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UNDP Aids EC in Voter List Update
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19 Jan 2025, 09:25
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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is assisting the Election Commission (EC) by providing laptops, scanners, and other equipment for updating the voter list through door-to-door visits.
On Sunday (January 19), the UNDP will hand over the equipment to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin.
Confirming the matter, EC's Director of Public Relations, Md. Shariful Alam, stated that on Sunday at 9 a.m., the UNDP will hand over laptops, scanners, and bags for collecting data door-to-door to the Chief Election Commissioner.
Officials from the EC's election support branch have informed that the data collection will begin on January 20 and continue until February 3. The EC will complete the registration process by taking photographs at various centers and recording iris and fingerprint scans.
The UNDP has consistently provided various forms of support to the EC, including training, infrastructure development, and election materials. This time, they have also expressed interest in assisting with the 13th National Parliamentary Election and updating the voter list. A meeting has already been held between them and the Election Commission.
It has been reported that, in addition to updating the voter list, the UNDP will assist in other election-related matters. Regarding the recent meeting with the UNDP, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that the UNDP would also assist in the generalization process following the voter list update. He mentioned that there are some shortages in the materials required for the update, and they have requested the UNDP to provide those. After collecting the data from households, the UNDP will assist in customization. The assistance includes technical support such as hardware, software, training, skill development, communication, and certain SDG goals.
He added that they are seeking support for any possible software development, technical support, training, and awareness raising.
The Election Commission has informed that preparations are underway to organize the 13th National Parliamentary Election in December.
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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.
Advisor Hasan Arif Passes Away
The Advisor for Civil Aviation and Tourism and Land in the caretaker government, A.F.M. Hasan Arif, has passed away (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un). He died of cardiac arrest on Friday (December 20) at LabAid Hospital in the capital.
The matter was confirmed by Md. Nasir Uddin, who served as the personal secretary to Hasan Arif at the Ministry of Land. He stated, "Hasan Arif passed away at 3:10 PM at LabAid Hospital."
On August 8, Hasan Arif was appointed as the Advisor for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives as well as the Ministry of Land in the caretaker government. Later, he was entrusted with the responsibilities of the Land Ministry and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
Hasan Arif was a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court. He began his legal career in 1970. From October 2001 to April 2005, he served as the Attorney General of Bangladesh. Additionally, he acted as the Legal Advisor to the caretaker government from 2008 to January 2009.
Hasan Arif was born in Kolkata in 1941. He completed his secondary and higher secondary education at St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata. Later, he obtained his bachelor's and LLB degrees from the University of Calcutta. He began his legal career at the Calcutta High Court in 1967 and subsequently moved to Dhaka to practice law at the Bangladesh High Court.
Train Fare and Schedule on Dhaka-Khulna Route Via Padma Bridge
The schedule for train on the Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna and Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole routes via the Padma Bridge has been finalized. Starting December 24, two pairs of trains will operate through the Kashiani Junction in Gopalganj.
According to information provided by Bangladesh Railway on Saturday (December 21), a notice regarding this was issued on December 18.
The notice states that from December 24, a pair of new intercity trains will operate on the Khulna-Dhaka-Khulna route and another pair on the Benapole-Dhaka-Benapole route. According to the train schedule, the "Jahanabad Express" will depart Khulna at 6:00 am and reach Dhaka by 9:45 am. At 10:45 am, the "Ruposhi Bangla Express" will depart Dhaka for Benapole, reaching Benapole via Jessore Junction at 2:30 pm.
The "Ruposhi Bangla Express" will depart Benapole at 3:30 pm and arrive in Dhaka at 7:10 pm. The train will then depart Dhaka as the "Jahanabad Express" at 8:00 pm and reach Khulna by 11:40 pm.
The "Ruposhi Bangla Express" will stop at (up and down) Jessore Junction, Narail, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction, while the "Jahanabad Express" will stop at Noapara, Singia Junction, Narail, Lohagara, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.
Train services will remain closed on Mondays, and there will be 768 seats available. According to the schedule, the travel time from Dhaka to Benapole is set at approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, fares for the new Khulna-Dhaka route have also been determined by the railway department, though only the base fares have been published. Final fares, including VAT, are yet to be disclosed.
Fares (excluding VAT):
Dhaka-Khulna:
Shovon Chair: 445 BDT
Snigdha: 740 BDT
AC Seat: 885 BDT
AC Berth: 1,330 BDT
Khulna-Noapara & Singia:
Shovon Chair: 50 BDT
Snigdha: 100 BDT
AC Seat: 110 BDT
AC Berth: 130 BDT (Noapara), 150 BDT (Singia)
Khulna-Narail:
Shovon Chair: 75 BDT
Snigdha: 125 BDT
AC Seat: 150 BDT
AC Berth: 225 BDT
Khulna-Lohagara:
Shovon Chair: 95 BDT
Snigdha: 155 BDT
AC Seat: 185 BDT
AC Berth: 280 BDT
Khulna-Kashiani Junction:
Shovon Chair: 145 BDT
Snigdha: 235 BDT
AC Seat: 290 BDT
AC Berth: 425 BDT
Khulna-Bhanga:
Shovon Chair: 185 BDT
Snigdha: 305 BDT
AC Seat: 370 BDT
AC Berth: 555 BDT
Government-determined VAT will be added to all fares.
100 Garment Factories Shut in 6 Months, 50,000 Workers Jobless: BGMEA
The country’s readymade garment (RMG) industry, a major contributor to export earnings, continues to face a severe crisis. Issues such as worker unrest, energy shortages, and other challenges are plaguing the sector, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
In the last six months, approximately 100 garment factories have closed, leaving 50,000–60,000 workers unemployed. At least 158 factories are struggling to pay workers on time.
Factory owners claim that while larger factories receive attention and support, smaller factories are being neglected due to unfair policies by the government.
Azhar Khan, Chairman of Mithila Apparels, stated, “If the government ensures uninterrupted gas and electricity supply, this crisis can be mitigated, and we can survive. Operating with LPG gas significantly increases costs, making production unsustainable.”
BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel added, “Individual factories are in bad shape, and the overall situation is dire. Around 100 factories in Dhaka and Chattogram are shut, leaving 50,000–60,000 workers jobless. Furthermore, 158 factories cannot pay salaries properly.”
He criticized the disparity in government policies, saying, “Large companies like Beximco are receiving assistance by following regulations, but small and medium factories are overlooked. This unequal policy is unacceptable. Additionally, labor unrest persists despite a 9% wage increase.”
Rubel warned that buyers are shifting to other countries, with export volumes rising in Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan. “We must act urgently to safeguard our industry,” he urged.
Interpol Red Notice Against Sheikh Hasina Unconfirmed: Tajul Islam
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam has stated that the International Crimes Tribunal has no information regarding the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He made this remark in response to a journalist's query during a press briefing at his office on Sunday (December 22).
The Chief Prosecutor said that the tribunal has not informed whether a Red Notice has been issued against Sheikh Hasina. If a notice is issued, the NCB branch of police would know about it. The Inspector General's office would confirm if a Red Notice has indeed been issued.
Later, inquiries at the Police Headquarters also revealed that they have no information regarding the issuance of a Red Notice against Sheikh Hasina.
On August 5, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted amidst a student-led mass uprising and subsequently sought refuge in India, where she has been residing ever since. Since then, numerous cases have been filed against her and her government officials for alleged genocide, enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption spanning the past 15 years of her administration.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate economist Dr Muhammad Yunus, upon assuming office, pledged to bring Sheikh Hasina back to face justice. Following this, on November 13, the prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal requested the Inspector General of Police to take steps to issue an Interpol Red Notice for Sheikh Hasina’s arrest. Consequently, the IGP's office initiated communication with Interpol.
Previously, on November 10, Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, stated in a media briefing that the government was planning to issue Red Notices through Interpol to bring back Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives accused of the July-August genocide. He asserted that no matter where such fugitives were hiding, they would be brought to justice through Interpol's assistance.
On November 12, during a press briefing, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam declared that Sheikh Hasina was accused of genocide, enforced disappearances, and other crimes against humanity. He mentioned that as she is currently outside the country's borders, Interpol has been contacted to facilitate her arrest or issue a Red Notice against her.
It has also been reported that not only Sheikh Hasina but several other individuals, including Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Hasan Mahmud, who have fled the country and taken refuge abroad, are also under prosecution's consideration for Red Notices through Interpol.
On October 17, the International Crimes Tribunal issued arrest warrants against 46 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader, in separate cases related to the alleged genocide and crimes against humanity in the July-August Movement.
Dollar Market Faces Instability Again
The upcoming Ramadan has driven up the demand for imported goods, while pending LC (Letter of Credit) payments have also increased. At the same time, outbound travel has risen, leading to a sharp surge in dollar demand, which has not been met with an adequate supply.
To address this demand, banks are purchasing remittances at prices at least 8 BDT higher than the declared rate of 120 BDT per dollar, creating ripple effects in the open market.
Bank officials report that the pressure to settle import liabilities has intensified suddenly, causing the dollar's price to rise. Economists are concerned that this situation might further fuel price inflation.
Investigations reveal that banks are purchasing remittances at up to 128 BDT per dollar, while the official rate set by the central bank is 120 BDT. In the curb market, the dollar price has surged to 129 BDT, compared to 123-124 BDT just a week ago.
On Sunday, December 22, this information was confirmed by visiting various banks and money changer houses in Motijheel and Dilkusha in Dhaka.
The sudden spike in demand has allowed unscrupulous groups to exploit the situation, further destabilizing the dollar market. In response, the central bank has sought dollar transaction records from at least 13 suspicious banks and intensified monitoring efforts to stabilize the foreign currency market.
Unnamed banking officials stated that Bangladesh Bank has instructed banks to settle old import liabilities within this month, prompting banks to buy dollars at higher rates. This has resulted in increased remittance inflows, with over $2 billion received in the first 21 days of the current month.
Consequently, the total reserve now stands at $24.95 billion. Based on BPM (Balance of Payments Manual) calculations advised by the IMF, this equates to $19.95 billion, while the usable reserve is approximately $15.14 billion.
Data from Bangladesh Bank indicates that the maximum dollar rate for banks is currently capped at 120 BDT, up from 118 BDT in June and 110 BDT in December 2023—a rise of 10 BDT within a year. Comparing this to market realities, the increase amounts to 18 BDT.
According to Ansari, a sales representative at a currency exchange house in Motijheel, dollars are being bought at 127.50 BDT and sold at 128.30 BDT, with evening rates reaching 129 BDT. Just 10 days ago, dollars were traded in the open market for 123-124 BDT. The December holiday season has contributed to this surge in demand, as many people are traveling abroad.
Bangladesh Bank's spokesperson and Executive Director, Husne Ara Shikha, stated that a special team has been formed to investigate the instability in the dollar market. Monitoring has been intensified, and suspicious banks have been asked to submit transaction details. Some banks have already submitted their reports, and further actions will be determined based on the findings.
Jahanabad Express Launches on Dhaka-Khulna Route via Padma Bridge
The new train service, Jahanabad Express, officially commenced its journey on the Dhaka-Khulna route via the Padma Bridge. On Tuesday, December 24, at 6:00 AM, the train departed from Khulna heading towards Dhaka.
Reports indicate that on its inaugural day, the train carried 553 passengers from Khulna. However, no formal inauguration ceremony was held at the Khulna station. If all goes as planned, the train will arrive in Dhaka at 9:45 AM, where an inauguration ceremony will be held at the Kamalapur Railway Station. The event will be officiated by Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Interim Government's Ministry of Railways, and chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, Md. Fahimul Islam.
Passengers expressed joy at the launch of the new train service. They shared their excitement, stating that the reduced travel distance on the new route would save both time and cost. However, some suggested rescheduling the departure time from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM during the winter months, as the darkness at 6:00 AM poses safety risks, including potential encounters with muggers when leaving home early for the station.
Regarding this concern, Bangladesh Railway's Director General, Md. Afzal Hossain, told the media that new engines and coaches are being procured from abroad. He also mentioned plans to introduce additional trains on this route within the next six months.
It is noteworthy that the train will operate six days a week, excluding Mondays. On its journey, the train will stop at several stations, including Nawapara, Singia Junction, Narail, Lohagara, Kashiani Junction, and Bhanga Junction.
