Day: November 9, 2023

DHAKA, Bangladesh has joined the global '50-in-5' campaign as one of the 11 first-mover countries committed to implementing digital public infrastructure (DPI) in a safe, inclusive, and interoperable manner.

The '50-in-5' campaign was launched virtually on Wednesday evening (BST 7pm) to accelerate digital ID, digital payments systems, and data sharing among 50 countries within the next five years, said an a2i press release here today.

In partnership with the United Nations, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Co-Develop, and others, the '50-in-5' campaign brought together both developed and developing nations to collaborate and share knowledge on best practices for DPI rollouts.

This groundbreaking campaign marks a transformative chapter in the development of DPI as a critical accelerator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Bangladesh joined the campaign as a first-mover country alongside Estonia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Moldova, Norway, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Togo.

The campaign brought countries together to radically shorten DPI implementation journeys by sharing learning, best practices, and purpose-built technologies, including digital public goods (DPGs), which can ultimately reduce costs and maximize impact.

The goal of the campaign is to have designed, implemented, and scaled at least one DPI component in a secure, inclusive, and interoperable manner within five years, by the end of 2028.

The campaign underscores participant countries' unified commitment to working together towards this goal.

For Bangladesh, being a first-mover country in the '50-in-5 initiative represents an embrace of digital cooperation.

The process involves learning from others while sharing Bangladesh's experiences, thereby contributing to the realization of the country's digital public infrastructure ambitions and extending support to other nations.

Through this campaign, Bangladesh intended to foster more innovative and inclusive economies, making frameworks, knowledge, and technologies available for the benefits of all countries.

Through campaign, Bangladesh wants to become a global participant in the advancement of digital public infrastructure, actively contributing to the realization of a world without a digital divide.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved a Taka 6,140.19 crore project for ensuring necessary land acquisition and utility transfer for upgrading the Bhanga-Jashore-Benapole Highway into four-lane.

The approval came from the last meeting of the ECNEC in the current tenure of the government held with its Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister MA Mannan said that the day's meeting approved a total of 44 projects involving an overall estimated cost of Taka 39,094.33 crore.

"Of the total project cost, Taka 29,953.44 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Taka 7,579.73 crore from project assistance while the rest of Taka 1,561.16 crore from concerned organisation’s own fund," he said.

The planning minister said that the Roads and Highways Department under the Road Transport and Highways Division will implement the upgradation of four-lane project with entire government fund by June 2026.

The main objective of the project is to ensure necessary land acquisition on both sides of the highway and utility transfer to upgrade the Bhanga-Jashore-Benapole Highway into four-lane.

The main project operations include some 969.36 acres of land acquisition, compensation for infrastructures and trees and utility transfer.

The other projects approved in the meeting are: Construction of Multi-Storey office building at administrative area in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka with Taka 171.73 crore, Construction of 123 flats for government officials and employees at Tejgaon Industrial Area in Dhaka with Taka 144.33 crore, Canal reexcavation, expansion, reform and development for addressing the water logging at Chattogram Metropolitan, 1st revised, with an additional cost of Taka 3,010.12 crore, Upgrading the connecting road of Lakshmipur, Noakhali and Feni districts with the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar into due standard and width with Taka 1,404.46 crore, Upgrading Illiotganj-Muradnagar-Ramchandrapur-Bancharampur district highway into due standard and width with Taka 348.26 crore, Constructing connecting road from RAJUK Purbachal 300 Feet to Madani Avenue Sylhet Highway, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Taka 199.91 crore, Upgrading Satkhira-Shokhipur-Kaliganj Highway and Kaliganj-Shyamnagar-Bhetkhali Highway into due standard and width with Taka 822.44 crore, Performance based operations and strengthening for four years the Dhaka-Chattogram National Highway (Daudkandi-Chattogram) portion, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka 187.11 crore, Constructing multipurpose residential building for the cleaners of Dhaka North City Corporation at Gabtoli City Palli, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Taka 35.25 crore, Dhaka Water Supply Network Development, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Taka 200 crore, Extended Dhaka Water Supply Resilience Project with Taka 4040 crore, Dhaka Sanitation Improvement, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka 1,332.29 crore, Various roads development, addressing of water logging and waste management development at Barishal City Corporation area with Taka 797.07 crore, Bangladesh e-passport and automated border control management formulation, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka 4,402.45 crore, Further development of Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka 60.09 crore, Establishment of RMU at Rajshahi Medical University, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka 390.86 crore, Construction of necessary infrastructures and extension of ancillary facilities at Mugda Medical College with Taka 580.75 crore, Supporting Implementation of the Mother and Child Benefit Programme (SIMCBP) and Bangladesh Enhancing Investments and Benefits for Early Years (BEIBEY) with Taka 106.04 crore.

