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.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday paid tribute to the Armed Forces Division by placing a floral wreath at its headquarters.
Prof Yunus, who visited the division as part of his official duties, laid the wreath to honor the sacrifices and dedication of the members of the Armed Forces.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, he signed the visitor’s book.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, along with four other election commissioners, announced their resignation during a press conference today at the Election Commission (EC) building. The resignation follows growing speculation and pressure.
CEC Awal stated, “In this changed situation, I and other commissioners have decided to step down. We’re handing over our resignation letters to the EC Secretary to send it to the President.” After submitting the letters, the CEC and some commissioners quickly left the premises, with no clear explanation for the absence of two election commissioners.
The resignations come amid increasing unrest tied to the registration of political parties such as Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad. Sources revealed the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behavior from activists, prompting the decision to step down.
Protesters outside the EC building hurled shoes at vehicles carrying Election Commissioners Rashida Sultana, Md Alamgir, and Anisur Rahman as they left. Meanwhile, preparations for their exit had already been underway, with the commissioners reportedly relocating personal belongings from their offices.
The commission, appointed in February 2022 for a five-year term, had previously expressed confusion over demands for their resignation, maintaining they had conducted fair elections. However, internal discussions led to the collective decision to resign earlier than expected.
The government will now purchase LNG from the international spot market through open tender instead of negotiation.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in a meeting on Wednesday in principle approved a proposal in this regard.
Adviser of the interim government for Finance Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, who presided over the meeting, said that the government will procure LNG through open tender.
The Energy and Mineral Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources placed the proposal where it sought approval to import LNG from 23 listed companies in the international spot market.
The adviser said that though such 23 companies were enlisted by the previous Awami League government and signed Master Sales and Purchase Agreement, they will remain unchanged.
He said that instead of applying the Speedy Increase of Energy and Power Supply (Special) Act 2010, the interim government will follow the Public Procurement Rules 2008 to ensure the competitive bidding process.
“We don’t want to change them as we wanted to import LNG quickly, ensuring proper competition among the suppliers,” he told reporters.
Committee also approved another proposal in principle to sign a contract to import urea fertiliser for the 2024-25 fiscal year from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, on a G-to-G basis.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Government Procurement (CCGP) in a meeting, presided over by the Adviser for Finance, approved 3 proposals for import of lentil and fertiliser.
As per the proposal, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh will procure 10,000 metric tons (MT) of lentil from local firm Sahara Enterprise at a cost of Tk 98.20 crore with each kg priced at Tk 98.20.
The Commerce Ministry which moved the proposal on behalf of the TCB in the meeting mentioned in the proposal that the supplier firm was selected through open tender.
The CCGP approved two separate proposals of the Industries Ministry under which Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation will import 30,000 MT of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE, under state to state contract at a cost of Tk 121.48 crore.
Each metric ton of fertiliser will cost $343.17.
Another 30,000 MT of bagged granular urea fertiliser will be procured from the local Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (Kafco) at a cost of Tk 116.99 crore with each metric ton costing $330.50.
