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India Keen to Strengthen Ties with Bangladesh: Vikram Misri
Rtv News
09 Dec 2024, 17:51
India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has stated that India is eager to further strengthen its economic, social, and political ties with Bangladesh.
He made these remarks while speaking to the media after a meeting on Monday (9 December).
Vikram Misri claimed that following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Bangladesh's Chief Advisor of India's commitment to fostering cooperative relations through a phone call.
"We want to deepen our relationship with the people of Bangladesh," he said, emphasizing India's interest in bolstering cooperation in economic, social, and political spheres.
Noting ongoing efforts to address barriers in tourism and business, the Foreign Secretary stated, "India seeks a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh."
Referring to recent unfortunate incidents involving attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic assets, Misri expressed hope that Bangladesh would address these issues with a positive outlook to expedite bilateral relations.
Vikram Misri arrived in Dhaka on Monday morning aboard a special Indian Air Force flight to participate in high-level talks between India and Bangladesh.
This marks the first high-level meeting between the two nations following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government.
After meeting with Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus, Misri is scheduled to leave Dhaka later tonight.
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Oil to Flow Dhaka via Pipeline, Saving Tk 2.36 Billion
The construction of a 250-kilometer pipeline has already been completed. If all goes as planned, fuel oil will start flowing from Chattogram to Dhaka through this pipeline by March next year. This will result in savings of approximately Tk 2.36 billion, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's energy transportation system.
According to officials from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the implementation of this project will not only reduce fuel transportation costs but also ensure an uninterrupted supply chain. Moreover, it will contribute to reducing environmental pollution.
Currently, fuel oil is transported from Chattogram to Dhaka via river and road. However, this process often faces disruptions for various reasons. Additionally, the cost of transportation through rivers and roads is high, and there are frequent allegations of oil theft. During the dry season, reduced navigability in waterways further complicates transportation.
To address these challenges, a project titled "Transportation of Fuel Oil through Pipeline from Chattogram to Dhaka" was approved in October 2018. However, construction work started in 2020. Initially, the project was scheduled to be completed by December 2022, but the deadline was extended twice with the latest deadline set for December this year.
The project's initial cost was estimated at Tk 28.61 billion, but it was later revised to Tk 36.99 billion. It is being implemented by the 24 Engineer Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army.
According to BPC sources, the annual demand for fuel oil in Bangladesh is about 6.5 million tons. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, 6.7 million tons were supplied with diesel accounting for 75% of the total demand.
BPC also mentioned that 40% of the country's total fuel demand is consumed in the Dhaka division. Currently, oil is transported to Dhaka by first shipping it from Patenga in Chattogram to depots in Narayanganj's Godnail and Fatullah via waterways and then by road to Dhaka. Around 150 small and large vessels are used for this transportation every month, costing Tk 2 billion annually.
Once the pipeline becomes operational, the project is expected to generate an annual revenue of Tk 3.26 billion, while expenses for operations, maintenance, fuel, electricity, and land lease will amount to Tk 900 million. This will lead to annual savings of Tk 2.36 billion.
Projections suggest that the project's investment will be recovered within 16 years.
Regarding the project's progress, Md. Aminul Haque, the project director appointed by BPC, said that construction work will be fully completed by December. After commissioning trials, the pipeline will be ready for full-scale fuel transportation.
When asked about the commissioning timeline, Anupam Barua, BPC's Director of Operations and Maintenance stated that commissioning is expected to begin in January, followed by staff recruitment and training. Full-scale fuel transportation is scheduled to start in March.
Bangladesh Ahead of India and Pakistan in Per Capita GDP
People in Bangladesh earn more on average than those in India and Pakistan. Over the past few years, Bangladesh has surpassed both countries in terms of income. However, two decades ago, India and Pakistan were significantly ahead of Bangladesh.
According to a report by the World Bank, despite the global economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession, Bangladesh's economic growth did not decline to negative levels. Although growth was slow, it remained positive. Over the last two decades, Bangladesh has experienced the highest increase in per capita income among South Asian nations. Currently, Bangladesh's per capita income surpasses that of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Myanmar.
The information was derived from a World Bank report published on Friday (December 13).
The report further indicates that while many low-income countries faced debt crises and economic vulnerabilities, some have shown resilience. In the fiscal year 2019-2020, Bangladesh's growth rate fell to 4.5%, and in 2020-2021, it dropped further to 3.4%. However, in subsequent years, the growth rate recovered, reaching 7.1% in 2021-2022. Growth slowed again in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The World Bank forecasts that the growth rate may decline to 4% in the current fiscal year.
In the early 21st century, the World Bank classified 63 countries as low-income. Since then, 39 countries, including India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, have moved into the middle-income category, with annual per capita incomes exceeding $1,145 as of 2023. Sustainable growth has allowed only six low-income countries to achieve middle-income status by 2050. Bangladesh has been one of the most successful in this regard.
For four consecutive years, Bangladesh has surpassed India in terms of per capita GDP. According to the IMF’s latest data, in 2023, Bangladesh's per capita GDP reached $2,621, while India’s stood at $2,612.
