By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 28 (UNB) – Country’s reputed educational institutions which have unique dress code for their female students are yet to decide on changing the students’ uniforms in the backdrop of Education Ministry’s recent circular.
The educational institutions, which made veil and religious attires especially scarves mandatory for their female students, want to consider it as their institutions’ uniform, not as religious attires. Many institutional heads claim students feel free to choose whether or not they would wear veil or scarves.
Some of the educational institutions are ready to bring about changes in their dress code if they get any specific directions from the government.
Talking to UNB, Principal of Motijheel Ideal School and College Shahan Ara Begum said: “It’s simply our school dress. It has become a custom since the establishment of the school. The circular you’re talking about is for burqa [veil].”
Syllabus of this famous school, which has made a mark in quality education in Bangladesh, suggests female students to use white-scarf from class I-IV while white cap for male students.
Replying to a question, Principal Shahan Ara said: “We’re yet to get a letter from the authorities on this issue. If we get directive from the government, we’ll sit after the vacation for taking decision on changing the dress code.” She said they would abide by any government directive.
On the other hand, International Islamic University, Chittagong (IIUC) has made veil mandatory as the institutional uniform for their female students where students feel free to wear the veil.
“We’ve instructed our students to wear decent dress. We didn’t force any student to wear veil though we’ve instructed students to wear veil simply for maintaining decency. Even, we didn’t stop anybody (coming to university) without wearing veil,” IIUC Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M Mahbubullah said.
He, however, said they do not have any plan to change the dress code as “our students wear veils willingly.”
A former student of the IIUC said: “Veil was mandatory for us as per the institution’s prospectus but none was forced to wear veil. So, I don’t see any problem continuation of such dress code.”
It was widely alleged that students had to face punishment if they did not wear veil, scarf and other religious attires as per the directives of the educational institutions having their own dress code. Sometimes, even students were not allowed to attend classes.
On August 25, the Education Ministry issued a circular asking the government and private educational institutions not to force female students to wear burqa (veil) or religious attires.
The circular signed by Education Secretary Sayed Ataur Rahman also said that female students cannot be refrained from participating in sports and cultural activities at their institutions.
It said female students cannot be repressed, harassed or given any punishment for not wearing veil.
The circular urged the heads of the educational institutions and the management committees to take necessary measures to follow these instructions.
The circular said if any complaint is received about violation of the instructions, the departments, directorates or education boards under the Education Ministry will make inquiry and take legal action.
The instructions were given for the protection of human rights as per article 28 of the Constitution.
Earlier, the High Court on August 22 issued a suo moto order directing the government to ensure that no woman is forced to wear veil (burqa) or religious attires at the educational institutions and offices across the country.
END/UNB/AKM/
Monday, August 30, 2010
Foolproof security for advance rail tickets sale starting tomorrow
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 30 (UNB) - Bangladesh Railways (BR), the country’s principal transportation agency, begins its advance tickets sale for homebound passengers during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays tomorrow (Tuesday).
Foolproof security measures have been taken comprising the RAB (Rapid Action Battalion), the police, Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and the railway authority’s own force to ensure a smooth selling period, which will continue till September 4.
“We’re fully prepared…we’ve sufficient security personnel and I hope homebound passengers won’t face any difficulty in collecting their advance tickets,” said Divisional Railway Manager M Habibur Rahman to UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin over the phone today.
He said they have a target of selling 10-15 thousand tickets for inter-city trains per day from Kamalapur railway station. “We have finalized everything in the coordination meeting yesterday (Sunday).”
Asked about alleged manipulation by ticket sellers in the ticketing booths, Habibur Rahman noted the entire nation has given them the responsibility to ensure train tickets for homebound passengers transparently.
“The allegation isn’t true…it won’t happen, everyone will be under strict surveillance and detectives will be there to prevent any misconduct in selling of advance tickets and to ensure a smooth and peaceful environment at all ticketing booths,” said the railway top official, adding that 10 percent tickets will be sold under cell-phone operators.
The advanced tickets for all inter-city trains will be available at major railway stations in Dhaka and the divisional headquarters of Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna and Rajshahi everyday from 9am to 5pm. Apart from Kamalapur in the capital city, passengers can buy advance tickets from Airport station. The advanced tickets will be also available at Joydevpur railway station.
According to railway officials, passengers can buy tickets for their chosen date of travel five days prior to the date. So in order to travel on September 5, they can buy the ticket on August 31, for September 6 travel on September 1, for September 7 on September 2, and so on till September 9.
Each passenger will have the liberty to buy a maximum of four tickets at a time. Everyday about 44 passenger trains depart Kamalapur Railway Station. The railway authority might add additional coaches, if necessary, to ensure smoother journeys for the holidaymakers.
Chittagong Railway Station Manager Shamshul Alam told this correspondent they expect to sell nearly 9-10 thousands advance tickets per day with some standing tickets.
“All preparations have been taken to ensure a smooth sale. Security personnel comprising RAB, APBn and railway police have already been deployed to avert any untoward incidents,” he said.
Divisional Secretary of Roads and Railway Mohammad Mozammel Hauqe Khan, Director General of Bangladesh Railway Mohammad Belayet Hossain and other senior railways officials are expected to attend the sales.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Aug 30 (UNB) - Bangladesh Railways (BR), the country’s principal transportation agency, begins its advance tickets sale for homebound passengers during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays tomorrow (Tuesday).
Foolproof security measures have been taken comprising the RAB (Rapid Action Battalion), the police, Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and the railway authority’s own force to ensure a smooth selling period, which will continue till September 4.
“We’re fully prepared…we’ve sufficient security personnel and I hope homebound passengers won’t face any difficulty in collecting their advance tickets,” said Divisional Railway Manager M Habibur Rahman to UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin over the phone today.
He said they have a target of selling 10-15 thousand tickets for inter-city trains per day from Kamalapur railway station. “We have finalized everything in the coordination meeting yesterday (Sunday).”
Asked about alleged manipulation by ticket sellers in the ticketing booths, Habibur Rahman noted the entire nation has given them the responsibility to ensure train tickets for homebound passengers transparently.
“The allegation isn’t true…it won’t happen, everyone will be under strict surveillance and detectives will be there to prevent any misconduct in selling of advance tickets and to ensure a smooth and peaceful environment at all ticketing booths,” said the railway top official, adding that 10 percent tickets will be sold under cell-phone operators.
The advanced tickets for all inter-city trains will be available at major railway stations in Dhaka and the divisional headquarters of Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna and Rajshahi everyday from 9am to 5pm. Apart from Kamalapur in the capital city, passengers can buy advance tickets from Airport station. The advanced tickets will be also available at Joydevpur railway station.
According to railway officials, passengers can buy tickets for their chosen date of travel five days prior to the date. So in order to travel on September 5, they can buy the ticket on August 31, for September 6 travel on September 1, for September 7 on September 2, and so on till September 9.
Each passenger will have the liberty to buy a maximum of four tickets at a time. Everyday about 44 passenger trains depart Kamalapur Railway Station. The railway authority might add additional coaches, if necessary, to ensure smoother journeys for the holidaymakers.
Chittagong Railway Station Manager Shamshul Alam told this correspondent they expect to sell nearly 9-10 thousands advance tickets per day with some standing tickets.
“All preparations have been taken to ensure a smooth sale. Security personnel comprising RAB, APBn and railway police have already been deployed to avert any untoward incidents,” he said.
Divisional Secretary of Roads and Railway Mohammad Mozammel Hauqe Khan, Director General of Bangladesh Railway Mohammad Belayet Hossain and other senior railways officials are expected to attend the sales.
END/UNB/AKM/
Friday, August 27, 2010
Border haat unlikely before mid-Sept; Dhaka yet to get reply from Delhi
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 27 (UNB) - Border haat, a common marketplace for both Bangladeshis and Indians to boost local business and trade between the two neighbors, is unlikely before mid-September as Bangladesh is yet to get reply from Delhi on Dhaka’s proposals with new conditions.
The two countries had agreed to set up the border haats along their international border in the northeast early this year when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India on her maiden trip.
The haat was scheduled to be launched on April 14 or Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year.
“We’ve sent a proposal to India…we’re yet to get a reply but I hope we’ll get the reply very soon,” Commerce Minister Faruk Khan told UNB correspondent AKM Moinuddin.
Asked about the delay, he said such haats should have been taken place earlier. “I think it should be launched within next two months.”
Minister Faruk, when asked about the mode of transaction, said currency of both countries will be used in trading.
An official of the Commerce Ministry, however, said the possibility of opening of border haat, usually for weekly trading, is very slim before mid-September.
Two border haats would be opened in the first phase - one in Sunamganj and another in Kurigram district - along the international border.
The items produced within 10 kilometres of an area bordering the two countries will be traded in the haat.
The commodities to be traded in these 'haats' would 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 apart from materials useful for farmers.
The haats would operate 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.
Commerce Ministry sources said such haats would be set up in some areas on pilot basis and if it brings benefit, the concept would be applied to some other areas.
Two major issues - taxation and mode of transaction - are expected to be settled soon, as these apparently have been delaying the operation of such haat. As per the draft proposal agreed upon, no levy will be imposed on such border trade.
Officials said the central banks of the two countries are trying to introduce a common transaction system so that no one can use the haat transaction for smuggling purposes.
The two nations first launched border trading in April 1972 - just months after Bangladesh came into existence, but the same stopped a year later due to rampant smuggling along the border areas.
Opening of border haats found mention in the joint communiqué issued by India and Bangladesh at the end of Hasina’s visit in January this year.
“It was agreed that border haats shall be established on a pilot basis at selected areas, including one on the Meghalaya border, to allow trade in specified produces and products and in accordance with
the regulations agreed and notified by both governments,” the communiqué had said.
Four northeastern states - Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam - share a 1,880 km border with Bangladesh, while India and Bhutan share a 643 km unfenced border.
Most important cities of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Comilla, are within 15 kms of the northeast borders and towns.
END/UNB/AMK/
Dhaka, Aug 27 (UNB) - Border haat, a common marketplace for both Bangladeshis and Indians to boost local business and trade between the two neighbors, is unlikely before mid-September as Bangladesh is yet to get reply from Delhi on Dhaka’s proposals with new conditions.
The two countries had agreed to set up the border haats along their international border in the northeast early this year when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India on her maiden trip.
The haat was scheduled to be launched on April 14 or Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year.
“We’ve sent a proposal to India…we’re yet to get a reply but I hope we’ll get the reply very soon,” Commerce Minister Faruk Khan told UNB correspondent AKM Moinuddin.
Asked about the delay, he said such haats should have been taken place earlier. “I think it should be launched within next two months.”
Minister Faruk, when asked about the mode of transaction, said currency of both countries will be used in trading.
An official of the Commerce Ministry, however, said the possibility of opening of border haat, usually for weekly trading, is very slim before mid-September.
Two border haats would be opened in the first phase - one in Sunamganj and another in Kurigram district - along the international border.
The items produced within 10 kilometres of an area bordering the two countries will be traded in the haat.
The commodities to be traded in these 'haats' would 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 apart from materials useful for farmers.
The haats would operate 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.
Commerce Ministry sources said such haats would be set up in some areas on pilot basis and if it brings benefit, the concept would be applied to some other areas.
Two major issues - taxation and mode of transaction - are expected to be settled soon, as these apparently have been delaying the operation of such haat. As per the draft proposal agreed upon, no levy will be imposed on such border trade.
Officials said the central banks of the two countries are trying to introduce a common transaction system so that no one can use the haat transaction for smuggling purposes.
The two nations first launched border trading in April 1972 - just months after Bangladesh came into existence, but the same stopped a year later due to rampant smuggling along the border areas.
Opening of border haats found mention in the joint communiqué issued by India and Bangladesh at the end of Hasina’s visit in January this year.
“It was agreed that border haats shall be established on a pilot basis at selected areas, including one on the Meghalaya border, to allow trade in specified produces and products and in accordance with
the regulations agreed and notified by both governments,” the communiqué had said.
Four northeastern states - Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam - share a 1,880 km border with Bangladesh, while India and Bhutan share a 643 km unfenced border.
Most important cities of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Comilla, are within 15 kms of the northeast borders and towns.
END/UNB/AMK/
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Education Ministry asks educational institutions not to force female students to wear veil or religious dress
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) - The Education Ministry issued a circular Wednesday asking the government and private educational institutions not to force female students to wear burqa (veil) or religious dress.
The circular signed by Education Secretary Sayed Ataur Rahman also said that female students cannot be refrained from participating in sports and cultural activities at their institutions.
It said female students cannot be repressed, harassed or given any punishment for not wearing veil.
The circular said it will be considered “misbehavior” if female students are forced to wear burqa or religious dress and prevented from taking part in sports and cultural activities.
It urged the heads of the educational institutions and the management committees to take necessary measures to follow these instructions.
The circular said if any complaint is received about violation of the instructions, the departments, directorates or education boards under the Education Ministry will make inquiry and take legal action.
It said the instructions are given for the protection of human rights as per article 28 of the Constitution.
The circular said it is not expected under any situation to force the female students to wear religious dress and prevent them from taking part in sports and cultural activities to ensure a good education for students and flourish their merits.
The High Court on August 22 issued a suo moto order directing the government to ensure that no woman is forced to wear veil (burqa) or religious attires at the educational institutions and offices across the country.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) - The Education Ministry issued a circular Wednesday asking the government and private educational institutions not to force female students to wear burqa (veil) or religious dress.
The circular signed by Education Secretary Sayed Ataur Rahman also said that female students cannot be refrained from participating in sports and cultural activities at their institutions.
It said female students cannot be repressed, harassed or given any punishment for not wearing veil.
The circular said it will be considered “misbehavior” if female students are forced to wear burqa or religious dress and prevented from taking part in sports and cultural activities.
It urged the heads of the educational institutions and the management committees to take necessary measures to follow these instructions.
The circular said if any complaint is received about violation of the instructions, the departments, directorates or education boards under the Education Ministry will make inquiry and take legal action.
It said the instructions are given for the protection of human rights as per article 28 of the Constitution.
The circular said it is not expected under any situation to force the female students to wear religious dress and prevent them from taking part in sports and cultural activities to ensure a good education for students and flourish their merits.
The High Court on August 22 issued a suo moto order directing the government to ensure that no woman is forced to wear veil (burqa) or religious attires at the educational institutions and offices across the country.
END/UNB/AKM/
Govt to expand e-education in remote areas within a year: Telecom Minister
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) – The government wants to expand e-education in the country’s remote areas within a year while the e-health facilities within the shortest possible time, Post and Telecommunications Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju said Wednesday.
He also said all unions of the country would be brought under optical fiber connectivity by 2012 to materialize the Bangabandhu’s dream of `Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal).
The Telecom Minister revealed the government plans while speaking as chief guest at a roundtable titled “Bangabandhu and Digital Bangladesh” held at the CIRDAP auditorium, organized by editor.com.
Raju said “our much desired Sonar Bangla” could be built through digital revolution and the government is giving special attention on strengthening government’s technical wings.
Jatiya Party presidium member Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Murad Hasan MP, BTRC chairman Zia Ahmed, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University AK Azad Chowdhury, Bangladesh Computer Council president Mostafa Jabbar, journalist Mozammel Haque Babu and Chief Executive Officer of Rtv M Hamid took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) – The government wants to expand e-education in the country’s remote areas within a year while the e-health facilities within the shortest possible time, Post and Telecommunications Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju said Wednesday.
He also said all unions of the country would be brought under optical fiber connectivity by 2012 to materialize the Bangabandhu’s dream of `Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal).
The Telecom Minister revealed the government plans while speaking as chief guest at a roundtable titled “Bangabandhu and Digital Bangladesh” held at the CIRDAP auditorium, organized by editor.com.
Raju said “our much desired Sonar Bangla” could be built through digital revolution and the government is giving special attention on strengthening government’s technical wings.
Jatiya Party presidium member Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Murad Hasan MP, BTRC chairman Zia Ahmed, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University AK Azad Chowdhury, Bangladesh Computer Council president Mostafa Jabbar, journalist Mozammel Haque Babu and Chief Executive Officer of Rtv M Hamid took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/AKM/
Azad reiterates to identify dishonest businessmen; suggests not to issue trade license in Dhaka to decentralize business
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) – FBCCI President AK Azad on Wednesday reiterated that they would identify the dishonest businessmen who are tarnishing the image of the community of three crore businesspeople across the country.
“Such dishonest businessmen are few in number… investigation is on and we want to unmask them before the society as they’re tarnishing the image of the entire business community,” he said seeking government cooperation in this regard.
The apex trade body chief made the remarks at a meeting with Industries Minister Dilip Barua at the conference room of the ministry today.
Members of the newly elected board of directors of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), BSTI Director General AK Fazlul Ahad, BSCIC chairman Fakhrul Islam, additional secretary at the Industries Ministry ABM Khorshed Alam were present in the meeting.
AK Azad urged the government not to issue any new trade license in Dhaka in a bid to decentralize business and decrease pressure on the capital as the city is already overcrowded.
“I urge the government to take steps for setting up special economic zones outside Dhaka with the required facilities so that businesspeople can invest there instead of rushing into capital city,” he said.
About the upcoming Industrial Policy, the FBCCI president said the government should make the policy into a law so that its practical application is ensured. “Our experiences say it’s urgent to convert the policy into an Act.”
He said they would place a set of recommendations before the government after the Eid-ul-Fitr to bring in wholesale changes to the entire trading system under a specific policy to avert price manipulation and artificial shortages of essentials in the market apart from ensuring transparency and accountability.
Azad urged the Industries Minister to take immediate steps for improving the standard of BSTI certification so that exporters can export their products to the neighboring countries especially India without any difficulty.
He appreciated the government effort for keeping the sugar price stable from the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Concluding the discussion, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said the government is very cooperative towards the businesspeople. “It’s not our job to do business… government’s job is to provide support to private entrepreneurs.”
He said the Industries Ministry is helpful for industrialization in the country by formulating a pragmatic policy and developing infrastructure and other facilities. “We’re giving priority to accelerating industrialization under private sector instead of setting up new industries in the public sector.”
About the standard of BSTI, Barua said neighboring India has a psychological problem with Bangladesh as it does not want to recognize the BSTI certification. “We’re working on the improvement of BSTI certification so that it gets global acceptability.”
Earlier, FBCCI director M Jalal Uddin came down heavily on the BSTI authorities and strongly criticized the way in which the mobile courts are now operating.
FBCCI Vice President Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu, and directors Shamshul Haque, Harun-ur-Rashid, MA Momen, Abu Alam Chowdhury, Abdul Moktadir, Monowara Hakim Ali, Momtaj Uddin and Abdul Haque also took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) – FBCCI President AK Azad on Wednesday reiterated that they would identify the dishonest businessmen who are tarnishing the image of the community of three crore businesspeople across the country.
“Such dishonest businessmen are few in number… investigation is on and we want to unmask them before the society as they’re tarnishing the image of the entire business community,” he said seeking government cooperation in this regard.
The apex trade body chief made the remarks at a meeting with Industries Minister Dilip Barua at the conference room of the ministry today.
Members of the newly elected board of directors of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), BSTI Director General AK Fazlul Ahad, BSCIC chairman Fakhrul Islam, additional secretary at the Industries Ministry ABM Khorshed Alam were present in the meeting.
AK Azad urged the government not to issue any new trade license in Dhaka in a bid to decentralize business and decrease pressure on the capital as the city is already overcrowded.
“I urge the government to take steps for setting up special economic zones outside Dhaka with the required facilities so that businesspeople can invest there instead of rushing into capital city,” he said.
About the upcoming Industrial Policy, the FBCCI president said the government should make the policy into a law so that its practical application is ensured. “Our experiences say it’s urgent to convert the policy into an Act.”
He said they would place a set of recommendations before the government after the Eid-ul-Fitr to bring in wholesale changes to the entire trading system under a specific policy to avert price manipulation and artificial shortages of essentials in the market apart from ensuring transparency and accountability.
Azad urged the Industries Minister to take immediate steps for improving the standard of BSTI certification so that exporters can export their products to the neighboring countries especially India without any difficulty.
He appreciated the government effort for keeping the sugar price stable from the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Concluding the discussion, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said the government is very cooperative towards the businesspeople. “It’s not our job to do business… government’s job is to provide support to private entrepreneurs.”
He said the Industries Ministry is helpful for industrialization in the country by formulating a pragmatic policy and developing infrastructure and other facilities. “We’re giving priority to accelerating industrialization under private sector instead of setting up new industries in the public sector.”
About the standard of BSTI, Barua said neighboring India has a psychological problem with Bangladesh as it does not want to recognize the BSTI certification. “We’re working on the improvement of BSTI certification so that it gets global acceptability.”
Earlier, FBCCI director M Jalal Uddin came down heavily on the BSTI authorities and strongly criticized the way in which the mobile courts are now operating.
FBCCI Vice President Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu, and directors Shamshul Haque, Harun-ur-Rashid, MA Momen, Abu Alam Chowdhury, Abdul Moktadir, Monowara Hakim Ali, Momtaj Uddin and Abdul Haque also took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/AKM/
Govt sets export target at $18.5 billion for current fiscal
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) – The government has set the export target at US$ 18.5 billion for the current fiscal year, showing 14.16 percent higher than the actual export last year.
This was informed by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan after meeting with Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in his office today. He said the target was set keeping in line with the proposal of the EPB, which is achievable.
“I hope overall export will increase as the impact of global financial meltdown is over apparently,” he told reporters.
Faruk said power and gas crises have significantly improved in recent days. This will help rise in production in mills and factories leading to increase in export volume.
According to new export target, target of knitwear export is set at $7131.62 million while $6614.77 for woven garments, $1115.38 million for Jute and Jute Goods, $ 563.5 million for Home Textile, $450 million for frozen fish, $ 294 million for Leather, $266 for Agro Products, $111.15 million for Chemical Products, $155.20 million for Bicycle, $34.87 million for leather products, $235 million for Footwear, $33.86 for Ceramic Products and export target for vessels and ships is set at $36 million.
Sources close to the meeting said EPB proposed the export target at US$18.7 billion during the current fiscal year. Export earning for the 2009-10 fiscal stood at US$16.2 billion against the target of $17.6 billion. That represented a 4 percent increase over the 2008-09 fiscal, even though it fell around 8 percent short of the target.
According to EPB proposal, the target for knitwear was set at $7.3 billion, which is a 13 percent increase over last year’s performance ($6.4 billion) while the target for the woven garments sector was proposed at $6.7 billion, around $700 million more than it earned last year.
Representatives of FBCCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, MCCI, National Board of Revenue and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 25 (UNB) – The government has set the export target at US$ 18.5 billion for the current fiscal year, showing 14.16 percent higher than the actual export last year.
This was informed by Commerce Minister Faruk Khan after meeting with Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in his office today. He said the target was set keeping in line with the proposal of the EPB, which is achievable.
“I hope overall export will increase as the impact of global financial meltdown is over apparently,” he told reporters.
Faruk said power and gas crises have significantly improved in recent days. This will help rise in production in mills and factories leading to increase in export volume.
According to new export target, target of knitwear export is set at $7131.62 million while $6614.77 for woven garments, $1115.38 million for Jute and Jute Goods, $ 563.5 million for Home Textile, $450 million for frozen fish, $ 294 million for Leather, $266 for Agro Products, $111.15 million for Chemical Products, $155.20 million for Bicycle, $34.87 million for leather products, $235 million for Footwear, $33.86 for Ceramic Products and export target for vessels and ships is set at $36 million.
Sources close to the meeting said EPB proposed the export target at US$18.7 billion during the current fiscal year. Export earning for the 2009-10 fiscal stood at US$16.2 billion against the target of $17.6 billion. That represented a 4 percent increase over the 2008-09 fiscal, even though it fell around 8 percent short of the target.
According to EPB proposal, the target for knitwear was set at $7.3 billion, which is a 13 percent increase over last year’s performance ($6.4 billion) while the target for the woven garments sector was proposed at $6.7 billion, around $700 million more than it earned last year.
Representatives of FBCCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, MCCI, National Board of Revenue and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.
END/UNB/AKM
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Stop Rohingya, suspected war criminals, terrorists from leaving country in guise of Hajj passengers: Home Minister
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 24 (UNB) – Intelligence agencies have been directed to remain vigilant so that no Rohinygas, terrorists, or suspected war criminals can leave the country under the guise of attending the Hajj, Home Minister Sahara Khatun said on Tuesday.
The Home Minister also warned the Hajj agencies that their licenses may be revoked apart from other forms of legal action against them in case any Hajj pilgrim in their books fails to return to the country in time after performing Hajj.
“Rohingyas used to leave the country using Bangladeshi passports in the guise of Hajj pilgrims..then they stay back there and engage themselves in criminal activities which tarnish the image of the country abroad. We’ll strictly monitor any such ploy this time,” she told reporters after emerging from a meeting at the Secretariat.
Sahara said a list of impending Hajjis (pilgrims) would be sent to the Special Branch (SB) for further scrutiny as to whether any foreigner, suspected war criminal or terrorist is there or not.