The other remaining projects approved in the meeting are: Land acquisition, development and ancillary works for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University, Kishoreganj with Taka 231.32 crore, Physical infrastructural development and training operations for strengthening the ICT education and research operations of NACTAR with Taka 151.57 crore, Establishing Innovation and Entrepreneur Development Academy, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Taka 171.18 crore, Improvement of Urban Public Health Preventive Services Project with Taka 1,181.50 crore, River Jamuna Sustainable Management Project-1, Disaster risk financing, component-3 with Taka 95.56 crore, Construction of gas, power and communications infrastructures for Moheshkhali Economic Zone-3 (Dholghata) with Taka 1,195.32 crore, Jashore Export Processing Zone area with Taka 1,642.73 crore, Protecting various areas of Jhalkati Sadar upazila and Nolchiti upazila from the erosion of River Sugandha with Taka 680.36 crore, Construction of town and union land offices across the country, 2nd phase with Taka 1,595.62 crore, Livestock and Dairy development project, 1st revised with an additional cost of Taka 1,109.56 crore, Modern Food Silo Construction, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Taka 323.38 crore, Construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, Moulvibazar, 1st phase with Taka 364.11 crore, Establishing agricultural research center of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute at Meherpur Sadar and strengthening research operations suitable for the environment of mid-western region of the country with Taka 209.96 crore, Establishing Bangabandhu Pierre Elliott Trudeau agriculture technology center (BP-ATC) and enhancing capacity of agricultural research in Bangladesh with Taka 454.83 crore, Chattogram Hill Tracts Rural Infrastructures Development with Taka 732.88 crore and Rural Infrastructures Development of Madaripur, Shariatpur and Rajbari districts, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Taka 402.84 crore, Procurement of various types of equipments for enhancing the capacity of Dhaka Metropoliton Police with Taka 114.96 crore, Physical infrastructural development of nine pourashavas under Rangpur Division with Taka 480 crore, Integrated infrastructural development of Sylhet City Corporation including extended areas with Taka 1,459.74 crore, City infrastructural development of greater Pabna and Bogura districts with Taka 750 crore, Development of Feni-Porshuram-Bilonia road with Taka 335.23 crore, Flood management and improvement of livelihood of haor areas, 3rd revised with downsize cost of Taka 19 lakh, Protecting Bhola Sadar upazila from the erosion of River Meghna with Taka 689.10 crore, Progress on decent works in Bangladesh with Taka 268.41 crore and BSCIC Plastic Industrial Estate, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Taka 81 crore.

Besides, the ECNEC also approved the time extension of a project without raising its cost.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

PIRGANJ, Rangpur, A large number of leaders and activists of Pirganj upazila unit of Awami League (AL) and its allied bodies today brought out a protest rally against the BNP-Jamaat's 48-hour blockade in different areas of the upazila town.

The protest rally was brought out from in front of the Pirganj Awami League (AL) party office in the upazila town, which was paraded the important streets of the upazila and ended at the same place led by Upazila Awami League General Secretary and Municipal Mayor Tajimul Islam Shamim this morning.

After the rally, a discussion was also held.

Leaders and activists of the upazila AL and its allied bodies spoke it with with Upazila Awami League General Secretary and Municipal Mayor Tajimul Islam Shamim in the chair.

Pirganj upazila unit of BCL also brought out a protest rally.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, A total of 59 digital services of the Dhaka district administration were brought under the umbrella of the government services' integrated platform 'MyGov'.

Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka district Anisur Rahman launched the services with support from Aspire to Innovate (a2i) at a function held at the DC office here today, said a press release.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (general) of Dhaka Kazi Hafizul Amin, a2i Project Analyst (Deputy Secretary) Mohammad Salah Uddin, and Additional Deputy Commissioner Mumtaz Begum were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Anisur Rahman urged everyone to work for eliminating corruption, saying that submission of bills online instead of manual process will help prevent the social menace.

Noting that Bangladesh has transformed into a middle-income and digital country, he said, now, citizens can easily pay Khazna and avail government services from their comfort zones.

"We want to reach more services to the people's doorsteps in the future. A total of 59 services can be availed by citizens online," the DC said.

