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Climate change: Shrimp farming endangered in Khulna
Producers and exporters in Khulna are worried about falling production of shrimps, affecting exports from the region, for hurdles mainly stemmed from climate-induced changes in temperature.
In FY2021-22, only 33,271 tonnes of shrimp were exported from Khulna, a sharp fall from 42,489 tonnes in FY2011-12.
Industry operators say water bodies are losing their navigability, salinity level is fluctuating because of weaker force of natural high tides caused by moon’s gravitational pull, affecting the shrimp cultivation in the region.
Read: Shrimp farmers in Bagerhat stare at starvation
Humayun Kabir, Vice President of Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters’ Association (BFFEA), told UNB that it seemed good days are gone for the shrimp industry.
He said shrimp farming in Bangladesh began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s it grew up to an industry as commercial shrimp production led to the export of this fish species.
“But it seems like the heyday of the shrimp business is coming to an end. Production is getting lowered, while demand and prices are also falling. All in all, the situation is really dire for those associated with the shrimp industry,” he said.
Humayun also pointed out some reasons behind the decline in shrimp production including a shortage of shrimp minnows in the market.
“The few minnows that farmers can manage die due to high temperature of water. Minnows are very sensitive. They can’t survive without proper water, food and environment,” he said.
“Besides there are regular outbreaks of various diseases. That’s why the mortality of shrimps has increased manifold,” he added.
Read: Chandpur: Coast Guard seizes 1MT shrimps inflated with jelly
Golam Kibria Ripon, General Secretary of Khulna Division (Shrimp) Fry Trading Association, also said that salinity in the rivers in Khulna has become a major headache.
“Usually the water in the rivers of Khulna region becomes saline in January. Last year, salinity of the rivers was delayed to February. Lack of saline water during the harvesting period is affecting shrimp farming badly,” he said. “Although the rate of salinity used to be 16-18 ppt in May-June period, it has come down to 8-10 ppt nowadays.”
He said previously 60 to 70 percent of minnows survived after releasing them in hatcheries, but now protecting even 15-20 percent minnows has become a big challenge.
Ripon said that dredging of the rivers is a must to keep them navigable.
“As the water bodies are drying up due to climate change, finding water for shrimp farming is getting tough. Various species of shrimp minnows used to enter the enclosures during tidal surges in the past, which isn’t the case anymore,” he said.
He said the quality of soil beneath the rivers may have degraded too.
“All of these issues are making it hard for us to continue shrimp production,” Ripon added.
Joydeb Kumar, Fisheries Officer of Khulna District, highlighted various measures that the government has taken to protect shrimp farming.
Read:Vannamei Shrimp pilot project shows commercial potential
“We’ve advised the farmers to increase the depth of their enclosures to keep water temperature normal. We’re also conducting drives to prevent the injection of harmful substances into the shrimps. Besides, we’re also conducting awareness-raising campaigns with cooperation from the shrimp farmers and manufacturers,” Joydeb said.
Dr Mostafa Sarwar, a noted climate expert and Head of Urban and Regional Planning department of Khulna University of Science and Technology (KUET), provided a scientific explanation behind the death of shrimp minnows.
“There is a difference between mature shrimps and their minnows regarding heat enduring capacity. Minnows can’t grow naturally in high water temperatures. Farmers release minnows to their enclosures in January-February when water temperature remains around 25 degrees Celsius. In March, water temperature rises to 27 degrees Celsius, which kills a large portion of the minnows,” Mostafa said.
Mostafa added that rising water temperature is also responsible for viral infections.
“The life cycle of viruses depends on temperature. Viruses present in the air are making hot water their new home, thus infecting minnows and killing them in droves”, Mostafa said.
Bangladesh Railway: Massive overhaul schemes in the offing
The government has taken a massive move to upgrade the country’s railway network as the sector is considered as the safest, comfortable, affordable and environment-friendly means for transporting passengers and goods.
According to an official document, considering the importance of the railway sector the government wants to implement several projects “to ensure a balanced and integrated development”.
All these activities will be done under the 8th Five Year Plan (2021-2025), which targets to achieve 8.51 percent GDP growth with yearly 8 percent growth on average in the next five years. The plan also envisages reducing the poverty rate to 15.6 percent at the end of the deadline.
Under the 8th Five-Year Plan, comprehensive steps will be taken for construction of 798.09 km new railway lines, 897 km of dual gauge/double railway lines parallel to existing railway lines and renovation of 846.51 km of railway network.