Bangladesh first overtook India in per capita GDP in 2020, when its per capita GDP was $1,888, compared to India's $1,877.
Bangladesh surpassed Pakistan in per capita GDP for the first time in 2016, with its per capita GDP reaching $1,659, while Pakistan’s was $1,468. Since then, Pakistan has not been able to overtake Bangladesh. In 2023, Pakistan’s per capita GDP stood at $1,471.
Regional Comparison
Bhutan: Per capita income rose from $720 to $3,740, a 419% increase.
Myanmar: Per capita income rose from $190 in 2000 to $1,210 in 2023, a 537% increase.
Nepal: Per capita income increased from $220 to $1,370, a 523% rise.
Pakistan: Per capita income grew from $470 to $1,500, a 219% increase.
Afghanistan: In 2023, per capita income was $360.
The World Bank will provide further details on these developments in its upcoming Global Economic Prospects report, scheduled for release on January 14.
National Memorial Ready to Honor Brave Martyrs
December 16 marks Victory Day, and the nation will celebrate its 54th anniversary this year. The National Memorial in Savar has been cleaned, painted, and decorated with colorful flowers and lights to honor the heroic martyrs whose sacrifices brought this victory.
Preparations include comprehensive security measures across four layers, ensuring a fitting tribute to the glorious occasion.
Standing on 108 acres of land, the National Memorial bears witness to the red and green history of the Liberation War. As in previous years, extensive efforts over the past month have ensured that the memorial is cleaned, maintained, and adorned with vibrant flowers for the grand celebration of Victory Day. Painting, lighting, and other beautification works have been completed.
With the rising crimson sun, the President, the Chief Adviser, and a massive crowd will gather at the memorial. The concrete martyr's altar will be covered in a blanket of flowers.
The nation is eagerly awaiting the moment to pay homage and show love to its greatest sons and daughters. Both the elderly and the younger generations will come together to express their respect and love for the martyrs. For security, CCTV cameras have been installed inside and outside the memorial, and hundreds of security personnel are deployed alongside round-the-clock surveillance by intelligence agencies.
The three armed forces have completed their rehearsals to ensure a ceremonial and dignified observance of the day by the President and the Chief Adviser.
Jomela, a caretaker of the National Memorial, shared her feelings: "We have been working at the National Memorial for many years. While we could not participate in the Liberation War ourselves, we are deeply proud to maintain the graves of those whose sacrifices broke the chains of oppression and brought us independence. Just as our forefathers told us stories of freedom, we will proudly pass on to the next generation the story of how we prepared and cared for the martyrs' graves and the memorial with utmost dedication."
Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Engineer of the Public Works Department in Dhaka, stated: "All preparations for honoring the martyrs at the National Memorial have been completed under the direction of the Public Works Department. After the President and the Chief Adviser pay their respects, other dignitaries, including advisers, secretaries, diplomats, and key figures, will lay their wreaths before opening the memorial to the public."
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Dhaka Range, A.K.M. Awlad Hossain, remarked: "Comprehensive security measures have been implemented by Dhaka District Police for Victory Day at the National Memorial. Watchtowers have been set up in various locations, and intelligence teams are actively monitoring the area.
Around 3,500 police personnel will be deployed for security in and around the memorial. We have already enveloped the entire area in a security blanket, extending from Aminbazar in Savar to the National Memorial."
On Victory Day, the National Memorial will be adorned with countless flowers, reflecting the respect and love of the masses. After the President and Chief Adviser pay their tributes, the memorial will be opened to the public. Subsequently, leaders from the BNP and various political and social organizations will also pay their respects.
Asif Nazrul Expresses Gratitude to His Wife
Dr Asif Nazrul, Advisor on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs expressed his gratitude towards his wife by saying, "The fact that I could write again after 15 years is because of my wife. I am deeply grateful to her."
On Saturday evening (14 December), he made this statement during a discussion event about his novel 'Ami Abu Bakar' held at the National Museum auditorium in Dhaka.
Asif Nazrul said, "Sometimes when I feel down, I shared with my wife, "Will there ever be a time in my life when I won't have to do anything? No worries at all? I'll just sleep and write.' My wife always replies, 'Of course, that time will come. I'll set up a coffee shop for you, and you'll just write and write.'"
He added, "There was a 15-year gap in my writing. The fact that I could write again after 15 years is entirely because of her. I'm publicly saying this – thank you."
Referring to his disdain for Awami League's politics, the law advisor remarked, "Over the past 15 years, we've endured a nightmarish rule. I don't know what sin we committed to having a ruler like Sheikh Hasina in our country. She has destroyed all our social bonds. We despised the Awami League's politics of tagging and victimizing people, and we still do."
NASA's Chief Astronaut Acaba Arrives in Dhaka
Joseph M. Acaba, Chief Astronaut of NASA has arrived in Dhaka to engage with Bangladesh's youth generations, educational institutions, and media representatives.