“They (intelligence agency) will give the clearance after scrutinising the list,” she said.
Turning her attention to the Hajj agencies, she said: “Stay alert. Make sure that all Hajjis will return to the country in time, otherwise legal action will be taken.”
Director General (DG) of the Department of Immigration and Passport Abdur Rob Hawlader, State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku, Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan, and Additional Inspector General (Special Branch) Jabed Patwari, among others, were present in the meeting.
Some 94,000 people are expected to perform Hajj this year whereas the number was 57,000 last year.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 24 (UNB) – Intelligence agencies have been directed to remain vigilant so that no Rohinygas, terrorists, or suspected war criminals can leave the country under the guise of attending the Hajj, Home Minister Sahara Khatun said on Tuesday.
The Home Minister also warned the Hajj agencies that their licenses may be revoked apart from other forms of legal action against them in case any Hajj pilgrim in their books fails to return to the country in time after performing Hajj.
“Rohingyas used to leave the country using Bangladeshi passports in the guise of Hajj pilgrims..then they stay back there and engage themselves in criminal activities which tarnish the image of the country abroad. We’ll strictly monitor any such ploy this time,” she told reporters after emerging from a meeting at the Secretariat.
Sahara said a list of impending Hajjis (pilgrims) would be sent to the Special Branch (SB) for further scrutiny as to whether any foreigner, suspected war criminal or terrorist is there or not.
“They (intelligence agency) will give the clearance after scrutinising the list,” she said.
Turning her attention to the Hajj agencies, she said: “Stay alert. Make sure that all Hajjis will return to the country in time, otherwise legal action will be taken.”
Director General (DG) of the Department of Immigration and Passport Abdur Rob Hawlader, State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku, Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan, and Additional Inspector General (Special Branch) Jabed Patwari, among others, were present in the meeting.
Some 94,000 people are expected to perform Hajj this year whereas the number was 57,000 last year.
END/UNB/AKM
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=151975
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=151975
Monday, August 23, 2010
New Industrial Policy to be approved before Eid; No privatization of SoEs, says Industries Minister Barua
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 23 (UNB) – The new Industrial Policy, nation’s true determinant of foreign as well as domestic investment, will receive formal approval before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
“I’m hopeful…it’ll get the final approval before Eid without any major changes,” Industries Minister Dilip Barua told UNB over phone on Monday.
He hopes the new industrial policy will play a vital role in both industrial development and economic growth and it will have specific guidelines on industrialization in the country with a vision till 2021.
Replying to a question, Minister Barua said the government has decided not to privatize any profitable units in future and not handover any state-owned enterprises (SoE) to private ownership without creating alternative employment opportunities for those who might get laid-off first.
“We won’t go for privatization of any SoE…..why should we…we made these profitable,” he said.
The new industrial policy, which is awaiting cabinet approval, will have specific directives in this regard.
He also said the SME sector would receive priority in the coming industrial policy as the government believes the SME sector will help keep the wheels of the country’s economy running.
Earlier, the draft Industrial Policy 2010 was cleared on Aug 3 at a meeting of the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs and sent to the cabinet for approval.
A three-member committee headed by Board of Investment (BoI) executive chairman SA Samad was formed to scrutinize the draft industrial policy.
After necessary scrutiny, the draft policy with some minor changes was placed before the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs for its consideration.
The draft of the new industrial policy was first placed in the meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs for its perusal in January this year.
The policy, drafted after four years, gave priority to special economic zones and enhanced foreign direct investment benefits.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 23 (UNB) – The new Industrial Policy, nation’s true determinant of foreign as well as domestic investment, will receive formal approval before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
“I’m hopeful…it’ll get the final approval before Eid without any major changes,” Industries Minister Dilip Barua told UNB over phone on Monday.
He hopes the new industrial policy will play a vital role in both industrial development and economic growth and it will have specific guidelines on industrialization in the country with a vision till 2021.
Replying to a question, Minister Barua said the government has decided not to privatize any profitable units in future and not handover any state-owned enterprises (SoE) to private ownership without creating alternative employment opportunities for those who might get laid-off first.
“We won’t go for privatization of any SoE…..why should we…we made these profitable,” he said.
The new industrial policy, which is awaiting cabinet approval, will have specific directives in this regard.
He also said the SME sector would receive priority in the coming industrial policy as the government believes the SME sector will help keep the wheels of the country’s economy running.
Earlier, the draft Industrial Policy 2010 was cleared on Aug 3 at a meeting of the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs and sent to the cabinet for approval.
A three-member committee headed by Board of Investment (BoI) executive chairman SA Samad was formed to scrutinize the draft industrial policy.
After necessary scrutiny, the draft policy with some minor changes was placed before the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs for its consideration.
The draft of the new industrial policy was first placed in the meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs for its perusal in January this year.
The policy, drafted after four years, gave priority to special economic zones and enhanced foreign direct investment benefits.
END/UNB/AKM
FBCCI to ring changes in trade system to avert price manipulation, artificial crisis; DO business likely to be binned after Eid
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 22 (UNB) – In a bid to avert price manipulation and artificial shortages in the market, the country’s apex trade body, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, hopes to bring in wholesale changes to the entire trading system that might get legal shape after the Eid-ul-Fitr.
As part of the changes, the FBCCI is planning to abolish the DO (delivery order) system, replacing it with dealerships, fix maximum stock periods for all products, introduce cash memos in each step of the trading process, and mandatory display of price lists in each shop to ensure transparency and contain unexpected price hikes.
Apart from these, under the planned guidelines, the volume of annual production, and import and demand of each product will be identified in advance, while the gap between demand and supply, if any, will be addressed by the government or the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
Meanwhile, all importers and traders will be asked to update their web pages with necessary information including import price or international price, local price, quantity of stock and other related information under the guidelines.
“We want to ensure transparency in every step of doing business…we’ll finalize draft recommendations in consultation with businessmen and will place it before the Commerce Ministry,” FBCCI president AK Azad said on Sunday.
He said the image of the entire business community is being tarnished simply because of a section of profit-greedy traders whose number is very limited. “It can’t continue like this.”
Azad made the remarks at a review meeting on the price-hike of essential commodities during Ramadan, held at the conference room of the FBCCI.
Commerce Secretary M Golam Hosain attended the meeting as chief guest while co-chairman of the FBCCI market monitoring committee M Helal Uddin, FBCCI first vice president M Jashim Uddin, and vice president Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu, along with importers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers took part in the discussion.
Pointing the finger at a section of market manipulators, Azad criticized them harshly for not keeping their commitment to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and FBCCI leaders to keep the market stable.
“We have detective reports. We know who they are. Entire business community won’t take the responsibility for their misdeeds. We’ll have to come out from the culture of unusual price hike…we should have social commitment,” Azad said.
He said the Prime Minister is losing her confidence in businessmen as she was informed by the detectives that some were trying to create an artificial crisis in the market. “Things are under investigation,” he said.
Touching the Ramadan market that was flooded with adulterated foodstuffs, he said the anti-adulteration drive should be continued round the year. “We’ll soon sit together with the Industries Minister….we’ll discuss how the BSTI drives can be strengthened.”
Commerce Secretary M Golam Hossain said the market is stable though it saw price fluctuation on certain consumer products.
Responding to discussants’ suggestions, he said: “We’ve started the groundwork to repeal the DO system as it creates problems.”
He was critical about a section of traders who did not keep their word, though they themselves fixed prices of essential commodities, especially sugar and soybean and palm oil. “I can show you how surprisingly the price of sugar and edible oil differed before and after packaging, and sugar and edible oil are being sold defying the imprinted price tag (maximum retail price).”
Golam Hossain, however, said adequate goods are in the pipeline and there is no possibility of crisis in the market.
Director General of Consumer Rights Protection Directorate Abul Hossain Mia, FBCCI director Abu Alam Chowdhury, Chief of Marketing of Bangladesh Sugar Corporation M Shamshul Kabir, Meghna Group Chairman Mostafa Kamal and consumer Ali Zaman, among others, also took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 22 (UNB) – In a bid to avert price manipulation and artificial shortages in the market, the country’s apex trade body, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, hopes to bring in wholesale changes to the entire trading system that might get legal shape after the Eid-ul-Fitr.
As part of the changes, the FBCCI is planning to abolish the DO (delivery order) system, replacing it with dealerships, fix maximum stock periods for all products, introduce cash memos in each step of the trading process, and mandatory display of price lists in each shop to ensure transparency and contain unexpected price hikes.
