project is jointly funded by the Governments of Bangladesh and China (G2G), with a total cost of Tk 10,698 crore. The construction work for the tunnel is being carried out by the China Communication and Construction Company Limited (CCCC).
The Government of Bangladesh is executing this project with the aim of creating a 'One City Two Towns' concept, similar to Shanghai in China, on either side of the Karnaphuli River.
Also read: Elevated expressway marks first of 9 megaprojects to be inaugurated before election
A total of 12 types of vehicles will be subject to toll charges when using the 3.43 km long Bangabandhu Tunnel. The minimum toll fee has been set at Tk200, applicable to private cars. Pickup trucks will also be charged Tk200 for each crossing, while microbuses will be charged Tk250.
Buses with fewer than 31 seats will incur a toll of Tk300, while those with more than 32 seats will pay Tk400. Big buses with three axles will be charged a toll of Tk500.
The toll for trucks capable of carrying goods up to five tonnes has been fixed at Tk400. Eight-ton trucks will have to pay Tk500 and 11-ton trucks will have to pay Tk600. A three-axle container trailer will cost Tk800.
A four-axle trailer will cost Tk1,000. However, an additional Tk200 will have to be paid for each additional axle.
The toll rate will come into effect on the day the tunnel is opened for vehicular movement.
Read more: Toll rates fixed for Karnaphuli tunnel
‘US wanted to act proactively to send tough message’: Kugelman
Full transcript of UNB’s email interview with Michael Kugelman (MK), director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, in the wake of the US announcing it was taking steps to impose the first batch of visa restrictions on Bangladeshi law enforcement officials, and members of the ruling party and political opposition:
UNB: First of all, what do you make of the timing? There was an impression earlier that these restrictions would most likely be imposed after the election, as they were in the case of Nicaragua and Zimbabwe. What do you think Washington is trying to signal by coming out 3 months prior and announcing the first restrictions? Is it dissatisfaction with how the overall preparations are going?
MK: I think the US wanted to act proactively, to send a tough message. In effect: This is important to us, we mean business, we want that free and fair election, and here's what we'll do in the weeks leading up to it when we see someone trying to imperil that outcome. Keep in mind that the Biden administration genuinely wants a close relationship with Dhaka, and so it doesn't want to be in the tough position of having to decide whether to review the future of the relationship if the election is deemed to be unfree and unfair. For Washington, the goal is to give the full Bangladesh state—the political class, law enforcement, media, business leaders, and so on—the strongest possible incentive to ensure a free and fair election, so that the US doesn't have to make that difficult decision.
Read: Visa restrictions imposed upon 'careful review of evidence': US embassy
UNB: Although US law doesn't allow it, to the extent that we're allowed to speculate, do you think there are some really big fish that would have come under the restrictions? Without them it may be futile don't you think?
MK: I don't know the identities of the people targeted, though indeed a stronger message would be sent if some big fish were among them.
UNB: Visa restrictions are not the same of course, as Magnitsky sanctions. Do you think these individuals, whoever they are, should now worry that they might be brought under Magnitsky, say if they turn out to be repeat offenders in the days ahead?
MK: I think this depends on who the people are that were targeted. If some of those targeted are business leaders and others that depend on transactions with the US, then one can't rule out Magnitsky. That said, as I understand them, these visa restriction policies are specific in scope and don't stipulate—at least not publicly—that they could expand into wider restrictions that would encompass Magnitsky.
Read: US taking steps to impose first batch of visa restrictions
UNB: A US delegation is due next month to assess the situation on the ground for an observer mission during the election. The EU has already said it won't send observers after its own team came and assessed the conditions. How much of a blow do you think it would be if the US also says no? Do you see a 'No' as a rejection of the process?
MK: A decision not to send observers can be spun differently depending on where you sit politically. Certainly, for the opposition and other government critics, not sending observers can be pointed to as an indication of the international community having lost faith in the idea of a free and fair election and not wanting to be part of an electoral process that it feels is destined to fail. But the government could spin it as a success, that the international community must be sufficiently confident about the election being free and fair if it has no need to have observers in place.
