Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has laid emphasis on the expansion of technology in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) to bridge the gap in communication. “The hilly areas are inaccessible, hence communication is difficult. That's why there is a need for technology to expand. This distance can be overcome with technology,” he said while virtually addressing a training programme ‘Hilly Zilla Parishad Management’ at the CHT Complex in Dhaka on Wednesday. The chief adviser said the hill districts which are enriched with natural beauty and resources could be the best development zone but it is lagging behind others. “You (CHT people) were supposed to move forward with their crops, fruits, and traditional products,” he said. Recalling memories of women footballers came from the CHT and their struggles in clinching a trophy recently, Dr Yunus said, “Your daughters have won the world in football. The youths should not only be citizens of Bangladesh, they should be citizens of the world. It will not be left behind as a remote area. There will be limitations, but the limits of mind have to be expanded. You have to reach out to people all over the world with your credit.” Read: CHT peace accord: Amendment to provisions contradicting Constitution demanded He invited youths from the CHT to attend the youth festival scheduled to be held in January next and urged their parents to encourage their children to participate in the festival. He urged the youth to go forward with education and CHT will not stay behind compared to the big cities

The government plans to substantially increase public investments across key sectors such as road, rail, bridge, shipping, civil aviation, and telecommunications. These initiatives are strategically aimed at transforming Bangladesh into an upper middle-income country by 2031 and a smart developed country by 2041. According to the 'Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)', the government plans to allocate Tk 963.9 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25, escalating to Tk 1060.3 billion in 2025-26. This increase follows an investment of Tk 876.3 billion for the current fiscal year, emphasising a significant boost in funding for various development programs. The policy document highlights the critical role of an integrated and cost-effective transport and communication system in fostering economic growth, enhancing trade, and ensuring social integration. It states that an efficient transport and logistics system is essential for smooth supply chain management and to effectively compete on a global scale. Transport strike called off after 12 hrs in Ctg Specifically, the Road Transport and Highways Division is implementing projects to establish an advanced and sustainable road transport system, including the construction of multi-lane highways, elevated expressways, and new bridges.  These efforts are complemented by plans to widen 1100 km of highways, repair and maintain 1250 km, and rebuild 450 km of highways, along with 7300 meters of bridges and culverts. In Dhaka city, the government is focusing on reducing traffic congestion by advancing the metro rail lines, a move poised to significantly improve urban mobility. The railway sector is also undergoing transformation under a 30-year master plan aimed at making it a dependable, affordable, modern, and people-friendly mode of transport. Initiatives include connecting every district with a railway network, upgrading tracks, and modernising the signaling system. By FY 2025-26, the government aims to construct 275 km of new railway track and reconstruct 210 km of existing lines. The document also outlines ambitious plans for the water transport system, noting its importance in the integrated multi-modal transport framework. The Ministry of Shipping is executing extensive programs for the enhancement of inland waterways, seaports, and land ports, along with significant dredging efforts to maintain river navigability. Extortion in transport sector will never stop completely: Quader Amidst rising demand for air travel, both domestically and internationally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism is undertaking projects to expand passenger handling capacities and enhance facilities at airports. These upgrades are part of a broader strategy to position Bangladesh as a regional hub for international passenger transport. These comprehensive plans not only aim to modernize Bangladesh's infrastructure but also serve as a cornerstone for the country's ambitious economic development goals.

