AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 19 (UNB) -- Despite Bangladesh’s Railway’s ‘poor services and erratic schedules’, trains are increasingly getting popular across the country as a relatively safe and cheaper alternative.
Passengers say they prefer train journey due to distressful and costlier bus services. “Above all, there is more risk in bus journey than in trains,” says SM Farhad Ullah, a Chittagong-bound train passenger, at Kamalapur Railway Station.
He said frequent road crashes and growing traffic jams on roads and highways have virtually shifted the passengers towards railway and people are desperately running after train tickets.
“We need a comprehensive national plan for the development of our train service. It needs massive investment,” Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah, former Chairman of Dhaka University’s Development Studies, told UNB correspondent AKM Moinuddin over phone on Thursday.
He said the country’s railway sector remained neglected for decades and it deserves due attention to tap its huge potentials.
“Unfortunately, there was no concrete step in the last 15 years. You see, India’s whole transport system is sustaining on its train service,” he said adding that a country cannot depend only on roads as fuel consumption is higher in road communication.
Mahbub Ullah said railway is less risky, but more environment-friendly. “We need expansion of rail links, increased number of passenger coaches, locomotives and goods wagons.”
He gave importance on carrying more and more goods by trains apart from passengers. “Railway can’t be profitable by carrying only passengers.” E
ngineer Ali Ashraf, a city planner, said no government after the country’s independence gave adequate attention to the railway sector, but this government has taken some initiatives that should be implemented properly.
Citing example of the port city of Chittagong, Ashraf said shuttle trains can easily be introduced in Chittagong by using the existing infrastructure and rail tracks which are being used for goods train.
“Time can be fixed for carrying goods as the volume is low. In daytime, commuter trains can be introduced through Patenga-Sholosahar-Kalurghat. Even it can be linked with other upazilas,” said Ashraf, also the President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Chittagong chapter.
Former Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Railway and its current General Manager (West) M Amjad Hossain, however, said there had been a lot of development works, including rail link expansion and rehabilitations, in recent years.
"A good number of projects have been approved, while a few more are under the process of implementation,” he said.
In this connection, he mentioned Dhaka-Padma Bridge- Bhanga 85-km rail link, Bhanga-Borishal 101 km rail link, Kashiani to Tungipara via Gopalganj and Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar routes.
A senior official of the Communication Ministry said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a Tk 1,852 crore project to construct a single track rail line from Dohazari in Chittagong to Ramu in Cox's Bazar to Gundhum in Myanmar on July 6, last year.
The project is expected to be completed in July 2014. In November last year, ECNEC approved development projects, including the Laksam-Chandpur section railway rehabilitation scheme aimed at ensuring safe and fast train communications. Under the project, some 55.01 kilometers of railway track (51.12km main line and 3.89 km of loop and side line) will be rehabilitated.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith in his recent budget speech said the government has started construction of about 326 km new broad-gauge line and 9 meter-gauge locomotives will be procured by 2011.
The present government has introduced seven new train services -- Turag Express on Narayanganj-Jaydevpur, Dhumkhetu Express on Rajshahi-Dhaka and Chattala Express on Dhaka-Chittagong routes.
In order to get connected with Trans-Asian Railway Network, initiatives have been taken to construct new railway track of about 128 from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and from Ramu to Gundum.
On the other hand, around 53 km new tail lines from Khulna to Mongla port will be constructed to ensure greater utilization of Mongla seaport. Currently, the railway covers 2,855 km routes while roads and highways cover over 21,000km across the country, according to official statistics.
END/UNB/AKM/
Friday, August 19, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Posh shopping malls abuzz with Eid shoppers
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 14 (UNB) -- Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims, is still 17 days away, but shoppers have already started crowding the city’s different posh shopping malls.
The city shopping malls draw a huge crowd before and after iftar and most of the shoppers belong to the upper class who prefer using credit cards for shopping.
In areas like Gulshan, Uttara and Dhanmondi, shoppers are least bothered about prices as they look for quality and design of the products.
Bashundhara City shopping complex at Panthapath, Navana Bailey Star at Siddieswari, Karnaphuli Garden City, Rafa Plaza at Dhanmondi are abuzz with pre- and post-Iftar shoppers.
Deshi Dosh has become a popular destination among the shoppers as it offers many things under the same roof at Bashundhara City shopping complex.
“It attracts me much. I understand from the name that it’s a combined effort of 10 local companies to promote the local culture in clothes and fashion,” Munni who came along with her father for shopping told this correspondent.
This Deshi Dosh is comprised of Deshal, Nipun, Anjan’s, Probortana, Bibiana, Sadakalo, Nagardola, Rang, Banglar Mela and Kay Craft.
“Yes, the turnout is satisfactory so far. We’re doing a better business this week compared to the first week of Ramadan. We hope the sale will increase next week,” a sales executive of Sadakalo said.
However, a sales executive at Kay Craft’s first outlet beside Mouchak Market said their business has not picked up yet. “Here we do not get poor response as this outlet is a bit isolated.”
He said the shoppers are rushing towards Bashundhara City shopping complex as they get so many things under the same roof.
“I feel better here. I used to buy from Arong….price is too high, though I find good quality products here,” Nipa Nushrat said while shopping at Deshi Dosh.
Sales Executive Rupom at Sadakalo outlet said: “We’ve fixed the prices of all products. Customers don’t need to bother about prices.”
He said shoppers usually look for the quality of product. “They want something unique and classy…if it is of their choice, they’ll go for it, no matter what the price is.”
Fashion clothing stores such as WESTEC, Cats Eye, Monsoon Rain, Best Eye and other brand outlets are well-decorated with western attires. They are also highlighting traditional Eid clothing with their collection of Panjabis at their stores.
Shop owners at Navana Bailey Star at Bailey Road are also doing a brisk business. Mostly women rush in this shopping mall which has some brand outlets in the city.
“We’ve good collections and we don’t compromise with quality. The first week of Ramadan relatively went dull, but the second week is good. We hope the sales volume will gradually increase since Eid is approaching,” Monir Hossain, Sales Executive of Best Eye said.
He said they have similar quality products like of Cats Eye. “But Cats Eye is doing a better business since they’ve goodwill.”
Talking to this correspondent, Farzana Laboni Moon, a shopper at Arong, Moghbazar said they are actually buying brands. “We’re not lworried about price. I’ll have to buy,” she said.
Karnaphuli Garden City, Mouchak Market and Anarkoli Super Market were also seen crowded with shoppers. Mainly middle class and low-income people prefer to go there.
Alongside the shopping malls, makeshift shops on the city’s footpaths were also seen drawing shoppers.
During Ramadan, small traders and hawkers occupy footpaths, blocking the movement of pedestrians and causing traffic congestions.
Like the previous years, thousands of hawkers have started selling different types of relatively cheaper clothes -- shirts, pants, sarees, lungis, punjabis, salwar kameezes, jewellery, cosmetics and footwear. Low-income group crowd these street shops.
“I know it creates problem to pedestrians. But I have to survive,” said Rashed who was selling clothes occupying footpath at Malibagh near Mouchak Market in the city.
He said sometimes they have to bribe police and some local guys to keep their business undisturbed.
The same sort of crowd was also seen in the city’s Firm Gate and New Market areas where the number of street hawkers has increased significantly.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Aug 14 (UNB) -- Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims, is still 17 days away, but shoppers have already started crowding the city’s different posh shopping malls.
The city shopping malls draw a huge crowd before and after iftar and most of the shoppers belong to the upper class who prefer using credit cards for shopping.
In areas like Gulshan, Uttara and Dhanmondi, shoppers are least bothered about prices as they look for quality and design of the products.
Bashundhara City shopping complex at Panthapath, Navana Bailey Star at Siddieswari, Karnaphuli Garden City, Rafa Plaza at Dhanmondi are abuzz with pre- and post-Iftar shoppers.
Deshi Dosh has become a popular destination among the shoppers as it offers many things under the same roof at Bashundhara City shopping complex.
“It attracts me much. I understand from the name that it’s a combined effort of 10 local companies to promote the local culture in clothes and fashion,” Munni who came along with her father for shopping told this correspondent.
This Deshi Dosh is comprised of Deshal, Nipun, Anjan’s, Probortana, Bibiana, Sadakalo, Nagardola, Rang, Banglar Mela and Kay Craft.
“Yes, the turnout is satisfactory so far. We’re doing a better business this week compared to the first week of Ramadan. We hope the sale will increase next week,” a sales executive of Sadakalo said.
However, a sales executive at Kay Craft’s first outlet beside Mouchak Market said their business has not picked up yet. “Here we do not get poor response as this outlet is a bit isolated.”
He said the shoppers are rushing towards Bashundhara City shopping complex as they get so many things under the same roof.
“I feel better here. I used to buy from Arong….price is too high, though I find good quality products here,” Nipa Nushrat said while shopping at Deshi Dosh.
Sales Executive Rupom at Sadakalo outlet said: “We’ve fixed the prices of all products. Customers don’t need to bother about prices.”
He said shoppers usually look for the quality of product. “They want something unique and classy…if it is of their choice, they’ll go for it, no matter what the price is.”
Fashion clothing stores such as WESTEC, Cats Eye, Monsoon Rain, Best Eye and other brand outlets are well-decorated with western attires. They are also highlighting traditional Eid clothing with their collection of Panjabis at their stores.
Shop owners at Navana Bailey Star at Bailey Road are also doing a brisk business. Mostly women rush in this shopping mall which has some brand outlets in the city.
“We’ve good collections and we don’t compromise with quality. The first week of Ramadan relatively went dull, but the second week is good. We hope the sales volume will gradually increase since Eid is approaching,” Monir Hossain, Sales Executive of Best Eye said.
He said they have similar quality products like of Cats Eye. “But Cats Eye is doing a better business since they’ve goodwill.”
Talking to this correspondent, Farzana Laboni Moon, a shopper at Arong, Moghbazar said they are actually buying brands. “We’re not lworried about price. I’ll have to buy,” she said.
Karnaphuli Garden City, Mouchak Market and Anarkoli Super Market were also seen crowded with shoppers. Mainly middle class and low-income people prefer to go there.
Alongside the shopping malls, makeshift shops on the city’s footpaths were also seen drawing shoppers.
During Ramadan, small traders and hawkers occupy footpaths, blocking the movement of pedestrians and causing traffic congestions.
Like the previous years, thousands of hawkers have started selling different types of relatively cheaper clothes -- shirts, pants, sarees, lungis, punjabis, salwar kameezes, jewellery, cosmetics and footwear. Low-income group crowd these street shops.
“I know it creates problem to pedestrians. But I have to survive,” said Rashed who was selling clothes occupying footpath at Malibagh near Mouchak Market in the city.
He said sometimes they have to bribe police and some local guys to keep their business undisturbed.
The same sort of crowd was also seen in the city’s Firm Gate and New Market areas where the number of street hawkers has increased significantly.
END/UNB/AKM/
Friday, August 12, 2011
Shipbreaking to be global leader ‘within 5 years’: Barua
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer from China
Fujian, China, Aug 9 (UNB) - Bangladesh’s fast-growing shipbreaking industry will turn into a global leader “within next five years” and act as one of the key tools for driving economic growth, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said here today.
While certain sections are raising questions that are hindering the growth of the sector in the name of environmental stewardship, Barua told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin that in two years from now, such doubts will have disappeared.
"We are moving in the right direction. Just wait and see. Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry will soon be recognized as a global example for its environment-friendly growth and expansion," he said.
He said the government is in touch with all stakeholders, and taking the required policy measures to help grow the sector while also protecting the environment and removing the hazards it poses to human beings.
"Since we're newcomers in the global market, we prefer to share ideas and experiences with leading shipbreaking nations to put the shipbreaking industry on a firm footing," he said.
Replying to a question Barua said there have been many developments in this sector and the government is giving its best effort for its healthy growth.
"We want to move forward in a transparent way, and won't compromise with anything that might pose threat to environment," he said firmly.
He said if the environmental aspects are not considered seriously, the industry will not be sustainable anyway.
Earlier, the Minister and the Bangladesh delegation visited two shipbreaking yards here including Fujian Saijiang Shipping Department Com Ltd.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry ABM Abul Kashem, Awami League lawmaker Muhibur Rahman Manik, additional Industries Secretary ABM Khorshed Alam, Bangladesh Shipbreakers Association president Hefazatur Rahman, its member Kamal Uddin Ahmed, BUET Prof Prof Dr Aminul Islam, Association's technical adviser Captain Salahuddin Ahmed, and trade body leaders, among others were present.
Minister and the delegation members talked to the officials, workers and government representatives during the visit to the shipbreaking yards.
After visiting the yards, he told UNB that Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry is doing better than China .
"I think we're more environmentally friendly," he said.
Earlier, the Bangladesh delegation led by Industries Minister Dilip Barua arrived Hong Kong in the morning and later came to Ningde , FuJian , China .
