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Bangladesh’s development paradigm: An exclusive insight from PM Sheikh Hasina in an interview with WhiteBoard
In an exclusive interview with the country’s first policy magazine WhiteBoard, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina explained her priority goals in setting out long term policies that have led to a rise in living standards in the youngest nation in South Asia.
“The Bangladesh model, is based on certain indigenous values and policy continuity. Policy-makers have to factor in issues like our strategic location, our topography, our people’s needs, our history, our environment and our resources. A foreign prescription for development never works,” explained Sheikh Hasina, currently the longest serving female head of state in the world.
“Our country’s governance will be based on our priorities alone. In other words, Bangladesh cannot import the development formula of another country,” added the premier.
She also laid focus on the need for having an open mindset to learn about developments taking place around the world.
Charting the Future: Policy experts unveil comprehensive solutions in WhiteBoard's latest issue
“This doesn’t mean we shut our eyes to developments across the world. We have to study the good practices of different countries to repurpose them for our needs,” she said.
Under her watch, Bangladesh has become a top performer in attaining MDGs and overcame countries in South Asia in human development indices. In the interview, her economic policy approaches have been illustrated in depth that policy experts say offer a lesson for the country’s future policymakers.
In response to another question on foreign partners influencing the country’s economy, she referred to it as a “deep-rooted dependency” and said, “Foreign dependency has been reducing, and this is because of a deliberate approach by my administration.”
“In this effort, you have to start viewing yourself as an equal. These issues need to be tackled in a nuanced way. Political leadership and money play a big role here.”
‘Leave no sector behind’: Radwan Mujib stresses in latest issue of WhiteBoard
In the space of more than five decades, Bangladesh has come a long way from rules of military dictators that economists often describe as “worst stints when policymakers succumbed to foreign pressures.”
Not to be outdone at foreign prescriptions to shape policy reforms, Sheikh Hasina has earned a repute of putting the national interest as foremost priority as demonstrated by the construction of Padma Bridge and rolling out of an unprecedented scale of safety nets.
“When other administrations formulated a budget for development projects, the lion’s share would come from foreign financing. Their fiscal policy was essentially ‘donor-dependent.’ On top of this, public spending capacity was miniscule. I flipped this policy by rejecting foreign-borrowed money that makes us dependent,” the PM told WhiteBoard.
Focusing on approaches by her government, she added “My administration accelerated the borrowing from our domestic sources. At least the money will circulate within our own borders. This long-term policy has yielded results. Now you will see that the lion’s share of our public spending comes from our own domestic resources.”
In addition to the interview, the latest issue of WhiteBoard features an array of insightful articles from experts on wide ranging issues including Bangladesh’s export diversification drive, Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic doctrine, and way forward to reduce gender disparity.
Bangladesh among 17 successful countries in two decades: WhiteBoard
Strategy consultant and youth advocate Radwan Mujib Siddiq, a trustee of Center for Research and Information (CRI), who is the editor of WhiteBoard, shared the link to the interview with the comment: “Don’t miss the latest issue of WhiteBoard out now”.
The interview has already been shared widely on social media. ICT Affairs Advisor to PM, Sajeeb Wazed, who has been credited with transforming the country’s digital landscape shared the link on his social media accounts as well.
Read the interview: https://whiteboardmagazine.com/4257/the-politics-of-development-a-conversation-with-sheikh-hasina/
FDC ramp of Dhaka Elevated Expressway opens to traffic, Quader calls it ‘PM’s Eid gift’
The exit ramp of Dhaka Elevated Expressway's Karwan Bazar section, in front of FDC, opened to traffic on Wednesday (March 20, 2024).
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader formally opened the ramp in the morning.
With this, 16 ramps of the Elevated Expressway have been opened so far.
On September 3 last year, the 11.5 km Airport-Farmgate stretch of Dhaka Elevated Expressway was opened to traffic and today the FDC gate ramp was opened. “This is an Eid gift from the Prime Minister for the people,” Quader said.
“We will be able to fully open it by the beginning of next year. Hatirjheel ramp will be opened and progress is on following that direction,” he added.
Onion prices fall by Tk30 per kg as seasonal supply rises in market
Asked about the increased traffic congestion in Dhaka during the month of Ramadan, the minister said, “People go to shopping malls during Ramadan and there will be some traffic jam. However, there is no traffic jam from Uttara to Motijheel. People can easily reach their destinations.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on September 2, 2023 inaugurated the Airport-Farmgate segment of Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
The total length of the expressway is 19.73 km and people can enter and exit the expressway through ramps in 31 points.