Ahead of the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election, the ruling Awami League has announced its election manifesto, committing to extend modern urban amenities to every village. The manifesto, with the slogan “Smart Bangladesh: Visible Development, Increased Employment,” was announced by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (December 27, 2023) at the Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The manifesto promises to enhance the quality of life in villages by providing improved roadways, communication, clean drinking water, modern healthcare and medical treatment, quality education, advanced sanitation and waste management, increased electricity and fuel supply, computer and high-speed internet facilities, and expanded markets. These initiatives aim to bring all the comforts of modern cities to every village. In Smart Bangladesh Awami League seeks more safeguards for minorities, end of intolerance To ensure a reliable fuel supply, the party plans to continue encouraging and supporting the installation of biogas plants and solar panels on a group basis. The establishment of agricultural machinery service centers and workshops in villages will expand rural mechanization services, including machinery repair. This initiative will also provide training for rural youth and agricultural entrepreneurs, promoting productive employment. The manifesto includes plans for private sector investment and loan support for small and marginal entrepreneurs manufacturing and marketing light machinery. In line with the economic development of villages, cultural, sports, and entertainment programs will be expanded. This approach is expected to reduce the urban migration trend among rural youth by creating self-employment opportunities within villages. The government will fully support young people's involvement in agriculture, industry, and business. AL Manifesto on Significant Steps to Foster Women Entrepreneurs Awami League says that during its previous tenure, roads in every upazila were improved and expanded, connecting each village to upazila headquarters and linking upazilas to district headquarters and national highways. Every village has been ensured electricity supply. Drinking water and sanitation facilities have been enhanced and will be further improved. The government has taken over the expenses of primary and secondary schools, and financial support is being provided for teachers' salaries in private schools. Hospitals with 50 beds in upazilas are being upgraded to 100-bed facilities. Community clinics are bringing healthcare services to the doorstep of rural residents. Every union now has computer and internet service centers, providing employment opportunities to rural youth and facilitating communication nationally and internationally. Awami League’s Manifesto: Mega Projects for Accelerating Economic Momentum The expansion of communication, electricity, and internet services has accelerated rural production and market systems. Agricultural inputs have become more accessible, and the market for agricultural products has expanded. The extension of agricultural technology and the development of cottage and small industries are being expedited. Activities in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors have multiplied significantly in rural areas.

The railway network of Bangladesh is set to see a major development next month, as the newly-constructed Khulna-Mongla track will be inaugurated on November 1. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate this railway line virtually, Ahmed Hossain Masum, chief engineer of the project, told media. Read: Kaptai hanging bridge in Rangamati opens to tourists after over one month Before the official opening, a trial train will go from Khulna’s Phultala to Mongla this afternoon, he added. Some final works will be completed soon, said the chief engineer. Rafiqul Haque, assistant engineer of the project said, local people living on both sides of the rail line were informed on Sunday about the trial train movement today (October 30, 2023). Read: Chinese-built railway opens via Bangladesh's Padma Bridge The project was approved at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on December 21, 2010. Work began in November, 2016.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (June 4, 2023) flagged off a new intercity train named 'Chilahati Express' on Dhaka-Chilahati-Dhaka route in a bid to strengthen the connectivity between the northern region with the capital and expand the business in the area. The premier commissioned the Chilahati Express through a virtual platform, joining an event at Chilahati Railway Station from her official residence Ganabhaban. Read more: PM strikes defiant tone in face of US pressure The Chilahati Express, having the capacity of 800 passengers, will run on Dhaka-Chilahati-Dhaka route six days in a week. Now freight trains and cross-border train ‘Mitali Express’ run on the Dhaka-Chilahati route. Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan spoke at the function from Chilahati end in Nilphamari, while lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor MP (Nilphamari-2) and other local MPs, among others, were present there. Read more: Govt’s efforts on to keep economy vibrant despite global recession: PM Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah conducted the event, while Railways Secretary Muhammad Humayun Kabir delivered the welcome speech from Ganabhaban end.

Dhaka Metro Rail will run for 12 hours – from 8am to 8pm – on the Uttara-Agargaon route, starting from May 31. Managing Director (MD) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) MAN Siddique confirmed the information at a press conference today.        Read more: Metro rail: Shewrapara, Uttara South stations now open to public According to the new schedule, Dhaka Metro Rail will not operate on Friday instead of Tuesday. The 12-hour schedule will be split into 4 segments. According to the new schedule, Dhaka Metro Rail will leave the station every 10 minutes during the peak hours (from 8 am to 11 am and from 3:01 pm to 6 pm). During off-peak hours (from 11:01 am to 3 pm and from 6:01 pm to 8 pm), the metro rail will leave the station every 15 minutes. Read more: Dhaka Metro Rail to operate from 8 am to 2 pm starting today Meanwhile, Dhaka Metro Rail services will be closed on Eid-ul-Azha, the DMTCL Managing Director said.

