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Uncertainty, tension grip students, parents amid raging political crisis
The persistent anti-government political programmes enforced by BNP and like-minded political parties have cast a shadow over academic activities in Dhaka and parts of Bangladesh.
Many schools and colleges in the capital have remained open despite the blockades but students’ attendance has dropped remarkably. Many guardians are reluctant to send their children to schools and colleges, especially those who live far from the educational institutions.
Additionally, educational institutions have been forced to postpone scheduled exams, compounding the stress and uncertainty over students' studies.
Read: BNP’s like-minded parties announce fresh 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
The latest bout of the political turmoil saw a nationwide hartal on October 29. After the end of a three-day blockade on October 31, a two-day blockade is currently underway on November 5 and 6. This ongoing situation has left students and parents in a state of panic, with fears of a more challenging political situation throughout November and December.
The implications of this political unrest are most profound in divisional cities and district headquarters, including the capital.
Talking to the UNB reporter, many parents said they are particularly concerned about the safety of their children during their commute to and from school in these challenging times.
Almost all educational institutions in the capital, including Motijheel Ideal School and College, Banasree Ideal School and College, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College Main Branch and Bashundhara Branch, Government Laboratory High School, Motijheel Government Girls High School, Rampura Ekramunnesa Girls' School, Rajuk Uttara Model School and College, and Banani Bidyaniketan, have reported a significant decrease in attendance.
Read: Bus carrying passengers set on fire in Dhaka’s Gulistan
Some English medium schools have been forced to close indefinitely, while others have resorted to holding classes online.
Parents are increasingly concerned about the disparities between physical and online classes and are uncertain about the upcoming half-yearly exams.
Sarwar Alam, a parent of a child studying at English medium school 'Play-Pen' located in Bashundhara, said, “We've shifted to online classes. However, there are noticeable disparities between physical classroom instruction and online learning. With the upcoming half-yearly exam scheduled for November 10, I am uncertain about how this examination will be carried out.”
Ruhul Amin, a parent of a student at Ideal School and College, expressed the dilemma many parents are facing. “My two children study at Ideal School’s Banasree branch. I didn't allow my children to come to school during the previous phase of the hartal and blockade. They missed a week of school. Now it is happening again. Who knows how long this will last? That's why I brought my child to school again. But there is a sense of fear within us, wondering what will happen and when,” he said.
The anxiety and concerns of parents are echoed by Abdul Majid Sujan, general secretary of the guardians’ forum at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College. “The children's annual examination is scheduled to be held this month. Meanwhile, the continuous strike and blockade are creating panic among parents. We are afraid and worried about sending the children to school, especially when it comes to traveling on the road,”
Read: DMP chief announces Tk 20,000 reward for help with catching arsonists
Director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Professor Mohammad Belal Hossain, said that the annual evaluation of schools will start on November 9, with the goal of completing the examination by November 30.
However, if the situation deteriorates, decisions will be made in consultation with higher authorities, he said.
According to the previous schedule, the annual evaluation for class VI and VII students under the new curriculum was scheduled to begin on November 5 but has now been rescheduled to start on November 9.
The impact of these disruptions extends beyond the capital, with divisional and district towns also experiencing low student turnout.
In response to the evolving situation, schools have received revised schedules for examinations. Parents are left with no choice but to take risks and send their children to schools despite the uncertain circumstances.
Installation of underground cables completed in Hatirjheel area
The work to install underground cables has been completed in Hatirjheel area, although subsequent road repairs necessitated by the project are progressing slowly.
According to official sources, both the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) and Dhaka Power Distribution Company Ltd (DPDC) completed their work in September and deposited their required money to the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) to repair the roads as per rule.
Sources said that recently a Rajuk-appointed contractor has started the road repair works but it’s going on at a very slow pace.
The DPDC and PGCB have laid the high voltage underground cables through digging the roads in the area to replace their overhead cables at the Hatirjheel lake.
The DPDC first completed its part of the work in June, and then the PGCB’s work was completed in September, said the sources in the PGCB. PGCB officials said after completion of the works, the Rajuk will repair the roads as the area is under its jurisdiction.
Underground power cabling works at Hatirjheel: Commuters’ ordeal unlikely to end soon
With economic diversification, transformation, Bangladesh holds potential to achieve more: Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli
In an exclusive interview Switzerland's Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Rengggli speaks about his country's historic ties with Bangladesh, the host country's economic transformation, challenges, potentials for greater Swiss investment, free and fair election and Dhaka's humanitarian support to Rohingyas.
Below is the full text of the interview:
UNB: Switzerland established diplomatic ties with Bangladesh soon after Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. The two countries have come a long way. How do you evaluate the relations today and what are your priorities?
Ambassador: If you ask me to classify the bilateral diplomatic ties between Switzerland and Bangladesh, I will expressly say that we have very good bilateral relations and partnership. This positive assessment of our bilateral relations keeps reflecting in my meetings and exchanges with all our stakeholders in Bangladesh, including senior government officials. Switzerland was quick to establish diplomatic ties with Bangladesh after its independence, and last year, we together celebrated 50 years of our bilateral relations.
Also read: Reject violence, support genuinely peaceful democratic process: Uzra Zeya's message to political parties in Bangladesh
Over the past decades, our two countries have built a strong and diverse partnership in numerous areas. In terms of our priorities, I will highlight three key areas. Humanitarian assistance had been the central element of the bilateral ties in the early 70s. It still remains essential to our partnership, particularly in light of the Rohingya refugee crisis. Another vital area of partnership was development aid, which has now turned into international cooperation, where Switzerland aims to implement innovative projects that include private industry development. Over the last 50 years, Switzerland has invested over $1 billion in this area of cooperation in this country. On the other hand, the bilateral trade became very dynamic and robust, with an annual volume of more than $1 billion. This evolution of our bilateral relations symbolizes Bangladesh’s socio-economic transition, as economic relation has emerged as an important pillar of our bilateral ties.
UNB: How do you describe Bangladesh? What are the challenges and potentials that Bangladesh holds for the future?
Ambassador: I arrived in Dhaka in late June this year to take the helm of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, and in mid-July, I had the privilege to present my credentials to the Hon’ble President of Bangladesh. My initial impression of Bangladesh is very positive. The people here are hardworking and friendly, and I have always felt welcome wherever I have been. I look forward to exploring the country more during my tenure. I see Bangladesh as a nation that has attained a lot in terms of socio-economic progress over the past decades and holds the potential to achieve so much more going forward.
Also read: ‘US wanted to act proactively to send tough message’: Kugelman
I have arrived in Bangladesh at an exciting time when the country is approaching multiple crossroads. The country will graduate from the LDC group category in 2026. This graduation, on the one hand, serves as a testament to the country’s accomplishments and beckons new opportunities, but on the other hand, several challenges lurk as international support measures associated with the LDC status will start phasing out down the road. There, I would suggest Bangladesh focus more on economic diversification and transformation, including a stronger emphasis on research and development, and enhance the competitive edge of different economic sectors in a bid to accelerate economic growth while leaving no-one behind. Being a country that blazes trail with regard to competitiveness and innovation, Switzerland is well positioned to partner with Bangladesh in this crucial journey. The upcoming national elections is another vital approaching milestone, and within this context, I would like to highlight that democratic, fair and especially peaceful elections are essential for any democracy to thrive.
UNB: Bangladesh is one of the priority countries for Switzerland’s development cooperation. What should be the priority areas for Switzerland in terms of development cooperation with Bangladesh over the next couple of years?
Ambassador: Solidarity has truly been an overarching aspect of our bilateral relations. Switzerland has proven to be a committed, effective, sustainable, reliable and innovative development partner over the last five decades. The focus of our ongoing cooperation programme (2022-2025) is on supporting Bangladesh’s upcoming LDC graduation by promoting sustainable and more inclusive economic development as well as improved social well-being. We prioritize introducing innovative projects to benefit the people most in need and the change-makers that can scale and mainstream development achievements. Switzerland will invest around BDT 1’450 crore to implement this program by 2025, and to this end, my Embassy is working in tandem with the government and partners from civil society and international organizations. I would also like to emphasize that our program promotes good governance and respect for human rights, values that are dear to Switzerland. Climate change has also become a significant focus of our development cooperation in Bangladesh.
UNB: The boom in the textiles and chemical sectors is making Bangladesh an attractive place for Swiss investment. What’s the current Swiss investment status in Bangladesh? What are the areas the Swiss investors might feel interested to invest in Bangladesh?