Under the a2i initiative, the 'MyGov' platform, which has over 4 million registered users, is currently providing 1,892 digital services, out of which 1,200 are for citizens.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin today said the construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park at Juri of Moulvibazar will open a new horizon in wildlife conservation.

"The construction of the safari park will attract foreign tourists, create employment, and improve the quality of life of the people in the area," he said.

The environment minister made the remarks in a video message sent to the people of his constituency from his official residence after ECNEC approved the 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, Moulvibazar (1st phase)' on Thursday (November 9).

The project will be implemented at Lathila of Juri upazila in Moulvibazar, a ministry press release said.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ECNEC members and all concerned for approving the project, Shahab Uddin said measures will be taken to conserve endangered wildlife of Bangladesh in this safari park.

A natural habitat will be created there for wildlife, especially elephants, fishing cats, banrui, Assami monkeys, maya deer, bears and porcupines, he said.

The minister said opportunities for education and research on wildlife conservation and management will be created.

Helpless orphans and rescued critically-endangered elephants will be treated by setting up an elephant rescue centre, he said, adding that safe shelters will be developed for endangered species like tigers, rhinos, lions, crocodiles, gharials, deer, sambar deer, nilgai and bears.

Shahab Uddin said wildlife hospitals will be established for the treatment of injured and rescued wildlife and public awareness will be created about wildlife conservation.

Ponds and lakes will be excavated to improve habitat for aquatic and migratory birds and ensure food security for wildlife, while fruit bearing trees, grasslands and various species of trees will be planted to improve the wildlife habitat, he said.

One lakh saplings will be planted for conservation of rare and endangered plant species, and retaining walls will be constructed on hill slopes and foothills to prevent soil erosion, the minister said.

Also, Natural History Museum and Nature Observation Center will be constructed here, he said.

He said a project to install a two-kilometre long cable car in Madhavakunda Eco-park is awaiting approval from ECNEC.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh IWAMA Kiminori today inaugurated a project supported by Japanese government through its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) in Habiganj.

The Project named "Construction of a Community Skill Development Center in Habiganj District" provided to the NGO "Community Initiative Society (CIS)" is expected to provide vocational training to over than 1,000 vulnerable young people, said a press release.

"I hope this center will enable vulnerable people to receive the necessary skills for employment, generate a source of income, and reduce their social and economic vulnerabilities," said Kiminori.

Japan has supported 213 NGO projects through its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) since 1989 with a view to enhance economic and social human security at the grassroots.

The total sum of these GGHSP grants extended to NGOs in Bangladesh to date amounts approximately to $16.85 million.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina today urged the countrymen to resist the arsonists, saying there is no room for arsonists and militants in the country.

"I call upon the people to resist them those who are launching the terrorist activities, arson attacks in the country now, as like you(people) resisted them in 2013 and 2014. Resistance should be built again against them as there is no room for arsonists and militants on the soil of Bangla," she said.

The premier said this while presiding over a meeting of AL's Central Working Committee at her official residence Ganabhaban.

Sheikh Hasina also said her government's main target is to help hold a free, fair and neutral election. "Election is nearing. It (vote) is the democratic and constitutional right of the people. Protecting this right and holding a free, fair and neutral election is the goal of the government," she said.

Mentioning that establishing this democratic right of the people is the outcome of her party's movement and struggle, she said, "Free, fair and neutral elections are taking place (in Bangladesh) because of Awami League's contribution".

The AL President said her party believes in democratic and constitutional rights of the people, saying "And Awami League repeatedly came to power through people's vote, formed government and developed the socioeconomic condition of the people."

Coming down heavily on BNP for unleashing arson terrorism again in the country, Sheikh Hasina said whenever people live in peace, BNP resorts to anarchic activities and arson terrorism.

"We have to save people from this unrest and arson terrorism, this is our main task," she added.

Expressing apprehension about economic slowdown due to BNP's blockade, Sheikh Hasina said the vested quarters are hatching conspiracies to cripple Bangladesh economically.

"They're conspiring from every side to create unnatural situation in the country through arson terrorism and killing people. We have to move ahead facing all these ill issues as the people of the country is ours," Sheikh Hasina added.

She requested all to remain vigilant so that the country's current development spree does not get stopped by any means in the coming days.

AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Presidium Members Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Deputy Leader of the House Begum Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Kazi Zafrullah were on the dais.

Sheikh Hasina called for prevention of these conspirators, corrupt people, money launderers, arms smugglers and arson terrorists.