Read: 'Nothing to lose' from visa restrictions: Shahriar Alam
UNB: Finally, do you see the possibility of wider sanctions on say trade or other things, depending on the quality of the election?
MK: I do think the administration will review the future of the relationship if the election is deemed to be rigged. This could result in a decision to downgrade some aspects of the relationship, and possibly new sanctions. But the administration will need to be careful. It truly values its partnership with Bangladesh, which has grown in recent years, especially on the trade side. And against the backdrop of rapidly intensifying great power competition, Bangladesh, as a non-aligned state sitting astride the Indian Ocean, has great strategic importance for Washington. There are also influential actors, like the US-Bangladesh Business Council, which would likely push back against trade sanctions and any plan to rein in commercial relations. So the US would need to be cautious in its approach.
Read more: A big moment for Bangladesh and its relations with US: South Asia specialist
Bangladesh needs multiple choices for better bargaining in foreign financial proposals: Japanese expert
Bangladesh needs to have more choices in terms of any proposal, specially financial proposals that will give it a better bargaining point, according to a Japanese expert.
“We have to be very robust in creating such proposals to make Bangladesh have much more free choices. It is better if you have two or more choices. In fact we both need to have more choices,” Dr Ken Jimbo, Managing Director, International House of Japan and Professor of Keio University told UNB in an interview recently.
Highlighting Japan’s new plan for Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), he said Japan is offering 51 items without any condition attached and Bangladesh can pick and choose which is attractive.
The Japanese expert who served as Special Advisor to the Minister of Defense Taro Kono, Japan Ministry of Defense (2020) and Senior Advisor, the National Security Secretariat (2018-20) said they are happy to consider Chinese proposals if those are rule-based and in line with international standards.
“If there is one proposal on the project finance coming from China which is very attractive and there is no alternative proposal to be made by Japan or any other countries, Bangladesh may have no choice but to take Chinese money,” he mentioned.
Read: PM urges JICA to allow farmers to use wastage of sea water in the desalination project at Matarbari
Test run of train on Dohazari-Cox's Bazar route likely on October 15
The trial run of a train on Dohazari-Cox's Bazar route is expected to be conducted on October 15 as 92 percent work on the railway route has been completed, said the project director.
The trial run of the train will be conducted in presence of Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon, Mafizur Rahman, director of Dohazari--Cox's Bazar rail project told UNB on Thursday.
The construction work of an iconic rail station, culvert, level crossing and highway crossing is almost finished, he said.
The 102 kilometer Dohazari-Cox's Bazar rail project is almost finished and now it is ready for train movement, said Mafizur Rahman.
“Already all preparations have been taken to conduct a trial run on the route and a locomotive with six bogies will run on the route first. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the rail route at the end of October. Later, the residents of Dhaka will enjoy the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar rail route later,” he said.
Read more: After 10 years of delay, Mongla-Khulna rail line likely to open in October
According to the project officials, under the project a 102-km new dual gauge single railway line from Dohazari to Cox's Bazar has been built at a cost of Tk 18,000 crore.
Already an Oyster-shaped international standard railway station has been built in Cox’s Bazar town and seven more stations from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar were built while an overpass was also constructed to facilitate the movement of elephants and other wild animals as the rail line crosses a reserved forest area, said the project director.
Besides, the repair work of the 450 meters of the trail tracks which was damaged due to the recent floods was done, he said.
Rezaul Karim, president of Cox’s Bazar Tourist Traders Association, said the number of tourists could increase by three times with the launching of the rail route.
Zahidul Islam, a resident of Cox’s Bazar, said the residents of the district have been deprived of the train services for long but the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar project will make their dream come true.
Read more: Uttara to Motijheel in 38 mins once part of Metro Rail from Agargaon opens on Oct 20
Mohammad Shaheen Imran, deputy commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, said the project work is almost finished and if everything remains okay the trail run of train on the rail route will be conducted on October 15.
