Friday, November 23, 2012
Malaysia hopeful of getting Padma project work: Samy Vellu, He says they want to start work by Oct next
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer, from Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, July 15 (UNB) – Although the government has chalked out an ambitious plan to construct Padma Bridge with its own funds, Malaysia is optimistic to implement the dream project and wants to start the preliminary work on it by October this year.
“We’ve studied the project …we’ve also taken notes of some engineering factors. With all these, I think it’ll take off by October…we propose to start the preliminary work,” Malaysian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Infrastructure to India and South Asia Dato S Samy Vellu told UNB here at Seri Pacific Hotel on Saturday night.
He, however, did not elaborate what will be the terms and conditions, and its costing if Malaysia finally goes for implementing the much-talked-about dream project, the largest-ever infrastructure of the country.
Vellu said they have submitted ‘intermediate proposals’ and now they will submit the final proposal.
Asked why Malaysia is so interested in the project, Vellu said, “We feel that we’re experienced and we’ve the partners who are capable to work with us…it’s one of the factors.”
“Secondly”, he added, “We thought, Malaysia, being a very close friend of Bangladesh, we must find our ways as to how we can help Bangladesh as the World Bank didn’t provide the loan…”
He said: “Padma Bridge is a very import project and it is not so easy project as so many engineering, technical, and many other aspects have to be considered. It has been a dream for Bangladeshi people and it’ll soon become a reality. If we’re given a job to do, we’ll make sure that the job is done to a more perfection.”
He renewed his hope to finalise the negotiations with Bangladesh so that work on the project could start within the next few months. “…not so many months, may be three-four months.”
The Malaysian envoy said, “We’ll be proud of doing this bridge project and we feel that we’ve an obligation to complete the bridge and hand it over to them (Bangladesh). It’ll be a bridge which will be used for many purposes… it’ll be a bridge that will unite Bangladesh into one rather than two.”
Responding to a question, he said they have already submitted some of the preliminary designs of the project to the Bridge Division and they (Bridge Division) have come back with lot of comments.
“We’re working on it…at the same time; we’re getting designs from E-com, the consultant appointed by the Bangladesh government.”
On June 28, Malaysia submitted a draft proposal to the Bangladesh government for signing a final deal for implementing the Padma bridge project.
According to the proposal, the Malaysian government will invest around $3 billion and complete the construction in three years.
It will operate the bridge for 37 years and then hand it over to the Bangladesh government, official sources said.
The World Bank had pledged US$1.2 billion for the US$2.9 billion project but cancelled the loan deal citing corruption concerns.
Earlier, Vellu attended an event ‘Bangladesh Cultural Night’ and dinner hosted by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) at Seri Pacific Hotel.
BMCCI President Syed Nurul Islam and organizing committee chairman of Showcase Bangladesh’12 Syed Moazzem Hossain sought support from Malaysia and special initiative from Vellu to help Bangladesh implement the Padma Bridge project.
Commerce Minister GM Quader and exhibition director M Alamgir Jalil also spoke at the function followed by a cultural programme and dinner. Noted singer Sabina Yasmin, among others, performed at the programme.
http://unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-82264
Ministers stress Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur’s aggressive role to close trade gap: ‘Dhaka wants to move cautiously on FTA to keep local industry unhurt’
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer from Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, July 13 (UNB) – Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur should have an ‘equal aggressive role’ to minimise the chronic trade gap between the two brotherly countries and strengthen business and social ties, ministers of both the countries said here on Friday.
They pointed out some structural issues that need to be addressed urgently to boost trade between the two countries and narrow the trade gap that is heavily in favour of Malaysia right now.
In 1993-94, Bangladesh exported products worth US$ 5.43 million to Malaysia while imported US$ 56.39 million. In 2010-2011, Bangladesh exported US$ 43.87 million while imported US$ 1759.60 million.
“There’re some structural issues that need to be addressed…there’s trade gap and we wish to narrow it…you (Bangladesh) need to produce the products what we need. Be more aggressive to promote your products in Malaysia,” International Trade and Industry Minister, Malaysia Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said at the inaugural session of Showcase Bangladesh’12 here in Merdeka Square.
On the proposed FTA (free trade agreement) with Bangladesh, Mohamed said they are working on the matter. “There’ll be some progress over it within next two months.”
Bangladesh Commerce Minister GM Quader, Environment and Forests Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud attended the session as special guests held with Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and industry (BMCCI) President Syed Nurul Islam in the chair.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia AKM Atiqur Rahman, fair organising committee chairman Syed Moazzem Hossain and BMCCI secretary general architect M Alamgir Jalil also spoke on the occasion.
Commerce Minister GM Quader said, “We strongly believe that there are potentials for more Bangladeshi products in the Malaysian market.”
