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Padma Bridge: Harbinger of economic prosperity of Faridpur
The inauguration of the much-awaited Padma Bridge on June 25 is going to bring increased economic activities in the 21 southwestern districts of the country.
Businesses will expand, employment will be generated and new industries will be set up.
Faridpur will be no exception.
Also read: Honoured to compose and sing the official theme song for Padma Bridge grand opening: Kishore
The 6.15-km Padma Bridge, the country’s largest infrastructure, has instilled a sense of hope among the people of Faridpur since the beginning of its construction in 2014.
Faridpur and 20 other districts in the region anticipate a huge change in their livelihood after the opening of the double-decker bridge. The railway tracks are being set up along the lower deck, while the upper deck has been built for vehicles. The bridge is connected with a six-lane Mawa-Bhanga Expressway.
Ban on entering Sundarbans: 2 lakh families pushed into financial hardship
As many as two lakh families who depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods have been facing acute financial hardship due to the three-month restriction on collection of resources from the mangrove forest.
The government restricted entry into the forest for fishing, travel or resources collection for three months from June 1 to August 31 to ensure an undisturbed environment for wildlife during the breeding season.
Woodcutters, honey collectors, fishermen and others in seven districts- Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barguna, Jhalakathi and Patuakhali -along the Sundarbans have been passing idle time without work due to the ban.
READ: Bangladesh bans fishing in Sundarbans for 3 months
During a recent visit to the Sundarbans, the UNB correspondent learnt that many people living on fishing, cutting wood, and collecting honey from the Sundarbans have are facing acute food crisis and living on either starving or half-fed .
Bawals (wood collectors), fishermen and Mowals,(honey collectors) said they need assistance from the government or they would die from starvation.
MA Hasan, assistant director of Sundarbans West zone (Satkhira range), said the forest department is enforcing a 93-day ‘Surbandbans Rest zone’ till August 31 and during the period, no one will be allowed to enter the forest.
Already, a list of the worst affected people was sent to the authorities concerned of the Forest Department seeking assistance but yet to get any response, he said.
Sudhanshu Sekhor Gain, a fisherman of Burigoalini in Satkhira’s Shyamnagar upazila, said “I have been running my family by catching crabs from the Sundarbans but now I have no income.”
“We are passing a hard time, maintaining family with our low income has become difficult amid soaring prices of daily essentials and then the restriction came. No one can feel my pain,” said Hanif Gazi, another fisherman of the area.
Siddique Gazi, a fisherman of Datinkhali village in the upazila said, “We are not habituated to work outside the Sundarbans as we earn by catching crabs and fish from the forest . We are struggling hard at that moment due to the ban.”
Tushar Kumar Majumdar, Shyamnagar upazila senior fisheries officer, said there is a list of 795 fishermen in the upazila.
They will get 86 kgs of rice per person. Besides, a list of 8,324 fishermen was prepared and sent to the forest department for food assistance.
Padma Bridge: Shariatpur transport owners eye massive boost to business
Transport owners of Shariatpur, one of the two districts connected by the Padma Bridge, have expressed their expectation that massive changes will be happening in the transport sector of the district after the inauguration of the much-awaited bridge on June 25.
After the opening of the bridge, direct road communication will be introduced between Shariatpur and the capital Dhaka. To take advantage of the direct road communication system, transport owners of the district have already invested around Tk 300 crore to launch new buses over the Padma Bridge from the very first day of vehicular movement on the bridge.
In a recent visit to the Shariatpur municipality bus terminal, the UNB correspondent found that construction works for new buses are underway at the terminal in full swing. World-renowned car brands Volvo, Ashok Leyland, and Tata car chassis are being installed in the bus bodies. Besides Shariatpur, bus bodies are being constructed in Dhaka and Savar.
However, local passengers are skeptical about the standard of the locally made buses. They said buses plying on the regional routes in the district are below standard. Some of these are unfit for movement.
They urged the authorities concerned to introduce a standard transportation system on the Dhaka-Shariatpur route.
Finance minister is set to unveil Tk6.80 tn national budget at JS on Thursday
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal is set to place the national budget of Tk 6.80 trillion ( 6.80 lakh crore) in the Jatiya Sangsad for FY2022-2023 on Thursday.
The size of the budget will be about 15 percent of the country's gross domestic product or GDP.
This is the country’s 51st budget and the 23rd of the Awami League government in five terms. The budget will see special measures of tax exemptions on agriculture, food processing and small sector development.
Also read: Gender budget framework needs to be redesigned, say discussants at a pre-budget dialogue
The revenue collection target set for NBR is Tk 4.33 trillion, an increase of 9 per cent from the revenue target of the current fiscal year and annual development program (ADP) is set at Tk2.44 trillion.
Experts emphasize on having measures to control growing inflation, stabilise foreign exchange rate and steps to ensure food security.
