SECOND EDITION

DHA K A T HURS DAY MAY 1 6, 2024

Regd. No. DA 781 Vol. XXXIV No. 116 Jaishtha 2, 1431 BS Zilqad 7, 1445 Hijri 16 Pages Plus Campus : Tk 15.00

Rooppur, Matarbari,
metros to get highest MATARBARI

ADP allocation MAHESHKHALI

REJAUL KARIM BYRON

and ASIFUR RAHMAN
of December last year Tk MATARBARI PORT, COX’S BAZAR
68,248 crore has been
spent. In the 2023-24 POWER PROJECT
The government is fiscal year, it got Tk 9,706
set to increase budget
allocation for quick
crore, while in the 2024-
25 fiscal year it will get Tk
ROOPPUR NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT
completion of the TOTAL COST EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION
10,502 crore. TILL JUNE 2023 FY24 & FY25
Rooppur nuclear and The government hopes
Matarbari coal-fired TOTAL COST EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION
to see it generate power TILL JUNE 2023 FY24 & FY25 Tk 51,854cr Tk 33,249cr Tk 15,364cr
power plant projects. by March 2025 or sooner.
Power plant
Several metro rail Six transmission lines
projects are also going to
Power plant Tk 1,14,225cr Tk 65,930cr Tk 20,208cr Port
from the plant are being
get more funds. set up. Four of the lines Transmission line Tk 10,981cr Tk 4,994cr Tk 1,729cr development Tk 26,782cr Tk 1,104cr Tk 8,763cr
The Tk 2,65,000 crore are almost 90 percent
Annual Development complete, according to
Other related Tk 5,778cr Tk 689cr Tk 2,228cr Other related Tk 9,856cr Tk 1,627cr Tk 2,996cr
Programme (ADP) will Power Grid Company of projects
be placed at today’s National Economic Bangladesh. projects
Council meeting where allocations will When the lines are set, a unit of the
be finalised. plant will start operation, officials said. SOURCE : PLANNING MINISTRY
Planning ministry officials say the Setting up of lines across the Padma,
aforesaid projects may get Tk 34,043 which saw 40 percent progress, will be TOTAL COST EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION
crore, which is 12.84 percent of the ADP.
done by October, said Delwar Hossain,
DHAKA METRO RAIL PROJECT TILL JUNE 2023 FY24 & FY25
Six projects related to Rooppur
the project director.
Nuclear Power Plant are the top
recipients of funds. The projects will There are five projects -- totaling MRT Line 6 (Uttara - Kamalapur) Tk 33,472cr Tk 22,309cr Tk 3,968cr
get a total Tk 12,544 crore, up from the Tk 88,492 crore -- related to the power
current fiscal year’s Tk 11,621 crore. plant in Matarbari, Cox’s Bazar. In 2024- MRT Line 1 (Airport - Kamalapur) Tk 53,977cr Tk 1,780cr Tk 4,592cr
The 2,400MW power plant, worth 25, the projects will get Tk 14,962 crore,
Tk 1,14,225 crore, is the biggest ever up from Tk 12,161 crore in 2023-24. MRT Line 5 (Hemayetpur- Bhatara) Tk 41,238cr Tk 1,811cr Tk 1,748cr
development project in Bangladesh. As SEE PAGE 2 COL 1

‘Will rebuild trust, Secondary MPO

schools must Major admin reforms PGCBL’s
rejoinder,
won’t look back’ pay admission
fees to govt shelved for 27 years our reply
State-run Power Grid
Donald Lu says after meeting Company of Bangladesh
Education ministry Experts blame it on lack of political Ltd (PGCBL) has sent a
Hasan Mahmud rejoinder/explanation to
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
orders will, top bureaucrats’ resistance our story headlined “Goods
ARAFAT RAHAMAN worth Tk 16k imported at
BAHARAM KHAN
In an apparent policy reset, Washington is seeking to rebuild the trust Tk 2.63 crore” published on
The government yesterday “Most of the high-ranking May 7, 2024.
in its relations with Dhaka following tensions in the run-up to the instructed all secondary The crucial reforms to Bangladesh’s civil
January 7 national polls. service have been stalled for 27 years, largely officials are now more We are running the
educational institutions to unedited rejoinder/
“I’ve visited Bangladesh these last two days in order to try to rebuild deposit the admission fees because of the opposition of a section of top interested in extending
the trust between our peoples,” Donald Lu, US assistant secretary of bureaucrats and a lack of political will. their job tenure by securing clarification in full along
collected from students with our response.
state for South and Central Asia, told reporters with the state coffer. At least 16 commissions and committees, contractual appointments.
after meeting Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud constituted in the last 53 years since The rejoinder/
The Directorate of The majority of those explanation
at the foreign ministry yesterday. Secondary and Higher the country’s independence, made
officials lack professional The news titled “Goods
“Last year, we know there were a lot of Education (DSHE) in a recommendations for having an efficient,
tensions between the US and Bangladesh. The merit-based and service-oriented civil competence. It is highly worth Tk 16k imported at
notification asked all unlikely that they will take
US worked very hard to promote a free, fair and administration. However, most of those Tk 2.63 crore” published
district education officers
nonviolent election here. And it caused some to take necessary measures recommendations fell on deaf ears. any measures to reform the on 07 May 2024 has
tensions. This is common in our relationship. so that the secondary Experts say some reform proposals, which administration.” come to our attention.
“We want to look forward and not look schools deposit admission have been under discussion for several years, Alleging that “State-owned
BADIUR RAHMAN Power Grid Company of
back. We want to find ways to strengthen our fees collected in 2023- deal with a number of key issues including
relationship.” inefficiency and a lack of transparency. Those Former secretary Bangladesh Limited (PGCB)
2024 fiscal year with the
Lu arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday morning, government’s treasury. problems have been impeding the smooth has imported 68 kilograms
held meetings with the civil society members and attended a The circular said the operation of bureaucracy for decades. of bolts, nuts, and washers
Bangladeshi food festival at the American Club. He also attended a list of the educational According to them, reform is viewed as a threat from India for towers at a
age of the public servants from 57 to 59 years.
meeting over dinner at the residence of the Prime Minister’s Adviser on institutions, along with to the status, influence, benefits, and promotions cost of 2 Lac 39 Thousand
Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman. Centre for Policy Dialogue, one of the
the copies of the treasury of many civil servants, especially those with 695 Dollars ($239,695),
Yesterday, he held meetings with young influencers, Environment leading think-tanks, in its four reports in
challans related to the greater authority. The government also does not approximately 2 crore 59
Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin 2013, 2018, 2020 and 2021 mentioned that
deposits, must be submitted want a strong and effective civil service. lacs taka in Bangladeshi
Momen before meeting Hasan Mahmud. “corruption and unskilled bureaucracy” are
to the DSHE within the next A few recommendations by different currency,” which is false
Donald Lu and US Ambassador Peter Haas also played cricket with the two biggest challenges for the development
four working days. commissions were put into practice at different and defamatory to the
Bangladesh national women’s team in a city field yesterday. of the country.
DSHE sources said they times. Those include raising the salaries of the organization. Actually there
This is the highest level visit by any US delegation after the January The constitution mandates periodic
issued the notification government employees, passage of the Civil was no financial irregularity
7 election. reforms to the civil bureaucracy.
SEE PAGE 2 COL 1 SEE PAGE 2 COL 6 Service Act-2018 and raising the retirement SEE PAGE 2 COL 4 SEE PAGE 7 COL 4

Wait for Ctg

expressway
Offshore nearing end
banking to
SIFAYET ULLAH, Ctg
increase
dollar flow The elevated expressway in
Chattogram, the first one
Offshore banking is in the port city, would be
increasingly becoming opened to traffic soon, said
a key window for project officials.
banks in Bangladesh “We have completed
to facilitate all other works except
investments and for installation of electric
international trade by poles, lights, and CCTV
attracting deposits in cameras. We will also open
foreign currencies. a ramp alongside the main
Industry people expressway,” Mahfuzur
say offshore banking Rahman, director of the
can play a crucial project and executive
role in mitigating engineer of Chattogram
the persisting forex Development Authority
crisis by extending (CDA), told The Daily Star
liquidity support and on May 12.
stabilising the local The project was initiated
currency. to ease the port city’s
perennial traffic congestion
“Deposits of
in 2017.
offshore banking will
The authorities
be a major source concerned have already
for US dollars,” said finalised the toll rates of
Mashrur Arefin, MD of vehicles. Three-wheelers
City Bank, which has and motorcycles will not be
stepped up efforts to allowed on the expressway.
draw foreign deposits The city dwellers now
through its offshore depend on only one
units. thoroughfare, resulting in
acute gridlocks at places.
STORY ON B1 A drone shot of the almost finished 16.5km elevated expressway in Chattogram. The photo was taken in the port city’s Lalkhan Bazar area recently. SEE PAGE 7 COL 6
PHOTO: COLLECTED
 NEWS
DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024

2 JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS City

48-hr heatwave alert

for 5 divisions
MY DHAKA STAR REPORT

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s

(BMD) issued a fresh 48-hour heatwave alert for
five districts at 6:00pm yesterday.
JAHANARA FOUNDATION MUSEUM Residents of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur,
Khulna, and Barishal divisions should prepare for

A glimpse into Dhaka’s past the ongoing heatwave, which will persist for the
next 48 hours, according to a bulletin issued by
the Met office, reports UNB.
After a scorching April, the beginning of
May brought some relief. There were rain and
MH HAIDER thunderstorms accompanied by hail in several
parts of the country in the first week.
The building located at 25 Bangshal
Road is a treasure trove of history. On
one of the floors of the apartment,
there are numerous antiques and Three drown in
artefacts that give us a sneak peek
into the city’s history. Not directly Kurigram, Jamalpur
related to political histories we read
STAR REPORT
in textbooks, but something more
intimate -- glimpses of family and Two children and a teenager drowned in Kurigram
social life in Dhaka of the bygone era. and Jamalpur yesterday.
Established in 2013, Jahanara In Kurigram, two children drowned while
Foundation Museum is named after playing near a pond in the Sarkarpara area under
Jahanara Khatun (1930-2001), a social Begumganj union of Ulipur upazila.
worker and cultural activist. Her The victims are Mehedi Hasan, 8, son of Maidul
daughter Zeenat Parveen, president of Islam, and Lipon Islam, 7, son of Rashed Islam, of
the museum, along with her family, set Sarkarpara village.
up this institution with objects mostly Golam Martuza, officer-in-charge of Ulipur
from the households of her Police Station, said an unnatural death case was
parents and filed and the bodies were handed over to families.
grandparents. In Jamalpur, an SSC graduate drowned while
From kitchen PHOTO: PALASH KHAN taking a bath with his friends in Bakshiganj
utensils and upazila parishad pond.
Khatun’s wedding shoes she narrated. Continuing the tour, you will notice
textiles, to The deceased is Rifat Mia, 16, son of Abdul
too, highly intricate and On the other hand, there is a several large containers or motkas
cash boxes, the Halim Sarkar, of Dighar Par village.
decorative, are kept with a tiny corner with a few belongings as we call them in Bangla. Parveen
museum houses Quoting locals, Mohammad Abdul Ahad Khan,
lot of care. of Hakim Habibur Rahman, Unani elaborated, “These were unearthed
many vintage officer-in-charge of Bakshiganj Police Station said
When we think of physician, close associate of Nawab during construction work of a building
items. Rifat had passed the SSC exams with a GPA-5 from
museums, many of us Sir Salimullah, and the author of one near this apartment.”
“When our Sherpur Victoria School two days ago.
mother passed often imagine something of the best works on Dhaka’s history, Meanwhile, several dining utensils
grand or fancy. However, Dhaka Panchas Baras Pahle. The items spark interest as well -- a set of cups He came to his elder brother’s house in the
away, we were left village on vacation.
with many old a museum can also be include a large glass jar, which, Parveen along with a jar that resembles a barrel
household items. in a relatively small says, may have been used to store that is placed horizontally, a collection
Instead of neglecting space and offer not medicines or other such chemicals. of ceramics, etc.
or giving them only myriad artefacts
but a personal touch as
The museum does not only house
testaments of Dhaka’s history and
Each item has a story, and the
staff or a family member are happy
Biden, Trump agree to
away, we thought of
preserving them all
in one place so that people can
well, which at times is overlooked by
bigger museums.
culture but of Bangladesh’s at large.
To illustrate, several red halkhatas
to share it with you, and through
that, you can get to know Dhaka a debate June 27 on CNN
Also displayed with not only care (traditional accounts books) dated in little better. Jahanara Foundation REUTERS, Washington
get an idea of family life in Dhaka
but with pride too, is an elegant katan the early 1970s, which were used by Museum is indeed a space packed
during the olden times,” Parveen
sherwani of Haji Moulvi Allah Baksh Parveen’s father, Mansur Rahman with personal items of antiquity -- US President Joe Biden and Republican rival
shared the idea behind this museum. Sarker, Parveen’s grandfather, who Sarker, are displayed. the aforementioned ones are mere
To exemplify, there is a vintage toy Donald Trump yesterday accepted an invitation
was a politician and social worker. You will also come across a table, examples -- that will surely fascinate from CNN to host the candidates’ first 2024 debate
set or rather a doll house of sorts, a cot “He was a sardar of 22 panchayats which has a bullet hole in it. As any Dhaka buff!
including a mosquito net, a chair, etc. on June 27, setting up a high-stakes clash.
(community-based social systems). Parveen explained, the table suffered The museum is open on Sundays “As you said: anywhere, any time, any place,”
which Jahanara Khatun used to play He also served as an MLA and was this damage from an air raid during and Thursdays, 10:00am to 5:00pm,
with in her childhood. Biden said on social media after the Democrat for
involved in the Tebhaga Movement,” the Liberation War. and on special/commemorative days.
the first time laid out his terms for taking on the
former president on national television.