END/UNB/AKM/China
Fujian, China, Aug 9 (UNB) - Bangladesh’s fast-growing shipbreaking industry will turn into a global leader “within next five years” and act as one of the key tools for driving economic growth, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said here today.
While certain sections are raising questions that are hindering the growth of the sector in the name of environmental stewardship, Barua told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin that in two years from now, such doubts will have disappeared.
"We are moving in the right direction. Just wait and see. Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry will soon be recognized as a global example for its environment-friendly growth and expansion," he said.
He said the government is in touch with all stakeholders, and taking the required policy measures to help grow the sector while also protecting the environment and removing the hazards it poses to human beings.
"Since we're newcomers in the global market, we prefer to share ideas and experiences with leading shipbreaking nations to put the shipbreaking industry on a firm footing," he said.
Replying to a question Barua said there have been many developments in this sector and the government is giving its best effort for its healthy growth.
"We want to move forward in a transparent way, and won't compromise with anything that might pose threat to environment," he said firmly.
He said if the environmental aspects are not considered seriously, the industry will not be sustainable anyway.
Earlier, the Minister and the Bangladesh delegation visited two shipbreaking yards here including Fujian Saijiang Shipping Department Com Ltd.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry ABM Abul Kashem, Awami League lawmaker Muhibur Rahman Manik, additional Industries Secretary ABM Khorshed Alam, Bangladesh Shipbreakers Association president Hefazatur Rahman, its member Kamal Uddin Ahmed, BUET Prof Prof Dr Aminul Islam, Association's technical adviser Captain Salahuddin Ahmed, and trade body leaders, among others were present.
Minister and the delegation members talked to the officials, workers and government representatives during the visit to the shipbreaking yards.
After visiting the yards, he told UNB that Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry is doing better than China .
"I think we're more environmentally friendly," he said.
Earlier, the Bangladesh delegation led by Industries Minister Dilip Barua arrived Hong Kong in the morning and later came to Ningde , FuJian , China .
END/UNB/AKM/China
Ship-breaking goes green; turns key tool to boost economy
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer, Back from China
Dhaka, Aug 12 (UNB) -- The country’s ship-breaking industry that is growing fast will soon go green and workers-friendly as steps are underway to protect the environment and offer better benefits to workers.
And it’ll also turn one of the major tools for boosting the economy, stakeholders hope.
Experience and ideas gained from different ship-breaking nations like China and India are actively being considered in formulating the rules and regulations for ship-breaking, which was recently formally recognised as an industry.
The parties involved in the sector said they would take it as a serious job to make sure that least damage is done to the environment and better deals are offered to the workers engaged in the sector.
Ship-breaking yard owners pledged to implement and follow the rules and regulations being taken by the government to help grow the sector which makes a significant contribution to the economy and generate employments.
"We’re moving in the right direction. Just wait and see. Bangladesh’s ship-breaking industry will soon be recognised as a global example for its environment-friendly growth and expansion," Industries Minister Dilip Barua told UNB correspondent AKM Moinuddin after visiting three ship-breaking yards in China.
He said certain quarters are raising questions hindering the growth of the sector in the name of environmental stewardship, but such doubts will disappear in two years from now.
He hoped the industry will turn into a global leader “within the next five years” and act as one of the key tools for driving the economic growth.
"Experience gained from china will help us formulate rules and regulations for the ship-breaking industry,” he said.
Talking to this correspondent, Bangladesh Ship-breakers’ Association president Hefazatur Rahman said: “It’s good to have rules and regulations. Since it’s now under government, it’ll run differently by ensuring workers rights and protecting the environment.”
Replying to a question, he said they would not have any problems to follow the rules and regulations set by the government strictly if those are designed based on Bangladesh’s perspective.
Association's technical adviser Captain Salahuddin Ahmed said the industries ministry should have its own strategy to promote the sector ensuring green growth. “Hope, the China experience will help [us] much in this regard.”
Ship-breaking Yards Workers Foundation president Md Safar Ali said the situation is changing fast and the workers are relatively in a better condition.
“Now the victim’s family gets Tk one lakh in cash if any worker dies in any accident, which was rare before. We’re working hard to ensure workers’ rights,” he said.
On February 13, the government declared the ship-breaking as an industry after a high-profile meeting, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a number of ministers, advisers and senior officials were present to discuss the sector's both positive and negative sides.
The ship-breaking industry, located at the seashore in Chittagong, is the main source of bulk of the raw materials used by some 500 private sector rerolling mills and nearly 50 steel mills for producing mild steel rods, bars and angles at affordable prices.
The environmentalists fear that it’s unregulated and the haphazard growth might lead to a serious environmental degradation and health hazards, but Industries Minister Dilip Barua said, “This fear and doubt would disappear”.
"We'll take a pragmatic as well as environment- and workers- friendly policy to ensure the sector's sustainability, which is a must for the country's economic development," he said.
The growing demand for steel products in the country has encouraged a good number of private sector people to be engaged in the industry that proved to be very rewarding in terms of profit and employment generation.
However, there are allegations that the ship-breakers often violate the environment by dumping hazardous chemicals and other materials on the sea-beach, rather callously.
The government has already prepared a draft rule titled 'Ship-breaking and Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2010' that has been posted on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Forests seeking public opinion on it.
END/UNB/AKM/China
Dhaka, Aug 12 (UNB) -- The country’s ship-breaking industry that is growing fast will soon go green and workers-friendly as steps are underway to protect the environment and offer better benefits to workers.
And it’ll also turn one of the major tools for boosting the economy, stakeholders hope.
Experience and ideas gained from different ship-breaking nations like China and India are actively being considered in formulating the rules and regulations for ship-breaking, which was recently formally recognised as an industry.
The parties involved in the sector said they would take it as a serious job to make sure that least damage is done to the environment and better deals are offered to the workers engaged in the sector.
Ship-breaking yard owners pledged to implement and follow the rules and regulations being taken by the government to help grow the sector which makes a significant contribution to the economy and generate employments.
"We’re moving in the right direction. Just wait and see. Bangladesh’s ship-breaking industry will soon be recognised as a global example for its environment-friendly growth and expansion," Industries Minister Dilip Barua told UNB correspondent AKM Moinuddin after visiting three ship-breaking yards in China.
He said certain quarters are raising questions hindering the growth of the sector in the name of environmental stewardship, but such doubts will disappear in two years from now.
He hoped the industry will turn into a global leader “within the next five years” and act as one of the key tools for driving the economic growth.
"Experience gained from china will help us formulate rules and regulations for the ship-breaking industry,” he said.
Talking to this correspondent, Bangladesh Ship-breakers’ Association president Hefazatur Rahman said: “It’s good to have rules and regulations. Since it’s now under government, it’ll run differently by ensuring workers rights and protecting the environment.”
Replying to a question, he said they would not have any problems to follow the rules and regulations set by the government strictly if those are designed based on Bangladesh’s perspective.
Association's technical adviser Captain Salahuddin Ahmed said the industries ministry should have its own strategy to promote the sector ensuring green growth. “Hope, the China experience will help [us] much in this regard.”
Ship-breaking Yards Workers Foundation president Md Safar Ali said the situation is changing fast and the workers are relatively in a better condition.
“Now the victim’s family gets Tk one lakh in cash if any worker dies in any accident, which was rare before. We’re working hard to ensure workers’ rights,” he said.
On February 13, the government declared the ship-breaking as an industry after a high-profile meeting, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a number of ministers, advisers and senior officials were present to discuss the sector's both positive and negative sides.
The ship-breaking industry, located at the seashore in Chittagong, is the main source of bulk of the raw materials used by some 500 private sector rerolling mills and nearly 50 steel mills for producing mild steel rods, bars and angles at affordable prices.
The environmentalists fear that it’s unregulated and the haphazard growth might lead to a serious environmental degradation and health hazards, but Industries Minister Dilip Barua said, “This fear and doubt would disappear”.
"We'll take a pragmatic as well as environment- and workers- friendly policy to ensure the sector's sustainability, which is a must for the country's economic development," he said.
The growing demand for steel products in the country has encouraged a good number of private sector people to be engaged in the industry that proved to be very rewarding in terms of profit and employment generation.
However, there are allegations that the ship-breakers often violate the environment by dumping hazardous chemicals and other materials on the sea-beach, rather callously.
The government has already prepared a draft rule titled 'Ship-breaking and Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2010' that has been posted on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Forests seeking public opinion on it.
END/UNB/AKM/China
Saturday, August 6, 2011
E-wastes emerging as a ‘big’ threat: experts
AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 6 (UNB) -- Electronic waste, better known as ‘e-waste’, might pose a serious health and environmental threat to Bangladesh as the country is moving fast with increased use of electronic products like computers, cell-phones and televisions.
Experts and environmentalists foresee that the electronic wastes will appear as a serious threat both to the environment and human health because of increased use of electronic products in the country and unplanned dumping of the e-wastes.
They define ‘e-waste’ as electronic equipment, computers, televisions, cell-phones, products linked with power plug, batteries which have become obsolete due to advancement in technology, changes
in fashion, style and status and nearing the end of their useful life.
Many elements of this waste contain poisonous substances such as lead, tin, mercury, cadmium and barium, which cause severe diseases like cancer, birth defects, neurological and respiratory disorders.
“We’re relatively a poor country. Still, limited people use computers, televisions and cell-phones here. But the use of electronic products is increasing gradually posing a threat to the environment and human health,” Dr Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), told UNB staff writer AKM Moinuddin over phone.
He said though the electronic waste is yet to build up in Bangladesh, it will surely have here. “We need to think of it now.”
Replying to a question, he said: “We’ve urged the government to formulate a policy for e-waste management, but the government is yet to respond to it.”
Narrating the scenario in other countries, he said Thailand and Japan are already experiencing such hazards. “Many countries are handing over obsolete equipment to poorer nations free of cost as part of their dumping strategy.”
“There’re some elements in computers which are seriously harmful to human health. So, the government should have an e-waste management policy,” Bangladesh Computer Samity president Mustafa Jabbar said.
Jabbar, also the chief executive officer of Ananda Computers, said they have urged the government to formulate a policy but they did not get any feedback in this regard. He said such policy is available in many countries of the world.
In response to a query, he said they do not have exact data on how many computers are annually entering the domestic market and how many of those are becoming obsolete.
He, however, said a total of 4.5 lakh CPUs (Central Processing Unit) were imported during the last year.
Bangladesh Computer Samity vice-president Kazi Ashraful Islam also feels the need for a policy or law for proper e-waste management.
“The situation is still under control since the import of old computers is banned,” he said.
The government, however, has recently stepped in policy formulation for planned e-waste management to avert environmental and health threats.
Talking to this correspondent, State Minister for Environment and Forests Dr Hasan Mahmud said, “We’ve already started formulating a policy in this regard.”
Replying to a question, he said the policy will be in place soon. “It’ll take time a bit since it needs cabinet approval.”
There is no exact estimate about the total obsolete computers originating from government offices, business houses, industries, household computer retailers; manufacturers; foreign embassies;
secondary markets of old PCs.
E-waste encompasses ever-growing range of obsolete electronic devices such as computers, servers, main frames, monitors, TVs and display devices, telecom devices such as cellular phones and pagers, calculators, audio and video devices, printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines besides refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and microwave ovens.
E-waste also covers recording devices such as DVDs, CDs, floppies, tapes, printing cartridges, military electronic waste, automobile catalytic converters, electronic components such as chips,
processors, motherboards, printed circuit boards, industrial electronics such as sensors, alarms, sirens, security devices and automobile electronic devices.
According to experts, e-waste contains significant quantities of toxic metals and chemicals. If these are left untreated and disposed of in landfills or not recycled by using proper methods of recycling,
they leach into the surrounding soil, water and the atmosphere, and causes adverse effects on human health and environment.
END/UNB/AKM/
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 6 (UNB) -- Electronic waste, better known as ‘e-waste’, might pose a serious health and environmental threat to Bangladesh as the country is moving fast with increased use of electronic products like computers, cell-phones and televisions.
Experts and environmentalists foresee that the electronic wastes will appear as a serious threat both to the environment and human health because of increased use of electronic products in the country and unplanned dumping of the e-wastes.
They define ‘e-waste’ as electronic equipment, computers, televisions, cell-phones, products linked with power plug, batteries which have become obsolete due to advancement in technology, changes
in fashion, style and status and nearing the end of their useful life.
Many elements of this waste contain poisonous substances such as lead, tin, mercury, cadmium and barium, which cause severe diseases like cancer, birth defects, neurological and respiratory disorders.
“We’re relatively a poor country. Still, limited people use computers, televisions and cell-phones here. But the use of electronic products is increasing gradually posing a threat to the environment and human health,” Dr Atiq Rahman, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), told UNB staff writer AKM Moinuddin over phone.
He said though the electronic waste is yet to build up in Bangladesh, it will surely have here. “We need to think of it now.”
Replying to a question, he said: “We’ve urged the government to formulate a policy for e-waste management, but the government is yet to respond to it.”
Narrating the scenario in other countries, he said Thailand and Japan are already experiencing such hazards. “Many countries are handing over obsolete equipment to poorer nations free of cost as part of their dumping strategy.”
“There’re some elements in computers which are seriously harmful to human health. So, the government should have an e-waste management policy,” Bangladesh Computer Samity president Mustafa Jabbar said.
Jabbar, also the chief executive officer of Ananda Computers, said they have urged the government to formulate a policy but they did not get any feedback in this regard. He said such policy is available in many countries of the world.
In response to a query, he said they do not have exact data on how many computers are annually entering the domestic market and how many of those are becoming obsolete.
He, however, said a total of 4.5 lakh CPUs (Central Processing Unit) were imported during the last year.
Bangladesh Computer Samity vice-president Kazi Ashraful Islam also feels the need for a policy or law for proper e-waste management.
“The situation is still under control since the import of old computers is banned,” he said.
The government, however, has recently stepped in policy formulation for planned e-waste management to avert environmental and health threats.
Talking to this correspondent, State Minister for Environment and Forests Dr Hasan Mahmud said, “We’ve already started formulating a policy in this regard.”
Replying to a question, he said the policy will be in place soon. “It’ll take time a bit since it needs cabinet approval.”
There is no exact estimate about the total obsolete computers originating from government offices, business houses, industries, household computer retailers; manufacturers; foreign embassies;
secondary markets of old PCs.
E-waste encompasses ever-growing range of obsolete electronic devices such as computers, servers, main frames, monitors, TVs and display devices, telecom devices such as cellular phones and pagers, calculators, audio and video devices, printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines besides refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and microwave ovens.
E-waste also covers recording devices such as DVDs, CDs, floppies, tapes, printing cartridges, military electronic waste, automobile catalytic converters, electronic components such as chips,
processors, motherboards, printed circuit boards, industrial electronics such as sensors, alarms, sirens, security devices and automobile electronic devices.
According to experts, e-waste contains significant quantities of toxic metals and chemicals. If these are left untreated and disposed of in landfills or not recycled by using proper methods of recycling,
they leach into the surrounding soil, water and the atmosphere, and causes adverse effects on human health and environment.
END/UNB/AKM/
Friday, August 5, 2011
RMG faces tough time; export order drops by 20-30pc
AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 5 (UNB) – The country’s export that saw a record growth in the last fiscal seems to face a serious setback in the current fiscal, as the key export-driver RMG sector is facing a stiff challenge due to ‘economic worries’ in the European Union and the USA.
The RMG (readymade garment) export order came down to 20 to 30 percent in recent months and most of the factories remained idle or semi-idle due to declining work orders.
Further growth in the export sector is apparently impossible, even it will be difficult to maintain the growth that was seen in the last fiscal, according to readymade garment factory owners.
“The downtrend in export order may shrink further in the coming months. But we hope something better by November depending on the recovery of European Union and USA economies,” BGMEA president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin told UNB over phone on Friday.
He said they are working to figure out the exact percent of decline in export order. “Roughly, we think, the export order declines by 20 to 30 percent.”
Mohiuddin, also managing director of Onus Garments Ltd, said the pace of infrastructure development should get a momentum to help survive the RMG sector in the competitive global market.
“We’ll have to reduce the cost of production to survive,” he added.
Exporters’ Association of Bangladesh (EAB) president Abdus Salam Murshedy also sees bad times for the export sector in the coming days.
“Export order has significantly slowed down in recent months. In the last two months, the order declined sharply. Most factories are sitting idle,” Murshedy, also the former BGMEA president told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin.
He said they have been monitoring each and every month, but they are getting confirmation over export order very slowly.
“The sale of RMG products sharply declined in the European Union and the USA. I predict a ‘shaken recession’ in the coming days,” he said.
Replying to a question, Murshedy said: “It’ll be really tough to maintain the growth of the last fiscal…forget about further growth since the world market is shrinking.”
He said uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity would have to be ensured for the survival of the sector. “[Increased prices of] diesel and furnace oil will raise the cost of production.”
Murshedy observed that the development of Mongla Port is very slow. “Since imports and exports are gradually increasing, the efficiency of Chittagong Port will have to be enhanced.”
Lastly, he said, political stability is a must for overcoming the challenges.
The government has set a new export target of US$ 26.37 billion for the current fiscal (2011-2012), a 15 percent rise compared to a year ago.
Bangladesh exported goods worth $22.93 billion in fiscal 2010-11, registering a 41.47 percent growth, according to the Export Promotion Bureau.
The export earnings surpassed the yearly target of $18.5 billion, buoyed by shipments of readymade garments and jute and jute goods. In fiscal 2009-10, Bangladesh exported goods worth $16.20 billion.
Last year's 41.47 percent growth was boosted by the higher prices of raw materials of imported garment items.
Of the major exportables, the target for knitwear has been set at US$ 10.77 billion, up 13.5 percent, while woven products at US$ 9.52 billion, up 13 percent, jute and jute goods at US$ 1.39 billion, an increase by 23.81 percent, and oceangoing vessels at US$ 256 million, up by 533.04 percent, from the last year.
END/UNB/AKM/
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, Aug 5 (UNB) – The country’s export that saw a record growth in the last fiscal seems to face a serious setback in the current fiscal, as the key export-driver RMG sector is facing a stiff challenge due to ‘economic worries’ in the European Union and the USA.
The RMG (readymade garment) export order came down to 20 to 30 percent in recent months and most of the factories remained idle or semi-idle due to declining work orders.
Further growth in the export sector is apparently impossible, even it will be difficult to maintain the growth that was seen in the last fiscal, according to readymade garment factory owners.
“The downtrend in export order may shrink further in the coming months. But we hope something better by November depending on the recovery of European Union and USA economies,” BGMEA president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin told UNB over phone on Friday.
He said they are working to figure out the exact percent of decline in export order. “Roughly, we think, the export order declines by 20 to 30 percent.”
Mohiuddin, also managing director of Onus Garments Ltd, said the pace of infrastructure development should get a momentum to help survive the RMG sector in the competitive global market.
“We’ll have to reduce the cost of production to survive,” he added.
Exporters’ Association of Bangladesh (EAB) president Abdus Salam Murshedy also sees bad times for the export sector in the coming days.
“Export order has significantly slowed down in recent months. In the last two months, the order declined sharply. Most factories are sitting idle,” Murshedy, also the former BGMEA president told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin.
He said they have been monitoring each and every month, but they are getting confirmation over export order very slowly.
“The sale of RMG products sharply declined in the European Union and the USA. I predict a ‘shaken recession’ in the coming days,” he said.
Replying to a question, Murshedy said: “It’ll be really tough to maintain the growth of the last fiscal…forget about further growth since the world market is shrinking.”
He said uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity would have to be ensured for the survival of the sector. “[Increased prices of] diesel and furnace oil will raise the cost of production.”
Murshedy observed that the development of Mongla Port is very slow. “Since imports and exports are gradually increasing, the efficiency of Chittagong Port will have to be enhanced.”
Lastly, he said, political stability is a must for overcoming the challenges.
The government has set a new export target of US$ 26.37 billion for the current fiscal (2011-2012), a 15 percent rise compared to a year ago.
Bangladesh exported goods worth $22.93 billion in fiscal 2010-11, registering a 41.47 percent growth, according to the Export Promotion Bureau.
The export earnings surpassed the yearly target of $18.5 billion, buoyed by shipments of readymade garments and jute and jute goods. In fiscal 2009-10, Bangladesh exported goods worth $16.20 billion.
Last year's 41.47 percent growth was boosted by the higher prices of raw materials of imported garment items.
Of the major exportables, the target for knitwear has been set at US$ 10.77 billion, up 13.5 percent, while woven products at US$ 9.52 billion, up 13 percent, jute and jute goods at US$ 1.39 billion, an increase by 23.81 percent, and oceangoing vessels at US$ 256 million, up by 533.04 percent, from the last year.
END/UNB/AKM/
Friday, July 8, 2011
Govt yet to set up central ETP, relocate tanneries in Savar
By AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, July 9 (UNB) - The much talked about relocation of the tanneries from Hazaribagh in the capital to Savar is still in limbo as the government is yet to set up a central Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) there.
Environmentalists and tannery owners blamed the bureaucracy for the delay in setting up the central ETP in Savar, which impeded the move that was aimed at ensuring public safety and free the capital from pollution.
The deadline to set up the central ETP and shift the environmentally hazardous tanneries from city's Hazaribagh to Savar ended on April 30 this year.
Three Project Directors have so far went on LPR (leave preparatory to retirement) but the central ETP project remained unimplemented.
The current Project Director, M Mahbubur Rahman said they have made substantial progress. “We’ve received the financial offers. It’s now being evaluated by the technical committee comprising representatives of BUET and WASA and environmental and City Corporation experts.”
Once the evaluation is completed, the financial offers will be sent to the purchase committee and the Notification of Award will be given to the suitable bidder as soon as possible, he said.
“It’s a gigantic job. There is no lack of sincerity. Actually we’ve lack of experts. It’ll take another three months to give the work order,” Mahbubur Rahman said.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua said the government would try its best to complete the ETP project within the shortest possible time.
“We’re not sitting idle. We’re following all formalities to keep the entire process beyond question,” he said.
Replying to a question, Barua said they will give the work order as soon as possible, hopefully by next month.
In view of the tremendous environmental and health hazards, the government had taken up a project in 2003 to relocate the tanneries from the capital to Savar.
The government prepared the first project proposal in 2003. The initial estimated cost of the three-year project was Tk 1.75 billion, which later shot up to Tk 5.45 billion as per the revised project document in 2007.
There are some 195 tanneries at Hazaribagh in the city and the proposed under-construction tannery estate in Savar will accommodate some 155 factories.
The Tk 5 billion central ETP project, initiated in January 2003, was scheduled to be completed by December 2005. However, the construction schedule was later extended to June 2010.
On June 1 this year, State Minister for Environment and Forests Dr Hasan Mahmud informed Parliament that the relocation of the Hazaribagh tanneries will be completed by the end of 2012.
The High Court on June 23, 2009 asked the government to either shift all the tanneries from the capital to a special industrial zone in Savar or shut them by February 28, 2010, to check widespread pollution of environment.
The court order came following a petition by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association (BELA) and Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB).
But the court twice extended the deadline by six months due to the delay in implementing the CETP project.
END/UNB/AKM/
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, July 9 (UNB) - The much talked about relocation of the tanneries from Hazaribagh in the capital to Savar is still in limbo as the government is yet to set up a central Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) there.
Environmentalists and tannery owners blamed the bureaucracy for the delay in setting up the central ETP in Savar, which impeded the move that was aimed at ensuring public safety and free the capital from pollution.
The deadline to set up the central ETP and shift the environmentally hazardous tanneries from city's Hazaribagh to Savar ended on April 30 this year.
Three Project Directors have so far went on LPR (leave preparatory to retirement) but the central ETP project remained unimplemented.
The current Project Director, M Mahbubur Rahman said they have made substantial progress. “We’ve received the financial offers. It’s now being evaluated by the technical committee comprising representatives of BUET and WASA and environmental and City Corporation experts.”
Once the evaluation is completed, the financial offers will be sent to the purchase committee and the Notification of Award will be given to the suitable bidder as soon as possible, he said.
“It’s a gigantic job. There is no lack of sincerity. Actually we’ve lack of experts. It’ll take another three months to give the work order,” Mahbubur Rahman said.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua said the government would try its best to complete the ETP project within the shortest possible time.
“We’re not sitting idle. We’re following all formalities to keep the entire process beyond question,” he said.
Replying to a question, Barua said they will give the work order as soon as possible, hopefully by next month.
In view of the tremendous environmental and health hazards, the government had taken up a project in 2003 to relocate the tanneries from the capital to Savar.
The government prepared the first project proposal in 2003. The initial estimated cost of the three-year project was Tk 1.75 billion, which later shot up to Tk 5.45 billion as per the revised project document in 2007.
There are some 195 tanneries at Hazaribagh in the city and the proposed under-construction tannery estate in Savar will accommodate some 155 factories.
The Tk 5 billion central ETP project, initiated in January 2003, was scheduled to be completed by December 2005. However, the construction schedule was later extended to June 2010.
On June 1 this year, State Minister for Environment and Forests Dr Hasan Mahmud informed Parliament that the relocation of the Hazaribagh tanneries will be completed by the end of 2012.
The High Court on June 23, 2009 asked the government to either shift all the tanneries from the capital to a special industrial zone in Savar or shut them by February 28, 2010, to check widespread pollution of environment.
The court order came following a petition by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association (BELA) and Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB).
But the court twice extended the deadline by six months due to the delay in implementing the CETP project.
END/UNB/AKM/
Ctg port tops 12 'super efficient' ports in Asia
By AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Despite having shortage of modern equipment, country's key seaport, Chittagong port, secured top position in terms of efficiency among 69 ports of 17 countries in Asia, says a recent study, reports UNB.
The report -- Benchmarking the Efficiency of Asian Container Ports -- says Chittagong port is using existing old and new equipment at its optimum level, and the study found Chittagong port as the most efficient port.
The researchers reached this conclusion after evaluating data of five years and the study carried out in 2010. The study findings were published in African Journal of Business Management (Vol. 5(4), pp. 1397-1407) on February 18 this year.
According to the study findings, 12 ports have been ranked for 'super efficiency' with Chittagong topping the list.
The ports of Zamboanga and General Santos in the Philippines were in the second and third position respectively in the super efficiency category.
Xiamen of China, Sihanoukville of Cambodia, Davao of the Philippines, Yantian of China, Lianyungang of China, PSA Int. of Singapore, Tianjin of China, Mumbai of India, and Guangzhou of China were among the other 12 ports in the category.
The remaining 47 ports are inefficient in terms of both technical efficiency and scale efficiency levels.
Given the current phase of globalisation and competition, port performance is of major importance for port competitiveness, the report said.
The study analysed the technical efficiency and scale efficiency of Asian container ports by means of DEA. The analysis shows that the main source of overall technical inefficiency in Asian container ports is due to pure technical inefficiencies rather than scale inefficiencies.
About 35 per cent of the container ports exhibit decreasing returns to scale. These ports can decrease their scale of operations by giving up some of the terminal assets and operational functions to other specialised private entities via concessions and leaseholds.
This will allow efficient handling and transit of containers as well as help promote intra-port competition between multiple service providers within a port which can lead to higher efficiency gains.
Strategies that impact on the volume and nature of trade are to become a hub, seek World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership, provide dedicated container terminals, seek cooperation strategies between ports and improve on their transport infrastructure to link with the hinterland.
The analysis also revealed that Chinese container ports enjoy a clear lead in the Asian region in terms of containers handled and they are very competitive. Size and ownership structure are not determinants of efficiency level in container ports.
In the last decade, the shipping industry and the global seaborne trade have witnessed a rapid growth due to globalisation of the world economy, boom in international trade and borderless investments.
As competition among international ports has intensified, the evaluation of port operational efficiency has become increasingly important to enable individual ports to reflect on its current status quo and understand their strengths and weaknesses in the competitive environment.
The study was conducted to investigate the technical and scale efficiency of major container ports in the Asian region.
It employed the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Technique to benchmark and evaluated the operating performance of 69 major Asian container ports to generate efficiency ranking.
The results indicate that the average technical efficiency of the Asian container ports is 48.4 per cent.
The overall technical inefficiency in Asian container ports is due to pure technical inefficiency rather than scale inefficiency.
The results of the study can indicate possible improvements in port management and operational planning at local and national levels.
END/UNB/AKM
UNB Staff Writer
Despite having shortage of modern equipment, country's key seaport, Chittagong port, secured top position in terms of efficiency among 69 ports of 17 countries in Asia, says a recent study, reports UNB.
The report -- Benchmarking the Efficiency of Asian Container Ports -- says Chittagong port is using existing old and new equipment at its optimum level, and the study found Chittagong port as the most efficient port.
The researchers reached this conclusion after evaluating data of five years and the study carried out in 2010. The study findings were published in African Journal of Business Management (Vol. 5(4), pp. 1397-1407) on February 18 this year.
According to the study findings, 12 ports have been ranked for 'super efficiency' with Chittagong topping the list.
The ports of Zamboanga and General Santos in the Philippines were in the second and third position respectively in the super efficiency category.
Xiamen of China, Sihanoukville of Cambodia, Davao of the Philippines, Yantian of China, Lianyungang of China, PSA Int. of Singapore, Tianjin of China, Mumbai of India, and Guangzhou of China were among the other 12 ports in the category.
The remaining 47 ports are inefficient in terms of both technical efficiency and scale efficiency levels.
Given the current phase of globalisation and competition, port performance is of major importance for port competitiveness, the report said.
The study analysed the technical efficiency and scale efficiency of Asian container ports by means of DEA. The analysis shows that the main source of overall technical inefficiency in Asian container ports is due to pure technical inefficiencies rather than scale inefficiencies.
About 35 per cent of the container ports exhibit decreasing returns to scale. These ports can decrease their scale of operations by giving up some of the terminal assets and operational functions to other specialised private entities via concessions and leaseholds.
This will allow efficient handling and transit of containers as well as help promote intra-port competition between multiple service providers within a port which can lead to higher efficiency gains.
Strategies that impact on the volume and nature of trade are to become a hub, seek World Trade Organisation (WTO) membership, provide dedicated container terminals, seek cooperation strategies between ports and improve on their transport infrastructure to link with the hinterland.
The analysis also revealed that Chinese container ports enjoy a clear lead in the Asian region in terms of containers handled and they are very competitive. Size and ownership structure are not determinants of efficiency level in container ports.
In the last decade, the shipping industry and the global seaborne trade have witnessed a rapid growth due to globalisation of the world economy, boom in international trade and borderless investments.
As competition among international ports has intensified, the evaluation of port operational efficiency has become increasingly important to enable individual ports to reflect on its current status quo and understand their strengths and weaknesses in the competitive environment.
The study was conducted to investigate the technical and scale efficiency of major container ports in the Asian region.
It employed the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Technique to benchmark and evaluated the operating performance of 69 major Asian container ports to generate efficiency ranking.
The results indicate that the average technical efficiency of the Asian container ports is 48.4 per cent.
The overall technical inefficiency in Asian container ports is due to pure technical inefficiency rather than scale inefficiency.
The results of the study can indicate possible improvements in port management and operational planning at local and national levels.
END/UNB/AKM
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Finance bill passed in Parliament allowing black money in capital market
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer
Sangsad Bhaban, June 28 (UNB) – Parliament Tuesday night passed the Finance Bill 2011 allowing investment of black money in the share market.
It also reduced the rate of tax at source from all exports to 0.7 percent while 0.6 percent for the RMG sector. In the proposed budget the Finance Minister proposed to increase the rate to 1.50 percent for all.
The tax rates for registration of flat, building or space of real estate developers on the basis of commercial purposes also reduced.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while taking part in the general discussion on the budget fiscal requested the Finance Minister to allow the black money in the share market. She also requested the Finance Minister to allow the disclosed money holders to invest in the share market with 10 percent rebate.
She also proposed to reduce the rate of tax at source on export items, and rate for the registration of flat, building or space for commercial purposes.
The Prime Minister urged the Finance Minister to include the poultry sector in the tax holiday scheme upto June 2013 and impose zero tariffs for the import of gas cylinder and its related materials. “We want to provide LPG gas at lower rate to the houses, please slash all duties and make it more affordable to the housewives,” she said adding that poultry sector creates huge employment for the youths.
On the share market issue, the Prime Minister said that the share prices were overvalued during the end part of the last. “That’s why there was a slide down in the market.”
She alleged that most of the brokerage houses are owned by BNP men. “They also played some games from behind.”
She said that the government has taken steps to float shares of the state-owned enterprises in the share market and hoped that some SOEs and non-government shares will be off-loaded in the market within a couple of months.
Regarding the inquiry committee of the share market, she said that the inquiry committee made observations on surface level.
She asked the minister concerned to make some deep investigation in the matter and punish the real culprits behind this matter.
“In 2009-10 fiscal we allowed black money in the share market, but it was not continued during the current fiscal. As we are allowing black and white money for BIFFL and treasury bonds I will request the Finance Minister to allow the black money in the share market.”
She also proposed to reduce the tax rates for registration of flat, building or space of real estate developers on the basis of commercial purposes.
In the Proposed budget the rate for Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Motjheel and Dilkusha of Dhaka was fixed at Tk 20,000, for Dhanmandi, Lalmatia, Uttara, Basundhara, DOHS, Mahakhali, Dhaka Cantonment, Karwanbazar of Dhaka and Khulshi, Agrabad, Nasirabad and Panchlaish of Chittagong was Tk 15,000 and Tk 5,000 for other areas.
But the Prime Minister asked the Finance Minister to reduce the rate to Tk 8,000, Tk 6,000 and Tk 5,000 respectively.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith, who moved the bill accepted all the proposals of the Prime Minister.
In his winding up speech, the Finance Minister said that inflation would be a big challenge due to the price hike of two major commodities – food and fuel. He said that the government has taken steps so that food items are within the purchasing power of the common men.
He said that the corporate tax for the listed cigarette manufacturing companies would be 35 percent.
Muhith said duty on luxurious double cabin pick-up, the supplementary duty on 1001 cc to 1500 cc are reduced to 30 percent from the proposed 45 percent.
On share market, Muhith said he thought stability restored in the capital market. The key index is hovering 5500 to 6000. “The capital market will have to be allowed to move on its own way.”
He said the government would soon start de-utilization of the stock market which will help reduce illegal practices in share trading.
Muhith said the huge amount that might be 42 percent to 82 percent remained unutilized and the money will have to bring back in the mainstream.
The Finance Minister ruled out crisis in budget financing. “It has well been described in the budget proposal from which channel money will come.”
He also differed with the claim of declining investment, remittance inflow, export and import. “It’s totally untrue. In some cases rate of growth has only decelerated.”
Muhith said inflation is big challenge and informed that steps are being taken to keep the prices of five essentials at commoners’ reach.
He said the government is giving importance on land management and digital Bangladesh .
Describing electricity and gas crisis he said the government would finalize coal policy by December.
Mentioning that revenue earning has witnessed a 27 percent growth in the current fiscal, Muhith strongly hoped that the revenue earning would reach the target or even exceed in the next fiscal.
Later, the Bill was passed by voice vote after having a general discussion of 49 hours and thirteen minutes in 16 days on national budget for 2011-12.
END/UNB/AKM/
Sangsad Bhaban, June 28 (UNB) – Parliament Tuesday night passed the Finance Bill 2011 allowing investment of black money in the share market.
It also reduced the rate of tax at source from all exports to 0.7 percent while 0.6 percent for the RMG sector. In the proposed budget the Finance Minister proposed to increase the rate to 1.50 percent for all.
The tax rates for registration of flat, building or space of real estate developers on the basis of commercial purposes also reduced.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while taking part in the general discussion on the budget fiscal requested the Finance Minister to allow the black money in the share market. She also requested the Finance Minister to allow the disclosed money holders to invest in the share market with 10 percent rebate.
She also proposed to reduce the rate of tax at source on export items, and rate for the registration of flat, building or space for commercial purposes.
The Prime Minister urged the Finance Minister to include the poultry sector in the tax holiday scheme upto June 2013 and impose zero tariffs for the import of gas cylinder and its related materials. “We want to provide LPG gas at lower rate to the houses, please slash all duties and make it more affordable to the housewives,” she said adding that poultry sector creates huge employment for the youths.
On the share market issue, the Prime Minister said that the share prices were overvalued during the end part of the last. “That’s why there was a slide down in the market.”
She alleged that most of the brokerage houses are owned by BNP men. “They also played some games from behind.”
She said that the government has taken steps to float shares of the state-owned enterprises in the share market and hoped that some SOEs and non-government shares will be off-loaded in the market within a couple of months.
Regarding the inquiry committee of the share market, she said that the inquiry committee made observations on surface level.
She asked the minister concerned to make some deep investigation in the matter and punish the real culprits behind this matter.
“In 2009-10 fiscal we allowed black money in the share market, but it was not continued during the current fiscal. As we are allowing black and white money for BIFFL and treasury bonds I will request the Finance Minister to allow the black money in the share market.”
She also proposed to reduce the tax rates for registration of flat, building or space of real estate developers on the basis of commercial purposes.
In the Proposed budget the rate for Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Motjheel and Dilkusha of Dhaka was fixed at Tk 20,000, for Dhanmandi, Lalmatia, Uttara, Basundhara, DOHS, Mahakhali, Dhaka Cantonment, Karwanbazar of Dhaka and Khulshi, Agrabad, Nasirabad and Panchlaish of Chittagong was Tk 15,000 and Tk 5,000 for other areas.
But the Prime Minister asked the Finance Minister to reduce the rate to Tk 8,000, Tk 6,000 and Tk 5,000 respectively.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith, who moved the bill accepted all the proposals of the Prime Minister.
In his winding up speech, the Finance Minister said that inflation would be a big challenge due to the price hike of two major commodities – food and fuel. He said that the government has taken steps so that food items are within the purchasing power of the common men.
He said that the corporate tax for the listed cigarette manufacturing companies would be 35 percent.
Muhith said duty on luxurious double cabin pick-up, the supplementary duty on 1001 cc to 1500 cc are reduced to 30 percent from the proposed 45 percent.
On share market, Muhith said he thought stability restored in the capital market. The key index is hovering 5500 to 6000. “The capital market will have to be allowed to move on its own way.”
He said the government would soon start de-utilization of the stock market which will help reduce illegal practices in share trading.
Muhith said the huge amount that might be 42 percent to 82 percent remained unutilized and the money will have to bring back in the mainstream.
The Finance Minister ruled out crisis in budget financing. “It has well been described in the budget proposal from which channel money will come.”
He also differed with the claim of declining investment, remittance inflow, export and import. “It’s totally untrue. In some cases rate of growth has only decelerated.”
Muhith said inflation is big challenge and informed that steps are being taken to keep the prices of five essentials at commoners’ reach.
He said the government is giving importance on land management and digital Bangladesh .
Describing electricity and gas crisis he said the government would finalize coal policy by December.
Mentioning that revenue earning has witnessed a 27 percent growth in the current fiscal, Muhith strongly hoped that the revenue earning would reach the target or even exceed in the next fiscal.
Later, the Bill was passed by voice vote after having a general discussion of 49 hours and thirteen minutes in 16 days on national budget for 2011-12.
END/UNB/AKM/
Jalil, Amu remind govt of results of ‘96 share market scam; demand punishment to plunderers
AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer
Sangsad Bhaban, June 28 (UNB) – Awami League stalwarts Amir Hossain Amu and Abdul Jalil on Tuesday alerted the government that the recent share market scam has blurred all achievements of the current government.
They reminded that the past Awami League government got the instant result after the 1996 share market scandal.
Recalling the electoral debacle following the ‘96 share market scandal, former AL general secretary Abdul Jalil urged the Prime Minister to ensure exemplary punishment to the share market plunderers no matter who they are.
“We had instantly got the results of ‘96 share market scandal. Punishment must be ensured for those who brought the catastrophe for small individual investors in the share market,” he said in Parliament while taking part in general discussion on the proposed budget for next fiscal.
Jalil, also the former commerce minister, said the Prime Minister is working hard to generate employment for the people, and some people went to the capital market. But through the scandal this time, instability has been created in society.
He said stern action would have to be taken against the plunderers so none can play game with the people’s money.
Amir Hossain Amu said the share market scam ruined all achievements the government has made in the last two and half years.
“It’s like a drop of cow urine into a bucket of pure milk,” he said, participating in the general discussion of the budget.
Amu, member of the AL advisory council, said that after assuming power, the present government has put in all its effort for the development of the country. “But the share market scam has ruined all the achievements.”
He mentioned that the government should take immediate and effective measures to tackle the incidents at the share market.
Amu said the government must take action against the people who were behind all the scams.
Jalil suggested more steps for the welfare of the freedom fighters, saying that many freedom fighters are still struggling on the streets to survive.
He appreciated some of the features of the proposed budget but saw three challenges including inflation and ADP implementation.
Jalil proposed reviewing the proposed 1.5 percent tax at source on exportable goods and increasing subsidy in the agriculture sector.
He said electricity and gas crisis would have to be resolved to keep the wheel of development moving in the right direction.
END/UNB/AKM/
Sangsad Bhaban, June 28 (UNB) – Awami League stalwarts Amir Hossain Amu and Abdul Jalil on Tuesday alerted the government that the recent share market scam has blurred all achievements of the current government.
They reminded that the past Awami League government got the instant result after the 1996 share market scandal.
Recalling the electoral debacle following the ‘96 share market scandal, former AL general secretary Abdul Jalil urged the Prime Minister to ensure exemplary punishment to the share market plunderers no matter who they are.
“We had instantly got the results of ‘96 share market scandal. Punishment must be ensured for those who brought the catastrophe for small individual investors in the share market,” he said in Parliament while taking part in general discussion on the proposed budget for next fiscal.
Jalil, also the former commerce minister, said the Prime Minister is working hard to generate employment for the people, and some people went to the capital market. But through the scandal this time, instability has been created in society.
He said stern action would have to be taken against the plunderers so none can play game with the people’s money.
Amir Hossain Amu said the share market scam ruined all achievements the government has made in the last two and half years.
“It’s like a drop of cow urine into a bucket of pure milk,” he said, participating in the general discussion of the budget.
Amu, member of the AL advisory council, said that after assuming power, the present government has put in all its effort for the development of the country. “But the share market scam has ruined all the achievements.”
He mentioned that the government should take immediate and effective measures to tackle the incidents at the share market.
Amu said the government must take action against the people who were behind all the scams.
Jalil suggested more steps for the welfare of the freedom fighters, saying that many freedom fighters are still struggling on the streets to survive.
He appreciated some of the features of the proposed budget but saw three challenges including inflation and ADP implementation.
Jalil proposed reviewing the proposed 1.5 percent tax at source on exportable goods and increasing subsidy in the agriculture sector.
He said electricity and gas crisis would have to be resolved to keep the wheel of development moving in the right direction.
END/UNB/AKM/
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Govt yet to decide on allowing investment in Africa; Delay may shrink opportunities
By AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, June 24 (UNB) - The government has not yet taken any formal decision on allowing Bangladeshi investors to invest in Africa that leaves a clear field for other competing countries like China, India and Pakistan.
The inordinate delay in getting government clearance might hinder the exceedingly lucrative opportunities for Bangladeshi investors in farming sector in the vast and untapped rural expanse of Africa.
Though the businesspeople here are very much certain of getting the necessary clearance, they want to get the government feedback as soon as possible.
“Competition will become harder if the process is delayed. Other competing countries will grab the opportunities. With each day’s delay, the opportunities are apparently shrinking,” businessman Abdul Matlub Ahmad told UNB over phone.
He, however, said they are cent percent sure that the government would eventually allow the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to in invest in Africa and other prospective countries.
“Yes, it’s true that other countries like China, India and Pakistan will take advantage of the delay on our part,” said Matlub, the president of Bangladesh Africa Business Organization (BABO).
Asked about the reasons behind the delay, he said so many political issues including budget came in focus and the government is virtually busy with handling those issues.
“A high-level-meeting in this regard was scheduled to be held on Thursday (June 23), but cancelled at the last moment. We hope, we’ll get a decision after the approval of the budget,” Matlub said.
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice president Abul Kashem Ahmed, who is also interested to invest in Africa, said two committees at private and public level are evaluating the pros and cons of any investment in Africa.
“Let’s see what they suggest,” he said adding that usually, it takes time.
Earlier, last year, two fact-finding missions led by the Foreign Secretary found farming opportunity in Africa, the so-called Dark Continent, for the Bangladeshi investors. The teams visited Liberia, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Ghana.
Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can invest in rice, wheat, cotton, cocoa and coffee farming in Africa.
The government sent the fact-finding missions in August and September last year as part of its efforts to ensure food security for the country's fast-growing population. Already Chinese farmers have invested heavily in farmlands in a number of sub-Saharan African nations. They are backed by their government. Some Middle-East nations also made similar moves.
Seeing the investment possibilities in Africa, a group of Bangladeshi businessmen formed the BABO and started lobbying with the government to get clearance for investment there.
The BABO leaders at a press conference on May 30 said there is huge investment opportunity for Bangladesh in African countries that can help ensure the country’s food security through producing rice and other agricultural products there.
They are now lobbying with the government to allow Bangladeshi investors to make investment in Africa by removing all barriers so that potentials in Africa could be explored fully. FBCCI president AK Azad also favored the proposal and had requested Foreign Minister Dipu Moni to take appropriate steps in this regard.
END/UNB/AKM
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, June 24 (UNB) - The government has not yet taken any formal decision on allowing Bangladeshi investors to invest in Africa that leaves a clear field for other competing countries like China, India and Pakistan.
The inordinate delay in getting government clearance might hinder the exceedingly lucrative opportunities for Bangladeshi investors in farming sector in the vast and untapped rural expanse of Africa.
Though the businesspeople here are very much certain of getting the necessary clearance, they want to get the government feedback as soon as possible.
“Competition will become harder if the process is delayed. Other competing countries will grab the opportunities. With each day’s delay, the opportunities are apparently shrinking,” businessman Abdul Matlub Ahmad told UNB over phone.
He, however, said they are cent percent sure that the government would eventually allow the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to in invest in Africa and other prospective countries.
“Yes, it’s true that other countries like China, India and Pakistan will take advantage of the delay on our part,” said Matlub, the president of Bangladesh Africa Business Organization (BABO).
Asked about the reasons behind the delay, he said so many political issues including budget came in focus and the government is virtually busy with handling those issues.
“A high-level-meeting in this regard was scheduled to be held on Thursday (June 23), but cancelled at the last moment. We hope, we’ll get a decision after the approval of the budget,” Matlub said.
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice president Abul Kashem Ahmed, who is also interested to invest in Africa, said two committees at private and public level are evaluating the pros and cons of any investment in Africa.
“Let’s see what they suggest,” he said adding that usually, it takes time.
Earlier, last year, two fact-finding missions led by the Foreign Secretary found farming opportunity in Africa, the so-called Dark Continent, for the Bangladeshi investors. The teams visited Liberia, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Ghana.
Bangladeshi entrepreneurs can invest in rice, wheat, cotton, cocoa and coffee farming in Africa.
The government sent the fact-finding missions in August and September last year as part of its efforts to ensure food security for the country's fast-growing population. Already Chinese farmers have invested heavily in farmlands in a number of sub-Saharan African nations. They are backed by their government. Some Middle-East nations also made similar moves.
Seeing the investment possibilities in Africa, a group of Bangladeshi businessmen formed the BABO and started lobbying with the government to get clearance for investment there.
The BABO leaders at a press conference on May 30 said there is huge investment opportunity for Bangladesh in African countries that can help ensure the country’s food security through producing rice and other agricultural products there.
They are now lobbying with the government to allow Bangladeshi investors to make investment in Africa by removing all barriers so that potentials in Africa could be explored fully. FBCCI president AK Azad also favored the proposal and had requested Foreign Minister Dipu Moni to take appropriate steps in this regard.
END/UNB/AKM
Mohiuddin devotes time to reorganising party in Ctg Plans to meet Hasina before July 9
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=145183
By AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
After the recent electoral debacle, former mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury has apparently become more active in politics, devoting his time to reorganising the party here to face future political challenges.
Mohiuddin, also Chittagong city Awami League president, does not want to waste time by meditating over the past and on what happened in the last mayoral elections but wishes to continue his task for the economic development of the port city.
The AL leader, who has been credited with many successful movements and development works in Chittagong over the last 17 years, still believes that Chittagong seaport is the key to country's development.
And this is the area where he wants to lend “peaceful support” in implementing government's plan.
“I believe country's overall development depends on Chittagong and at the same time Chittagong's development largely depends on its seaport.
So, we must specially think of its (port) modernisation, infrastructure development and boosting efficiency to make it globally competitive,” Mohiuddin said in an interview with UNB at his Chashma Hill residence on Thursday.
The former mayor believes Bangladesh will turn into a business hub with enormous potential for trade and commerce if the deep seaport project is implemented and transit facilities to neighbouring countries are ensured.
“Chittagong can be a modern city like Singapore and tourism sector will flourish here (Chittagong) if port's development is ensured,” he said.
When asked about the future leadership of Chittagong city Awami League, he said, “I'm not a big leader. My leader is Sheikh Hasina. I can't say or do anything disregarding her directives.”
A faction of city AL is reportedly planning to keep Mohiuddin out of party leadership in Chittagong and the rivals are taking preparation to discuss it with party high-ups so that a new committee can be formed excluding Mohiuddin. Asked about his reaction, he said, “It's up to them.”
Replying to a question, the AL leader said he did not talk to party President Sheikh Hasina after the CCC election debacle.
“I am planning to meet her (Hasina) within next few days, hopefully before July 9,” said Mohiuddin who will fly for Saudi Arabia on July 9 to perform umrah.
Mohiuddin declined to comment on the reasons of his unexpected defeat in the recently held mayoral elections. He merely said, “People know what I did for the development of Chittagong. Ask them and compare present Chittagong with what it was previously (17 years ago).”
He even did not want to talk about new mayor M Manzur Alam Manzu.
Replying to a question, he said the arrest of the Jamaat trio was a right decision.
The anti-liberation forces will not dare to revive their destructive activities if the trial of war criminals is held.
“I've been on streets against the war criminals; I'll always remain vocal against them,” he said.
Asked about his role in facing the anti-government movement launched by the opposition, Mohiuddin said he would remain vocal against any anti-state movement.
By AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
After the recent electoral debacle, former mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury has apparently become more active in politics, devoting his time to reorganising the party here to face future political challenges.
Mohiuddin, also Chittagong city Awami League president, does not want to waste time by meditating over the past and on what happened in the last mayoral elections but wishes to continue his task for the economic development of the port city.
The AL leader, who has been credited with many successful movements and development works in Chittagong over the last 17 years, still believes that Chittagong seaport is the key to country's development.
And this is the area where he wants to lend “peaceful support” in implementing government's plan.
“I believe country's overall development depends on Chittagong and at the same time Chittagong's development largely depends on its seaport.
So, we must specially think of its (port) modernisation, infrastructure development and boosting efficiency to make it globally competitive,” Mohiuddin said in an interview with UNB at his Chashma Hill residence on Thursday.
The former mayor believes Bangladesh will turn into a business hub with enormous potential for trade and commerce if the deep seaport project is implemented and transit facilities to neighbouring countries are ensured.
“Chittagong can be a modern city like Singapore and tourism sector will flourish here (Chittagong) if port's development is ensured,” he said.
When asked about the future leadership of Chittagong city Awami League, he said, “I'm not a big leader. My leader is Sheikh Hasina. I can't say or do anything disregarding her directives.”
A faction of city AL is reportedly planning to keep Mohiuddin out of party leadership in Chittagong and the rivals are taking preparation to discuss it with party high-ups so that a new committee can be formed excluding Mohiuddin. Asked about his reaction, he said, “It's up to them.”
Replying to a question, the AL leader said he did not talk to party President Sheikh Hasina after the CCC election debacle.
“I am planning to meet her (Hasina) within next few days, hopefully before July 9,” said Mohiuddin who will fly for Saudi Arabia on July 9 to perform umrah.
Mohiuddin declined to comment on the reasons of his unexpected defeat in the recently held mayoral elections. He merely said, “People know what I did for the development of Chittagong. Ask them and compare present Chittagong with what it was previously (17 years ago).”
He even did not want to talk about new mayor M Manzur Alam Manzu.
Replying to a question, he said the arrest of the Jamaat trio was a right decision.
The anti-liberation forces will not dare to revive their destructive activities if the trial of war criminals is held.
“I've been on streets against the war criminals; I'll always remain vocal against them,” he said.
Asked about his role in facing the anti-government movement launched by the opposition, Mohiuddin said he would remain vocal against any anti-state movement.
Fall of star like Mohiuddin in CCC polls, few reasons
By AKM Moinuddin
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, June 18 (UNB) - What could be the reasons behind the fall of a ‘political star’ like ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury in Thursday’s mayoral race for Chittagong City Corporation?
Is it incumbency factor or some mistakes he committed during the last part of his tenure in the third consecutive term?
Common people in Chittagong believe Mohiuddin Chowdhury deserved this big defeat. They also feel it is not the charisma of Manjurul Alam Manju; rather, Mohiuddin Chowdhury himself dug his own grave.
People find a number of reasons behind the election debacle of a popular, experienced and charismatic politician like Mohiuddin Chowdhury who ran CCC for 17 years as mayor.
People had expected a close fight between the two major contenders, not so big a defeat for Mohiuddin as transpired at the end of vote counting. Difference of nearly one lakh votes (95,528) with Manju is not a trivial matter.
Elected for three consecutive terms, former mayor Mohiuddin has been credited with carrying out extensive infrastructural development works and as an efficient local administrator of Chittagong city.
During his tenure, secondary schools for girls were built in almost every Ward, and new post-school intermediate and higher education colleges were established. None of the other city corporation authorities in the country could provide such extensive educational services, which basically started after Mohiuddin was first elected mayor of the port city.
Another key achievement of Mohiuddin was building a network of public health facilities - Urban Primary Health Centres, which enabled lower and lower-middle class people to receive basic healthcare before seeing a consultant doctor at government or private hospitals.
Mohiuddin was the first city Mayor in the country to establish a private university - Premier University, Chittgaong sponsored by the CCC.
But all his achievements were apparently overshadowed by a number of follies he committed during his last term.
Observers believe that non-implementation of his 40-point election pledge, transforming the CCC into a commercial institution, running Awami League in Chittagong disregarding opinions of other leaders of the party and lack of coordination within Chittagong city unit of the party might be some of the reasons behind Mohiuddin’s debacle.
It is believed that Mohiuddin managed victory in the last elections by committing to the people 20- and 40-point election pledges, which he could not fully implement.
Before the CCC polls in 2005, Mohiuddin pledged to expand Chittagong metropolitan area to 120 sq kms from 60 sq kms but the Chittagong metropolitan area was not expanded.
He also pledged to remove water and sanitation problems but those remained unresolved. He set up a commercial institution named Premier Drinking Water without solving the water crisis.
Mohiuddin took an initiative to set up power plant under the management of CCC but not a single watt of electricity could be generated.
Intra-party feud was another major reason behind Mohiuddin’s fall. On May 27, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with all senior leaders of Chittagong Awami League to remove misunderstanding between Mohiuddin and other senior leaders.
Mohiuddin begged pardon from Sheikh Hasina and other senior leaders for his misbehavior with other party leaders in Chittagong and for his past mistakes.
However, the people of Chittgaong and the peace-loving people of the country heaved a sigh of relief as the elections passed off peacefully despite few brief untoward incidents before the formal announcement of the poll results.
END/UNB/AKM
UNB Staff Writer
Dhaka, June 18 (UNB) - What could be the reasons behind the fall of a ‘political star’ like ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury in Thursday’s mayoral race for Chittagong City Corporation?
Is it incumbency factor or some mistakes he committed during the last part of his tenure in the third consecutive term?
Common people in Chittagong believe Mohiuddin Chowdhury deserved this big defeat. They also feel it is not the charisma of Manjurul Alam Manju; rather, Mohiuddin Chowdhury himself dug his own grave.
People find a number of reasons behind the election debacle of a popular, experienced and charismatic politician like Mohiuddin Chowdhury who ran CCC for 17 years as mayor.
People had expected a close fight between the two major contenders, not so big a defeat for Mohiuddin as transpired at the end of vote counting. Difference of nearly one lakh votes (95,528) with Manju is not a trivial matter.
Elected for three consecutive terms, former mayor Mohiuddin has been credited with carrying out extensive infrastructural development works and as an efficient local administrator of Chittagong city.
During his tenure, secondary schools for girls were built in almost every Ward, and new post-school intermediate and higher education colleges were established. None of the other city corporation authorities in the country could provide such extensive educational services, which basically started after Mohiuddin was first elected mayor of the port city.
Another key achievement of Mohiuddin was building a network of public health facilities - Urban Primary Health Centres, which enabled lower and lower-middle class people to receive basic healthcare before seeing a consultant doctor at government or private hospitals.
Mohiuddin was the first city Mayor in the country to establish a private university - Premier University, Chittgaong sponsored by the CCC.
But all his achievements were apparently overshadowed by a number of follies he committed during his last term.
Observers believe that non-implementation of his 40-point election pledge, transforming the CCC into a commercial institution, running Awami League in Chittagong disregarding opinions of other leaders of the party and lack of coordination within Chittagong city unit of the party might be some of the reasons behind Mohiuddin’s debacle.
It is believed that Mohiuddin managed victory in the last elections by committing to the people 20- and 40-point election pledges, which he could not fully implement.
Before the CCC polls in 2005, Mohiuddin pledged to expand Chittagong metropolitan area to 120 sq kms from 60 sq kms but the Chittagong metropolitan area was not expanded.
He also pledged to remove water and sanitation problems but those remained unresolved. He set up a commercial institution named Premier Drinking Water without solving the water crisis.
Mohiuddin took an initiative to set up power plant under the management of CCC but not a single watt of electricity could be generated.
Intra-party feud was another major reason behind Mohiuddin’s fall. On May 27, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with all senior leaders of Chittagong Awami League to remove misunderstanding between Mohiuddin and other senior leaders.
Mohiuddin begged pardon from Sheikh Hasina and other senior leaders for his misbehavior with other party leaders in Chittagong and for his past mistakes.
However, the people of Chittgaong and the peace-loving people of the country heaved a sigh of relief as the elections passed off peacefully despite few brief untoward incidents before the formal announcement of the poll results.
END/UNB/AKM
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Toxic touch in summer delight; Chemically treated summer fruit pose health hazard: ‘more awareness needed’
By AKM Moinuddin
DHAKA, MAY 21: High-priced summer fruits, now available in the capital’s markets, lack their original classic taste as these are mostly treated with chemicals for quick ripening that causes serious health hazard. The attractive look of the seasonal fruits, treated by greedy traders with toxic chemicals like Calcium Carbide, allures ordinary consumers, though these are harmful for health. Conscious consumers, worried by the use of harmful chemicals to ripen the fruits, expressed resentment as no action is being taken against the unscrupulous traders.
Narrating how he ripens fruits and give them fresh look, a fruit trader named Amin said, “We use medicine to help ripen bananas and papaya that also give a nice yellow colour.” Asked to name the medicine, he said: “I am not sure about the name, but it works like magic. This medicine is available in every pharmacy in the city.”
Dr Deba Prasad Bhattacharjee, a practising general physician, said consuming chemically treated fruits might cause kidney failure and could also affect brain. In the long term, consumption of such fruits might cause cancer.
Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), the regulatory body which monitors quality of foods, emphasises creating mass awareness about health hazards posed by the chemically-treated fruits. “Drive against dishonest traders is simply a regulatory function. We conduct drives twice a week against such malpractice,” BSTI director general AK Fazlul Ahad told this correspondent over phone.
He said awareness among consumers and traders would work better. “The media can also help create awareness in this regard,” he said.
Mentioning workforce limitation, the BSTI D-G said: “We don’t have our own magistrate. We don’t even get sufficient magistrate in time to conduct drives.
He said the BSTI will soon organise a food fair in the capital with participation of traders who will be given a message to stay away from any malpractice.
Prices of summer fruits, both local and foreign varieties that flood the fruit-corners in the city markets and roadside outlets, are forbidding for the ordinary consumers so far this season. Indian mangoes that look fresh and enticing are being sold at Tk 100-Tk 140 per kg, while the local varieties of mango like Himsagar of Satkhira are going for Tk 80-Tk 100 per kg.
Watermelon is being sold at Tk 50-Tk 200 each, depending on their size, colour and taste, while pineapple is going for Tk 20-Tk 40 per piece. Papaya meanwhile is selling at Tk 30-Tk 60 per piece.
END/UNB/AKM
DHAKA, MAY 21: High-priced summer fruits, now available in the capital’s markets, lack their original classic taste as these are mostly treated with chemicals for quick ripening that causes serious health hazard. The attractive look of the seasonal fruits, treated by greedy traders with toxic chemicals like Calcium Carbide, allures ordinary consumers, though these are harmful for health. Conscious consumers, worried by the use of harmful chemicals to ripen the fruits, expressed resentment as no action is being taken against the unscrupulous traders.
Narrating how he ripens fruits and give them fresh look, a fruit trader named Amin said, “We use medicine to help ripen bananas and papaya that also give a nice yellow colour.” Asked to name the medicine, he said: “I am not sure about the name, but it works like magic. This medicine is available in every pharmacy in the city.”
Dr Deba Prasad Bhattacharjee, a practising general physician, said consuming chemically treated fruits might cause kidney failure and could also affect brain. In the long term, consumption of such fruits might cause cancer.
Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), the regulatory body which monitors quality of foods, emphasises creating mass awareness about health hazards posed by the chemically-treated fruits. “Drive against dishonest traders is simply a regulatory function. We conduct drives twice a week against such malpractice,” BSTI director general AK Fazlul Ahad told this correspondent over phone.
He said awareness among consumers and traders would work better. “The media can also help create awareness in this regard,” he said.
Mentioning workforce limitation, the BSTI D-G said: “We don’t have our own magistrate. We don’t even get sufficient magistrate in time to conduct drives.
He said the BSTI will soon organise a food fair in the capital with participation of traders who will be given a message to stay away from any malpractice.
Prices of summer fruits, both local and foreign varieties that flood the fruit-corners in the city markets and roadside outlets, are forbidding for the ordinary consumers so far this season. Indian mangoes that look fresh and enticing are being sold at Tk 100-Tk 140 per kg, while the local varieties of mango like Himsagar of Satkhira are going for Tk 80-Tk 100 per kg.
Watermelon is being sold at Tk 50-Tk 200 each, depending on their size, colour and taste, while pineapple is going for Tk 20-Tk 40 per piece. Papaya meanwhile is selling at Tk 30-Tk 60 per piece.
END/UNB/AKM
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sharma arrives in Dhaka tomorrow for trade talks; Dhaka to seek more duty-free access of Bangladesh products, increase cotton import quota
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Apr 22 (UNB) – Dhaka is eyeing for meaningful settlement of a number of issues with New Delhi including duty-free access of 61 Bangladesh products to the Indian market during the visit of Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.
Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma arrives here tomorrow (Saturday) on a two-day visit to strengthen economic ties between the two close neighbors.
During the visit, Sharma is scheduled to have meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Commerce Minister Faruk Khan.
He is also likely to attend a luncheon program to be hosted by Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
“During the discussion, we’ll give priority to six issues including seeking more duty-free access of Bangladesh products to Indian market,” Commerce Minister Faruk Khan told UNB Staff Correspondent AKM Moinuddin over phone on Friday.
He said the discussion would highlight issues relating to increasing the cotton import quota for ensuring cotton security in Bangladesh, withdrawal of tax imposed on some Bangladeshi jute goods, finalization of opening border `haat’ (market) and implementation of certification of Bangladesh goods by India.