She said that the people of Bangladesh believe in democracy, peace and development. "It is with this belief that Bangladesh is moving forward at an unstoppable speed and this progress must be continued in the future as well," she added.

The premier mentioned that people of the country have to decide whether they want militancy, arsonists, arms smuggling, corrupt people and money embezzlers of orphans or they want the continuation of development initiated by Awami League.

Criticizing the BNP, she said, "When the people of the country are in peace, this BNP has again taken to the streets to create chaos with arson."

She added that the country should be saved from this unrest situation and the people of the country.

Calling upon the countrymen to unite against violence, she said, "The progress of the country should not stop in any way. Today, those who are committing terrorist acts must be resisted."

Referring to Israeli attack on Palestine, she said that like Israelis, BNP-Jamaat is attacking common people, hospitals and police.

The AL President said that popularity of her party has not decreased in the last 15 years rather people have raised confidence, trust and dependence on Awami League further.

Regarding popularity of Awami League, she said that when any party is in power three times in a row, usually it moves away from the people or the popularity decreases. "But, the popularity of AL has not decreased as 70 percent people trust us. They think that if there is Awami League, they will get well-being."

"People keep their trust, belief and confidence on AL," referring to the survey of different agencies including IRI, NDI.

In his speech, the Prime Minister strongly criticised the incitement of the garment workers and said that in this case, the far-right Jamaat and the far-left organisations, including the Communists, are speaking in unison and same tone. "Why do policy and ideology become melted here?" she questioned.

She, however, cautioned the workers that if the factory is destroyed due to vandalism in the name of the movement, the production and export will be disrupted, the bread and sustenance of the workers will hampered.

Even though the owners increased the workers' wages to a minimum of Taka 12,500, the vested quarters are trying to create a situation to destabilise the garment industry, she added.

In this connection, she mentioned that the government has increased the salary of government employees only five percent while the owner of readymade garments has hiked salary of their works 56 percent.

Referring to burnt drown of 19 RMG factories, the premier said the workers have to continue their works with this newly-hiked salary. "Whenever times come, we arrange the necessary benefits and facilities for them," she said.

She told the workers that if they continue to take the streets getting instigation from the vested quarters, they (the vested quarters) will kill them and finally will create a situation which will lead to loss their jobs.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the Awami League government has not limited the development of the country to just metro rail, Karnaphuli tunnel or big flyover. "We've given more importance on the development of rural areas than the urban ones," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said that they believe in democratic rights and constitutional rights of the people. "Awami League has come to power again and again through people's votes."

Mentioning that actually BNP-Jamaat alliance never believe in democracy, she said that they do protest by burning people. "They torture people, they cheer through burning people," she added.

About BNP-Jamaat’s movement demanding Prime Minister's resignation and a neutral government during the election, the premier said, "Our government have to be overthrown! Must be resigned! For what reason? We didn't attack BNP with any grenade or meted out any torture."

She said that action must be taken against those who kill people, commit arson, torture people in this way as “It’s is our responsibility to protect people's lives. We are in the government, it is our duty".

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina today urged the countrymen to resist the arsonists, saying there is no room for arsonists and militants in the country.

"I call upon the people to resist them those who are launching the terrorist activities, arson attacks in the country now, as like you(people) resisted them in 2013 and 2014. Resistance should be built again against them as there is no room for arsonists and militants on the soil of Bangla," she said.

The premier said this while presiding over a meeting of AL's Central Working Committee at her official residence Ganabhaban.

Sheikh Hasina also said her government's main target is to help hold a free, fair and neutral election. "Election is nearing. It (vote) is the democratic and constitutional right of the people. Protecting this right and holding a free, fair and neutral election is the goal of the government," she said.

Mentioning that establishing this democratic right of the people is the outcome of her party's movement and struggle, she said, "Free, fair and neutral elections are taking place (in Bangladesh) because of Awami League's contribution".

The AL President said her party believes in democratic and constitutional rights of the people, saying "And Awami League repeatedly came to power through people's vote, formed government and developed the socioeconomic condition of the people."

Coming down heavily on BNP for unleashing arson terrorism again in the country, Sheikh Hasina said whenever people live in peace, BNP resorts to anarchic activities and arson terrorism.

"We have to save people from this unrest and arson terrorism, this is our main task," she added.

Expressing apprehension about economic slowdown due to BNP's blockade, Sheikh Hasina said the vested quarters are hatching conspiracies to cripple Bangladesh economically.

"They're conspiring from every side to create unnatural situation in the country through arson terrorism and killing people. We have to move ahead facing all these ill issues as the people of the country is ours," Sheikh Hasina added.

