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Help us return home in Myanmar, Rohingyas appeal
"We kept raising our voices in our language. The international community is not paying heed. We are conveying our message in English too. Still, they don't pay heed. We are disappointed. We are not just victims, we are survivors repeatedly asking them to ensure accountability," Sayeeda, a Rohingya, said while addressing a huge crowd at Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar.
She said she can never forget this day, August 25, and mentioned that in the last six years they could not visit or see their homes in Myanmar.
"Justice has been delayed, justice has been denied," a tearful Sayeeda said.
"We want to return home to Myanmar," she said. Their collective demand is that Rohingyas must be able to return to their original homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
Other demands include assurances of safety, security, and dignity — all within the upcoming summer, restoration of Myanmar citizenship with full rights like 135 other ethnic groups of Myanmar.
Boni Amin, now a 10-year-old, came here from Myanmar six years ago with eight of his family members amid military crackdown there. "I remember how houses were burned and the military forced us to leave our homes," the boy told UNB at the Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar. He said they want to return to their homes.
Rohingya leaders at today’s rally said they want to appeal to the Myanmar government to allow them to return and stay in Myanmar like before — peacefully coexisting with other ethnic groups as citizens.
They said the Rohingya people have a significant contribution to the economy, prosperity and stability of Myanmar.
The Rohingyas drew the attention of the international community and UN organizations to take positive steps regarding their repatriation.
"Help us go back to our homeland Myanmar; that is our country. We do not want to stay in Bangladesh any longer," said Musa, a Rohingya man.
"Let us observe this day not only as a reminder of our shared tragedy but also as a call to action. Let our voices rise above the anguish, demanding justice for the Rohingya people. May our collective efforts pave the way for a world in which such atrocities are never repeated, and where all communities can live in harmony and security, ensuring peaceful stability and development of this region," he said.
Talking to UNB, Nur Jahan who lost her family members, said they want justice and they want to return to their homes if their safety is ensured in Myanmar.
Read: US to pursue justice for Rohingyas and all people of Myanmar: Blinken
She said they want full citizenship rights in Myanmar so that they feel secure.
The Rohingyas got together to commemorate the solemn occasion, Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day.
They said their hearts are heavy with the weight of a tragedy that continues to haunt them.
Around 25,000 Rohingyas joined dozens of rallies with the biggest one held in Kutupalong camp with around 10,000 refugees amid heavy rains.
They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for extending hands in their darkest hour.
The Rohingyas demanded exerting international pressure on Myanmar so that they could return to their homes.
Six years after the Rohingya influx in Bangladesh, the government continues its efforts focusing on their safe repatriation, though some countries and international organisations are pushing for their integration in Bangladesh.
“Our priority is that they (Rohingyas) will return to their homeland. Myanmar is also willing to take them back,” said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, noting that Myanmar needs to ensure safety and security of the Rohingyas after their return to their place of origin.
Read: International community must not forget Rohingyas, host community: Volker Türk
On August 25, 2017, Myanmar’s military began carrying out violent operations against the Rohingya population in northern Rakhine state, which resulted in grave crimes under international law. Entire villages were burnt, and hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas were forced to flee into Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister said the government remains in a firm position regarding their repatriation to Myanmar.
Momen said Bangladesh already has a huge population and it does not need a large number of people from other countries.
The minister said Rohingyas came to Bangladesh in the 1970s, '80s and '90s but every time they returned, even during military rule in the past.
Read: No one should obstruct trial repatriation of Rohingyas: Shahriar
Biman launching Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights from Sept 1
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is launching its Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight from September 1, 2023, Shafiul Azim, managing director and CEO of the national flag carrier, told UNB.
The Biman CEO said that the inaugural flight will take off from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on September 1 at 11:45 pm local time and reach Narita International Airport in Japan on September 2 at 9:15 am local time. The flight, BG-377, from Narita International Airport to Dhaka will take off on September 2.
Read: Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts
Azim said Biman flights from Dhaka to Narita will depart every Friday, Monday and Wednesday at 11:45 pm and from Narita to Dhaka, every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines started selling tickets for the Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights from July 25. The minimum one-way fare on the route is Tk 70,828 and return ticket price is Tk 1,11,656 per passenger.
