United News of Bangladesh

The much-awaited Jamuna Rail Bridge, the country's largest railway bridge was formally inaugurated on Tuesday at 10 am, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's railway connectivity. Following this inauguration, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 km/h, revolutionising rail communication between Dhaka and the northwestern region, said Project Director of the Jamuna Rail Bridge Project, Al Fattah Masudur Rahman. Online train tickets vanish in a blink as expert weighs in on black market fiasco Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam attended the inauguration as the chief guest at Ibrahimabad Railway Station on the eastern bank of the Jamuna Rail Bridge. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and the Director General of JICA’s South Asia Department were present as special guests at the event, said the Project Director. A New Era in Rail Communication After the trial runs, the bridge will now be fully operational. With its introduction, not only will railway travel time be significantly reduced, but it will also fulfill a long-standing dream of better connectivity and economic growth for the northwestern region. Previously, the Jamuna River had left Sirajganj and the northern districts isolated, depriving them of adequate development. While the construction of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge in 1998 established both road and rail connections, cracks appeared in the structure by 2008, limiting train speeds to just 20 km/h. Since then, approximately 38 trains crossed the bridge daily at reduced speeds, affecting transportation efficiency. Potato farmers in Faridpur struggle with cold storage woes amid sweltering heat To address this issue, on March 3, 2020, authorities initiated the construction of a dedicated railway bridge 300 metres upstream of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge. The foundation stone was laid on November 29, 2020, and piling for the first pillar began in March 2021. Massive Infrastructure and Investment The 4.8 km-long Jamuna Rail Bridge features 50 pillars and 49 spans. With additional railway embankments and loops, the total railway track installed spans 30.73 km. Initially, the project was budgeted at Tk 9,734.07 crore, but the cost later increased to Tk 16,780.96 crore. Of this, 27.60% was financed domestically, while 72.40% was funded by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Japanese company OTG and IHI Joint Venture implemented the project, with contributions from five major Japanese contractors. Over 7,000 workers from Japan, Vietnam, Nepal, Australia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh worked for four years to complete the bridge. Railway Operations to Improve Significantly On February 12, commercial passenger train operations commenced on the bridge when the intercity Silk City Express crossed from Rajshahi to Dhaka at a speed of 50 km/h in six minutes. From Tuesday, trains will operate at full capacity on both up and down lanes, running at speeds of 120 km/h. Chief Engineer of the Jamuna Rail Bridge Project, Tanvirul Islam said the bridge’s state-of-the-art rail lines, installed with advanced Japanese technology, will allow safe and high-speed train movement. Concerns growing over Rooppur Nuclear Plant’s viability amid high costs Project Director Al Fattah Masudur Rahman added that the previous bridge had weight limitations, permitting only meter-gauge freight transport. With the new bridge in place, broad-gauge trains, which have higher demand in the region, will be able to transport goods efficiently. This will benefit businesses importing goods from India, as they can now rely on rail transport instead of sea routes. Besides, freight trains of all kinds will be able to operate without restrictions. He, however, noted that the bridge does not have a double-E track system, meaning two trains cannot run simultaneously. Name Change Initially, the bridge was named “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge.” After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the interim government issued a gazette notification in December, renaming it the “Jamuna Rail Bridge.” The official launch of the bridge is expected to bring economic prosperity to the region, improve trade logistics and significantly enhance railway transport efficiency across Bangladesh.

Over 40 percent of the construction for the Motijheel to Kamalapur section of the Dhaka Metro Rail project has been completed, with significant progress reported. The section, expected to commence operations by December 2025, is currently the focus of intense construction efforts. Specifically, 25 out of 30 pillars for the metro station have already been erected, and the remaining pillars are slated for rapid completion. To accommodate the metro rail construction, one lane of the Kamalapur-TT Para Road will remain closed for the next six months, according to the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL). DMTCL Managing Director MAN Siddique, while speaking to UNB, emphasised the active pace of construction at the Kamalapur Metro Station and the viaduct connecting Motijheel-Kamalapur. Construction commenced in March last year, and progress has been substantial, marking an overall completion rate of 40 percent for this crucial section, he said. Read more: New schedule for metro rail passengers from June 19 “To facilitate construction, traffic diversions are in place, with one side of the road temporarily closed. We anticipate reopening the road upon project completion,” said Siddique. Responding to queries on project timelines, Siddique expressed confidence, stating, “We aim to initiate metro rail operations on this segment by December 2025.” The ongoing construction spans 1.16 km up to Kamalapur, initially targeted for completion by June 2025, now extended to December. The metro rail project, Bangladesh’s first Mass Rapid Transit Line, spans an elevated route from Uttara-Diabari-Mirpur-Farmgate-Motijheel-Kamalapur, totaling 21.26 km. The initiative has entailed demolitions of residences and shops. Construction activities are well underway near Bangladesh Bank and Sena Kalyan Bhaban in the Motijheel area. “The Kamalapur section of MRT Line-6 has undergone extensive soil testing and construction of critical elements like pilings, pile caps, station columns, pier columns, and precast segments. A significant portion of these structures has been completed,” added the DMTCL MD. Read more: Budget 2024-25: Uncertainty surrounds VAT exemption for Metro Rail tickets Regarding the Kamalapur extension, Siddique highlighted, “More than 100 properties have been affected, but compensation measures are in place.” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the operation of the Uttara to Agargaon section of the Metro Rail on December 28, 2022. Looking ahead, the focus remains on meeting the December 2025 target for launching operations on the Motijheel-Kamalapur section of MRT Line-6, a landmark project set to transform urban mobility in Dhaka.