She requested all to remain vigilant so that the country's current development spree does not get stopped by any means in the coming days.

AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Presidium Members Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Deputy Leader of the House Begum Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Kazi Zafrullah were on the dais.

Sheikh Hasina called for prevention of these conspirators, corrupt people, money launderers, arms smugglers and arson terrorists.

She said that the people of Bangladesh believe in democracy, peace and development. "It is with this belief that Bangladesh is moving forward at an unstoppable speed and this progress must be continued in the future as well," she added.

The premier mentioned that people of the country have to decide whether they want militancy, arsonists, arms smuggling, corrupt people and money embezzlers of orphans or they want the continuation of development initiated by Awami League.

Criticizing the BNP, she said, "When the people of the country are in peace, this BNP has again taken to the streets to create chaos with arson."

She added that the country should be saved from this unrest situation and the people of the country.

Calling upon the countrymen to unite against violence, she said, "The progress of the country should not stop in any way. Today, those who are committing terrorist acts must be resisted."

Referring to Israeli attack on Palestine, she said that like Israelis, BNP-Jamaat is attacking common people, hospitals and police.

The AL President said that popularity of her party has not decreased in the last 15 years rather people have raised confidence, trust and dependence on Awami League further.

Regarding popularity of Awami League, she said that when any party is in power three times in a row, usually it moves away from the people or the popularity decreases. "But, the popularity of AL has not decreased as 70 percent people trust us. They think that if there is Awami League, they will get well-being."

"People keep their trust, belief and confidence on AL," referring to the survey of different agencies including IRI, NDI.

In his speech, the Prime Minister strongly criticised the incitement of the garment workers and said that in this case, the far-right Jamaat and the far-left organisations, including the Communists, are speaking in unison and same tone. "Why do policy and ideology become melted here?" she questioned.

She, however, cautioned the workers that if the factory is destroyed due to vandalism in the name of the movement, the production and export will be disrupted, the bread and sustenance of the workers will hampered.

Even though the owners increased the workers' wages to a minimum of Taka 12,500, the vested quarters are trying to create a situation to destabilise the garment industry, she added.

In this connection, she mentioned that the government has increased the salary of government employees only five percent while the owner of readymade garments has hiked salary of their works 56 percent.

Referring to burnt drown of 19 RMG factories, the premier said the workers have to continue their works with this newly-hiked salary. "Whenever times come, we arrange the necessary benefits and facilities for them," she said.

She told the workers that if they continue to take the streets getting instigation from the vested quarters, they (the vested quarters) will kill them and finally will create a situation which will lead to loss their jobs.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the Awami League government has not limited the development of the country to just metro rail, Karnaphuli tunnel or big flyover. "We've given more importance on the development of rural areas than the urban ones," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said that they believe in democratic rights and constitutional rights of the people. "Awami League has come to power again and again through people's votes."

Mentioning that actually BNP-Jamaat alliance never believe in democracy, she said that they do protest by burning people. "They torture people, they cheer through burning people," she added.

About BNP-Jamaat’s movement demanding Prime Minister's resignation and a neutral government during the election, the premier said, "Our government have to be overthrown! Must be resigned! For what reason? We didn't attack BNP with any grenade or meted out any torture."

She said that action must be taken against those who kill people, commit arson, torture people in this way as “It’s is our responsibility to protect people's lives. We are in the government, it is our duty".

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

NEW DELHI, India will continue to support Bangladesh's vision of a stable, peaceful and a progressive nation, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said here today.

The election in Bangladesh is a domestic matter for the country and it is the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future, said MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at a regular media briefing.

"We do not want to comment on the policy of any third country...As a close friend and partner, India respects the democratic process in Bangladesh and we will continue to support Bangladesh's vision of a stable, peaceful and progressive nation," Bagchi said while responding to a media query.

His comments came when a correspondent wanted to know India's position on the recent political developments in Bangladesh.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

NEW DELHI, India will continue to support Bangladesh's vision of a stable, peaceful and a progressive nation, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said here today.

The election in Bangladesh is a domestic matter for the country and it is the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future, said MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at a regular media briefing.

"We do not want to comment on the policy of any third country...As a close friend and partner, India respects the democratic process in Bangladesh and we will continue to support Bangladesh's vision of a stable, peaceful and progressive nation," Bagchi said while responding to a media query.

His comments came when a correspondent wanted to know India's position on the recent political developments in Bangladesh.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha