Oct 15, 2015

Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman has been named the best central bank governor in the Asian region by London-based publication Emerging Markets for earmarking far reaching initiatives that successfully upheld macroeconomic stability and expanded financial inclusion in Bangladesh. An array of his powerful works includes launching of a number of ambitious programmes, ranging from empowerment of women through to getting street children into the financial system, and taking financial services to one million tenant farmers who had never been covered by conventional banking.

A historic milestone was set on Thursday as Bangladesh began the construction work to set up the country’s first ever high-tech park in Gazipur ending a 16 years of wait since the plan had been devised. Bangladesh TechnoSity, laid the foundation stone of the first building to be developed on an 186,000-square-foot “smart” building, equipped with both environment friendly and worker-safety features. An amount of $25.8 million would be laid out to finish the job within a space of next six years that would create some 60,000 employment opportunities.

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim has hailed Bangladesh's efforts to integrate more women in the workforce and singled it out as an example for the globe to increase female employment to spur the growth. The global multi-lender chief hoped that the female workforce will grow from 34 to 82% over the next decade, adding 1.8% to the GDP. Bangladesh has the third highest number of female lawmakers among the Saarc countries and on account of female workforce the country outshined India and Pakistan. As many as 10,000 new nurses will get employment opportunities in hospitals and healthcare centres across the country.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened three new power stations in Ashuganj with a combined capacity of 475MW, taking the total number of active stations to 100, ashining testament to the government vision to ensure electricity for all by 2021. Over the last six years, the government has overseen unprecedented level of power being generated and 74% of the population gaining access to electricity. Given that the present generation capacity exceeds over 14,000 MW, the government is now eyeing to increase it to 20,000 MW.

Preparations are well underway to introduce digital learning system for grade six students at all public schools from next year. Audio visual of 16 general subjects and 4 special subjects of Madrasah curriculum with colourful images will also be included along with setting up of special 27 e-learning centres across the country. Currently, Trainers from 14 teachers' training college and selected public universities are working on content development to ensure the distribution from the beginning of the next year.

Thailand has agreed to a Bangladesh proposal to sign an instrument on security cooperation to combat the menace of transnational crimes including human trafficking, drug smuggling and terrorism. Further scopes of cooperation in the proposal include Thai Navy Cadet training ships would pay goodwill calls at Bangladesh ports while the two air forces would explore scope for joint exercises specially in the context of UN peacekeeping missions.