The Finance Ministry has highlighted low revenue collection as a major obstacle to effective debt management, restricting the government's ability to invest in infrastructure and development projects. According to a document from the ministry, the lower revenue-to-GDP ratio adversely impacts debt sustainability. "This issue is further exacerbated by the LDC graduation deadline in 2026, which will affect the country's access to concessional financing from international sources," the document states. The finance ministry's document, titled ‘Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)’, also identifies the high-interest rate environment both domestically and internationally as another significant challenge. This situation is increasing borrowing costs and straining public finances. Despite zero investment, govt earning Tk14 crore revenue from Nagad: Palak The rising need for government funding to support critical infrastructure, social safety nets, and other development initiatives compounds the problem. Additionally, the presence of segmented debt offices within various agencies has created coordination challenges in debt management, potentially affecting the country's fiscal sustainability. Recommendations for Improvement To address these challenges, the Finance Ministry recommends a comprehensive and integrated approach to debt management, improved revenue collection, and exploring alternative financing mechanisms to reduce reliance on debt. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure that the country's public debt remains sustainable, the document asserts. Steps Toward Financial Efficiency The Finance Division has already undertaken measures to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the financial system. One key initiative is the introduction of secondary market transactions of government securities, facilitated by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed among Bangladesh Bank, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL), and the Central Counterparty Bangladesh Limited (CCBL). Despite zero investment, govt earning Tk14 crore revenue from Nagad: Palak This move aims to increase the scope and depth of the secondary bond market, allowing both institutional and household investors to participate in government securities transactions. It is expected to help finance the government’s deficit more efficiently and contribute to capital market development and overall economic growth. Additional Reforms The automation of the National Savings Certificate (NSC) issuance process represents another critical reform aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing paperwork. This measure supports the implementation of policy measures such as slab-based interest rates and individual investment ceilings, aligning with the government’s financing strategy and reducing investment in NSC. Furthermore, the publication of the Debt Bulletin ensures transparency in debt data, benefiting various stakeholders including other ministries, research organizations, the business community, the international community, and the general public. 34% of Bangladesh's revenue spent on debt repayment: CPD Moderate Debt Levels, Significant Challenges Despite Bangladesh maintaining a moderate level of public debt and a low risk of external debt distress due to strong growth and prudent macroeconomic management, the document stresses that significant challenges remain. Addressing these challenges is essential to maintaining sustainable public debt and supporting the country's development objectives.