Ambassador: I would like to underline that globally, Switzerland is the world’s tenth-largest foreign direct investor abroad. In Bangladesh, my country is also a leading (#14th in Fiscal Year 2022) foreign investor, although the net annual FDI inflow is still proportionately very low. That said, major Swiss multinational companies are present in Bangladesh, providing best-in-class, quality and advanced products, technologies and services to the Bangladeshi market. However, what I would like to highlight is that small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the Swiss economy. For those Swiss SMEs, Bangladesh is still a largely undiscovered and sometimes challenging destination, partly due to ease of doing business-related Issues. Against this backdrop, it will be one of my endeavors to place Bangladesh more prominently on the map in Switzerland.
Also read: Bangladesh needs multiple choices for better bargaining in foreign financial proposals: Japanese expert
In June this year, Switzerland and Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance and deepen their knowledge and skills partnership. This MoU, in a way, embodies the future course of our bilateral relations. Increased collaboration between the private sectors of both countries in innovation and technology will likely shape the future course of our economic ties.
UNB: What’s your understanding about the investment climate in Bangladesh?
Ambassador: I have regular interactions with government officials and private sector representatives. What I understand is that the authorities are actively seeking to attract more investments. In this regard, several initiatives have also been taken to expedite the inflow of foreign investments. As highlighted in the Production Transformation Policy Review of Bangladesh published by the OECD recently, to continue and accelerate the growth trajectory, Bangladesh needs to prioritize new drivers of growth and start shifting from a price-led competitiveness model to one anchored in quality and innovation, which, in my opinion, foreign direct investment and induction of new technology can help the country to achieve. Creating a favorable investment environment with regulatory predictability, a level playing field, and good governance is essential for more investments. Here I would like to add that, by utilizing its instruments for economic cooperation, Switzerland is working closely with Bangladesh to improve framework conditions for businesses.
UNB: How do you see Bangladesh's role in dealing with the Rohingya issue when it has its own socio-economic challenges? What is Switzerland’s response to the Rohingya crisis?
Ambassador: We live in a volatile world where new crises and conflicts seem to emerge more frequently, diverting global attention from the earlier ones. Against this backdrop, I think keeping the Rohingya refugee crisis high on the global agenda is essential. Bangladesh and its people are playing an enormous and challenging role by providing refuge to over a million Rohingya. As the nature of this prolonged crisis keeps changing, it is important that we work together to address broader issues related to this humanitarian crisis. This includes finding solutions to also improve the education and livelihood opportunities of the Rohingyas, especially the younger refugee population, in order to keep them optimistic about their future.
Also read: Bangladesh with "miraculous" growth is an "unsung" dev success story: British chief economist
Earlier this month, I spent three days in Cox’s Bazar to observe firsthand the current state of the Rohingya crisis and understand the scale of the humanitarian operation steered by different humanitarian agencies and actors. I met with the refugee community and members of the host community, as well as humanitarian agencies, government officials and other stakeholders, who are working very hard to alleviate the plight of the refugees. As mentioned earlier, humanitarian support has traditionally remained a cornerstone of our bilateral cooperation. Since the beginning of the Rohingya crisis, Switzerland has stood firmly by Bangladesh, with humanitarian aid channeled through different agencies and our on-the-ground presence in Cox’s Bazar implementing initiatives directly.
Also read: Much to do together and help modernise Bangladesh military: US official Mira Resnick
Gas shortage hits many areas in capital city
Many areas of the capital city Dhaka city have been hit by a gas shortage causing problems for the consumers.
The situation may worsen in the coming winter as no necessary measure is in sight to address the problem.
According to official sources, the areas which have been severely suffering most due to the crisis include vast area of Mirpur and Mohammadpur, Basabo, old part of city, specially Lalbagh and Chawkbazar, Segunbagicha, Tejgaon, Dhanmondi and Gulshan.
Residents in these areas alleged that they don’t get adequate gas during the day time.
“In most of the time, we have to cook our meal during midnight when gas flow is found to be a little bit better. Otherwise, we need to use LPG as an alternative to piped-gas", said Taslima Begum, a resident in the Green Road area of Dhanmondi.
Read: US eases oil, gas and gold sanctions on Venezuela after electoral roadmap signed
“We have to spend a good amount of money for using LPG alongside paying to Titas Gas as consumers of its piped gas”, she told UNB this week.
Halima Aktar, another Titas consumer living in Mohammadpur echoed the same, saying that she has to cook in the might as gas is not available from morning to 10 pm.