It also includes construction of nine important railway bridges and other infrastructural development schemes including level crossing gates, construction of domestic container depos, building and modernisation of repair and maintenance outlets.
The document says that under the 8th Five-Year Plan there will be procurement of 160 locomotives, 1,704 passenger coaches, modern maintenance equipment, improvement of signaling system at 222 stations and strengthening of railway management.
Read: Bangladesh, India sign consultancy contracts for two railway projects
Meanwhile, the government is implementing the 30-year revised Master Plan (2016-2045) of the Bangladesh Railway.
According to the plan, steps have been taken for connecting Dhaka with Cox’s Bazar, Mongla Seaport, Tungipara, Barishal, Chattogram Hill Tracts and other parts of the country under the railway network.
The initiatives included in the plan are: establishing Trans-Asian Railway and Regional Railway Network and connecting important cities with nearest suburbs by introducing modern commuter train service.
The Trans-Asian Railway network, which was initiated in the 1960s, comprises 114,000 km of rail routes of international importance. It aims to offer efficient rail transport services for goods and passengers within the ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) region and between Asia and Europe.
Under this master plan, 230 projects will be implemented in 6 phases at a cost of Tk. 5,50,000 crore.
The document said that the overall progress of Padma Multipurpose Rail Link Project is 58 percent while the overall progress of construction work of the double track dual gauge railway bridge on the river Jamuna is 40 percent.
It also says 71 percent construction work of the single line dual gauge track from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and from Ramu to Gundum, near Myanmar border, has been completed.
In addition, approximately 90 percent work of the Khulna-Mongla railway project has been completed.
Read: Dhaka, New Delhi discuss boosting cooperation in railways
Construction work of Rupsha Rail Bridge is nearly completed, it says.
The government has also taken initiatives to build railway line from Bhanga in Faridpur to Payra port via Barishal and Patuakhali to connect Payra Port with Padma Rail Link.
The approval of the revised manpower structure of 47,703 posts is in the process, which will enhance the quality of service of railways, according to the document.
Renewable Energy Goal: Industry insiders, experts favour “target-oriented roadmap”
A move by the government to review a 14-year-old renewable energy policy has been lauded by experts and industry stakeholders as Bangladesh is desperate to find out alternative sources of power generation amid a volatile global fuel market and gas shortages at home.
In the energy-hungry country, which is struggling to ensure energy security for its burgeoning manufacturing sector amid forecast that the economy could face further stress, experts say renewable energy sources could be a major option to ensure adequate supply to its industries.
Industry insiders say the decision to revise the policy came as the government has a target to generate 40 percent of electricity from renewable energy by 2041 in line with its commitment to the COP26, a UN-backed climate conference held in Glasgow in November last year. The current crisis in the country’s power sector, stemmed from the rising prices of fuel as a result of Ukraine war, has also prompted the government to look for other options for energy.
Also read: Renewable energy jobs rise to 12.7 million globally.
According to official statistics, the country now generates about 911 MW (solar 677 MW, hydro 230 MW and others 2 MW) from renewable energy sources while the total power generation is more than 25,000 MW, which means the renewable energy's share is less than 4 percent.
In June, the government suspended operations of all the diesel-run power plants in the country, cutting up to 1500 megawatts of daily production, to ease pressure on the country’s dwindling foreign currency reserves. Business bodies raised their concern about power disruptions. Earlier this month, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said that the situation is so grave that factories are remaining without power now for around 4 to 10 hours a day.
Talking to UNB, experts and officials say the move to revise the "Renewable Energy Policy of Bangladesh 2008" to make it more effective in the changed scenario in the country’s energy and power sector is very positive.
Read: Govt working to revise renewable energy policy: Recent primary fuels crisis a reason
But they say taking up “a target-oriented action with an effective roadmap” to achieve a power generation goal should find its way.
They also strongly suggest that setting up of a separate division under the power and energy ministry to effectively implement the renewable energy schemes should be undertaken under the revised policy.
“Unless a specific numeric megawatt-based target is set, any goal might not be achievable despite bringing any changes to the existing policy”, Dr M Tamim, eminent energy expert in the country, told UNB.
Read Govt working to revise renewable energy policy: Recent primary fuels crisis a reason
Officials say the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda), the focal point under Power Division of the government, has already appointed a consultant.
The consultant - Development Technical Consultants Pvt. Ltd (DTCL) – held a consultation meeting on September 20 as part of its process to accommodate opinions of the stakeholders and experts on the issue.
The firm has also been holding a series of meetings with experts and other groups to finalise a draft proposal on the policy.
Read Green Economy in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges
Dr Tamim, who was also involved in the previous process of the policy formation, said there should be a specific numeric target instead of current percentage-based goal in renewable energy to implement a plan.
“A specific target and an action-based roadmap are more essential than a policy to achieve a goal when it comes to the renewable energy issue”, he said adding that the government’s direct involvement with the process is crucial.
To add dynamism, Tamim also suggested creating a new division, headed by a full-fledged secretary, under the power, energy and mineral resources ministry, to implement the government’s plan on renewable energy.
Read Huawei Technologies intends to support RMG industry in renewable energy
Identifying the scarcity of land a major impediment for a renewable energy project, Dr Tamim also suggested for arranging land for solar power projects by the government as it is difficult for a private sector investor to find an undisputed large piece of land in one location.
“Only government can arrange a large undisputed land through acquisition”, he added.
Echoing Dr Tamim, Dipal Barua, president of Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), said the government has to play a major role in facilitating private investors to invest in renewable energy.
Read TEI GET to promote renewable energy in Bangladesh
The neighboring India has a separate ministry --Ministry of New and Renewable Energy--to deal with the renewable and non-conventional energy issue, he said.
“That’s why India has been in the leading position in South Asia with its current renewable energy capacity of 150,000 MW,” he said.
According to official data, of India’s total 150,000 MW of renewable energy, solar is 48,550 MW, wind 40,030 MW, small hydro power 4,830 MW, biomass 10,620 MW, large hydro 46,510 MW, and nuclear 6,780 MW. India has a goal to generate 500 GW renewable energy by 2030.
Read Why solar power investors are in no man's land
Munawar Moin, Vice President of BSREA and President of Solar Module Manufacturers Association of Bangladesh (SMAB), said the government should introduce a policy under which the local solar industry could utilise their full potential.
Cost of solar energy decreased substantially and has created a huge scope for investment in mega projects, he said.
Sohel Ahmed, managing director of Grameen Shakti, a leading firm in renewable energy, founded by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, said that the current Net Metering Policy could play a vital role in promoting rooftop solar power by “Opex Model” if the government effectively applies one of its provisions through which action could be taken against a defaulter customer by disconnecting his conventional electricity line.
Read Bangladesh seeks IRENA’s support to explore renewable energy potential
He also said if an insurance policy is introduced in Net Metering Rooftop Solar projects, it will give more confidence to investors to invest in rooftop solar plants.
In solar power system, net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to sell the electricity they are not using back into the national grid.
BNP targets Jatiya Party for ‘simultaneous movement’ ahead of national polls
Buoyed by the party’s apparent ‘success’ in the ongoing anti-government street protests, opposition BNP is now planning to begin a ‘simultaneous’ movement with most opposition parties at the end of this year. Jatiya Party led by GM Quader is a major target to bring it under its election-time political alliance.
BNP insiders say the main and initial objective of their planned movement is to force the Awami League government to step down by restoring the caretaker government.
They say their many other demands, including withdrawing cases against political leaders, unconditional freedom for Khaleda Zia and formation of a new neutral Election Commission, will easily be realised if the current government steps down and hands over power to a neutral administration.
The party has already finalised the draft of a set of demands for waging the ‘simultaneous movement’ along with other parties and platforms with outcome from its discussions during the first round of political dialogue.
Also read: GM Quader expresses doubt about inclusive election
After weeks of street demonstrations in Dhaka and outside, BNP has begun its second round of dialogue with like-minded political parties.
Leaving fear behind Durga appears in tribal outfit in Ctg
Burying the wounds and panic of last year’s communal attacks , the Hindu community in the port city are celebrating their largest religious festival amid fanfare and creative themes this year.
Among the 282 mandaps across the city, one has been drawing the attraction of devotees and visitors most. The goddess Durga has appeared here dressed as a tribal woman.
South Nalapara Puja Celebration Council has come up with this unique theme in celebration of its 75th anniversary. The mandap named as ‘Parban’ (festivsal) is highlighting the life and culture of the tribespeople of Chattogram Hill Tracts.
No Durga Puja festivities for families of Panchagarh boat capsize victims
Brothers Hemant Roy and Vasudev Roy live in Arazi Shikarpur Battali village under Panchagarh’s Boda Upazila. Seven members of their family were on a boat on September 25 – going to the other side of the Karatoya river to perform Mahalaya rituals. Five of them were among the victims who drowned in the Karatoya when the boat sank.
