By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Dec 19 (UNB) – Bilkis Rahman, a middle-aged woman, squinted at the newsmen and sobbed quietly. Suddenly, emotion got the better of her and tears flooded her eyes as she focused on a photograph. She wiped the tears with her scarf.
For the forlorn mother, the photograph was a most-prized possession – that of her 21-year-old son Engine Cadet Shahriar Rabbi, the youngest victim of MV Jahan Moni which was hijacked by Somali pirates. Rabbi’s father Ziaur Rahman, a cancer-patient, was also weeping beside her spouse, trying to hide his face in his shirt sleeve.
Bilkis, one among the relatives of the trapped Bangladeshi mariners, who came to Dhaka from Chittagong to meet journalists for conveying their plea to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her personal intervention for the rescue of her son.
The air of the entire hall room on the second floor of National Press Club where over 60 relatives of 25 mariners rushed to attend a press conference became heavy long before the formal briefing began.
Each and every relative of the mariners burst into tears. All of them - mother, father, brother and sister of the victims - were seen holding the photographs of loved ones. They could hardly talk to the newsmen.
The only message they wanted to convey was that they want Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s direct intervention for the rescue of their trapped near and dear ones from the hands of pirates.
Mahfuza Khatun, who got married just a year back with M Tariqul Islam, fourth engineer of the pirated ship, was also there. She narrated her last conversation with her hubby over phone.
She said: “It was December 12. I received a call from my husband. It was 12:03 am. The conversation lasted for about 8 minutes. He (Tariqul) spoke of food crisis and the ransom demanded by the pirates for their release.”
She said her husband informed her that the pirates demanded US$ 9 million (approx. Tk 62 crore) as ransom with five-day ultimatum. “He said `forgive me, I may not meet you anymore’.”
Mahfuza also read out a written statement on behalf of the relatives of the Bangladeshi crew of MV Jahan Moni, which was hijacked by Somalian pirates on December 5.
She sought Prime Minister’s direct intervention for the release of all the crew members.
“She (PM) is also a mother. She also lost her near and dear ones. She well knows how the pain of such loss means. Please spare us the agony of uncertainty,” Mahfuza implored the Prime Minister.
She also urged the government to take coordinated action with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Trade Federation (ITF).
In their written statement, the relatives alleged that neither the government nor the owners of the pirated vessel have taken any steps though pirates gave five-day ultimatum on December 12 demanding US$ 9 million as ransom for releasing the vessel and its crew.
Shahin Ara Momtaj, an Assistant Director of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said the pirates talked to the relatives of each of the victims for 2-3 minutes over phone on December 12 and conveyed identical message to everybody.
“My nephew (elder brother’s son) talked to us at about 7 pm on the day. He (Engine Cadet Shahriar Rabbi) even sought forgiveness from all saying ‘I won’t be able to meet you…food supply has already dried out’,” she said bursting into tears.
MV Jahan Moni with 26 Bangladeshis - 25 crew members and the spouse of a mariner on board - was pirated on December 5 from a place in the Arabian Sea 170 nautical miles from Lakkha Island of India and about 300 nautical miles from the Kochin port.
The ship carrying 43,150 tons of nickel ore was scheduled to arrive in Greece from Indonesia through the Suez Canal.
END/UNB/AKM
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
FBCCI chief urges govt to suspend mobile court till Nov 13; Chemical traders threaten to take to streets, demand exemplary punishment to magistrates
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Nov 4 (UNB) – Traders from the old part of Dhaka, engaged in chemical business, Thursday came down heavily on the government and alleged that the mobile courts are harassing and penalizing them without any valid reason.
They threatened to take to the streets by closing down their businesses if the “whimsical” activities of mobile courts are not stopped immediately. They demanded exemplary punishment to the magistrates who fined them and filed cases “without valid reasons.”
The chemical traders vented their anger and voiced the demands at a meeting held at the FBCCI conference room with FBCCI president AK Azad in the chair.
Director General of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Brig Gen Abu Nayeem M Shahidullah attended the meeting as chief guest.
“We want exemplary punishment to the magistrates who fined and filed cases against some our fellow traders though we relocated 20 types of inflammable chemicals. We don’t want such arbitrary mobile court. We’ll take to the streets if it’s not stopped immediately,” said Abu Motaleb, a former FBCCI director and chemical trader.
Earlier, President of Bangladesh Chemical and Perfumery Merchants Association Haji M Faruq placed a four-point demand that includes mandatory inclusion of traders’ representative in mobile court team, suspension of mobile court operation until allocation of fire licenses to all chemical shops and warehouses, and stop harassment and penalty without valid reason.
After listening to the grievances of the chemical traders, FBCCI president AK Azad urged the government to stop the operation of mobile court in the old part of capital Dhaka till November 13.
A final decision is likely to come from a meeting scheduled for November 13 where representatives of concerned ministries, fire service, FBCCI and chemical traders are expected to sit together to resolve the matter.
Responding to the traders’ allegations, Azad said: “We strongly condemn harassment of innocent traders by the mobile court. We’ll send a letter today (Thursday) to the Prime Minister to halt mobile court operation.”
Meanwhile, Azad directed to form a five-member body headed by FBCCI first vice president M Jashim Uddin to deal with the matter and prepare recommendations.
The FBCCI chief asked the chemical traders to convey the fact through media, saying that the government’s intelligence report says `inflammable items are still stored in the warehouses’.
DG Fire Service Shahidullah was also unhappy about the harassment of mobile court and also blamed the chemical traders for their non-cooperation.
“You’re telling about fire licenses. I asked you to come through your trade bodies so that a bunch of licenses can be issued at a time. I’m yet to get the list,” he said.
He informed that the Fire Service Ordinance 1961 is being amended to make it time-befitting.
FBCCI first vice president M Jashum Uddin, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BC) president Shahedul Islam Helal and some chemical traders also spoke at the meeting.
END/UNB
Dhaka, Nov 4 (UNB) – Traders from the old part of Dhaka, engaged in chemical business, Thursday came down heavily on the government and alleged that the mobile courts are harassing and penalizing them without any valid reason.
They threatened to take to the streets by closing down their businesses if the “whimsical” activities of mobile courts are not stopped immediately. They demanded exemplary punishment to the magistrates who fined them and filed cases “without valid reasons.”
The chemical traders vented their anger and voiced the demands at a meeting held at the FBCCI conference room with FBCCI president AK Azad in the chair.
Director General of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Brig Gen Abu Nayeem M Shahidullah attended the meeting as chief guest.
“We want exemplary punishment to the magistrates who fined and filed cases against some our fellow traders though we relocated 20 types of inflammable chemicals. We don’t want such arbitrary mobile court. We’ll take to the streets if it’s not stopped immediately,” said Abu Motaleb, a former FBCCI director and chemical trader.
Earlier, President of Bangladesh Chemical and Perfumery Merchants Association Haji M Faruq placed a four-point demand that includes mandatory inclusion of traders’ representative in mobile court team, suspension of mobile court operation until allocation of fire licenses to all chemical shops and warehouses, and stop harassment and penalty without valid reason.
After listening to the grievances of the chemical traders, FBCCI president AK Azad urged the government to stop the operation of mobile court in the old part of capital Dhaka till November 13.
A final decision is likely to come from a meeting scheduled for November 13 where representatives of concerned ministries, fire service, FBCCI and chemical traders are expected to sit together to resolve the matter.
Responding to the traders’ allegations, Azad said: “We strongly condemn harassment of innocent traders by the mobile court. We’ll send a letter today (Thursday) to the Prime Minister to halt mobile court operation.”
Meanwhile, Azad directed to form a five-member body headed by FBCCI first vice president M Jashim Uddin to deal with the matter and prepare recommendations.
The FBCCI chief asked the chemical traders to convey the fact through media, saying that the government’s intelligence report says `inflammable items are still stored in the warehouses’.
DG Fire Service Shahidullah was also unhappy about the harassment of mobile court and also blamed the chemical traders for their non-cooperation.
“You’re telling about fire licenses. I asked you to come through your trade bodies so that a bunch of licenses can be issued at a time. I’m yet to get the list,” he said.
He informed that the Fire Service Ordinance 1961 is being amended to make it time-befitting.
FBCCI first vice president M Jashum Uddin, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BC) president Shahedul Islam Helal and some chemical traders also spoke at the meeting.
END/UNB
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Land registration offices ‘core of corruption’: Muhith; he observes slow progress in administrative reforms
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 30 (UNB) – Branding the country’s land registration offices at the ‘core of corruption,’ Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Saturday said digitalization of major sectors would curb corruption, a key barrier to development.
“Our land registration system is at the core of corruption. Bribes are exchanged openly. Digitalizing such organizations is urgent because massive use of information technology can curb corruption and expedite development,” he said.
The finance minister said the government has taken up the challenge to digitalize the land registration system, though the progress so far has not been remarkable.
Muhith also observed ‘slow progress’ in administrative reforms and urged the technology-driven youths and those who are there in the ICT sector to come forward saying the country ‘needs revolutionary change in some sectors.’
The Finance Minister came up with this observation while addressing as chief guest the inaugural ceremony of the four-day BCS-ICT World Fair-2010 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
State Minister for Science, Information and Communications Technology architect Yeafesh Osman attended the function as special guest with Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) president Mostafa Jobbar in the chair.
Convener of the fair committee Mujibur Rahman Shawpan and Chief Executive Officer of QUBEE Bangladesh Jerry Mobbs were also present at the inaugural session.
Muhith said the progress that has been made so far was ‘beyond his imagination and calculation’, but he admitted that the government has been unable to implement e-governance yet.
“We’ve made 64 digital portals at the district-level, many of these portals have updated content. More remarkably, the country will get 4500 information centers by November at the union parishad level, whereas we had thought of getting to only 1000 information centers across the country by the yearend,” he revealed.
Talking about paper-based documentation in public offices, Muhith said: “We couldn’t break out of the paper-based documentation process for various reasons. That doesn’t mean we’re not interested, the fact is that it takes time.”
Terming Bangladesh a ‘land of impossible attainment,’ the Finance Minister expressed his government’s desire to bring about massive changes in some priority sectors like the police department, and the education sector through proper utilization of ICT.
He said technology is the key to development and assured that there would be no ‘digital-divide’ in the country. Digital-divide refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology, and those with very limited or no access at all. It includes the imbalance both in physical access to technology and the resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen.
Yeafesh Osman in his speech said there has been a lot of progress over the last 22 months in ‘digitalizing’ Bangladesh.
“Widespread access for people to cell-phones has played a vital role in creating sound GDP growth,” he said.
The state minister also confirmed 4500 information centers would be up and running by November for people at the union level to have access to information technology across the country. “The Country is being changed…we need to change our mindset”
“The nation had a dream…the dream is being transformed into reality with technology playing a supporting role,” he said.
Later, the finance minister and other guests visited different stalls at the fair.
The BCS arranged the fair, the largest multidimensional international event in the history of ICT of Bangladesh, with various national and international companies organizations demonstrating their products and services.
Though the major emphasis is on computer hardware and accessories, software, ITES, BPO products, telecom products, Multimedia, ICT educational products, laptops and digital lifestyle products are also being displayed at the fair incorporating their latest developments.
There will be seminars on relevant and recent topics. Symposia, product launches, competition and contests will be running side by side with the showcasing of the products and services.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 30 (UNB) – Branding the country’s land registration offices at the ‘core of corruption,’ Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Saturday said digitalization of major sectors would curb corruption, a key barrier to development.
“Our land registration system is at the core of corruption. Bribes are exchanged openly. Digitalizing such organizations is urgent because massive use of information technology can curb corruption and expedite development,” he said.
The finance minister said the government has taken up the challenge to digitalize the land registration system, though the progress so far has not been remarkable.
Muhith also observed ‘slow progress’ in administrative reforms and urged the technology-driven youths and those who are there in the ICT sector to come forward saying the country ‘needs revolutionary change in some sectors.’
The Finance Minister came up with this observation while addressing as chief guest the inaugural ceremony of the four-day BCS-ICT World Fair-2010 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
State Minister for Science, Information and Communications Technology architect Yeafesh Osman attended the function as special guest with Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) president Mostafa Jobbar in the chair.
Convener of the fair committee Mujibur Rahman Shawpan and Chief Executive Officer of QUBEE Bangladesh Jerry Mobbs were also present at the inaugural session.
Muhith said the progress that has been made so far was ‘beyond his imagination and calculation’, but he admitted that the government has been unable to implement e-governance yet.
“We’ve made 64 digital portals at the district-level, many of these portals have updated content. More remarkably, the country will get 4500 information centers by November at the union parishad level, whereas we had thought of getting to only 1000 information centers across the country by the yearend,” he revealed.
Talking about paper-based documentation in public offices, Muhith said: “We couldn’t break out of the paper-based documentation process for various reasons. That doesn’t mean we’re not interested, the fact is that it takes time.”
Terming Bangladesh a ‘land of impossible attainment,’ the Finance Minister expressed his government’s desire to bring about massive changes in some priority sectors like the police department, and the education sector through proper utilization of ICT.
He said technology is the key to development and assured that there would be no ‘digital-divide’ in the country. Digital-divide refers to the gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology, and those with very limited or no access at all. It includes the imbalance both in physical access to technology and the resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen.
Yeafesh Osman in his speech said there has been a lot of progress over the last 22 months in ‘digitalizing’ Bangladesh.
“Widespread access for people to cell-phones has played a vital role in creating sound GDP growth,” he said.
The state minister also confirmed 4500 information centers would be up and running by November for people at the union level to have access to information technology across the country. “The Country is being changed…we need to change our mindset”
“The nation had a dream…the dream is being transformed into reality with technology playing a supporting role,” he said.
Later, the finance minister and other guests visited different stalls at the fair.
The BCS arranged the fair, the largest multidimensional international event in the history of ICT of Bangladesh, with various national and international companies organizations demonstrating their products and services.
Though the major emphasis is on computer hardware and accessories, software, ITES, BPO products, telecom products, Multimedia, ICT educational products, laptops and digital lifestyle products are also being displayed at the fair incorporating their latest developments.
There will be seminars on relevant and recent topics. Symposia, product launches, competition and contests will be running side by side with the showcasing of the products and services.
END/UNB/
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Bangladesh to be attractive destination of Social Business: Dr Yunus; 80% work done to design social business, once you’ve great ideas, he says
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 28 (UNB) – Bangladesh will become an attractive destination of ‘Social Business’ in near future setting an example for rest of the world, as it has totally different objectives with special focus on solving society’s most pressing problems, instead of making money.
This was stated by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank and innovator of social business, at the inaugural session of a conference titled ‘Global Social Responsibility’ held at Hotel Radisson in the city on Thursday.
He said that social business is a new concept, completely different from conventional profit-making business. It has objectives to solve social problems in sectors like healthcare, education, affordable housing, clean technology and finance through ensuring access of rural people.
Dr Yunus, who is often called the `grandfather of microfinance’, has urged all to come up with unique ideas to open a door for social business in addressing social needs and resolving social problems saying that “if you have ideas, fund will follow you.”
“Social business needs creativity. Some 80 percent work is done if anybody has great idea…anybody can do it and each one has capacity,” he said adding that the social businesses will become a substantial part of the business world.
Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) with the support of German Embassy in Dhaka and GTZ arranged the conference.
Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, German Ambassador Dr Holger Michael,
Chairman of Otto GmbH & Company Dr Michael Otto, BGCCI president Saiful Islam and President of BASF SE Asia Pacific Saori Dubourg were, among others, present at the inaugural session which was followed by panel discussion moderated by The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam.
Explaining the prospects and progress of social business in Bangladesh, Prof Yunus said a series of such businesses are already in operation in the country jointly with other countries including Germany, France and Japan.
“We’ve signed an agreement with a German-based company, Solar World, to produce solar panels here aiming at cutting cost on solar energy generation. Many foreign companies are coming forward to do social business here,” he said outlining the potential of Bangladesh in social business.
Yunus said they would reach millions of people through the social business and cited some example of such businesses that aim at producing mosquito nets and sanitary napkins, providing arsenic-free water for the disadvantaged people, and producing trained nurses.
Differentiating between charity and social business, he said: “Charity is good… once it’s given it’s given forever, you won’t get it back. In a social business, the investors or owners can gradually recoup the money invested, but cannot take any dividend beyond that point.”
Later, in the interactive session, Prof Yunus said many global universities have been providing academic lessons on the concept of social business.
Replying to a question on organizational structure of the social business firms, he said: “Administrative and financial parts are as usual but its objective is different by which you’re trying to solve a social problem.”
Replying to another query, the innovator of social business said he does not foresee any conflict between two types of business. “Rather, I see competition which is a must in market economy.”
He also discussed his work with Dannon Yogurt Co. to develop a nutrient-enriched yogurt product for children that would help curb child malnutrition in Bangladesh.
Yunus highlighted this project as a prime example of a business developing a cheap yet economically viable product, providing a sustainable solution to pressing social needs.
Yunus’ many years of experience in both commercial and social business makes it possible for him to draw a line between the two. He spoke passionately on his stance, affirming that the two types of business must exist independent of one another.
Expressing his views on social business, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said: “Social business is something very innovative and I’m sure this concept will be replicated in other parts of the world.”
He urged the corporate companies to invest a portion of their profit in social business as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Faruk Khan said Bangladesh has so many things and achievements that carry positive image of the country but these always remain untold. “We don’t look at our achievements and positive image that we have. Rather, we’ve a tendency of seeing negative things in a big way. It shouldn’t be.”
Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said: “Let’s stop to say Bangladesh is a poor country. Let’s say Bangladesh is a developing country, Bangladesh is moving ahead. We’ve many things that had gone positively.”
Urging all to highlight positive things in representing Bangladesh, Mahfuz Anam said: “Change reality, the image will change itself.”
Talking part in the discussion, Chairman of Otto GmbH & Company Dr Michael Otto said the initiative (social business) is very important to fight against poverty. “Social business concept will be able to solve social problems.”
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 28 (UNB) – Bangladesh will become an attractive destination of ‘Social Business’ in near future setting an example for rest of the world, as it has totally different objectives with special focus on solving society’s most pressing problems, instead of making money.
This was stated by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank and innovator of social business, at the inaugural session of a conference titled ‘Global Social Responsibility’ held at Hotel Radisson in the city on Thursday.
He said that social business is a new concept, completely different from conventional profit-making business. It has objectives to solve social problems in sectors like healthcare, education, affordable housing, clean technology and finance through ensuring access of rural people.
Dr Yunus, who is often called the `grandfather of microfinance’, has urged all to come up with unique ideas to open a door for social business in addressing social needs and resolving social problems saying that “if you have ideas, fund will follow you.”
“Social business needs creativity. Some 80 percent work is done if anybody has great idea…anybody can do it and each one has capacity,” he said adding that the social businesses will become a substantial part of the business world.
Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) with the support of German Embassy in Dhaka and GTZ arranged the conference.
Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, German Ambassador Dr Holger Michael,
Chairman of Otto GmbH & Company Dr Michael Otto, BGCCI president Saiful Islam and President of BASF SE Asia Pacific Saori Dubourg were, among others, present at the inaugural session which was followed by panel discussion moderated by The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam.
Explaining the prospects and progress of social business in Bangladesh, Prof Yunus said a series of such businesses are already in operation in the country jointly with other countries including Germany, France and Japan.
“We’ve signed an agreement with a German-based company, Solar World, to produce solar panels here aiming at cutting cost on solar energy generation. Many foreign companies are coming forward to do social business here,” he said outlining the potential of Bangladesh in social business.
