In an article written for the Diplomat Magazine, the ICT Advisor to Bangladesh HPM Sajeeb Wazed has detailed out his country's efforts to fight the dissemination of religious hate and militancy through posting of fake and fictional news, comments, photos and videos on the social media. He reiterated that while the government of Bangladesh is committed to peaceful free speech and a free press, it will not allow terrorists to use the internet to spread falsehoods or to multiply the effects of horrific actions.

In an editorial which came out on the English daily Dhaka Tribune, the 'Electricity for All' campaign of the Awami League was applauded. Under the vision, the government led by Sheikh Hasina has pledged to secure energy for all by the year 2021. The editorial in particular lauded the long term visions of generating 24,000MW of electricity by 2021 and 60,000MW by 2031. The fact that a significant portion of power will come from renewable energy has been termed as specifically encouraging. It noted that the HPM’s declaration to stop misuse of power and gas is a directive that needs to be followed by the public.

In an analysis written for Eurasia Review, a researcher for the Institution for Conflict Management highly lauded the Bangladesh war crimes trials. The analysis provided a status of the trials and states that HPM Sheikh Hasina’s Awami Government has shown enormous courage in going ahead with the War Crime Trials, and the completion of this process will eventually prove to be an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh, bringing some measure of justice to millions who had suffered at the hands of the Pakistan Army and its collaborators in Bangladesh.

Infrastructure and Mega Projects

Bangladesh has signed preliminary agreements with two Chinese companies to develop three components of Payra seaport with $510 million in funds. Of the two, China Harbour Engineering will build the core port infrastructure at $150 million and China State Construction Engineering will fortify riparian areas to reduce flood risk and soil erosion at a cost of $300 million. It will also set up housing, education and health facilities at $60 million. If all infrastructures can be put in place, it will add 1 percentage point to the country's gross domestic product.

Growth and Development

Bangladesh has sent over 704,078 workers abroad with employment and received US$ 12.65 billion as remittance this year that contributed significantly in the socioeconomic advancement of the nation. With sincere efforts and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government has sent as many as 4,136,736 workers to 69 countries till December 6, 2016 from 2009 and received $ 104.75 billion as remittance. The overall manpower export from Bangladesh is expected to witness a robust growth in the next year as well.

International and Regional Cooperation

Bangladesh and Cuba have discussed various aspects of bilateral issues and the potential for expanding trade and business ties between the two countries. This was discussed when Oscar Martinez Cordoves, leader of the GFMD delegation from Cuba to Bangladesh, called on Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali this week. The envoy was briefed about exportable items from Bangladesh especially readymade garments, pharmaceuticals and healthcare services. Issuance of a condolence message sent by Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after the death of former Cuban President Raul Modesto Castro Ruz was also appreciated.

Trade and Investment

Gulf countries are now banking on Bangladesh to pour in investment as the economy of the country has been emerging with sustainable growth, opined, R Seetharaman, chief executive officer of Doha Bank in the state of Qatar. This week, the expert paid a visit to Bangladesh to inaugurate representative office of Doha Bank in Bangladesh. Drastic fall of oil prices in global market, alongside, presence of a plethora of business friendly opportunities have helped Bangladesh emerge as a potential hub for investment.

Agriculture and Food Security

The country's first satellite-based Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) for agriculture is going to be introduced aiming to help farmers with advisory services to boost production. Local agro-based company Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) Ltd in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) and the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) is going to virtualise the IDSS for agriculture. Examples of specialised IDSS include intelligent marketing decision support systems, flexible manufacturing systems and medical diagnosis systems.

Social Justice and Equity

Bangladesh has made significant improvements in the working condition at factories as three agencies have been working to plug the loopholes, said Guy Ryder, director-general of the International Labour Organisation. In an interview with a leading English daily, he said since 2013, Bangladesh has come a long way to make its garments industry safer and to improve working conditions. According to this expert, a great deal of work has been done through the Alliance, Accord and the national initiatives to conduct structural assessments of safety and undertake remedial action.

Digital Bangladesh

Bangladesh has launched an initiative to train 30,000 women entrepreneurs by 2018. In this regard, a MoU was signed recently between the ICT Division, Bangladesh Women in Technology (BWIT) and Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID). This initiative was launched in partnership with the UNESCAP-APCICT to achieve SDG 5. The aim is to strengthen capacity of women entrepreneurs to utilise IT in support of their businesses and of government leaders and policymakers to create an enabling environment for ICT-empowered women entrepreneurs.