He said though the Malaysian market is rather free, there are some non-tariff barriers in the form of import licensing/permit and standardisation requirements for agricultural and food products. “That’s why our exporters are facing difficulties to tap the full potentials. We hope these barriers can be eliminated through negotiations.”
The Commerce Minister called upon Malaysian investors to undertake new ventures of investment in Bangladesh’s fast growing manufacturing, services and infrastructure sectors.
“Malaysia is one of the largest investors in Bangladesh…though 84 Malaysian companies have already invested in Bangladesh, there’s still enough scope for further investment.”
GM Quader said closer cooperation in investment and trade between the two countries would bring immense impact on the development of the two countries. “You’ll huge investment potentials in Bangladesh, even in tourism sector.”
On the proposed FTA he said, “We need to negotiate…we’re trying to go step by step…people will be benefited if the FTA is signed but we need to move cautiously so that our local industry doesn’t get hurt.”
The Commerce Minister said Bangladesh is keen to strengthen political, economic and commercial ties with Malaysia so that people of both countries benefit out of it.
Dr Hasan Mahmud said, “Bangladesh is a fertile place for investment. We’ve created investment-friendly environment and Bangladesh is an ideal place for Malaysia for further investment.”
“We’ve trade gap…the gap has to be narrowed down for mutual benefit. We can bring more success together,” the Minister added.
He also said strengthening people-to-people contact and business ties is important for mutual benefit. “People-to-people contact and business ties between the two countries are very strong and old. It’s need to be strengthened for mutual benefit.”
Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) in collaboration with Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia, Malaysia South-South Association, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation has arranged the three-day trade show.
Special Envoy for Infrastructure (India and South Asia), Malaysia, Dato Seri S Samy Vellu is expected to present as the chief guest in the ‘Bangladesh Cultural Night,’ the concluding session of the fair.
Besides, a cultural show will be arranged to highlight the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Some 25,000 expatriates Bangladeshis are expected to enjoy the event.
http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-82096
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Connectivity main hurdle for business: Indian expert
AKM Moinuddin,UNB Staff Writer from Nepal
Kathmandu, Sept 22 (UNB) – Lack of proper connectivity is the major hurdle in boosting trade and investment in the South Asia region, says a leading Indian businessman.
“This region should emerge as a prosperous region. It’s my personal dream. We’re ready to offer things with an open heart,” Vikramjit Singh Sahney told UNB Staff Correspondent AKM Moinuddin on the sidelines of 4th SAARC Business Leaders’ Conclave at Soaltee Crown Plaza Hotel on Thursday.
Vikramjit is set to take over the charge of Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the next term.
Many of Saarc business leaders believe that India, being a big player in the region, does not play its due role for the development of the region and they openly came with such allegations in the Conclave.
When asked about it, Vikramjit said, “It’s not true. We want to play a proactive role for the development of trade and investment in the region.”
He said free mobility and free trade will have to be ensured for further development. “But I see an only impediment which is visa problem. It should be resolved. We’re so near to each other. We need to enhance physical and mental connectivity.”
As a big brother of the region, Vikramjit said, it is the responsibility of India to play an active role in all the areas.
Earlier, at a discussion on ‘Trade and Investment Opportunities in South Asia and Challenges’, the experts and business leaders urged India to play an active role for the economic growth as well investment in the region.
Senior specialist of World Bank Amer Z Durrani, head of Pakistan Trade Development Authority Mujeeb Khan, Aligarh Muslim University teacher Prof Dr Badar Alam Iqbal, Nepal Urban Development Forum coordinator Om Rajbandary, Executive Director of IPS Sri Lanka Dr Saman Kelegama and Senior Private Sector Development specialist of IFC Paramita Dasgupta spoke at the session held with Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan in the chair.
Speaking at the function, Rehman Sobhan said, “India, being a big economy in the region, will have to play the key role. This region, especially India, has a big market where countries want duty-free access.”
He also said other countries will have to prepare to enter the Indian market. “…we’re trying to enhance the communication and connectivity within the region.”
Rehman Sobhan said it needs to be sure whether Chittgaong and Mongla ports have infrastructural capacities for allowing Nepal and Bhutan to use the seaports. It takes time at the government-level in implementing any decision. Momentum is needed in this regard.”
Om Rajbhandary of Nepal said SAFTA will have to be implemented timely to enhance trade in the region. “Still, the sensitive list is too big. It needs to be cut down.”
The speakers and participants observed that the South Asian region, which is apparently facing slow growth, will be able to attract bulk foreign investment and give a boost to internal trade within the region if SAFTA is implemented.
They find no alternative other than implementation SAFTA to enhance internal trade in the region and attract more foreign investment in the region from the entire globe and suggested using SAFTA as the means of economic development of the region.
The discussants laid emphasis on the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, minimising the sensitive lists of products to ensure investment-friendly environment in the region.
Meanwhile, two more session on creating young leadership and Tourism, Cultural Exchange and Role of Media were also held.
Politicians, business leaders, celebrities, media people, cultural activists were present.
Kathmandu, Sept 22 (UNB) – Lack of proper connectivity is the major hurdle in boosting trade and investment in the South Asia region, says a leading Indian businessman.
“This region should emerge as a prosperous region. It’s my personal dream. We’re ready to offer things with an open heart,” Vikramjit Singh Sahney told UNB Staff Correspondent AKM Moinuddin on the sidelines of 4th SAARC Business Leaders’ Conclave at Soaltee Crown Plaza Hotel on Thursday.
Vikramjit is set to take over the charge of Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the next term.
Many of Saarc business leaders believe that India, being a big player in the region, does not play its due role for the development of the region and they openly came with such allegations in the Conclave.
When asked about it, Vikramjit said, “It’s not true. We want to play a proactive role for the development of trade and investment in the region.”
He said free mobility and free trade will have to be ensured for further development. “But I see an only impediment which is visa problem. It should be resolved. We’re so near to each other. We need to enhance physical and mental connectivity.”
As a big brother of the region, Vikramjit said, it is the responsibility of India to play an active role in all the areas.
Earlier, at a discussion on ‘Trade and Investment Opportunities in South Asia and Challenges’, the experts and business leaders urged India to play an active role for the economic growth as well investment in the region.
Senior specialist of World Bank Amer Z Durrani, head of Pakistan Trade Development Authority Mujeeb Khan, Aligarh Muslim University teacher Prof Dr Badar Alam Iqbal, Nepal Urban Development Forum coordinator Om Rajbandary, Executive Director of IPS Sri Lanka Dr Saman Kelegama and Senior Private Sector Development specialist of IFC Paramita Dasgupta spoke at the session held with Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan in the chair.
Speaking at the function, Rehman Sobhan said, “India, being a big economy in the region, will have to play the key role. This region, especially India, has a big market where countries want duty-free access.”
He also said other countries will have to prepare to enter the Indian market. “…we’re trying to enhance the communication and connectivity within the region.”
Rehman Sobhan said it needs to be sure whether Chittgaong and Mongla ports have infrastructural capacities for allowing Nepal and Bhutan to use the seaports. It takes time at the government-level in implementing any decision. Momentum is needed in this regard.”
Om Rajbhandary of Nepal said SAFTA will have to be implemented timely to enhance trade in the region. “Still, the sensitive list is too big. It needs to be cut down.”
The speakers and participants observed that the South Asian region, which is apparently facing slow growth, will be able to attract bulk foreign investment and give a boost to internal trade within the region if SAFTA is implemented.
They find no alternative other than implementation SAFTA to enhance internal trade in the region and attract more foreign investment in the region from the entire globe and suggested using SAFTA as the means of economic development of the region.
The discussants laid emphasis on the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, minimising the sensitive lists of products to ensure investment-friendly environment in the region.
Meanwhile, two more session on creating young leadership and Tourism, Cultural Exchange and Role of Media were also held.
Politicians, business leaders, celebrities, media people, cultural activists were present.
Economy under pressure, not in crisis: Atiur ‘Difficult months to give way to a new equilibrium for economy’
Shayan S Khan and AKM Moinuddin; UNB Staff Writers
Dhaka, Feb 6 (UNB) - Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Atiur Rahman on Monday strongly refuted the view expressed in some quarters of the country being mired in a macroeconomic crisis and said there are pressures on the country’s economy but not the crisis.
He invoked Rabindranath Tagore to liken the Bangladesh economy to an autumn sky [shoroter akaash], filled with dark as well as silver clouds.
“Yes, there’re pressures but no crisis of the sort being talked about. We’re taking measures to make sure the silver clouds edge out the dark ones, and they are starting to bear results,” optimistic Dr Rahman told UNB in an interview at his office on Monday.
He revealed that the downward spiral in the exchange rate of the taka against the dollar had been “arrested” in the last two-three days. He and his team expect to see a further easing of the downward trend today.
Styling himself “not your conventional central banker”, the former development economics professor signed off on a note of optimism that a difficult few months would soon give way to “a new equilibrium” for the Bangladesh economy.
“We’ve been going through a correctional phase. This has presented a number of challenges, but we’ve responded with appropriate measures, in conjunction with the government,” he said.
Dr Rahman went on: “As a result, within a couple of months, we can look forward to the exchange rate, the rate of interest, and inflation settling at a new equilibrium.”