The project director said 72.51 percent work of the expressway has been completed and the work at Hatirjheel and Panthakunja points is underway.
2 killed in separate accidents in Sylhet and Chandpur
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway project was undertaken in 2011. On December 15, 2013, Bangladesh Bridge Authority signed a revised agreement with First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Company Limited, the investment company of the project.
Onion seed cultivation: Faridpur couple become role models, farmers aim Tk 300 crore worth of production
In the Gobindapur area of Ambikapur union, Sadar upazila, Faridpur district, Lovely Akter and Imtiaz Mollah have transformed their fortunes and become a beacon of success in onion seed farming, locally referred to as “black gold”.
Starting with just two bighas of land, the couple has expanded their cultivation to 40 bighas, witnessing substantial economic growth that allowed them to construct a multi-storey building and continually invest in new land.
The duo, parents to a tenth grader and a fourth grader, embarked on this venture after observing the lucrative outcome of onion seed cultivation within their family post-marriage. After her marriage, she found that some family members among her in-laws were involved in onion seed cultivation and decided to join along with her husband in this endeavor. They earned good money in the first year and haven't looked back since, Lovely shared.
Onion prices fall by Tk30 per kg as seasonal supply rises in market
Despite several odds Bangladesh will generate 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2041: Nasrul Hamid
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has said that despite several odds Bangladesh will generate 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2041.
He reiterated the country's target at Ministerial-level Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable on “Implementation of COP28 Decisions in the Energy Sector – Opportunities, Constraints, and Next Steps: The Way Head” in the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2024 on Thursday.
He said developed nations must come forward with determination to build a green and sustainable world.
Indian envoy reaffirms commitment to further enrich special, multifaceted ties with Bangladesh
He observed that the promotion of renewable energy will not take a right path without mutual cooperation and coordinated efforts while exchange of technology is essential for its development.
The developed nations should discuss the renewable energy's potentials keeping in mind such issues, he said.
Nasrul Hamid sought the cooperation of the developed countries to build efficient grid system.
"Germany can take initiatives to promote renewable technologies, especially the wind energy", the state minister said.
He noted that the help of the international community is needed to reduce carbon emissions to a substantial level.
“The production and use of climate neutral products requires financial support and mobilization of financial resources to manage renewable energy”, he said adding, “Without these, the use of renewable energy will not increase. International support for renewable energy and climate resilience is essential”.
Annual profits from forced labour amount to US$ 236 billion: ILO report
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, German Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action Dr. Robert Habeck and other ministers and representatives of various countries were present at the round table meeting.
Onion prices fall by Tk30 per kg as seasonal supply rises in market
The price of onion fell by Tk30 per kg on Tuesday due to a raised supply of newly harvested onions in Dhaka from the Pabna and Faridpur regions, the main production areas in the country.
According to wholesalers and retailers of Malibagh, Moghbazar, Karwan Bazar, and Shyambazar in the capital on Tuesday, it is known that the supply of onion has increased due to the start of the onion season.
As a result, the price has decreased in the wholesale market and onion is being sold between Tk 45 and Tk 55 per kg.
The price of this onion in the retail market is Tk 60 to 70 per kg. In some cases, onion was selling at Tk 55 per kg even.
A week ago, onion was sold at Tk 90 to Tk 100 per kg in the retail market of Dhaka.Haji Mukarram, an onion trader in Karwan Bazar, told UNB that getting news of imported onions arriving from India, the farmers quickly picked up onions and started selling those in the market.
As a result, the supply in the market has increased and the price of onion has also come down, he pointed out.
Narayan Saha, an onion trader and importer of Shyambazar in the capital, said "Currently, seasonal onions have arrived in the market on time." It has an impact on the price in the market.
But now there is no need to import onion to protect the farmers, he said.Narayan also said that now emphasis is needed to harvest onions in the right way and store them carefully for future market demand.
Proper storage of onions coming into the market will help keep the price normal during the rest of the year, he suggested.
Unexpected rain offers brief respite in Dhaka, affects commute
Dhaka residents experienced a welcome break from the persistent heat on Tuesday afternoon as light rainfall swept through the city, offering a cool reprieve.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) recorded a modest one millimetre of rainfall from 3:15 pm to 6:00 pm, according to meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque.
Haque highlighted that March through May serves as the pre-monsoon season, a time when approximately 18% of the annual rainfall occurs. He added, "Light to moderate rains are expected to continue over the next three days."
The sudden downpour caught many off guard, particularly those commuting for work, leading to delays as people sought shelter at Metro Rail stations and various city spots.
Promote sustainable production, consumption of plastics through environmentally sound waste management: Experts
Experts at a seminar urged the government to promote sustainable production and consumption of plastics through product design and environmentally sound waste management.
"If we can ensure environmentally sound waste management, it will contribute to the economy. We need a systematic transformation to achieve the transition to a circular economy" said Dr. Jane Gilbert, Circular Economy Expert, and British Standards Institution (BSI) while making her keynote presentation at the seminar.
Denmark signs MoU with BFSA on food safety, sustainable production
Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) and the British Standards Institution (BSI) jointly organised a seminar on "CE to Enhance the Export Possibilities of Plastic Goods" at the BPGMEA conference room in Paltan Tower in the city.
The seminar aims to address crucial issues and strategies for Bangladesh to export to the UK and Europe of plastic products.
With BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed in the chair, the seminar was addressed by Md. Salim Ullah, Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Rahman, Joint Secretary (EC4J), Ministry of Commerce, Anwar Hossain, Bengal Group of Industries, Salahuddin Shikder, PRAN-RFL Group, BPGMEA Director and Managing Director of BPCL Khadem Mahmood Yusuf, BSTI Director Ms. Zohra Sikder, Mustain Billah from EC4J, and S M Arafat from UNIDO.
Apart from this, experts in related fields, top leaders of various BPGMEA member organisations, and important members participated in this seminar.
Dr. Jane Gilbert said that it is necessary to promote a national action plan on the circular economy to achieve a sustainable development goal.
She emphasised on working towards the prevention, reduction and elimination of plastic pollution.
"We need a systemic transformation to achieve the transition to a circular economy", she said adding, the global economy is now only 7.2% circular; and it’s getting worse year on year-driven by rising material extraction and use.
She noted that the plastic industry shows promise with a huge growth potential in the domestic market and opportunity to grab a share in the global market.
Dr. Jane Gilbert also said that after LDC Graduation in 2026 Bangladesh will have to adopt International standards for goods & services to enhance export.
BPGMEA President Mr. Shamim Ahmed said that as the country develops, the use of plastic will increase.
"To reduce the use of plastic we need to innovate and on the other hand we need to manage plastic properly".
He also said that investment and infrastructural development is required for waste management.
He said currently 37 percent of mismanaged plastic is being recycled in Bangladesh. The recycling process will be strengthened further.
In expanding the circular economy, he emphasised on increasing competition, taking new market opportunities, expanding products, security of resource sources, and increasing reputation.
The experts at the seminar gave valuable insights into the challenges facing Bangladesh and the steps needed to facilitate their exports.
These include economic development, trade policy, sustainable growth, and capacity building initiatives and exports.
Matarbari seaport will play crucial role for regional connectivity: Speaker
Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Tuesday said that Matarbari deep seaport is a gateway that will facilitate connectivity with landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan through Bangladesh.
“Matarbari deep seaport is the right policy decision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” she said.
She said this at a workshop titled 'Bangladesh's First Deep Seaport: Matarbari Opening a New Scene in the Bay of Bengal' organised by the Ocean Policy Research Unit of Japan's Sasakawa Peace Foundation at Parliament’s LD Hall.
Matarbari Coal-fired power plant set to be inaugurated on November 11
The Speaker said that through Matarbari deep seaport, the socio-economic development of the neighbouring countries will take place while Bangladesh will also benefit.
“This seaport will play a crucial role in facilitating the communication with different states through waterways and will also increase commercial competition,” she said.
She said that this seaport will highlight the importance of the Bay of Bengal among various South Asian countries.
Matarbari coal-fired power plant’s unit-1 synchronised with national grid
Bangladesh Enterprise Institute President Humayun Kabir moderated the workshop.
Ocean Policy Peace Foundation Research Fellow Imadul Islam and researcher Kamran Reza Chowdhury presented the keynote of the workshop.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Masud Bin Momen, Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam, president of the Ocean Policy Research Institute of Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan Hide Sakaguchi, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Kiminori IWAMA and JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Tamohide Ichiguchi also addressed the workshop.