Apart from these, under the planned guidelines, the volume of annual production, and import and demand of each product will be identified in advance, while the gap between demand and supply, if any, will be addressed by the government or the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
Meanwhile, all importers and traders will be asked to update their web pages with necessary information including import price or international price, local price, quantity of stock and other related information under the guidelines.
“We want to ensure transparency in every step of doing business…we’ll finalize draft recommendations in consultation with businessmen and will place it before the Commerce Ministry,” FBCCI president AK Azad said on Sunday.
He said the image of the entire business community is being tarnished simply because of a section of profit-greedy traders whose number is very limited. “It can’t continue like this.”
Azad made the remarks at a review meeting on the price-hike of essential commodities during Ramadan, held at the conference room of the FBCCI.
Commerce Secretary M Golam Hosain attended the meeting as chief guest while co-chairman of the FBCCI market monitoring committee M Helal Uddin, FBCCI first vice president M Jashim Uddin, and vice president Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu, along with importers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers took part in the discussion.
Pointing the finger at a section of market manipulators, Azad criticized them harshly for not keeping their commitment to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and FBCCI leaders to keep the market stable.
“We have detective reports. We know who they are. Entire business community won’t take the responsibility for their misdeeds. We’ll have to come out from the culture of unusual price hike…we should have social commitment,” Azad said.
He said the Prime Minister is losing her confidence in businessmen as she was informed by the detectives that some were trying to create an artificial crisis in the market. “Things are under investigation,” he said.
Touching the Ramadan market that was flooded with adulterated foodstuffs, he said the anti-adulteration drive should be continued round the year. “We’ll soon sit together with the Industries Minister….we’ll discuss how the BSTI drives can be strengthened.”
Commerce Secretary M Golam Hossain said the market is stable though it saw price fluctuation on certain consumer products.
Responding to discussants’ suggestions, he said: “We’ve started the groundwork to repeal the DO system as it creates problems.”
He was critical about a section of traders who did not keep their word, though they themselves fixed prices of essential commodities, especially sugar and soybean and palm oil. “I can show you how surprisingly the price of sugar and edible oil differed before and after packaging, and sugar and edible oil are being sold defying the imprinted price tag (maximum retail price).”
Golam Hossain, however, said adequate goods are in the pipeline and there is no possibility of crisis in the market.
Director General of Consumer Rights Protection Directorate Abul Hossain Mia, FBCCI director Abu Alam Chowdhury, Chief of Marketing of Bangladesh Sugar Corporation M Shamshul Kabir, Meghna Group Chairman Mostafa Kamal and consumer Ali Zaman, among others, also took part in the discussion.
END/UNB/AKM
Friday, August 20, 2010
Bangladesh receives proposals worth $1 billion Indian investment; interested firms start visiting country
By AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 20 (UNB) – The government has reportedly received investment proposals worth US$1 billion (around Rs 4,600 crore) from various Indian companies and financial institutions recently.
Bangladesh attracted overall investments worth US$2 billion in the last two years, of which investments from India were around $400 million, or 20 percent of the total, said a source close to Indian investors.
The investment proposals came when a high-powered business delegation led by executive chairman of Board of Investment (BoI) SA Samad visited Chennai, the capital of South Indian State Tamil Nadu, on August 8-10.
The Bangladeshi business delegation also attended a seminar on “Strengthening Indo-Bangladesh investment and trade” in Chennai, which was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) arranged the Bangladesh team's visit to Chennai.
A member of the business delegation, wishing anonymity, said Bangladesh has in hand proposals worth US$1 billion from India. This includes $250 million for power plants and $50 million from various banks, insurance companies and leasing companies.
Talking to UNB about the outcome of the recent visit to Chennai, the IBCCI president Abdul Matlub Ahmed said the visit was very successful.
“A number of letters of interest (LoI) were signed during the visit… it is a positive sign they’re interested to invest in Bangladesh even knowing we’ve gas and power crisis,” he said.
Among the interested firms and financial institutions, representatives of a Delhi-based logistic company, Central Bank of India, and a company interested to produce specialized cement will come to Bangladesh within this month and first week of September for further discussion on the investment proposals.
“Central Bank of India is keen to invest $ 50 million here to work on infrastructure development… the bank’s scouting team will soon visit Bangladesh,” said Matlub Ahmed, also the chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group.
Meanwhile, a Kolkata-based company is interested to invest in the shipbuilding industry. “A team of the company is already visiting Bangladesh.”
Sources said Bangladesh might ask the Tata Group to reconsider its earlier investment proposal of $3 billion, mainly for the power sector. The proposal was called off in 2008, when the previous government failed to guarantee natural gas for the project.
During the Chennai visit, Bangladesh business delegation offered a competitive business-friendly environment for the Indian investors.
They highlighted low labour cost, strategic location, regional connectivity and worldwide access as some of the advantages for the Indian investors.
The business team also attached due importance to enhanced economic ties with India, as it remained immune to recession that affected many countries worldwide.
Bangladesh listed some sectors that could lure Tamil Nadu entrepreneurs for investments under public private partnership, which include power, ports, telecom, highways and expressways, oil and gas, airports, tourism, industrial estates and property development.
Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi Tariq Ahmad Karim, executive vice chairman of Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance and Export Promotion Bureau M Velmurugan, and deputy chairman of CII southern region T T Ashok also attended the seminar.
Bangladesh is a strong business partner for India in South Asia. Indian exports to Bangladesh in 2008-09 stood at US$ 2497.84 million and imports from Bangladesh touched US$ 313.11 million.
END/UNB/AKM
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 20 (UNB) – The government has reportedly received investment proposals worth US$1 billion (around Rs 4,600 crore) from various Indian companies and financial institutions recently.
Bangladesh attracted overall investments worth US$2 billion in the last two years, of which investments from India were around $400 million, or 20 percent of the total, said a source close to Indian investors.
The investment proposals came when a high-powered business delegation led by executive chairman of Board of Investment (BoI) SA Samad visited Chennai, the capital of South Indian State Tamil Nadu, on August 8-10.
The Bangladeshi business delegation also attended a seminar on “Strengthening Indo-Bangladesh investment and trade” in Chennai, which was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) arranged the Bangladesh team's visit to Chennai.
A member of the business delegation, wishing anonymity, said Bangladesh has in hand proposals worth US$1 billion from India. This includes $250 million for power plants and $50 million from various banks, insurance companies and leasing companies.
Talking to UNB about the outcome of the recent visit to Chennai, the IBCCI president Abdul Matlub Ahmed said the visit was very successful.
“A number of letters of interest (LoI) were signed during the visit… it is a positive sign they’re interested to invest in Bangladesh even knowing we’ve gas and power crisis,” he said.
Among the interested firms and financial institutions, representatives of a Delhi-based logistic company, Central Bank of India, and a company interested to produce specialized cement will come to Bangladesh within this month and first week of September for further discussion on the investment proposals.
“Central Bank of India is keen to invest $ 50 million here to work on infrastructure development… the bank’s scouting team will soon visit Bangladesh,” said Matlub Ahmed, also the chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group.
Meanwhile, a Kolkata-based company is interested to invest in the shipbuilding industry. “A team of the company is already visiting Bangladesh.”
Sources said Bangladesh might ask the Tata Group to reconsider its earlier investment proposal of $3 billion, mainly for the power sector. The proposal was called off in 2008, when the previous government failed to guarantee natural gas for the project.
During the Chennai visit, Bangladesh business delegation offered a competitive business-friendly environment for the Indian investors.
They highlighted low labour cost, strategic location, regional connectivity and worldwide access as some of the advantages for the Indian investors.
The business team also attached due importance to enhanced economic ties with India, as it remained immune to recession that affected many countries worldwide.
Bangladesh listed some sectors that could lure Tamil Nadu entrepreneurs for investments under public private partnership, which include power, ports, telecom, highways and expressways, oil and gas, airports, tourism, industrial estates and property development.
Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi Tariq Ahmad Karim, executive vice chairman of Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance and Export Promotion Bureau M Velmurugan, and deputy chairman of CII southern region T T Ashok also attended the seminar.
Bangladesh is a strong business partner for India in South Asia. Indian exports to Bangladesh in 2008-09 stood at US$ 2497.84 million and imports from Bangladesh touched US$ 313.11 million.