The governor attributed the policy of cutting down to non-essential import items (luxury goods) in recent weeks, something he had advised to ease the pressure on the balance of payments while releasing the latest Monetary Policy Statement on Jan 26.
Back in office today after his return on Saturday from a trip to India- where apparently other central bankers and economists from the region all had very positive things to say about the Bangladesh economy, some even branding it the “best-placed” under current circumstances in South Asia- the governor also sounded a positive note on inflation, saying he expects food inflation in particular, to decline during the month of February.
Although that would be offset by an increase in non-food inflation spurred by increased fuel prices and electricity rates, Dr Rahman is confident that the overall inflation rate will start witnessing a slowdown in the coming months.
Dr Rahman also expressed his confidence over securing the US$1 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) loan from the Washington-based lender - International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“The IMF mission arrives here tomorrow (Tuesday) to finalise the details …things look positive. If we get the loan, it’ll help a lot cut pressures on the Balance of Payments (BoP),” Atiur said.
He brushed off suggestions that availing of the loan would leave economic policymaking beholden to IMF conditions. “This is essentially a budget support for the government.”
“They don’t advise anything that is outside the purview of our own reform agenda. They only want those to be implemented. Anyway the ECF (extended credit facility, the scheme under which the loan would be disbursed) is different from the IMF’s Structural Adjustment Policies of the past, as it doesn’t attach any conditions,” Dr Rahman said.
The continuous price hike of food, fuel, fertilizer and essentials on the international market, food price hike in the internal market, high growth of money supply against the target and depreciation of the Taka were the reasons behind the rising inflation in 2010-2011 fiscal, Atiur said.
“Given that situation, we’ve taken cautious monetary policy. It’s corrective phase. Situation will improve,” he said.
Dhaka, Feb 6 (UNB) - Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Atiur Rahman on Monday strongly refuted the view expressed in some quarters of the country being mired in a macroeconomic crisis and said there are pressures on the country’s economy but not the crisis.
He invoked Rabindranath Tagore to liken the Bangladesh economy to an autumn sky [shoroter akaash], filled with dark as well as silver clouds.
“Yes, there’re pressures but no crisis of the sort being talked about. We’re taking measures to make sure the silver clouds edge out the dark ones, and they are starting to bear results,” optimistic Dr Rahman told UNB in an interview at his office on Monday.
He revealed that the downward spiral in the exchange rate of the taka against the dollar had been “arrested” in the last two-three days. He and his team expect to see a further easing of the downward trend today.
Styling himself “not your conventional central banker”, the former development economics professor signed off on a note of optimism that a difficult few months would soon give way to “a new equilibrium” for the Bangladesh economy.
“We’ve been going through a correctional phase. This has presented a number of challenges, but we’ve responded with appropriate measures, in conjunction with the government,” he said.
Dr Rahman went on: “As a result, within a couple of months, we can look forward to the exchange rate, the rate of interest, and inflation settling at a new equilibrium.”
The governor attributed the policy of cutting down to non-essential import items (luxury goods) in recent weeks, something he had advised to ease the pressure on the balance of payments while releasing the latest Monetary Policy Statement on Jan 26.
Back in office today after his return on Saturday from a trip to India- where apparently other central bankers and economists from the region all had very positive things to say about the Bangladesh economy, some even branding it the “best-placed” under current circumstances in South Asia- the governor also sounded a positive note on inflation, saying he expects food inflation in particular, to decline during the month of February.
Although that would be offset by an increase in non-food inflation spurred by increased fuel prices and electricity rates, Dr Rahman is confident that the overall inflation rate will start witnessing a slowdown in the coming months.
Dr Rahman also expressed his confidence over securing the US$1 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) loan from the Washington-based lender - International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“The IMF mission arrives here tomorrow (Tuesday) to finalise the details …things look positive. If we get the loan, it’ll help a lot cut pressures on the Balance of Payments (BoP),” Atiur said.
He brushed off suggestions that availing of the loan would leave economic policymaking beholden to IMF conditions. “This is essentially a budget support for the government.”
“They don’t advise anything that is outside the purview of our own reform agenda. They only want those to be implemented. Anyway the ECF (extended credit facility, the scheme under which the loan would be disbursed) is different from the IMF’s Structural Adjustment Policies of the past, as it doesn’t attach any conditions,” Dr Rahman said.
The continuous price hike of food, fuel, fertilizer and essentials on the international market, food price hike in the internal market, high growth of money supply against the target and depreciation of the Taka were the reasons behind the rising inflation in 2010-2011 fiscal, Atiur said.
