Economy
Bangladesh-India Partnership Illuminates New Chapter with Ctg Street Light Modernization
In a significant milestone for the Bangladesh-India development partnership, a contract was signed on Saturday in Chattogram for the modernization of the city’s street light system. This project, valued at USD 25.71 million (nearly Tk 300 crore), is being implemented under the Government of India’s concessional Line of Credit programme.
The signing ceremony was attended by Md Tajul Islam, Bangladesh’s Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives; Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation; and Pranay Verma, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh.
High Commissioner Verma, in his remarks, highlighted the project’s role in laying the foundation for a Smart City infrastructure in Chattogram. He emphasized its alignment with the recently declared Shared Vision for an ‘India-Bangladesh Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future,’ signed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s state visit to India in June 2024.
The high commissioner underscored the collaborative efforts of both nations to integrate environment-friendly approaches into development projects. These efforts include co-developing energy-efficient measures, enhancing energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and improving power transmission efficiency. The project aims to optimize energy use, reduce wastage, promote sustainable urban development, and establish smart urban infrastructure to enhance the quality of urban life.
Describing the project as a testament to the sustainability commitment of both India and Bangladesh, Verma expressed hope that such collaborations would pave the way for a brighter, greener, and more prosperous future.
According to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, the project’s objective is to replace conventional street lights with eco-friendly, low-power consuming LED lights. This upgrade will reduce Chattogram’s carbon footprint, lower maintenance costs due to the longer lifespan of the LED lights, and improve public safety by providing better-lit streets.
The modernization project will cover approximately 460 kilometers of city streets, utilizing 20,600 LED light fittings and associated technology and equipment. This initiative is expected to result in significant cost savings and contribute to the overall enhancement of life quality for Chattogram’s residents.
By implementing this project with a concessional loan from the Government of India, both nations reaffirm their dedication to sustainable development and the creation of smart urban environments.
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.