END/UNB/AKM
6th anniv of deadly grenade attack on AL rally tomorrow; PM calls for building peaceful, safe, terrorism-free country to show respect to martyrs
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 20 (UNB) – Tomorrow (Saturday) is 21 August, the sixth anniversary of the deadly grenade attack on the Awami League rally at Bangabandhu Avenue that killed 24 people, including front-line leader Ivy Rahman, and injured over 500 others.
The shock and horror that the nation felt on that day will be remembered with elaborate program to show deepest sympathy for the families of the martyrs.
President M Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on Friday ahead of the 6th anniversary of August 21.
President Zillur Rahman in his message said: “The August 21 is a day of mourning and a shameful chapter of our national history…I pay respect to all those martyred in the grenade attacks.”
He said the anti-liberation killing squad had assassinated the architect of independence Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members on August 15, 1975.
“They didn’t stop even after this… they attempted to kill her daughter Sheikh Hasina as per their blueprint through grenade attack.”
President Zillur said the anti-liberation and defeated forces are still active and it is the demand of time to build unity against them.
He prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of all those martyred in the grenade attack.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said the August 21 is a disgraceful day in country’s political history.
“Truth can’t be hidden…now it has come out through investigation that a state minister of BNP-Jamaat alliance government was directly involved in the grenade attack launched to kill me,” she said.
Hasina said: “We want end of killing, terrorism and militancy through ensuring punishment to the key planners, those who gave the directive for grenade attack and the killers.”
“Let’s pay the highest respect to the martyrs of August 21 grenade attack through building a peaceful and safe country, and ensuring a terrorism-free democratic political environment,” she said.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 20 (UNB) – Tomorrow (Saturday) is 21 August, the sixth anniversary of the deadly grenade attack on the Awami League rally at Bangabandhu Avenue that killed 24 people, including front-line leader Ivy Rahman, and injured over 500 others.
The shock and horror that the nation felt on that day will be remembered with elaborate program to show deepest sympathy for the families of the martyrs.
President M Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on Friday ahead of the 6th anniversary of August 21.
President Zillur Rahman in his message said: “The August 21 is a day of mourning and a shameful chapter of our national history…I pay respect to all those martyred in the grenade attacks.”
He said the anti-liberation killing squad had assassinated the architect of independence Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members on August 15, 1975.
“They didn’t stop even after this… they attempted to kill her daughter Sheikh Hasina as per their blueprint through grenade attack.”
President Zillur said the anti-liberation and defeated forces are still active and it is the demand of time to build unity against them.
He prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of all those martyred in the grenade attack.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said the August 21 is a disgraceful day in country’s political history.
“Truth can’t be hidden…now it has come out through investigation that a state minister of BNP-Jamaat alliance government was directly involved in the grenade attack launched to kill me,” she said.
Hasina said: “We want end of killing, terrorism and militancy through ensuring punishment to the key planners, those who gave the directive for grenade attack and the killers.”
“Let’s pay the highest respect to the martyrs of August 21 grenade attack through building a peaceful and safe country, and ensuring a terrorism-free democratic political environment,” she said.
END/UNB/AKM
Monday, August 16, 2010
Govt deadline for relocating dangerous Old Dhaka warehouses expires Tuesday; extension likely
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 16 (UNB) – The government has apparently stepped back from its firm commitment to relocate the warehouses storing dangerous and corrosive chemicals in the old part of Dhaka City within the deadline it had set earlier, which expires on Tuesday.
Considering factors on the ground, the government now wants to review its decision and give some more time to the businessmen for relocating their warehouses of inflammable chemicals to safer locations.
“We’ll sit together with businessmen and parties involved with the issue tomorrow (Tuesday)…we’ll take decision based on practicality,” Industries Minister Dilip Barua told UNB.
Earlier on August 3, Dilip Barua in a harsh reminder to the businessmen of Old Dhaka said the government would not tolerate the storage of highly risky chemicals in such a densely populated area from Tuesday, August 17, in the interest of public safety.
State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam on the same day also came down heavily on the businessmen and sharply criticized the role of businesspeople, saying that they had not taken any of the significant steps they had pledged earlier.
After the devastating fire at Nimtoli that claimed 127 lives, the government announced plans to relocate chemical warehouses out of Old Dhaka by August 17. The government has also formulated some strict guidelines for businesses that use flammable chemicals.
The government insists it is not ‘stepping back’ from its commitment to breaking the coexistence of the highly dangerous chemicals with so many people crammed into a small area in Old Dhaka, though it wants to extend the deadline for relocating warehouses to safer places.
Asked about the probable expansion of the deadline, Barua said the decision would be taken in the meeting. “We can’t say anything until the discussion is over.”
The meeting will take place at about 11am at the conference room of the National Productivity Organization (NPO) in the ministry.
Leaders of Bangladesh Chamber of Industry (BCI) and businessmen of Old Dhaka and related people will join the meeting.
Talking to UNB, BCI president Shahedul Islam Helal said things are moving in the right direction, and the problems will be solved.
“A number of developments have been in place since the last meeting. Problems will be solved…if the government gives us time,” he said.
Helal, also president of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) said the government has already identified 20 types of chemicals which are considered as dangerous and explosives.
“As the government has already given businessmen a guideline indicating what type of chemical warehouses will have to be relocated, it will be easier to relocate these chemicals to safer places,” Helal said.
Ministry sources said the businessmen might get the deadline extended till Eid-ul-Fitr , even though they are more likely to ask for another 2-3 months in the meeting.
The government does not want to fall into a fresh deathtrap and does not want to take any risk and it will go for legal actions against the businessmen who will violate the fresh deadline likely to come out tomorrow’s meeting.
The meeting will also discuss resolving the problems of businessmen in Old Dhaka. The Industries Minister may come up with guidelines for Old Dhaka businessmen to solve their problems.
Old Dhaka businessmen are likely to place a demand to the government for a separate zone for relocating the risky chemical warehouses.
Sources said the entire chemical business community is passing through a hard time. There has been a drop of nearly 40-60 percent in the import of chemicals in recent days as panic gripped the sector.
On the other hand, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Monday demanded an extension of the deadline to relocate the warehouses.
In a statement issued on Monday the DCCI said: “We believe that it is not practical to relocate these chemical warehouses in such brief period of time.”
It says relocation process also requires systematic planning. “We demand an extension of the deadline till September 17.”
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 16 (UNB) – The government has apparently stepped back from its firm commitment to relocate the warehouses storing dangerous and corrosive chemicals in the old part of Dhaka City within the deadline it had set earlier, which expires on Tuesday.
Considering factors on the ground, the government now wants to review its decision and give some more time to the businessmen for relocating their warehouses of inflammable chemicals to safer locations.
“We’ll sit together with businessmen and parties involved with the issue tomorrow (Tuesday)…we’ll take decision based on practicality,” Industries Minister Dilip Barua told UNB.
Earlier on August 3, Dilip Barua in a harsh reminder to the businessmen of Old Dhaka said the government would not tolerate the storage of highly risky chemicals in such a densely populated area from Tuesday, August 17, in the interest of public safety.
State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam on the same day also came down heavily on the businessmen and sharply criticized the role of businesspeople, saying that they had not taken any of the significant steps they had pledged earlier.
After the devastating fire at Nimtoli that claimed 127 lives, the government announced plans to relocate chemical warehouses out of Old Dhaka by August 17. The government has also formulated some strict guidelines for businesses that use flammable chemicals.
The government insists it is not ‘stepping back’ from its commitment to breaking the coexistence of the highly dangerous chemicals with so many people crammed into a small area in Old Dhaka, though it wants to extend the deadline for relocating warehouses to safer places.
Asked about the probable expansion of the deadline, Barua said the decision would be taken in the meeting. “We can’t say anything until the discussion is over.”
The meeting will take place at about 11am at the conference room of the National Productivity Organization (NPO) in the ministry.
Leaders of Bangladesh Chamber of Industry (BCI) and businessmen of Old Dhaka and related people will join the meeting.
Talking to UNB, BCI president Shahedul Islam Helal said things are moving in the right direction, and the problems will be solved.
“A number of developments have been in place since the last meeting. Problems will be solved…if the government gives us time,” he said.
Helal, also president of Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) said the government has already identified 20 types of chemicals which are considered as dangerous and explosives.
“As the government has already given businessmen a guideline indicating what type of chemical warehouses will have to be relocated, it will be easier to relocate these chemicals to safer places,” Helal said.
Ministry sources said the businessmen might get the deadline extended till Eid-ul-Fitr , even though they are more likely to ask for another 2-3 months in the meeting.