“Given that situation, we’ve taken cautious monetary policy. It’s corrective phase. Situation will improve,” he said.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Railway’s huge potentials need to be tapped: Experts
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 19 (UNB) -- Despite Bangladesh’s Railway’s ‘poor services and erratic schedules’, trains are increasingly getting popular across the country as a relatively safe and cheaper alternative.
Passengers say they prefer train journey due to distressful and costlier bus services. “Above all, there is more risk in bus journey than in trains,” says SM Farhad Ullah, a Chittagong-bound train passenger, at Kamalapur Railway Station.
He said frequent road crashes and growing traffic jams on roads and highways have virtually shifted the passengers towards railway and people are desperately running after train tickets.
“We need a comprehensive national plan for the development of our train service. It needs massive investment,” Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah, former Chairman of Dhaka University’s Development Studies, told UNB correspondent AKM Moinuddin over phone on Thursday.
He said the country’s railway sector remained neglected for decades and it deserves due attention to tap its huge potentials.
“Unfortunately, there was no concrete step in the last 15 years. You see, India’s whole transport system is sustaining on its train service,” he said adding that a country cannot depend only on roads as fuel consumption is higher in road communication.
Mahbub Ullah said railway is less risky, but more environment-friendly. “We need expansion of rail links, increased number of passenger coaches, locomotives and goods wagons.”
He gave importance on carrying more and more goods by trains apart from passengers. “Railway can’t be profitable by carrying only passengers.” E
ngineer Ali Ashraf, a city planner, said no government after the country’s independence gave adequate attention to the railway sector, but this government has taken some initiatives that should be implemented properly.
Citing example of the port city of Chittagong, Ashraf said shuttle trains can easily be introduced in Chittagong by using the existing infrastructure and rail tracks which are being used for goods train.
“Time can be fixed for carrying goods as the volume is low. In daytime, commuter trains can be introduced through Patenga-Sholosahar-Kalurghat. Even it can be linked with other upazilas,” said Ashraf, also the President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Chittagong chapter.
Former Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Railway and its current General Manager (West) M Amjad Hossain, however, said there had been a lot of development works, including rail link expansion and rehabilitations, in recent years.
"A good number of projects have been approved, while a few more are under the process of implementation,” he said.
In this connection, he mentioned Dhaka-Padma Bridge- Bhanga 85-km rail link, Bhanga-Borishal 101 km rail link, Kashiani to Tungipara via Gopalganj and Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar routes.
A senior official of the Communication Ministry said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a Tk 1,852 crore project to construct a single track rail line from Dohazari in Chittagong to Ramu in Cox's Bazar to Gundhum in Myanmar on July 6, last year.
The project is expected to be completed in July 2014. In November last year, ECNEC approved development projects, including the Laksam-Chandpur section railway rehabilitation scheme aimed at ensuring safe and fast train communications. Under the project, some 55.01 kilometers of railway track (51.12km main line and 3.89 km of loop and side line) will be rehabilitated.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith in his recent budget speech said the government has started construction of about 326 km new broad-gauge line and 9 meter-gauge locomotives will be procured by 2011.
The present government has introduced seven new train services -- Turag Express on Narayanganj-Jaydevpur, Dhumkhetu Express on Rajshahi-Dhaka and Chattala Express on Dhaka-Chittagong routes.
In order to get connected with Trans-Asian Railway Network, initiatives have been taken to construct new railway track of about 128 from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and from Ramu to Gundum.
On the other hand, around 53 km new tail lines from Khulna to Mongla port will be constructed to ensure greater utilization of Mongla seaport. Currently, the railway covers 2,855 km routes while roads and highways cover over 21,000km across the country, according to official statistics.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Aug 19 (UNB) -- Despite Bangladesh’s Railway’s ‘poor services and erratic schedules’, trains are increasingly getting popular across the country as a relatively safe and cheaper alternative.
Passengers say they prefer train journey due to distressful and costlier bus services. “Above all, there is more risk in bus journey than in trains,” says SM Farhad Ullah, a Chittagong-bound train passenger, at Kamalapur Railway Station.
He said frequent road crashes and growing traffic jams on roads and highways have virtually shifted the passengers towards railway and people are desperately running after train tickets.
“We need a comprehensive national plan for the development of our train service. It needs massive investment,” Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah, former Chairman of Dhaka University’s Development Studies, told UNB correspondent AKM Moinuddin over phone on Thursday.
He said the country’s railway sector remained neglected for decades and it deserves due attention to tap its huge potentials.
“Unfortunately, there was no concrete step in the last 15 years. You see, India’s whole transport system is sustaining on its train service,” he said adding that a country cannot depend only on roads as fuel consumption is higher in road communication.