“We’ll discuss and try to finalize the opening date of border `haat’ (market),” Khan said in reply to a question.
The planned border `haat’, common marketplaces for both Bangladeshis and Indians to boost local business and trade, remained unimplemented even after 14 months since the two countries agreed on its introduction.
Several deadlines mentioned by the government have already expired and bureaucratic tangles in both the countries have been blamed for the long delay in opening the border markets.
Dhaka will also discuss removal of non-tariff and para-tariff barriers, often imposed by Indian customs authorities on Bangladesh products.
At present, Bangladesh enjoy duty-free access of only 8.0 million pieces of readymade garment (RMG) products each year under a bilateral trade arrangement between the two countries. For the interim period, the Indian government agreed to allow Bangladesh to duty-free export of 8 million pieces of garment products in 2011.
“We’ll demand increase of the quota until the implementation of more duty-free access of Bangladesh products to Indian market,” Faruk Khan said.
The export will be unlimited once Dhaka’s demand for delisting 61 products from India’s negative list is realized. Dhaka has long been pursuing India to allow 61 Bangladesh items in her market under duty-free facility.
Currently 480 items are on India’s negative list. Last year, Dhaka demanded to remove 61 products, mostly textile items (47), from the negative list.
Bangladesh will also seek increasing the volume of cotton import from India. “We’ll seek an import quota of 20 lakh bales of cotton from India to ensure cotton security in the country,” 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.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Apr 22 (UNB) – Dhaka is eyeing for meaningful settlement of a number of issues with New Delhi including duty-free access of 61 Bangladesh products to the Indian market during the visit of Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.
Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma arrives here tomorrow (Saturday) on a two-day visit to strengthen economic ties between the two close neighbors.
During the visit, Sharma is scheduled to have meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Commerce Minister Faruk Khan.
He is also likely to attend a luncheon program to be hosted by Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).
“During the discussion, we’ll give priority to six issues including seeking more duty-free access of Bangladesh products to Indian market,” Commerce Minister Faruk Khan told UNB Staff Correspondent AKM Moinuddin over phone on Friday.
He said the discussion would highlight issues relating to increasing the cotton import quota for ensuring cotton security in Bangladesh, withdrawal of tax imposed on some Bangladeshi jute goods, finalization of opening border `haat’ (market) and implementation of certification of Bangladesh goods by India.
“We’ll discuss and try to finalize the opening date of border `haat’ (market),” Khan said in reply to a question.
The planned border `haat’, common marketplaces for both Bangladeshis and Indians to boost local business and trade, remained unimplemented even after 14 months since the two countries agreed on its introduction.
Several deadlines mentioned by the government have already expired and bureaucratic tangles in both the countries have been blamed for the long delay in opening the border markets.
Dhaka will also discuss removal of non-tariff and para-tariff barriers, often imposed by Indian customs authorities on Bangladesh products.
At present, Bangladesh enjoy duty-free access of only 8.0 million pieces of readymade garment (RMG) products each year under a bilateral trade arrangement between the two countries. For the interim period, the Indian government agreed to allow Bangladesh to duty-free export of 8 million pieces of garment products in 2011.
“We’ll demand increase of the quota until the implementation of more duty-free access of Bangladesh products to Indian market,” Faruk Khan said.
The export will be unlimited once Dhaka’s demand for delisting 61 products from India’s negative list is realized. Dhaka has long been pursuing India to allow 61 Bangladesh items in her market under duty-free facility.
Currently 480 items are on India’s negative list. Last year, Dhaka demanded to remove 61 products, mostly textile items (47), from the negative list.
Bangladesh will also seek increasing the volume of cotton import from India. “We’ll seek an import quota of 20 lakh bales of cotton from India to ensure cotton security in the country,” 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.
END/UNB/AKM/
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Parliament gets back liveliness after long break; Speaker pledges adequate time to opposition
By AKM Moinuddin
Sangsad Bhaban, Mar 15 (UNB) – After a long break, parliament got back its liveliness with return of opposition led by Khaleda Zia to the House when it resumed at 5:05pm today.
Before taking up the day’s business sans tabling the question-answer Khaleda stood up and Speaker Abdul Hamid allowed her the floor to make a lengthy statement, touching upon vexing national issues and censuring the government for its ‘failure’ to resolve the problems. She held the floor uninterrupted for nearly an hour.
Earlier, welcoming the opposition the Speaker assured of adequate time to ventilate their views.
Khaleda touched upon various national issues - spiraling price of essentials, oppressive law and order situation, share market scam and sacking of Prof Mohammad Yunus, the Nobel Laureate, from his own brainchild Grameen Bank irking the international community.
She was critical of the government for pursuing a weak foreign policy and questioned the wisdom of borrowing one billion dollars from India for implementing projects of New Delhi’s choice.
She said the whole nation was stunned at the conspicuous silence of the government at the brutal killing of young Felani Khatun who was shot down by Indian BSF on Kurigram border. The horrifying photograph of the body of the poor girl kept hung on the barbed wire fence stirred the conscience of all but the government leadership.
Khaleda was often cheered by the opposition members by thumping the table. The treasury benches unusually exercised utmost patience and listened to her lengthy speech.
Few young, enthusiastic members of the treasury benches, however, disagreeing with Khaleda’s points shouted at her. The chair stopped them and advised to be patient to the views of the leader of the opposition.
The House was virtually packed with almost all members because of return of the opposition after nearly nine months.
Khaleda said they have retuned to stay in the House and requested the Speaker to allow their adjournment motions on vital national issues.
Speaker Abdul Hamid hoped that with presence of the opposition parliament would be more effective and meaningful. He also assured of his neutrality in conducting the House and give time to the opposition members in accordance with the rules of procedure.
END/UNB/AKM
Sangsad Bhaban, Mar 15 (UNB) – After a long break, parliament got back its liveliness with return of opposition led by Khaleda Zia to the House when it resumed at 5:05pm today.
Before taking up the day’s business sans tabling the question-answer Khaleda stood up and Speaker Abdul Hamid allowed her the floor to make a lengthy statement, touching upon vexing national issues and censuring the government for its ‘failure’ to resolve the problems. She held the floor uninterrupted for nearly an hour.
Earlier, welcoming the opposition the Speaker assured of adequate time to ventilate their views.
Khaleda touched upon various national issues - spiraling price of essentials, oppressive law and order situation, share market scam and sacking of Prof Mohammad Yunus, the Nobel Laureate, from his own brainchild Grameen Bank irking the international community.
She was critical of the government for pursuing a weak foreign policy and questioned the wisdom of borrowing one billion dollars from India for implementing projects of New Delhi’s choice.
She said the whole nation was stunned at the conspicuous silence of the government at the brutal killing of young Felani Khatun who was shot down by Indian BSF on Kurigram border. The horrifying photograph of the body of the poor girl kept hung on the barbed wire fence stirred the conscience of all but the government leadership.
Khaleda was often cheered by the opposition members by thumping the table. The treasury benches unusually exercised utmost patience and listened to her lengthy speech.
Few young, enthusiastic members of the treasury benches, however, disagreeing with Khaleda’s points shouted at her. The chair stopped them and advised to be patient to the views of the leader of the opposition.
The House was virtually packed with almost all members because of return of the opposition after nearly nine months.
Khaleda said they have retuned to stay in the House and requested the Speaker to allow their adjournment motions on vital national issues.
Speaker Abdul Hamid hoped that with presence of the opposition parliament would be more effective and meaningful. He also assured of his neutrality in conducting the House and give time to the opposition members in accordance with the rules of procedure.
END/UNB/AKM
Ruling party will welcome any constructive criticism: Matia
By AKM Moinuddin
Sangsad Bhaban, Mar 15 (UNB) – Agricultural Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury in parliament tonight said the government will welcome constructive criticism from the opposition as it is the best way of practicing democracy.
“We’re open to any criticism. We hope you will point out our mistakes and help us correct the mistakes,” Matia told the opposition members.
Describing various development activities of the government including ensuring adequate supply of fertilizers, she said people now do not need to run after fertilizer, rather fertilizer is running after the farmers.
“We’ve reduced the price of fertilizer up to 75 percent. Now we’re providing fertilizers at a nominal price,” she said with a sense of pride.
Requesting the leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia to visit villages and see for herself Matia said farmers now have money from lucrative jute price to buy agricultural inputs.
A gifted fiery orator Begum Matia was sarcastic of the leader of opposition. “They have forgotten everything of their misrule. Probably they eat the rice of forgetful paddy [bhola dhaner bhat]. So, they soon forget everything.”
She said the food production in the last four years of BNP-Jamat tenure maintained minus growth. “None, not even an ant died of food crisis during the present government.”
About law and order situation, Matia admitted a little indiscipline. But she said the government is working hard to maintain discipline.
About the critical views of the opposition on CHT peace accord she posed a question to the opposition leader why they did not cancel the accord when they were in power.
About the Nobel Laureate, Dr Muhammad Yunus, she questioned who threw out his wife and daughter from his house; how he played the role to empower women. “He (Yunus) is a good salesman. He could sale his story very nicely.”
Matia said they knew that their path is not smooth but full of thorns when they assumed the power. “But we will move ahead overcoming all conspiracies.”
She was critical of Khaleda for putting all the blames on Moeen U Ahmed and Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed who took over responsibility of the caretaker government but not Dr Iajuddin Ahmed who was at the helm of the affairs at the crisis period.
END/UNB/AKM/
Sangsad Bhaban, Mar 15 (UNB) – Agricultural Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury in parliament tonight said the government will welcome constructive criticism from the opposition as it is the best way of practicing democracy.
“We’re open to any criticism. We hope you will point out our mistakes and help us correct the mistakes,” Matia told the opposition members.
Describing various development activities of the government including ensuring adequate supply of fertilizers, she said people now do not need to run after fertilizer, rather fertilizer is running after the farmers.
“We’ve reduced the price of fertilizer up to 75 percent. Now we’re providing fertilizers at a nominal price,” she said with a sense of pride.
Requesting the leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia to visit villages and see for herself Matia said farmers now have money from lucrative jute price to buy agricultural inputs.
A gifted fiery orator Begum Matia was sarcastic of the leader of opposition. “They have forgotten everything of their misrule. Probably they eat the rice of forgetful paddy [bhola dhaner bhat]. So, they soon forget everything.”
She said the food production in the last four years of BNP-Jamat tenure maintained minus growth. “None, not even an ant died of food crisis during the present government.”
About law and order situation, Matia admitted a little indiscipline. But she said the government is working hard to maintain discipline.
About the critical views of the opposition on CHT peace accord she posed a question to the opposition leader why they did not cancel the accord when they were in power.
About the Nobel Laureate, Dr Muhammad Yunus, she questioned who threw out his wife and daughter from his house; how he played the role to empower women. “He (Yunus) is a good salesman. He could sale his story very nicely.”
Matia said they knew that their path is not smooth but full of thorns when they assumed the power. “But we will move ahead overcoming all conspiracies.”
She was critical of Khaleda for putting all the blames on Moeen U Ahmed and Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed who took over responsibility of the caretaker government but not Dr Iajuddin Ahmed who was at the helm of the affairs at the crisis period.
END/UNB/AKM/
BNP staged walkout of parliament
By AKM Moinuddin
Sangsad Bhaban, Mar 15 (UNB) – Opposition BNP staged walkout of parliament tonight protesting remarks of Textiles and Jute Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui.
Referring to the statement of opposition leader Khaleda Zia earlier in the House, Siddiqui observed that by recalling the events of 1972-75 she has virtually reminded the members of the active role of Ziaur Rahman in the killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
His observation was strongly protested by the opposition who said it was irrelevant of what Khaleda Zia narrated. They demanded expansion of Latif’s observation from the proceedings. The chair did not pay heed to the demand.
Khaleda was not in the House. The opposition led by Barrister Moudud Ahmed staged the walkout at 8:15pm and did not return till 9pm.
END/UNB/AKM/
Sangsad Bhaban, Mar 15 (UNB) – Opposition BNP staged walkout of parliament tonight protesting remarks of Textiles and Jute Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui.
Referring to the statement of opposition leader Khaleda Zia earlier in the House, Siddiqui observed that by recalling the events of 1972-75 she has virtually reminded the members of the active role of Ziaur Rahman in the killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
His observation was strongly protested by the opposition who said it was irrelevant of what Khaleda Zia narrated. They demanded expansion of Latif’s observation from the proceedings. The chair did not pay heed to the demand.
Khaleda was not in the House. The opposition led by Barrister Moudud Ahmed staged the walkout at 8:15pm and did not return till 9pm.
END/UNB/AKM/
Remittance face serious setback amid uprising in Libya
Dhaka, Mar 3 (UNB) - Country’s remittance earning that witnessed a balanced trend in recent months might face serious setback in the coming months amid recent uprising in Libya, which forced many Bangladeshi workers to return home.
The present crisis is likely to have further adverse impact on Bangladesh’s overseas labour market and balance of payment.