8 rail stations
According to the project officials, there are eight stations along the 102-km railway including at Satkania, Lohagara, Chakaria, Dulahazara, Eidgaon, Ramu and Cox's Bazar Sadar.
To facilitate this, three big bridges have been constructed on Sangu, Matamuhuri and Bakkhali rivers. Besides, 43 small bridges, 201 culverts and 144 level crossings have been constructed on the railway.
A flyover was constructed in Keochia area of Satkania, and two highway crossings in Ramu and Cox's Bazar areas.
An overpass of 50 metres and three underpasses were constructed for the movement of elephants and other wildlife.
Dhaka-Cox's Bazar train service still a distant reality as project limps along
Power Cell engages top US consultancy in move towards ‘Smart Grid’
The government has initiated a move to gradually upgrade the existing conventional grid system to a “Smart Grid” within the next few years.
As part of the move, initially the smart grid system will be established under the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) and Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC).
Read: Smart Grid: Power Cell to get $1.5mn assistance from US
According to official sources, Power Cell, a technical wing of the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, has already appointed the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a US-based consulting firm, to conduct a survey to assess the current state of the national grid and connected utilities and also identify needs for the new system.
BCG already submitted a report titled: “Technical Assistance for the Smart Grid Roadmap for Bangladesh Power Utilities”.
The BGC conducted the survey under financial support of the US Trade and Development Agency and as a follow-up, the USTDA signed an agreement with Power Cell on June 1 to provide $2 million as grant for the next survey and technical assistance.
Read: Exploring Smart Grid to shape future of sustainable energy: Seminar with DPDC held at UIU
Power Cell officials said under the agreement, BCG will conduct a more comprehensive and detailed study of the overall power system, as well as of all power utilities, assessing their technical and financial needs.
“Actually, a US consulting firm will prepare a roadmap to convert the overall system into a smart grid system where everything will be operated digitally and an automated system will be established replacing the existing manual system,” Mohammad Hossain, director general of Power Cell, told UNB.
According to the Power Division’s official statistics, as of September 13, 2023, the country's power generation capacity was 27,834 MW including off-grid renewable and captive power, while the highest generated in a day was 15,648 MW.
The length of transmission lines is 14,934 circuit kilometres, there are 63,895 grid substations, and the length of distribution lines is 643,000 km.
The total number of consumers is 45.4 million (4.54 crore) and system loss is 7.65 percent.
The government set a target to increase the power generation capacity to 40,000 MW by 2030 and 60,000 MW by 2041.
Read: Kuwait launches smart grid exhibition to save power
Officials said the government has taken the move to establish the smart grid in order to properly manage the burgeoning system, which has been growing fast on the back of strong economic growth.
They said the consulting firm BCG will submit its next report in December, based on which the PGCB and DPDC will undertake pilot projects to implement the smart grid system.
Meanwhile, in the report submitted with the initial survey, BGC identified cyber security as a core area where power utilities including the PGCB are lagging behind in ensuring grid security and stability.
It identified eight core challenges and 28 technology solutions and initiatives to implement a roadmap for establishing the Smart Grid, while 15 challenges have been identified for the distribution segment of the power sector.
The core challenges have been identified as power interruptions, inconsistent power quality, manual operation and limited visibility of assets, increasing variability of supply, improving billing efficiency and reducing non-technical loss, improved customer satisfaction, lack of electric vehicle charging points and incomplete revenue realisation.
BCG also identified five challenges for the transmission segment of the power sector, namely high frequency loss, rising transmission loss, manual operation of grid assets and reactive VAR (Volt-Amps Reactive) management.
Lastly two challenges have been identified for the generation segment of the sector: high frequency variation and power interruption.
Bridge over canal in Kurigram: No renovation since Pakistan era
The 50-meter bridge over Berubari canal in Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram district has become a death trap for people of six villages over the past seven years due to its vulnerable state, thanks to the negligence of the authorities.
The Berubari Bridge remains dilapidated since 2016 as a part of it collapsed due to flood and earthquake, causing immense sufferings to residents of the six villages who have to use it.
No ambulance can cross the bridge to take patients to the local health establishments.
No initiative has taken yet regarding the issue, despite locals complaining several times.
Locals also demand a concrete bridge over the canal for easier commuting.
Stop construction of bridges on 6 rivers in Jashore: National Committee to protect shipping, roads
The bridge was built over Berubari canal during the Pakistan era, and since then no renovation work has been carried out.
In 2016, a 20-meter long area on the west side and 10-meter area on the east side of the bridge caved in during an earthquake, making it unfit for crossing over.
Besides, a part of the bridge collapsed after being hit by a tractor in the same year.
As a result, thousands of people living in the Berubari union fail to use the bridge.
In 2017, locals with the help of the union parishad constructed a bamboo bridge over the canal but it is also in poor condition.
50 years without a concrete bridge!
Besides, a major part of the bridge has collapsed during the recent flood, posing a serious threat.
Over 7,000 people of Hazipara, Sarkarpara, Mandalpara, Mirarbhata, Char Berubari, Char Shalmara, Akandpara and Berubari union are now crossing the bridge, putting their lives at risk every day, as they have to go to schools, businesses, and local markets.
Solaiman Ali, chairman of Berubari union, said they have sent letters demanding repair of the bridge several times but no initiative has been taken yet.
Lives of 3 lakh locals to see a major shift thanks to bridge over Boaljhuri canal in Chandpur
Md Masuduzzaman, executive engineer of Kurigram Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED), said the local LGED officers visited the bridge and a proposal has already been sent to the authorities concerned.
After 10 years of delay, Mongla-Khulna rail line likely to open in October
Rail communication with the country's second largest seaport Mongla is likely to begin in the last week of October as 98 percent work of Mongla-Khulna railway has been completed.
Officials of the project are optimistic about finishing the rest of the work this month.
"We have a plan to complete the work this month. We hope that train movement on the rail line will begin from the end of October,” said project director Md. Arifuzzaman.
Khulna-Mongla rail line now to open in July; 96% work completed
The project was approved at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on December 21, 2010 but the work began in November, 2016.
Initially, the project was scheduled to be completed within May, 2020. Unfortunately, the project has experienced both time and cost overruns.
This achievement is poised to usher in new opportunities in trade and commerce for the southwestern region, including the bustling Mongla port. Furthermore, there are plans to establish this railway as an international rail route, further accelerating the port's trade activities, said project officials.
Khulna-Mongla rail link to be operational by December?
According to project authorities, the government initiated this railway project, linking Phultala railway station in Khulna district to Mongla port, with the aim of facilitating the transportation of goods to neighboring countries -India, Nepal, and Bhutan under transit agreements.
Initially the project cost was estimated at TK 1,721 crores, divided into three essential components: the construction of a railway bridge over the Rupsa River, the laying of main railway lines, and the establishment of telecommunications and signaling system.
The project commenced in 2011 with a scheduled completion date of December 2013, but it was delayed. As a result, the cost of the project in the first revision surged to Tk 3,801 crores.
Khulna-Mongla rail line to be completed within Dec: Railways minister
Despite subsequent timeline adjustments, the project remained incomplete, prompting a second revision and an extension until December 31, 2022. Alongside the extension, the project's cost escalated to Tk 4,260.44 crore.
Indian contractor Larsen & Toubro took charge of constructing the railway bridge over the Rupsa River, while Indian contractor Ircon International was responsible for the rest of the project.
Project director Arifuzzaman attributed the delay in project implementation to various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 & rain slow down Khulna-Mongla railway project
Despite the cost increase by 2539 crore in two revisions, the project's third phase did not see any additional cost, he said.
Arifuzzaman expressed optimism about completing the project on schedule, noting that the Mongla-Khulna railway is poised to invigorate business activities once the train services commence.
Businessman Mostak Ahmed Mithu of the Mongla port, lauded the government's efforts and said this promises to enable cost-effective transportation of various goods, including garments, which will undoubtedly accelerate trade and commerce, he said.
Uttara to Motijheel in 38 mins once part of Metro Rail from Agargaon opens on Oct 20
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to inaugurate the Agargaon-Motijheel part of Dhaka Metro Rail on October 20, 2023, Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader told UNB.
On that day, the PM will inaugurate the Farmgate, Secretariat and Motijheel stations of metro rail.
There are seven stations on the Agargaon to Motijheel part of Dhaka Metro Rail. These are: Bijoy Sarani, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, TSC, Press Club and Motijheel.
Read: Dhaka Metro Rail a symbol of Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh’s fast development: Nishimura Yasutoshi
Once the Agargaon-Motijheel part of Metro Rail opens, commuters will be able to travel from Uttara to Motijheel in just 38 minutes — a miracle by Dhaka standards.
Initially, five trains will run from Agargaon to Motijheel every 15 minutes and the number of trains will be increased gradually by reducing the time interval, the minister informed.
MAN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), said that Farmgate, Secretariat and Motijheel stations are being opened on October 20.
All work involving the stations have been completed. Now, work on the passenger walkways at the station is going on and it will be finished by October 15, Siddique hoped.
Read: Metro Rail and Padma Bridge prove AL believes in deeds, not words: Quader
Initially all trains will not go up to Motijheel. Trains will have numbers assigned to them. According to the number, which train will go to Agargaon and which will go to Motijheel, can be identified.
According to the DMTCL MD, a three-step test run is conducted on the line before a train runs commercially. The first step in the trial run is the proficiency test or performance test. The second step will be the 'System Integration Test'. The final stage will be 'trial run' or experimental movement.
Korvi Rakshand's journey with JAAGO: From Rayer Bazaar slum to Ramon Magsaysay Award
Awards are the marks of recognition and encouragement given in honour of any special achievement in certain categories, which also signify the credibility and speciality of a person or any organization. Among all the prestigious awards recognizing deserving individuals and entities across the world, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Asia" stands in today's world as a very special, exclusive and significant one. The award was initiated as an annual badge of honour created to commemorate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay's example of honesty in administration, fearless service to the people, and realistic idealism within a democratic society. Established in 1957 by the New York-based Rockefeller Brothers Fund in cooperation with the Filippino Government, the Ramon Magsaysay Award celebrates the value of integrity, courage, and selfless service of Asian individuals impacting Asian landscapes.
There is a reason behind elaborating on awards in this write-up, especially the Ramon Magsaysay Award in particular, as Korvi Rakshand, revered for his social activities as the founder of JAAGO Foundation, has been nominated for the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award in the Emergent Leadership category. With this year's award, Korvi Rakshand joins the distinguished list of 344 outstanding individuals and organisations whose selfless service has offered their societies, Asia, and the world, by offering successful solutions to some of the most intractable problems of human development.
JAAGO Foundation Founder Korvi Rakshand wins Ramon Magsaysay Award for dedication to education, social change
Through achieving this badge of honour, he also joined the prestigious Hall of Fame of 13 Bangladeshis who won the award in the past. The list includes prominent scientist Firdausi Qadri (2021), environmentalist and social activist Syeda Rizwana Hasan (2012), Founder and Executive Director of Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) AHM Noman Khan (2010), eminent journalist and Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman (2005), eminent educationist Abdullah Abu Sayeed (2004), prominent social worker Angela Gomes (1999), revered village society reformer Mohammad Yeasin (1988), Co-Founder of the Notre Dame College in Dhaka Father Richard William Timm (1987), legendary pharmacist and Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (1985), Nobel Laureate and founder of Grameen Bank Dr Mohammad Yunus (1984), Brac founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed (1980) and Tahrunnesa Abdullah in 1978, recognized for her pioneering role as a social reformer for Muslim women in society.