Mahbub Ullah said railway is less risky, but more environment-friendly. “We need expansion of rail links, increased number of passenger coaches, locomotives and goods wagons.”
He gave importance on carrying more and more goods by trains apart from passengers. “Railway can’t be profitable by carrying only passengers.” E
ngineer Ali Ashraf, a city planner, said no government after the country’s independence gave adequate attention to the railway sector, but this government has taken some initiatives that should be implemented properly.
Citing example of the port city of Chittagong, Ashraf said shuttle trains can easily be introduced in Chittagong by using the existing infrastructure and rail tracks which are being used for goods train.
“Time can be fixed for carrying goods as the volume is low. In daytime, commuter trains can be introduced through Patenga-Sholosahar-Kalurghat. Even it can be linked with other upazilas,” said Ashraf, also the President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Chittagong chapter.
Former Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Railway and its current General Manager (West) M Amjad Hossain, however, said there had been a lot of development works, including rail link expansion and rehabilitations, in recent years.
"A good number of projects have been approved, while a few more are under the process of implementation,” he said.
In this connection, he mentioned Dhaka-Padma Bridge- Bhanga 85-km rail link, Bhanga-Borishal 101 km rail link, Kashiani to Tungipara via Gopalganj and Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar routes.
A senior official of the Communication Ministry said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a Tk 1,852 crore project to construct a single track rail line from Dohazari in Chittagong to Ramu in Cox's Bazar to Gundhum in Myanmar on July 6, last year.
The project is expected to be completed in July 2014. In November last year, ECNEC approved development projects, including the Laksam-Chandpur section railway rehabilitation scheme aimed at ensuring safe and fast train communications. Under the project, some 55.01 kilometers of railway track (51.12km main line and 3.89 km of loop and side line) will be rehabilitated.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith in his recent budget speech said the government has started construction of about 326 km new broad-gauge line and 9 meter-gauge locomotives will be procured by 2011.
The present government has introduced seven new train services -- Turag Express on Narayanganj-Jaydevpur, Dhumkhetu Express on Rajshahi-Dhaka and Chattala Express on Dhaka-Chittagong routes.
In order to get connected with Trans-Asian Railway Network, initiatives have been taken to construct new railway track of about 128 from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and from Ramu to Gundum.
On the other hand, around 53 km new tail lines from Khulna to Mongla port will be constructed to ensure greater utilization of Mongla seaport. Currently, the railway covers 2,855 km routes while roads and highways cover over 21,000km across the country, according to official statistics.
END/UNB/AKM/
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Posh shopping malls abuzz with Eid shoppers
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 14 (UNB) -- Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims, is still 17 days away, but shoppers have already started crowding the city’s different posh shopping malls.
The city shopping malls draw a huge crowd before and after iftar and most of the shoppers belong to the upper class who prefer using credit cards for shopping.
In areas like Gulshan, Uttara and Dhanmondi, shoppers are least bothered about prices as they look for quality and design of the products.
Bashundhara City shopping complex at Panthapath, Navana Bailey Star at Siddieswari, Karnaphuli Garden City, Rafa Plaza at Dhanmondi are abuzz with pre- and post-Iftar shoppers.
Deshi Dosh has become a popular destination among the shoppers as it offers many things under the same roof at Bashundhara City shopping complex.
“It attracts me much. I understand from the name that it’s a combined effort of 10 local companies to promote the local culture in clothes and fashion,” Munni who came along with her father for shopping told this correspondent.
This Deshi Dosh is comprised of Deshal, Nipun, Anjan’s, Probortana, Bibiana, Sadakalo, Nagardola, Rang, Banglar Mela and Kay Craft.
“Yes, the turnout is satisfactory so far. We’re doing a better business this week compared to the first week of Ramadan. We hope the sale will increase next week,” a sales executive of Sadakalo said.
However, a sales executive at Kay Craft’s first outlet beside Mouchak Market said their business has not picked up yet. “Here we do not get poor response as this outlet is a bit isolated.”
He said the shoppers are rushing towards Bashundhara City shopping complex as they get so many things under the same roof.
“I feel better here. I used to buy from Arong….price is too high, though I find good quality products here,” Nipa Nushrat said while shopping at Deshi Dosh.
Sales Executive Rupom at Sadakalo outlet said: “We’ve fixed the prices of all products. Customers don’t need to bother about prices.”
He said shoppers usually look for the quality of product. “They want something unique and classy…if it is of their choice, they’ll go for it, no matter what the price is.”
Fashion clothing stores such as WESTEC, Cats Eye, Monsoon Rain, Best Eye and other brand outlets are well-decorated with western attires. They are also highlighting traditional Eid clothing with their collection of Panjabis at their stores.