Tajuddin Ahmed presented the first budget as the first finance minister of the post-independence Bangabandhu government in 1972.
In the upcoming budget, the target of GDP growth is set at 7.5 per cent and inflation will be kept at 5.5 per cent.
In the proposed budget, the expectation of GDP is set 7.5 percent – around Tk44.50 trillion (Tk 44 lakh 50 thousand crore, which is Tk14 trillion more than the FY22, finance division sources said.
The GDP size in FY 22 was Tk28.34 trillion or Tk 28.34 lakh crore.
The government policy makers believe in the FY23, three major infrastructures of the country will help in achieving the GDP growth despite projection of decline in global economy due to Russia-Ukraine war.
Officials concerned think that three big mega projects will be launched in FY 23. The dream Padma Bridge will be opened on June 25. This will open new doors for business and trade, which will have a positive impact on the economy.
The ministry officials said development of power, energy, communications and transport sectors will also boost growth following completion of these three mega projects.
The impact of the development of these sectors will play an important role in achieving the growth of other sectors including industry. Naturally, importance is being given to agriculture for achieving growth. Therefore, emphasis is laid on ensuring supply of agricultural inputs and maintaining subsidy. Growth is expected to be accelerated if the ongoing reforms in various sectors (revenue sector and Investment) are implemented, they said.
According to the finance division, the prices of food, fuel and fertilizer have risen sharply due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Farmers are getting it at a lower price as the government is subsidizing fertilizer. A plan has been taken to give a subsidy of Tk 12,000 crore in agriculture in the next financial year as well.
Also read:Russia-Ukraine war creates uncertainties: Kamal on upcoming national budget
The implementation of incentive packages in the new budget will also be continued. This will add to the sector based GDP.
In this context, the former caretaker government's finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam told UNB that if there is no growth, there will be stagnation in the economy.
“Poverty must be reduced by ensuring employment by increasing the coverage of social safety net programs,” he said.
Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, economist and Chairman, Policy Exchange of Bangladesh said the budget faces challenges to keep a stable exchange rate of forex and import trade inflation.
The budget should have measured inflation as well as price control of commodities and the health sector by developing institutional capacity of government entities.
The government set an ambitious revenue collection target of Tk4.33 trillion, comfortably the highest ever, although meeting this target has never been the point.
The national board of revenue (NBR), a wing of the internal resources division (IRD), usually collects revenue for the government. The upcoming budget is set to have a Tk4.33 trillion revenue target that is Tk 44000 crore more than the target in the budget for the current fiscal and 9.8 percent of GDP.
As per the calculation, the budget deficit would stand at Tk2.44 trillion that is 5.5 per cent of GDP.
According to sources at the finance ministry, the government would borrow Tk128,341 crore from the domestic sources and Tk1,16,523 crore from abroad to meet the deficit in the proposed budget.
Of the domestic borrowing, Tk 93,889 crore would be taken from the banking system while Tk 34,452 crore from savings certificates.
Padma Bridge: Khulna residents eagerly anticipating inauguration
The Padma Multipurpose Bridge will undoubtedly bring a groundbreaking change in the communication system for the people of the south-western districts of the country.
Once in operation, economists say, the greater road connectivity will play a significant role in boosting trade and commerce with Bangladesh’s entire southern region.
It is expected to change the fate of around 40 million people in addition to accelerating the GDP growth.
Also read: Experimental lights lit on Padma Bridge
Besides, people who have been experiencing tremendous suffering during their journey from Dhaka to different southern parts of the country will heave a sigh of relief as they can easily travel from Dhaka to Khulna within four hours by using the Padma Bridge.
Experts said currently, it takes one and one and half hours to three hours to cross the Padma River by a ferry from Mawa to Jajira and many people have to wait for a long time to cross the river, which is a waste of time.
But once the Padma Bridge opens, the suffering of the public will not only be reduced but also save time. It will also be proved as a boon for business people.
Syed Aslam Ali, the Additional Chief Engineer of Roads and Highways Department (Khulna), said “Currently it takes 6-7 hours to go to Dhaka from Khulna and more depending on the crossing of the ferry. But through the Padma Bridge, people can cross the river within 20 minutes after paying the toll and as a result, it will take only four hours to go to Dhaka from Khulna.”
Prof. Samiul Haque of English Department at Khulna University said “Country’s people will see a groundbreaking change and the residents of south-western parts will avail the benefits of the bridge first.”
Besides, the sufferings of people at the ferry ghat will be ended forever, he said.
Meanwhile, the experts also said that the traders involved in different businesses can transport their goods to Mongla Port in a short time which will boost the overall activities of Mongla port.
Already, a dynamic change has been seen in the development activities going on in Jashore, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Jhenaidah, Kushtia district, Benapole, Darshana and Bhomra land ports ahead of the inauguration of the Padma Bridge.
