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/
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