Shop owners at Navana Bailey Star at Bailey Road are also doing a brisk business. Mostly women rush in this shopping mall which has some brand outlets in the city.
“We’ve good collections and we don’t compromise with quality. The first week of Ramadan relatively went dull, but the second week is good. We hope the sales volume will gradually increase since Eid is approaching,” Monir Hossain, Sales Executive of Best Eye said.
He said they have similar quality products like of Cats Eye. “But Cats Eye is doing a better business since they’ve goodwill.”
Talking to this correspondent, Farzana Laboni Moon, a shopper at Arong, Moghbazar said they are actually buying brands. “We’re not lworried about price. I’ll have to buy,” she said.
Karnaphuli Garden City, Mouchak Market and Anarkoli Super Market were also seen crowded with shoppers. Mainly middle class and low-income people prefer to go there.
Alongside the shopping malls, makeshift shops on the city’s footpaths were also seen drawing shoppers.
During Ramadan, small traders and hawkers occupy footpaths, blocking the movement of pedestrians and causing traffic congestions.
Like the previous years, thousands of hawkers have started selling different types of relatively cheaper clothes -- shirts, pants, sarees, lungis, punjabis, salwar kameezes, jewellery, cosmetics and footwear. Low-income group crowd these street shops.
“I know it creates problem to pedestrians. But I have to survive,” said Rashed who was selling clothes occupying footpath at Malibagh near Mouchak Market in the city.
He said sometimes they have to bribe police and some local guys to keep their business undisturbed.
The same sort of crowd was also seen in the city’s Firm Gate and New Market areas where the number of street hawkers has increased significantly.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Aug 14 (UNB) -- Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims, is still 17 days away, but shoppers have already started crowding the city’s different posh shopping malls.
The city shopping malls draw a huge crowd before and after iftar and most of the shoppers belong to the upper class who prefer using credit cards for shopping.
In areas like Gulshan, Uttara and Dhanmondi, shoppers are least bothered about prices as they look for quality and design of the products.
Bashundhara City shopping complex at Panthapath, Navana Bailey Star at Siddieswari, Karnaphuli Garden City, Rafa Plaza at Dhanmondi are abuzz with pre- and post-Iftar shoppers.
Deshi Dosh has become a popular destination among the shoppers as it offers many things under the same roof at Bashundhara City shopping complex.
“It attracts me much. I understand from the name that it’s a combined effort of 10 local companies to promote the local culture in clothes and fashion,” Munni who came along with her father for shopping told this correspondent.
This Deshi Dosh is comprised of Deshal, Nipun, Anjan’s, Probortana, Bibiana, Sadakalo, Nagardola, Rang, Banglar Mela and Kay Craft.
“Yes, the turnout is satisfactory so far. We’re doing a better business this week compared to the first week of Ramadan. We hope the sale will increase next week,” a sales executive of Sadakalo said.
However, a sales executive at Kay Craft’s first outlet beside Mouchak Market said their business has not picked up yet. “Here we do not get poor response as this outlet is a bit isolated.”
He said the shoppers are rushing towards Bashundhara City shopping complex as they get so many things under the same roof.
“I feel better here. I used to buy from Arong….price is too high, though I find good quality products here,” Nipa Nushrat said while shopping at Deshi Dosh.
Sales Executive Rupom at Sadakalo outlet said: “We’ve fixed the prices of all products. Customers don’t need to bother about prices.”
He said shoppers usually look for the quality of product. “They want something unique and classy…if it is of their choice, they’ll go for it, no matter what the price is.”
Fashion clothing stores such as WESTEC, Cats Eye, Monsoon Rain, Best Eye and other brand outlets are well-decorated with western attires. They are also highlighting traditional Eid clothing with their collection of Panjabis at their stores.
Shop owners at Navana Bailey Star at Bailey Road are also doing a brisk business. Mostly women rush in this shopping mall which has some brand outlets in the city.
“We’ve good collections and we don’t compromise with quality. The first week of Ramadan relatively went dull, but the second week is good. We hope the sales volume will gradually increase since Eid is approaching,” Monir Hossain, Sales Executive of Best Eye said.
He said they have similar quality products like of Cats Eye. “But Cats Eye is doing a better business since they’ve goodwill.”
Talking to this correspondent, Farzana Laboni Moon, a shopper at Arong, Moghbazar said they are actually buying brands. “We’re not lworried about price. I’ll have to buy,” she said.
Karnaphuli Garden City, Mouchak Market and Anarkoli Super Market were also seen crowded with shoppers. Mainly middle class and low-income people prefer to go there.
Alongside the shopping malls, makeshift shops on the city’s footpaths were also seen drawing shoppers.
During Ramadan, small traders and hawkers occupy footpaths, blocking the movement of pedestrians and causing traffic congestions.