Rooppur, Matarbari Major admin reforms shelved for 27 years

FROM PAGE 1 supply up to 900MW. When the The Uttara-Motijheel part of MRT FROM PAGE 1 led by Mohammad Farashuddin, in assistant secretary to additional
A unit of Matarbari 1200MW Ultra work is done, it will be able to handle line 6 is complete, and the ADP The last time a reform commission 2015 recommended a comprehensive secretary -- in an unplanned manner.
Super Critical Coal Fired Power 1,200MW,” he said. proposes Tk 1,975 crore to build the was formed was in 1997. Led by ATM reform of the civil administration, Giving an example of the
Plant was formally inaugurated in Shamsul Huq, a former secretary, the keeping in mind the international manpower of the textiles and jute
As per the proposed ADP, part from Motijheel to Kamalapur.
November last year and it has been commission came up with several practices back then. ministry, an official of the ministry
construction of the power plant will get Two other metro rail projects important short, medium and long-
generating power without hiccups. Tk 6,105 crore. The power transmission -- MRT Line 1 (Airport-Purbachal- Officials who favour reforms said the ministry’s workload came
The other unit is set to begin term recommendations, but most of argue that since the government is down drastically following the closure
system costs Tk 1,024 crore, and Tk 656 Kamalapur) and MRT Line 5 those were never implemented.
operation by July. changing the laws and regulations of 25 state-run jute mills in 2020. But
crore of it has been spent. (Hemayatpur-Bhatara) -- are making Nearly 22 years later, the framed during the army regimes, it
An official of the power division Three projects related to Matarbari progress. The initial activities are the ministry made a move to create
public administration ministry in should also go ahead with the plans to
said a substation needed for the plant port are worth Tk 35,614 crore. In done. The main construction work October 2019 proposed forming new posts of additional secretaries
overhaul the civil administration.
is being built. the next fiscal year, they will get Tk will begin in the upcoming fiscal year. another commission to create an and joint secretaries.
This newspaper talked to at least 10
Project Director Abul Kalam Azad 8,758 crore, up from Tk 2,666 crore The MRT-1 would cost Tk 53,977 administrative structure focused on Mohammed Mezbah Uddin
high officials of different ministries to
told The Daily Star that the work in 2023-24. crore, and MRT-5 Tk 41,238 crore. service and development. know the reasons for the continued Chowdhury, senior secretary of the
related to power transmission will Three metro rail projects worth The proposed ADP allocates Tk 3,594 Shaikh Yusuf Harun, then senior resistance to administrative reforms public administration ministry, said
hopefully be complete by June. Tk 1,28,687 crore, are going to get Tk crore and Tk 968 crore for them secretary of the ministry, led the by a section of top bureaucrats. they have already started working on
“The existing lines are able to 6,537 crore. respectively. initiative and placed the proposal Experts say a large number of “in developing a “smart administrative
before a meeting of the secretaries’ situ” posts in the administration is a system”.
committee on administrative glaring example of the bureaucrats “We are making necessary changes
‘Will rebuild trust, won’t look back’ development that year. But the
committee, the highest decision-
making body of the civil bureaucrats
taking wholesale advantage.
“In situ” posts are filled up by
officials who hold the same office
to the organogram of different
ministries for this purpose. We are
reforming and restructuring the
FROM PAGE 1 biggest donor for the Rohingya policy is dormant now.” led by the cabinet secretary, did not and perform the same duties after
In the lead-up to the polls last year, ministries internally so that it obviates
refugees in Bangladesh. While meeting Saber Hossain agree to form a new commission. being promoted. Those officials,
the Biden administration announced the need for a reform commission.”
Hasan Mahmud said Washington Chowdhury, Donald Lu highlighted In 2021, then public administration however, get higher salaries and
a visa policy -- a second blow after wants to provide funding to the US’s intention to offer free real- secretary KM Ali Azam again sent benefits. This happens because of
sanctions on Rab and some of its
officials in December 2021.
Bangladesh under the
International Finance Corporation
US time satellite data for South Asia.
“This data will serve as a vital tool
the proposals to the secretaries’
committee, but did not receive a
a lack of posts at the top tier of the
civil administration.
Secondary
After the election, US President FROM PAGE 1
to strengthen Bangladesh’s foreign in monitoring the impact of climate positive response. Such promotions have now become
Joe Biden, however, had written based on a letter from the finance
currency reserve, which has been change, including natural disasters, Former secretary Badiur Rahman a regular practice in the country’s civil
a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh said he does not see any prospect of ministry to the education ministry
depleting. floods, pollution, and rising sea bureaucracy and this is growing at the regarding the matter.
Hasina, committing to advance the Lu told him that Washington levels,” said the environment reforming civil service anytime soon. top tier. On the contrary, the lower
“Most of the high-ranking officials “We have issued the notice following
ties. wants to restore the GSP facility, minister in a statement after the tier has a less number of officials than
are now more interested in extending the directives from the education
About his meeting with Hasan which was suspended in the meeting at the secretariat. required. This leads to an imbalance ministry,” said DSHE Director Syed
Mahmud, Lu said he discussed aftermath of the Rana Plaza He sought US collaboration their job tenure by securing contractual and subsequently affects the
appointments. The majority of those Zafar Ali.
working on the sanctions against disaster in 2013, when the GSP was in technology transfer, capacity performance of the field-level officials,
officials lack professional competence. He, however, did notgive the reason
Rab, labour reforms, human rights introduced, he said. building, smart agriculture, and say public administration ministry
It is highly unlikely that they will for the ministry’s instruction.
and business climate reforms – But the labour policy has to be green and climate technologies. officials.
take any measures to reform the A top DSHE official, however, said
issues that had created rifts in the reviewed for that, he added. “We are “To facilitate these endeavors, They said most of the ministries do
administration,” he told The Daily Star non-government schools do not
relationship. doing just that.” both parties agreed to establish not follow its Table of Organisation
recently. deposit their incomes from students’
“But in order to work on the and Equipment (TO&E), which details
He said he requested Lu to invest a bilateral working group,” the Badiur, also a former NBR admission fees with the government’s
hard issues, we want to build up the the number and facilities of the
in some of the 40 IT villages that statement said. chairman, said only the political staffers and what resources, including treasury.
cooperation we have on positive Bangladesh is developing and the leaders can take measures now to “The government now wants those
vehicles, they would use.
issues,” he said, adding that they schools to deposit their incomes from
are talking about new investments,
special economic zones, and the US
has expressed willingness to do so. Japan, US sign reform the administration.
However, they do not take any
“Most of the ministries have more
top-level officials than they are entitled admission fees with its treasury as it
ability of more Bangladeshi students
to study in the US, and clean energy.
Hasan Mahmud also requested
Washington’s support for trade
deal to develop such initiatives out of concern
that the government would be in
to. This will become evident if an
administrative reform is carried out,”
has a plan to increase the benefits of
the MPO-listed teachers,” the official
He also discussed working
together to fight corruption and
facility until 2032 for the successful
transition to a middle-income
hypersonic missile an uncomfortable position if the
administration becomes stronger, he
said a public administration ministry
official, wishing not to be named.
said wishing not to be named.
The MPO is part of the government’s
support widening the tax base.
Currently, only around 27 lakh
country after the LDC graduation in
2026.
interceptor said.
“My faith in the political leaders has
Firoz said the administration
should follow a proper system so
share in the payroll of non-government
educational institutions.
people pay tax, which can be largely He said the US universities can AFP, Tokyo diminished after seeing and observing the officials do not get any chance Leaders of teachers’ platforms
expanded. establish exchange programmes the last two general elections,” he to satisfy the whims of the leaders of have expressed concern over the
“We want to promote with Bangladeshi universities. Japan and the United States are added. particular political parties. government’s move.
transparency of governments, to According to US officials and planning to develop interceptors to Firoz Mia, a civil service expert and He said political interests, personal Alauddin Bhuiya, secretary general
promote accountability of officials shoot down hypersonic missiles by also a former additional secretary, said choices and opinions get high priority of Bangladesh Teachers Association,
analysts, the US has a huge stake in
the 2030s under a contract signed by Bangladesh’s socio-economic reality in Bangladesh’s administrative system. told The Daily Star that MPO-listed
who may have committed acts of Bangladesh for the former’s Indo-
has changed significantly over the last “This is not a good practice at all,” schools bear a large part of their
corruption,” he said. Pacific Strategy. the two countries yesterday.
two and a half decades, but its civil said the civil service expert. expenses with the money collected
Speaking separately to reporters, Washington wants Dhaka to The plan, which will reportedly from students’ admission fees.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud sign two agreements -- Acquisition cost more than $3 billion, was first bureaucracy is still being run under According to sources, some top
the rules and regulations that are not bureaucrats are reluctant to set “The government has made the
said they held a cordial discussion and Cross-Servicing Agreement on announced in August when the decision without any consultation
up-to-date. up a commission that would work
on deepening the US-Bangladesh logistics and the General Security of nations’ leaders met at a summit with “Major administrative reforms with us. Such a decision in the middle
Military Information Agreement -- independently to bring changes in
relationship as Lu came here with a South Korea in Camp David outside should have been made a long ago,” he of an academic year would make
the civil administration as they fear
positive attitude. to advance their security and defense Washington. told this correspondent recently. running of non-government schools
they will hardly have any chance
He recognised the US’s relationship. “In recent years, around Japan, The administration is still mainly to influence the preparation of the difficult,” he added.
contribution to the development Hasan Mahmud said there missile-related technologies such as run under the structure recommended commission’s recommendations. There are around 30,000 non-
of Bangladesh, as well as the fact was no discussion on that, but hypersonic weapons have improved by the Enam Commission in 1982, led The public administration ministry government MPO-listed schools and
that the US is the single largest on strengthening the security dramatically,” the defence ministry by then Brigadier Enamul Huq Khan, in August 2021 asked all ministries colleges in the country, according
destination of Bangladesh’s export cooperation. said in a statement about the an appointee of military dictator HM to update their organograms. to data from the Bangladesh Bureau
and single largest source of foreign About withdrawal of the visa agreement to jointly develop the so- Ershad. Subsequently, different ministries of Educational Information and
direct investment. It is also the policy, the minister said, “The visa called Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI). The Pay and Service Commission, started creating new posts -- from Statistics.
 2nd Edition

DHAKA 3
DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024
JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS

RMG SECTOR

Need better planning

for better future
Speakers tell discussion, stress unified code
of conduct for factories to promote good
governance, protect labour rights
STAFF CORRESPONDENT Speaking at the event, lawmaker Nahim
Razzaq said, “Bangladesh is the world’s
Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) second-largest RMG exporter and hosts the
sector has improved significantly thanks highest number of green factories, but we
to the best labour practices promoted by aren’t paid enough apart from the norm.”
the International Labour Organization, He called for advocacy from ILO, IFC,
said speakers at a roundtable yesterday. and other agencies in this regard.
Export revenues have increased by 55 “This is our standard as legislators and
percent and export volumes by 50 percent government, because we need to promote
following the introduction of ILO’s Better compliance,” he added.
Work Bangladesh Programme, said Centre “We must implement protective
for Policy Dialogue’s research director measures to ensure the long-term survival
Khondakar Golam Moazzem in his keynote of these industries. If they don’t survive,
presentation. there’ll be no employment,” he said,
He presented these findings in his keynote urging worker federations and unions to
paper at the roundtable held on the occasion act positively for RMG sector’s stability.
of the 10-year celebration of the “Better ILO Bangladesh Country Director
Work Bangladesh (BWB)” programme. Tuomo Poutiainen stressed the significance
ILO and International Finance of understanding labour practices, laws,
Corporation (IFC) jointly organised the event, and standards at the enterprise level,
titled “Better Work, Better Lives: Elevating emphasising their importance for developing
RMG Industry in Bangladesh,” in association a harmonious relationship between the
with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo at The business community and workers.
Daily Star Centre in the capital. “Bangladesh is not unique in addressing
Launched in 2014, BWB is a joint working conditions or investing in safety and Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus shakes hands with Pope Francis during the 2nd World Meeting on Human Fraternity in the Vatican
initiative by ILO and IFC. health. All countries are doing so because it City on May 11. Yunus, who was co-chair of the event, discussed global challenges with the Pope. PHOTO COURTESY OF YUNUS CENTRE
Between 2014 and 2022, Better Work is integral to modern-day business,” he said.

BNP raises alarm over MV ABDULLAH

Hope of seeing
dwindling reserves my family again
Fakhrul sees no noteworthy change
in US position on Bangladesh kept me going
STAR REPORT A country has to maintain Youngest crew member
BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam ties with the governments of recounts ordeal, gets
Khan yesterday voiced concerns over other countries, even with
Speakers at a roundtable held on the occasion of the 10-year celebration of the
“Better Work Bangladesh” programme yesterday. ILO and International Finance
dwindling foreign currency reserves, a military regime. In view reunited with family
stating that the nation is grappling of the current situation of
Corporation jointly organised the event in association with The Daily Star and Prothom DWAIPAYAN BARUA, Ctg
with a severe crisis exacerbated by the Bangladesh, they (US) are
Alo at The Daily Star Centre in the capital. PHOTO: STAR misdeeds of the government.
doing what they think is The incident of Somali pirates capturing MV
factories increased workers’ base pay “Our reserves are declining... Attempts Abdullah on March 12 was a traumatic event for all
by 5.4 percent, reduced noncompliance Better Work is actively collaborating with are being made to boost it by taking necessary for their country.
crew members, but more so for engine cadet Ayub
with overtime hour limits by 22 percent, enterprise industry associations and the loans... they’re hoping that the reserves But they are not doing Khan, the youngest member on board.
and increased the possibility of offering government to demonstrate and advocate will increase somewhat after receiving the it against the people of This was only Ayub’s second voyage after
maternity leave by 10 percent, Moazzem for endorsement of such practices, he said. next installment from the IMF,” he said. Bangladesh.
noted. Abdullah Hil Rakib, vice president of Citing a report from the Reserve
Furthermore, Better Work factories were BGMEA, urged people to appreciate the Bank of India, Nazrul said the MIRZA FAKHRUL ISLAM ALAMGIR
5 percent more likely to pay on time, showed RMG sector for the improvements it has remittance volume sent by the Indian BNP Secretary General
a 21 percent decrease in noncompliance made over the years, particularly after the workers from Bangladesh alone exceeds
with overtime compensation, and had a Rana Plaza collapse. the total amount sent by Bangladeshi Nazrul, a member of the BNP
30 percent higher possibility of offering Efforts are underway to develop a unified expatriates from many countries. standing committee, suggested that if
daycare facilities, he added. code of conduct for factories to promote “We need to consider whether there Bangladesh can involve its citizens in
Also, progress was made in gender good governance, protect labour rights, and is any way to halt the outflow of such a the tasks currently undertaken by Indian
equality and returns, including elevation ensure a safe work environment, he said. significant amount of foreign currency. nationals, it could potentially stem the
of women into supervisory roles, which Delivering the welcome speech, Mahfuz Again, we are losing much more money outflow of significant foreign currency.
led to shifting dynamics and resulted Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily than earning by sending two lakh He said the Awami League
in a 5 percent rise in line efficiency and Star, said, “We want the RMG industry to workers abroad due to the outflow of government has no interest in taking
a 39 percent wage increase for female be profitable, ethical, and sustainable.” foreign currencies. Is there any effort to such an initiative.
supervisors, he also said. SEE PAGE 4 COL 5 prevent this?” he said. SEE PAGE 4 COL 6

When a challenge like this comes

along, other things feel trivial. We
struggled, but our main concern was
getting released safely.
Ayub Khan
starting his new job in March of 2023, after
completing his education at the Bangladesh
Dengue claims Marine Academy in Chattogram.
The youngest of four siblings, Ayub was still
3 more lives grieving the loss of his father, who had passed
STAFF CORRESPONDENT away a few months back, at that time.
So, the unexpected attack by Somali pirates
Three patients died of left the 24-year-old fearing for his own life. In that
dengue fever while 21 moment, Ayub thought his time on this planet was
were hospitalised in the going to end.
last 24 hours till yesterday “Most mariners do not encounter such danger
morning. over the course of their entire careers. Seeing as
With the new deaths, this happened to me at such an stage of my career
the dengue death toll rose left me in shock,” said Ayub.
to 32, according to the Despite his fears, the young mariner did well
Directorate General of to cope with the challenging situation, thanks to
Health Services (DGHS). reassurances from his colleagues and captain.
All the victims are from At the time of the attack, he was on morning
Dhaka’s DSCC areas. duty in the ship’s engine room when he heard the
Meanwhile, the number alarm.
of cases rose to 2,545 this Initially, Ayub assumed it was part of a drill.
year. But as other crewmen began to scream and cry,
Of the cases, five are he realised something serious had happened and
from Barishal division, soon discovered the grave scenario they were in.
three from Chattogram, “I had heard about the Jahan Moni incident
one in Dhaka division, one where crewmen were held captive for 100 days.
in Khulna division, four So, I was extremely nervous when heavily armed
under Dhaka North City pirates boarded our ship and captured the crew,”
Corporation, and seven he explained.
These two young friends were overjoyed when a city corporation water
under Dhaka South City “Just before they took away my phone, I
cannon began spraying water on Manik Mia Avenue. For a moment, managed to call my elder brother, who was in
Corporation.
worries of heatwaves were a distant thought as the two turned it into a Dhaka, and bid what I thought was my final
Last year, the country
fun activity for themselves. Dhaka North City Corporation began using witnessed 1,705 dengue- farewell,” shared an emotional Ayub.
water cannons to prevent air pollution and keep the city cool during hot related deaths and a total When his mother learned about the hostage
days. The photo was taken yesterday. PHOTO: PRABIR DAS of 321,179 reported cases. SEE PAGE 4 COL 3
 2nd Edition

NEWS
DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024

4 JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS

‘794 illegal brick Need proper

kilns still running guideline to
in Rangpur’ address mental
HC blasts divisional
commissioner for failure
health issues
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Speakers tell event
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
The High Court yesterday blasted Rangpur’s Divisional
Commissioner Md Zakir Hossain for his failure to evict all To help combat mental health issues in the
812 illegal brick kilns in the division despite its directive. country, experts and policymakers have called
“Rangpur’s divisional commissioner has failed to for a multifaceted approach, public-private
comply with this court’s directive, which is an inefficiency partnerships, and comprehensive guidelines.
on his part,” said the HC bench of Justice JBM Hassan and They also asked for an increase in the number
Justice Razik-Al-Jalil after seeing a compliance report of psychiatrists and psychologists to address the
from Zakir while hearing a writ petition. large number of mental health patients.
According to the compliance report, 794 illegal brick The remarks came at a symposium, titled
kilns are still running in different districts of Rangpur, “Current Status of Mental Health in Bangladesh &
though the HC on March 4 directed the government to Strengthening Public-Private Partnership,” held at
evict those within four weeks. a city hotel yesterday.
Earlier in the day, Zakir submitted the report to the The programme
HC through Assistant Attorney General Kalipada Mridha, was organised Mental health
saying there are 812 illegal brick kilns in Rangpur and by Non- is a big issue in
operations of only 18 of those have been shut down. Communicable Bangladesh right
The HC ordered him to give an explanation for failing Disease Control of now and the
to implement its directive, to take necessary steps to Directorate General
comply with the directive and to submit a compliance Nilima Roy takes her cattle to a nearby meadow to feed them. Starting from scratch, she now rears 16 cows. of Health Services
problem will grow
report in two weeks. The bench also fixed May 30 for Nilima makes around Tk 2.5 lakh annually from selling milk and cattle, with which she supports her family. with the support of in near future. We
further hearing and passing of order on this matter. The photo was taken in Khulna’s Batiaghata area yesterday. PHOTO: HABIBUR RAHMAN ADD International need to work with
Bangladesh. all the stakeholders
DGHS Director to combat it.
A kg of beef for Hope of seeing
FROM PAGE 3
Kamala Bhasin BNP raises
FROM PAGE 3
General
Bashar Mohammad
Abul

Khurshid Alam said

MEERJADY
SABRINA FLORA
situation, she fell ill Meanwhile at another
Award seeks
FROM PAGE 5 cultivate the BD-28 paddy to ensure mental DGHS additional DG
Tuesday, this correspondent variety. Traders here are worrying about her programme, BNP Secretary health services
saw farmers standing with offering me Tk 900 per youngest son. General Mirza Fakhrul Islam in the country, the government must work in
sacks of paddy. The traders “The first few days of Alamgir said their party
were seen offering low
prices for the crop amid a
lack of monitoring.
maund, which is too low.
So, I am going to another
market hoping to get better
being held hostage was
incredibly hard. All 23 of
applicants believes the US maintains
the same position as before
collaboration with stakeholders.
Prof Md Robed Amin, line director of NCDC,
said comprehensive guideline, better treatment,
offers.” us had to stay in the single STAFF CORRESPONDENT regarding free and fair more patient care centres and data preservation
Besides, most of them “The prices were better bridge room and only had elections in Bangladesh. are needed to improve mental health services.
were unaware of the last week when I sold one toilet for use. We also “Basically, what we have
The committee overseeing the “Kamla Bhasin DGHS Additional Director General Meerjady
government price. 40 maunds at Tk 1,000 struggled as we had to seen is that they (US) have
Award for Driving Gender Equality Across South Sabrina Flora said, “Mental health is a big issue
“I made Tk 4,000 by per maund. However, it ration our water and food, consistently spoken in favour
Asia” urged Bangladeshi individuals to apply for the in Bangladesh right now and the problem will
selling five maunds of in fear that we would be of a free and fair election and
has been reduced by Tk award during an information session held yesterday. grow in near future. We need to work with all the
paddy. The prices are too held captive for a long they still continue it,” he told
200 within just a week,” After the death of Kamla Bhasin, the prominent stakeholders to combat it.”
low today,” said Maulvi period,” he shared. reporters in response to a
Abdullah, a farmer from said farmer Abu Saeed of Indian developmental feminist activist, poet, Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed, associate professor
Bairagichala village. “When a challenge author, and social scientist, on September 25, 2021, question on US Assistant of NIMH, said there are around 350-400
Baoni village. like this comes along, Secretary of State Donald
He accused that a traders’ However, traders denied Azad Foundation, National Foundation for India, psychiatrists and over 500 psychologists in the
the allegations. other things feel trivial. and iPartner-India jointly launched the award. Lu’s visit. He said the US country. The number of occupational therapists,
syndicate controls the We struggled, but our has been maintaining
prices in the local markets. “We had no idea about The information session was organised by the speech therapists, and social workers is also
the prices being fixed by main concern was getting committee at Jaitya Press Club. relations with the current insignificant.
“Rather than selling
the government,” said released safely,” Ayub “A significant number of applicants from AL government as per “There is a big gap in mental health treatment
paddy at markets, we
Mostafa Mia, a trader. explained. “Thoughts of South Asian countries applied in 2022 and 2023. diplomatic norms. in the country. A survey found the treatment gap
should have sold them from
Asma Ul Hosna, food being reunited with my However, there were no applications submitted from “A country has to to be 92 percent, meaning 92 out of every 100
the fields before harvesting.
controller in Gazipur, said, family kept me going.” Bangladesh in 2023,” said Dolon Ganguly, chief maintain ties with the patients in the country are out of the purview of
We would at least make
Tk 1,000 per maund,” said “The price of paddy was Following 33 days of functionary of Azad Foundation. governments of other mental treatment and health services for various
Ebadullah, another farmer. Tk 32 per kilo as of this captivity, the Somali pirates According to the committee, the jury comprises countries, even with a reasons,” he added.
Mofiz Mia from [Tuesday] morning. I am finally released the ship esteemed South Asian women’s rights and human military regime. In view
Bhangnati village was unaware of the fact that and its crew on April 14. rights activists, philanthropists, and journalists. of the current situation
taking his paddy elsewhere the farmers are not getting The crew members finally Annually, the awards will recognise outstanding of Bangladesh, they (US)
from the market.
Asked why he did not
proper prices, as I am new
here. However, I will look
reached the Chattogram
port on Tuesday.
individuals in two categories: woman (cis or trans)
excelling in non-conventional occupations, and
are doing what they think
is necessary for their SC stays HC verdict
sell his produce, he said, “I into the matter.” Ayub got reunited with man (cis or trans) advocating for gender equality. country. But they are not FROM PAGE 5 concerned to move such
his family members. His The application process commenced on March doing it against people of review petitions and convicts from condemned
eldest brother and maternal 8, with a closing date of June 7, 2024. The award Bangladesh.” mercy petitions are finally cells to ordinary cells
uncle came to the port ceremony is slated for November 30 at the Habitat Referring to the Human disposed of by the HC, and within two years, starting
city on Tuesday to receive Center in New Delhi, India. Rights Report released by Appellate Division of the immediately.
him and the three reached Rights activist and advisor of Sangat Khushi the US in April, Fakhrul Supreme Court and the The order came
their home in Rakhalia Kabir and advocate Nahid Sultana, member of the said it contained much president of the republic following a petition by
village under Raipur union country core group of Sangat Bangladesh, among more criticism than what respectively. three convicts on August
around midnight. others, spoke at the event. Bangladeshi media reported. It ordered the authorities 31, 2021.

174 fire hydrants lying

FROM PAGE 5 Fazlullah said currently
have to send us a letter to the firefighters collect
this end and meet with water from ponds using
us,” said AKM Fazlullah, water pumps, and they
managing director of the can use the same method
CWasa. when collecting water from
Fire service officials, hydrants.
however, claimed that “The hydrants are lying
CWasa took no steps to unused due to a lack of
make the hydrants usable coordination between the
despite repeated requests two government agencies.
made to them through It is an utter waste of public
letters. money,” said Akter Kabir
A letter was last sent in Chowdhury, president
November of last year to of Sachetan Nagorik
CWasa, citing the problems, Committee, a citizens’
they added. platform.
Asked how CWasa
would solve the problem of
adequate water pressure, Need better
FROM PAGE 3
Anam acknowledged
Better Work’s consistent
PRAYER and influential impact on
TIMING policymaking
labour
regarding
rights and
MAY 16 fundamental issues.
Fazr Zohr Asr Maghrib Esha He affirmed that The
AZAN 4-10 12-45 5-00 6-36 8-00 Daily Star will further
JAMAAT 4-45 1-15 5-15 6-40 8-30 address these issues
SOURCE: ISLAMIC FOUNDATION in its editorials and
commitments.
Moderated by Tanjim
Ferdous of The Daily Star,
the event was addressed
by Dhaka Chamber of
Commerce & Industry’s
President Ashraf Ahmed,
Industrial Bangladesh
Council’s General Secretary
Shahidullah Badal, DBL’s
Chief Sustainable Officer
Mohammed Zahidullah,
ILO’s Deputy Programme
Manager Laetitia Weibel
Roberts, Prothom Alo’s
Assistant Editor Firoz
Chowdhury, ITUC BC’s
Secretary General Shakil
Chowdhury, BKMEA’s
Executive President
Mohammad Hatem,
and BWB’s Programme
Manager Mohammad Anis
Agung, among others.
 2nd Edition

CITY 5
DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024
JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS

FIRE SAFETY IN PORT CITY 3RD PHASE UZ POLLS

174 fire hydrants BNP expels 52

more leaders
lying unused for STAFF CORRESPONDENT

over two years BNP has expelled 52 grassroots leaders for defying
the party’s directive by participating in the third
phase of the upcoming upazila elections.
SIFAYET ULLAH, Ctg Among those expelled are 17 chairman
candidates, 26 vice-chairman candidates, and
A total of 174 fire hydrants set up in different areas of nine female vice-chairman candidates.
Chattogram city are wearing out as those have been lying These leaders have been dismissed from all
idle since installation. party positions, including primary membership,
According to firefighters, those cannot be used due as outlined by party rules, according to a press
to different hydrant coupling sizes and inadequate water release issued yesterday.
pressure. Previously, BNP had issued show-cause notices
The Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority to 45 candidates for contesting the upazila
installed the hydrants at a cost of Tk 2 crore in six different elections scheduled for May 29.
areas of the port city under two projects between 2019 In total, the BNP has expelled 193 grassroots
and 2022. PHOTO: STAR
leaders for participating in the upazila elections
According to a recent -- 80 in the first, 61 in the second, and 52 in the
survey of the fire service, a
total of 1,750 commercial
and residential buildings
and 42 markets in the port
A kg of beef for a third phases.

Sreepur chairman
city are at grave risk of fire.
CWasa installed the
hydrants after the fire
service demarcated 86
places to this end, in a bid to
maund of paddy! aspirant’s candidacy
mitigate the crisis of water Lack of monitoring deprives Gazipur farmers of fair price scrapped
for firefighting in the city as MONJURUL HAQUE, Gazipur kilo of meat,” said Kamal. The
the ponds and waterbodies disappointment in his voice was STAFF CORRESPONDENT
are mostly lost to grabbing. Kamal Mia, a farmer in Gazipur’s undeniable.
“The coupling size of the Sreepur upazila, went to a local Moulvi Abdullah, Ebadullah, The Election Commission yesterday scrapped the
installed hydrants is smaller market recently to sell a maund and Mofiz Mia were also candidacy of Jamil Hasan, a chairman aspirant
than the ones we use. As such, we cannot attach our hose of paddy to buy meat and other compelled to sell their paddy at running for Sreepur upazila of Gazipur, for
pipes to the hydrants and hence fail to fetch water from essentials as he was expecting lower prices in the local markets. violating electoral code of conduct.
those,” said Dinmoni Sharma, deputy director of the Fire guests. Jamil is the brother of State Minister for
While the authorities have
Service and Civil Defence in Chattogram. However, all his hopes and Primary and Mass Education Rumana Ali.
afford a kilogramme of beef fixed the price of paddy at Tk
Also, a water pressure of four to five bars is needed to plans went out of the window The commission took the decision after holding
(priced at Tk 750 per kilo) with 1,280 per maund, the prices
use hydrants for dousing fire, but these hydrants have as soon as he came to know that a hearing on Jamil’s alleged violations. Jamil
the money. offered at the markets in Sreepur
water pressure of only one bar, he added. he would only get Tk 800 for the appeared in person before the EC.
“There is no profit in paddy are usually lower, depriving
Contacted, CWasa officials, however, said they are ready crop. However, the commission was not satisfied with
production. As the prices were farmers of fair prices.
to mitigate these problems to make the hydrants usable. His disappointment became his answer, said EC Additional Secretary Ashok
low today, I only sold a maund Visiting the markets on
“Small coupling size is not a big problem. We can solve despair when he could only Kumar Debnath.
and returned home with just a SEE PAGE 4 COL 1
it. But, they [Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence] Sreepur upazila will go to polls on May 21, on
SEE PAGE 4 COL 4 the second phase of ongoing upazila elections.

SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

SC stays HC verdict
STAFF CORRESPONDENT HC verdict. lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir
During the hearing, Attorney opposed the government’s stay
The Supreme Court yesterday General AM Amin Uddin told the petition, saying that the HC in its
stayed till August 25 the High Court court that problems have been verdict has disposed of the rule with
verdict that ordered the authorities created in the prisons because of some directions and observations.
concerned to move the prisoners, the HC judgement, as the death-row But the directions and
sentenced to death, to ordinary cells prisoners are demanding that they observations are not specifically
of jails from condemned cells. have to be brought out of jails. clear as the certified copy of the HC
Chamber judge of the Appellate The HC in its verdict has issued judgement is yet to be released, he
Division of the SC Justice M Enayetur some directions and observations, argued.
Rahim passed the order following which need to be examined by the The HC on May 13 delivered the
a petition filed by the government Appellate Division through holding verdict saying that the prisoners,
seeking a stay on the HC judgement. hearing appeal against the verdict, who have been sentenced to death
The judge also asked the and that is why, the HC verdict needs by the trial courts, cannot be kept in
government to file a leave to appeal to be stayed now, he argued. condemned cells until their appeals,
petition with this court against the Meanwhile, writ petitioners’ SEE PAGE 4 COL 7
6 DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024, JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS
ADVERTISEMENT
 City

INTERNATIONAL 7
DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024
JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS

UKRAINE WAR CONTROVERSIAL LAW

Russian India issues first
forces take set of citizenship
control of 3 certificates to 14
settlements REUTERS, New Delhi
AGENCIES India yesterday granted citizenship to a first
batch of 14 people under a controversial law that
Russian forces have taken control of has been criticised for discriminating against
two more settlements in Ukraine’s Muslims, midway through general elections in
north-east Kharkiv region and one which religious divisions have taken centre stage.
in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) grants
the defence ministry said yesterday, citizenship to Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists,
building on a run of incremental Jains, and Christians who fled to India from
gains that have alarmed Kyiv. Muslim-majority Afghanistan, Bangladesh and
The defence ministry said in a Pakistan before December 31, 2014 because of
statement that units from Russia’s religious persecution. Enacted in 2019, the law
“North” military grouping had was not immediately implemented due to strong
captured the settlements of Hlyboke protests and sectarian violence in New Delhi and
and Lukyantsi in the Kharkiv region other places that resulted in the death of scores
after intense fighting and had of people. India implemented the act in March,
advanced “deep into the enemy weeks before the ongoing elections. Yesterday,
defences.” the recipients were administered the oath of
allegiance and granted citizenship after their
Palestinian protesters hold symbolic keys during a rally in the northern West Bank city of Nablus yesterday, marking the 76th documents were verified, the home ministry
Blinken announces anniversary of the “Nakba” or “Catastrophe” of the creation of Israel, which sparked the exodus of hundreds of thousands of said in a statement, without elaborating on their
an additional Palestinians in 1948. PHOTO: AFP identities.
$2bn in military
financing for Kyiv
Women, children make RAKHINE STATE
Ex-Pak PM Imran
Myanmar
The ministry spoke of heavy
fighting in other parts of Kharkiv
region too where it said Russian up 56pc of Gaza dead: UN air strike Khan gets bail
forces had repelled three Ukrainian
counter attacks, reports Reuters. AFP, Jerusalem figures “when conditions permit”.
The ministry said Tuesday that at least 35,173
injures 20 but can’t leave jail
Moscow’s claims came as US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken
announced an additional $2bn in
Women and children make up at least 56 percent
of the thousands killed in the Gaza offensive, the
people have been killed in the territory due to
Israeli military operations. Gaza authorities have at clinic REUTERS, Islamabad

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan

foreign military financing from the UN said Tuesday, amid controversy over the toll consistently said women and children make up AFP, Bangkok
US for Ukraine while in Kyiv, and based on numbers from the health ministry in a large majority of those killed in the territory. was granted bail in Islamabad yesterday on land
said Washington had not explicitly Hamas-run Gaza. But a fresh breakdown provided by the A Myanmar military air corruption charges but will have to stay in jail
prohibited Ukraine from using The United Nations was clarifying a fresh health ministry and published by the UN last strike on a medical clinic to serve time in two other cases, his lawyer said.
Western weapons to strike targets breakdown of the death toll in Gaza, after week appeared to cast doubt on that assertion. wounded around 20 people The former cricket superstar was indicted last
inside Russia. Israel slammed the world body for “parroting... The ministry said that as of April 30 it had fully in western Rakhine state, week on charges that he and his wife were gifted
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Hamas’s propaganda messages”. identified nearly 25,000 of those killed, with according to an ethnic land by a real estate developer when Khan was
Zelensky cancelled planned trips “Anyone who relies on fake data from a identification elements missing for the remainder armed group, a resident prime minister from 2018-22 in exchange for
abroad over the fresh offensive and terrorist organisation in order to promote blood of the nearly 10,000 others who had died. and local media yesterday. illegal favours. Khan, who denies wrongdoing,
the military was sending more troops libels against Israel is antisemitic and supports Of those fully identified, it said 40 percent Clashes have rocked had filed a bail application before Islamabad High
to Kharkiv to hold back Russian terrorism,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz were men, 20 percent women and 32 percent Rakhine since the Arakan Court. His party lawyer, Naeem Haider Panjutha,
advances, Kyiv said. said on X, formerly Twitter, late Monday. children, while another eight percent were Army (AA) attacked confirmed the granting of bail on social media
Meanwhile, Russian President Due to a lack of access, UN agencies have since elderly -- a category not broken down by gender. security forces in platform X but said Khan remained in custody
Vladimir Putin hailed his country’s the beginning of the Gaza offensive on October WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told November. after two convictions - one involving the leaking of
troops for advancing on “all fronts” on 7 relied on death tolls provided by the health reporters in Geneva that by applying the same AA fighters have seized state secrets and the other his marriage violating
the battlefield in Ukraine, reports AFP. ministry in the Hamas-run territory. This has ratio to the unidentified and assuming women territory, including along Islamic law. Khan, 71, has been in jail since August
“In all directions our troops are drawn criticism from Israel, but the United Nations represent half of the elderly, it could be expected the border with India and last year. In total, he has been convicted in four
constantly, every day, improving their says the ministry’s tolls before the offensive were that at least “56 percent women and children” Bangladesh, piling further cases, but sentences in two cases have been
positions,” Putin said. deemed reliable, and that it will strive to verify the were among the more than 35,000 dead. pressure on the junta. suspended.

Must recognise girls as driving force PGCBL’s rejoinder, our reply Wait for Ctg
FROM PAGE 12 nutritional needs of school-going policy and plan of action for women’s FROM PAGE 1 thousand 695 dollars ($239,695)
expressway
Bangladesh, Bulgaria and Japan students. development,” she said. occurred in the said import process. was submitted against the import of FROM PAGE 1
along with the UNFPA are hosting She said since 2010, the Currently, 42.6 percent of the The explanation of Power Grid remaining 0.068 tons of nut-bolts “It discourages foreign buyers and
the conference at the Hotel government has implemented total workforce comprises of women. Company of Bangladesh Ltd. including the price of additional nut- investors from visiting here,” said
Intercontinental. the world’s largest free textbook “And we aim to increase it to 50 (PGCB) is as follows to eradicate the bolts imported against the price of the traders.
Hasina said Bangladesh has distribution programme at the percent by 2030. We have also set misunderstanding created in the first lot invoice, though no amount The 16.5km expressway would
adopted the National Adolescent secondary level, distributing targets to ensure 25 percent female public mind due to the published news has been paid to the contractor until speed up transportation of goods and
Health Strategy (2017-2030) and its approximately 464 million books participation in the ICT sector by about a state-owned organization now. commuters, which will save time and
implementation plan. until 2024. 2026 and 50 percent by 2041,” she functioning with transparency: As a whole, in two invoices, a total reduce costs.
“To ensure health services for “In addition, we have introduced a said. Under the auspices of the Ministry 178.868 tons of nut-bolts worth CDA’s Chief Engineer Kazi Hasan
adolescents, we have established stipend programme to promote girls’ Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, of Power, Energy and Mineral 3 lakhs 89 thousand 252 dollars Bin Shams said the expressway would
adolescent-friendly health service education from primary to higher UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Resources of the People’s Republic reduce travel time between Patenga
($389,252) were imported, but only 82
corners in 1,253 union-level service,” of Bangladesh, the state-owned and Tigerpass.
secondary level. Girls’ education has Kanem, Minister of Social and thousand 257 dollars have been paid
she said. organization, Power Grid Company “It takes around two hours to
been made free up to 12th grade.” Family Development of the Maldives to the contractor so far. Therefore,
She mentioned that an initiative of Bangladesh Ltd (PGCB), signed a travel between the two places. But the
She mentioned that the Aishath Shiham, Kiribati’s Minister no corruption/misuse of government
has been taken to distribute free contract through international open expressway will end our sufferings
government has allocated 30 percent for Women, Youth, Sports and Social funds/money laundering has been as it will take 15 to 20 minutes,” he
sanitary napkins to nearly 5 million of the national budget for the social Affairs Martin Moretti, Parliamentary bidding with TBEA Co. Ltd., China, occurred in the said nut-bolt import
adolescent girls studying in grades added.
and economic empowerment of Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of on July 23, 2020, for the construction process. The CDA engineer said the
six to 12. women. Japan Yasushi And State Minister for of 230kV transmission lines under The said matter is under process expressway will also facilitate travel
Furthermore, the government “In line with the Beijing Health and Family Welfare Rokeya the Package- 2 of “Enhancement & for resolving through discussion to the southern part of the district
has launched the “School Meal” Declaration and Platform for Action, Sultana also among others spoke at Strengthening of Power Network in among PGCB, Contractor, Mongla through Bangabandhu Tunnel.
programme nationwide to meet the we are implementing a national the programme. Eastern Region (ESPNER) Project”. Customs Authority and all other During a recent visit to the
As per the contract, payment is being parties concerned as per the contract. expressway’s Lalkhan Bazar point,
made to the contractor through Therefore, you are humbly this correspondent found that
Rab arrests ‘Arsa Israel-Hamas gun battle Direct Payment by development
partner, the World Bank. There is no
requested to publish the above
rejoinder/explanation in your
installation of lights was in progress
and road signs were being installed.
acting chief’ FROM PAGE 12 to remove dozens of pro-Palestinian
Letter of Credit (LC) process between newspaper appropriately. City planners earlier said this new
FROM PAGE 12 dozens of homes destroyed or PGCB and the contractor in this Our reply route would help boost business
student protesters holed up in the
as most of the top leadership were damaged, while Palestinian medics regard. The rejoinder does not challenge activities in the country’s commercial
University of Bern, reports AFP.
arrested. The drives also seized a said dozens of civilians had been Material Dispatch Clearance in any facts of our story, nor does city.
In Australia, students have
large tranche of arms and explosives. killed and wounded. two lots were issued for the import it explain how the report was Chittagong Chamber of
protested in Melbourne calling
The ensuing leadership crisis left Global watchdog The Committee of nut-bolts (calculated weight defamatory for the state-run Commerce and Industry President
for universities to cut ties with
the group mostly inactive, it added. to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said at 74.8+104.068 tons) for the respective company. Omar Hazzaz termed the expressway
companies linked to Israel.
However, in recent times, crimes least 105 media workers were among towers, with a total weight of 178.868 The Daily Star report was an asset for the city dwellers as well as
have been rising in the camps again the dead in Gaza. tons and a total value of 3 lakh 89 based on customs documents, business community since it would
as, according to the Rab official, some As the fighting intensifies, Slovak PM thousand 252 dollars. The project
contractor submitted an invoice
contract agreement and official
communications between PGCBL
add a new dimension to the port city’s
communication system.
prominent Arsa members from the ceasefire talks mediated by Qatar FROM PAGE 12
neighbouring country were sent there and Egypt are at a stalemate, with of 1 lac 49 thousand 558 dollars and the customs authorities. The expressway will encourage
During a three-decade career, ($149,558) against the import of 178.8 businesses to invest more in the
to reorganise the group’s leadership. Hamas demanding a permanent end Fico has moved between the Documents show that for about
A resident of camp no 15 in to Israeli attacks and Netanyahu’s tons of nut-bolts in the first invoice a year now, the customs authorities port city as road connectivity would
pro-European mainstream and and the balance of 2 Lac 39 Thousand become more efficient, he added.
Ukhiaya, Solim, came to Bangladesh government saying it will not stop have been withholding the release
nationalistic positions opposed to 695 Dollars ($239,695) against the In July 2017, the Executive
in 2017. According to Rab, he until the group is annihilated. of 68kgs of tower bolts, nuts and
European Union and US policies. import of 0.068 tons of nut-bolts in Committee of the National Economic
previously served as a bodyguard of Meanwhile, a group of Harvard washers imported by PGCBL at a cost
He has also shown a willingness to the second invoice. That is, a total Council (Ecnec) approved the
Arsa chief Ataullah for two months. students said on Tuesday they would of Tk 2.63 crore, which is 1,619 times
change course depending on public invoice of 3 lakh 89 thousand 252 Chattogram Elevated Expressway
He was a zone commander of Arsa in peacefully end a pro-Palestinian the contract value.
opinion or changed political realities. dollars ($389,252) has been submitted project. The original cost of the
Myanmar. protest encampment after the PGCBL’s explanation to the
Emergency Services said they had against a total weight of 178.868 tons project was Tk 3,250 crore and it was
There are several cases against university agreed to discuss its customs authorities that the
him, including three for murder. received information about a man of nut-bolts. Therefore, the average scheduled to be completed in June
endowment with the protesters and being shot in Handlova shortly after overpricing was the result of a
Legal proceedings are underway price of nut-bolt per kg stands at 2020.
begin reconsidering involuntary 2:30 pm (1230 GMT) and sent an mistake on the part of the Indian
against the arrestees, the Rab official 2.176 dollars. Hence, there is no scope But the government had to extend
leaves it imposed on some. emergency helicopter to a 59-year supplier was not accepted by the
said. to consider or make any payment in the deadline as the CDA failed to
Swiss police moved in early yesterday old patient. customs authorities, which we clearly implement the project within the
excess of the contract value, nor has mentioned in our story. stipulated time.
Battery-run it been done. We stand by our report.

rickshaws Mango harvest However, as per the invoice for the

first lot, the contractor has imported
At present, the cost of the project
is Tk 4,298.95 crore, and the deadline
has been moved to June this year,
178.8 tons of nut-bolts instead of 74.8
FROM PAGE 12
The mayors of two Dhaka city
FROM PAGE 12
this time.
early variety. “Only three have borne
fruit,” he says. tons. Although the price mentioned Ex-MP, 4 others after two extensions.
The elevated expressway, a fully
corporations, several secretaries They also hope the Gopal Bhog He already harvested some 10 in the invoice was for 74.8 tons FROM PAGE 12 government-funded project, will be
and representatives of transport variety which may appear in the maunds of Guti, and from next week, according to the Dispatch Clearance. government warehouses in FY22. of four lanes.
associations, who are members of the market after May 25 will be Tk 1,200 he will start picking up a type of Guti As per the terms of the contract, 55 As per rules, fertilisers are It will have 14 ramps at nine points
advisory council, were present at the per maund, almost double of last year. called Dudheshwar next week. percent of the first invoice value (1 supposed to reach the warehouses from Lalkhan Bazar to Patenga. The
meeting. There was no activity at Rajshahi’s The DAE is expecting 2,60,315 lac 49 thousand 558 dollars) i.e. 82 within 50 days of their release. ramps will facilitate entry and exit at
This was the maiden meeting of largest mango market in Baneshwar tonnes of mangoes from 19,602 thousand 257 dollars ($82,257) have However, the contractor never GEC, Tigerpass, Agrabad, Fakirhat,
the council although the BRTA Act, yesterday morning. Traders say it will hectares of land in Rajshahi district. been paid for the shipment of the delivered 72,000 tonnes of fertiliser, Nimtala Biswa Road, Customs area,
which stipulates the formation of take a few more days for business to Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner materials. Further payment is kept the report says. CEPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, and Cement
the council, was enacted in 2017. pick up because most early varieties Shamim Ahmed says executive withhold due to shipment of excess The ACC filed a case after a crossing areas.
The authorities cited several reasons, have not ripened yet. magistrates are monitoring the nut-bolts against the issued Dispatch preliminary investigation following The expressway has been named
including Covid-19 pandemic, for the Anwarul Haque, a farmer in orchards and markets to make sure Clearance. Later on, 2nd invoice a directive of the High Court to after former city mayor and freedom
delay in holding the meeting. Zinnahnagar area, has 10 trees of the chemicals are not sprayed on mangoes. amounting total value of 2 lakh 39 investigate the alleged embezzlement. fighter ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury.
8 EDITORIAL
DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024
JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS

BANGLADESH’S EXTERNAL DEBT MANAGEMENT

FOUNDER EDITOR: LATE S. M. ALI Time for a cautious approach

Doing business Dr Mustafizur Rahman
is distinguished fellow at the Centre for
Policy Dialogue (CPD).
have combined to trigger a sharp
rise in Bangladesh’s debt repayment
Economic Relations Division (ERD)
of the Planning Commission has
obligations. developed a formula to assess the
should not be hard It is true that the country’s LDC
graduation, set to take place in
terms of loans: loans exceeding 25
percent threshold is considered to be
Govt should focus on making November 2026, does not have direct
implications for access to, and the
non-concessional. Non-concessional
loans must be appropriately justified
entrepreneurship easy and hassle- terms of, external borrowings. Country when negotiated.
status for purposes of external Outside of these sources, Bangladesh
free MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN borrowings is exclusively based on per will also need to proactively pursue
At a time when the country should be supporting entrepreneurs
to bolster its faltering economy, it is disheartening to learn Bangladesh’s outstanding external servicing obligations of Bangladesh
that they are facing unnecessary hurdles in their way, costing public and publicly guaranteed (PPG) originates from the country’s middle-
them both time and money. According to the findings of a debt, at $79 billion as of September income graduation. Bangladesh
study on the state of doing business in Bangladesh, there are 2023, is not high when compared to graduated from low-income country
a number of regulatory barriers that make entrepreneurship economies of similar size. The amount, (LIC) to lower-middle-income country
quite cumbersome. These observations are meant to not only equivalent to about 17 percent of (LMIC) status in 2015, according to
bring forth the plight of domestic entrepreneurs, but also to the country’s GDP, is not an outlier the World Bank (WB) classification.
show where reforms are essential, of which the government when compared to corresponding A recognition of the country’s
must take note. figures for other developing countries impressive economic achievements,
For example, the research paper points out that entrepreneurs and lower-middle-income countries middle-income graduation implied
have to pay six times more than the official rates to obtain (LMICs). However, if the recent growth that it was no longer eligible for the
licences and permits from various government agencies in order trend of its external debt-servicing highly concessional IDA (International
to do business. Astonishingly, if someone wants to set up a obligations is taken into consideration, Development Association) loans from
garment factory, they need to obtain no fewer than 20 licences! the management of external sovereign WB (at about 0.7 percent annual
Imagine shuttling back and forth between different agencies in debt should demand closer attention. interest, with grace period of up to 10
search of the licences, which often require paying hefty sums Indeed, in recent years, issues of years, and maturity period of up to 40
in bribe. Another big barrier is obtaining finance: on top of external debt-servicing and debt- years). Consequently, Bangladesh has
going through a complex process to obtain loans from banks, carrying capacity have emerged as transitioned from IDA-eligible country
entrepreneurs have to face the added difficulty of getting the a global concern in policy circles. A to a Gap Country, to the present status
loans at competitive rates, because most banks are burdened review of the literature shows that of a Blend Country, with terms of
VISUAL: SHAIKH SULTANA JAHAN BADHON
with massive amounts of defaulted loans. many low-income countries could face borrowings becoming increasingly
The question is, why are entrepreneurs being forced to pay debt distress and fall into the dreaded stringent. The country is expected to capita GNI. However, the challenges opportunities of getting support from
so much to start their undertaking? Where is the extra money middle-income trap for various that the export sector anticipates target-oriented funds set up globally,
going? And why do they have to submit all of their documents reasons, including post-Covid recovery on account of LDC graduation, such as the Loss and Damage Fund
every time they need to renew a licence? What is the point of challenges, adverse implications of the originating from preference erosion announced at COP28.
digitisation if the documents are not kept on record? It is clear Russia-Ukraine war on the domestic All efforts should and the consequent impacts on export However, loans with components
that corruption has a big part to play here, as highlighted by economy and balance of payments be geared towards earnings and forex reserves, will have to that include learning tours,
several other studies. These obstacles are not just affecting scenario, and the way external maintaining be taken into cognisance in estimating unnecessary procurement, cash
domestic entrepreneurs, but foreign investors too. Germany, sovereign debt is being managed by the country’s debt-carrying capacity. disbursement, etc need to be
some of these countries. In this context,
Bangladesh’s current
for example, is yet to find Bangladesh as an attractive All efforts should be geared towards carefully monitored, and, whenever
investment destination. That is why Bangladesh lags behind its and in view of emergent trends, there is status as a country
maintaining Bangladesh’s current possible, discarded. Loans incurred
competitors such as Indonesia, Vietnam and India in getting a need for being strategic in managing in the “Medium” status as a country in the “Medium” by various government entities
German investment. Bangladesh’s external borrowings, category of the IMF’s category of the IMF’s debt-carrying that are underwritten by sovereign
To ensure ease of business, barriers like these must be sovereign debt-servicing, and the debt-carrying capacity capacity classifications, and averting guarantee needs to be carefully
removed. When the country is struggling with a persistent country’s debt-carrying capacity. classifications, the likelihood of falling into the monitored. While loans that are taken
rate of unemployment, entrepreneurship, particularly youth To note, Bangladesh’s PPG debt “Weak” category. to support the budget allow flexibility
increased from $44.5 billion to $70.8 and averting the
entrepreneurship, can make a huge difference. With the right Bangladesh’s future sovereign in undertaking expenditure, the
support, small and medium entrepreneurs can contribute billion between FY2018-19 and likelihood of falling debt management strategy should be government must ensure transparency
to creating employment and increasing export earnings for FY2022-23—a 60 percent rise in four into the “Weak” informed and guided, firstly, by the need and accountability in the usage of such
the country. All they need is a supportive entrepreneurial years. Over the corresponding period, category. to explore opportunities of additional funds. Loans with conditionalities such
ecosystem across all sectors. The convoluted processes of interest payment increased from $0.48 borrowings from new sources, like the as single source procurement should
licensing must be straightened out so that entrepreneurs, both billion to $1.31 billion, an increase of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank be properly scrutinised to assess their
seasoned and aspiring, don’t have to go through unnecessary about 168 percent, while payment of or the New Development Bank—of implications for the economy—for
the principal amount posted a rise of graduate to the World Bank’s relatively which Bangladesh is a member, and example, whether the raw materials
hassles.
about 48 percent. The country’s debt- high-cost IBRD (International Bank from which it has already taken loans and intermediate goods are available
servicing payments in the first nine for Reconstruction and Development) for a number of projects—and diversify locally, at lower prices, and ensure
country category over the next few
How long must we months of the current fiscal year has
gone up by 49 percent compared to
the matched period of the preceding
years. As a matter of fact, costs of
borrowing from both multilateral and
its loan portfolio. Interest rates and
lending terms should be carefully
examined if this approach is taken.
good value for money.
Finally, human resources, expertise
and analytical capacities to deal with
suffer project delays? year, with interest payments rising by
117 percent and principal payments
bilateral sources have already started
to rise significantly.
Particularly, loans with flexible interest
rates must be weighed with due care
external debt management issues and
assess the country’s debt-carrying
posting a growth of 22 percent. The Additionally, debt-servicing to assess their future implications in capacity will need to be further
Dhaka-Sylhet expansion work pressure of external sovereign debt- obligations have become more onerous terms of liabilities and debt-servicing strengthened in view of the anticipated
for external-funded projects that
plagued by land acquisition issues servicing is set to rise further over
the near future, given the current low generate income in local currency.
obligations. Whether to go for fixed or
flexible interest rates will need to be
challenges, now and in the future. It
is good that the Ministry of Finance,
The setbacks facing two projects meant to expand the levels of foreign exchange reserves, Moreover, time and cost escalation, carefully weighed as well. Bangladesh Bank and the ERD prepare
Dhaka-Sylhet-Tamabil highway would appear familiar, if slowed growth of earnings from goods a rather common phenomenon in Both terms of borrowings and periodic reports on the country’s
exasperatingly so by now, to those following the trends of and service exports, higher costs of Bangladeshi project implementation, quality of investment will need to be debt status and debt service-related
infrastructure development in Bangladesh. According to a borrowings, and the grace period of means that project cost ends up being carefully examined as well. The lender data, including those concerning
report by this daily, work on the road corridor—which is part some of the significantly large foreign considerably higher than what is selection process must be rigorous. external borrowings. The usability of
of the Asian Highway 1 linking parts of India to Bangladesh— loans for infrastructure projects initially planned. Every effort should be made to ensure these reports for policymakers may be
is being significantly hampered due to issues with land coming to an end, like the Rooppur Thus, a number of factors including that projects are completed on time, further improved by raising the quality
acquisition and the relocation of utility lines. This has led Nuclear Power Plant, commissioned in increasingly large amount of external and that accountability is enforced. of data generated, standardising the
to compensation claims and requests for time extensions 2016, and the Padma Rail Link Project, borrowings, higher interest rates, more Negotiation of loans that are of reporting process, and undertaking
by contractors as they, and the taxpayers by extension, face commissioned in 2018. stringent terms of borrowings, upward the non-concessional type must be evidence-based rigorous analyses and
increased costs and inevitable delays in the end because of A key factor driving the rising debt- revision of project costs and others pursued with caution and care. The projections.
these issues.
The irony here is that the Roads and Highways Department

Planting trees during heatwaves

(RHD) took up another project precisely to avoid this scenario.
Usually, land acquisition and utility relocation are part of the
work of the infrastructure project in question. But the RHD
took up the separate project in September 2018 to take care of

is not a good idea

these preliminary tasks, so that actual work could be started
as soon as the expansion projects were approved. That didn’t
happen. Reportedly, while the Tk-20,500-crore expansion
projects were initiated in 2020-2021, the land acquisition
project, far from laying the groundwork for those projects, was
itself marred by frequent delays. It has been revised twice since, Shekhar R Biswas effort to have any immediate cooling experience and technical expertise
is professor of ecology at East China Normal
taking its budget from Tk 3,586.04 crore to Tk 7,975.31 crore University in Shanghai.
effect to counteract the present or in tree-planting. They launch their
and deadline from December 2020 to December 2025. This is forthcoming heatwaves in the next yearly tree-planting campaign during
totally unacceptable. few years. We must understand that the rainy season with remarkable
So far, for the Dhaka-Sylhet section, only around 60 acres combating heatwaves through tree- success, and they do so based on their
of the required 829.83 acres of land have been handed over, planting is a long-term process, not an research and experience. So, while I
while no land has been handed over for the Sylhet-Tamabil overnight solution. applaud the idea of planting one crore
section yet. While we understand that the process of land In fact, when discussing tree- trees, I suggest abandoning the idea of
acquisition can be complex due to legal and procedural planting, we typically consider
hurdles, the excruciatingly slow pace of work on display here
SHEKHAR R BISWAS executing it in the middle of the dry
planting seedlings with only a few season. The rainy season is the ideal
is anything but normal. It shows how disorganised, unplanned leaves. These seedlings can do little
and uncoordinated the whole undertaking has been. This is not time for the task.
Recently, as the mercury continued ability of a tree to block the incoming to cool the environment. Instead, In fact, it would be wise to combine
only straining public resources and delaying promised benefits to hit 40 degrees Celsius and above, solar radiation varies between tree seedlings need shade and moisture
from highway expansion, but also making a mockery of the such an initiative with the Forest
and a heatwave scorched the country, species. Besides, solar radiation that to thrive. While some seedlings can Department’s yearly tree-planting
government’s pledge to ensure timely execution of its projects.
discussions on tree-planting as a passes through a tree canopy reflects withstand some degree of dryness
We cannot continue to let bureaucratic inefficiencies or campaign to make the whole effort a
potential solution became popular. on the ground and impacts the cooling for some time, planting those in the
corruption, which often complicates matters related to land grand success. This way, we can set an
Indeed, trees can cool the environment effect. A grassy surface can absorb middle of a heatwave or during the
acquisition, stymie our development trajectory. We urge the example of collaborating with different
higher authorities to take the issue of project delays seriously. by providing shade and acting as more solar radiation than a brick or dry season would likely result in the
segments of society towards achieving
Strict adherence to deadlines and budget plans must be water sprinklers. A tree canopy can an asphalt surface. Accordingly, the death of those seedlings. In fact,
the common goal of a climate-resilient
enforced in all its infrastructure projects, and there must block the input of shortwave solar cooling effect of the same tree can be saplings or trees could also die during
radiation to the ground by about higher on grassy grounds than on brick a heatwave because the higher the air and green Bangladesh.
be a concerted effort to streamline and expedite the land The climate of Earth is warming.
acquisition process. 60-90 percent, and canopy shading or asphalt surfaces. The transpiration temperature, the more a tree transpires
can reduce the local temperature rates of trees also vary among species. and reaches a point where it cannot Frequent and intense heatwaves are
by about 3.06 degrees Celsius. Trees So, trees’ ability to combat heatwaves draw underground water fast enough becoming the new normal. While
also draw groundwater through their depends on species and location, and to support its internal functions. artificial infrastructures can provide
roots, use some for their internal every tree counts. Yet, surprisingly, the discussion on temporary comfort, they are not the
functions, and release the excess water A recent discussion on social media planting trees continued during the solution in the long run. While the
through microscopic leaf pores; the about organising a movement to plant heatwave last month. The decision monetary value of most infrastructures
process is called transpiration. The one crore trees across the country is to plant trees in the middle of a depreciates over time, trees’ value
water released through transpiration praiseworthy. It is a novel effort towards heatwave can only be justified either increases over time. So, we should plant
can reduce the local temperature by building a climate-resilient and green by a gross misconception that planting trees. But we must plant the right tree
about one to eight degrees Celsius. In Bangladesh. If planting so many trees trees would immediately cool our at the right time and place. We must
fact, one can feel a tree’s shading and sets a record and introduces us as environment or by sheer ignorance understand that while we may proudly
transpiration-mediated cooling effects an environment-friendly nation on about the technicalities of tree- set a world record by planting a crore
within 10 metres of the tree’s canopy. the world stage, we should be proud. planting. of trees, planting them during the dry
That being said, canopies of some However, unless we plant large trees We must not forget that season and in the middle of a heatwave
trees are large, others are small, some with intact canopy and roots, we Bangladesh’s Forest Department might lead to another world record of
are thin, and others are thick. So, the should not expect such a tree-planting is the ultimate authority with vast seedling death.

The Daily Star EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Mahfuz Anam Registered & Head Offices: The Daily Star Centre Newsroom: Fax- 58156306 Advertisement: 01711623910 Subscription: thedailystar.net
Reg. No. DA 781 Printed by him on behalf of Mediaworld Ltd at Transcraft Ltd, 229, 64-65 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka-1215 reporting@thedailystar.net advertisement@thedailystar.net 01711623906 bangla.thedailystar.net/
Tejgaon Industrial Area, editor@thedailystar.net Phone: 09610222222 GPO Box: 3257
OPINION 9
DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024
JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS

Reimagining primary and

compulsory education in Bangladesh
Farah Kabir the changes as expected in the overall
is country director at ActionAid Bangladesh.
Nazmul Ahsan
socioeconomic condition. Data from the
is leader, young people at ActionAid Bangladesh. World Bank tells us that there are very few
countries in the world that have five years
FARAH KABIR and NAZMUL AHSAN or less of compulsory education. Compared
to Bangladesh’s five years, compulsory
It is believed that education, in the midst of education in India is eight years; in Nepal,
global advances and challenges, remains the it is nine years; in Sri Lanka, it is 11 years;
critical vehicle of empowerment, and this in Pakistan, it is 12 years; in Vietnam, it
holds true for countries like Bangladesh. is 10 years; and in the Philippines, it is 13
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights years. Unicef says each additional year of
(UDHR) of 1948 has recognised education as schooling raises the average annual GDP by
a core human right, and throughout human 0.4 percent, increases individual earnings
history, it has proven essential to personal by up to 10 percent, and reduces the poverty
and social development. rate by nine percent. However, the outcome
In Bangladesh, primary education up of education is not only limited to economic
to Class 5 is compulsory, according to the development. The recently published
Primary Education (Compulsory) Act, 1990. Human Development Report 2023 by UNDP
Article 17 (free and compulsory education) of refers to the relationship between education
the Constitution of the People’s Republic of and addressing inequalities. According
Bangladesh enshrines compulsory education to the report, Bangladesh’s mean years of
as a fundamental principle of state policies. schooling are only 7.4 years, which may
be better than India’s 6.6 years, but falls
Along with that, the government adopted
behind the Maldives’ 7.8 years. Bangladesh’s
the National Education Policy 2010 to
expected progress to the “high human
cultivate human values, groom them with
development group” requires a much
leadership skills, and progress society.
extended education period.
Accordingly, the government has taken a few
The government recently made a fresh
initiatives, including providing textbooks
move to extend primary education up to the
and a monthly stipend to the students, which
Class 8. During a joint meeting among the
are commendable and have made significant
education and primary and mass education
contributions, particularly in enrolment in
ministries in May, Farid Ahmed, secretary
primary and secondary schools.
of primary and mass education ministry,
The overall scenario of education in
stated that the ministries would work
Bangladesh is not relevant to the aspirations
together to make education up to Class 8
of the youth, and much remains to be done in
compulsory and free of cost, and that this
this regard. The looming challenges—lack of
extension was a recommendation of the
quality teaching, backdated curricula, large Education is the most significant way to invest in women and girls, and to develop them into an active workforce. FILE PHOTO: PRABIR DAS
National Education Policy.
This is an appreciable initiative, whose
class sizes, lack of extracurricular activities, students who have dropped out are girls. The looking to continue their education. The implementation must be ensured without
The overall scenario lack of education material, out-of-pocket number of students in vocational education existing education system also reflects failure. Alongside this, the enactment of
shows that the existing expenditure, weak assessment systems, the has increased slightly in this period, with the poor status of decent employment the Education Act should be completed
education structure, gap in the introduction of technology, child just under 50,000 students being added. generation among the younger generation, immediately to fulfil the objectives of the
including delivery marriage, and dropouts—are holding us back The teacher-student ratio is as high as 31 with 92.7 percent of the young people National Education Policy. To achieve all
methodology, is not able from achieving the objectives of education students per teacher. Along with this, the (aged 15-29) engaged in the informal the policy commitments and overcome all
to bring the changes referred to in the constitution and National Unesco Global Education Monitoring Report sector, with the percentage rising to 98.5 the socioeconomic challenges, the most
Education Policy. 2022 found that average expenditure on among young women, according to the important things to do are to ensure the
as expected in the
According to the Bangladesh Education education increased by a staggering 80 Labour Force Survey 2022. Moreover, the quality and relevancy of education and to
overall socioeconomic Statistics 2022, produced by the Bangladesh percent in real terms, and Bangladesh has recently published Bangladesh Sample Vital extend compulsory education up to Class
condition. Data from Bureau of Educational Information and the second highest rate of private secondary Statistics 2023 by the Bangladesh Bureau of 8. This move will contribute to the younger
the World Bank tells us Statistics (BANBEIS), the dropout rate from education globally. The same study informed Statistics (BBS) revealed that 39.88 percent generation being better prepared to face new
that there are very few primary education is around 14 percent. For us that households account for 71 percent of of youth in Bangladesh are neither studying challenges. On the other hand, education is
countries in the world secondary education, the rate is 41 percent total education spending in Bangladesh, one nor working. This statistic has a gender a tool for social inclusion. Education is the
that have five years for girls, and 36 percent overall. Moreover, the of the highest in the world. dimension too, with 60.85 percent of young most significant way to invest in women and
most recent survey published by BANBEIS in Moreover, in Bangladesh, 51 percent of women falling under this category. girls, and to develop them into an active
or less of compulsory
2023 revealed that the number of students girls are married off before the age of 18, The overall scenario shows that the workforce, eventually helping them become
education. in secondary education has decreased by 10 and in rural areas it is 54 percent. Child existing education structure, including a part of social transitions that are inclusive,
lakh from 2019 to 2023, and 55 percent of marriage is a big setback for young girls delivery methodology, is not able to bring just, and transformative.

RTI takes centre stage in

Indian elections
Dr Shamsul Bari and Ruhi Naz by the BJP-dominated parliament in 2017. bonds must be disclosed.
are chairman and assistant director (RTI), respectively, of
Research Initiatives, Bangladesh (RIB). They can be reached
The amendments included specific sections The Supreme Court directive to the SBI
at rib@citech-bd.com. of the Representation of the People Act, to furnish the Election Commission of India
Companies Act, and the Income Tax Act. They with details of all donations through electoral
SHAMSUL BARI and RUHI NAZ were primarily aimed at ensuring that all key bonds, including the identities of donors
information relating to the identity of the buyer and the political parties that received the
or payee of the bonds would remain concealed. contributions, led to the unearthing of what
India’s right to information (RTI) regime has
Political analysts, civil society leaders and many observers called “one of the biggest
been going through a rough patch since the
RTI activists of the country immediately ever scams in India.” Collating information on
Bhartiya Janata party (BJP) government of
sounded the alarm. They claimed that the electoral bond transactions obtained through
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office
amendments were unconstitutional as they various sources show that since the inception
in May 2014. RTI activists and informed
violated citizens’ right to information enshrined until its closure, electoral bonds worth a total
citizens are concerned that the government
in the constitution, and that the anonymity of around of around 16,490 crore rupees were
is weakening the power of the law. One
provided fostered corruption and upset the bought and given to different political parties.
illustration of this is the delay in nominating
level playing field among political parties. As a Of this amount, the BJP received more than
information commissioners, leading to a
huge backlog of requests. In August last year, result, soon after the Electoral Bond Scheme half, the Indian National Congress received
opposition Indian National Congress President was set rolling, in January 2018, a coalition of close to 11 percent, and the All India Trinamool
Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government non-governmental organisations—Association Congress about 10 percent. The rest were
of “killing the RTI Act bit by bit,” adding that for Democratic Reforms and Common Cause— shared by 19 other parties.
it is “not just an attack on the constitutional together with the Communist Party of India Advocate Prashant Bhushan, a well-known
right, but another step in the conspiracy to submitted a public interest litigation (PIL) RTI expert of India and the lead lawyer for
end democracy.” petition at the Supreme Court to challenge the the petitioners’ case in the Supreme Court,
Against this backdrop, the unanimous constitutionality of the amendments and the claimed at a recent meeting that the scale of
decision on February 15, 2024 of a five-judge Electoral Bond Scheme as a whole. corruption went far beyond the amount that
Constitution Bench of the Indian Supreme The Supreme Court was thus faced with the the ruling BJP received through electoral
Court, led by its chief justice, to strike down the following issues: is the Electoral Bond Scheme bonds. Contracts and projects worth lakhs
now infamous Electoral Bonds Scheme of 2018 constitutional? Does it violate citizen’s right to of crores were awarded quid pro quo. He
and order the disclosure of a huge amount of information? Can the scheme allow anonymity cited case studies based on data released
sensitive information hitherto concealed from to protect donors’ right to privacy? Does the after the Supreme Court directive, revealing
citizens came as a shot in the arm of India’s RTI scheme compromise the democratic process, circumstantial evidence that points to “illicit
Act, 2005. In Bangladesh, there is much to learn and free and fair elections? kickbacks funnelled through electoral bonds
about the enormous potential of our own RTI After years of study and deliberation, the from corporations to political parties in
Act, 2009 from the Indian experience. February 2024 decision of the Supreme Court exchange for lucrative favours.”
Knowledgeable observers of the Indian was clear and unambiguous. It held that due In one such case study, Vedanta Limited, an
political scene consider the Supreme Court to its anonymous nature, the Electoral Bond Indian company which made hefty donations
decision and the unfolding revelations Scheme violated citizens’ right to information to the ruling party, was subsequently chosen
emerging from it to be a watershed moment and affected free speech and expression under to be the preferred bidder for several mining
for the country. Many believe that it will the constitution. “Information about funding licences. Other case studies illustrate how
impact the ongoing general elections in the to a political party is essential for a voter to the Electoral Bond Scheme served as a cloak
country as it exposes the close nexus between exercise their freedom to vote in an effective for clandestine corporate lobbying. This is
big corporations which bought and gifted the manner,” the court said. It thereby addressed only the beginning as more such scandals are
bonds and the political parties which benefited a major concern of the petitioners—that unearthed.
from them. The latter must now face close electoral bonds allow donors and political Revelations of such a consequential nature
scrutiny from the electorate. parties to keep their association hidden from underline the importance of citizens’ role
Electoral Bonds are like promissory notes the public and thereby from the purview of the in exercising their right to information as
that individual Indians or corporations could Right to Information Act. The verdict came as watchdogs of good governance. The landmark
buy under the scheme from the State Bank a boost to India’s RTI Act. judgment of the Indian Supreme Court on the
of India (SBI) and give them as donations to At the hearings, the government argued for Electoral Bond Scheme also highlighted the
political parties of their choice. The scheme the necessity to protect the right to privacy role of the judiciary. In Bangladesh, we are yet
was promoted by the government ostensibly of big corporate donors to political parties. to discover the full potential of our RTI Act as
to increase transparency in political financing However, the court held that the right to it is seldom used by our civil and political elites
by facilitating anonymous donations to privacy of political affiliation did not extend to probe larger issues of governance. Only by
political parties, as a better alternative to cash to contributions made to influence public doing so can we identify points of law which
donations. It was introduced through three policy. It ruled that information about may benefit from the interpretation of our
key amendments in the Finance Act approved corporate contributors through electoral higher judiciary.
10 BOOKS
DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024
JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS

BOOK REVIEW: POETRY AND NONFICTION

Poetry for our times and a

poet’s new frontier
Review of Kaiser Haq’s ‘The New Frontier & Other Odds and Ends in Verse and Prose’ (ULAB Press, 2024)
much of it has already been “laid waste”. is also elegiac, for it remembers fondly inimitably flavoured poetry in the years
Feelingly, Haq agonises on a loved the pioneering Bangladeshi publisher ahead. “Making a Case”, a poem full of
one we seem to be bent on debasing/ of high quality books, Mohiudin the kind of droll moments that liven up
destroying perversely and permanently. Ahmed. It is thus that the poem ends so Haq’s poetry, ironically explains why
But though the poem is full of such “dire eloquently and stirringly, “In the Book he has recently opted for writing verse
observations”, as is at times this poet’s of Books he stands/ illuminated under using the “lower case” as a “postcolonial”
hallmark, it is not “devoid of humor”. ‘Acknowledgments’ ”. gesture of protest in Caliban’s vein,
Those who have relished Haq’s “Ode A number of the poems of The New knowing that what matters for the
on the Lungi” will thus savour the wit Frontier and Other Odds and Ends poet, ultimately is the hope that “maybe
and the naughtiness of his “Ode on a in Verse and Prose express as well the they’ll find a way” into the reader’s
Sari”. Indeed, the poet’s characteristic dark thoughts of the poet in old age. “heart”. One hopes that Haq will keep
wry, and at times even “black” humour Indeed, the poem titled “A Late Poem” on experimenting stylistically, for one
nuance many of the poems of The muses on old age and is nostalgic about is encouraged by the fact that the poem
New Frontier and Other Odds and a time when verse would come to him that follows “Making a Case” is “What
Ends in Verse and Prose. The humour “like beans sprouts” and one could, so Good is a Poem”, which suggests wryly
may even be self-subversive as in the to speak, lead life to the lees, indulging that a poet like him will keep on striving
autobiographical “Belated Mirror in the kind of pleasures that increasingly to write poems even “in long tried
Stage”. Here we find the poet musing would seem “irrevocable”. Always syllables” in the hope of breathing “old
at his own mirror image over the years, allusive, Haq ends this brooding, dark truths” compulsively.
which would make him do anything poem with two lines that echo no less In fact, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”,
and everything—play football, cultivate than two Shakespearean formulations the poem Kaiser Haq has chosen to
a sense of identity as someone “South from his “dark” tragedies, “Blankness/ conclude The New Frontier and Other
Asian, Bengali and Muslim”, study is all” (“Ripeness is all” and “Readiness Odds and Ends in Verse and Prose, is
assiduously, do body-building, and even is all”). Apparently, the recent pandemic in prose. It is his whimsical take on “The
write poems! This “Covid-inspired poem” and rampant viruses have been Emperor’s New Clothes”. Hans Christian
ILLUSTRATION: MAISHA SYEDA
concludes with Haq moving from his reinforcing his pessimistic thoughts. Andersen’s delightful folktale becomes
Lacan-inspired take on the formation of Thus “2020-nKarV”—a poem on Covid- as a result, “postcolonially” transferred
A number FAKRUL ALAM is to “storm the ramparts/ of a rotten subjectivity to an affirmation that takes 19’s impact—wonders if the virus is a sign to Dhaka. After all, Haq’s ancestral
of the poems state/ letting in sweet light”. Where off from Descartes’ famous formulation that “entropy rules after this/ universe home is Rupganj, home of the fabled
Inevitably, Kaiser Haq’s The New Frontier is the “rotten state” though? And will and lands waveringly in the concluding there may not be another”. Haq’s dengue Muslin, a cotton fabric so transparent
of ‘The New and Other Odds and Ends in Verse Arnoldian “sweetness and light follow”? lines, “I think therefore I am”: “Yes:/ I’m poem, “Ka Dinga Pepo” also mediates on seeming that it appears to the poet
Frontier and and Prose is about the poet, his poetic But the volume indicates something is still here,/ here I am still/ still I’m here that other “wicked virus”. This is poetry that Andersen’s apparently “nanga”
Other Odds and predilections, and situatedness at this “rotten” not only in the poet’s own part still/ I am still here. coming out of pain, or as the poem so emperor might have worn it. Haq, we
Ends in Verse time of human existence. In many ways of the world but planet earth itself. But there are sobering poems too— uniquely articulates, “poetry in pain”! may conclude, is a very Bangladeshi
and Prose’ it is typical of the verse we have come to Fast forward for confirmation to the an example is the moving “Elegy Written There is then the kind of variety in poet writing in English uniquely, in a
expect from our leading poet in English title poem of the collection, “The New in a Redbrick House”, which not only Haq’s latest collection of verse that will manner that is quite postmodern and
express as for a long time now, but in other ways it Frontier”. Commissioned jointly by the evokes John Gray, but also echoes John reinforce his reputation for coming always captivating. May he keep weaving
well the dark articulates his present-day concerns in University of Swansea and the Dhaka Donne (clearly, Haq’s consciousness up with thoughtful, humorous, and poetry out of his Bangladeshi location
thoughts of the new and striking poetic measures. Literary Festival a few years ago to present is rooted in the great tradition of distinctive volumes of verse every now in a manner that will continue to earn
poet in old age Let me begin illustrating my poetry dealing with climate change, poetry in English) to pay tribute to and then. His readers will keep hoping him the admiration of connoisseurs of
assertions with the first poem of the the longish poem has the poet remind architect Bashirul Huq, whose redbrick that he will desist from taking the poetry everywhere!
collection. “Words” is about the “coming us that the age of the “anthropocene” houses have become landmarks of our “happy farewell” to poetry that he was
of a new poem” and the poet’s exaltation is nothing less than “obscene”. The architecture. The poem that follows the intending to take through his 1994 Fakrul Alam is Bangabandhu Chair
at its arrival. What the Muse has told him “world may be there for us to love”, but one on the groundbreaking architect volume, and will continue to gift us his Professor, University of Dhaka.

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION

The saga of a mother’s sacrifice and resilience

Review of ‘Kokhono Amar Maa-ke’ (Prothoma Prokashan, 2024) by Anisul Hoque
MUHAMMED RUKAN UDDIN overwhelming urge to reveal to readers why Chotoma’s stands out prominently. Prior to her Situations take an unexpected turn when fly kites across the azure sky. Furthermore,
his Chotoma, despite once being an award- marriage, she endures traumatic experiences Rafiqul Islam is unjustly suspended from his the author’s vivid description of the premises
Anisul Hoque’s Kokhono Amar Maa-ke is the winning singer during her college days, at the hands of the Pakistani army, where “hell job and subsequently imprisoned. His demise of Phulpur pilot high school and the
story of appalling sacrifices made by a mother has stopped singing. The whole story spins would descend every night”. She describes the by massive cardiac arrest leaves his family dilapidated bungalow, the two important
and her unwavering determination to secure around unravelling this mystery that keeps agony as if “her body [had been] lacerated by grappling with financial insecurity. settings of the story, and lively presentation
a bright future for her children. Set amidst readers eagerly anticipating till the closing a thousand blades, wracked by the The impact of this of flora and fauna not only offers visual
the rustic charms of Phulpur, a quaint village chapters. On her deathbed, Chotoma unfolds venomous bite of situation weighs splendour but also evokes olfactory sensations,
typical of the 1970s countryside in Bangladesh, some disturbing truths: her getting raped countless snakes”. Her heavily on Bablu, breathing life into the narrative. However, the
this narrative tells the story of the upbringing by Pakistani forces, her traumatic journey anguish is multiplied the eldest son. He straightforward construction of the plot using
of four siblings whose lives are profoundly through motherhood, and her marriage with by her father’s callous shoulders the financial conventional dramatic denouement, where
influenced and shaped by their “majestic” Rafiqul Islam, Mablu’s freedom fighter father. denial to bring her burdens thrust upon all mysteries unravel in quick succession,
mother, Shefali—affectionately called The writer’s literary prowess shines through home. After marriage the family, forsaking may draw unfavourable critique from literary
‘chotoma’. The novel’s title alludes to Shamsur the thematic exploration of sacrifice and with Rafiqul Islam, his own promising connoisseurs. Nevertheless, the author’s
Rahman’s poem Kokhono Amar Maa-ke, and fortitude as well as the masterful delineation of Chotoma’s devastated future. dealing with themes, depiction of rural vistas,
the narrator of the novel essentially embodies rural life with remarkable credibility. self forges her into a One commendable portrayal of characters, and use of befitting
the voice of the poem. The first few lines, in my In fictional narratives, mothers often go resilient and dedicated feature of the novel is language overshadow the minor weaknesses.
translation, stand: “I’ve never heard my mother through suffering which, in turn, fosters homemaker. Her its faithful depiction The novel’s true strength, indeed, emanates
sing any song./ Nor do I recall if she ever sang resilience and inspires them to champion singular mission now is A LE TH E of the formative from the characterisation of Chotoma,
N: AM RE ET
lullabies to me.” causes of revolution, liberation, and securing a bright future ILL US TR AT IO years of the four the central character, whose sacrifice and
The novel has a calming start. On a tranquil emancipation. This truth is exemplified in for her four children siblings in the resilience reverberate across the narrative. She
Falgun night when “the moon’s inner core characters, such as Maxim Gorky’s Pelageya amidst an increasingly natural setting of stands as a poignant symbol of the countless
comes out to light up the earth”, Mablu, the Nilovna in Mother (D Appleton & Company, adverse economic Phulpur. For instance, they go to school with unsung heroes whose contributions often
narrator, broods over the past, and memories 1906), Tahmina Anam’s Rehana Haque in condition. Her transformation from victim books in polythene bags, go into hiding prior languish in obscurity in the margins of
come flooding back. He reminisces about his A Golden Age (John Murray, 2007), Anisul to protector underscores the strength of her to the announcement of school results, play mainstream historical discourse.
siblings, Bablu, Dablu, and Lovely, their school Hoque’s Shafia Begum in Maa (Somoy character. football in rain-soaked fields adorned with
days, their childhood escapades across the Prakashan, 2004), and Shefali, the mother On the other hand, Rafiqul Islam’s life is pilipiliula clinging to their clothes, scrub Muhammed Rukan Uddin, a literary
field of Tepantor, and most importantly, their figure in the novel in discussion. also marked by sacrifices. He is disinherited their teeth with charcoal, ride bicycles by enthusiast, teaches English at Chittagong
Chotoma’s sacrifice, resilience, and death. In this novel, each major character by his father for marrying a war rape victim, tucking one leg inside the triangular frame University. He can be reached at rukan.
What appears to be crucial is the narrator’s undergoes significant sacrifices, yet, and his siblings sever ties with him altogether. frequently paddling to propel it forward, and english@cu.ac.bd.

What we’re
reading this week
AMREETA LETHE
Sub editor, Star Books and Literature

Empire of Normality
Pluto Press, 2023
The idea of normality is so entrenched in
how we are socialised that we often openly
reject people who appear to be in any way
different from us. Despite innumerable
awareness campaigns, the stigma
persists, and anyone who
appears to deviate from the
“norm” is frequently pelted
with words such as “autistic”
and “pagol”. In Empire of
Normality, Robert Chapman
delves into how this very idea
of “the ‘normal’ person, brain,
and mind” is the issue because
it fails to take into account how
our colonial pasts and late-
capitalist presents have shaped
our perception of “normality”. If the only
“normal” brain is one that is capable of
keeping up with ever-soaring targets of
profit and productivity, what does that
mean for the rest of us? So, this week we’re
reading Chapman’s Empire of Normality to
better develop a politics of neurodivergent
liberation and work towards dismantling
the capitalist hustle and grind.
 DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024, JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS
T SPORTS
IPL
Hyderabad vs
Gujarat
Live from 8:00 pm

