May 02, 2019 | Issue 218

NEWSLETTER

Bangladesh eyes a record of 8.13% GDP growth in current fiscal

The country’s GDP growth would be a record of 8.13 % in the current fiscal, riding on the back of a satisfactory growth in different macroeconomic indicators, including export earning, remittance and foreign exchange reserve, said media reports quoting government officials. One of the four key macroeconomic indicators during the July-December of the current fiscal, the revenue collection under the National Board Revenue (NBR) rose by 9.4% and the overall public expenditure increased by 10.38% during the first half of current fiscal, compared to the same period of previous fiscal 2017-18. The ADP implementation rate increased by 11.9 % during the first six months of current fiscal compared to the same period of previous fiscal.

HPM Sheikh Hasina orders speedy disposal of rape, arson cases

Honoirable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (HPM) asked the authorities concerned to dispose of the cases involving rapes and arson deaths in shortest possible time to ensure punishment for the culprits promptly. The premier asked the authorities to take immediate measures for speedy trial of the cases and ensure tougher punishment for those involved in the crimes as the nation wants to get rid of them. She said her government wants each of the people get justice and asked the authorities concerned to take measures to this end. Her government has enacted the Legal Aid Services Act, 2000 to pave the way of giving justice to the poor, incapable and helpless litigants following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Export of agro-products rises 53% in nine months

The export of agricultural products increased substantially so far in the current fiscal year (FY 2018-19), amid a great leap in shipments of processed food items. In the first nine months, the exports have already surpassed the target worth US$ 711 million set for the FY, according to the latest data of the Export Promotion Bureau (RPB). The local traders exported goods worth $ 723 million within the third quarter (July-March), a 53 % growth over the corresponding period of last FY, EPB data showed. The overall shipment of fresh produces including vegetables, fruits, tobacco, tea, flower and foliage, dry and processed foods were worth $674 million in FY '18.

Navy receives two modern warships

Two new warships equipped with modern technology and advanced equipment were received by the Bangladesh Navy at Chattogram Naval Jetty. “Sangram” and “Prottyasha”, both 90 metres long and 11 metres wide, are capable of hitting enemy airplanes, ships and establishments. Made by China, the warships, with top speed of 25 nautical miles per hour, have deck landing and takeoff facilities for helicopters. They are equipped with modern artillery guns, and land-to-air and ground-to-ground missiles.

Dhaka, Delhi on same page over water-sharing: foreign minister

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen hoped that the water-sharing issues between Bangladesh and India would be resolved through discussions, as the two countries are “mentally agreed” to work on the basis of mutual understanding. He said the two countries’ diplomacy over common rivers is good, as the two countries are mentally on the same page, though negotiations are going on to some extent. He mentioned that there are 54 common rivers, and the two countries share the same mindset and approach over water-sharing.

Job portal for migrant workers launched

The country's first job portal and app was launched on Sunday for migrant workers aiming to prevent middlemen from getting involved in the process of sending workers abroad. International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Bdjobs.com have jointly created the portal and mobile app named 'Bdesh Jobs' to provide overseas jobseekers with necessary information about employment in different countries.. The platform will also help government-approved recruitment agencies get quick access to information about skilled workers.

100-bed hospital to be set up at each upazila

Efforts are put in place to set up a 100-bed hospital at every upazila across the country aiming to provide healthcare facilities to all the people living in rural areas. According to the election manifesto and announcement of HPM Sheikh Hasina, such hospital is being devised to set up in every upazila of the country in a bid to reach quality health and nutrition services to the doorstep of every people of Bangladesh. Under the able leadership of the Bangladesh Premier, the people of the country has seen a sharp rise in life expectancy rate and the country made its mark as a star performer on other health indices.

Bangladesh preparing as storm Fani likely to strike after lashing India

The Bangladesh authorities are preparing to minimise the damage Fani is likely to cause as the very severe cyclonic storm may strike the country after battering India. The government and the Red Crescent have opened control rooms to tackle the damage from the storm in 19 coastal districts. Cyclone Preparation Programme’s 56,000 volunteers along with the army camps in the coastal areas have been alerted. The deputy commissioners of the coastal districts have been provided with 200 tonnes of rice and Tk 500,000 each in cash for distribution. The 19 districts have also been provided with 41,000 packets of dry food.

Bangladesh wishes Japan well as Reiwa era begins with Emperor Naruhito

The Honourable president of Bangladesh has greeted the new emperor of Japan with a wish that the new era will bring “peace and harmony” for the Japanese people. New Japanese Emperor Naruhito pledges to work as symbol of the people Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally took up his post on Wednesday, a day after the abdication of his father, saying he felt a “sense of solemnity” but pledging to work as a symbol of the nation and the unity of its people. In his message, the President Md Abdul wished that this “Reiwa will usher in an era of peace and harmony for the people of Japan, and take Japan to new height of prosperity and glory".

Bangabandhu satellite connects local TVs, ATMs

Alongside providing feed to local television channels (TVs), Bangabandhu satellite-I (BS-I) is set to connect automated teller machines (ATM) to offer uninterrupted and secured banking services. According to media reports, isolated parts of the country are also going to be connected with internet services using the bandwidth of the country’s first geostationary communication satellite which would complete one year of its launching on May 12. Besides, an initiative has also been taken to provide 3G and broadband internet connectivity using BS-I to the people of Hatia Island and other isolated parts in the country.

BANGLADESH AWAMI LEAGUE
23, Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka-1000. Bangladesh.