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Jan 11, 2021 NEWSLETTER |
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Bangladesh discovers huge natural gas hydrate deposits in Bay of Bengal A ray of hope – Bangladesh now has all the opportunities to tap into a potential "goldmine" in the form of huge gas hydrates and several hundred species of seaweed discovered in the Bay of Bengal. The country has found the presence of around 17 to 103 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of ice-like hydrate deposits containing huge amounts of methane, according to media reports. While Bangladesh at COP26 committed to gradually cut down its fossil fuel usage and go for green energy, the country still needs fossil fuel like natural gas in the next two decades in order to ensure a smooth transition and energy security. Now, the discovery of gas hydrates has come as a blessing. |
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HPM Sheikh Hasina addresses nation on 3rd anniversary of AL government 
Honourable Prime Minister (HPM) Sheikh Hasina on Friday said the people of the country will keep faith in the Awami League (AL) led government in future like the last 13 years and the party will be able to take the country a long way with confidence. The Bangladesh premier was speaking on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Awami League government for the third consecutive term and entering its fourth year of the current government. She also said Bangladesh is leading in South Asia today in various socio-economic indicators including poverty alleviation, development of health system, reduction of maternal and child mortality rate, increase in life expectancy, empowerment of women, increase in education rate. |
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Omicron: HPM announces to jab 10 million people per month, ban on public gatherings from 13 Jan 
HPM Sheikh Hasina said the Covid-19 vaccination was going on in full swing and a mass vaccination drive was launched to inoculate one crore people per month. She said the country had to go through a grave crisis in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and that crisis is yet to be over. Moreover, in the wake of Omicron variant, the Cabinet Division has announced a set of restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 effective from 13 January. The restrictions include limiting passengers in public transports, banning all kinds of social, political, and religious gatherings in open places, and mandatory wearing of face masks. The current positivity rate jumped to 8.53%, from 6.78% the day before, maintaining an upward trend for the last few weeks. |
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Bangladesh bets big on wind energy to curb climate change 
Bangladesh aims to significantly expand renewable energy sources in its total energy mix in its relentless pursuit of a net-zero carbon footprint. As one of the key steps in this regard, the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) has set a target of generating 5,000MW of onshore and offshore wind power by 2030. Wind energy is power obtained from the force of wind using turbines. The country currently generates only 2.9MW of wind power. The study found the wind potentials at nine locations across the country, having an average wind speed of 5 to 6 meters per second at a height of over 60 to 80 meters above ground level (AGL). |
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Bangladesh to establish cancer hospitals in 8 divisional cities, focuses on health staff export 
At the directives of HPM Sheikh Hasina, the government has taken an initiative to set up specialized cancer hospitals in eight divisional cities of the country. A 14-storey specialized hospital dedicated to cancer, kidney and heart patients will be established in the Kurmitola Hospital compound in Dhaka, while 17-storey cancer hospitals will be established at medical college hospitals. In a major shift from unskilled manpower exporter to healthcare sourcing country, Bangladesh now plans to send health professionals to at least six the countries have already shown interest to hire doctors, nurses, hygienists, caregivers and dental technicians thanks to Covid-led health worker shortage across the globe. |
Bangladesh will see some great strides in its transportation system with a number of mega projects expected to come to fruition by the year-end, opening up new ways to boost economic growth. From the longest railroad bridge to the first-ever metro lines and underwater tunnel, these infrastructural undertakings with billion-dollar price tags will help the country in its bid to attain the status of a developed one by 2041. On the other hand, an initiative has been rolled out to upgrade all highways in the country into four- to six-lane ones in phases, given that the country currently has a 22,000-kilometre road network, of which 4,000 kilometres are highways. |
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Dhaka, Ankara ink deal on security cooperation, counterterrorism 
Bangladesh and Turkey have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on security cooperation, counterterrorism and tackling drug trafficking. The deal was inked during a meeting between Bangladeshi Home Minister and his Turkish counterpart as the Turkish interior minister Suleyman Soylu made a significant visit to Bangladesh. As part of the agreement, Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP will share their experiences with Turkey. Moreover, the envoy reaffirmed his country's continued support to Rohingyas and their host community in Bangladesh. |
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Export hits fresh peak, Pharma export buoyant 
Export earnings hit a new record in December as manufacturers fetched almost $5 billion, backed by the surge in demand from international retailers. Last month's earnings were 48.27 per cent higher year-on-year as exporters raked in $4.9 billion. It was $3.3 billion in the same month in 2020, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau. Pharmaceuticals shipment from Bangladesh grew 22.21 cent year-on-year in the first half of the current fiscal year on the back of continuous addition of anti-coronavirus drugs to the export basket, quality improvement and policy support. Medicines worth $105.50 million were exported in the July-December period, up from $86.33 million in the same period a year ago |
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Bangladesh sets new milestone in cricket history with victory over New Zealand 
Bangladesh beat New Zealand by eight wickets at Mount Manganui, earning their first Test win against the Black Caps and a first win across the formats on NZ soil after 32 unsuccessful attempts. In felicitation messages, the head of the state and the cricket-fan, HPM Sheikh Hasina greeted all the players, coach, and officials of the national cricket team as well as Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials concerned for beating New Zealand. Moreover, If test matches are more about how many sessions you have won, the Tigers claimed at least 10 out of 13 played. If it's about putting a price tag on your wicket and bowling as a unit, they did that with great authority and assurance. |
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BANGLADESH AWAMI LEAGUE |
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