SHORT CORNER
Chandika says batting
order will be shuffled
SPORTS REPORTER Bangladesh skipper Najmul middle which was a positive.
T20I STATS OF TIGERS’ 15 In the 2023 ODI World Cup India,
Hossain Shanto later admitted that
he did not altogether rule out Shakib
Individually, some of the players
would have loved to spend time in the
BATTERS a big part of the discussions on Al Hasan featuring at number three middle, score runs, but in T20 cricket,
Bangladesh’s poor performances but “it depends on conditions and anything can happen because it’s
Player Mts Runs Avg St Rt revolved around the frequent oppositions’ strength”. Shakib had a very different game to the other
Tanzid 5 160 40 123.07 changes to batting order, which been hugely successful in 2019 ODI two formats,” Hathurusingha said,
unsettled even those who carried World Cup in England, batting in adding that they will be able to sort
Soumya 80 1335 17.56 122.14 form into the tournament. On the eve that position. out areas of concerns in the five
Former Nepal captain Lamichhane
Mahmudullah 128 2265 24.35 118.89 of the Tigers’ departure for USA, head Shakib has shown the tendency matches before the World Cup. acquitted of rape on appeal
coach Chandika Hathurusingha of being able to use to Powerplay The other point of concern would
Hridoy 19 371 28.53 133.93 admitted that since the tournament
Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane had
overs during the recent Bangladesh be Taskin Ahmed’s injury. Shanto his eight-year jail sentence for rape quashed
Shanto 36 757 25.23 111.16 is in shortest format, changes to Premier League (BPL). was positive about Taskin’s return
batting lineup are expected. on appeal on Wednesday after the former
Regarding Shanto going back to for the first match. national captain challenged his conviction.
Liton 80 1790 23.24 128.49 The Tigers are set to depart for the opening slot, he felt it depended “We are not expecting that Taskin
Jaker 11 197 39.4 127.92 the USA to play the hosts in a three- on a lot of factors. will not be there. We are hoping he
He was accused of raping a young woman in
match T20I series, as part of their With batting a big concern in the will recover and be available from the a Kathmandu hotel in 2022 but was freed on
ALL-ROUNDERS preparations for the T20 World lead up to the World Cup, whether first match [at bail and returned to the team to compete in
Cup. Hathurusingha was asked to such tactical moves prove World Cup], international tournaments while his lengthy trial
Player Mts Runs Wkts Avg/Eco comment on preparations and also meritorious or disastrous, he said. dragged on.
Shakib 119 2404 145 23.56/6.77 batting order changes during his remains to be seen.
Mahedi 47 317 38 13.20/6.58
press conference yesterday. The head coach, Shakib’s grip on another top ICC
“In T20 Cricket, yes, batting order too, was asked during
will be changing. That’s just normal the press conference
ranking loosens
BOLWERS cricket. It’s about where you bat and regarding the batting The race to be the No.1 ranked all-rounder at
Player Mts Wkts Avg Eco how best you bat. concerns. the start of the ICC T20 World Cup has further
“T20 cricket has been challenging “Everybody got intensified as Shakib Al Hasan and Wanindu
Taskin 61 64 24.79 7.53 for us. That shows where we stand in an opportunity Hasaranga share top billing following the latest
Mustafizur 93 110 22.78 7.57 the rankings. So there’s no denial. to bat update to player rankings. Just 23 rating points
But then we are counting on our in the
Shoriful 39 43 24.53 8.18 preparation to do better than what
separate the top five players on the updated list,
we have done before,” he said. with Shakib joined by Hasaranga in the top spot.
Tanzim 4 3 42.66 9.14
Rishad 14 11 29.9 7.83 Gambhir backs Pant as India’s
Tanvir 4 2 34.5 7.66 first-choice wicketkeeper at WC
Rishabh Pant’s middle-order experience can help
him edge out Sanju Samson and become India’s
preferred wicketkeeper-batsman at the Twenty20
World Cup in the West Indies and United States
next month, former India batsman Gautam
Gambhir said. Delhi Capitals skipper Pant scored
446 runs from 13 matches in the IPL this season,
with a 23-ball 33 in his team’s 19-run victory over
Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday.

*Read full stories on The Daily Star website

Now relax, says Haaland Salzburg

appoint
AFP, London Cristian Romero, stood up well to deny

Erling Haaland has urged his

Son Heung-min when one-on-one with
the South Korean.
Lijnders as
Manchester City teammates to “relax”
after they closed in on making English
“They’re a fantastic team,” Haaland
said of Spurs. “You know everyone
manager
football history with a 2-0 win away to REUTERS
knows that they want to play all the
Tottenham Hotspur. time and all praise to them.
Tuesday’s triumph in north London RB Salzburg have appointed
“It was really difficult, but yeah, we Liverpool’s assistant coach
saw City, courtesy of two goals from came here to try and win and we won.
Haaland, win their game in hand as they Pep Lijnders as their new
That’s my only thing and I’m happy. manager from the start
returned to the top of the table as they
of pre-season training in
moved two points clear of Arsenal.
June, the Austrian club
Victory at home to West Ham Focus on game said on Wednesday.
on Sunday’s final day of the season by game and now Lijnders in January had
will now assure City of a fourth relax. We came announced his departure
successive Premier League title -- an here to try to win from Liverpool at the end
unprecedented feat in the top tier of and we won. of this season, along with
English football. Haaland Klopp, and has signed a
“Yeah, fantastic mentality,” Haaland after Suprs win three-year contract with
told City+. “Focus on game by game and Salzburg.
now relax. We came here to try to win “We have been able to
and we won. “I think we were a bit nervous. I think get an ideal candidate
Haaland opened the scoring six that’s normal, there’s a lot of emotions for the coaching position
minutes into the second half when he for everyone. at Red Bull Salzburg in
tapped in from Kevin De Bruyne’s pass “Everyone knows the situation, but Pepijn Lijnders,” Salzburg
before doubling City’s lead from the it’s about not thinking too much. Try sporting director Bernhard
penalty spot after Jeremy Doku was to focus on your things to do and try to Seonbuchner said.
brought down by Pedro Porro. win.” “He is a real football
Spurs, however, had a chance to He added: “Ortega man of the expert and has been
equalise but City reserve goalkeeper match... What can I say? He’s incredible a huge influence on a
Stefan Ortega, who came on after and such a good guy as well, so I’m very successful time for
Ederson was injured in a challenge with happy for him.” Liverpool.”

With a brace on Tuesday

against Tottenham Hotspur,
Premier League top scorer
Erling Haaland not only
almost sealed his second
golden boot on the trot but
also moved Manchester
City closer to ensuring their
sixth title in the last seven
years by breaking hearts
of second-placed Arsenal
with a 2-0 win over Spurs.
Haaland tapped home from
a brilliant Kevin De Bruyne
cross before converting a
penalty to take his Premier
League goal tally to 27,
propelling City to the top
of the table with 88 points.
The title race would now
be decided on the final
matchday with Arsenal
trailing the defending
champions by two points.
PHOTO: REUTERS
 City

12 DHAKA THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024, JAISHTHA 2, 1431 BS

Must recognise FERTILISER THEFT

girls as driving Ex-MP, 4 others
force for change
Says PM
land in jail
STAFF CORRESPONDENT

A Dhaka court yesterday cancelled the bail of former

lawmaker Kamrul Ashraf Khan, owner of Poton Traders,
and four others and sent them to jail in a corruption case.
The case was filed on November 26 last year in
connection with misappropriating 72,000 tonnes of
government-imported urea fertiliser valued at Tk 582
crore.
The other accused are Poton Traders General Manager
Shahadat Hossain and General Manager (management)
Nazmul Hossain Badal, its North Bengal representative
UNB, Dhaka Md Sohrab Hossain and its Khulna and Noapara unit’s
representative Md Ataur Rahman.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Judge Mohammad Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain of
yesterday said there is no alternative Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court passed
to integrated social movements the order after Ashraf and four others surrendered before
against child marriage, dowry, and it and sought extension of their ad-interim bail, ACC
violence against women. Prosecutor Mosharraf Hossain Kajol.
“We must recognise our girls not Ten days after the filing of the case, Ashraf and four
just as victims, but as the driving others on December 6 last year got ad-interim bail from
force behind change,” she said another Dhaka court.
while inaugurating a two-day event On November 26, ACC Deputy Director Md
titled “ICPD30 Global Dialogue
Rafikuzzaman filed the case against them with the
on Demographic Diversity and
commission’s Dhaka-1 office.
Sustainable Development” that
According to the Bangladesh Chemical Industries
would create a platform to discuss
Corporation (BCIC) investigation report, the corporation
the challenges and explore the
opportunities of the world’s shifting had an agreement with Poton Traders to deliver 3.93
demographics. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority is building a jetty well inside the demarcation pillar of the Turag in the capital’s lakh tonnes of urea imported from the Middle East to
SEE PAGE 7 COL 1 Chhoto Diabari area. The photo was taken yesterday. PHOTO: RASHED SHUMON SEE PAGE 7 COL 5

Swiss nursery Battery-run

Israel-Hamas gun Rab arrests ‘Arsa
rickshaws acting chief’,
lets robot do the
talking
must be
stopped battle intensifies seizes weapons
Says Quader 60 more Palestinians killed; ceasefire talks STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Cox’s Bazar
AFP, Lausanne
STAFF CORRESPONDENT mediated by Qatar, Egypt at a stalemate Rapid Action Battalion yesterday
claimed to have arrested the acting
Sat in a circle on the nursery floor, a group of Swiss
three-year-olds ask a robot called Nao questions Road Transport and AGENCIES chief of the Arakan Rohingya
Netanyahu’s army has in recent said it killed some foot soldiers Salvation Army in Bangladesh and
about giraffes and broccoli. Bridges Minister Obaidul days pressed into the east of in Jabalia, while Israel’s
By the time these children become adults, Quader yesterday asked the Israeli troops fought Hamas one of his cohorts from Cox’s Bazar’s
Rafah in pursuit of what it military said it had eliminated Ukhiya and seized weapons and
interacting with robots may well be as authorities concerned to members across Gaza yesterday, says are four Hamas battalions, many Hamas members in an
commonplace as using a smartphone, experts take steps to stop the plying including in the southern city explosives.
despite warnings from its ally area it had claimed to have The arrests were made during an
believe. So one Lausanne creche has decided to of battery-run rickshaws of Rafah that had been a refuge the US and others to hold off to cleared months ago.
give them a head start. on the streets of the capital. for civilians, in an upsurge of early morning raid on an “Arsa den”
avoid mass civilian casualties. Israeli tanks have been at Lal Pahar (hill) near the Rohingya
Nao has been a “Imposing a ban on such
regular visitor at the vehicles is not enough... camp no 20, said Commander Arafat
Nanosphere nursery Steps have to be taken to Islam, director of the Legal and Media
on the campus of stop their operations,” the UN investigates death of Wing of the force.
the Swiss Federal minister said after the first int’l staff member Five grenades, three rifle
Institute of meeting of the advisory grenades, 10 handmade grenades, 13
Te c h n o l o g y council of Bangladesh 105 media workers molotov cocktails, a foreign-made
university Road Transport Authority among dead in Gaza: CPJ revolver, nine rounds of 9mm pistol
since the New (BRTA) at its headquarters ammunition, a light gun and three
in Dhaka yesterday. cartridges were also seized, he added.
Year. He is Police clear Arsa sourced the arms, and
what is called Quader also said that
“no helmet, no fuel”
pro-Palestinian camp explosives from the crisis-hit
an “interactive
l e a r n i n g policy for motorcycles from Swiss university neighbouring country, he said
companion” rather should be implemented referring to Myanmar.
than a substitute across the country to Death toll in enclave The arrestees are Mohammad
teacher. reduce casualties in bike rises to 35,233 Shahnur alias Master Solim, one
As the children were accidents. of the chief coordinators and
dropped off, Nao -- who is only 58 centimetres tall He said the government’s commander of Arsa in Bangladesh,
-- stood on a bench to greet them at eye level. initiative on wearing the more than seven-month and his associate Mohammad Riaz,
Since the October 7 offensive, massed around the eastern 27 of Balukhali camp, the Rab official
“Hello, my name is Nao. I’m happy to be at the helmets became successful offensive that has killed tens of Israel has killed at least 35,233 edges of Rafah and in recent
Nanosphere today,” he said, in a child-like high- in Dhaka city. thousands of Palestinians. said.
Palestinians, according to Gaza days have been probing into
pitched voice. “I left my planet some time ago to “Everybody now wears Antagonism between According to Rab, the force has
health officials yesterday, with built up areas of the city,
come and meet you. I look forward to getting to helmets. It is now rare in Israel and the United Nations been conducting regular drives
60 dead in the last 24 hours. where hundreds of thousands
know you and being able to talk with you in the Dhaka that motorcyclists worsened as the Israeli army In the northern Jabalia refugee against the Myanmar-based militant
of people displaced by the
weeks ahead.” ride without helmets.” sought an explanation for camp, residents said Israeli group after a spate of killings and
fighting have been sheltering
Some children walked straight past, some The minister, also the footage showing armed men tanks had destroyed clusters from fighting elsewhere. criminal activities in the Rohingya
waved, pointed, touched his hand or simply gazed head of the council, said next to UN Palestinian relief of homes but were facing In the north, Israeli military camps. In 2023, 64 people were
at him transfixed. unfit and outdated vehicles agency vehicles. Separately, the heavy resistance. “They are said it had concluded an killed by terrorist groups for various
“What will the children’s future be like? Will will be scrapped and use of UN said it was investigating an bombing houses on top of their operation in the Zeitoun area, reasons.
they have to work with robots? Very probably yes,” hooters in vehicles, except unidentified strike that killed inhabitants. We know of many killing “dozens of terrorists”. Rab said, since then, regular
Olivier Delamadeleine, director-general of the for ambulances, must be an international staff member families being trapped inside Residents said tanks had drives against Arsa have resulted in
Educalis group of nurseries and primary schools stopped. in Gaza earlier this week. their homes,” said Abu Jehad. pulled back from the area, with significant gains against the group
in Lausanne, told AFP. SEE PAGE 7 COL 1 Prime Minister Benjamin Hamas ally Islamic Jihad SEE PAGE 7 COL 2 SEE PAGE 7 COL 1

Mango harvest ASSASSINATION BID

Slovak PM suffers
season starts in life-threatening
Rajshahi injuries
REUTERS, Handlova
STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Rajshahi
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico
The mango season is upon the country as some suffered life-threatening injuries
farmers in Rajshahi have started harvesting the when he was shot and wounded in an
early varieties. attempted assassination yesterday,
The growers who have the mangoes -- locally the government office said.
known as Guti varieties -- in their barns are asking Fico, 59, was
for unusually high prices, partly because it’s early rushed to hospital
in the season and mostly because there are fewer in the central city
mangos on the trees. of Handlova after
The farmers blame rains when the trees holding a government
blossomed, prolonged winter, record-setting heat, meeting there, and
inadequate rain in summer for what they say is a was being transported
significant drop in yield. by helicopter to the Robert Fico
However, Umme Salma, acting deputy director city of Banska Bystrica for urgent
of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), treatment, it said.
says the mangoes will be bigger this year as the A Reuters witness heard several
trees are bearing fewer fruits. shots fired after the meeting in
This year’s yield will not be less than last year’s Handlova northeast of the capital
13.28 tonnes per hectare, which is satisfactory, she Bratislava. Police detained a man and
adds. security officials pushed someone into
Farmers hope the sour varieties of Guti will be a car and drove off, the witness said.
sold at almost Tk 1,500 per maund, up from last Bangladesh’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup attended an official photo session at the Sher-e-Bangla Fico became prime minister for
year’s Tk 500. National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Tigers left in the wee hours of Thursday for the fourth time last year after shifting
The sweeter ones, sold at Tk 700 per maund the USA where they will play a three-match T20I series against the hosts before the mega event, to be co-hosted by the West political gears to appeal to a changing
last year, are likely to be sold at Tk 2,000 a maund Indies and the USA from June 2. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED electorate.
SEE PAGE 7 COL 2 SEE PAGE 7 COL 3