Economy
Padma Bridge Initiates Trial Phase for Electronic Toll Collection System
The Padma Bridge has commenced the trial phase of its Electronic Toll Collection System (ETCS) on Wednesday. Out of the total 17 booths, 14 have been integrated with the automatic toll collection system.
Additionally, the Padma Bridge Traffic Monitoring Center was inaugurated at the Mawa end, facilitating real-time monitoring of traffic movement on the bridge. Utilizing the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) method, tolls can now be collected from vehicles while they are in motion. As a registered vehicle approaches the toll plaza, the scanner at booth number-1 identifies the vehicle automatically.
Md Monjur Hossain, Secretary of the Bridges Division, experienced the new smart toll payment method by crossing the toll plaza and making the payment around 10:30 am. Md Monjur Hossain highlighted the introduction of two additional smart toll collection booths on both sides of the bridge, bringing the total number of toll booths under the electronic toll collection system to 14 out of 17.
To facilitate the registration process for ETCS, a dedicated registration booth has been established on the east side of the Padma Bridge, near the Uttar Police Station at Mawa end. Once fully implemented, this system aims to minimize waiting times for vehicles and alleviate traffic congestion at toll plazas.
However, it should be noted that three booths – booth no. 8 at the Mawa end and booths no. 8 and no. 9 at the Zajira end of the bridge – will continue to collect tolls manually from motorcycles.
The introduction of the ETCS on the Padma Bridge signifies a significant step towards efficient toll collection and smoother traffic flow. The trial phase will help assess the system’s effectiveness and address any potential issues before its full-scale implementation, offering a more convenient and seamless experience for commuters.
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.
