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.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued forecasts of rain or thundershowers for Dhaka, Rangpur, and five other divisions, commencing from 9 am today and extending over the next 24 hours. This weather forecast encompasses Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions, where accompanying gusty or squally winds are anticipated during the rainfall. Additionally, Chattogram division is expected to experience some activity, albeit in fewer places, with the potential for hail in isolated areas.
The BMD bulletin highlights that various areas within these seven divisions may witness significant thunderstorm activity, accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds, with isolated occurrences of hail.
Temperature levels across the nation are projected to remain consistent, both during daytime and at night. Over the past 24-hour period, Rajshahi recorded the highest temperature in the country at 34.7 degrees Celsius, while Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, experienced the lowest temperature at 21.2 degrees Celsius.
Dhaka witnessed the most substantial rainfall, measuring up to 87mm. Residents in the affected divisions are advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions and stay informed about further forecasts from the BMD.
The Jashore Education Board has achieved the highest pass rate of 92.32% among the nine boards in the 2024 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination, according to official data.
Conversely, Sylhet remained at the bottom with a pass rate of 73.35%, continuing its trend from last year when it also recorded the lowest pass rate of 76.06%.
Data from the education board website reveals that the Dhaka board secured a pass rate of 83.92%, while Rajshahi board achieved 89.25%, Cumilla board 79.20%, Barishal board 89.13%, Chattogram board 82.80%, Dinajpur board 78.40%, and Mymensingh board 84.97%.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the results of this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations. Students have been able to access their results through the official website.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the 2024 Hajj program (1445 hijri) in Ashkona, the capital, today, May 8th.
Subsequently, she exchanged pleasantries with the Hajj pilgrims at the Ashkona Hajj camp.
The maiden Hajj flight is set to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Saudi Arabia on Thursday (May 9).
Dedicated Hajj flights will also operate from Chattogram and Sylhet airports, landing at Jeddah and Medina airports.
This year, 85,257 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to undertake the holy journey. Among them, 4,562 will be under government management, while 80,695 will be managed privately.
The Hajj is tentatively scheduled for June 15th, contingent upon the moon sighting.
In attendance were Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Ministry Mohammad Huchamuddin Chowdhury, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, and president of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Shahadat Hossain Taslim.
Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the inaugural function, while Religious Affairs Secretary Md A Hamid Zamadder delivered the welcome address.