“I have lost everything… my wife, my brother’s wife, three grandchildren. I am numb. We’re not in a state to celebrate Durga Puja,” a distraught Hemant Roy said.
Not only Hemant and Vasudev, grief has gripped several other families in Boda, Debiganj, Atwari and Sadar upazilas of the district who have lost their near and dear ones in the boat capsize that claimed 69 lives.
The tragedy occurred on the day of Mahalaya – the auspicious occasion heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga – on September 25, when an overloaded boat carrying around 80 people, mostly Hindu devotees, sank in the middle of Karatoya river while heading towards Badheshwar Temple.
So far, 69 bodies have been recovered while three still remain missing.
Read: Karatoya boat tragedy: Death toll rises to 69
This is the worst waterway accident Bangladesh witnessed after the devastating fire on a Barguna-bound launch, off the coast of Jhalakathi, on December 24 last year, in which 50 lives were lost.
The Hindu community in Panchagarh are observing Durga Puja without the usual festivities, mourning and honouring those who died in the boat capsize.
Panchagarh district units of Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad took the decision on Friday, said Puja Udjapan Parishad’s district president Jibodhan Bamman and general secretary Bipen Chandra Roy.
Palbari Puja Mandap in Sherpur: Sign of communal harmony for over a century
For the last 127 years, Durga Puja is being celebrated at Sherpur’s Palbari Puja Mandap with much fanfare. Palbari is a testament to the fact that communal harmony and freedom of religion are deeply ingrained in the Bangladeshi psyche.
Durga Puja at Palbari Mandap is a family event held at the house of late educationist Nagendra Chandra Pal in Khalbhanga area under Sherpur’s Nalitabari upazila. Besides being the oldest puja mandap of Sherpur district, it is also known as the second oldest mandap of the country.
According to Palbari Puja Committee Chairman Gourango Chandra Pal, Durga Puja celebration at Palbari mandap started in 1885 by Mangal Ram Sarkar, the ancestor of Pal family. After Mangal’s death, his son Nagendra continued arranging the puja for half a century. Nagendra is no more, but the puja is still being arranged thanks to the relentless efforts of his four sons, who are now in charge.
Read: With scars from 2021, Cumilla sees tighter security for Durga Puja
Over the years, Durga Puja at Palbari has become an integral part of the lives of the local Hindu community. From a mere family tradition, it has developed into a popular festival. The local Hindu devotees view the Palbari puja as a junction where people from all faiths mingle to find happiness.
The Palbari puja mandap has a strong legacy. During the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971, when the Pakistani military were killing Hindus in droves, the Pal family continued celebrating Durga Puja defying all danger. This is a proof of the power that culture, tradition and religion possess.
Bishwajit Pal, Nagendra’s son, said that the century-old Palbari puja mandap has been able to propagate harmony among the local people.
Read: Bagerhat’s Durga Puja attraction: 151 idols in one mandap
“We don’t discriminate against anyone based on his religious identity. The Palbari Puja Mandap is open for all. Arti and cultural programmes at the mandap every evening have become a source of entertainment for the local people,” he said.
“We have been arranging the puja for four generations. Now the time has come for our next generation to take over. Through this puja, we just want to share happiness and regard best wishes for people,” Bishwajit said.
Biplab Dey Ketu, a local journalist, said he has never missed the Palbari Puja since his childhood.
Read Keep vigil against vandalism during Durga Puja: Obaidul Quader asks AL members
“People from the area wait every year for this festival to commence. Our hearts become content each time we visit the place,” he said.
This year, Durga Puja is being celebrated in 144 mandaps in Sherpur district.
To avert any untoward incident, security has been beefed up at the festival sites. While all the mandaps have been brought under CCTV surveillance, a large number of police and Ansar personnel have also been deployed.
Read 5 Durga Puja Bhog Recipes to try this festive season
Besides non-stop patrolling by the law enforcement agencies, volunteers from the Puja Udjapon Parishad are also working tirelessly to ensure security in Sherpur’s Palbari Puja Mandap, organisers say.
With scars from 2021, Cumilla sees tighter security for Durga Puja
Authorities in Cumilla have placed tighter security measures this year to help celebrate the Durga Puja peacefully, following last year’s violence in the district that spilled over into other regions of the country, officials say.
Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamrul Hasan said that they deployed Ansar members to guard the puja mandaps round the clock while additional members of police, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) have been patrolling the celebration sites.
He said they will prevent any attempt to destabilise the communal harmony in the district.
Read: Dinajpur murder protest: No justice, No Puja celebration!
He also said that this year, organisers set up a mandap in the Nanua Dighir Par area where violence broke out in October 2021 after a copy of the holy Quran was found there.
On October 13 last year, a Muslim man reportedly placed a copy of the Quran on the lap of an idol at the mandap in Cumilla while another suspect, also a Muslim man, called 999 helpline reporting the "desecration of the holy book", according to police statement.
Bagerhat’s Durga Puja attraction: 151 idols in one mandap
Durga Puja is a major festival in Muslim-majority Bangladesh where close to 8 percent of more than 160 million people are Hindu.
Despite communal tensions in recent years during the largest festival of the Hindu community, participation of people from different faiths has given the celebration a unique character.
This year, a major draw in Bagerhat district is the largest number of idols at a single puja mandap.
Also read: Disappointment in Bagerhat as Shikdar Bari avoids large-scale Durga Puja celebration for third year running
Organisers say a total of 151 idols of different deities have found their place, depicting the stories of Hindu epics – Ramayan and Mahabharat – at the Chulkathi Banikpara Puja Mandap in Bagerhat’s Sadar upazila.
The display is attracting not only Hindus but also people from other communities to the Banikpara Mandap to have glimpses of the idols.
Celebration of Durga Puja began at the Banikpara Mandap in 2001 in a small way. But in 2005, a massive celebration was held with 101 idols.
Pvt universities’ permanent campuses: UGC to go tough as deadline ends on Dec 31
Many reputed private universities of the country are still operating under temporary arrangement, defying University Grants Commission’s repeated warnings to shift to permanent campuses.
UGC authorities said the period of temporary permit granted to them will end on December 31 this year and then it can suspend new enrolment at these universities and take legal actions against them.
Fresh student enrolment and all other activities of those private universities will be suspended if they fail to move to their permanent campuses within December 31, UGC member Professor Dr Biswajit Chanda said.
The commission gave the deadline as 12 years have passed after granting temporary permits to 23 private universities and most of them failed to take any significant steps to shift to their campuses or build the infrastructures necessary for it, he said.
Also read: UGC set to formulate policy for new public universities
The private universities are: Brac University, University of Liberal Arts (ULAB), Daffodil International University, Stamford University, State University of Bangladesh, The People's University of Bangladesh, Dhaka International University, Manarat International University, Bangladesh University, University of Development Alternative (UODA), Southeast University, Northern University Bangladesh, Green University of Bangladesh, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, The Millennium University, Presidency University, University of South Asia, Uttara University, Victoria University of Bangladesh, Prime Asia University, Royal University of Dhaka, Asha University of Bangladesh and City University.
Some of these universities moved partially but most have been operating from outer campuses for years, saying that construction work is yet to be completed, according to UGC.
When UGC contacted them, some of the private university authorities said they are going to seek extension while some said they are trying to follow the deadline.
According to section 7(2) of Bangladesh Private University Act (2010), these private universities were granted temporary permit to operate which was valid for seven years.
After that, the institutions can apply for renewal of the temporary permit if they fail to fulfil the conditions mentioned in section 9 within the period of the temporary permission. The government may renew the permission for a period not exceeding five years, subject to necessary enquiry.
Earlier, the UGC sent letters to the universities which did not move to permanent campuses after the temporary permit expired.
The commission later decided to set the time for the universities to respond till December 31.
Prof Bishwajit said, “Of the 23 universities, many have claimed they are in the middle of moving and will have relocated by the deadline. We are assuming one or two universities will seek extension of time for five to six months for construction of infrastructure as they have started a discussion regarding this with the UGC.”
But other than that, those who will fail completely to take any step regarding this, will not be allowed to admit more students in their education programmes in the coming year, he said.
“No private university will be spared if they disobey UGC’s directives and compromise the quality of education,” the UGC member added.
Also read: UGC warning private unis to maintain standards: Biswajit Chanda
According to UGC, from January 1, 2023 these 23 universities will be considered illegal if they do not fulfil one of the conditions of temporary permit which is shifting to permanent campuses within the fixed period.
Hence, the commission will take further steps against them under section 35 (7) of Bangladesh Private University Act, 2010.
So far, the government has given permission to 108 private universities in the country. Of these, 99 are currently operational.