Economy
Govt to take huge development plan for major cities
Different development officials in big cities including the capital, Dhaka, are working on a compact plan to deal with rapid urbanization.
According to a report, the city development officials are wrapping up plans for better housing, management of parks and water bodies, elimination of traffic congestion and waterlogging.
The preparation of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripokkho (Rajuk) for the periods from 2016 to 2035 is at the final stage, it says.
An earthquake vulnerability assessment for the buildings in Dhaka city is also going on under the Urban Resilience Project, it says.
A study project titled “Preparation of Chattogram Metropolitan Master Plan (2020-2041)” is being implemented by Chattogram Development Authority.
Rajshahi Development Authority has prepared a master plan to be implemented in four stages over 20 years.
Hence, the drafting of the ‘Urban and Regional Planning Act’ is underway, aimed at planned urbanization across the nation.
In Dhaka, excavation and development of a 100-foot-wide canal on both sides of Kuril-Purbachal Link Road and a 12.3-km, 14-lane road are being built, which includes 5 intersections, 13 arch bridges and 4 underpasses and widening of 6 bridges.
Besides, construction of a 6.18-km road with 4 bridges, spanning from Notun Bazar area of Dhaka to the Balu River along Madani Avenue is going on under Rajuk.
The report says cleaning and re-excavation of 35 canals are underway in Chattogram to help relieve the city from waterlogging.
Construction of a 16.50-km flyover from Lalkhanbazar to Shah Amanat Airport in Chattogram is also underway.
Additionally, the construction of 15.20-km ring road project to reduce traffic congestion in Chattogram city is nearing completion.
The use of modern and eco-friendly blocks, as an alternative to bricks, is being motivated by the government to ensure sustainable development, according to the official papers.
It says that work is underway to build a pilot plant for making eco-friendly ‘Autoclave Aerated Concrete Panel’.
As a result, it is expected that the implementation of the government’s policy of reducing the use of bricks to zero by 2025 will be accelerated.
On top of it, steps have been taken for ensuring the use of rapid building construction technology in line with the construction engineering followed in the developed world, preferring high-rise buildings to ensure optimal use of land.
The plan also envisages making the construction industry modern and sustainable through the maximum use of local materials, technologies and skilled manpower.
It is bringing old government buildings under earthquake resistance system (seismic retrofitting) according to the needs and importance.
The plan will also make all government buildings environment-friendly, energy-efficient and rich with green technologies by minimizing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy, the document says.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
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