Like the previous years, thousands of hawkers have started selling different types of relatively cheaper clothes -- shirts, pants, sarees, lungis, punjabis, salwar kameezes, jewellery, cosmetics and footwear. Low-income group crowd these street shops.
“I know it creates problem to pedestrians. But I have to survive,” said Rashed who was selling clothes occupying footpath at Malibagh near Mouchak Market in the city.
He said sometimes they have to bribe police and some local guys to keep their business undisturbed.
The same sort of crowd was also seen in the city’s Firm Gate and New Market areas where the number of street hawkers has increased significantly.
END/UNB/AKM/
Friday, August 12, 2011
Shipbreaking to be global leader ‘within 5 years’: Barua
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer from China
Fujian, China, Aug 9 (UNB) - Bangladesh’s fast-growing shipbreaking industry will turn into a global leader “within next five years” and act as one of the key tools for driving economic growth, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said here today.
While certain sections are raising questions that are hindering the growth of the sector in the name of environmental stewardship, Barua told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin that in two years from now, such doubts will have disappeared.
"We are moving in the right direction. Just wait and see. Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry will soon be recognized as a global example for its environment-friendly growth and expansion," he said.
He said the government is in touch with all stakeholders, and taking the required policy measures to help grow the sector while also protecting the environment and removing the hazards it poses to human beings.
"Since we're newcomers in the global market, we prefer to share ideas and experiences with leading shipbreaking nations to put the shipbreaking industry on a firm footing," he said.
Replying to a question Barua said there have been many developments in this sector and the government is giving its best effort for its healthy growth.
"We want to move forward in a transparent way, and won't compromise with anything that might pose threat to environment," he said firmly.
He said if the environmental aspects are not considered seriously, the industry will not be sustainable anyway.
Earlier, the Minister and the Bangladesh delegation visited two shipbreaking yards here including Fujian Saijiang Shipping Department Com Ltd.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry ABM Abul Kashem, Awami League lawmaker Muhibur Rahman Manik, additional Industries Secretary ABM Khorshed Alam, Bangladesh Shipbreakers Association president Hefazatur Rahman, its member Kamal Uddin Ahmed, BUET Prof Prof Dr Aminul Islam, Association's technical adviser Captain Salahuddin Ahmed, and trade body leaders, among others were present.
Minister and the delegation members talked to the officials, workers and government representatives during the visit to the shipbreaking yards.
After visiting the yards, he told UNB that Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry is doing better than China .
"I think we're more environmentally friendly," he said.
Earlier, the Bangladesh delegation led by Industries Minister Dilip Barua arrived Hong Kong in the morning and later came to Ningde , FuJian , China .
END/UNB/AKM/China
Fujian, China, Aug 9 (UNB) - Bangladesh’s fast-growing shipbreaking industry will turn into a global leader “within next five years” and act as one of the key tools for driving economic growth, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said here today.
While certain sections are raising questions that are hindering the growth of the sector in the name of environmental stewardship, Barua told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin that in two years from now, such doubts will have disappeared.
"We are moving in the right direction. Just wait and see. Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry will soon be recognized as a global example for its environment-friendly growth and expansion," he said.
He said the government is in touch with all stakeholders, and taking the required policy measures to help grow the sector while also protecting the environment and removing the hazards it poses to human beings.
"Since we're newcomers in the global market, we prefer to share ideas and experiences with leading shipbreaking nations to put the shipbreaking industry on a firm footing," he said.
Replying to a question Barua said there have been many developments in this sector and the government is giving its best effort for its healthy growth.
"We want to move forward in a transparent way, and won't compromise with anything that might pose threat to environment," he said firmly.
He said if the environmental aspects are not considered seriously, the industry will not be sustainable anyway.
Earlier, the Minister and the Bangladesh delegation visited two shipbreaking yards here including Fujian Saijiang Shipping Department Com Ltd.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry ABM Abul Kashem, Awami League lawmaker Muhibur Rahman Manik, additional Industries Secretary ABM Khorshed Alam, Bangladesh Shipbreakers Association president Hefazatur Rahman, its member Kamal Uddin Ahmed, BUET Prof Prof Dr Aminul Islam, Association's technical adviser Captain Salahuddin Ahmed, and trade body leaders, among others were present.
Minister and the delegation members talked to the officials, workers and government representatives during the visit to the shipbreaking yards.
After visiting the yards, he told UNB that Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry is doing better than China .
"I think we're more environmentally friendly," he said.
Earlier, the Bangladesh delegation led by Industries Minister Dilip Barua arrived Hong Kong in the morning and later came to Ningde , FuJian , China .
END/UNB/AKM/China
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