According to the leaders of Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA)), over 80,000 Bangladeshis used to work in Libya in various types of job.
Bangladesh received remittances totaling Tk 68437.80 million in December 2010 with Bangladeshis in Libya sending Tk 3.5 million. The remittance from Libya was the highest in August, 2010 with Tk 6.9 million, according to Bangladesh Bank’s Monthly Economic Trends, January, 2011.
Wage earners’ remittance inflows increased slightly in January this year to US$ 970.54 million (Tk 68947.20 million) from US$ 969.10 million (Tk 68437.80 million) in December last year, according to Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank.
“Definitely, remittance inflow will drop significantly following the Libya crisis. It might impact on the overall economy of Bangladesh,” BAIRA president Abul Bashar told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin over phone.
He said over 80,000 Bangladeshis, mostly technical and skilled, had been working in Libya. The workers from strife-torn Libya have started returning home and if this continues Bangladesh will be
deprived of huge amount of remittance.
Replying to a question, the BAIRA chief said they talked to the officials of some companies in Libya, who assured that they would take back their Bangladeshi workers once normalcy is restored in the
West African country.
Former BAIRA president Ghulam Mustafa said overall remittance inflow to the country would come down drastically if the present crisis in Libya and some other Middle-Eastern continues for long.
He said it will have serious impact on the country’s overall economy, including balance of payment situation and foreign exchange reserve.
He suggested forming a National Committee with representatives of Foreign and Labour ministries as well as other stakeholders to cope with the situation and explore new labour markets.
Replying to a query, Mustafa said the government should take immediate steps to arrange sending the returnee Bangladeshis from Libya to other friendly countries.
He informed that Kuwait has not been recruiting workers from Bangladesh for nearly eleven years while Saudi Arabia did not recruit Bangladeshis in the last seven years.
According to the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) analysis, the first half of the current fiscal has posed formidable challenges for the country in terms of the number of workers going abroad and remittance flow. Number of migrant workers has decreased by almost half compared to average figure for comparable periods of fiscals 2006-07 and 2007-08.
It said there has been a significant deceleration in the growth of remittance inflow to Bangladesh during the first five months (July-November) of current fiscal. Total remittance inflow declined
by 1.7 percent during the period compared to the same period of previous fiscal (2009-10).
END/UNB/AKM/
The present crisis is likely to have further adverse impact on Bangladesh’s overseas labour market and balance of payment.
According to the leaders of Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA)), over 80,000 Bangladeshis used to work in Libya in various types of job.
Bangladesh received remittances totaling Tk 68437.80 million in December 2010 with Bangladeshis in Libya sending Tk 3.5 million. The remittance from Libya was the highest in August, 2010 with Tk 6.9 million, according to Bangladesh Bank’s Monthly Economic Trends, January, 2011.
Wage earners’ remittance inflows increased slightly in January this year to US$ 970.54 million (Tk 68947.20 million) from US$ 969.10 million (Tk 68437.80 million) in December last year, according to Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank.
“Definitely, remittance inflow will drop significantly following the Libya crisis. It might impact on the overall economy of Bangladesh,” BAIRA president Abul Bashar told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin over phone.
He said over 80,000 Bangladeshis, mostly technical and skilled, had been working in Libya. The workers from strife-torn Libya have started returning home and if this continues Bangladesh will be
deprived of huge amount of remittance.
Replying to a question, the BAIRA chief said they talked to the officials of some companies in Libya, who assured that they would take back their Bangladeshi workers once normalcy is restored in the
West African country.
Former BAIRA president Ghulam Mustafa said overall remittance inflow to the country would come down drastically if the present crisis in Libya and some other Middle-Eastern continues for long.
He said it will have serious impact on the country’s overall economy, including balance of payment situation and foreign exchange reserve.
He suggested forming a National Committee with representatives of Foreign and Labour ministries as well as other stakeholders to cope with the situation and explore new labour markets.
Replying to a query, Mustafa said the government should take immediate steps to arrange sending the returnee Bangladeshis from Libya to other friendly countries.
He informed that Kuwait has not been recruiting workers from Bangladesh for nearly eleven years while Saudi Arabia did not recruit Bangladeshis in the last seven years.
According to the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) analysis, the first half of the current fiscal has posed formidable challenges for the country in terms of the number of workers going abroad and remittance flow. Number of migrant workers has decreased by almost half compared to average figure for comparable periods of fiscals 2006-07 and 2007-08.
It said there has been a significant deceleration in the growth of remittance inflow to Bangladesh during the first five months (July-November) of current fiscal. Total remittance inflow declined
by 1.7 percent during the period compared to the same period of previous fiscal (2009-10).
END/UNB/AKM/
Friday, February 18, 2011
Ship-breaking industry needs strict regulations, proper enforcement of rules to flourish thru protecting environment
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Feb 18 (UNB) - The ship-breaking sector, formally recognized recently as an industry, needs strict rules and regulations and proper enforcement of the rules for flourishing the sector through protecting environment and offering healthier benefits to the workers.
The parties involved in the sector think that it should be a serious duty of the government agencies and the industry people to ensure that least damage is caused to environment and also better deals offered to the workers engaged in the sector.
If needed, they think, the government should formulate new rules and regulations and ensure their proper enforcement for ensuring environment-friendly growth of the sector which makes a significant contribution to the economy and in employment generation.
On February 13, the government declared the ship-breaking as an industry after a meeting where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a number of ministers, advisers and high officials were present to discuss the sector’s both positive and negative sides.
The government finally placed the ship-breaking industry under the Ministry of Industries after a fruitful meeting.
The ship-breaking industry, located at the seashore in Chittagong, is the main source of bulk of the raw materials used by some 500 private sector re-rolling mills and nearly 50 steel mills for producing mild steel rods, bars and angles at affordable prices.
However, the environmentalists fear that its unregulated and haphazard growth might lead to serious environmental degradation and health hazards.
Talking to UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said they would take all the existing problems of the sector into cognizance and would resolve those through discussion with the stakeholders.
“We’ll take a realistic as well as environment and workers friendly policy to ensure the sector’s sustainability which is a must for country’s economic development,” he said.
Replying to a question, Barua said: “We will sit with the stakeholders soon after the gazette notification on the government decision.”
President of Bangladesh Ship Breakers’ Association Hefazatur Rahman said they would sit with Industries Minister Dilip Barua soon to get the government’s view on how they can proceed. “There will be a certain policy.”
Replying to a question, he said: “We don’t think we pollute environment. BELA unnecessarily gave color on the issue.”
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association (BELA) welcomed the government decision of declaring ship-breaking as an industry.
“We think the decision will make the proper operation of the industry easier and the government will properly look after it so that the ship breakers take proper clearance certificates before breaking ships,” BELA senior lawyer Iqbal Kabir said.
YPSA (Young Power in Social Action), which has been advocating for a public policy to ensure human rights in the ship-breaking industry, also expressed happiness over the government decision.
YPSA senior executive Muhammad Ali Shahin said: “We want a change in the owners’ tendency o overlooking laws. We’re not against ship-breaking as such but what we’re telling is that it should be done within laws.”
He said that other ship-breaking countries are following specific rules and regulations. “We want similar things here. It will have to be specific about what will be the roles of the Industries Ministry.”
Welcoming the government’s declaration, YPSA chief executive M Arifur Rahman said they want proper government initiative to protect environment and ensure rights of the workers engaged in the ship-breaking industry.
Bangladesh Light Engineering Industries Owners Association (BLEIOA) also welcomed the government’s decision and think it would help the country’s light engineering sector to grow further as it largely depends on ship-breaking industry.
They suggested the government to formulate a policy after discussing with the concerned ministries and stakeholders for a sustainable and environment-friendly ship-breaking industry.
The growing demand for steel products in the country has encouraged a good number of private sector people to be engaged in the industry that proved to be very rewarding, in terms of profit and employment generation.
However, there are allegations in plenty that the ship-breakers often violate the environment by dumping hazardous chemicals and other materials on the sea-beach, rather callously.
Meanwhile, the owners of ship-breaking yards have allegedly been paying low wages to their workers who are exposed to very tough and hazardous conditions. In case of fatal accidents, the workers concerned are not adequately compensated. The government has already prepared a draft rule titled ‘Ship-breaking and Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2010’ that has been posted on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Forests seeking public opinion on it.
On February 24 last year, Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA) urged the Prime Minister to take necessary measures to enact laws to monitor the ship-breaking industries and import of hazardous ships in the country.
Earlier, on March 19 in 2009, the Supreme Court directed the government to ensure that no ship would enter Bangladesh for breaking without being pre-cleaned outside the territory of Bangladesh.
According to the Import Policy Rule 2009-2012, the Ministry of Commerce has imposed a condition on the ship breakers to obtain pre-clean certificates before importing the ships from outside, which the owners of the ship breaking yards are unwilling to abide by.
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, Feb 18 (UNB) - The ship-breaking sector, formally recognized recently as an industry, needs strict rules and regulations and proper enforcement of the rules for flourishing the sector through protecting environment and offering healthier benefits to the workers.
The parties involved in the sector think that it should be a serious duty of the government agencies and the industry people to ensure that least damage is caused to environment and also better deals offered to the workers engaged in the sector.
If needed, they think, the government should formulate new rules and regulations and ensure their proper enforcement for ensuring environment-friendly growth of the sector which makes a significant contribution to the economy and in employment generation.
On February 13, the government declared the ship-breaking as an industry after a meeting where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a number of ministers, advisers and high officials were present to discuss the sector’s both positive and negative sides.
The government finally placed the ship-breaking industry under the Ministry of Industries after a fruitful meeting.
The ship-breaking industry, located at the seashore in Chittagong, is the main source of bulk of the raw materials used by some 500 private sector re-rolling mills and nearly 50 steel mills for producing mild steel rods, bars and angles at affordable prices.
However, the environmentalists fear that its unregulated and haphazard growth might lead to serious environmental degradation and health hazards.
Talking to UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said they would take all the existing problems of the sector into cognizance and would resolve those through discussion with the stakeholders.
“We’ll take a realistic as well as environment and workers friendly policy to ensure the sector’s sustainability which is a must for country’s economic development,” he said.
Replying to a question, Barua said: “We will sit with the stakeholders soon after the gazette notification on the government decision.”
President of Bangladesh Ship Breakers’ Association Hefazatur Rahman said they would sit with Industries Minister Dilip Barua soon to get the government’s view on how they can proceed. “There will be a certain policy.”
Replying to a question, he said: “We don’t think we pollute environment. BELA unnecessarily gave color on the issue.”
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association (BELA) welcomed the government decision of declaring ship-breaking as an industry.
“We think the decision will make the proper operation of the industry easier and the government will properly look after it so that the ship breakers take proper clearance certificates before breaking ships,” BELA senior lawyer Iqbal Kabir said.
YPSA (Young Power in Social Action), which has been advocating for a public policy to ensure human rights in the ship-breaking industry, also expressed happiness over the government decision.
YPSA senior executive Muhammad Ali Shahin said: “We want a change in the owners’ tendency o overlooking laws. We’re not against ship-breaking as such but what we’re telling is that it should be done within laws.”
He said that other ship-breaking countries are following specific rules and regulations. “We want similar things here. It will have to be specific about what will be the roles of the Industries Ministry.”
Welcoming the government’s declaration, YPSA chief executive M Arifur Rahman said they want proper government initiative to protect environment and ensure rights of the workers engaged in the ship-breaking industry.
Bangladesh Light Engineering Industries Owners Association (BLEIOA) also welcomed the government’s decision and think it would help the country’s light engineering sector to grow further as it largely depends on ship-breaking industry.
They suggested the government to formulate a policy after discussing with the concerned ministries and stakeholders for a sustainable and environment-friendly ship-breaking industry.
The growing demand for steel products in the country has encouraged a good number of private sector people to be engaged in the industry that proved to be very rewarding, in terms of profit and employment generation.
However, there are allegations in plenty that the ship-breakers often violate the environment by dumping hazardous chemicals and other materials on the sea-beach, rather callously.
Meanwhile, the owners of ship-breaking yards have allegedly been paying low wages to their workers who are exposed to very tough and hazardous conditions. In case of fatal accidents, the workers concerned are not adequately compensated. The government has already prepared a draft rule titled ‘Ship-breaking and Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2010’ that has been posted on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Forests seeking public opinion on it.
On February 24 last year, Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA) urged the Prime Minister to take necessary measures to enact laws to monitor the ship-breaking industries and import of hazardous ships in the country.
Earlier, on March 19 in 2009, the Supreme Court directed the government to ensure that no ship would enter Bangladesh for breaking without being pre-cleaned outside the territory of Bangladesh.
According to the Import Policy Rule 2009-2012, the Ministry of Commerce has imposed a condition on the ship breakers to obtain pre-clean certificates before importing the ships from outside, which the owners of the ship breaking yards are unwilling to abide by.
END/UNB/AKM/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
