Economy
Agargaon-Motijheel Metro Rail Service to Commence in Sept, Oct
In an eagerly anticipated announcement, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader disclosed on Saturday morning that the metro rail services connecting Agargaon and Motijheel in the capital city of Dhaka are scheduled to commence operations in either September or October of this year.
The minister made this revelation during a press briefing following the inauguration of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project’s Uttara House Building to Cherag Ali section, spanning an impressive distance of 4.5 kilometers, for public use.
Minister Quader expressed his optimism, stating that the Jashimuddin Road section of the BRT project near the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) will be promptly opened for vehicular movement ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha festivities, facilitating smooth transportation during the anticipated holiday rush. The initiative aims to alleviate congestion and ensure convenient travel for the public.
With remarkable progress achieved thus far, Minister Quader further informed that approximately 20.5 kilometers of the BRT project is expected to become fully operational by September or October, offering commuters an enhanced transportation experience within Dhaka.
Excitingly, Minister Quader also revealed plans for the inauguration of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, extending up to Tongi, ahead of the national elections slated for later this year. This strategic move will not only enhance connectivity but also contribute significantly to the overall infrastructure development of the region.
As anticipation mounts, the countdown begins for the launch of the Agargaon-Motijheel metro rail services, which are poised to revolutionize commuting in Dhaka and provide residents with a reliable and efficient transportation solution. With the BRT project’s expansion and the impending inauguration of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, the capital city is set to witness a significant transformation in its urban mobility landscape.
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.