The government does not want to fall into a fresh deathtrap and does not want to take any risk and it will go for legal actions against the businessmen who will violate the fresh deadline likely to come out tomorrow’s meeting.
The meeting will also discuss resolving the problems of businessmen in Old Dhaka. The Industries Minister may come up with guidelines for Old Dhaka businessmen to solve their problems.
Old Dhaka businessmen are likely to place a demand to the government for a separate zone for relocating the risky chemical warehouses.
Sources said the entire chemical business community is passing through a hard time. There has been a drop of nearly 40-60 percent in the import of chemicals in recent days as panic gripped the sector.
On the other hand, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Monday demanded an extension of the deadline to relocate the warehouses.
In a statement issued on Monday the DCCI said: “We believe that it is not practical to relocate these chemical warehouses in such brief period of time.”
It says relocation process also requires systematic planning. “We demand an extension of the deadline till September 17.”
END/UNB/AKM
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Matia for central body of NGOs to ensure transparency, proper utilization of foreign funds
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 8 (UNB) - Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury on Sunday
emphasized the formation of a central body of non-government
organizations (NGOs) to ensure good governance, transparency and
accountability as well as proper utilization of foreign funds.
“There should be a coordinated central body for the NGOs to ensure
good governance, transparency, accountability as well as proper
utilization of foreign funds,” she said, inaugurating a two-day
conference of NGOs titled “Together in struggle for development”.
Manusher Jonno Foundation arranged the conference at the BIAM
auditorium with its executive director Shahin Anam in the chair.
National Human Rights Commission chairman Dr Mizanur Rahman and UK’s
DFID mission head Chris Austin addressed the function as special
guests.
Addressing the function as chief guest, Agriculture Minister Matia
Chowdhury the government has been facing difficulties in
communicating with the NGOs in a coordinated way simply for the lack
of a central body of NGOS.
“NGOs have long been working on different issues. It becomes
difficult to evaluate their activities in the absence of a central
organization of the operating NGOs.”
Matia alleged that some of the NGOs do not follow up their different
service-oriented programmes. “They don’t even look into it whether
marginalized people are getting the service or not,” she said.
The Agriculture Minister hoped that the NGOs involved in distributing
government khas lands would take initiative to digitalize the land
record system.
She said: “It’ll be a landmark progress if they do so and the country’
s poor and illiterate people won’t face harassment in getting
ownership of khas land.”
DFID mission chief Chris Austin said they have now been working with
the government on three issues - accountability, women’s empowerment
and development activities. “We hope to continue working with
Bangladesh to ensure accountability and transparency.”
Dr Mizanur Rahman said the National Human Rights Commission would
remain alert about violation of human rights. “The commission will
take necessary steps if any government organization violates human
rights.”
Representatives from 125 NGOs are attending the two-day conference
which will discuss issues related to poverty alleviation, ensuring
services for poor people, climate change, constitutional right of
indigenous people, right to information, domestic violence, labour
law and children’s right.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 8 (UNB) - Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury on Sunday
emphasized the formation of a central body of non-government
organizations (NGOs) to ensure good governance, transparency and
accountability as well as proper utilization of foreign funds.
“There should be a coordinated central body for the NGOs to ensure
good governance, transparency, accountability as well as proper
utilization of foreign funds,” she said, inaugurating a two-day
conference of NGOs titled “Together in struggle for development”.
Manusher Jonno Foundation arranged the conference at the BIAM
auditorium with its executive director Shahin Anam in the chair.
National Human Rights Commission chairman Dr Mizanur Rahman and UK’s
DFID mission head Chris Austin addressed the function as special
guests.
Addressing the function as chief guest, Agriculture Minister Matia
Chowdhury the government has been facing difficulties in
communicating with the NGOs in a coordinated way simply for the lack
of a central body of NGOS.
“NGOs have long been working on different issues. It becomes
difficult to evaluate their activities in the absence of a central
organization of the operating NGOs.”
Matia alleged that some of the NGOs do not follow up their different
service-oriented programmes. “They don’t even look into it whether
marginalized people are getting the service or not,” she said.
The Agriculture Minister hoped that the NGOs involved in distributing
government khas lands would take initiative to digitalize the land
record system.
She said: “It’ll be a landmark progress if they do so and the country’
s poor and illiterate people won’t face harassment in getting
ownership of khas land.”
DFID mission chief Chris Austin said they have now been working with
the government on three issues - accountability, women’s empowerment
and development activities. “We hope to continue working with
Bangladesh to ensure accountability and transparency.”
Dr Mizanur Rahman said the National Human Rights Commission would
remain alert about violation of human rights. “The commission will
take necessary steps if any government organization violates human
rights.”
Representatives from 125 NGOs are attending the two-day conference
which will discuss issues related to poverty alleviation, ensuring
services for poor people, climate change, constitutional right of
indigenous people, right to information, domestic violence, labour
law and children’s right.
END/UNB/AKM
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Purchase committee approves 5 proposals including import of 1 lakh MT rice from Vietnam
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 2 (UNB) – The cabinet committee on purchase approved five proposals on Monday, including import of one lakh metric tonnes of rice (Atap) from Vietnam.
The government will import 1 lakh metric tonnes of rice from Vietnam through the government-to-government deal. An agreement in this regard will be signed by the middle of the current month, Joint Secretary of the Cabinet Division Nurul Karim told newsmen after the meeting.
Tk 270.74 crore will be spent to import bulk volume of rice. Price of per ton rice has been fixed at $389.
Of the five proposals, the committee gave nod to import of 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat with the cost of Tk 83.86 crore through international quotation.
S Alam Trading Company will supply the wheat. The cost of per ton wheat will be $241.
With the approval of the purchase committee, M/S Amira Foods India Ltd will provide 30,000 metric tonnes of boiled rice (Non-Bashmoti) through local agent M/S Khulna Enterprise.
Per ton rice would be cost $464.62 while the price of total volume of import would cost over Tk 97.01 crore.
Meanwhile, the committee approved an energy purchase proposal allowing import of 66,000 metric tonnes of gas oil within July-December period with a premium of $3.39 for per barrel.
On the other hand, 10,000 tonnes of Kerosene, same quantity of Jet fuel and 24,000 tonnes of Octane will be purchased under the same proposal.
The cost of per barrel Kerosene and Jet fuel will be $4.39 while $7.20 for Octane.
The committee also approved a work order (Tk 12.01 crore) in favor of a Japanese Company – Pasco Finnmap for a project titled “Improvement of Digital Mapping System of Survey of Bangladesh.
Presided over by the Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed, LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Planning Minister AK Khandaker, state minister of power Enamul Haque, among others, attended the meeting.
END/UNB/GM-AKM
Dhaka, Aug 2 (UNB) – The cabinet committee on purchase approved five proposals on Monday, including import of one lakh metric tonnes of rice (Atap) from Vietnam.
The government will import 1 lakh metric tonnes of rice from Vietnam through the government-to-government deal. An agreement in this regard will be signed by the middle of the current month, Joint Secretary of the Cabinet Division Nurul Karim told newsmen after the meeting.
Tk 270.74 crore will be spent to import bulk volume of rice. Price of per ton rice has been fixed at $389.
Of the five proposals, the committee gave nod to import of 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat with the cost of Tk 83.86 crore through international quotation.
S Alam Trading Company will supply the wheat. The cost of per ton wheat will be $241.
With the approval of the purchase committee, M/S Amira Foods India Ltd will provide 30,000 metric tonnes of boiled rice (Non-Bashmoti) through local agent M/S Khulna Enterprise.
Per ton rice would be cost $464.62 while the price of total volume of import would cost over Tk 97.01 crore.
Meanwhile, the committee approved an energy purchase proposal allowing import of 66,000 metric tonnes of gas oil within July-December period with a premium of $3.39 for per barrel.
On the other hand, 10,000 tonnes of Kerosene, same quantity of Jet fuel and 24,000 tonnes of Octane will be purchased under the same proposal.
The cost of per barrel Kerosene and Jet fuel will be $4.39 while $7.20 for Octane.
The committee also approved a work order (Tk 12.01 crore) in favor of a Japanese Company – Pasco Finnmap for a project titled “Improvement of Digital Mapping System of Survey of Bangladesh.
Presided over by the Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed, LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Planning Minister AK Khandaker, state minister of power Enamul Haque, among others, attended the meeting.