Yunus said they would reach millions of people through the social business and cited some example of such businesses that aim at producing mosquito nets and sanitary napkins, providing arsenic-free water for the disadvantaged people, and producing trained nurses.
Differentiating between charity and social business, he said: “Charity is good… once it’s given it’s given forever, you won’t get it back. In a social business, the investors or owners can gradually recoup the money invested, but cannot take any dividend beyond that point.”
Later, in the interactive session, Prof Yunus said many global universities have been providing academic lessons on the concept of social business.
Replying to a question on organizational structure of the social business firms, he said: “Administrative and financial parts are as usual but its objective is different by which you’re trying to solve a social problem.”
Replying to another query, the innovator of social business said he does not foresee any conflict between two types of business. “Rather, I see competition which is a must in market economy.”
He also discussed his work with Dannon Yogurt Co. to develop a nutrient-enriched yogurt product for children that would help curb child malnutrition in Bangladesh.
Yunus highlighted this project as a prime example of a business developing a cheap yet economically viable product, providing a sustainable solution to pressing social needs.
Yunus’ many years of experience in both commercial and social business makes it possible for him to draw a line between the two. He spoke passionately on his stance, affirming that the two types of business must exist independent of one another.
Expressing his views on social business, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said: “Social business is something very innovative and I’m sure this concept will be replicated in other parts of the world.”
He urged the corporate companies to invest a portion of their profit in social business as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Faruk Khan said Bangladesh has so many things and achievements that carry positive image of the country but these always remain untold. “We don’t look at our achievements and positive image that we have. Rather, we’ve a tendency of seeing negative things in a big way. It shouldn’t be.”
Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said: “Let’s stop to say Bangladesh is a poor country. Let’s say Bangladesh is a developing country, Bangladesh is moving ahead. We’ve many things that had gone positively.”
Urging all to highlight positive things in representing Bangladesh, Mahfuz Anam said: “Change reality, the image will change itself.”
Talking part in the discussion, Chairman of Otto GmbH & Company Dr Michael Otto said the initiative (social business) is very important to fight against poverty. “Social business concept will be able to solve social problems.”
END/UNB/
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Country to become economically prosperous if use of Ctg port allowed thru transit: Faruk Khan
By AKM Moinuddin
Chittagong, Oct 27 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said here on Wednesday that transit facilities to the neighboring countries would have to be given to ensure proper utilization of Chittagong seaport and accelerated growth of country’s economy.
“The government is working on the infrastructure development of roads, railway and river-ways. Transit facilities will have to be given to the neighboring countries for proper utilization of Chittagong port and country’s economic growth,” he said at a seminar in the port city.
Suchinta Foundation, a social organization, arranged the seminar titled ‘Regional Cooperation: Transit Deal and Its Impact on Bangladesh’s Economy’ at the Chittagong Press Club auditorium with its executive director MA Arafat in the chair.
The Commerce Minister said if the neighboring countries are given the facility of using Chittagong port through transit, Bangladesh and its people will be equally benefited.
He alleged that opposition BNP had provided all-possible facilities to India when they were in power but could bring nothing for the country.
“Now, BNP is creating confusion among countrymen against India capitalizing on the transit issue. Transit doesn’t mean the country is being sold out,” he said urging the BNP and like-minded parties to “shun the nasty politics.”
Faruk Khan said that trade relations with China, Myanmar and the northeastern states of India would be accelerated through transit.
He called upon the youths to work for the socioeconomic development of the country and to bring about changes in the destructive political culture.
Shamshul Haque Chowdhury MP, Metropolitan Chamber president Abdus Salam and Chittagong Press Club President Abu Sufian, among others, took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/
Chittagong, Oct 27 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said here on Wednesday that transit facilities to the neighboring countries would have to be given to ensure proper utilization of Chittagong seaport and accelerated growth of country’s economy.
“The government is working on the infrastructure development of roads, railway and river-ways. Transit facilities will have to be given to the neighboring countries for proper utilization of Chittagong port and country’s economic growth,” he said at a seminar in the port city.
Suchinta Foundation, a social organization, arranged the seminar titled ‘Regional Cooperation: Transit Deal and Its Impact on Bangladesh’s Economy’ at the Chittagong Press Club auditorium with its executive director MA Arafat in the chair.
The Commerce Minister said if the neighboring countries are given the facility of using Chittagong port through transit, Bangladesh and its people will be equally benefited.
He alleged that opposition BNP had provided all-possible facilities to India when they were in power but could bring nothing for the country.
“Now, BNP is creating confusion among countrymen against India capitalizing on the transit issue. Transit doesn’t mean the country is being sold out,” he said urging the BNP and like-minded parties to “shun the nasty politics.”
Faruk Khan said that trade relations with China, Myanmar and the northeastern states of India would be accelerated through transit.
He called upon the youths to work for the socioeconomic development of the country and to bring about changes in the destructive political culture.
Shamshul Haque Chowdhury MP, Metropolitan Chamber president Abdus Salam and Chittagong Press Club President Abu Sufian, among others, took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/
Govt to revive fair-price card system soon: Food Minister; There is no food crisis in country, he says
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 27 (UNB) - The government has decided to restart its fair price card (FPC) system as soon as possible to reach rice to hardcore poor people at cheaper price, Food Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque said on Wednesday.
The FPC system was introduced in September last year but its operation was suspended during the month of Ramadan.
“Initially, we’ll restart the program in Dhaka metropolitan areas and it’ll be gradually expanded to other parts of the country,” the Food Minister told the journalists after emerging from a meeting this (Wednesday) afternoon.
The meeting with Food Minister Abdur Razzaque in the chair was attended by MPs from Dhaka metropolitan areas, Awami League leaders from city different wards and leaders of the AL-led alliance government.
Talking to journalists, Dr Razzaque said there is no food crisis in the country. “We’ve sufficient food stock…the price of rice has increased in local market following the price-hike on the international market.”
Replying to a question, he said the government has plans to include more features in the FPC system so that other essential commodities can also be provided to the targeted people at cheaper prices.
At present, over 11 lakh people across the country have fair price cards. Of them, 5.84 lakh are from Dhaka metropolitan areas. Under the fair price cards, people will get 20 kgs of rice at Tk 24 per Kg every month.
Replying to a question, the Food Minister said the government did not politicize the awarding of fair price cards. Even it was totally fair in selecting dealerships for the OMS.
He directed all concerned to ensure access of grassroots-level people including slum dwellers to OMS service.
Home Minister Adv Sahara Khatun, State Minister for Law adv Kamrul Islam, Rashed Khan Menon MP, AKM Rahmat Ullah MP, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin MP and Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapash MP were, among others, present at the meeting.
END/UNB
Dhaka, Oct 27 (UNB) - The government has decided to restart its fair price card (FPC) system as soon as possible to reach rice to hardcore poor people at cheaper price, Food Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque said on Wednesday.
The FPC system was introduced in September last year but its operation was suspended during the month of Ramadan.
“Initially, we’ll restart the program in Dhaka metropolitan areas and it’ll be gradually expanded to other parts of the country,” the Food Minister told the journalists after emerging from a meeting this (Wednesday) afternoon.
The meeting with Food Minister Abdur Razzaque in the chair was attended by MPs from Dhaka metropolitan areas, Awami League leaders from city different wards and leaders of the AL-led alliance government.
Talking to journalists, Dr Razzaque said there is no food crisis in the country. “We’ve sufficient food stock…the price of rice has increased in local market following the price-hike on the international market.”
Replying to a question, he said the government has plans to include more features in the FPC system so that other essential commodities can also be provided to the targeted people at cheaper prices.
At present, over 11 lakh people across the country have fair price cards. Of them, 5.84 lakh are from Dhaka metropolitan areas. Under the fair price cards, people will get 20 kgs of rice at Tk 24 per Kg every month.
Replying to a question, the Food Minister said the government did not politicize the awarding of fair price cards. Even it was totally fair in selecting dealerships for the OMS.
He directed all concerned to ensure access of grassroots-level people including slum dwellers to OMS service.
Home Minister Adv Sahara Khatun, State Minister for Law adv Kamrul Islam, Rashed Khan Menon MP, AKM Rahmat Ullah MP, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin MP and Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapash MP were, among others, present at the meeting.
END/UNB
Industries Minister plays down fear of crisis; Tk 5,000 crore subsidy to farmers on count of fertilizer pries
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 27 (UNB) – Industries Minister Dilip Barua today dismissed speculation of fertilizer scarcity in the ensuing boro season and assured the farmers of reaching them the essential input for which Tk 5,000 crore subsidy provided on count of import..
Allaying the fears of short supply of fertilizer Barua told a press conference in his office that government has arranged adequate stock in meeting the farmers demand through proper management.
“We’ve taken precautionary measures…farmers won’t face fertilizer crisis in the peak season as we’ve all arrangements to meet fertilizer demand,” said the Minister.
The country is now heavily depended on import of fertilizer to meet the demand of major agricultural input as some fertilizer factories under the BCIC remain inoperative due persisting gas crisis. Tk 4,500 to 5,000 crore has been provided as subsidy on count of fertilizer import alone.
The amount was slightly lower (Tk 3,295 crore) lower than the subsidy given last year. It is because of decline in fertilizer price in the international market.
“Fertilizer demand always remains all-time high during the January-March period. We’ve set total demand of 12, 08,382 metric tons during the peck season. Of which, some 3, 35,000 MTs will be imported,” Barua said.
The government, however, planned to import 16.81 lakh metric tones of Urea during the current fiscal year through state-to-sate deals, international tenders and from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company (KAFCO), Bangladesh.
Some 4.81 lakh metric tones of Urea will be procured through international tenders, while 6 lakh metric tones each from KAFCO and through state-to-state deals (Qatar-3 lakh MT, KSA-2 lakh MT, UAE-1 lakh MT).
“Both supply and production of fertilizers remained normal and farmers would not face any fertilizer crisis in the coming Boro season,” he said.
Talking about progress of fertilizer import he said about 17,000 metric tons of urea reached the country and were being unloaded at Chittagong and Mongla ports. Another 2 lakh MT of fertilizers will arrive by November.
The government set a demand target of fertilizer at 28.31 lakh metric tons for the current year, showing a sharp drop in targeted demand compared to the previous year’s target, when it was 29.51 lakh metric tons. The demand target of TSP and DAP (diammonium phosphates) is 5.60 lakh metric tones and 3.40 lakh metric tones respectively.
He claimed that the farmers haven’t faced any fertilizer crisis during the tenure of the present government, and nobody has had to sacrifice their lives for fertilizer, as happened before.
The actual production of fertilizer producing units under the BCIC till October 25 stood at 1, 66,194 metric tones against total production target of 11.50 lakh metric tones.
END/UNB
Dhaka, Oct 27 (UNB) – Industries Minister Dilip Barua today dismissed speculation of fertilizer scarcity in the ensuing boro season and assured the farmers of reaching them the essential input for which Tk 5,000 crore subsidy provided on count of import..
Allaying the fears of short supply of fertilizer Barua told a press conference in his office that government has arranged adequate stock in meeting the farmers demand through proper management.
“We’ve taken precautionary measures…farmers won’t face fertilizer crisis in the peak season as we’ve all arrangements to meet fertilizer demand,” said the Minister.
The country is now heavily depended on import of fertilizer to meet the demand of major agricultural input as some fertilizer factories under the BCIC remain inoperative due persisting gas crisis. Tk 4,500 to 5,000 crore has been provided as subsidy on count of fertilizer import alone.
The amount was slightly lower (Tk 3,295 crore) lower than the subsidy given last year. It is because of decline in fertilizer price in the international market.
“Fertilizer demand always remains all-time high during the January-March period. We’ve set total demand of 12, 08,382 metric tons during the peck season. Of which, some 3, 35,000 MTs will be imported,” Barua said.
The government, however, planned to import 16.81 lakh metric tones of Urea during the current fiscal year through state-to-sate deals, international tenders and from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company (KAFCO), Bangladesh.
Some 4.81 lakh metric tones of Urea will be procured through international tenders, while 6 lakh metric tones each from KAFCO and through state-to-state deals (Qatar-3 lakh MT, KSA-2 lakh MT, UAE-1 lakh MT).
“Both supply and production of fertilizers remained normal and farmers would not face any fertilizer crisis in the coming Boro season,” he said.
Talking about progress of fertilizer import he said about 17,000 metric tons of urea reached the country and were being unloaded at Chittagong and Mongla ports. Another 2 lakh MT of fertilizers will arrive by November.
The government set a demand target of fertilizer at 28.31 lakh metric tons for the current year, showing a sharp drop in targeted demand compared to the previous year’s target, when it was 29.51 lakh metric tons. The demand target of TSP and DAP (diammonium phosphates) is 5.60 lakh metric tones and 3.40 lakh metric tones respectively.
He claimed that the farmers haven’t faced any fertilizer crisis during the tenure of the present government, and nobody has had to sacrifice their lives for fertilizer, as happened before.
The actual production of fertilizer producing units under the BCIC till October 25 stood at 1, 66,194 metric tones against total production target of 11.50 lakh metric tones.
END/UNB
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Faruk terms New Delhi visit fruitful, Duty-free access of more Bangladeshi products likely to Indian market
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 26 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan Tuesday hinted that an official announcement of India granting duty-free access of more Bangladeshi products to Indian market might come shortly, probably during Indian Premier Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka at the beginning of next year.
Terming his recent New Delhi visit fruitful, he said Dhaka got a number of decisions in its favor and expressed high hopes about expeditious implementation of the decisions.
“It’s a fruitful visit in all aspects. Prompt decisions came out through discussions, which will be mutually beneficial for both the countries. I hope its implementation will have the same speed,” he told reporters at a press conference in his ministry this noon.
Although the Commerce Minister considered the entire visit was ‘full of achievements’ he preferred to keep cotton import issue on top of the achievements as the country’s vast textile sector was in trouble due to Indian ban on its export to Bangladesh.
“We’ll get nearly 12.35 lakh bales of cotton this year that will start arriving here from November. The consignments include fresh Indian assurance of exporting some 11 lakh bales of cotton in addition to those already contracted,” Khan said.
Bangladesh usually import 55 lakh bales of cotton from international market every year with major import from Uzbekistan (40 lakh bales), 10 lakh bales from India and 5 lakh bales from other countries, he said.
Faruk said Bangladesh sought to import a quota of 20 lakh bales of cotton from India to get a permanent solution to the problem that appears in the textile sector due to cotton crisis.
“Similarly, we sought quota on food grains export to Bangladesh,” the Minister said adding that India-pledged 3 lakh tones of rice and 2 lakh tones of wheat that will soon arrive in the country.
He said the Indian authority assured him of bringing necessary amendments to the relevant laws to remove non-tariff barriers to importing jute bags from Bangladesh .
“The Indian commerce minister has assured me about the duty-free entry of more Bangladeshi products. Currently 480 items are on India ’s negative list. We demanded to cut 61, mostly textile items (47), from the negative list and we’ll get a positive response very soon,” Khan said.
For the interim period, the Indian government has agreed to allow Bangladesh to duty-free export of 8 million pieces of garment products in 2011 in addition to the pending 1.6 million pieces by December this year.
“The export will be unlimited once our demand for delisting 61 products from India’s negative list is realized,” he explained.
Faruk said Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma will be visiting Dhaka within next 2-3 months.
He had a 45-minute unscheduled meeting with Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the visit when he has been assured of quick implementation of the joint communique signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to new Delhi in January this year.
On border hat, the Minister said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mode of operation was signed during his visit and hoped that border trading would formally be launched in February next year.
He said 25 traders from each country will be allowed primarily in such hats with unlimited access of buyers. No passport but national identity card will be required there.
Meanwhile, a deal on ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ was also signed to allow trucks from India and Nepal in Bangladesh’s territory (within 200 kilometers) and Bangladesh’s trucks into Indian territory for loading and unloading goods from the warehouses, he said.
Faruk informed that Bangladesh might get BSTI accreditation by December and a team from India would visit Dhaka to inspect BSTI.
On the other hand, Bangladesh business leaders had one-to-one talks with the Indian traders and leaders of leading Indian chambers.
He said four MoUs were signed at that time. India’s SRS Group signed a MoU with Nitol Group to set up a packaging industry in Bangladesh with initial investment of Tk 400 crore.
Meanwhile, a MoU between Uttara Motors and Tata Motors was signed to provide technical training facilities to Bangladeshi people, he said.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 26 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan Tuesday hinted that an official announcement of India granting duty-free access of more Bangladeshi products to Indian market might come shortly, probably during Indian Premier Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka at the beginning of next year.
Terming his recent New Delhi visit fruitful, he said Dhaka got a number of decisions in its favor and expressed high hopes about expeditious implementation of the decisions.
“It’s a fruitful visit in all aspects. Prompt decisions came out through discussions, which will be mutually beneficial for both the countries. I hope its implementation will have the same speed,” he told reporters at a press conference in his ministry this noon.
Although the Commerce Minister considered the entire visit was ‘full of achievements’ he preferred to keep cotton import issue on top of the achievements as the country’s vast textile sector was in trouble due to Indian ban on its export to Bangladesh.
“We’ll get nearly 12.35 lakh bales of cotton this year that will start arriving here from November. The consignments include fresh Indian assurance of exporting some 11 lakh bales of cotton in addition to those already contracted,” Khan said.
Bangladesh usually import 55 lakh bales of cotton from international market every year with major import from Uzbekistan (40 lakh bales), 10 lakh bales from India and 5 lakh bales from other countries, he said.
Faruk said Bangladesh sought to import a quota of 20 lakh bales of cotton from India to get a permanent solution to the problem that appears in the textile sector due to cotton crisis.
“Similarly, we sought quota on food grains export to Bangladesh,” the Minister said adding that India-pledged 3 lakh tones of rice and 2 lakh tones of wheat that will soon arrive in the country.
He said the Indian authority assured him of bringing necessary amendments to the relevant laws to remove non-tariff barriers to importing jute bags from Bangladesh .
“The Indian commerce minister has assured me about the duty-free entry of more Bangladeshi products. Currently 480 items are on India ’s negative list. We demanded to cut 61, mostly textile items (47), from the negative list and we’ll get a positive response very soon,” Khan said.
For the interim period, the Indian government has agreed to allow Bangladesh to duty-free export of 8 million pieces of garment products in 2011 in addition to the pending 1.6 million pieces by December this year.
“The export will be unlimited once our demand for delisting 61 products from India’s negative list is realized,” he explained.
Faruk said Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma will be visiting Dhaka within next 2-3 months.
He had a 45-minute unscheduled meeting with Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the visit when he has been assured of quick implementation of the joint communique signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to new Delhi in January this year.
On border hat, the Minister said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mode of operation was signed during his visit and hoped that border trading would formally be launched in February next year.
He said 25 traders from each country will be allowed primarily in such hats with unlimited access of buyers. No passport but national identity card will be required there.
Meanwhile, a deal on ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ was also signed to allow trucks from India and Nepal in Bangladesh’s territory (within 200 kilometers) and Bangladesh’s trucks into Indian territory for loading and unloading goods from the warehouses, he said.
Faruk informed that Bangladesh might get BSTI accreditation by December and a team from India would visit Dhaka to inspect BSTI.
On the other hand, Bangladesh business leaders had one-to-one talks with the Indian traders and leaders of leading Indian chambers.
He said four MoUs were signed at that time. India’s SRS Group signed a MoU with Nitol Group to set up a packaging industry in Bangladesh with initial investment of Tk 400 crore.
Meanwhile, a MoU between Uttara Motors and Tata Motors was signed to provide technical training facilities to Bangladeshi people, he said.
END/UNB/
Indian company to invest Tk 400 crore to set up packaging industry in JV with Nitol Group
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 26 (UNB) - SRS Group, an Indian conglomerate with business interest in real estate, multiplexes, retail, jewelry, and food and beverages, will soon set up a packaging industry in Bangladesh under a joint venture with Nitol Group.
SRS Group has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nitol Group during the recent New Delhi visit of a Bangladesh business delegation led by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan.
“They’ll (SRS Group) invest Tk 400 crore to set up the packaging industry,” Chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group Abdul Matlub Ahmad told UNB over phone.
He said they are looking for a suitable site for the project to be implemented shortly. “We’ll prefer a site within 50 kilometers of either Dhaka-Chittagong or Dhaka-Sylhet highway.”
During the three-day visit, Bangladesh delegation had an interactive business meeting with Confederation of Indian Industries from which the joint venture project was initiated.
After addressing the local demand, the products of the packaging industry (JV) will be exported to India and other countries, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said while talking to journalists at the Commerce Ministry conference room on Tuesday.
Another MoU in private sector was also signed between Uttara Motors and TATA Motors during the visit, said Matlub, also president of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI).
“Under the agreement, TATA will take up a number of projects including assembling and manufacturing of mini-trucks and providing training facilities in the automobile sector,” he said.
END/UNB
Dhaka, Oct 26 (UNB) - SRS Group, an Indian conglomerate with business interest in real estate, multiplexes, retail, jewelry, and food and beverages, will soon set up a packaging industry in Bangladesh under a joint venture with Nitol Group.
SRS Group has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nitol Group during the recent New Delhi visit of a Bangladesh business delegation led by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan.
“They’ll (SRS Group) invest Tk 400 crore to set up the packaging industry,” Chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group Abdul Matlub Ahmad told UNB over phone.
He said they are looking for a suitable site for the project to be implemented shortly. “We’ll prefer a site within 50 kilometers of either Dhaka-Chittagong or Dhaka-Sylhet highway.”
During the three-day visit, Bangladesh delegation had an interactive business meeting with Confederation of Indian Industries from which the joint venture project was initiated.
After addressing the local demand, the products of the packaging industry (JV) will be exported to India and other countries, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said while talking to journalists at the Commerce Ministry conference room on Tuesday.
Another MoU in private sector was also signed between Uttara Motors and TATA Motors during the visit, said Matlub, also president of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI).
“Under the agreement, TATA will take up a number of projects including assembling and manufacturing of mini-trucks and providing training facilities in the automobile sector,” he said.
END/UNB
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 26 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan Tuesday hinted that an official announcement of India granting duty-free access of more Bangladeshi products to Indian market might come shortly, probably during Indian Premier Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka at the beginning of next year.
Terming his recent New Delhi visit fruitful, he said Dhaka got a number of decisions in its favor and expressed high hopes about expeditious implementation of the decisions.
“It’s a fruitful visit in all aspects. Prompt decisions came out through discussions, which will be mutually beneficial for both the countries. I hope its implementation will have the same speed,” he told reporters at a press conference in his ministry this noon.
Although the Commerce Minister considered the entire visit was ‘full of achievements’ he preferred to keep cotton import issue on top of the achievements as the country’s vast textile sector was in trouble due to Indian ban on its export to Bangladesh.
“We’ll get nearly 12.35 lakh bales of cotton this year that will start arriving here from November. The consignments include fresh Indian assurance of exporting some 11 lakh bales of cotton in addition to those already contracted,” Khan said.
Bangladesh usually import 55 lakh bales of cotton from international market every year with major import from Uzbekistan (40 lakh bales), 10 lakh bales from India and 5 lakh bales from other countries, he said.
Faruk said Bangladesh sought to import a quota of 20 lakh bales of cotton from India to get a permanent solution to the problem that appears in the textile sector due to cotton crisis.
“Similarly, we sought quota on food grains export to Bangladesh,” the Minister said adding that India-pledged 3 lakh tones of rice and 2 lakh tones of wheat that will soon arrive in the country.
He said the Indian authority assured him of bringing necessary amendments to the relevant laws to remove non-tariff barriers to importing jute bags from Bangladesh .
“The Indian commerce minister has assured me about the duty-free entry of more Bangladeshi products. Currently 480 items are on India ’s negative list. We demanded to cut 61, mostly textile items (47), from the negative list and we’ll get a positive response very soon,” Khan said.
For the interim period, the Indian government has agreed to allow Bangladesh to duty-free export of 8 million pieces of garment products in 2011 in addition to the pending 1.6 million pieces by December this year.
“The export will be unlimited once our demand for delisting 61 products from India’s negative list is realized,” he explained.
Faruk said Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma will be visiting Dhaka within next 2-3 months.
He had a 45-minute unscheduled meeting with Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the visit when he has been assured of quick implementation of the joint communique signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to new Delhi in January this year.
On border hat, the Minister said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mode of operation was signed during his visit and hoped that border trading would formally be launched in February next year.
He said 25 traders from each country will be allowed primarily in such hats with unlimited access of buyers. No passport but national identity card will be required there.
Meanwhile, a deal on ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ was also signed to allow trucks from India and Nepal in Bangladesh’s territory (within 200 kilometers) and Bangladesh’s trucks into Indian territory for loading and unloading goods from the warehouses, he said.
Faruk informed that Bangladesh might get BSTI accreditation by December and a team from India would visit Dhaka to inspect BSTI.
On the other hand, Bangladesh business leaders had one-to-one talks with the Indian traders and leaders of leading Indian chambers.
He said four MoUs were signed at that time. India’s SRS Group signed a MoU with Nitol Group to set up a packaging industry in Bangladesh with initial investment of Tk 400 crore.
Meanwhile, a MoU between Uttara Motors and Tata Motors was signed to provide technical training facilities to Bangladeshi people, he said.
END/UNB
Dhaka, Oct 26 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan Tuesday hinted that an official announcement of India granting duty-free access of more Bangladeshi products to Indian market might come shortly, probably during Indian Premier Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka at the beginning of next year.
Terming his recent New Delhi visit fruitful, he said Dhaka got a number of decisions in its favor and expressed high hopes about expeditious implementation of the decisions.
“It’s a fruitful visit in all aspects. Prompt decisions came out through discussions, which will be mutually beneficial for both the countries. I hope its implementation will have the same speed,” he told reporters at a press conference in his ministry this noon.
Although the Commerce Minister considered the entire visit was ‘full of achievements’ he preferred to keep cotton import issue on top of the achievements as the country’s vast textile sector was in trouble due to Indian ban on its export to Bangladesh.
“We’ll get nearly 12.35 lakh bales of cotton this year that will start arriving here from November. The consignments include fresh Indian assurance of exporting some 11 lakh bales of cotton in addition to those already contracted,” Khan said.
Bangladesh usually import 55 lakh bales of cotton from international market every year with major import from Uzbekistan (40 lakh bales), 10 lakh bales from India and 5 lakh bales from other countries, he said.
Faruk said Bangladesh sought to import a quota of 20 lakh bales of cotton from India to get a permanent solution to the problem that appears in the textile sector due to cotton crisis.
“Similarly, we sought quota on food grains export to Bangladesh,” the Minister said adding that India-pledged 3 lakh tones of rice and 2 lakh tones of wheat that will soon arrive in the country.
He said the Indian authority assured him of bringing necessary amendments to the relevant laws to remove non-tariff barriers to importing jute bags from Bangladesh .
“The Indian commerce minister has assured me about the duty-free entry of more Bangladeshi products. Currently 480 items are on India ’s negative list. We demanded to cut 61, mostly textile items (47), from the negative list and we’ll get a positive response very soon,” Khan said.
For the interim period, the Indian government has agreed to allow Bangladesh to duty-free export of 8 million pieces of garment products in 2011 in addition to the pending 1.6 million pieces by December this year.
“The export will be unlimited once our demand for delisting 61 products from India’s negative list is realized,” he explained.
Faruk said Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma will be visiting Dhaka within next 2-3 months.
He had a 45-minute unscheduled meeting with Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the visit when he has been assured of quick implementation of the joint communique signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to new Delhi in January this year.
On border hat, the Minister said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mode of operation was signed during his visit and hoped that border trading would formally be launched in February next year.
He said 25 traders from each country will be allowed primarily in such hats with unlimited access of buyers. No passport but national identity card will be required there.
Meanwhile, a deal on ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ was also signed to allow trucks from India and Nepal in Bangladesh’s territory (within 200 kilometers) and Bangladesh’s trucks into Indian territory for loading and unloading goods from the warehouses, he said.
Faruk informed that Bangladesh might get BSTI accreditation by December and a team from India would visit Dhaka to inspect BSTI.
On the other hand, Bangladesh business leaders had one-to-one talks with the Indian traders and leaders of leading Indian chambers.
He said four MoUs were signed at that time. India’s SRS Group signed a MoU with Nitol Group to set up a packaging industry in Bangladesh with initial investment of Tk 400 crore.
Meanwhile, a MoU between Uttara Motors and Tata Motors was signed to provide technical training facilities to Bangladeshi people, he said.
END/UNB
Thursday, October 21, 2010
23-member business delegation off to New Delhi; deals on border hats, trucks movement procedure to be inked on Oct 23
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 21 (UNB) – A 23-member business delegation led by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan left here for New Delhi Thursday afternoon seeking to forge closer, mutually beneficial economic ties with India to narrow the huge trade gap Bantgladesh suffers with its bigger neighbor.
Bangladesh will sign two agreements – one on border hats and another on ‘Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)’ for allowing plying of both countries’ trucks - on October 23 (Saturday), officials said.
The border hats, earlier scheduled to be launched on April 14 or Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, are likely to go into operation by December this year.
Initially, two places have been selected for the border hats, a common marketplace for both Bangladeshis and Indians to boost local business and trade between the two neighbors.
In the first phase, two border hats will be opened in Bangladesh - Lauarghar in Sunamganj and Baliamari in Kurigram district - along the international border while on the Indian side the border hats will be introduced at Kalaichar and Bala in Meghalaya.
The two countries had agreed to set up the border hats along their international border in the northeast early this year when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh expects something tangible in terms of trade and investment from the tour, said a member of the delegation.
The business delegation comprises seven government representatives from Bangladesh Land Ports Authority, National Board of Revenue, Foreign Ministry, Commerce Ministry and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) and 16 representatives from different business bodies.
The representatives from the business bodies include FBCCI president AK Azad, SAARC-CCI president Annisul Huq and India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) president Abdul Matlub Ahmed, FBCCI directors MA Momen and Abdul Hai Sarker, Bangladesh Finished Leather and Leatherwoods and Footwear Exporters Association President MA Rashid Bhuiyan, BGMEA Vice President Faruque Hossain, BKMEA Vice President AH Aslam Sunny and DCCI director Nessar Maksud Khan.
Commerce ministry sources said Bangladesh would emphasize on further reducing the negative list for access to Indian market, removal of complexities over cotton import from India, existing problems relating to jute bags export and how the Indian investment in Bangladesh can be boosted.
The delegation will return home on October 24.
A FBCCI press release says, during the visit, the business delegation will interact with the counterparts of India and raise the issue of enhancing Bangladesh’s export to India.
The delegation will meet Indian Commerce Minister, leaders of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry.
During the meeting with the Indian Chambers, the delegation would emphasis larger export from Bangladesh to reduce the huge trade gap between the two countries.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 21 (UNB) – A 23-member business delegation led by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan left here for New Delhi Thursday afternoon seeking to forge closer, mutually beneficial economic ties with India to narrow the huge trade gap Bantgladesh suffers with its bigger neighbor.
Bangladesh will sign two agreements – one on border hats and another on ‘Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)’ for allowing plying of both countries’ trucks - on October 23 (Saturday), officials said.
The border hats, earlier scheduled to be launched on April 14 or Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, are likely to go into operation by December this year.
Initially, two places have been selected for the border hats, a common marketplace for both Bangladeshis and Indians to boost local business and trade between the two neighbors.
In the first phase, two border hats will be opened in Bangladesh - Lauarghar in Sunamganj and Baliamari in Kurigram district - along the international border while on the Indian side the border hats will be introduced at Kalaichar and Bala in Meghalaya.
The two countries had agreed to set up the border hats along their international border in the northeast early this year when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh expects something tangible in terms of trade and investment from the tour, said a member of the delegation.
The business delegation comprises seven government representatives from Bangladesh Land Ports Authority, National Board of Revenue, Foreign Ministry, Commerce Ministry and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) and 16 representatives from different business bodies.
The representatives from the business bodies include FBCCI president AK Azad, SAARC-CCI president Annisul Huq and India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) president Abdul Matlub Ahmed, FBCCI directors MA Momen and Abdul Hai Sarker, Bangladesh Finished Leather and Leatherwoods and Footwear Exporters Association President MA Rashid Bhuiyan, BGMEA Vice President Faruque Hossain, BKMEA Vice President AH Aslam Sunny and DCCI director Nessar Maksud Khan.
Commerce ministry sources said Bangladesh would emphasize on further reducing the negative list for access to Indian market, removal of complexities over cotton import from India, existing problems relating to jute bags export and how the Indian investment in Bangladesh can be boosted.
The delegation will return home on October 24.
A FBCCI press release says, during the visit, the business delegation will interact with the counterparts of India and raise the issue of enhancing Bangladesh’s export to India.
The delegation will meet Indian Commerce Minister, leaders of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry.
During the meeting with the Indian Chambers, the delegation would emphasis larger export from Bangladesh to reduce the huge trade gap between the two countries.
END/UNB/
Cost of doing business increases for lack of infrastructure, limited use of ICT, absence of coordination: CPD Study
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 21 (UNB) – Despite generally business-friendly export and import processes in Bangladesh, it often takes too much trading time resulting in higher cost of doing business that poses a threat of losing competitiveness in global market, says a CPD study.
The survey-based study identified the bottlenecks as inadequate infrastructure in the port areas, lack of coordination among various actors involved in the business process, use of paper-based documents and limited use of ICT in the overall business process.
Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), a civil society think-tank, carried out the study - ‘Simplification of Trade Processes and Procedures in Bangladesh: Results from Business Process Analysis of Export and Import Procedures for Selected Commodities - which was presented at a dialogue on ‘Trade Promotion through Trade Facilitation’ held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city on Thursday.
CPD arranged the dialogue in collaboration with Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNet), UNESCAP.
Commerce Secretary M Golam Hossain was the chief guest while former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain the special guest at the dialogue chaired by CPD executive director Prof Mustafizur Rahman. Bangladesh Tariff Commission Joint Chief Dr Mostafa Abid Khan took part in the discussion.
The study presented by senior CPD research associate Syed Saifuddin Hossain showed that it takes 40 days to export RMG products to neighboring India through seaway and an exporter has to follow twelve steps in finalizing the export process.
Likewise, it takes 38 days if any exporter wants to export RMG products to India by land with the completion of ten steps. On the other hand, an exporter has to count 36.75 days to export shrimps to Japan through the completion of 12-step formalities.
However, it takes fewer days while importing cotton fabrics from India and sugar from Thailand, the study report shows. Ten days and less than nine days (9.5) are required to complete import process of cotton and sugar respectively.
The study recommended immediate automation of all customs houses, establishing a ‘single window’ so that all the actors involved in the business process can be brought under a single umbrella, development of infrastructure in port areas, expediting the process of issuing inspection certificates and strengthening collaboration between government and business chambers to ensure better business environment.
In his remarks on the presentation, Commerce Secretary M Golam Hossain said: “Export is doing well. Credit goes to the exporters and I admit the government’s role is very minimal.”
He said although the policy is there, its implementation and enforcement part is very weak
Speaking as special guest former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain said: “We’re stuck up everywhere…we need better coordination among various agencies.”
He said the country’s key seaport Chittagong is ill-managed which eats up valuable time. “Infrastructure has become a major issue…I say Chittagong port is ill-managed in terms of equipments. It increases cost of doing business and consumes too much time.”
Mir Nasir Hossain said if these issues are not addressed, Bangladesh might lose its competitiveness in global market. “Commerce Ministry should have a permanent set up to deal with trade issues.”
CPD executive director Prof Mustafizur Rahman said: “Bangladesh is doing well but there are a lot of things to do to remain competitive in global market.”
Earlier, Yann Duval of Trade and Investment Division of UNESCAP presented a paper on `Trade Facilitation: An Asia-Pacific Perspective’.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 21 (UNB) – Despite generally business-friendly export and import processes in Bangladesh, it often takes too much trading time resulting in higher cost of doing business that poses a threat of losing competitiveness in global market, says a CPD study.
The survey-based study identified the bottlenecks as inadequate infrastructure in the port areas, lack of coordination among various actors involved in the business process, use of paper-based documents and limited use of ICT in the overall business process.
Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), a civil society think-tank, carried out the study - ‘Simplification of Trade Processes and Procedures in Bangladesh: Results from Business Process Analysis of Export and Import Procedures for Selected Commodities - which was presented at a dialogue on ‘Trade Promotion through Trade Facilitation’ held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city on Thursday.
CPD arranged the dialogue in collaboration with Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNet), UNESCAP.
Commerce Secretary M Golam Hossain was the chief guest while former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain the special guest at the dialogue chaired by CPD executive director Prof Mustafizur Rahman. Bangladesh Tariff Commission Joint Chief Dr Mostafa Abid Khan took part in the discussion.
The study presented by senior CPD research associate Syed Saifuddin Hossain showed that it takes 40 days to export RMG products to neighboring India through seaway and an exporter has to follow twelve steps in finalizing the export process.
Likewise, it takes 38 days if any exporter wants to export RMG products to India by land with the completion of ten steps. On the other hand, an exporter has to count 36.75 days to export shrimps to Japan through the completion of 12-step formalities.
However, it takes fewer days while importing cotton fabrics from India and sugar from Thailand, the study report shows. Ten days and less than nine days (9.5) are required to complete import process of cotton and sugar respectively.
The study recommended immediate automation of all customs houses, establishing a ‘single window’ so that all the actors involved in the business process can be brought under a single umbrella, development of infrastructure in port areas, expediting the process of issuing inspection certificates and strengthening collaboration between government and business chambers to ensure better business environment.
In his remarks on the presentation, Commerce Secretary M Golam Hossain said: “Export is doing well. Credit goes to the exporters and I admit the government’s role is very minimal.”
He said although the policy is there, its implementation and enforcement part is very weak
Speaking as special guest former FBCCI president Mir Nasir Hossain said: “We’re stuck up everywhere…we need better coordination among various agencies.”
He said the country’s key seaport Chittagong is ill-managed which eats up valuable time. “Infrastructure has become a major issue…I say Chittagong port is ill-managed in terms of equipments. It increases cost of doing business and consumes too much time.”
Mir Nasir Hossain said if these issues are not addressed, Bangladesh might lose its competitiveness in global market. “Commerce Ministry should have a permanent set up to deal with trade issues.”
CPD executive director Prof Mustafizur Rahman said: “Bangladesh is doing well but there are a lot of things to do to remain competitive in global market.”
Earlier, Yann Duval of Trade and Investment Division of UNESCAP presented a paper on `Trade Facilitation: An Asia-Pacific Perspective’.
END/UNB/
Monday, October 18, 2010
Chemical Complex-Production Ctg Chemical Complex to resume production next year; nearly 500 people to get employment
UNN-13
AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Oct 15 (UNB) - Chittagong Chemical Complex, country’s only state-owned chemical factory, will not be able to resume production this year despite sincere efforts by the government.
The Chemical Complex, a subsidiary of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), located at Barabkundu of Sitakund upazila in Chittagong, was formally re-opened on April 24 last year by Industries Minister Dilip Barua after six years of closure.
The government, however, hopes that the Complex would go into production by the first quarter of the next year and necessary works to ready it for production will start by this year.
“We’re hopeful that it’ll go into production by the first quarter of next year and works to make it ready for production will start by this year,” Industries Minister Dilip Barua told UNB over phone.
Around 500 people will get job opportunity once the Chemical Complex becomes fully operational, he said.
Replying to a question, Barua said the committee formed to review technical and financial aspects of resuming production of the Chittagong Chemical Complex would submit its report within next week.
Earlier, a four-member committee was formed, as directed by Prime Minister, on May 3 to study technical and financial aspects for resuming production of the Complex. The committee led by Board of Investment (BoI) executive chairman SA Samad is yet to submit its report.
Two senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and one member from the Finance Ministry are working on it. The committee is reportedly preparing a report based on probable overall production, operation, evaluation of loss and profit, and possible market for the products.
The committee was given a 90-day deadline to submit its report to the Prime Minister but it failed to prepare the report within the deadline.
The chemicals to be produced at the Chittagong Chemical Complex will be used for fertilizer producing units including the under-process Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory.
Following a decision to privatize it, the BNP-Jamaat alliance government on December 15 in 2002 shut down the Chemical Complex which earlier produced high-quality caustic soda, liquid chlorine, hydrochloric acid, bleaching powder and calcium hydrochloride.
Consequently, all the 429 permanent and 200 temporary employees of the Complex had been laid off.
The plant built on 91.19 acres of land went into production in 1966 with its initial name - Chemical Private Industries Limited of Pakistan - and later it was renamed as Chittagong Chemical Complex in 1981.
According to official sources, it had an annual production of 7,000 tonnes of caustic soda, 4,600 tonnes of liquid chlorine, 7,000 tonnes of hydrochloric acid, 600 tonnes of bleaching powder and 2,400 tonnes of calcium hydrochloride.
The former Awami League government modernized the Chemical Complex in 1997 at a cost of Tk 1.12 billion with latest technology and equipped with environment-friendly devices.
The unit used to pay around Tk 4.5 to Tk 5 crore to the government exchequer as duty, taxes and VAT (value added tax).
The supply of basic chemical raw materials from the unit to other factories was suspended following the closure of the Chemical Complex. As a result, the BCIC was forced to import such chemicals to continue production in other plants owned by the state-owned Corporation.
END/UNB/
AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Oct 15 (UNB) - Chittagong Chemical Complex, country’s only state-owned chemical factory, will not be able to resume production this year despite sincere efforts by the government.
The Chemical Complex, a subsidiary of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), located at Barabkundu of Sitakund upazila in Chittagong, was formally re-opened on April 24 last year by Industries Minister Dilip Barua after six years of closure.
The government, however, hopes that the Complex would go into production by the first quarter of the next year and necessary works to ready it for production will start by this year.
“We’re hopeful that it’ll go into production by the first quarter of next year and works to make it ready for production will start by this year,” Industries Minister Dilip Barua told UNB over phone.
Around 500 people will get job opportunity once the Chemical Complex becomes fully operational, he said.
Replying to a question, Barua said the committee formed to review technical and financial aspects of resuming production of the Chittagong Chemical Complex would submit its report within next week.
Earlier, a four-member committee was formed, as directed by Prime Minister, on May 3 to study technical and financial aspects for resuming production of the Complex. The committee led by Board of Investment (BoI) executive chairman SA Samad is yet to submit its report.
Two senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and one member from the Finance Ministry are working on it. The committee is reportedly preparing a report based on probable overall production, operation, evaluation of loss and profit, and possible market for the products.
The committee was given a 90-day deadline to submit its report to the Prime Minister but it failed to prepare the report within the deadline.
The chemicals to be produced at the Chittagong Chemical Complex will be used for fertilizer producing units including the under-process Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory.
Following a decision to privatize it, the BNP-Jamaat alliance government on December 15 in 2002 shut down the Chemical Complex which earlier produced high-quality caustic soda, liquid chlorine, hydrochloric acid, bleaching powder and calcium hydrochloride.
Consequently, all the 429 permanent and 200 temporary employees of the Complex had been laid off.
The plant built on 91.19 acres of land went into production in 1966 with its initial name - Chemical Private Industries Limited of Pakistan - and later it was renamed as Chittagong Chemical Complex in 1981.
According to official sources, it had an annual production of 7,000 tonnes of caustic soda, 4,600 tonnes of liquid chlorine, 7,000 tonnes of hydrochloric acid, 600 tonnes of bleaching powder and 2,400 tonnes of calcium hydrochloride.
The former Awami League government modernized the Chemical Complex in 1997 at a cost of Tk 1.12 billion with latest technology and equipped with environment-friendly devices.
The unit used to pay around Tk 4.5 to Tk 5 crore to the government exchequer as duty, taxes and VAT (value added tax).
The supply of basic chemical raw materials from the unit to other factories was suspended following the closure of the Chemical Complex. As a result, the BCIC was forced to import such chemicals to continue production in other plants owned by the state-owned Corporation.
END/UNB/
Saturday, October 9, 2010
PM’s intervention sought to stabilize capital market through offloading SoE shares; DSE, CSE ask investors to invest carefully
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 9 (UNB) – In the backdrop of overvaluation of shares in the capital market, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Saturday asked the investors to invest carefully, sensing unexpected disorder in capital market.
“Price is too high. A share of Tk 500 is being sold at Tk 3000 which gives bad signals. We urge investors to protect their investments being careful in making further investment,” DSE president Md Shakil Rizvi told journalists at a joint press conference in the city hotel.
Md Shakil Rizvi and Fakhor Uddin Ali Ahmed, Presidents of the DSE and CSE respectively, sought Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s intervention to stabilize the volatile capital market by immediately offloading shares of state-owned enterprises (SoEs).
“The market is currently facing crisis of ‘good shares’…no significant company offloaded shares in the market this year and shares of SoEs should immediately be offloaded to protect the market from crumbling,” DSE boss Rizvi said.
He urged the Finance, Industries and Commerce Ministers to take steps for offloading shares of 26 SoEs in the capital market to keep the market vibrant.
“As a short term solution to the prevailing crisis, the government can offload 49 percent shares of the already enlisted companies which have currently offloaded up to 20 percent shares,” Rizvi suggested.
He observed that the capital market maintained steady growth over the last two years but all the achievements might go in vain if timely steps are not taken.
CSE President Fakhor Uddin Ali Ahmed said: “We’re observing with concern that some shares are being overvalued even though their financial base is weak, at this stage investors will have to invest carefully and consciously.”
He said the inadequacy of shares in the market is the key reason behind this, and the government will have to take the responsibility if the capital market is thrown into any disarray.
“We need strong regulation to avert any disarray…Security Exchange Commission (SEC) should increase its workforce to ensure strong monitoring over the market,” the CSE president said.
He emphasized cooperation among the DSE, CSE and SEC to ensure a vibrant capital market and bring back discipline in trading.
Fakhor Uddin also urged the authorities concerned to simplify trading of the OTC (over the counter) market.
However, none of the presidents specified who are the players behind the volatile capital market but pledged to find out the people who are making DSE, CSE and SEC controversial.
They said they would remain alert so that no company having weak financial base can enter into the capital market by capitalizing on the current crisis.
DSE senior vice president M Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, vice president M Rafiqul Islam and board of directors of both the stock exchanges were present at the press conference.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 9 (UNB) – In the backdrop of overvaluation of shares in the capital market, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Saturday asked the investors to invest carefully, sensing unexpected disorder in capital market.
“Price is too high. A share of Tk 500 is being sold at Tk 3000 which gives bad signals. We urge investors to protect their investments being careful in making further investment,” DSE president Md Shakil Rizvi told journalists at a joint press conference in the city hotel.
Md Shakil Rizvi and Fakhor Uddin Ali Ahmed, Presidents of the DSE and CSE respectively, sought Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s intervention to stabilize the volatile capital market by immediately offloading shares of state-owned enterprises (SoEs).
“The market is currently facing crisis of ‘good shares’…no significant company offloaded shares in the market this year and shares of SoEs should immediately be offloaded to protect the market from crumbling,” DSE boss Rizvi said.
He urged the Finance, Industries and Commerce Ministers to take steps for offloading shares of 26 SoEs in the capital market to keep the market vibrant.
“As a short term solution to the prevailing crisis, the government can offload 49 percent shares of the already enlisted companies which have currently offloaded up to 20 percent shares,” Rizvi suggested.
He observed that the capital market maintained steady growth over the last two years but all the achievements might go in vain if timely steps are not taken.
CSE President Fakhor Uddin Ali Ahmed said: “We’re observing with concern that some shares are being overvalued even though their financial base is weak, at this stage investors will have to invest carefully and consciously.”
He said the inadequacy of shares in the market is the key reason behind this, and the government will have to take the responsibility if the capital market is thrown into any disarray.
“We need strong regulation to avert any disarray…Security Exchange Commission (SEC) should increase its workforce to ensure strong monitoring over the market,” the CSE president said.
He emphasized cooperation among the DSE, CSE and SEC to ensure a vibrant capital market and bring back discipline in trading.
Fakhor Uddin also urged the authorities concerned to simplify trading of the OTC (over the counter) market.
However, none of the presidents specified who are the players behind the volatile capital market but pledged to find out the people who are making DSE, CSE and SEC controversial.
They said they would remain alert so that no company having weak financial base can enter into the capital market by capitalizing on the current crisis.
DSE senior vice president M Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, vice president M Rafiqul Islam and board of directors of both the stock exchanges were present at the press conference.
END/UNB/
Commerce Minister to lead 22-member business delegation to New Delhi on Oct 20; Agreement on border `hat’ likely to be signed on Oct 21
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 8 (UNB) – Amid recent diplomatic breakthrough on trade issues with India, a Bangladesh business delegation led by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan will leave here New Delhi on October 20 on a four-day visit aiming at closer, mutually beneficial economic ties.
Discussions during the visit are likely to dominate a number of issues including formal inauguration of border `hat’ (market), removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, duty-free access to Indian market, further reduction of the number of items from India’s negative list, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and investment, officials said.
Meanwhile, a number of deals relating to investment, border `hat’ and removal of trade barriers are likely to be inked during the visit.
Leaders of the FBCCI, BGMEA, DCCI, BKMEA, MCCI, CCCI, IBCCI and other business bodies are included in the 22-member delegation who will visit New Delhi.
Talking to UNB over phone, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said the agenda of the discussion is yet to be finalized.
“There are four to five major agenda…Right now I can’t tell you specifically but a final agreement regarding border `hat’ will be signed during the visit,” he said.
Faruk Khan said he would return home by road via Guwahati to see the exact condition of the road communication.
Replying to a question, he said he will brief the media with the entire delegation before leaving for New Delhi, most likely between October 10 and 12.
India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) president Abdul Matlub Ahmed said Bangladesh would emphasize on further reducing the negative list for access to Indian market, existing problems relating to sale of jute bag with `Made in Bangladesh’ seal and how the Indian investment in Bangladesh can be boosted.
He hinted that the final agreement on border `hat’, which will be a common marketplace for both Bangladeshis and Indians to boost local business and trade between the two close neighbors, would be signed on October 21.
The two countries had agreed to set up border `hat’ along their international border in the northeast when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India in January this year.
Border `hat’ was earlier scheduled to be launched on April 14 or Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year.
Dhaka finally agreed to sign the proposed agreement on border `hat’ after New Delhi had assured of non-imposition of any local tax on Bangladeshi products.
According to the final draft of the agreement, an individual will not be able to trade above US$50 at the border `hat’ and the trading should be conducted in the currencies of both Bangladesh and India.
The negotiated draft agreement said a committee comprising government officials and officers of border security forces of the two nations will manage the markets and will sit periodically to review its operations.
Two border `hat’ will be opened in the first phase - one in Sunamganj district and another in Kurigram district - along the international border.
The commodities to be traded in these 'hat' will include locally produced agriculture and horticulture products, spices, minor forest products excluding timber, fresh and dry fish, dairy and poultry products, wooden furniture and cane products, handloom and handicraft items.
The hat will operate from a place within 1.5 km radius on both sides of the border under close supervision of the border guards and customs officials of the two countries.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 8 (UNB) – Amid recent diplomatic breakthrough on trade issues with India, a Bangladesh business delegation led by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan will leave here New Delhi on October 20 on a four-day visit aiming at closer, mutually beneficial economic ties.
Discussions during the visit are likely to dominate a number of issues including formal inauguration of border `hat’ (market), removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, duty-free access to Indian market, further reduction of the number of items from India’s negative list, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and investment, officials said.
Meanwhile, a number of deals relating to investment, border `hat’ and removal of trade barriers are likely to be inked during the visit.
Leaders of the FBCCI, BGMEA, DCCI, BKMEA, MCCI, CCCI, IBCCI and other business bodies are included in the 22-member delegation who will visit New Delhi.
Talking to UNB over phone, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said the agenda of the discussion is yet to be finalized.
“There are four to five major agenda…Right now I can’t tell you specifically but a final agreement regarding border `hat’ will be signed during the visit,” he said.
Faruk Khan said he would return home by road via Guwahati to see the exact condition of the road communication.
Replying to a question, he said he will brief the media with the entire delegation before leaving for New Delhi, most likely between October 10 and 12.
India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) president Abdul Matlub Ahmed said Bangladesh would emphasize on further reducing the negative list for access to Indian market, existing problems relating to sale of jute bag with `Made in Bangladesh’ seal and how the Indian investment in Bangladesh can be boosted.
He hinted that the final agreement on border `hat’, which will be a common marketplace for both Bangladeshis and Indians to boost local business and trade between the two close neighbors, would be signed on October 21.
The two countries had agreed to set up border `hat’ along their international border in the northeast when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India in January this year.
Border `hat’ was earlier scheduled to be launched on April 14 or Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year.
Dhaka finally agreed to sign the proposed agreement on border `hat’ after New Delhi had assured of non-imposition of any local tax on Bangladeshi products.
According to the final draft of the agreement, an individual will not be able to trade above US$50 at the border `hat’ and the trading should be conducted in the currencies of both Bangladesh and India.
The negotiated draft agreement said a committee comprising government officials and officers of border security forces of the two nations will manage the markets and will sit periodically to review its operations.
Two border `hat’ will be opened in the first phase - one in Sunamganj district and another in Kurigram district - along the international border.
The commodities to be traded in these 'hat' will include locally produced agriculture and horticulture products, spices, minor forest products excluding timber, fresh and dry fish, dairy and poultry products, wooden furniture and cane products, handloom and handicraft items.
The hat will operate from a place within 1.5 km radius on both sides of the border under close supervision of the border guards and customs officials of the two countries.
END/UNB/
Thursday, October 7, 2010
New pay for RMG workers to be effective from Nov 1: Labour Minister He asks RMG workers not to be misguided by NGOs; refrain from destructive acts
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 7 (UNB) – The new wage structure for garment workers that was announced on July 29 will come into effect from November 1 at any cost, Labour, Employment and Expatriate Welfare Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain said Thursday.
“We’ll sit before the end of this month with representatives of all the parties involved in the wage board to settle the objections, if any…but the new wage structure will be implemented from November 1,” he said at a function at BGMEA auditorium.
Minister Mosharraf also asked the garment workers to refrain from street demonstration, vandalism, creating anarchy and arson being misguided by NGOs.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) arranged the function to mark the inauguration of the world class Testing Laboratory for the RMG sector, distribution of group insurance cheques among family members of the deceased workers and cheques of stipend among the meritorious students of RMG workers.
Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Employment and Expatriate Welfare Ministry M Israfil Alam, General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Inditex SA, Antonio Abril Abadin and Spanish Ambassador Arturo Manuel Perez Martinze, among others, attended the function chaired by BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy.
The Minister urged both owners and workers to ensure sound environment in the promising garment industry by shunning the path of conflict.
“Let’s say, we won’t stay in confrontational position, the government is ready to settle the problems as third party…crisis management units are also there to look into any problem,” he said.
Mosarraf, however, warned that the government would be harsh if anybody approaches with ‘unjustified’ demand or if any negligence of owner is found in fulfilling workers’ demands.
He said the RMG sector is playing significant role in country’s economy with the contribution of 76-80 percent of total foreign earnings.
“Some 80 percent workforces of this sector are female and it sounds good that there is no child labour in this sector,” he said.
BGMEA president Murshedi sought cooperation from all especially from buyers in improving living standard of the workers. “Apart from the owners, the buyers have equal responsibility to ensure better lifestyle of workers.”
Antonio Abril said: “Our company is really proud of contributing to Bangladesh’s RMG sector…we’ve firm commitment to this country for its economic development.”
Spanish Ambassador Arturo Manuel Perez Martinze said: “We’ve been in close cooperation with Bangladesh and this cooperation will continue in the years to come.”
Later, the Minister distributed cheques of group insurance and stipends.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 7 (UNB) – The new wage structure for garment workers that was announced on July 29 will come into effect from November 1 at any cost, Labour, Employment and Expatriate Welfare Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain said Thursday.
“We’ll sit before the end of this month with representatives of all the parties involved in the wage board to settle the objections, if any…but the new wage structure will be implemented from November 1,” he said at a function at BGMEA auditorium.
Minister Mosharraf also asked the garment workers to refrain from street demonstration, vandalism, creating anarchy and arson being misguided by NGOs.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) arranged the function to mark the inauguration of the world class Testing Laboratory for the RMG sector, distribution of group insurance cheques among family members of the deceased workers and cheques of stipend among the meritorious students of RMG workers.
Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Employment and Expatriate Welfare Ministry M Israfil Alam, General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Inditex SA, Antonio Abril Abadin and Spanish Ambassador Arturo Manuel Perez Martinze, among others, attended the function chaired by BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy.
The Minister urged both owners and workers to ensure sound environment in the promising garment industry by shunning the path of conflict.
“Let’s say, we won’t stay in confrontational position, the government is ready to settle the problems as third party…crisis management units are also there to look into any problem,” he said.
Mosarraf, however, warned that the government would be harsh if anybody approaches with ‘unjustified’ demand or if any negligence of owner is found in fulfilling workers’ demands.
He said the RMG sector is playing significant role in country’s economy with the contribution of 76-80 percent of total foreign earnings.
“Some 80 percent workforces of this sector are female and it sounds good that there is no child labour in this sector,” he said.
BGMEA president Murshedi sought cooperation from all especially from buyers in improving living standard of the workers. “Apart from the owners, the buyers have equal responsibility to ensure better lifestyle of workers.”
Antonio Abril said: “Our company is really proud of contributing to Bangladesh’s RMG sector…we’ve firm commitment to this country for its economic development.”
Spanish Ambassador Arturo Manuel Perez Martinze said: “We’ve been in close cooperation with Bangladesh and this cooperation will continue in the years to come.”
Later, the Minister distributed cheques of group insurance and stipends.
END/UNB/
BGMEA, Spain-based Inditex jointly set up testing lab for RMG sector; It’ll reduce testing cost significantly, hopes BGMEA president
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 7 (UNB) – Country’s major export earning RMG sector is set to get an international standard laboratory for testing chemicals and dyes used in RMG products destined for export, which is expected to cut cost of testing significantly.
Inditex, a Spain-based group, whose success and unique business model based on innovation and flexibility have made it one of the biggest fashion retailers in the world, is providing technical support to set up the testing lab here jointly with the BGMEA.
Earlier, BGMEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inditex in Spain on April 29 this year for setting up the laboratory.
First Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Inditex Group Pablo Isla Álvarez de Tejera and BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy signed the MoU for their respective sides.
Talking to UNB, BGMEA President Murshedy said: “We’ve already made the infrastructure for the Lab ready… process of appointing technical persons and installing machinery is on.”
Replying to a question, he said they would be able to provide Lab services to all RMG manufacturing units having the BGMEA membership within next two to three months.
“The RMG units have to spend lot of money for Lab tests…the cost of such tests would decrease significantly once the laboratory comes into operation. We’re here to provide services only, not to make profit,” said the BGMEA president.
He informed that five percent of the Lab’s income would be spent for the welfare of the RMG workers.
The first floor of the BGMEA Bhaban has been selected for the Laboratory considering easy access to its service seekers.
Labour, Employment and Expatriate Welfare Minister Engr Khandker Mosharraf Hossain today (Thursday) formally inaugurated the under-installation laboratory.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Employment and Expatriate Welfare Ministry M Israfil Alam, General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Inditex SA Antonio Abril Abadin, Spanish Ambassador in Dhaka Arturo Manuel Perez Martinze, and BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy were present.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Oct 7 (UNB) – Country’s major export earning RMG sector is set to get an international standard laboratory for testing chemicals and dyes used in RMG products destined for export, which is expected to cut cost of testing significantly.
Inditex, a Spain-based group, whose success and unique business model based on innovation and flexibility have made it one of the biggest fashion retailers in the world, is providing technical support to set up the testing lab here jointly with the BGMEA.
Earlier, BGMEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inditex in Spain on April 29 this year for setting up the laboratory.
First Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Inditex Group Pablo Isla Álvarez de Tejera and BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy signed the MoU for their respective sides.
Talking to UNB, BGMEA President Murshedy said: “We’ve already made the infrastructure for the Lab ready… process of appointing technical persons and installing machinery is on.”
Replying to a question, he said they would be able to provide Lab services to all RMG manufacturing units having the BGMEA membership within next two to three months.
“The RMG units have to spend lot of money for Lab tests…the cost of such tests would decrease significantly once the laboratory comes into operation. We’re here to provide services only, not to make profit,” said the BGMEA president.
He informed that five percent of the Lab’s income would be spent for the welfare of the RMG workers.
The first floor of the BGMEA Bhaban has been selected for the Laboratory considering easy access to its service seekers.
Labour, Employment and Expatriate Welfare Minister Engr Khandker Mosharraf Hossain today (Thursday) formally inaugurated the under-installation laboratory.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Employment and Expatriate Welfare Ministry M Israfil Alam, General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Inditex SA Antonio Abril Abadin, Spanish Ambassador in Dhaka Arturo Manuel Perez Martinze, and BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy were present.
END/UNB/
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Stern action to be taken against anyone found mixing urea with sugar: Barua
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 3 (UNB) – The government will take stern action under the existing laws against anyone found mixing urea with sugar, Industries Minister Dilip Barua told Parliament Sunday.
“BSTI has been instructed to collect sample of both packed and unpacked sugar of a number of brands from the open market to carry out test in the laboratories to identify whether any chemical has been mixed with sugar,” he said replying to a question of Hossain Mokbul Shahriar (Jatiya Party-Rangpur).
The Industries Minister said no such case of adulteration has been detected so far. “But the government is considering the matter with due importance,” he said and thanked the lawmaker for raising such an important question.
He also informed the House that Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) is investigating the allegation of mixing urea with sugar.
“Even if any organization of BSFIC’s marketing network is found involved, action will be taken against them as well,” Barua said.
Replying to a question of ABM Abul Kasem (AL-Chittagong), he said most of the works for Chittagong Chemical Complex to resume its operation have been completed.
The Industries Minister said that there is no sick industry under the Ministry of Industries.
Replying to a question of Sukumar Ranjan Ghosh, he said the government formed a high-level committee to make the Chittagong Chemical Complex re-operational.
“We’ve also taken steps to modernize the losing sugar mills,” Barua said.
He said the Industries Ministry has taken an initiative to make a list of sick industries in the private sector.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Oct 3 (UNB) – The government will take stern action under the existing laws against anyone found mixing urea with sugar, Industries Minister Dilip Barua told Parliament Sunday.
“BSTI has been instructed to collect sample of both packed and unpacked sugar of a number of brands from the open market to carry out test in the laboratories to identify whether any chemical has been mixed with sugar,” he said replying to a question of Hossain Mokbul Shahriar (Jatiya Party-Rangpur).
The Industries Minister said no such case of adulteration has been detected so far. “But the government is considering the matter with due importance,” he said and thanked the lawmaker for raising such an important question.
He also informed the House that Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) is investigating the allegation of mixing urea with sugar.
“Even if any organization of BSFIC’s marketing network is found involved, action will be taken against them as well,” Barua said.
Replying to a question of ABM Abul Kasem (AL-Chittagong), he said most of the works for Chittagong Chemical Complex to resume its operation have been completed.
The Industries Minister said that there is no sick industry under the Ministry of Industries.
Replying to a question of Sukumar Ranjan Ghosh, he said the government formed a high-level committee to make the Chittagong Chemical Complex re-operational.
“We’ve also taken steps to modernize the losing sugar mills,” Barua said.
He said the Industries Ministry has taken an initiative to make a list of sick industries in the private sector.
END/UNB/AKM/
Developing good relations with China right choice for Bangladesh, Dilip Barua tells Xinhua
By AKM Moinuddin (Xinhua)
Dhaka, Oct 3 (UNB) - The relationship between China and Bangladesh has maintained steady development and the future of cooperation between the two countries will be very bright, Industries Minister Dilip Barua told news agency Xinhua.
“The relations will be bright years after years…developing good relations with China is the right choice for Bangladesh,” he said during an interview here ahead of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, which falls on October 4.
Barua said the successive governments of Bangladesh are very much interested to develop and promote the relationship with China.
“Whichever government comes, they have to make good relations with China, because through our experiences, China is a dependent friend.”
Bangladesh appreciates the foreign policy of the Chinese government, he said, adding: “…China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries, whatever the system of the country is.”
“That is the beauty of the Chinese government which is led by the Communist Party of China,” added Barua, also the general secretary of Samyabadi Dal (M-L).
Highly praising the great economic achievement China has made over the last few decades, he said: “In the context of economic development, not only me but people of Bangladesh also think Chinese economic development is a miracle.”
He said during the recent global economic meltdown, many western countries have been attacked and prevented from developing their economy. But China still maintains a bit higher economic growth.
He appreciated the ability of the Chinese leaders in dealing with the economic crisis.
Barua said since the diplomatic relationship was established on October 4, 1975, China and Bangladesh have had many successful cooperation in many areas including diplomacy, economy, culture and defense.
He believed that the cooperation between the two countries will be further promoted and strengthened with the joint efforts of the two governments.
He said the present Bangladesh government has given high importance to developing the relations with China since it took office in January 2009.
Barua said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sincerely believes in `One China’ policy. “She always tries to advocate that China is our dependable friend.”
He said the successful visits by Hasina to China and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping to Bangladesh this year have pushed the relationship between the two countries to a new level.
The Industries Minister said during her visit to Beijing, Hasina invited China to help Bangladesh build a deep-sea port in the Bay of Bengal and she also expressed the desire to make the road link between Bangladesh and China through Myanmar, which will bring economic benefit for both countries.
“With the multinational connectivity, our people to people relations will also be strengthened.”
He said China is successful because they have a good leadership which takes people's interest as priority. “Chinese leadership always tries to do not for themselves, but for the interest of the common people and the country. This is a very important thing.”
Barua said the leaders of Bangladesh should learn from the Chinese leaders - their pragmatism and their philosophy of working for the people. “It is a good lesson for Bangladesh as well as the world.”
With his own experience of visiting China over a dozen times since 1987, Barua thinks developing good relations with China is the right choice for Bangladesh.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Oct 3 (UNB) - The relationship between China and Bangladesh has maintained steady development and the future of cooperation between the two countries will be very bright, Industries Minister Dilip Barua told news agency Xinhua.
“The relations will be bright years after years…developing good relations with China is the right choice for Bangladesh,” he said during an interview here ahead of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, which falls on October 4.
Barua said the successive governments of Bangladesh are very much interested to develop and promote the relationship with China.
“Whichever government comes, they have to make good relations with China, because through our experiences, China is a dependent friend.”
Bangladesh appreciates the foreign policy of the Chinese government, he said, adding: “…China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries, whatever the system of the country is.”
“That is the beauty of the Chinese government which is led by the Communist Party of China,” added Barua, also the general secretary of Samyabadi Dal (M-L).
Highly praising the great economic achievement China has made over the last few decades, he said: “In the context of economic development, not only me but people of Bangladesh also think Chinese economic development is a miracle.”
He said during the recent global economic meltdown, many western countries have been attacked and prevented from developing their economy. But China still maintains a bit higher economic growth.
He appreciated the ability of the Chinese leaders in dealing with the economic crisis.
Barua said since the diplomatic relationship was established on October 4, 1975, China and Bangladesh have had many successful cooperation in many areas including diplomacy, economy, culture and defense.
He believed that the cooperation between the two countries will be further promoted and strengthened with the joint efforts of the two governments.
He said the present Bangladesh government has given high importance to developing the relations with China since it took office in January 2009.
Barua said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sincerely believes in `One China’ policy. “She always tries to advocate that China is our dependable friend.”
He said the successful visits by Hasina to China and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping to Bangladesh this year have pushed the relationship between the two countries to a new level.
The Industries Minister said during her visit to Beijing, Hasina invited China to help Bangladesh build a deep-sea port in the Bay of Bengal and she also expressed the desire to make the road link between Bangladesh and China through Myanmar, which will bring economic benefit for both countries.
“With the multinational connectivity, our people to people relations will also be strengthened.”
He said China is successful because they have a good leadership which takes people's interest as priority. “Chinese leadership always tries to do not for themselves, but for the interest of the common people and the country. This is a very important thing.”
Barua said the leaders of Bangladesh should learn from the Chinese leaders - their pragmatism and their philosophy of working for the people. “It is a good lesson for Bangladesh as well as the world.”
With his own experience of visiting China over a dozen times since 1987, Barua thinks developing good relations with China is the right choice for Bangladesh.
END/UNB/AKM/
BB governor favors inflation up to certain level to encourage growth; Subsidized credit at 2% interest for farmers to cultivate pulse, oilseeds,spices
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 3 (UNB) – Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Atiur Rahman on Sunday favored inflation to a certain level for encouraging growth but expressed concern over food inflation.
“To encourage growth, we’ll have to tolerate inflation a bit…growth may be hampered if we go hard in containing inflation but we’re still worried over food inflation,” he said addressing the luncheon meeting of France-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) held at Hotel Sheraton in the city.
Dr Atiur made a multi-media presentation on ‘Role of Monetary Policy in Enhancing Inclusive Growth’ at the meeting chaired by CCIFB president Shah Sayed Kamal.
CCIFB Vice President Humayun Rashid and director Rifat Rashid, among others, also addressed the meeting.
Considering Monetary Policy as an important tool of growth, Dr Atiur said Bangladesh set a target of 8 percent growth by 2015 and 10 percent by 2021. He thinks the growth is achievable but sees energy and infrastructure as major challenges to reach the objectives.
“Since liberation war, Bangladesh has remarkably raised its per capita income four-fold and if such trend continues, Bangladesh will undoubtedly enter into the club of middle-income country soon,” he said.
The BB governor said Bangladesh is a well-capped secret which has lot of success stories to tell. “By nature, we always focus our failures much keeping the success stories untold.”
Sharing the government’s plan to improve the financial condition of farmers and bring prices of some essential commodities at tolerable level, he said: “We’re offering subsidized credit at 2 percent interest for the farmers to cultivate pulses, oilseeds and spices.”
Talking about the rising trend of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Dr Atiur said the FDI is largely redirected to Bangladesh from different countries in recent days despite global meltdown.
“The FDI are being diverted to Bangladesh from different countries…it’s a good sign and now we need to ensure energy and infrastructure to make the flow of FDI sustainable,” he said.
In his presentation, the BB governor showed how the export turned into positive growth coming out from the deep negative in the last fiscal.
On the issue of the development of banking sector, he said Bangladesh will soon have a ‘national switch’ to popularize e-commerce to get benefit of modern banking system.
He also said the central bank would turn into a fully automated body dumping paper-based documentation process. “We’ll soon turn into paper-less documentation body…everything will be done electronically…we’ve started following this partially.”
Justifying the Bangladesh Bank decision over buying gold recently from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr Atiur said: “We’re indeed lucky…gold price goes up and the government made profit worth over US$ 25 million in few days.”
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Oct 3 (UNB) – Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Atiur Rahman on Sunday favored inflation to a certain level for encouraging growth but expressed concern over food inflation.
“To encourage growth, we’ll have to tolerate inflation a bit…growth may be hampered if we go hard in containing inflation but we’re still worried over food inflation,” he said addressing the luncheon meeting of France-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) held at Hotel Sheraton in the city.
Dr Atiur made a multi-media presentation on ‘Role of Monetary Policy in Enhancing Inclusive Growth’ at the meeting chaired by CCIFB president Shah Sayed Kamal.
CCIFB Vice President Humayun Rashid and director Rifat Rashid, among others, also addressed the meeting.
Considering Monetary Policy as an important tool of growth, Dr Atiur said Bangladesh set a target of 8 percent growth by 2015 and 10 percent by 2021. He thinks the growth is achievable but sees energy and infrastructure as major challenges to reach the objectives.
“Since liberation war, Bangladesh has remarkably raised its per capita income four-fold and if such trend continues, Bangladesh will undoubtedly enter into the club of middle-income country soon,” he said.
The BB governor said Bangladesh is a well-capped secret which has lot of success stories to tell. “By nature, we always focus our failures much keeping the success stories untold.”
Sharing the government’s plan to improve the financial condition of farmers and bring prices of some essential commodities at tolerable level, he said: “We’re offering subsidized credit at 2 percent interest for the farmers to cultivate pulses, oilseeds and spices.”
Talking about the rising trend of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Dr Atiur said the FDI is largely redirected to Bangladesh from different countries in recent days despite global meltdown.
“The FDI are being diverted to Bangladesh from different countries…it’s a good sign and now we need to ensure energy and infrastructure to make the flow of FDI sustainable,” he said.
In his presentation, the BB governor showed how the export turned into positive growth coming out from the deep negative in the last fiscal.
On the issue of the development of banking sector, he said Bangladesh will soon have a ‘national switch’ to popularize e-commerce to get benefit of modern banking system.
He also said the central bank would turn into a fully automated body dumping paper-based documentation process. “We’ll soon turn into paper-less documentation body…everything will be done electronically…we’ve started following this partially.”
Justifying the Bangladesh Bank decision over buying gold recently from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr Atiur said: “We’re indeed lucky…gold price goes up and the government made profit worth over US$ 25 million in few days.”
END/UNB/AKM/
Govt to evict all makeshift shops from capital’s footpaths from Nov 1; no doubt over timely start of Padma Bridge construction work:Com Minister
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Oct 2 (UNB) – Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain today reiterated that the Padma Bridge would be constructed by the current tenure of the government and there is no doubt over the timely start of the work in next few months.
“We’ve progressed much through completion of land acquisition, bridge design and managing fund for the project …People will see work of the project from next year,” he said while addressing a seminar at DCCI conference hall.
Hosain said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself is very sincere to implement the project on time, which will boost GDP growth by 1.3 percent.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) arranged the seminar on “National Communication Infrastructure: Role of Private Sector” where experts, engineers and business leaders taking part suggested for better roads and railway communication system in the country.
Replying to queries from the participants the Minister said the government has taken a bold step to remove all makeshift shops from Dhaka’s footpaths for proper utilization of walkways.
“The drive will start from November 1 and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) authority has already been instructed to clear the footpaths in the city,” he said.
In response to a query on government’s plan to ensure hassle-free bus journey within the capital he said more than 1,000 buses would soon but gradually pressed into the city. The buses are being imported from China, Korea and India.
“Some 300 buses will be imported from Korea, 650 busses from India and 175 buses from China,” Minister Hossain said urging the businessmen to reduce dependence on use of cars that largely contribute to the traffic jam.
He said the government has been trying its best to keep Dhaka city free from traffic congestion. A number of projects including elevated expressway has been take up to remove the traffic jam. He assured that the projects would not be conflicting to each other.
Touching the neglected railway sector he viewed that it had been destroyed in the seven-year tenure of BNP-Jamaat government and caretaker government when not a single project was implemented for its development or maintenance.
“We’ve taken massive programs at a cost of Tk 6,000 crore for the development of railway sector that include purchase of locomotive and passenger coaches,” he said and added orders to procure them from abroad in most cases have already been placed. It is expected people would shortly get benefit of the improved railway communication.
On commuter service he said the government is actively considering introducing train services on Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Narayanganj routes. This will reduce the pressure on roads.
“Meanwhile, he said overpass or underpass in every important point where traffic jam is severe are being constructed,” he said.
The Communications Minister invited the business leaders to join hands with the government if they are interested to build any overpass or underpass in Dhaka. “I’ll ensure approval from the government if you come up with proposals,” he said.
DCCI president Abul Kashem Khan, Institute of Development Strategy Chairman Mustafizur Rahman, coordinating director of National Communication, Transportation and Infrastructure Development Waliur Rahman, Khairul Majid Mahmood and Shahjahan Khan took part in the nearly 4-hour lengthy discussion.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Oct 2 (UNB) – Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain today reiterated that the Padma Bridge would be constructed by the current tenure of the government and there is no doubt over the timely start of the work in next few months.
“We’ve progressed much through completion of land acquisition, bridge design and managing fund for the project …People will see work of the project from next year,” he said while addressing a seminar at DCCI conference hall.
Hosain said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself is very sincere to implement the project on time, which will boost GDP growth by 1.3 percent.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) arranged the seminar on “National Communication Infrastructure: Role of Private Sector” where experts, engineers and business leaders taking part suggested for better roads and railway communication system in the country.
Replying to queries from the participants the Minister said the government has taken a bold step to remove all makeshift shops from Dhaka’s footpaths for proper utilization of walkways.
“The drive will start from November 1 and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) authority has already been instructed to clear the footpaths in the city,” he said.
In response to a query on government’s plan to ensure hassle-free bus journey within the capital he said more than 1,000 buses would soon but gradually pressed into the city. The buses are being imported from China, Korea and India.
“Some 300 buses will be imported from Korea, 650 busses from India and 175 buses from China,” Minister Hossain said urging the businessmen to reduce dependence on use of cars that largely contribute to the traffic jam.
He said the government has been trying its best to keep Dhaka city free from traffic congestion. A number of projects including elevated expressway has been take up to remove the traffic jam. He assured that the projects would not be conflicting to each other.
Touching the neglected railway sector he viewed that it had been destroyed in the seven-year tenure of BNP-Jamaat government and caretaker government when not a single project was implemented for its development or maintenance.
“We’ve taken massive programs at a cost of Tk 6,000 crore for the development of railway sector that include purchase of locomotive and passenger coaches,” he said and added orders to procure them from abroad in most cases have already been placed. It is expected people would shortly get benefit of the improved railway communication.
On commuter service he said the government is actively considering introducing train services on Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Narayanganj routes. This will reduce the pressure on roads.
“Meanwhile, he said overpass or underpass in every important point where traffic jam is severe are being constructed,” he said.
The Communications Minister invited the business leaders to join hands with the government if they are interested to build any overpass or underpass in Dhaka. “I’ll ensure approval from the government if you come up with proposals,” he said.
DCCI president Abul Kashem Khan, Institute of Development Strategy Chairman Mustafizur Rahman, coordinating director of National Communication, Transportation and Infrastructure Development Waliur Rahman, Khairul Majid Mahmood and Shahjahan Khan took part in the nearly 4-hour lengthy discussion.
END/UNB/AKM
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Govt to request India to lift ban on cotton export; yarn price in domestic market to be brought to reasonable level by next week: Faruk Khan
Dhaka, Sept 28 (UNB) – High price of yarn affecting the garments sector will be brought down to a reasonable level within a week in consultation with stakeholders, assured the Commerce Minister Faruk Khan today.
Yarn price has sharply increased in the domestic market following rise in cotton price in the international market that put the country’s prime export industry textile under severe stress.
“We’ll call a meeting soon…I’ve already talked to BTMA president Abdul Hai Sarker in this regard. I hope we’ll be able to solve the problem within seven to ten days,” Khan said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat today after a meeting with the BKMEA leaders.
Faruk Khan said the government would request the Indian government to lift ban on cotton export to Bangladesh immediately. “I’ve already talked to Bangladesh Ambassador in New Delhi today about it.”
He said he is planning to go India within next few days where he would talk with relevant people about import of raw cotton.
Admitting price hike of yarn in the international market, Faruk Khan said they would check whether the price is hiked reasonably in the domestic market.
“We’re downloading last two months’ international yarn price status …How much the price can be increased logically, we’re looking into it,” he said.
Earlier, a three-member team of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) led by its president AKM Selim Osman met with Commerce Minister and expressed concern at exorbitant price hike of yarn badly affecting the textile sector.
Talking to UNB after the meeting Selim Osman said the government assured them of taking effective steps to reduce the price.
“We’re concerned over the matter…If it’s not tackled the number of unemployment will shoot up and export decline considerably,” he said.
Earlier, a 9-member coordination committee was formed comprising members from the BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA to safeguard the interest of the three Associations while addressing the problems in the wake of the yarn price hike.
The coordination committee comprises three members each from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA).
The decision was taken at a joint meeting of the associations at BTMA office.
The meeting also decided that the BTMA will take necessary steps to contain the price of yarn to a rational and tolerant level. Coordination committee will take necessary measures to address the other issues.
The maximum used 30-count yarn price was hovering at $4.55 to $4.65 (30’s) till September 26, much to the sufferings of the garment producers. The yarn price last September was around $ 2.65.
------------
Signing of FTA with Malaysia, India in final stage: Commerce Minister
Dhaka, Sept 28 (UNB) – The signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia and India is now in final stage, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said on Tuesday.
“Experts are now examining what benefit Bangladesh will get if the FTA is signed,” he told journalists at his Secretariat office.
Faruk Khan said the government would not sign any deal that might go against the country’s interest. “We’re considering all crucial aspects…it may take time,” he added.
If Bangladesh signs the FTA with Malaysia and India, it will be the first of its kind, as Bangladesh have no such agreement with any country yet.
END/UNB/
Yarn price has sharply increased in the domestic market following rise in cotton price in the international market that put the country’s prime export industry textile under severe stress.
“We’ll call a meeting soon…I’ve already talked to BTMA president Abdul Hai Sarker in this regard. I hope we’ll be able to solve the problem within seven to ten days,” Khan said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat today after a meeting with the BKMEA leaders.
Faruk Khan said the government would request the Indian government to lift ban on cotton export to Bangladesh immediately. “I’ve already talked to Bangladesh Ambassador in New Delhi today about it.”
He said he is planning to go India within next few days where he would talk with relevant people about import of raw cotton.
Admitting price hike of yarn in the international market, Faruk Khan said they would check whether the price is hiked reasonably in the domestic market.
“We’re downloading last two months’ international yarn price status …How much the price can be increased logically, we’re looking into it,” he said.
Earlier, a three-member team of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) led by its president AKM Selim Osman met with Commerce Minister and expressed concern at exorbitant price hike of yarn badly affecting the textile sector.
Talking to UNB after the meeting Selim Osman said the government assured them of taking effective steps to reduce the price.
“We’re concerned over the matter…If it’s not tackled the number of unemployment will shoot up and export decline considerably,” he said.
Earlier, a 9-member coordination committee was formed comprising members from the BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA to safeguard the interest of the three Associations while addressing the problems in the wake of the yarn price hike.
The coordination committee comprises three members each from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA).
The decision was taken at a joint meeting of the associations at BTMA office.
The meeting also decided that the BTMA will take necessary steps to contain the price of yarn to a rational and tolerant level. Coordination committee will take necessary measures to address the other issues.
The maximum used 30-count yarn price was hovering at $4.55 to $4.65 (30’s) till September 26, much to the sufferings of the garment producers. The yarn price last September was around $ 2.65.
------------
Signing of FTA with Malaysia, India in final stage: Commerce Minister
Dhaka, Sept 28 (UNB) – The signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia and India is now in final stage, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said on Tuesday.
“Experts are now examining what benefit Bangladesh will get if the FTA is signed,” he told journalists at his Secretariat office.
Faruk Khan said the government would not sign any deal that might go against the country’s interest. “We’re considering all crucial aspects…it may take time,” he added.
If Bangladesh signs the FTA with Malaysia and India, it will be the first of its kind, as Bangladesh have no such agreement with any country yet.
END/UNB/
Tk 62,112.10 crore earned as revenue last fiscal achieving 101.82% against target
By AKM Moinuddin
Sangsad Bhaban, Sept 28 (UNB) - The government earned Tk 62,112.10 crore as revenue during the fiscal 2009-10, which shows 101.82 percent achievement against the pre-set target.
The amount collected as revenue income was Tk 9,584.85 crore more than the earnings of previous fiscal (2008-2009).
The target of revenue earning was Tk 61,000 crore in fiscal 2009-10, said a written answer that stood in the name of Finance Minister AMA Muhith in reply to a scripted question of Nasimul Alam Chowdhury (Awami League-Comilla).
Replying to another scripted question of ABM Ashrafuddin (Laxmipur-4), a written answer of Finance Minister Muhith said the government earned over Tk 62,000 crore through the Internal Resource Division in the last fiscal.
He also said the government has plans for increasing revenue from internal sources in the current fiscal (2010-11) and various steps have been taken in this regard.
The Minster in his written answer hoped that nearly Tk 600 crore would be earned through realizing five percent regulatory duty on finished goods and luxury goods.
He said the officials of National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Customs have been asked to regularly monitor revenue target and collection.
Meanwhile, a proposal regarding increasing manpower of the NBR is under consideration of the Finance Division, he said.
The minister said the country earned Tk 17,087 crore as revenue from the income tax sector during last fiscal (2009-10).
END/UNB/
Sangsad Bhaban, Sept 28 (UNB) - The government earned Tk 62,112.10 crore as revenue during the fiscal 2009-10, which shows 101.82 percent achievement against the pre-set target.
The amount collected as revenue income was Tk 9,584.85 crore more than the earnings of previous fiscal (2008-2009).
The target of revenue earning was Tk 61,000 crore in fiscal 2009-10, said a written answer that stood in the name of Finance Minister AMA Muhith in reply to a scripted question of Nasimul Alam Chowdhury (Awami League-Comilla).
Replying to another scripted question of ABM Ashrafuddin (Laxmipur-4), a written answer of Finance Minister Muhith said the government earned over Tk 62,000 crore through the Internal Resource Division in the last fiscal.
He also said the government has plans for increasing revenue from internal sources in the current fiscal (2010-11) and various steps have been taken in this regard.
The Minster in his written answer hoped that nearly Tk 600 crore would be earned through realizing five percent regulatory duty on finished goods and luxury goods.
He said the officials of National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Customs have been asked to regularly monitor revenue target and collection.
Meanwhile, a proposal regarding increasing manpower of the NBR is under consideration of the Finance Division, he said.
The minister said the country earned Tk 17,087 crore as revenue from the income tax sector during last fiscal (2009-10).
END/UNB/
Tk 922.90 crore undisclosed money invested in 3 sectors in last fiscal
Sangsad Bhaban, Sept 28 (UNB) – A total of Tk 922.90 crore of undisclosed money was invested in the last fiscal (2009-2010) in three sectors, Parliament was informed Tuesday.
The government has kept scope for the investment of undisclosed money in four sectors in the last fiscal, said a written answer that stood in the name of Finance Minister AMA Muhith, in reply to a question of M Israfil Alam (Awami League Naogaon).
The sectors were investment in setting up new industrial unit, renovation, repair and modernization of old industry, investment through buying registered company’s shares, and investment in buying flat or house.
The undisclosed money invested in the last fiscal was in the first three sectors.
END/UNB/
The government has kept scope for the investment of undisclosed money in four sectors in the last fiscal, said a written answer that stood in the name of Finance Minister AMA Muhith, in reply to a question of M Israfil Alam (Awami League Naogaon).
The sectors were investment in setting up new industrial unit, renovation, repair and modernization of old industry, investment through buying registered company’s shares, and investment in buying flat or house.
The undisclosed money invested in the last fiscal was in the first three sectors.
END/UNB/
Govt so far recommends withdrawal of 6,392 cases; allegation of partiality baseless: Sahara Khatun
By AKM Moinuddin
Sangsad Bhaban, Sept 27 (UNB) – The government has so far recommended withdrawal of 6,392 “politically motivated” cases, Home Minister Sahara Khatun told Parliament Monday.
Replying to a scripted question of M Harunur Rashid (Chandpur-4), she said the central committee of Home Ministry made the recommendations for withdrawing the cases filed for “political harassment.”
Till September 20, the committee held a total of 22 meetings where the recommendations were made.
The Home Minister informed the House that the recommendations were made impartially and two cases filed against opposition leaders have also been withdrawn along with other recommended cases.
“The cases relating to political harassment come for discussion while recommending withdrawal of cases…there is no question of partiality,” she said.
Sahara said there was no scope of filing cases against the present opposition leaders for political harassment during the BNP-Jamat alliance government’s tenure as they were in power.
She said most of the cases were filed against the then opposition leaders, activists and supporters (AL-led grand alliance), businessmen, service holders and helpless people. “The allegation of partiality in withdrawing political cases is baseless.”
The Home Minister said the government would take effective steps if any case filed against opposition leaders and activities is placed before the central committee dealing with such cases.
END/UNB/
Sangsad Bhaban, Sept 27 (UNB) – The government has so far recommended withdrawal of 6,392 “politically motivated” cases, Home Minister Sahara Khatun told Parliament Monday.
Replying to a scripted question of M Harunur Rashid (Chandpur-4), she said the central committee of Home Ministry made the recommendations for withdrawing the cases filed for “political harassment.”
Till September 20, the committee held a total of 22 meetings where the recommendations were made.
The Home Minister informed the House that the recommendations were made impartially and two cases filed against opposition leaders have also been withdrawn along with other recommended cases.
“The cases relating to political harassment come for discussion while recommending withdrawal of cases…there is no question of partiality,” she said.
Sahara said there was no scope of filing cases against the present opposition leaders for political harassment during the BNP-Jamat alliance government’s tenure as they were in power.
She said most of the cases were filed against the then opposition leaders, activists and supporters (AL-led grand alliance), businessmen, service holders and helpless people. “The allegation of partiality in withdrawing political cases is baseless.”
The Home Minister said the government would take effective steps if any case filed against opposition leaders and activities is placed before the central committee dealing with such cases.
END/UNB/
BD to set up embassy/consulate in 10 countries
Sangsad Bhaban, Sept 27 (UNB) - Bangladesh will set up full-fledged embassies/ consulates in 10 countries during the current fiscal.
Answering a scripted question from Md. Majibul Haque (Kishoreganj-3), State Minister for Forest and Environment Dr Hasan Mahmud said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved this in principle.
Dr Hasan Mahmud answered the question in absence of Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, now visiting New York on the occasion of the 65th UN General Assembly.
Hasan said the Prime Minister has given approval in principle to set up full-fledged embassy/consulate in Kabul in Afghanistan, Freetown in Sierra Leone, Abuja in Nigeria, Lisbon in Portugal, Port Louis in Mauritius, Beirut in Lebanon, Kunming in China, and Milan in Italy, as well as Mexico and Denmark.
Besides, approval of the Prime Minister has also been taken to re-establish missions in Brazil, Algeria, Poland and Romania, the State Minister said.
Dr Hasan said further steps have been taken to set up deputy missions in Mumbai, Chennai and Guwahati of India and in Vienna, Austria.
In his response to a supplementary question of Rashed Khan Menon (Dhaka-8), Dr Hasan Mahmud said the government, since taking office, has further strengthened the labor wings of embassies in various countries.
Fazle Rabbi Mia (Gaibandha-5) in his supplementary question wanted to know why complexities over Akama (work permit) transfer has not been removed yet, even though Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her Saudi Arabia visit in April 2009 got an assurance from the Saudi government in this regard.
In reply, Dr Hasan Mahmud said the government is working to remove prevailing complexities over work-permit for the Bangladeshi workers living in Saudi Arabia.
He also said complexities regarding family visa have already been simplified following the Prime Minister’s Saudi Arabia visit.
Dr Hasan further said a huge number of Rohingyas went to Saudi Arabia using Bangladeshi passports during the last BNP-Jamaat regime, resulting in various problems for real Bangladeshi expatriates.
END/UNB/
Answering a scripted question from Md. Majibul Haque (Kishoreganj-3), State Minister for Forest and Environment Dr Hasan Mahmud said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved this in principle.
Dr Hasan Mahmud answered the question in absence of Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, now visiting New York on the occasion of the 65th UN General Assembly.
Hasan said the Prime Minister has given approval in principle to set up full-fledged embassy/consulate in Kabul in Afghanistan, Freetown in Sierra Leone, Abuja in Nigeria, Lisbon in Portugal, Port Louis in Mauritius, Beirut in Lebanon, Kunming in China, and Milan in Italy, as well as Mexico and Denmark.
Besides, approval of the Prime Minister has also been taken to re-establish missions in Brazil, Algeria, Poland and Romania, the State Minister said.
Dr Hasan said further steps have been taken to set up deputy missions in Mumbai, Chennai and Guwahati of India and in Vienna, Austria.
In his response to a supplementary question of Rashed Khan Menon (Dhaka-8), Dr Hasan Mahmud said the government, since taking office, has further strengthened the labor wings of embassies in various countries.
Fazle Rabbi Mia (Gaibandha-5) in his supplementary question wanted to know why complexities over Akama (work permit) transfer has not been removed yet, even though Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her Saudi Arabia visit in April 2009 got an assurance from the Saudi government in this regard.
In reply, Dr Hasan Mahmud said the government is working to remove prevailing complexities over work-permit for the Bangladeshi workers living in Saudi Arabia.
He also said complexities regarding family visa have already been simplified following the Prime Minister’s Saudi Arabia visit.
Dr Hasan further said a huge number of Rohingyas went to Saudi Arabia using Bangladeshi passports during the last BNP-Jamaat regime, resulting in various problems for real Bangladeshi expatriates.
END/UNB/
Govt offloads shares of 2 BSEC companies in capital market by 6 months; it actively considering setting up coal-based power plants in Ctg, Khulna
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Sept 27 (UNB) – The government has planned to offload shares of at least two companies under Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC) into capital market within next six months in a bid to boost industrial sector’s growth.
“Our Ministry has already taken necessary steps in this regard, ”Industries Minister Dilip Barua said at a meeting with US Ambassador James F Moriarty at his office Monday.
He informed the US envoy that the government is working for building a strong private sector to help boosting the industrial sector’s growth.
“The government would provide necessary logistic supports and infrastructural facilities for the flourishment of private sector,” he said.
Issues related to friendly work environment, coal-based power generation, investment in specialized industrial zones and setting up Hi-Tech industrial park dominated in the discussion.
The US envoy appreciated the government’s Industrial Policy-2010 and hoped that industrialization would get momentum if steps are taken in the light of the new industrial policy.
He emphasized on friendly relationship between workers and owners and suggested a tri-party communications and discussion among government, workers and owners to ensure better environment in country’s industrial units.
“Bangladesh can set up Hi-Tech industrial park for the development of industrial sector,” Moriarty said.
In response, Minister Barua said the government is actively considering the issue of setting up coal-based power plants in Chittagong and Khulna to address prevailing power crisis in industrial belts.
He informed that the government would ensure equal opportunities for domestic and foreign investors apart from expatriate Bangladeshis in investing specialized industrial zones.
Industries Ministry Secretary KH Masud Siddiqui and high official of the US Embassy in Dhaka were present in the meeting.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Sept 27 (UNB) – The government has planned to offload shares of at least two companies under Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC) into capital market within next six months in a bid to boost industrial sector’s growth.
“Our Ministry has already taken necessary steps in this regard, ”Industries Minister Dilip Barua said at a meeting with US Ambassador James F Moriarty at his office Monday.
He informed the US envoy that the government is working for building a strong private sector to help boosting the industrial sector’s growth.
“The government would provide necessary logistic supports and infrastructural facilities for the flourishment of private sector,” he said.
Issues related to friendly work environment, coal-based power generation, investment in specialized industrial zones and setting up Hi-Tech industrial park dominated in the discussion.
The US envoy appreciated the government’s Industrial Policy-2010 and hoped that industrialization would get momentum if steps are taken in the light of the new industrial policy.
He emphasized on friendly relationship between workers and owners and suggested a tri-party communications and discussion among government, workers and owners to ensure better environment in country’s industrial units.
“Bangladesh can set up Hi-Tech industrial park for the development of industrial sector,” Moriarty said.
In response, Minister Barua said the government is actively considering the issue of setting up coal-based power plants in Chittagong and Khulna to address prevailing power crisis in industrial belts.
He informed that the government would ensure equal opportunities for domestic and foreign investors apart from expatriate Bangladeshis in investing specialized industrial zones.
Industries Ministry Secretary KH Masud Siddiqui and high official of the US Embassy in Dhaka were present in the meeting.
END/UNB/
Commerce Minister invites Korean entrepreneurs to invest ; FBCCI-KOIMA sign MoU to boost trade
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Sept 29 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan has extended invitation to Korean entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh in a big way to strengthen the existing trade relations between the two nations.
The existing trade balance is now heavily in favor of Korea as Bangladesh’s export in the last fiscal was US$ 140.28 million as against the import of US$ 837.01 million.
“Bangladesh is a suitable place for investment…It has skilled manpower and you can avail of the opportunities,” he told Korean entrepreneurs while speaking at a seminar.
The seminar on “Trade between Bangladesh and Republic of Korea” was held at Hotel Sonargaon in the city today.
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Ministry of Commerce jointly hosted the seminar. Korean Ambassador in Dhaka Taiyoung Cho attended as special guest.
Faruk Khan said Bangladesh wants to utilize Korean experience and technological skills for rapid industrialization. “Two nations can come closer to each other by utilizing modern communication system and can be friends of each other both in good and bad days,” he said.
Later, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for strengthening trade and economic development of both parties. FBCCI acting president M Jashim Uddin and KOIMA Chairman Dr Ju-Tae Lee signed the MoU.
EPB Vice Chairman Jalal Ahmed, FBCCI acting president M Jashim Uddin, KOIMA Chairman Dr Ju-Tae Lee, Korea-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KBCCI) president SM kamal Uddin and joint secretary (export) Monoj Kumar Roy also spoke at the seminar.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Sept 29 (UNB) – Commerce Minister Faruk Khan has extended invitation to Korean entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh in a big way to strengthen the existing trade relations between the two nations.
The existing trade balance is now heavily in favor of Korea as Bangladesh’s export in the last fiscal was US$ 140.28 million as against the import of US$ 837.01 million.
“Bangladesh is a suitable place for investment…It has skilled manpower and you can avail of the opportunities,” he told Korean entrepreneurs while speaking at a seminar.
The seminar on “Trade between Bangladesh and Republic of Korea” was held at Hotel Sonargaon in the city today.
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Ministry of Commerce jointly hosted the seminar. Korean Ambassador in Dhaka Taiyoung Cho attended as special guest.
Faruk Khan said Bangladesh wants to utilize Korean experience and technological skills for rapid industrialization. “Two nations can come closer to each other by utilizing modern communication system and can be friends of each other both in good and bad days,” he said.
Later, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for strengthening trade and economic development of both parties. FBCCI acting president M Jashim Uddin and KOIMA Chairman Dr Ju-Tae Lee signed the MoU.
EPB Vice Chairman Jalal Ahmed, FBCCI acting president M Jashim Uddin, KOIMA Chairman Dr Ju-Tae Lee, Korea-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KBCCI) president SM kamal Uddin and joint secretary (export) Monoj Kumar Roy also spoke at the seminar.
END/UNB/
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Govt to start construction of Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory soon; 1750 MT daily production planned
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Sept 25 (UNB) - The government has made lot of progress in setting up the country’s first China-funded Urea fertilizer factory in Sylhet district amid growing demand of the major agricultural input, which is expected to cut dependence on fertilizer import to a large extent.
Bangladesh usually imports fertilizer from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and China to address domestic demand.
State-owned Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) has seven fertilizer factories across the country, apart from the multinational Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Ltd (KAFCO). However, some of the BCIC units remain inoperative due to gas crisis.
As on September 1, 2010, the government's stock of urea stood at 480,618 metric tons. The BCIC imported around 196,117 tons of urea last year while local production was around 87,014 tons, according to sources at the Industries Ministry.
Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory is one of three new fertilizer factories, which the government plans to set up with total annual production capacity of 577,500 metric tons. The other two factories are North West Fertilizer Factory Limited and Bhola Fertilizer Factory Limited.
North-West Fertilizer Factory will be set up in Sirajganj. The Chinese government has also expressed its eagerness to finance the setting up the factory.
The under-construction Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory, with daily production capacity of 1750 metric tons of urea, is likely to go into operation by 2013, officials said.
The Tk 5319 crore project will be implemented by utilizing the infrastructure of the country's first Natural Gas Fertilizer Factory (NGFF) at Fenchugnaj, which remained inoperative for long.
“We’ll soon start the construction process of the factory after the signing of commercial contract with China…we hope it will go into production within the tenure of the present government,” Industries Minister Dilip Barua said.
He said the Chinese government has already agreed to provide soft loan for the project with 2 percent interest, which is the lowest rate offered by China to Bangladesh.
“You won’t get loan below 10 percent interest. China is our friend…they offered the soft loan as a good gesture,” Barua said.
Bangladesh signed a Framework Agreement with China for the construction of Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory during the Prime Minister’s visit to China in March this year. Industries Minister Dilip Barua signed the framework agreement on behalf of Bangladesh government.
Industry Ministry sources said the government of China is providing US$382 million as soft loan while US$325 million as preferential buyer’s credit.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Sept 25 (UNB) - The government has made lot of progress in setting up the country’s first China-funded Urea fertilizer factory in Sylhet district amid growing demand of the major agricultural input, which is expected to cut dependence on fertilizer import to a large extent.
Bangladesh usually imports fertilizer from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and China to address domestic demand.
State-owned Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) has seven fertilizer factories across the country, apart from the multinational Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Ltd (KAFCO). However, some of the BCIC units remain inoperative due to gas crisis.
As on September 1, 2010, the government's stock of urea stood at 480,618 metric tons. The BCIC imported around 196,117 tons of urea last year while local production was around 87,014 tons, according to sources at the Industries Ministry.
Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory is one of three new fertilizer factories, which the government plans to set up with total annual production capacity of 577,500 metric tons. The other two factories are North West Fertilizer Factory Limited and Bhola Fertilizer Factory Limited.
North-West Fertilizer Factory will be set up in Sirajganj. The Chinese government has also expressed its eagerness to finance the setting up the factory.
The under-construction Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory, with daily production capacity of 1750 metric tons of urea, is likely to go into operation by 2013, officials said.
The Tk 5319 crore project will be implemented by utilizing the infrastructure of the country's first Natural Gas Fertilizer Factory (NGFF) at Fenchugnaj, which remained inoperative for long.
“We’ll soon start the construction process of the factory after the signing of commercial contract with China…we hope it will go into production within the tenure of the present government,” Industries Minister Dilip Barua said.
He said the Chinese government has already agreed to provide soft loan for the project with 2 percent interest, which is the lowest rate offered by China to Bangladesh.
“You won’t get loan below 10 percent interest. China is our friend…they offered the soft loan as a good gesture,” Barua said.
Bangladesh signed a Framework Agreement with China for the construction of Shahjalal Fertilizer Factory during the Prime Minister’s visit to China in March this year. Industries Minister Dilip Barua signed the framework agreement on behalf of Bangladesh government.
Industry Ministry sources said the government of China is providing US$382 million as soft loan while US$325 million as preferential buyer’s credit.
END/UNB/
Friday, September 24, 2010
Shanghai World Expo to project Bangladesh’s cultural tradition, natural beauty to world community: Faruk Khan
By AKM Moinuddin
Shanghai (China), Sept 23 (UNB) - Shanghai World Expo-2010, now being held in Shanghai, would play a role in projecting Bangladesh’s cultural tradition, natural beauty and history of liberation war to the world community, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said Wednesday.
He made the remarks while visiting the Bangladesh pavilion – “Spirit and Growth of Golden Bengal” - at the fair.
Bangladesh Commissioner General M Nazrul Islam MP, Vice Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Jalal Ahmed, joint secretary of Commerce Ministry Monoj Kumar Roy, joint secretary of Information Ministry Farhad Hossain and wife of Commerce Minister Nilufar F Khan were present during the visit.
The Commerce Minister earlier visited the pavilions of Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, India and USA.
Mentioning Bangladesh’s friendly relation with China, Faruk Khan said Bangladesh would take lesson from China in technological advancement and Bangladesh would also work jointly for the development of world economy.
“We want to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021. And for this we need modern technology,” he said.
Nearly 20,000 people from different countries are visiting the fair every day. The six-month fair that began on May 1 will continue till October 31.
A total of 246 pavilions from 192 countries and organizations have been set up in the fair.
END/UNB/
Shanghai (China), Sept 23 (UNB) - Shanghai World Expo-2010, now being held in Shanghai, would play a role in projecting Bangladesh’s cultural tradition, natural beauty and history of liberation war to the world community, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said Wednesday.
He made the remarks while visiting the Bangladesh pavilion – “Spirit and Growth of Golden Bengal” - at the fair.
Bangladesh Commissioner General M Nazrul Islam MP, Vice Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Jalal Ahmed, joint secretary of Commerce Ministry Monoj Kumar Roy, joint secretary of Information Ministry Farhad Hossain and wife of Commerce Minister Nilufar F Khan were present during the visit.
The Commerce Minister earlier visited the pavilions of Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, India and USA.
Mentioning Bangladesh’s friendly relation with China, Faruk Khan said Bangladesh would take lesson from China in technological advancement and Bangladesh would also work jointly for the development of world economy.
“We want to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021. And for this we need modern technology,” he said.
Nearly 20,000 people from different countries are visiting the fair every day. The six-month fair that began on May 1 will continue till October 31.
A total of 246 pavilions from 192 countries and organizations have been set up in the fair.
END/UNB/
FBCCI seeks joint efforts with Myanmar to explore opportunities in tourism, agriculture, fisheries sectors
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Sept 23 (UNB) – Country’s apex trade body FBCCI on Thursday suggested joint efforts to explore the opportunities specially in tourism, agriculture and fisheries sectors for expanding bilateral trade and investment with Myanmar, the largest country of Southeast Asia.
“The trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar is very poor… opportunities are there to expand bilateral trade and investment through joint efforts,” acting FBCCI President M Jashim Uddin told a meeting with a visiting Myanmar business delegation at its conference room.
Vice Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) U Tun Aung led the 13-member business delegation from Myanmar.
Jashim Uddin said Bangladesh has bright prospect of exporting cement, MS Rod, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, ceramic tableware, light engineering products and toiletries to Myanmar.
He sought cooperation from the Myanmar business delegation to full tap this potential for increasing the bilateral trade.
Bangladesh’s export to Myanmar was only US$ 10.03 million whereas its import from Myanmar totaled US$ 69.64 million in 2009-10 fiscal.
The FBCCI acting president invited Myanmar business leaders to invest jointly in the prospective areas like agriculture, fisheries and tourism apart from setting up exclusive fishing zones as both countries hold longest edge of the Bay of Bengal having abundance of fish resources.
He said: “Bangladesh with tourist attractions like sandy beaches and large mangrove forest of the Sundarbans, and Myanmar with springs, waterfalls and streams within its huge mountain ranges along with ancient places and golden temples, could draw a huge number of tourists from rest of the world through introducing joint package programmes.”
He hoped that the 4th Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Trade Commission meeting held Wednesday would lead to resolving the outstanding problems and paving the way for further enhancement of trade between the two friendly countries.
Earlier, U Tun Aung in his speech said there are immense opportunities for developing trade and investment in diversified sectors in his country and invited Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to enhance business relationship with their private sector for mutual benefit.
“You know, Myanmar is a developing country rich in vast resources of land and water. Most of our country’s natural resources haven’t been exploited even to a sustainable level to this day…immense opportunities are there for investment in the private sector which contributes 85 percent of the GDP,” he said.
Aung said the strategic location of Myanmar can serve as a favorable hub for trade with Bangladesh and neighboring ASEAN countries. “There has to be frequent exchange of trade promotion visits and trade information to achieve this objective.”
He added: “I sincerely believe that such visits will not only open a new chapter in the bilateral trade and investment relationship but will also contribute to consolidating the friendly relations between the two countries.”
Aung termed Bangladesh-Myanmar relationship as warm, cordial and friendly, and said there has been a very close trade and cultural ties between the people of Chittagong and Yakhine State in particular.
FBCCI directors SM Nurul Haque, Abdul Haque and business leaders from both sides also took part in the discussion conducted by FBCCI secretary general Mir Shahabuddin Mohammad.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Sept 23 (UNB) – Country’s apex trade body FBCCI on Thursday suggested joint efforts to explore the opportunities specially in tourism, agriculture and fisheries sectors for expanding bilateral trade and investment with Myanmar, the largest country of Southeast Asia.
“The trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar is very poor… opportunities are there to expand bilateral trade and investment through joint efforts,” acting FBCCI President M Jashim Uddin told a meeting with a visiting Myanmar business delegation at its conference room.
Vice Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) U Tun Aung led the 13-member business delegation from Myanmar.
Jashim Uddin said Bangladesh has bright prospect of exporting cement, MS Rod, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, ceramic tableware, light engineering products and toiletries to Myanmar.
He sought cooperation from the Myanmar business delegation to full tap this potential for increasing the bilateral trade.
Bangladesh’s export to Myanmar was only US$ 10.03 million whereas its import from Myanmar totaled US$ 69.64 million in 2009-10 fiscal.
The FBCCI acting president invited Myanmar business leaders to invest jointly in the prospective areas like agriculture, fisheries and tourism apart from setting up exclusive fishing zones as both countries hold longest edge of the Bay of Bengal having abundance of fish resources.
He said: “Bangladesh with tourist attractions like sandy beaches and large mangrove forest of the Sundarbans, and Myanmar with springs, waterfalls and streams within its huge mountain ranges along with ancient places and golden temples, could draw a huge number of tourists from rest of the world through introducing joint package programmes.”
He hoped that the 4th Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Trade Commission meeting held Wednesday would lead to resolving the outstanding problems and paving the way for further enhancement of trade between the two friendly countries.
Earlier, U Tun Aung in his speech said there are immense opportunities for developing trade and investment in diversified sectors in his country and invited Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to enhance business relationship with their private sector for mutual benefit.
“You know, Myanmar is a developing country rich in vast resources of land and water. Most of our country’s natural resources haven’t been exploited even to a sustainable level to this day…immense opportunities are there for investment in the private sector which contributes 85 percent of the GDP,” he said.
Aung said the strategic location of Myanmar can serve as a favorable hub for trade with Bangladesh and neighboring ASEAN countries. “There has to be frequent exchange of trade promotion visits and trade information to achieve this objective.”
He added: “I sincerely believe that such visits will not only open a new chapter in the bilateral trade and investment relationship but will also contribute to consolidating the friendly relations between the two countries.”
Aung termed Bangladesh-Myanmar relationship as warm, cordial and friendly, and said there has been a very close trade and cultural ties between the people of Chittagong and Yakhine State in particular.
FBCCI directors SM Nurul Haque, Abdul Haque and business leaders from both sides also took part in the discussion conducted by FBCCI secretary general Mir Shahabuddin Mohammad.
END/UNB/
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Ashraful urges critics not make derogatory remarks against MPs, parliament
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Sept 21 (UNB) - LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam on Tuesday urged all to be cautious in making any adverse comments against parliament and parliament members (MPs) that might lead to contempt of parliament and undermine its members.
The LGRD minister made the remark replying to a supplementary question from Sagufta Yasmin (Awami League-Munshiganj) in parliament.
“We’re observing a tendency of undermining MPs and parliament by some people…they should refrain from making such comments,” Ashraful told the House.
He said: “It’s true…those who are making such comments don’t have the idea about the activities of parliament. It’s simply to undermine MPs and parliament.”
Ashraful said democracy is taking its root gradually in the country and if parliament is in place democracy and basic rights of the people would be ensured.
Speaker Abdul Hamid supported Ashraful’s remarks. The Speaker said the MPs have right to prepare project costing up to Tk 15 crore… it doesn’t mean that they’re pocketing the money…it’s a misconception.”
Earlier, Sagufta Yasmin in her supplementary mentioned that over 54 countries across the world have introduced block allocations for MPs.
Pointing her finger at a section of intellectuals, she said they are making indecent comments against the MPs and the parliament.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Sept 21 (UNB) - LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam on Tuesday urged all to be cautious in making any adverse comments against parliament and parliament members (MPs) that might lead to contempt of parliament and undermine its members.
The LGRD minister made the remark replying to a supplementary question from Sagufta Yasmin (Awami League-Munshiganj) in parliament.
“We’re observing a tendency of undermining MPs and parliament by some people…they should refrain from making such comments,” Ashraful told the House.
He said: “It’s true…those who are making such comments don’t have the idea about the activities of parliament. It’s simply to undermine MPs and parliament.”
Ashraful said democracy is taking its root gradually in the country and if parliament is in place democracy and basic rights of the people would be ensured.
Speaker Abdul Hamid supported Ashraful’s remarks. The Speaker said the MPs have right to prepare project costing up to Tk 15 crore… it doesn’t mean that they’re pocketing the money…it’s a misconception.”
Earlier, Sagufta Yasmin in her supplementary mentioned that over 54 countries across the world have introduced block allocations for MPs.
Pointing her finger at a section of intellectuals, she said they are making indecent comments against the MPs and the parliament.
END/UNB/
Daily Prothom Alo comes under fire in Parliament for “fabricated” reports against MPs
By AKM Moinuddin and Rashed Ahmed Mithul
Sangsad Bhaban, Sep 21 (UNB) - The Speaker, Ministers and MPs in Parliament Tuesday came down heavily on a mass-circulated Bangla daily for publishing series of reports over the last few days against the MPs, fearing it might pave the way to grab power by undemocratic forces trampling democracy in the country.
Speaking on a point of order after the Magreb prayer break, Jatiya Party member Mojibul Huq Chunnu drew the attention of the Speaker about the series of reports against MPs published recently in daily Prothom Alo including car imports by the MPs along with insulting cartoons.
He said it has been done not only to undermine the lawmakers but also in a planned way as part of a blueprint like that of the conspiracy before the 1/11 changeover in the country.
The Jatiya Party lawmaker demanded a ruling from the Speaker against the daily as well as adoption of a censure motion in parliament against Prothom Alo.
Responding to Mojibul Huq, Speaker Abdul Hamid wondered about the motive behind such reports. “If MPs are made unpopular across the country, there won’t be any existence of parliament and democracy. Who will then come to power?” he said.
“Who are being encouraged by undermining the MPs? It will have to be considered,” he told the excited House.
Speaker Abdul Hamid said such reports are unfortunate. “Basically, to undermine the MPs - people’s representatives - tantamount to undermining the people.”
He hoped that the journalists would be careful and more responsible in publishing reports in future.
The Speaker said it is not right to make baseless reports which undermine the Speaker, MPs, and as a whole the parliament as well.
He described the process of buying duty-free imported cars by the MPs with set value, model and size.
The Speaker mentioned some reports centering him by daily Samokal and daily Amader Samoy.
He said Amader Samoy had reported that the Speaker gave ‘Chhabok’ (sermon) to MPs. The word `chhabok’ is discourteous and its use had dishonoured the institution of Speaker as well as parliament.
Hamid also spoke of a news item published in daily Samokal that MPs are making luxurious foreign tours.
Refuting the report, he said his two tours with funds from parliament related to attending the Speakers conference in India and another conference.
The Speaker said he did not spend all the money (700 dollars besides air fare and hotel rent) for one trip allocated to him. He spent about 300 dollars and returned the rest of the money. Similarly, he also returned the excess amount after the second tour.
The Speaker further said the MPs visit abroad to attend various conferences.
Textile and Jute Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqi, Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, Suranjit Sengupta, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Moinuddin Khan Badal also took part in the unscheduled debate.
Sheikh Fazlul Kairm Selim said a fresh conspiracy is being hatched by the vested quarter who had conspired for 1/11 changeover.
He said that following the 1/11 changeover, conspiracies were made against politicians. Failing to implement their agenda, now that group is again hatching conspiracy against the Members of Parliament to bring an undemocratic force to power, he alleged.
Latif Siddiqi said: “It has been heard that this particular daily is published funded by a particular agency… their aim is to undermine the government in a planned way with ill motive.”
He demanded legal action against Matiur Rahman and wanted the Speaker to summon him to ask about the reports.
Shahjahan Khan came down heavily on Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman describing the daily’s role prior to 1/11.
He alleged that Matiur Rahman had involvement in the August 21 grenade attack and he should be brought to book under the laws of the land.
Senior treasury bench member Suranjit Sengupta said the journalists should not be hostile in their attitude though they might criticize.
He said if the word `Chhabok’ had been used against the High Court there would be proceedings of contempt of court.
Speaker Abdul Hamid, however, did not give any ruling or decision as demanded by the angry lawmakers.
END/UNB/
Sangsad Bhaban, Sep 21 (UNB) - The Speaker, Ministers and MPs in Parliament Tuesday came down heavily on a mass-circulated Bangla daily for publishing series of reports over the last few days against the MPs, fearing it might pave the way to grab power by undemocratic forces trampling democracy in the country.
Speaking on a point of order after the Magreb prayer break, Jatiya Party member Mojibul Huq Chunnu drew the attention of the Speaker about the series of reports against MPs published recently in daily Prothom Alo including car imports by the MPs along with insulting cartoons.
He said it has been done not only to undermine the lawmakers but also in a planned way as part of a blueprint like that of the conspiracy before the 1/11 changeover in the country.
The Jatiya Party lawmaker demanded a ruling from the Speaker against the daily as well as adoption of a censure motion in parliament against Prothom Alo.
Responding to Mojibul Huq, Speaker Abdul Hamid wondered about the motive behind such reports. “If MPs are made unpopular across the country, there won’t be any existence of parliament and democracy. Who will then come to power?” he said.
“Who are being encouraged by undermining the MPs? It will have to be considered,” he told the excited House.
Speaker Abdul Hamid said such reports are unfortunate. “Basically, to undermine the MPs - people’s representatives - tantamount to undermining the people.”
He hoped that the journalists would be careful and more responsible in publishing reports in future.
The Speaker said it is not right to make baseless reports which undermine the Speaker, MPs, and as a whole the parliament as well.
He described the process of buying duty-free imported cars by the MPs with set value, model and size.
The Speaker mentioned some reports centering him by daily Samokal and daily Amader Samoy.
He said Amader Samoy had reported that the Speaker gave ‘Chhabok’ (sermon) to MPs. The word `chhabok’ is discourteous and its use had dishonoured the institution of Speaker as well as parliament.
Hamid also spoke of a news item published in daily Samokal that MPs are making luxurious foreign tours.
Refuting the report, he said his two tours with funds from parliament related to attending the Speakers conference in India and another conference.
The Speaker said he did not spend all the money (700 dollars besides air fare and hotel rent) for one trip allocated to him. He spent about 300 dollars and returned the rest of the money. Similarly, he also returned the excess amount after the second tour.
The Speaker further said the MPs visit abroad to attend various conferences.
Textile and Jute Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqi, Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, Suranjit Sengupta, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim and Moinuddin Khan Badal also took part in the unscheduled debate.
Sheikh Fazlul Kairm Selim said a fresh conspiracy is being hatched by the vested quarter who had conspired for 1/11 changeover.
He said that following the 1/11 changeover, conspiracies were made against politicians. Failing to implement their agenda, now that group is again hatching conspiracy against the Members of Parliament to bring an undemocratic force to power, he alleged.
Latif Siddiqi said: “It has been heard that this particular daily is published funded by a particular agency… their aim is to undermine the government in a planned way with ill motive.”
He demanded legal action against Matiur Rahman and wanted the Speaker to summon him to ask about the reports.
Shahjahan Khan came down heavily on Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman describing the daily’s role prior to 1/11.
He alleged that Matiur Rahman had involvement in the August 21 grenade attack and he should be brought to book under the laws of the land.
Senior treasury bench member Suranjit Sengupta said the journalists should not be hostile in their attitude though they might criticize.
He said if the word `Chhabok’ had been used against the High Court there would be proceedings of contempt of court.
Speaker Abdul Hamid, however, did not give any ruling or decision as demanded by the angry lawmakers.
END/UNB/
Monday, September 20, 2010
Consultants, economists, NGOs main beneficiaries of foreign aid: Anu Muhammad; Foreign aid still has role in eradicating poverty: Dr Mirza Aziz
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Sept 20 (UNB) – Foreign aid is still playing significant role in eradicating poverty though joint initiative with special emphasize on NGOs’ transparency and accountability is essential to boost aid effectiveness, renowned economist Dr Mirza Azizul Islam said Monday.
“Our macro-economic indicators – investment, GDP and foreign exchange earning - show reduced importance of foreign aid but it is still essential for some areas… development funding is one of them. Foreign aid contributes over 40 percent of our ADP funding,” he said.
The former finance adviser of caretaker government made the remarks while talking to journalists on the sidelines of a multi-stakeholders’ consultation program titled `Joint Cooperation Strategy: Context of Aid Development Effectiveness’ held at CIRDAP auditorium.
Aid Accountability Group and Reality of Aid jointly arranged the discussion with Palli-Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) chairman Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in the chair.
Referring to the tough conditions of the development partners, Mirza Aziz said: “If I know what I want exactly, and if I can argue effectively in favor of my need, conditionality (for aid) can be reduced, relaxed.”
Replying to a question, he supported foreign aid but emphasized on its proper utilization. “If we can stay transparent in our own position, aid effectiveness might increase… if you don’t want aid, none will force you to take aid.”
Mirza Aziz informed that the country had received US$48 billion in foreign aid since 1972.
Replying to another question, he said remittance from the expatriates is not a substitute for aid. “The government doesn’t have access to such remittance.”
Economist Prof Anu Muhammad was, however, against foreign aid and said that foreign aid is directly involved with the anarchy that is prevailing now.
“A particular group comprising consultants, economists and some NGOs are mostly the beneficiaries of foreign aid… we’ve to come out from this,” he said.
Anu Muhammad said foreign aid agencies give “milk for developing the entire country but a group of middlemen and thieves alone drink that milk” instead of country’s development.
He said: “They (development partners) dominate over us… on government widely by providing only US$1 billion in aid and the government cares much about them. But the workers who remit US$10 billion remain neglected; it doesn’t look good.”
Earlier, Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in his speech said country needs home-grown process and policy for real development.
“If we receive foreign aid, it will have to be taken in the interest of the country. Misuse of aid needs to be checked,” he said.
Former Finance Secretary Siddiqur Rahman Chowdhury, ERD joint secretary Bijan Kumar Baishya, Khushi Kabir, and representatives of DFID, EU and Reality of Aid also took part in the discussion.
The participants discussed the challenges of aid effectiveness that include preparing, implementing and monitoring aid programs and improving government capacity to manage them, improving coordination between government and development partners, follow up and improve alignment with government system and procedures, and improve mutual accountability and predictability of aid flow from development partners.
They emphasized on sharing responsibility through joint cooperation strategy for making aid more effective and how to work more effectively together to deliver real development outcomes.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Sept 20 (UNB) – Foreign aid is still playing significant role in eradicating poverty though joint initiative with special emphasize on NGOs’ transparency and accountability is essential to boost aid effectiveness, renowned economist Dr Mirza Azizul Islam said Monday.
“Our macro-economic indicators – investment, GDP and foreign exchange earning - show reduced importance of foreign aid but it is still essential for some areas… development funding is one of them. Foreign aid contributes over 40 percent of our ADP funding,” he said.
The former finance adviser of caretaker government made the remarks while talking to journalists on the sidelines of a multi-stakeholders’ consultation program titled `Joint Cooperation Strategy: Context of Aid Development Effectiveness’ held at CIRDAP auditorium.
Aid Accountability Group and Reality of Aid jointly arranged the discussion with Palli-Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) chairman Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in the chair.
Referring to the tough conditions of the development partners, Mirza Aziz said: “If I know what I want exactly, and if I can argue effectively in favor of my need, conditionality (for aid) can be reduced, relaxed.”
Replying to a question, he supported foreign aid but emphasized on its proper utilization. “If we can stay transparent in our own position, aid effectiveness might increase… if you don’t want aid, none will force you to take aid.”
Mirza Aziz informed that the country had received US$48 billion in foreign aid since 1972.
Replying to another question, he said remittance from the expatriates is not a substitute for aid. “The government doesn’t have access to such remittance.”
Economist Prof Anu Muhammad was, however, against foreign aid and said that foreign aid is directly involved with the anarchy that is prevailing now.
“A particular group comprising consultants, economists and some NGOs are mostly the beneficiaries of foreign aid… we’ve to come out from this,” he said.
Anu Muhammad said foreign aid agencies give “milk for developing the entire country but a group of middlemen and thieves alone drink that milk” instead of country’s development.
He said: “They (development partners) dominate over us… on government widely by providing only US$1 billion in aid and the government cares much about them. But the workers who remit US$10 billion remain neglected; it doesn’t look good.”
Earlier, Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in his speech said country needs home-grown process and policy for real development.
“If we receive foreign aid, it will have to be taken in the interest of the country. Misuse of aid needs to be checked,” he said.
Former Finance Secretary Siddiqur Rahman Chowdhury, ERD joint secretary Bijan Kumar Baishya, Khushi Kabir, and representatives of DFID, EU and Reality of Aid also took part in the discussion.
The participants discussed the challenges of aid effectiveness that include preparing, implementing and monitoring aid programs and improving government capacity to manage them, improving coordination between government and development partners, follow up and improve alignment with government system and procedures, and improve mutual accountability and predictability of aid flow from development partners.
They emphasized on sharing responsibility through joint cooperation strategy for making aid more effective and how to work more effectively together to deliver real development outcomes.
END/UNB/
Bangladesh on track to meet MDG1 hunger target, but pockets of poverty still remain: ActionAid
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Sept 19 (UNB) - Bangladesh is on track to meet the MDG1 hunger target, ranking sixth in this year’s ‘HungerFREE Scorecard’ brought out by ActionAid as part of its annual report.
But the joint impact of the food and financial crises may see Bangladesh knocked off track and failing to meet the target, according to the same report released on Sunday.
ActionAid, an international anti-poverty agency working in over 40 countries, says Bangladesh’s high ranking in the HungerFREE Scorecard reflects the progress it has made in reducing hunger amongst its population, which has come down to 26 percent of the population , from 36 percent in 1990.
The report was released to coincide with world leaders preparing to meet at the UN Headquarters in New York to discuss progress on the Millennium Development Goals.
DR Congo, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Pakistan and Lesotho bring up the rear of the HungerFREE scorecard. But surprisingly, it is not only poor, war-torn or disaster-struck countries that rank low.
Despite a radical and rapid increase in economic growth, drastic cuts in agriculture and support to small farms means nearly half the children in India are malnourished, and one in five of the population goes hungry.
Although Bangladesh has taken progressive strides in achieving its millennium development targets, pockets of poverty still remain, says the report titled “Who’s Really Fighting Hunger-2010.”
Negative developments were particularly prevalent in the Monga-prone northern part of the country, where ActionAid Bangladesh conducted a study titled “The Monga Panel Survey 1” with its strategic partners.
There, it was found that the number of families who take food less than twice a day during the Monga season has gone up sharply from 24 percent during the benchmark survey (conducted end 2007 – spring 2008) to 47 percent in the panel survey (conducted end 2009 – spring 2010).
The income earning opportunities are limited to 7 months, with 53 percent of the workforce being seasonally employed, and less than 2 percent who can be termed as employed full-time.
The average income for a family of four during those seven months is Tk 2542, and during the rest of the year it is Tk 1230, with individual daily disposable income of the family being Tk 20 and Tk 9.7 respectively.
Therefore, given the Millennium Development Goal-1 target is to halve the proportion of the population earning less than $1 a day (Purchasing Power Parity), then in the monga region if the PPP value is set at Tk 18.5, average daily income per person is $1.08 Dollar during the seasonal seven months of employment, and falls to just 53 cents during the rest of the year in the Monga region.
Bangladesh’s impressive reduction in hunger levels is however relative – the country started from very high rates of hunger and malnutrition.
Today, overall around 65.3 million Bangladeshis still do not have sufficient food to eat. This is around half of all Bangladeshis. In addition to this, the child underweight rate is the highest in South Asia, and one of the highest in the world.
Although Bangladesh has almost attained self-sufficiency in food production, rice production in Bangladesh is expected to fall by about 3.9 percent each year due to climate change.
Land is a critical issue in Bangladesh, with almost 60 percent of farmers being functionally landless, and farm sizes too small to support a family.
One percent of arable land is being lost each year due to climate change and urbanization, the report states. Women’s rights to land are particularly constrained.
The report therefore advocates wide-scale introduction of sustainable agriculture, alongside urgent land reform.
The government responded to the food crisis with a large stimulus package for agriculture, and a large scaling up of its social safety net programme, which accounted for 12.6 percent of the national budget for 2009/10.
Employment generation programmes will now need to be significantly expanded as part of the government’s forthcoming Food Security Investment Plan.
Global Scenario:
As far as the global scenario is concerned, the new report says hunger is costing poor nations $450 billion a year, more than ten times the amount needed to halve hunger by 2015 and meet Millennium Development Goal-1.
The report reveals that 20 out of 28 poor nations are off track to halving hunger by 2015, with 12 of them going backwards, despite UN claims that the world is on track to meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
If China, the most successful growing economy is removed from the scoring, the percentage of hungry people in the world is the same as when the goals were set two decades ago, the report says.
ActionAid’s CEO Joanna Kerr said, “Fighting hunger now will be ten times cheaper than ignoring it. Every year reduced worker productivity, poor health and lost education costs poor countries billions.
“And the cost is not just financial. If governments don’t act now, over a million more children could die by 2015 and half of Africa won’t have enough food in ten years,” she said, adding that recent food riots are a sharp reminder that poor countries cannot rely on unstable global food markets.
She also said investing in local farms where the world’s hungry live is the best way to avert another food crisis.
ActionAid says the hunger goal is going backwards globally, largely because of a lack of aid to agriculture and rural development, few legal rights to food in poor nations and little or no support services to help farming communities when harvests fail.
Brazil, China, Ghana, Malawi and Vietnam, who top ActionAid’s scorecard slashed hunger by dramatically scaling-up investment in small farms and introducing social protection schemes such as public works employment, cash transfers, food rations, and free school meals.
Malawi has reduced the number of people living on food handouts from 1.5 million to 150,000 in just five years. Brazil has halved the number of underweight children in less than 10 years. China will meet its hunger goal five years early.
Rich nations also scored. Luxembourg, France, Spain, Sweden and Canada who pledged agricultural aid to help fight the 2009 food crisis scored top as donor nations.
Portugal, Korea, Greece, New Zealand and Austria ranked bottom. G8 nations pledged $22 billion in 2009 to fight hunger, yet ActionAid estimates $14 billion of this is in fact old aid promises repackaged in new forms, and it is still unclear when or how the money will be spent.
ActionAid’s Africa HungerFREE Coordinator Henry Malumo said: “Times are hard and budgets are tight, so now more than ever it’s important for governments to invest in the right places. Rich countries must stop pulling statistical tricks and show us how and when the money they have promised will reach the people who need it most.”
Malawi and Ghana are shining examples of how supporting small scale farmers are keys to halving hunger. With only five years left and a billion people hungry, it’s critical the world follow their example, he added.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, Sept 19 (UNB) - Bangladesh is on track to meet the MDG1 hunger target, ranking sixth in this year’s ‘HungerFREE Scorecard’ brought out by ActionAid as part of its annual report.
But the joint impact of the food and financial crises may see Bangladesh knocked off track and failing to meet the target, according to the same report released on Sunday.
ActionAid, an international anti-poverty agency working in over 40 countries, says Bangladesh’s high ranking in the HungerFREE Scorecard reflects the progress it has made in reducing hunger amongst its population, which has come down to 26 percent of the population , from 36 percent in 1990.
The report was released to coincide with world leaders preparing to meet at the UN Headquarters in New York to discuss progress on the Millennium Development Goals.
DR Congo, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Pakistan and Lesotho bring up the rear of the HungerFREE scorecard. But surprisingly, it is not only poor, war-torn or disaster-struck countries that rank low.
Despite a radical and rapid increase in economic growth, drastic cuts in agriculture and support to small farms means nearly half the children in India are malnourished, and one in five of the population goes hungry.
Although Bangladesh has taken progressive strides in achieving its millennium development targets, pockets of poverty still remain, says the report titled “Who’s Really Fighting Hunger-2010.”
Negative developments were particularly prevalent in the Monga-prone northern part of the country, where ActionAid Bangladesh conducted a study titled “The Monga Panel Survey 1” with its strategic partners.
There, it was found that the number of families who take food less than twice a day during the Monga season has gone up sharply from 24 percent during the benchmark survey (conducted end 2007 – spring 2008) to 47 percent in the panel survey (conducted end 2009 – spring 2010).
The income earning opportunities are limited to 7 months, with 53 percent of the workforce being seasonally employed, and less than 2 percent who can be termed as employed full-time.
The average income for a family of four during those seven months is Tk 2542, and during the rest of the year it is Tk 1230, with individual daily disposable income of the family being Tk 20 and Tk 9.7 respectively.
Therefore, given the Millennium Development Goal-1 target is to halve the proportion of the population earning less than $1 a day (Purchasing Power Parity), then in the monga region if the PPP value is set at Tk 18.5, average daily income per person is $1.08 Dollar during the seasonal seven months of employment, and falls to just 53 cents during the rest of the year in the Monga region.
Bangladesh’s impressive reduction in hunger levels is however relative – the country started from very high rates of hunger and malnutrition.
Today, overall around 65.3 million Bangladeshis still do not have sufficient food to eat. This is around half of all Bangladeshis. In addition to this, the child underweight rate is the highest in South Asia, and one of the highest in the world.
Although Bangladesh has almost attained self-sufficiency in food production, rice production in Bangladesh is expected to fall by about 3.9 percent each year due to climate change.
Land is a critical issue in Bangladesh, with almost 60 percent of farmers being functionally landless, and farm sizes too small to support a family.
One percent of arable land is being lost each year due to climate change and urbanization, the report states. Women’s rights to land are particularly constrained.
The report therefore advocates wide-scale introduction of sustainable agriculture, alongside urgent land reform.
The government responded to the food crisis with a large stimulus package for agriculture, and a large scaling up of its social safety net programme, which accounted for 12.6 percent of the national budget for 2009/10.
Employment generation programmes will now need to be significantly expanded as part of the government’s forthcoming Food Security Investment Plan.
Global Scenario:
As far as the global scenario is concerned, the new report says hunger is costing poor nations $450 billion a year, more than ten times the amount needed to halve hunger by 2015 and meet Millennium Development Goal-1.
The report reveals that 20 out of 28 poor nations are off track to halving hunger by 2015, with 12 of them going backwards, despite UN claims that the world is on track to meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
If China, the most successful growing economy is removed from the scoring, the percentage of hungry people in the world is the same as when the goals were set two decades ago, the report says.
ActionAid’s CEO Joanna Kerr said, “Fighting hunger now will be ten times cheaper than ignoring it. Every year reduced worker productivity, poor health and lost education costs poor countries billions.
“And the cost is not just financial. If governments don’t act now, over a million more children could die by 2015 and half of Africa won’t have enough food in ten years,” she said, adding that recent food riots are a sharp reminder that poor countries cannot rely on unstable global food markets.
She also said investing in local farms where the world’s hungry live is the best way to avert another food crisis.
ActionAid says the hunger goal is going backwards globally, largely because of a lack of aid to agriculture and rural development, few legal rights to food in poor nations and little or no support services to help farming communities when harvests fail.
Brazil, China, Ghana, Malawi and Vietnam, who top ActionAid’s scorecard slashed hunger by dramatically scaling-up investment in small farms and introducing social protection schemes such as public works employment, cash transfers, food rations, and free school meals.
Malawi has reduced the number of people living on food handouts from 1.5 million to 150,000 in just five years. Brazil has halved the number of underweight children in less than 10 years. China will meet its hunger goal five years early.
Rich nations also scored. Luxembourg, France, Spain, Sweden and Canada who pledged agricultural aid to help fight the 2009 food crisis scored top as donor nations.
Portugal, Korea, Greece, New Zealand and Austria ranked bottom. G8 nations pledged $22 billion in 2009 to fight hunger, yet ActionAid estimates $14 billion of this is in fact old aid promises repackaged in new forms, and it is still unclear when or how the money will be spent.
ActionAid’s Africa HungerFREE Coordinator Henry Malumo said: “Times are hard and budgets are tight, so now more than ever it’s important for governments to invest in the right places. Rich countries must stop pulling statistical tricks and show us how and when the money they have promised will reach the people who need it most.”
Malawi and Ghana are shining examples of how supporting small scale farmers are keys to halving hunger. With only five years left and a billion people hungry, it’s critical the world follow their example, he added.
END/UNB/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