An employee of National Press Club noted that in most of the days in day-time the club has to face very low pressure in the gas pipe that disrupts normal cooking.
Similar allegations of no gas supply in day time or low pressure in the gas line are being received from the consumers in different parts of the capital.
Confirming the allegations, Md. Emam Uddin Sheikh, general manager of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, said that the gas supply situation in Dhaka and adjoining areas is very much part of the country’s overall supply condition.
Read: Gas supply to remain off for 7 hours in parts of capital Thursday
“The country has a shortage of more than 1000 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) against the overall demand for 4000 MMCFD”, he told UNB.
He informed that Titas Gas, which is responsible for gas supply to Dhaka and adjoining districts, now receives 1400-1500 MMCFD gas against a demand for 1800 MMCFD meaning a shortage of 300-400 MMCFD gas.
However, official data of Petrobangla, the state-owned upstream organisation in the gas sector, shows that the country produces 2663.5 MMCFD gas on Monday including imported LNG (liquefied natural gas) against the demand of 4000 MMCFD.
Read: At least 20 dead in gas station explosion as Nagorno-Karabakh residents flee to Armenia
It shows that the country is getting 600 MMCFD gas from imported LNG as imports witnessed a fall in recent months from a normal 800-900 MMCFD.
Official sources said the recent dollar crisis has forced Petrobangla to reduce its import of LNG which intensified the crisis in recent days.
Official sources said it is unlikely that Petrobangla would be able to increase the import of LNG or increase the production from local sources within the next few months as there is no assurance of ending the ongoing dollar crisis.
The country’s foreign exchange reserves declined to below $22 billion this year from $48 last year which put Petrobangla in trouble to get adequate dollars to pay its international suppliers against its purchase of LNG from the global market.
The country’s gas industry insiders said that the overall gas supply situation deteriorate in the coming winter with no visible sign of easing the dollar crisis.
PM to inaugurate potentially iconic tunnel project running beneath Karnaphuli River
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is all set to inaugurate the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram on Saturday (October 28), introducing a completely novel type of infrastructure for the country that promises to be a huge facilitator of trade and commerce for the Port City, as well as a potentially iconic landmark.
Following the inauguration, she'll speak at the EPZ ground in Anwara. Tomorrow (Sunday), the tunnel opens to traffic at 6 am.
The government envisions that the construction of the Bangabandhu or Karnaphuli Tunnel will shape Chattogram in the image of 'one city, two towns,' inspired by China's Shanghai.
Motorcade from PMO makes trial crossing through ‘Bangabandhu Tunnel’ in Ctg
The tunnel, dug 150 feet beneath the river’s surface, has been built by China Communication and Construction Company Limited (CCCC).
“It bridges the two banks of the Karnaphuli river and is South Asia's longest subterranean road tunnel, marking a significant milestone for Bangladesh,” Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader told UNB, while looking forward to its inauguration.
He went on to say, “This 3.31 km tunnel across the Karnaphuli river will supercharge trade and commerce, ushering in new industries and factories, while expanding import-export opportunities, and boosting the economy. Chattogram is set to prosper.”
According to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, upwards of some 7.5 million vehicles can be expected to use the tunnel annually (around 17,260 daily), and that in itself would add an increment of 0.166 percent, or 0.2% to the country’s GDP.
Port City residents await transformative change in fortunes with Tunnel's opening
With the tunnel in play, the distance from Chattogram's city to the sea, and the airport will drastically decrease which will play a pivotal role in turbo-charging the economy. Domestic and foreign investments are already making strides in this upazila, he added.
The minister also said that the journey to Cox’s Bazar from Chattogram city, through Amanat Shah Bridge, took a considerable amount of time, but now that 80-minute trip is slashed to a mere 3 minutes via Bangabandhu Tunnel. It will save both time and money, he said.
The project director confirmed that the tunnel will be opened to the public for vehicular movement at 6am on October 29 (Sunday).
BB will release commemorative note of Tk50 to mark launch of Bangabandhu Tunnel
Project director Harunur Rashid said, “This isn't your regular bridge or small tunnel; it's a full-blown tunnel. Three-wheelers and motorcycles can't use it. We've got a control room to watch over everything. Also, the new toll rates apply from October 29,” he said.
Around 3,500 workers from both China and Bangladesh poured their sweat and effort into building South Asia's first under-river tunnel. This incredible accomplishment was only possible because of their relentless hard work and the sacrifices they made for it.
Harunur Rashid said, “While us engineers and officials steered the ship, the true driving force behind this epic journey was our hard working crew. For six long years, they've been the real stars.”
“Initially, about 2,500 workers worked here. In the end, another 700 to 800 workers from China were hired. The workers worked as and when required. On average, there were about 3,500 Chinese-Bangladeshi workers. Later it gradually decreased,” he added.
Inside the tunnel
Might the sheer novelty of the structure for a country such as Bangladesh, where no such tunnel for vehicular movement has ever been built before, be a risk, putting people off. Project director Harunur Rashid has moved to address some concerns that may arise as a result.
He has been at pains to assure people that there is ‘no chance of losing one's way’ inside the tunnel.
“The issue of safety and security has been given utmost importance. We have already rehearsed. If a bus-truck or any other vehicle breaks down or even catches fire inside the tunnel, it will be rescued within five minutes. We have all the preparations in this regard. 100 CCTV cameras are installed. All the information will reach the control room in real time,” he said.
Regarding any power outage and its consequences, he said, “Transformers and generators are in place to keep operations running smoothly. One such backup power source is the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which will seamlessly take over until the generator is up and running. This means that even if the power goes out while someone is inside the tunnel, they won't experience any disruption.”
Rashid also mentioned that mobile networks will be accessible throughout the tunnel, except a stretch of 500 to 600 yards with connectivity issues. Efforts are underway to resolve this concern, he said.
The Bangabandhu Tunnel comes with an assurance of a century-long service life. In the initial five years, the responsibility for its operation and maintenance will rest with China Communication Constructions Limited, who were contracted for constructing it as well.
“Simultaneously, our team of engineers and staff will undergo comprehensive training to assume control of its operation and maintenance. Our goal is to develop the expertise needed for tunnel operation and maintenance within five years,” said the PD.
At that point locals could take over tunnel management activities from the Chinese.
Who will pay for it? Toll rates
This potentially iconic piece of infrastructure did not come cheap.
The toll rates for different modes of transport were finalised by the Bridges Department of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges last August.
A total of 12 types of vehicles will be subject to toll charges when using the Bangabandhu Tunnel. The minimum toll fee has been set at Tk200, applicable to private cars. Pickup trucks will also be charged Tk200 for each crossing, while microbuses will be charged Tk250.
Private cars, jeeps, and pickups have to pay Tk 200 to pass through the tunnel. For the microbus, the rate is Tk 250. Buses with fewer than 31 seats will incur a toll of Tk300, while those with more than 32 seats will pay Tk400. Big buses with three axles will be charged a toll of Tk500.
The toll for trucks capable of carrying goods up to five tonnes has been fixed at Tk400. Eight-ton trucks will have to pay Tk500 and 11-ton trucks will have to pay Tk600.
END/UNB/M/RT/SSK
Port City residents await transformative change in fortunes with Tunnel's opening
Marking a new landmark in the country’s development journey, the people of the Port City will experience a new dimension of the economy like China’s Shanghai through the inauguration of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, built under the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram.
The authorities have made all preparations ahead of the much-awaited inauguration of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, running beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, scheduled to be opened on October 28.
People are waiting to see a transformative change in the former commercial capital's economy through the opening of the tunnel.
She is likely to join a public rally at Anwara upazila. A festive mood is prevailing in the area following the inauguration ceremony of the tunnel.
Around 10 lakh people are expected to join the rally, said Mafizur Rahman, general secretary of Chattogram district (south) unit Awami League.
A colourful decoration was made at the two ends of the tunnel—Patenga and Anwara and the Anwara KEPZ field was prepared for the rally.
The authorities concerned are busy colouring the roads and the whole areas are flooded with posters and banners.
A mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was set up in front of the Shah Amanat International Airport and a shampan was placed there.
The authorities concerned are working to erect a podium at the rally venue.
Shakila Sultana, deputy commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), said the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the tunnel at Patenga point and will go to the Anwara point through the tunnel.
Adequate security measures have been taken in the area to ensure foolproof security to the prime minister.
Centering the inauguration ceremony, the two ends of the tunnel have been decorated and once the 3.4 kilometre long tunnel, involving Tk 10.374crore, will be opened, people can cross the tunnel in five minutes.
According to some businessmen, the tunnel will play a pivotal role in the region's economic growth as Bangladesh's economy will be transformed by enriching the economic zones and industries.
It will also help to boost the tourism sector and enhance connectivity.
Harun-or-Rashid, project director of the tunnel, said “The tunnel is fully prepared for running vehicles and the construction work of fire service and police camp building on the two edges of the tunnel is going on. Almost 99% work of the project has been completed and the rest will be done in December.”
Asking about security, Harun said over 100 CCTVs have been installed inside the tunnel.
The speed of the vehicle was fixed at 60 kilometres per hour and no motorbike and three-wheelers will be allowed on the tunnel, he added.
Besides, weight scales were set up on the entrance of the tunnel to check movement of heavy vehicles, he said.
IIT Hyderabad pledges more opportunities for Bangladeshi students
The Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) has been providing scholarships to students from different countries of the world, including Bangladesh.
The institute is located in Kandi village in Sangaredi district of Telangana, India. Built on about 600 acres of land, the technology institute has emerged as a top choice for international students seeking higher education.
There are opportunities for education and research in various modern subjects including engineering, technology, architecture, arts, psychology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), art and science at IIT Hyderabad.
A delegation of Bangladeshi journalists visited the institute in India on October 20.
Also read: Bangladesh honours Indian soldiers martyred during 1971 Liberation War
IIT Hyderabad Director Prof. Budaraju Srinivasa Murty gave a detailed presentation on the higher education activities of the institute during a programme with the delegation of Bangladeshi journalists.
IIT-Hyderabad is currently ranked third among all the technology institutes in India, said professor Murty.
"Under the Fellowship for International Research Scholars in Technology (FIRST) Scheme, we are providing foreign students with the opportunity to pursue PhD with full financial support," he said, adding that it takes a minimum of 8 out of 10 CGPA to apply for students interested in studying at IIT Hyderabad.
As part of the fellowship, a student will get Rs60,000 per month and Rs1 lakh per year as research assistance. The fellowship will last for four years, said Prof. Murty.
Anyone with a master's degree with good results in any subject related to engineering or technology can apply for this fellowship, according to the IIT Hyderabad director.
“We are already in communication with Dhaka University on how the two institutions can work together,” said Murty.
He called upon students from all universities to apply for IIT-Hyderabad.
“Scholarships are being given on the basis of merit,” said Murty.
The IIT-Hyderabad director said that students of the institutions from around the world are getting the opportunity to study here through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIT Hyderabad and universities of different countries.
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“If any university in Bangladesh is interested in such facilities, we will help them in that regard. If necessary, we will increase more facilities for Bangladeshis,” he said.
IIT Hyderabad has a joint doctoral degree programme with Swinburne University and Deakin University in Australia.
Due to various facilities, the number of PhD students in the institution is increasing.
In 2020, 230 people came to the institute to pursue PhDs, which rose to 370 the following year, according to Murty.
Professor Tarun Kanti Panda, Dean of International Relations Department of the institute, said, "We want to see more students from Bangladesh here. IIT Hyderabad will work with Bangladesh.”
In response to another question, Professor Tarun said, "We do not have institutional contact with any university or institute in Bangladesh. If any institute from Bangladesh contacts us, we can definitely think about increasing cooperation.”
Professor Tarun Kanti said IIT-Hyderabad can provide education to at least 25,000 to 30,000 students.
IIT Hyderabad offers ample opportunities for research along with higher education.
“Students here set up about 100 start-ups every year. Waris Ali, a student from Afghanistan, has developed a new technology this year. His invention enables real-time monitoring of a patient's pulse rate during surgical procedures, enhancing the precision of medical interventions,” he said, adding that further development of technology is currently underway.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Shakib leaves team in India for personal practice sessions in Dhaka
Cross-border power trade between Dhaka, Kathmandu unlikely to start before Nov
Despite an understanding among Bangladesh, Nepal and India, state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) still cannot import electricity from the Himalayan nation.
On August 28 this year, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid had said that import of hydropower from Nepal was almost final.
It seems unlikely that the power trade will happen before November. That means, Bangladesh will not get the opportunity to export its surplus electricity to Nepal during peak demand season in winter in the Himalayan nation.
Electricity demand decreases during winter in Bangladesh while it increases in Nepal.
According to official sources, after a long discussion at political and bureaucratic levels among the countries, India finally agreed to allow Bangladesh to initially import 40 MW electricity from Nepal.
The import was supposed to start between August and September 2023, but negotiation on tariff remained incomplete.
Sources said the decision to start the import of 40 MW power from Nepal was finalised in a two-day meeting of the joint steering committee (JSC) and joint working committee (JWC) on Bangladesh-Nepal power and energy sector cooperation on May 14-15 this year at Patuakhali in Bangladesh.
Ahead of the meeting, Nepalese Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud visited Dhaka and held a meeting with Bangladeshi public and private sector officials where he urged them to invest in the hydropower sector in the Himalayan nation, holding about 60,000 MW of clean energy potentials.
Read: Power tariff raised again by 5 percent at retail level, effective from Wednesday
After the meeting at Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka, Saud had told UNB that he was expecting all issues to be resolved during the Nepalese prime minister’s visit to India – to facilitate Nepal’s export of electricity to Bangladesh.
In the follow-up, according to a report of the Kathmandu Post, during the Nepalese prime minister’s India visit (May 30-June 1), India agreed to facilitate Nepal to export 40 MW electricity to Bangladesh through Indian transmission infrastructure.
India also made an announcement to buy 10,000 MW electricity from Nepal over the next 10 years.
According to a recent report of The Kathmandu Post, “The Bangladeshi side has notified Nepal that they are seeking clearance from the political authorities on the agreement reached between the two sides at the bureaucratic level,” said Kul Man Ghising, managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). “We are awaiting a final response from the Bangladeshi side to move on to tariff negotiation,” he added.
NEA officials said that the two sides have concluded discussion on everything except tariff at the bureaucratic level.
Read: Adani Power team likely to visit Bangladesh to discuss coal price, power tariff
Power Cell Director General Mohammad Hossain said that he is not aware of the latest situation in this regard. He, however, noted that all necessary arrangements have been made for the cross-border power trade from both Bangladesh and Nepal sides.
He said that 40 MW electricity was to be imported through Baharampur-Bheramara transmission lines which have enough capacity to import electricity from Nepal through Indian territory.
Sources said under the planned arrangement, Bangladesh will import electricity from Nepal through an Indian company as a service provider which will first import electricity from Nepal through Indian transmission line and then sell it to Bangladesh.
They said Bangladesh and Nepal prefer a tripartite or regional agreement while India wants bilateral deal in this regard.
Explaining the matter, they said, if Bangladesh wants to import power from Nepal, it has to first sign a deal with India, not directly with Nepal. Then Nepal will sign a separate deal with India. Each deal will be on bilateral basis, and then a trilateral agreement among the three nations will be signed to facilitate the cross-border power trade.
Read more: Hike in retail power tariff is less than in developed countries: Info Minister
Currently, Bangladesh is importing electricity from India through a similar arrangement where the Indian company NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) is selling power to BPDB.
In case of electricity trade between Dhaka and Kathmandu, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will have to sign agreements with both NVVN and BPDB.
Apart from the 40 MW import plan, Bangladesh wants to import 500 MW of hydroelectricity from Nepal via Indian company GMR.
Also read: Retail power tariff hiked 5% to Tk0.19 per unit for lifeline consumers, Tk0.36 on average for others
Officials said Bangladesh and Nepal are still pursuing India to sign the tripartite deal to facilitate the sub-regional power trade among the three nations.
‘There exists a profound undercurrent of suffering in our lives, that needed to be brought to the forefront’: Kanak Chanpa Chakma
Artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma has recently been honored with the prestigious Ekushey Padak for her remarkable contributions to art.
To commemorate this achievement, Gallery Cosmos hosted an exhibition showcasing some of her exceptional works, offering an inspiring journey into the vibrant tapestry of her artistic world.
During this occasion, UNB had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with Kanak Chanpa Chakma, providing insight into her life, her passion for art, and her profound influence on indigenous cultures.
UNB: You have received numerous awards at home and abroad throughout your career. This time, it’s Ekushey Padak. How does this feel?
Kanak Chanpa Chakma: It's indeed a momentous occasion for me. The Ekushey Padak is a tremendous honor, and it comes with added responsibilities and expectations.
UNB: You were inspired by your mother's designs on clothes. Was there any particular reason for choosing painting instead of weaving? ( Her artistic roots trace back to her childhood, where her mother's vibrant designs on clothes and the art of dyeing cotton fabrics served as a wellspring of inspiration.)
Kanak Chanpa Chakma: My choice to work with painting was influenced by my early experiences of seeing my mother expertly using natural dyes sourced from turmeric, catechu, tree bark, and leaves. These were all around me. Those colors, the love, and the inspiration, maybe these early experiences played a significant role in shaping my artistic direction.
My journey into art began from drawing on the walls of my home to my homework books. As I advanced through school, my passion for art led me to realize that art was my place where dreams could be transformed into reality. Then I informed my parents that I aspired to be an artist, and there started my journey into the world of painting.
UNB: What inspired you to choose your own culture as the subject of your art?
Kanak Chanpa Chakma: Those who visit the mountains see them, the rivers, and the water in a different light. However, beneath the undeniable breathtaking beauty, there exists a profound undercurrent of suffering in our lives. I strongly believed that these concealed aspects needed to be brought to the forefront.
Simultaneously, advocating for women's rights became one of my key objectives. In many tribal communities, women bear the brunt of labor without a significant say in decision-making processes. I felt it was essential to provide them with a platform for their unspoken voices to be heard, and I chose the medium of portraiture to convey their stories. This is why women take center stage in my paintings, not merely for their beauty, but to emphasize the struggles, hardships, and the marginalized state they endure in society and the nation at large.
Govt aims to collect 11.2% of GDP in taxes by FY 2025-26
The government aims to collect total revenue amounting to 11.2 percent of GDP by the end of the 2025-26 fiscal, according to the Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26) of the Finance Division under the Finance Ministry.
It said that Bangladesh has consistently maintained an expansionary fiscal stance keeping a moderate budget deficit—usually around 5 percent of GDP—to foster economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve social outcomes.
However, the tax-GDP ratio in Bangladesh is significantly lower than its peers and hence, the government has taken several initiatives to improve revenue collection.
Yet, it said, the fast pace of GDP growth has made it challenging to increase the ratio.
No tax fair, NBR will organise tax support service to smooth returns submission
The measures that have been undertaken are expected to gradually improve revenue collection by increasing both the tax volume and the number of taxpayers.
The Statement said that the foremost objectives of the public expenditure policy are to stimulate private investment through building infrastructures and improving the business climate, creating employment opportunities, supporting low-income population through social safety net programs, and reducing poverty through ensuring efficient redistribution of wealth and thus ensuring inclusive development.
With the advent of the Covid-19 outbreak, the government started to focus on saving lives while keeping the living standards from falling.
To do this, it mentioned, the Government emphasised on retaining jobs, providing income support, keeping supply chains active, reviving the rural economy, and ensuring food supply.
Public pension is considered tax-free, notification soon: Finance Ministry
For this, the government increased spending and implemented comprehensive recovery programs consisting of twenty-eight stimulus packages.
The stimulus efforts worked well and as a result the economy returned to a high growth trajectory fast while other countries continued to struggle.
However, the Russia-Ukraine war has again posed considerable risks and to mitigate the risks the Government has been pursuing a policy to rationalise public expenditure to stimulate economic growth by inducing domestic productivity growth.
While managing the economy to maximise welfare and development, the government is expected to maintain a budget deficit of around 5 percent of GDP over the medium term.
Historically, the size of public expenditure has been low relative to GDP in Bangladesh because of various limitations in the process of revenue collection and budget implementation.
Land Development Tax Bill 2023 passed in JS
To improve the situation, the government has undertaken certain strategies to increase public expenditure.
The target of increasing public expenditure has been set to around 16.2 percent of GDP in FY 2025-26.
Moreover, the government is pursuing the Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms process to achieve this target.
To improve overall public service delivery, financial control of budget allocations, real-time monitoring of budget execution, and integration of recurrent and capital spending, implementation of the PFM Action Plan (2018-23) is ongoing, and revised PFM Reform Action Plan (2024-2028) has recently been formulated.
Under the PFM reforms, pension automation and E-challan automation systems have been introduced with the help of iBAS++ software.
This system continues to play a significant role in simplifying the budget management process. At the same time, all beneficiary programs are being brought under the Government to Person (G2P) payment system with the help of the iBAS++ software, which brings greater transparency in government expenditure management.
In addition, all government allocations from government institutions as well as all semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned enterprises, are being brought under the Treasury Single Account (TSA) through the iBAS++ system in the medium term.
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