The sale of advance train tickets will start online from Friday (April 07, 2023) for Eid holidaymakers in Bangladesh. The commuters have to purchase their tickets online and mobile apps. For this, the commuters have to complete their registration through rail ticketing web portal ‘Rail Sheba’ or through sending SMS from mobile by showing NID/passport/birth certificate. Advance train tickets for April, 17, 18,19,20,21 will be available on April 7, 8,9,10, and 11 respectively while the selling of return tickets will begin from April 15. Also read: Advance sale of train ticket for Eid journey to start April 7 Besides, the return tickets for April 25, 26, 27, 29, 29 and 30 will be available for April 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. On the occasion of Eid, the movement of ‘Mitali Express’ and ‘Maitree Express’ trains will remained suspended from April 18-27 and April 20-27 respectively. However, the ‘Bandhan Express’ train will run as per its schedule. There will be no stopover of Dhaka-bound Ekata, Drutojan, Panchagarh, Nilsagar, Kurigram, Lalmoni and Rangpur Express trains at Dhaka Airport Station from April 17 to the day before Eid-ul-Fitr. Read More: Eid journey: Nat’l Committee demands bike ban on highways for 9 days

The new ticketing system for inter-city rail services has started today (March 01, 2023) from Dhaka’s Kamalapur Railway Station.   “We introduced the new ticketing system for passengers to address complaints regarding ticketing,” Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan said. He said this while handing over POS (point of sale) machines that will facilitate collecting fares through national identity (NID) card verification.   “We took this initiative to stop black marketing, and to enable customers to purchase tickets without any complication,” he said. Also Read: 3 new services in railway ticketing management to be launched from March 1: Minister This new system will also enable commuters to cancel their purchase without coming to the station. Commuters will be able to cancel a purchase online from now on. The minister also said they will introduce more facilities gradually. “Passengers won’t be allowed to purchase tickets without registering,” he added. The new ticketing system will be introduced in local trains gradually. Through this, legal steps will be taken against those who travel using another person’s ticket, he said, adding that the government can collect the fare directly. Read More: 3 new services in railway ticketing management to be launched from March 1: Minister A total of 100 POS machines were handed over today.

Rail communications between Chilahati-Mongla will be inaugurated by June 2023, according to Railway Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon. “People from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan can easily travel or carry their goods from Mongla port to Chilahati. The development work of the rail route is going on and I hope it will be completed by June,” he said. The railway minister came up with the information while visiting the Chilahati Station and Chilahati-Haldibari Railway Development project, involving Tk 140 crore, in Domar upazila of Nilphamari district. Chilahati-Haldibari railway services have remained under suspension since 1965 but after assuming power, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken a plan to resume the rail services, he said. Already an inter-city train from Chilahati-Dhaka is running in the night but the residents of the Nilphamari district have long been demanding for a day-time train there, he added. The minister also assured of meeting the demand. Read more: Jatri Kalyan Samity demand 50% cut in metro rail fare

Train movements on Dhaka-Chattogram and Chattogram-Sylhet routes which were suspended due to the arrival of two trains on the same track have returned to normalcy after one and a half hours of efforts. The incident happened on Friday at about 3:00pm when the Chattogram-bound Karnaphuli Express train and a container train reached Brahmanbaria’s Akhaura railway junction on the same rail track. As a result, the Sylhet-bound Paharika Express train got stuck at Akhaura junction, while the Chattogram-bound Paharika express train was stranded at Azampur station. According to sources at Akhaura railway station, the Chattogram-bound Karnaphuli Express was waiting on Platform No 1 when the Chattogram-bound No 604 container train tried to enter the station on the same track. Read: Train communication with Sylhet resumes after 4 hours “I entered the train following a signal. When I saw that another train was standing in front me, I pulled the brake immediately and stopped the train,” said Abu Talha, Assistant Operator of the container train. Khayrul Islam, the station cabin master, said that he didn’t know why the operator of the container train had crossed the signal. “Train movement resumed after we solved the problem. Currently all the trains are arriving and leaving the station smoothly,” said Md Alif Hossain Sikder, Officer In-charge (OC) of Akhaura Railway Police Station.