Some Dhaka areas experiencing acute water, gas crises
Residents of different areas in the city have been experiencing acute water and gas crises.
With the beginning of holy Ramadan, their problems have been aggravated further.
The areas include Mohammadpur, Adabar, Mansurabad, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Malibagh, Gulbagh, Mugda, Manda and Maniknagar.
Of these, the residents of Mohammadpur, Adabar, Mansurabad, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Malibagh, and Gulbagh are experiencing water crisis while the residents of Mugda, Manda and Maniknagar are facing gas crisis.
The affected city dwellers said the water crisis in their areas is so acute that they get water from Dhaka WASA supply lines after every three days.
"But when water comes, it comes along with sand", said Rumana Rahman, a resident of the Mohammadpur area.
She informed them that they have lodged complaints with Dhaka WASA authority several times. But still the problem is persisting.
Echoing the same, Maniruzzaman of Shewrapara said that they have to collect drinking water from alternative sources to meet the emergency needs as water supply from WASA lines is not available.
"Sometimes, we get water from WASA lines at midnight but at a very low pressure", he told UNB.
Contacted Dhaka (Water Supply and Sewerage Authority) WASA deputy managing director (O&M) Engineer A. K. M. Shahid Uddin admitted the problems.
But he claimed the problems have been resolved after receiving complaints from the consumers.
"Some of the pumps went out of order in those areas. We repaired some of those and replaced some others. Now, there is no problem of waters there", he told UNB.
Shahid also said sometimes some consumers lodge verbal complaints to the media. But when we investigate, we don't find the authenticity of the complaints.
He also noted that sometimes, in-house pumps get out of order, but consumers complain against the WASA.
Dhaka WASA officials, however, claimed that there is no gap between demand and supply of water in Dhaka city. Rather, production capacity is more than the demand for water, they said.
The Dhaka WASA data shows that currently water demand in Dhaka city is 260 crore liters per day while WASA's production capacity is 290 crore liters.
But lack of a proper system to rationally supply the water sometimes creates problems when a deep water pump in any area gets out of order.
In the existing system, it becomes difficult to recover the shortage of that area, he said.
Every year in summer water shortage occurs in different areas of Dhaka. The main reason for this is the dependence on underground sources.
In 2010, 80 percent of the water produced by Dhaka Wasa was from underground sources, which are being drawn through deep tube wells and 20 percent was surface water.
The Dhaka WASA planned to increase surface water production to at least 70 percent by 2021. However, the target was not achieved. Still 70 percent of WASA's daily water production comes from underground sources.
About the gas crisis, Al Amin, a resident of the Manda area informed that most of the times of a day, the area remains without gas.
"We receive natural gas in the Titas pipeline only at midnight and it remains for 3 hours from 1 am to 4 am" he told UNB.
But Titas gas officials admitted that the gas crisis is part of the overall shortfall in the national grid.
The Titas officials said the country's gas demand is about 4000 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) while the state-owned Petrobangla can hardly supply 2660 MMCFD leaving about 1400-1500 MMCFD as
Police trying to ensure safe eid journeys for common people
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on Tuesday said that the police have been trying to ensure that common people will reach their respective destinations during their Eid journey.
The IGP came up with the remark when the leaders of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) paid a courtesy call on him at the police headquarters on Tuesday.
The IGP said that all measures have already been taken so that Eid holiday makers can reach their destinations safely. Apart from this, security measures have been arranged during Iftar, Taraweeh and Sehri in such a way that the safety of devotees are not disturbed.
Extortion will not be tolerated: IGP
Regarding the traffic jam, he said that the DMP commissioner himself broke the fasting on the street to ease the traffic jam during the fasting. Every member of the traffic department is working tirelessly to decongest the traffic. Besides, the policemen are on alert to maintain law and order on the occasion of holy Ramadan.
Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun also said that instructions have been given to police officers across the country to ensure the safety and service of the common people.
He said the policy of 'zero tolerance' on militancy-terrorism, extortion and drugs is continuing and it will remain continue in the future.
IGP wants greater rate of conviction in cases
Referring to the policy of 'zero tolerance' in the case of drugs, the police chief said that even if any member of the police is involved in drug related cases, the policy of 'zero tolerance' is being shown.
CRAB president Kamruzzaman Khan and general secretary Sirajul Islam along with other executive committee members were present.