From educating a little group of children at the capital's Rayer Bazaar slum to being nominated for the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award, Korvi Rakshand has been leading a revolutionary social transformation all over Bangladesh. For an afternoon chat to deep dive into Korvi Rakshan's role as a journeyman, Dhaka Courier recently visited his office at JAAGO's Banani headquarters in the capital. The entire office setting in the complex redirects as a memory lane of JAAGO's monumental journey for the past 16 years in the country, and within the short office tour and an exclusive interview with DC, Korvi Rakshand elaborated on the eventual past, present and future state of his esteemed organization.
"The journey of JAAGO Foundation began in 2007 at the Rayer Bazaar slum in the capital, with the initial goal of teaching English to underprivileged children totally free of cost - because we thought this would help them conquer the language barriers in their next career steps, be it inside or outside the country. We were amazed to see the response of those 17 children as they asked about promotions to the next class, which made us realise that they envisioned our initiative as a school, and that led us to begin our first school in the Rayer Bazaar slum. Our efforts began to get recognized by society through several of our activities, but we realised the need to expand our efforts beyond Dhaka. We modelled a curriculum integration of both classroom-based and remote education that tremendously brought success in terms of educating children, especially in the difficult times during the pandemic, and now we are focusing on mainstream quality education and bridging the learning gaps with skill-based education to students who are unable to complete traditional studies. At present, JAAGO works with five focus areas - Education, Youth, Women, Climate Change and Governance, operated by more than 600 employees and more than fifty thousand volunteers across the country."
JAAGO schools showcase 22 projects at Annual Science Fair
The reason behind selecting the name:
"In Bengali, the name 'Jaago' redirects to make someone wake up from sleep. Education is the light beam for society to get up and shine bright, and we consider it our responsibility to initiate the much-needed wake-up call with education. The bold, capitalised wording of JAAGO redirects as an invitation to everyone, to join our movement with love, support and contributions. The vibrant yellow colour is most commonly recognised as the colour of friendship, and that is what we do. We bridge the gap in society as its dedicated friend."
On 'Volunteer for Bangladesh':
Under Rakshand's visionary leadership, the JAAGO Foundation also initiated the Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD) program in 2011. VBD has become a youth movement involving more than 50,000 leaders actively working for social betterment.
"Although the initial aim and vision of the JAAGO Foundation was to focus on children and education, our responsibility increased upon witnessing the enthusiasm of the youth. We diversified our efforts, addressing various other issues including youth development and women's empowerment and eventually established the 'Volunteers for Bangladesh' (VBD) to bring together proactive individuals who could collaborate and contribute their energy and dedication to our activities. In VBD, our volunteers elect their local leaders and the power is completely decentralised to ensure the desired performances at the grassroots level."
Winning the award:
"I was travelling and was at an airport when I received a WhatsApp text from an unknown number. The person introduced herself as Susan Afan, President of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, and wanted to initiate a video call. Initially, I assumed that she was going to discuss someone else, and it was really surprising to know when they informed me that I got selected for this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award. Turned out that they have been following the activities of JAAGO for the last five years, and knowing all these has been pretty surreal to me."
The present and future:
"In 2020, we obtained NGO licensing, enabling us to collaborate with various international organizations. Currently, we partner with organizations such as UNICEF, USAID, and FCDO, and many donors prefer to remain anonymous. At Jaago, anyone can sponsor a child's schooling by contributing BDT 2,000 each month. We introduced an exclusive scholarship program for women students in public universities, to ease their daily lives and economic conditions. Launched last year, we managed to help 100 students and have enlisted 160 students for 2023."
"Accolades are obviously inspiring, but personally I think this award will help us thrive with more accountability. I would really consider myself successful when I see that our work motivates the youth to believe in their capacity to bring about change, and I firmly believe that our youths are that capable," Korvi Rakshand told DC, ending the conversation with gratitude.
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