On Sunday morning (December 15), Acaba attended an event titled "Exploring Space, Inspiring Young Minds" held at Playpen School in the capital's Bashundhara Residential Area.
This visit marks a significant milestone in the country's history as it is the first time a NASA Chief Astronaut has visited Bangladesh.
Acaba participated in an inspiring conversation by answering questions from young students of the school. The event generated significant interest among students and teachers alike.
During the event, Acaba shared various insights about space exploration and the daily lives of astronauts. He also discussed the role of technological advancements through space exploration in addressing global challenges, particularly in tackling the climate crisis.
It has been reported that, in addition to institutional engagements, Acaba will appear in a television interview. During the interview, he will discuss NASA's contributions to global science and technology, as well as how Bangladesh can benefit from collaboration in space research and technology development. He is expected to highlight the importance of partnerships like the Artemis Accords.
Joseph M. Acaba is a former teacher, hydrogeologist, and Peace Corps volunteer. He is the first Puerto Rican-born individual to be selected as a NASA astronaut candidate. In 2023, Acaba was appointed as the Chief of NASA's Astronaut Office.
As an astronaut, he has participated in three missions, spending over 306 days in space, including conducting spacewalks and leading groundbreaking scientific research aboard the International Space Station.
School Admission Lottery Results Published: How to Check
Lottery results for admission to government and non-government schools (in metropolitan and district-level sub-divisional areas) for grades one through nine have been published.
The results were announced on Tuesday (December 17) at an event held in the auditorium of the International Mother Language Institute in the capital.
How to Check the Results:
The results of the digital lottery for admission can be accessed through the website https://gsa.teletalk.com.bd and via SMS on Teletalk mobile.
SMS Method:
Send GSAResultUser ID to 16222.
Admission Policy and Selection Process:
The selection process for the lottery adhered to government admission policies. Various quotas, including general, catchment area, children of freedom fighters/martyrs, disabled students, government primary school attendees, and other categories, were considered as per the guidelines.
The selection process was completed based on the availability of seats and the applicant’s class, shift, and preference order. Students were automatically selected through a software-driven random digital lottery process. The digital online lottery was supervised by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) and the Bangladesh Computer Council to ensure 100% transparency.
Event and Key Officials:
The event’s chief guest was Professor Dr. M. Aminul Islam, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Education (Ministerial rank). The program was presided over by DSHE Director General (Routine Duty) Professor Md. Mozakkar Hossain Chowdhury.
Application Statistics for the 2025 Academic Year:
Under DSHE’s purview, online admission applications for the 2025 academic year were accepted from November 12 to November 31.
For 680 government schools, 635,072 applications were received for 108,716 available seats across grades one through nine.
For 3,198 non-government schools, 348,467 applications were submitted for 1,007,673 available seats.
The digital lottery method was used to allocate seats across classes for both government and non-government schools.
Bangladesh Wins The Economist's "Country of the Year" Title
As in previous years, British magazine The Economist has chosen the best country of the year. This year, Bangladesh has won the title of The Economist's Country of the Year 2024 for the student-led uprising that ended 15 years of autocratic rule.
According to a report published by The Economist on Thursday (December 19), five countries were in the final shortlist for the title of the best country of 2024. Besides Bangladesh, the other contenders were Syria, Argentina, South Africa, and Poland. After intense debate among The Economist's correspondents, Bangladesh was ultimately selected.
Syria was the runner-up for ousting Bashar al-Assad from power. Additionally, Argentina was recognized for its economic reforms, while South Africa and Poland were shortlisted for forming new governments in opposition to poor governance.
In its announcement, the British magazine clarified that the choice of the best country is not based on wealth, happiness, or moral superiority. Instead, the title is awarded to the country that has shown the most progress in the past 12 months.
Why Bangladesh Stood Out
In its report, The Economist stated, “Our winner this year is Bangladesh.” The report noted that in August, a student-led movement ousted Sheikh Hasina’s government, which had been in power for 15 years. Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of a freedom fighter, had once led Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth. However, over time, her rule turned increasingly repressive, with election rigging, jailing of opponents, and ordering security forces to shoot protesters. Corruption and misappropriation of funds also surged during her tenure.
The report also pointed out the challenges associated with Bangladesh’s political transition, mentioning the history of retaliatory violence during such periods. It described the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as corrupt and highlighted the threat posed by the rise of Islamist extremism. However, it praised the interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, which has received support from students, the military, businesses, and civil society. The interim administration has restored order and stabilized the economy.
The Economist's Perspective
The report emphasized that Bangladesh's progress is promising, but challenges remain. The country must restore its relationship with India in 2025 and decide when to hold elections. It must first ensure judicial impartiality and allow opposition parties to organize—none of which will be easy. Still, Bangladesh’s strides toward forming a more liberal government after toppling an autocrat make it deserving of the title this year.
Past Winners
In 2023, Greece won the Country of the Year title for overcoming a prolonged financial crisis and re-electing a moderate, centrist government. Previous winners have included Colombia for ending its civil war, Ukraine for resisting Russian aggression, and Malawi for its strides toward democratization.