Read: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO
Biman offered a discount on the occasion of the inauguration of direct flights on the Dhaka-Narita route. The special discount was on till August 15. At the time, the minimum one-way fare on Dhaka-Narita route was Tk 49,100 and return tickets were Tk 84,496 per passenger. Most of the opening flight tickets have already been sold.
According to Biman, the number of Bangladeshis living in Japan is not significant. Japanese nationals engaged in various development projects in Bangladesh are primarily expected to be passengers on the route.
Read: Market mismanagement behind the rise of egg price
The Biman CEO said, “Very soon we are going to start a 24-hour call centre following the international system. Passengers will be able to get all the updated information on flights round the clock.”
As part of the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ goal, automated baggage system will be introduced soon, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said. “Not even 1 kg of extra baggage will be allowed. The automated baggage system will be functional from September 1.”
Despite ample supply, Hilsa still out of reach of the average buyer
The price of hilsa, a treat Bengalis look forward to during the monsoon, is still high despite ample supply in the wholesale markets of Chandpur district.
The national fish of Bangladesh is still out of reach of the average buyer.
During a recent visit to Chandpur Boro Station fisheries ghat, this correspondent found people busy loading and unloading hilsa as 2,000-2,500 maunds of the fish are coming from the southern districts of the country every day on average.
Read more: Hilsa Ilisha: The National Fish and Silver Pride of Bangladesh
Transportation of hilsa starts from 10 am till afternoon through trucks, pick-up vans and trawlers at the wholesale markets and some 500 workers in the ghat area are involved in loading and unloading the fish.
Hilsa, weighing 700-900 grams each, are of decent sizes too.
People from Dhaka’s Karwanbazar, Azampur, Abdullahpur, Uttara; Gazipur’s Tongi; Tangail; Kishoreganj; Jamalpur, Mymensingh; Sreemangal; and Sylhet come to the wholesale market in Chandpur and take hilsa via trucks and train.
One kg hilsa is being sold at Tk 1,500 while in the retail market it is being sold at Tk 1,800-2,000 and hilsa weighing 500-700 grams is being sold at Tk 900-1,100. The silver fish weighing 900 grams is being sold at Tk 1,400-1,500.
2-month ban on Hilsa fishing to end Sunday midnight
Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts
As the monsoon season arrives each year, the residents of the capital city find themselves grappling with the familiar scourge of flooding.
The root causes of this issue are multifaceted. The city's drainage channels have become repositories for waste and refuse, impeding the swift flow of water. Consequently, even mild rainfall results in waterlogging, affecting several key areas such as Motijheel, Badda, Malibagh, Rampura, Shantinagar, Mouchak, Bailey Road, Kakrail, Gulistan, Karwan Bazar, Farmgate, Mirpur, Tejgaon, Mohammadpur, Bhatara-Basundhara, Khilkhet, and the quarters of Old Dhaka.
The authorities responsible for mitigating these challenges, the two city corporations of Dhaka, however, have expressed optimism about this year's efforts to minimize flooding.
Also read: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO
They claimed that measures are underway to tackle the problem effectively. However, these aspirations were dampened by the recent heavy rain on August 9, which triggered widespread waterlogging in various parts of the capital. Notable areas affected included Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Dhanmondi, Mogbazar, Motijheel, Kakrail, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Mouchak, Bailey Road, Rampura, and more.
It is this recurring and unaddressed predicament that has left residents disillusioned.
Kamrul Islam, a resident of Rampura, said, “Year after year, our area, Rampura, faces inundation during the rainy season. While officials often assure us of a different outcome, the reality remains unchanged. A slight shower is enough to cause road sinking and waterlogging.”
This recurring issue is not limited to specific areas but extends to locations like Jurain, Shyampur, Jatrabari, Kadmatoli, and Banshri Bhuiya Para.
Also read: Rain-fed waterlogging forces authorities to close schools in Ctg city
Ruhul Amin, a resident of Bhuoyan Para, voiced his frustration and said, “Every year, floods disrupt our lives, primarily due to the lack of infrastructure development and effective drainage systems. Without these upgrades, even moderate rainfall leads to prolonged waterlogging.”
Illegal encroachments on canals, improper drainage systems, and insufficient planning contribute the most to waterlogging.
