Bangladesh Today

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Source: English_Xinhua, China is very important development partner of Bangladesh_English_Xinhua

China is very important development partner of Bangladesh​

By Wang Xuemei

DHAKA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser of the Bangladesh caretaker government, said on Thursday that China is a very important development partner of Bangladesh as bilateral cooperation has been expanded in many fields.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua ahead of his visit to China, the head of the government said he expected his visit would further strengthen the already very strong and cordial friendship between the two countries and two peoples.

"China has been assisting us in economic growth," said the chief adviser, who is going to attend the closing ceremony of Beijing Paralympic and to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

China's contribution to the infrastructure sector is evident, said the chief adviser, noting the six friendship bridges and the Bangladesh-China friendship conference center which is a landmark building in capital Dhaka.

The bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China is based on the strong bond of friendship and common understanding on regional and international issues, he said. It can go further through mutual exchange of visit and exchange of people of various levels, he added.

The chief adviser also expected closer economic cooperation with China and more Chinese investment.

"I hope my visit will strengthen economic cooperation in different fields and trade between the two countries, and improve and increase Chinese foreign investment in Bangladesh," he said.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said Bangladesh is providing very attractive financial incentives for foreign investment in addition to other advantages like competitive cheap, young and trainable labor force.

He welcomed China's investment especially in manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

Chinese contractors will be most welcomed to be a competitive tender to construct the proposed Padma multipurpose bridge, which will be the largest bridge in the country at a cost of about 1.45 billion U.S. dollars, he said.

"We have been good friends and we will continue to remain good friends in the future and let the bonds of the friendship flourish in the future," the chief adviser said.


Editor: Xinhuanet

 

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Source: Gulf Times Newspaper, 2008 ©,
Gulf Times ? Qatar?s top-selling English daily newspaper - SriLanka/Bangladesh

Dhaka for road link with China

Published: Sunday, 14 September, 2008, 02:18 AM Doha Time

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has said a road link with China through Myanmar is likely to come for discussion during the forthcoming visit of the head of the caretaker government, Fakhruddin Ahmed, to China.
“Both of our countries are eager to develop physical connectivity through air and road links. We’ll discuss the possibility of a road linkage through Myanmar. Defence is another area where we have continuing co-operation, and the visit will also give this a boost,” he said yesterday.
Chowdhury said the visit would be a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, as both Bangladesh and China view each other as all-weather friends whose relationship had stood the test of time. “Over decades, our mutual friendship has evolved into a comprehensive partnership for development. This visit will tighten the bonds that link us even further,” he said.
The foreign adviser observed that the visit and the discussions would have “major positive economic ramifications apart from strengthening political relationship, which is important.”
He said new investments would emerge from this trip, as Bangladesh enjoys excellent market access to China.
“Bangladesh would underscore the need for consolidation and expansion of bilateral co-operation in various fields, including infrastructural development, such as, bridges and roads, power generation, and agricultural production. We’re keen to learn from the breakthrough achieved in China in the field of hybrid rice production and the growing of genetically modified seeds,” he said.
During his four-day visit, the chief adviser is expected to hold talks with President Hu Jintao, Vice President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. He will also attend a banquet to be hosted in his honour by Vice President Xi Jinping.
The chief adviser will leave for China on September 15 and return home on September 19.

 

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Source: Coffee Growing Gains Popularity in Bangladesh's Hill Districts


Coffee Growing Gains Popularity in Bangladesh's Hill Districts


RANGAMATI, Sept 15 Asia Pulse - