National
PM Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate Matarbari coal-fired plant in Dec
In a significant development, the inaugural unit of the Matarbari coal-fired power plant located in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, is set to commence operations by December, injecting an impressive 600 MW of electricity into the national grid. The esteemed inauguration is expected to be conducted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself, as disclosed by project officials earlier this week.
On June 23, a vessel transporting 64,300 tonnes of coal from Indonesia arrived at the Matarbari plant, marking a crucial milestone in the project’s progress. Spanning 1,414 acres of land in Matarbari and Dhalghata unions of Maheshkhali upazila, Cox’s Bazar district, this 1200 MW power plant was constructed with Japanese funding on the coastal area, accompanied by the development of port infrastructure and a jetty dedicated to coal unloading from ships.
The ongoing efforts by the Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCL), the implementing company for this mega project, are evident during recent visits to the site. Remarkably, the jetty for coal discharge near the power plant is nearing completion, with vessels already making use of the facility. The transformation of the area due to this project has been significant, according to officials.
The operational phase of the power plant will require a daily supply of 13,104 tons of coal, necessitating the construction of coal discharge jetties and silos. A massive 90-acre ash pond and a second 600-acre one have been established for ash storage during the plant’s projected 25-year lifetime. Furthermore, an 80-acre coal yard has been prepared for efficient coal storage.
An agreement signed in 2014 between the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) outlines the project’s funding details, with an estimated cost of Tk 51,800 crores. While JICA will provide Tk 43,921 crore as project support, the remaining Tk 7,933 crore will be sourced from the Bangladesh Government and CPGCBL’s own funds.
Progress on the project has been substantial, with approximately 95 percent of the jetty and physical infrastructure already completed, and 90 percent of the overall physical infrastructure work accomplished. Nazmul Huq, Executive Director of the Matarbari coal-fired plant project, has expressed confidence that the power plant will be operational at 600 MW capacity even before the formal inauguration in December, aiming for full functionality by January 2024 when the first unit is scheduled to be commissioned. The second unit is expected to follow suit in July, with both units contributing to the national grid.
Executive Director Huq has also assured that strict environmental measures are being adhered to, with minimal impact on the environment during coal transportation and usage. The implementation ensures that coal is directly transported from the jetty to the plant, preventing environmental pollution.
As the Matarbari Coal Power Project gains momentum, it stands as a priority project for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, further exemplifying the nation’s commitment to expanding its energy infrastructure and ensuring a sustainable future.
National
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, a distinguished academic from the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka, has been appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh (NUB). The Ministry of Education confirmed the appointment through an official notification issued on Sunday (23 November), signed by Sultan Ahmed, Assistant Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, on behalf of the President.
The notice states that, with the approval of the Honorable President and Chancellor, Professor Rahman will serve a four-year term as Vice-Chancellor under Section 31(1) of the Private University Act, 2010. He will receive all salary, allowances, and benefits as determined by the university, and his duties will commence immediately in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Professor Rahman has an outstanding academic background. He secured First Class First in his Honors degree from the University of Dhaka’s Marketing Department, achieving record-breaking marks. He completed his MBA with dual majors in Finance and Marketing at Dalhousie University in Canada, graduating in the top 1% of his class. He later earned his Master’s degree (First Class Second) and PhD from the same department at the University of Dhaka.
During his illustrious 35-year career, he has served as Chairman of the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka for three years and was elected to both the Syndicate and Senate of the university. He also served as Dean at Daffodil International University and has taught as an adjunct professor at North South University, BRAC University, and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
Professor Rahman has an extensive body of research, with over 35 publications, including four international papers and three research monographs. Several MPhil and PhD scholars have completed their degrees under his supervision. He also served for many years as Vice President of the Dhaka University Marketing Alumni Association.
Outside academia, he has contributed significantly to the corporate sector and educational governance. He has worked as an independent director and strategic adviser to various reputed organizations and has served on the governing bodies of several well-known colleges in Dhaka. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the North South Society.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