Since December 31, 2020, the responsibility for drains and canals under the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) was transferred to the city corporations. These entities have been actively engaged in canal cleaning, expansion, and establishment of a quick response team to address immediate flooding, they claimed.
Mayor Atiqul Islam of Dhaka North City Corporation said, “We are systematically cleaning and restoring our extensive drainage network, spanning 1,250 kilometers. These endeavors, coupled with canal waste removal, will hopefully reduce waterlogging significantly this year.”
Also read: Heavy rains: DNCC's Quick Response Team working to handle waterlogging
Additionally, infrastructure construction, canal restoration, and waste removal programs are underway to alleviate the flooding woes, he said.
He further mentioned that a quick response team has been formed.
“Among the areas heavily affected by flooding, Kazipara and Sheorapara suffered the most, a problem now resolved by the drainage system developed by WASA. Additionally, I am currently overseeing work on 29 canals. As part of the restoration efforts, tasks like excavation, cleaning, canal greening, and walkway construction are underway. Furthermore, a canal demarcation program utilizing GIS technology has been initiated. To date, 524 pillars have been successfully installed, while regular canal cleaning operations remain ongoing,” he said.
“The project to reclaim Ibrahimpur, Lautla, Kalyanpur, Rupnagar, Abdullahpur, Civil Aviation, Baishtek, and Baunia Canal from encroachments has been successfully completed,” he added.
According to DNCC sources, there are 103 flood-prone locations in the northern part of the city, with waterlogging occurring even during light rainfall.
He also said plans are underway to establish a state-of-the-art Hydro Ecopark at the Kalyanpur Retention Pond adding that excavation efforts are underway after reclaiming 53 acres of vacant land.
“Some 3 million cubic feet of sludge has already been extracted from the Kalyanpur Retention Pond. As part of a short-term strategy to combat waterlogging, drainage systems are being constructed, and pipelines are being laid from Moghbazar, Madhubagh, Karwan Bazar, Uttara Sector 1, Airport Road, and Banani Railgate to Kakali Mor,” he said.
In a similar vein, Dhaka South City Corporation's Chief City Planner, Sirajul Islam said, "Regular canal and sewer cleaning is ongoing under our jurisdiction. We are also addressing temporary waterlogging stemming from ongoing roadworks, which will be resolved shortly."
Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapas of Dhaka South City Corporation said, "Our plans encompass short, medium, and long-term actions to alleviate this issue. Already, the residents are witnessing the benefits of enhanced infrastructure, waste management, canal rehabilitation, and environmental development."
“Earlier, 70 percent of the city used to be submerged during rains. But now the flooding is not happening like before,” said the DSCC mayor.
“Significant progress has been reported on various fronts. Infrastructure construction and development projects have been carried out at 136 locations over the past three years, costing approximately Tk 225 crore,” he said.
According to DSCC's claims, this proactive approach has led to notable improvements, that reduced flooding incidents in previously vulnerable areas such as Palashi Mor, Azimpur Mor, Shanti Nagar, Rajarbagh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Notre Dame College in front of Motijheel area, road in front of Bangladesh Bank and Kamalapur Railway Station, and Sutrapur Industrial Area
The Dhaka South City Corporation has taken steps to renovate four key canals—Shyampur, Manda, Jirani, and Kalungar— he said.
“The undertaking, estimated at Tk 898 crore, includes waste removal, silt management, and development. Meanwhile, the process of rehabilitating the original Buriganga channel, covering around seven kilometers from Kamrangirchar to Rayerbazar, is underway,” he added.
He also said, DSCC has reclaimed control over various canals, box culverts, and sewers.
Since assuming this responsibility, we have removed substantial quantities of waste and silt from these channels, he said.
This is what renowned YouTuber Enayet Chowdhury identifies as deciding factor for his content
Enayet Chowdhury, a researcher-educator from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is a familiar name among those looking for informative content that provide explanations and context of trending topics on YouTube.
The lecturer at BUET’s Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) currently has over half a million subscribers on YouTube, and 648,000 followers on Facebook, making him one of the most successful Bangladeshi content creators in recent times.
Recently, Enayet Chowdhury was invited by the United News of Bangladesh (UNB) where he conducted an exclusive three-day training session on explainer video content making. The training was facilitated by DW Akademie.
Also read: Sharey Showlo is full of suspense: Mamo
In an interview with UNB, Enayet shared his content creation journey, saying that the audiences are the principal catalysts in today’s world and he also evaluates his audiences as the prime stakeholders for his platforms as well.
“I started my content-creation adventure on YouTube and Facebook on May 27, 2020,” Enayet told UNB. “On July 27, 2021, I reached the milestone of acquiring 100,000 followers on my YouTube channel. When I first started making videos in 2020, YouTube didn't have a large volume of edutainment (education + entertainment) content made in Bangladesh. I worked on this genre in Bangladesh, and I hope that it will continue to expand over time.”
When asked about the selection process of his explainer video topics, Enayet explained: “To identify the audience demand is the most important aspect in the current content industry, and I prioritise what my audience wants from me. I often make separate posts on Facebook or YouTube's community tab, asking which topics they would like to get featured.
Also read: Alliance Française de Dhaka celebrates ‘Fête de la Musique 2023’
“Also, in the comments section of my existing videos, viewers often provide their suggestions regarding future topics. For example, the majority of viewers might want explainer videos on trending topics such as Starlink or want to know about personalities like Nikola Tesla; so I identify and make videos accordingly, and this is how the topic selection process works for me.”
Enayet Chowdhury's YouTube channel features various playlists and series, such as the “Simple Explanation Series” and “Think Anticlockwise”. These videos aim to explain complex topics in a simple and understandable manner.
Emphasizing the value of having playlists and series, Enayet said, “On my channel, I also review books and create videos like field reports; I also made videos on subjects like the Language Movement and the Liberation War. I think maintaining playlists is important, and the series with titles help me to remember them and look back whenever I need the videos."
Also read: Splendours of Bangladesh: Gallery Cosmos to bring exclusive watercolour art camp on Friday
These are mostly serious topics, so Enayet adds humour to his videos in a subtle way that keeps his content entertaining. Sometimes with his desktop wallpapers with interesting messages on a yellow backdrop, sometimes with Reddit meme reviews — and almost all the time with his unique speaking style with the “explainer next door” approach.
His other identity is connected to one of Bangladesh's top and most prominent institutions, and when UNB asked how he manages the inevitable comparison between the two, Enayet responded, "When I began teaching, I never dreamed that I would ever become a content creator. I started teaching in 2019, and in 2020, I started making videos. I first thought that, like many YouTubers and TikTokers, people would think less of me; but the fact is that now everyone appreciates and enjoys the quality of my work, and my peers and colleagues are now proud of me, which makes me happy.”
Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO
There has been no official decision yet on the ground handling work at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim has said.
“The prime minister gave a clear directive during her visit to the airport that the ground handling should be improved, it should be world-class. We have been working to ensure that since then," he said.
“Since then, we have been procuring new equipment. We have already bought new equipment worth Tk 1,000 crore, and a Tk 600-700 crore budget to buy new equipment is in the pipeline. We have recruited manpower as well,” said the national flag carrier CEO.
“There are limitations in this too, but we are working day and night,” he said.
Also read: 12 boarding bridges will be operational when Dhaka Airport’s 3rd Terminal partially opens this Oct: CAAB
A project with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is on, he added.
Universal Pension Scheme: How will it work? What's in it?
In an effort to bring the elderly under a sustainable social security system, the government of Bangladesh has introduced the Universal Pension Scheme today (August 17, 2023).
According to Finance Ministry sources, there are four schemes under the Universal Pension: Probas, Progoti, Surokkha and Samata. Through the schemes, private sector employees and migrant workers will get pensions ranging from a minimum of 2.30 to 12.31 times their total installments.
People aged between 18-50 can join the Universal Pension Scheme, and those aged 60 and above can avail life term pension facilities. People aged 50 and above can also be included in the scheme, and in that case they will get the pension after providing installments for 10 years.
Also read: I want to make everyone’s life meaningful, declares PM Hasina after launching Universal Pension Scheme
Registration process
Those who want to enrol in the Universal Pension Scheme should register at first and people aged 18 and above can join the scheme by using their National Identity Card (NID).