END/UNB/GM-AKM
Govt won’t tolerate warehouse of corrosive chemicals in old Dhaka after Aug 17: Industries Minister
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 3 (UNB) - In a reminder to the businessmen of old Dhaka,
Industries Minister Dilip Barua on Tuesday said the government would
not tolerate coexistence of highly risky chemicals with people after
August 17.
Despite a request from businesspeople for time, he asked them to
relocate their warehouses of dangerous and corrosive chemicals from
old part of the city by August 17 for the sake of public safety.
“We don’t want to fall into a fresh deathtrap…we don’t want to take
any risk. So, you have to shift the risky chemical warehouses by the
deadline; otherwise, we’ll take legal action,” Barua said recalling
the devastating scenario of Nimtali fire in old Dhaka that claimed
over 127 lives.
The Industries Minister expressed his firm stand while speaking as
chief guest at a seminar titled “Present Scenario of Old Dhaka
Business and What’s to be Done” held at the seminar hall of
Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) in the city.
Bangladesh Chamber of Industries arranged the seminar with its
president Shahedul Islam Helal in the chair.
State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam, chairman of the parliamentary
standing committee on Industries Ministry Zahid Malek MP, Dr Mostafa
Jalal Mohiuddin MP and Director General of Fire Service and Civil
Defence Brig Gen Abu Naim Md Shahidullah also spoke at the seminar as
special guests.
Minister Barua said the government would resolve the problems of
businessmen in Old Dhaka gradually. “We’re aware of your problems. It’
s not possible to resolve those overnight. We’ll cooperate with you
within our capacity.”
Addressing the seminar, State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam sharply
criticized the role of businesspeople, saying that they did not take
any significant step as they had pledged before.
“You’re still coexisting with the highly dangerous chemicals. You
gave the word to shift those warehouses but you did nothing. It’s not
acceptable,” he said asking the businesspeople to immediately
relocate the chemical warehouses elsewhere.
The state minister said the government would soon give you a
guideline indicating what type of chemical warehouses will have to be
relocated. “If you don’t follow it, the government won’t spare you.”
He also said that the factories which do not have own effluent
treatment plants should be shut down.
Earlier, in the open discussion session, President of Bangladesh Shoe
Dealers Association Khoka Sikdar demanded a separate zone for
relocating the risky chemical warehouses.
A businessman of old Dhaka, Abdus Salam said they need a specific
guideline from the government regarding storage of chemicals to run
their business without any hassle.
Managing Director of Bikalpa Pharmaceuticals Ltd Md Balayet Hossain
said the entire chemical business community is passing a hard time.
There has been a drop of nearly 40-60 percent in import of chemicals
in the recent days as panic gripped the sector.
Wrapping up the discussion, BCI president Shahedul Islam Helal sought
time from the Industries Minister till the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to
relocate the chemical warehouses from the old part of the city.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 3 (UNB) - In a reminder to the businessmen of old Dhaka,
Industries Minister Dilip Barua on Tuesday said the government would
not tolerate coexistence of highly risky chemicals with people after
August 17.
Despite a request from businesspeople for time, he asked them to
relocate their warehouses of dangerous and corrosive chemicals from
old part of the city by August 17 for the sake of public safety.
“We don’t want to fall into a fresh deathtrap…we don’t want to take
any risk. So, you have to shift the risky chemical warehouses by the
deadline; otherwise, we’ll take legal action,” Barua said recalling
the devastating scenario of Nimtali fire in old Dhaka that claimed
over 127 lives.
The Industries Minister expressed his firm stand while speaking as
chief guest at a seminar titled “Present Scenario of Old Dhaka
Business and What’s to be Done” held at the seminar hall of
Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) in the city.
Bangladesh Chamber of Industries arranged the seminar with its
president Shahedul Islam Helal in the chair.
State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam, chairman of the parliamentary
standing committee on Industries Ministry Zahid Malek MP, Dr Mostafa
Jalal Mohiuddin MP and Director General of Fire Service and Civil
Defence Brig Gen Abu Naim Md Shahidullah also spoke at the seminar as
special guests.
Minister Barua said the government would resolve the problems of
businessmen in Old Dhaka gradually. “We’re aware of your problems. It’
s not possible to resolve those overnight. We’ll cooperate with you
within our capacity.”
Addressing the seminar, State Minister for Law Qamrul Islam sharply
criticized the role of businesspeople, saying that they did not take
any significant step as they had pledged before.
“You’re still coexisting with the highly dangerous chemicals. You
gave the word to shift those warehouses but you did nothing. It’s not
acceptable,” he said asking the businesspeople to immediately
relocate the chemical warehouses elsewhere.
The state minister said the government would soon give you a
guideline indicating what type of chemical warehouses will have to be
relocated. “If you don’t follow it, the government won’t spare you.”
He also said that the factories which do not have own effluent
treatment plants should be shut down.
Earlier, in the open discussion session, President of Bangladesh Shoe
Dealers Association Khoka Sikdar demanded a separate zone for
relocating the risky chemical warehouses.
A businessman of old Dhaka, Abdus Salam said they need a specific
guideline from the government regarding storage of chemicals to run
their business without any hassle.
Managing Director of Bikalpa Pharmaceuticals Ltd Md Balayet Hossain
said the entire chemical business community is passing a hard time.
There has been a drop of nearly 40-60 percent in import of chemicals
in the recent days as panic gripped the sector.
Wrapping up the discussion, BCI president Shahedul Islam Helal sought
time from the Industries Minister till the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to
relocate the chemical warehouses from the old part of the city.
END/UNB/AKM
Govt won’t privatize any SoE without generating alternative employment: Minister Barua
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Aug 3 (UNB) - The government has decided not to privatize any
profitable units in future and not handover any state-owned
enterprise (SoE) to private ownership without creating alternative
employment opportunity.
The new industrial policy, which is awaiting cabinet approval, will
have specific directives in this regard, Industries Minister Dilip
Barua said while talking to journalists at his office on Tuesday.
He said the draft Industrial Policy 2010 was cleared Monday at a
meeting of the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs and sent to the
cabinet for approval. “I hope the policy will get formal approval
without any major changes.”
Earlier, a three-member committee headed by Board of Investment (BoI)
chairman SA Samad was formed to scrutinize the draft industrial
policy. After necessary scrutiny, the draft policy with some minor
changed was placed before the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs
for its consideration.
The committee approved the Industries Ministry proposal to drop the
Karnaphuli Rayon and Chemical Complex Ltd (KRC) from the
privatization list, the Industries Minister informed. The KRC is a
subsidiary of state-owned Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation
(BCIC).
Meanwhile, the Industries Ministry has opposed the Privatization
Commission’s suggestion to offload 30 percent government share of
Dhaka Match Industries Co. Ltd.
Monday’s meeting of the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs, with
Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair, favored Industries Ministry’
s proposal not to offload the government share of Dhaka Match
Industries.
The meeting took no decision about resuming operation of North Bengal
Paper Mills Ltd as a case is pending in court, Minister Barua
informed.
He said the new industrial policy will have specific guidelines on
industrialization in the country with a vision till 2021.
END/UNB/AKM
Dhaka, Aug 3 (UNB) - The government has decided not to privatize any
profitable units in future and not handover any state-owned
enterprise (SoE) to private ownership without creating alternative
employment opportunity.
The new industrial policy, which is awaiting cabinet approval, will
have specific directives in this regard, Industries Minister Dilip
Barua said while talking to journalists at his office on Tuesday.
He said the draft Industrial Policy 2010 was cleared Monday at a
meeting of the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs and sent to the
cabinet for approval. “I hope the policy will get formal approval
without any major changes.”
Earlier, a three-member committee headed by Board of Investment (BoI)
chairman SA Samad was formed to scrutinize the draft industrial
policy. After necessary scrutiny, the draft policy with some minor
changed was placed before the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs
for its consideration.
The committee approved the Industries Ministry proposal to drop the
Karnaphuli Rayon and Chemical Complex Ltd (KRC) from the
privatization list, the Industries Minister informed. The KRC is a
subsidiary of state-owned Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation
(BCIC).
Meanwhile, the Industries Ministry has opposed the Privatization
Commission’s suggestion to offload 30 percent government share of
Dhaka Match Industries Co. Ltd.
Monday’s meeting of the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs, with
Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair, favored Industries Ministry’
s proposal not to offload the government share of Dhaka Match
Industries.
The meeting took no decision about resuming operation of North Bengal
Paper Mills Ltd as a case is pending in court, Minister Barua
informed.
He said the new industrial policy will have specific guidelines on
industrialization in the country with a vision till 2021.
END/UNB/AKM
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