Despite launching several new development projects aimed at enhancing its services, Bangladesh Railway continues to struggle with the maintenance of old rail lines and bridges, leading to an increase in accidents, including derailments. Sources from Bangladesh Railway report that approximately 63% of rail accidents are due to deteriorating lines and weak bridges. Out of the country's 3,400 kilometers of railway lines, only key sections such as the Dhaka-Chattogram, Dhaka-Joydebpur, and Jashore-Abdullahpur lines are double-tracked, while the majority remain single-tracked and in poor condition. Transport experts have identified numerous systemic issues including frequent station closures, aging rolling stock, deteriorating infrastructure, overcrowding, delays, ticketing problems, and general mismanagement—all contributing to the railway's challenges. Rail accidents are increasing due to signaling errors, expired coach connections, insufficient supervision of rail lines, risky rail crossings, and lack of passenger facilities. Overwhelming heat exacerbates health challenges across Dhaka, as children bear the brunt of the impact According to unofficial information, there are more than 3,400 kilometers of railway lines across the country, of which only 1,000 kilometers are in good condition. Dr. Hadiuzzaman, a transportation analyst and professor at BUET, criticized the ongoing neglect of essential maintenance in favor of expanding the railway's assets. "There's a tendency to focus on acquiring new locomotives and coaches because it initially costs less than maintaining infrastructure. However, this neglects the crucial upkeep needed for existing rail lines and bridges," he explained. The neglect is evident in the fact that nearly 2,500 kilometers of rail tracks are considered risky, yet trains continue to operate on them, leading to reduced speeds and efficiency. This was highlighted by recent incidents, including a head-on collision between two trains in Gazipur’s Joydebpur due to signaling errors and multiple signaling mistakes on the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar line in Chattogram. Govt plans Tk 2000 billion investment in transport and communication for next two fiscals The traditional signaling method, reliant on manual point adjustments by pointsmen, has been identified as a key risk factor. Station masters' errors in signal provision can lead trains onto the same track, risking collisions. The manual system also increases the likelihood of derailments due to improper point configurations. Progress on modernizing the signaling system has been hampered by financial constraints and delays in payments to contractors, particularly in major projects like the construction of additional lines from Dhaka to Tongi. Sardar Shahadat Ali, Director General of Bangladesh Railway, acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing projects and the transition to a computer-based interlocking system. He cited staffing shortages and a lack of skilled workers as exacerbating risks but mentioned ongoing efforts to recruit skilled signal staff and strengthen monitoring systems to enhance safety. Despite these efforts, the newly recruited personnel are still not proficient in the old manual signaling methods, and outsourced pointsmen lack specialized railway training. Regular personnel turnover further complicates the training and adaptation process. According to the 2022-23 annual report of the Ministry of Railways, 315 passenger trains operate across the country. Among them, 143 trains started their journey in the past 15 years. During this time, 843 kilometers of new railway tracks have been constructed, and 1,391 kilometers of railway lines have been repaired. Dhk-Khulna, Dhk-Barishal highways turn perilous; 320 die in one yr Furthermore, buildings have been constructed for 146 new railway stations. Reconstruction of 273 station buildings, construction of 1,037 new bridges, reconstruction of 794 railway bridges, acquisition of 109 locomotives, collection of 658 passenger carriages, relocation of 530 passenger carriages, collection of 516 freight wagons, relocation of 277 freight wagons, and so on, have been done. Currently, there are 1,788 coaches, 47% of which have gone beyond their service life. The number of operational engines is only 295. Against a required workforce of 47,600 in the railway, only 24,000 are currently employed. In the past five years, more than 2,000 accidents have occurred, leaving more than 150 passengers dead, and around 500 injured. In the last four months alone, there have been 160 railway accidents and incidents of sabotage across the country. In these incidents, 18 passengers have died, and 200 have been injured.

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.

About 20,000 residents of Sonagazi upazila of Feni and Companiganj upazila of Noakhali district are in distress as no concrete bridge has been constructed over the Chhoto Feni River at Kazirhat since it collapsed 22 years back. The bridge, collapsed in 2002 due to high tide, was the only mean of crossing it for the people of two upazilas of Feni and Noakhali districts. Despite promises from public representatives and political leaders, the bridge has not been built even after 22 years. Sources said a Regulator-cum-bridge with 20 gates was built over the Chhoto Feni River in 1961-62 at Kazirhat in Sonagazi upazila during Pakistan era to protect the coastal areas of the district from tidal surge. Read more: Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) got the task of management and repair work of the regulator. WAPDA conducted maintenance work till 1970 and later it was renamed as Water Development Board.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (February 13, 2024) put emphasis on the rural development along with building infrastructure. “I think besides the infrastructural development we also need the overall development of the rural areas,” she told the ECNEC meeting at NEC conference room in Agargaon. She asked authorities concerned to quickly finish the development projects which are being delayed due to allocation of small funds. “I will ask the cabinet secretary to convey this to all secretaries in different ministries so such projects are completed quickly,” she said. Read: Ecnec nods 44 projects worth Tk 39,094 crore She said with the finishing these projects it would be easy for the government to take up new development programmes. She also said that deadline of some development projects have been increased, but hose also have to be completed very soon. “Because, if that remains unfinished costs of the projects will increase unnecessarily and it also kills time. Make sure that this is done,” she said. Hasina said that for the socioeconomic development of the country the government must take development projects. In this regard, she asked all to remain cautious while taking any kind of development projects so that the government could attain its goal. Read: Ecnec approves 19 projects to cost Tk 18,067 crore She mentioned that due to global condition the countryis having some pressure on economy. Otherwise the country was moving fast towards prosperity. “The growth was increasing, development was expediting, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the whole world came to a standstill, and when the whole world started to move from that situation, it was hit by the Ukraine-Russia war followed by sanctions, counter-sanctions,” she said. She also mentioned that the world is bracing for another phase of instability after Israeli troops launched heinous attacks on the innocent people in Palestine. “As a result, the cost and time of transportation has increased manifold," she said. She said that due to these external factors the pressure is on in Bangladesh. Read more: Ecnec nods setting up 50 technical training centres The prime minister said she has requested all to utilise every inch of arable land of the country for production of food grains. “And it has given us better results,” she said.

In a significant development for Bangladesh’s infrastructure, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (January 16, 2024) announced that the construction of Dhaka Elevated Expressway is set to be completed within this year. This statement was made during a press briefing at the Setu Bhaban earlier today, signaling a major stride in the country’s infrastructure network. Minister Quader informed that 50% of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway’s construction work has already been completed. With traffic flow already operational from the Dhaka Airport to Farmgate, the project is progressing swiftly. The remaining construction work is anticipated to be finished by 2024. 1 dead as bus, car collide on Dhaka Elevated Expressway In an impressive revelation about the Padma Bridge, Minister Quader stated that it is generating a daily toll revenue of Tk 2 crore. The total toll collection so far has reached a substantial amount of Tk 1,252 crore. This income stream signifies the bridge’s crucial role in the nation’s economic activities. Furthermore, Quader expressed optimism regarding the completion of the BRTA project in Gazipur by June of this year, marking another milestone in enhancing Bangladesh’s transportation infrastructure. Responding to queries from journalists, the General Secretary of Awami League addressed political rhetoric, criticizing BNP leaders for their “nonsensical” statements. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the government’s efforts in national development instead of harboring envy over the country’s prosperity. Earlier in the day, Minister Quader engaged in discussions with officials of the Bridge Building and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority. He reviewed the progress of various projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure development across the country. PM Hasina to open 3 mega projects inc. Elevated Expressway in Ctg tomorrow  

In a significant development for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, the country and Japan today signed the exchange of notes of the 44th Official Development Assistance (ODA) yen loan. This crucial funding, amounting to 76,635 million yen (approximately USD 540 million), is earmarked for the expansion of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). Is Dhaka ready for a Westeros Winter? The installment will be used for constructing Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third International Passenger Terminal, a Cargo Terminal, and associated facilities. The agreement was formalized by Iwama Kiminori, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance. This latest installment brings the total of the 44th round of yen loans to a substantial 324,191 million yen (around USD 2.21 billion). A corresponding loan agreement was signed by Yoshida Hiroshi, Senior Representative of JICA's Bangladesh Office, and Shariar Siddiky, emphasizing the commitment to meet the growing aviation demands, enhance airport capacity, improve accessibility, and bolster security. This expansion is anticipated to significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development and regional connectivity. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at the recent soft opening of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal, highlighted the importance of Japanese companies’ involvement in this grand project. Ongoing intensive discussions between the Japanese consortium and airport authorities reinforce Japan’s commitment to fostering Bangladesh’s development through this strategic partnership, aiming for mutual prosperity.  Penalty for code of conduct violation depends on investigation report: EC Sultana The 44th ODA loan package specifically targets the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project (Phase III). The terms include an interest rate of 1.30% per annum, with a repayment period of 20 years following a grace period of 10 years, as outlined by the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing Dhaka’s status as a key aviation hub in the region.

The government of Bangladesh has launched an initiative to expand the Burimari Land Port, aiming to enhance services for passport holders and boost trade efficiency. This move involves the acquisition of 60.89 acres to develop the port’s infrastructure, signaling a significant step in its expansion. The local administration has already begun the land acquisition process for a project named ‘Expansion and Passenger Terminal Development of the Land Port’. Once completed, this project promises to transform the land port into a state-of-the-art facility. This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to increase export-import activities with neighboring countries, particularly India. It is anticipated that the expanded infrastructure will significantly elevate the port’s capabilities, facilitating increased trade between Bangladesh, India, and other neighboring nations. ‘Burimari Express’ to be inaugurated by PM on Dec 1 The port, currently spanning 11.15 acres, has been operating at full capacity since its inception. Its existing infrastructure includes an academic building, three digital weigh bridges, a fire hydrant system, a workers’ shed, storage sheds of various capacities, transhipment areas, and open yards. Deputy Commissioner of Burimari Customs, Abdul Alim, highlighted that the project’s completion will not only bring socio-economic benefits to the area but also generate employment opportunities, reducing challenges faced by passport holders and traders. Burimari land port shut for 6 days amid workers’ strike State Minister for Shipping, Khalid Mahmud, projected the establishment of a world-class land port in Lalmonirhat within three years. Additionally, Md Gias, assistant director of Burimari Port, emphasized the modernization’s role in streamlining passenger and port operations, which is expected to enhance revenue generation and combat irregularities and smuggling activities.