How to provide installment
People can pay their monthly installments from home. The authorities concerned have created an app for this. Migrant workers, who do not have NID cards can join the scheme with their valid passports at banking channels, approved mobile banking services, and foreign exchange houses.
After completing registration, a number will be provided through which the installment and other procedures can be done.
In the rural areas, Union Digital Centres will help people with the registration process and there will be no exchange in the scheme. All dealings will be operated online.
The authorities concerned of the Universal Pension Scheme will open an account at the state-owned Sonali Bank and participants will provide their installments each month to the respective account.
Also read: PM Hasina rolls out long-awaited Universal Pension Scheme
Migrant workers can provide installments from abroad while people can also provide installments to the account directly or through Nagad, bKash and mobile financial services.
Progoti scheme for private sector employees
Private sector employees can open the Progoti scheme by providing Tk 2,000, Tk 3,000 and Tk 5,000 installments per month. Fifty percent of the installment will be provided by the employees while the rest will be provided by the companies.
If any private company does not want to join the Universal Pension Scheme, employees can join the scheme on their own.
If any employee joins the scheme at the age of 18 and provides installments of Tk 2,000 per month for 42 years, he/she will be able to get Tk 68,931 as pension per month at the age of 60. During the same period, those who provide Tk 3,000 per month will get Tk 1,03,396 per month, and people who will provide Tk 5,000 installment per month can withdraw Tk 1,72,327 from the scheme per month for life. This means a person who will provide Tk 5,000 installment per month for 42 years will get Tk 3,10,24,800 in total which will be 12.31 percent of the total installments.
Also read: Universal pension system to be rolled out from FY 2023-24
Surokkha for informal sector workers
The Surokkha scheme will be applicable for self-employed and informal sector workers. Farmers, rickshaw pullers, day labourers, blacksmiths, potters, fishermen and weavers can enrol under the scheme.
The installments per month under the scheme can be Tk 1,000, Tk 2,000, Tk 3,000 and Tk 5,000. Those who continue the scheme after providing Tk 1,000 per month will get Tk 34,465 as pension per month after 60 years. Besides, those who provide Tk 2,000 per month can withdraw Tk 68,931 per month after 60 years.
People who will provide Tk 3,000 and Tk 5,000 per month would be able to withdraw Tk 1,03,396 and Tk 1,72,327 per month for life as pension, respectively.
Samata for the ultra poor
Under the scheme, the monthly installment would be Tk 1,000 and the customer can provide Tk 500 per month while the rest will be provided by the government. People living below extreme poverty level can avail the opportunity. If any person joins the scheme at the age of 18 and provides Tk 500 installment per month he/she will get Tk 34,465 per month as pension after 60 years. Besides, people over 50 years will get Tk 1,530 per month after providing Tk 500 as installment for ten years.
Read more: PM to inaugurate Karnaphuli Tunnel on Oct 28: Quader
Probas for migrant workers
For the migrant workers, the government has fixed Tk 5,000, Tk 7,500, Tk 10,000 installment per month under the scheme and if anyone returns to the country before 60 years, he/she can pay the amount through local currency or exchange the scheme.
They will get their pension in local currency after their scheme matures.
If an 18-year-old migrant workers provides Tk 10,000 per month for 42 years, his/her total amount of the installment will be Tk 50.40 lakh and he/she will be able to withdraw Tk 3,44,655 per month after 60 years till 75. The total amount of pension will be Tk 6,20,37,900 which will be 12.31 percent multiple of the total amount.
Under the same scheme, those who provide Tk 5,000 and 7,500 as installment for 42 years, he/she will get Tk 1,72,327 and Tk 2,58,491 per month after 60 years.
Meanwhile, if someone provides Tk 5,000 per month for a minimum of 10 years under this scheme, then he/she will deposit a total of Tk 6 lakh. In return, he/she will get a total pension of Tk 13,77,180 after getting Tk 7,651 per month from the age of 60, which will be 2.30 percent more than the total amount.
Finance Ministry sources said, the National Pension Authority has sent letters to the deputy commissioners of eight districts--Gopalganj, Sylhet, Rangpur, Pabna, Bagerhat, Mymensingh, Rangamati and Barguna--to introduce the pension on the opening day.