Bangladesh fails to exploit full potentials of green energy: Official documents
Though the production cost of renewable energy, especially the solar power, had substantially dropped in recent years, its share in the country’s power generation saw no jump.
The dismal picture was painted in the documents of the state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
According to the papers the country’s grid-connected renewable energy’s in the total power generation still persists below one per cent.
Only recently it went up to 0.36 per cent per unit in the FY2021-22 from a level of 0.09 per cent per unit in FY2019-20, revealed the documents recently placed during the public hearing of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).
The official documents also manifested that the government continued its focus on the promotion of fossil fuel, especially for costly power generation from rental and quick rental power plants to offset its rising annual financial loss.
The BPDB, meanwhile, proposed to raise the per unit electricity tariff by 65.56 per cent from the existing rate of Tk 5.17 arguing that it faces a loss of Tk 30,251 crore in revenue unless the sails through.
However, a technical evaluation team (TET) of the BERC) recommended a price hike by 57.83 per cent. The commission of the BERC has not yet made its final decision.
The BPDB documents showed the government had to spend an average Tk 43.42 to per unit to generate electricity from Diesel-fired plants, followed by Tk 15.51 per unit from Furnace oil-fired plants, Tk 12.77 from coal-fired power plants, Tk 12.64 per unit from renewable energy (solar) plants, Tk 3.46 from gas-fired power plants and Tk 2.67 per unit from hydro plants and Tk 5.95 from imported power in the fiscal year 2021-22 (upto March).
READ: Prepare road map to raise green energy use to 40% by 2041: Info Minister
It generated highest 56.43 per cent electricity from gas-fired plants, 26.49 per cent electricity from furnace-oil fired plants, 5.75 per cent electricity from coal-fired plants, 0.92 per cent electricity from diesel-fired plants, 1.03 per cent electricity from hydro plants, 9.02 per cent electricity from import while only 0.36 per cent electricity from renewable sources.
The most important feature is that the cost of electricity from solar is much lower at Tk 12.68 per unit while power generation cost from diesel is highest at Tk 43.42 per unit and Tk 15.51 per unit from furnace oil-fired plants.
Despite such a huge potential for power generation from renewable energy due to its substantial reduction in cost, the power did not focus on green energy.
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in a recent study on corruption in the power sector claimed the cost of power generation from renewable sources has dropped by 89 per cent.
It said the country is capable of generating 30,000 MW of electricity from renewable sources while the government set a target to generate 2,800 MW by 2021. The current generation from renewable sources is only 779 MW.
About slow deployment of renewable energy promotion, senior vice president of Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) Munawar Moin said lack of proper policy support with a budget has been the main problem in development of the sector.
At the moment the only possible deployment is “Rooftop Solar” with Net Meter. However, an appropriate financing option with fiscal incentives may play a vital role for rapid deployment by industry owners.
“In addition, a target-specific plan with budget allocation should be adopted for scaling up the renewable energy deployment." he added.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said the government has set a target to generate 40 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2041.
“To achieve the goal the government has taken various steps including net metering and other policy guidelines”, he said in his recent address to a webinar.
He said Bangladesh needs innovative technology alongside the foreign financial and technical support to overcome its main bottleneck of land scarcity in development of the green energy sector.
Sylhet's wait for modern bus terminal set to end soon
The long-cherished dream of the residents of Sylhet city will be fulfilled this month as the authorities concerned are set to inaugurate a modern bus terminal in Kadamtoli of the city.
The central bus terminal in South Surma is becoming one of the most modern bus terminals in the country.
The authorities said the modern bus terminal located in Surma’s Kadamtoli on eight acres of land will be opened soon, as 98% work on the terminal was completed, said Nur Azizur Rahman, chief engineer of Sylhet City Corporation (SCC).
The authorities concerned have started the construction work of the modern bus terminal, involving Tk 63 crore in 2018. Though it was originally scheduled to be inaugurated in 2020, but it was delayed due to Covid pandemic.
“We have to complete all pending works of the terminal by hook or by crook in June and a date will be fixed this month for opening,” said Engineer Azizur.
All kinds of modern facilities will be attached to the bus terminal and the beautiful architectural style will also attract everyone, he said.
SCC took the initiative to inaugurate the project under the municipal government service project and Daly Construction got the contract to construct the three-storey complex of the terminal. It is being financed by the World Bank.
During a recent visit to the construction site of the terminal, this UNB correspondent learned that there is a waiting lounge of 1,500 seats.
Three teachers of the Department of Architecture of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), --Subrata Das, Robin Dey and Mohammd Jashim—designed the modern bus terminal following the historical Assam style house and Chandnighat historical clock.
The site once looked like a garbage station and people had to go to the terminal by crossing the muddy and patchy road. The haphazard placement of buses also irked the passengers.
But in the new modern terminal, the design focuses on minimising public suffering.
How is the modern bus terminal!
All the construction work has been divided into three parts---under the first part there is a 300 feet long exit way. At least 48 buses can be kept there. Besides, there is a 970-seat hall room for passengers with a 30 seat VIP room, 30 ticket counters, and a prayer room.
There will be six toilets for males, females and passengers, who need special care. People with wheelchairs can use the toilet here.
Besides, there is a lift, restaurant and food court, a breastfeeding corner and a bed for providing medical services to sick passengers.
Under the second portion, there is an entrance passage of 300 feet long, Bus Bay, 510-seat waiting room, 30 seat VIP room, modern toilet, breastfeeding zone, lift and restaurant.
The exit and entry points were attached to a corridor and managing and operating offices were set up at the five-story building tower. A security control, CCTV monitoring room, police room and tourism room will also be built there.
READ: Homebound people flock at launch and bus terminals dreading ‘lockdown’
Beauty of road divider in Cumilla attracts people
The natural beauty of the Dhaka-Chhattogram four-lane highway has increased due to flowers and greenery at the road divider of the highway in Cumilla part.
Flowers of many varieties including Sanalu, 'Krisnachura, Jarul, and Togor have increased the beauty of the newly-built highway. The flowers and greeneries are not only increasing the beauty of the highway but also playing a role to save the balance of the environment.
Tens of thousands of passengers and drivers of the Dhaka-Chhattogram four-lane highway are enjoying the beauty of the road divider in Cumilla. The natural scene has also attracted the local people. Many people from different corners of Cumilla are coming to enjoy the lovely scenario of the road divider.
Dilapidated road hampers trade through Sheola land port
The road from Sheola Bridge to Sheola Land Port in Beanibazar Upazila of Sylhet has become dilapidated with numerous potholes, disrupting import-export through the land port .
Local traders, who are the worst hit, said their repeated complaints to the authorities about the sorry state of the three-kilometer road have only fallen on deaf years.
Talking to UNB, drivers said it has become almost impossible for them to move on the road due to numerous potholes and pits which get filled with water if it rains, causing risks of accident.
Sylhet Coal Importers Group on April 11 submitted an application to the Superintending Engineer of Roads and Highways Department in Sylhet to take necessary steps to repair the road on an urgent basis.
The road was repaired earlier at the group's own expense for the interest of traders, but it was not enough as the road turned shabby again following recent showers.
Traders said that if the road is not repaired, the movement of vehicles will be stopped and there will be huge loss.
Sheola Land Port is an important land port of Sylhet Division as huge quantities of stone, coal, and various food items including onions and ginger are imported from India through it. Besides, a huge quantity of cement, fish, cotton and various food items are exported from Bangladesh through this land port.
READ: No trade through Tamabil land port for 8 days from Friday
The government earns a huge amount of revenue from trade through this land port.
Besides, hundreds of passengers travel to India through Sheola Land Port.
On May 9, a delegation of Sylhet Coal Importers Group met Roads and Highway Department Executive Engineer Md Mostafizur Rahman and handed over a memorandum in this regard.
Chandan Saha, president of Sylhet Coal Importers Group demanded the authorities take necessary steps for quick renovation of the road in the interest of import-export business and government revenue.
Executive Engineer Md Mostafizur Rahman assured the delegation that necessary steps will be taken to repair the road.
Touchless tech to soon make travel seamless at Dhaka airport
You will soon be able to zip through immigration formalities at Bangladesh's largest airport.
Nearly a year after inauguration, the six electronic gates (e-gates) for automated border control at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are all set to become operational in June.
"All works to unveil the automated immigration system at the Dhaka airport have nearly been completed," Md Abdullah Al Masud Chowdhury, additional secretary (security and immigration wing) of the Home Ministry's security services division, told UNB.
"The e-gates will be opened to the air travellers in June," he said.
On June 30, 2021, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal inaugurated the e-gates at the Dhaka airport, marking the country’s step into the digital era of travel.
Authorities then said that the e-gates would automatically complete all the immigration formalities of passengers with e-passports, minimising human interaction.
“E-gates are being introduced in Bangladesh like developed countries across the globe," the additional secretary said.
"Once operational, these e-gates will reduce queues at the manual immigration counters as passengers having e-passports will be able to complete all formalities in a very short time," said Chowdhury.
E-passports have an in-built microprocessor chip containing details of the holder. The e-gates will identify an air passengers after scanning the e-passport. And the process ensures high security during the verification of travel documents.
"The company installing the e-gate software, took time to complete the job. Now, this is in the final stages. We will open the e-gates next month. Global travellers will have a hassle-free experience at the airport," the top government official said.
"E-gates will eventually be introduced at all airports and land ports in Bangladesh in phases," Chowdhury said.
Also read: Screening of all flight passengers starts at Dhaka airport