The authorities also sent letters to the Bangladesh missions in Jeddah and Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier, in the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rolled out the much anticipated Universal Pension Scheme, aiming to bring all citizens aged above 18 under the coverage.
She launched the pension scheme, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. Participants and beneficiaries were connected from three districts -- Gopalganj, Bagerhat and Rangpur -- and the Bangladesh embassy in Saudi Arabia.
Read more: Some foreign powers are taking interest in Bangladesh's election to hinder progress: PM Hasina
Market mismanagement behind the rise of egg price
The price of broiler chicken eggs in the markets around Dhaka have soared to tk 170-180 (Tk 14-15/piece) per dozen in a span of a week.
Local chicken eggs are also being sold at Tk 220-230 per dozen in some places around the city.
Market experts and people involved with the egg market say mismanagement in the market is responsible for such an instability in egg prices.
Alam, president of Baridhara Notun Bazar Owners Association, told UNB, "I think the price of eggs is increasing repeatedly due to market mismanagement. Mismanagement of supply and lack of oversight are responsible for creating unstable conditions in the market. The reason behind such frequent surge in product prices should be identified.”
Read: Eggs to be imported if required : Minister
He said the concerned agency should play an effective role in controlling this frequent surge in price of products in the market.
“Otherwise, the rate at which the price of eggs is increasing cannot be controlled,” Alam said.
Nadeem, a customer at Gulshan kitchen market, told UNB that there is a weakness in the market monitoring system, as a result, the traders are increasing the price frequently.
He also urged the concerned agency to take effective action in this regard.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA), an association of local farmers producing eggs and chickens, has called for coordination in the market management to ensure fairness of the price.
BPA President Sumon Hawlader told UNB, "Monitoring of the market has to be strengthened. The price of egg and chicken should be adjusted at a reasonable rate keeping the cost of production in mind.”
“In this way, market conditions will be normal. The government has to take steps to ensure that no syndicate can create instability. Otherwise, it will be difficult to control the price of eggs,” he said.
According to Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) the price of broiler chicken eggs stood at Tk 140-150 per dozen last week, reflecting a significant 10 percent surge compared to the week before.
Read: Hike in egg price: Consumer Rights Protection body realises Tk 10,000 in fine in Faridpur
According to the Bangladesh Egg Producers Association, the country requires between 35 and 40 million eggs per day to meet demand. And the majority of the eggs are sourced from domestic producers.
The Department of Livestock reports that over the last 10 fiscal years, the nation's egg production has more than doubled. The country produced 1,017 crores of eggs in 2013–14, and 2,338 crores of eggs in 2022–23.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim told UNB, "According to the survey of our Livestock Department, it costs more than Tk 10.50 to produce an egg. Even If we take other costs and profit into consideration, it seems to me that the price of an egg should not be fixed at more than Tk 12.”
“If Tk 12 per egg is set, the producers will benefit. Apart from this, if someone tries to create instability in the market, the authorities will take necessary action under the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009.”
Read more: Egg prices jump by Tk30-35 per dozen, citing high production cost
Regarding whether the ministry will fix the price, Rezaul Karim said, "It is not a matter of fixing the price. Earlier, in 2010, there was an issue of fixing the price of chicks. In that case, the court questioned whether the ministry could fix the price in this way.”
Meanwhile, the government is also considering importing eggs from outside to bring stability to the egg market.
Responding to a question regarding egg import, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said at an event on Sunday morning that the Commerce Ministry cannot import eggs without the cooperation of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
“The decision to import eggs will be taken only after the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock gives a green signal.”
Read more: Efforts on to break syndicates behind essentials’ price hike :Commerce minister
However, when asked about the commerce minister's statement, the livestock minister said, "We will consider the issue of importing eggs in a different way."
“Whether the Commerce Ministry will consider this issue independently or not is up to them. I think, with the current production rate of eggs in the country, there will be no need for imports if we can ensure proper management of the market.”
On fixing the price of eggs, the commerce minister said that if the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock decides the market price for eggs, then the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection will be conducting raids to ensure control of the price of eggs.
With the egg market suddenly unstable, the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection are already conducting raids in various warehouses in the capital and imposing fines, he said.
Read more: In the EU’s inflation crisis, the humble egg takes the cake
Off-season watermelons making Narail farmers smile
Farmers in Narail district are seeing profits multiplied up to six times by growing off-season watermelons in Kalia upazila, thanks to the local agricultural department officials for introducing hybrid variants of watermelons in the area.
Normally, February to April is the season of the mouth-watering summer fruit but officials of the local Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) introduced hybrid variants in Kalia upazila during monsoon.
A total of eight hectares of land in Kalia upazila are being used to grow the off-season watermelons, with a target to produce 15 tonnes of the fruit per hectare. The DAE officials provided fertilizers, seeds and cash to the farmers and with their help, watermelons are being cultivated along the bank of the fish enclosures and waterbodies in Gobindanagar, Salamabad, and Bhaktadanga areas.
On a remote char in country's poorest district, watermelon cultivation transforms lives
Farmers are growing Asian-2, Tripti and Black Baby hybrid variants of watermelon. These variants taste sweet and delicious, they say.
Farmers say they spent Tk 15,000-20,000 per hectare and sold watermelons worth Tk 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh per hectare.
Sheikh Kamal Hossain, a resident of Bhaurir Char in the upazila and assistant professor at Nabadanga Degree College, said, “I took training from Dumuria upazila of Khulna district and after that, I have planted 1000 saplings of watermelon on seven acres of land along the fish enclosures on an experimental basis last year. I have earned Tk 2 lakh from this.”
This year, he planted 2000 saplings on the same land after spending Tk 70,000. He expects to earn Tk 4 lakh from watermelon production this year.
Rain, hailstorm worry Khulna watermelon growers
Pradeep Kumar Barman, councilor of ward-6 under Kalia municipality, said this year he planted 12,000 saplings along the bank of 150 bigha of fish enclosures during monsoon. “So far I have spent Tk 10 lakh. Within 35 days, flowers started to bloom and I started harvesting watermelon within 60-65 days of planting. Each watermelon weighs almost 4 kg.”
He also expected to produce 2 lakh kgs of watermelon this year and if the market prices remain favorable, he could be able to earn Tk 40 lakh.
Low price dims the joy of watermelon growers in Khulna despite bumper harvest
Depak Kumar Roy, deputy director of Narail DAE, said the farmers are earning profits up to six times considering their expenditure, within 60-65 days of cultivation. “We are providing all-out support through using smart technology and providing fertilizer and pesticides for good production of watermelon.”
Eva Mallik, Kalia Upazila Agriculture Officer, said “Watermelon is no longer a seasonal fruit now, and it can be produced throughout the year. Flowers start to bloom within 40-50 days of planting saplings and 70-80 days are needed for harvesting.”
Most of the farmers in the district are showing interest in cultivating the off-season hybrid watermelon on their lands as it has proven to be profitable, he said.
Read more: Bangladesh can go for Chinese perennial rice farming to reduce cost and labour
Underground power cabling works at Hatirjheel: Commuters’ ordeal unlikely to end soon
Commuters in the capital may have to wait for some more months to get relief from the hazard they have been experiencing due to road digging in the southern part of Hatirjheel for the underground power cabling works.
The delay in the works and the monsoon intensified the sufferings of the city commuters who use the Hatirjheel roads to quickly reach from Gulshan or Rampura to Moghbazar. The roads have turned muddy and the vehicles frequently get stuck in the potholes.
According to official sources, the Dhaka Power Distribution Company Ltd (DPDC) and Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) have been laying high voltage underground cables through digging the roads in the area to replace their overhead cables.
Overhead transmission lines in Hatirjheel going underground as part of DPDC’s megaplan
The DPDC has completed its works while the part of the PGCB’s works still ongoing and it needs more than two weeks to complete, said an official of the PGCB.
“Now our cable joining works are going on in Rampura area. We’ll need at least two more weeks to complete the jobs,” Badruzzaman Sumon, public relations office of the PGCB, told UNB.
DPDC, Desco publish schedules of Wednesday's load shedding
“After completion of the works, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) will repair the roads as the area is under its jurisdiction,” he said.
Then Rajuk will take initiative to repair the roads and it may take more than a month, said a source.
The DPDC started the work in March this year to lay underground cables to replace the high voltage overhead transmission lines in Hatirjheel area.
DPDC, Desco publish Thursday's load shedding schedules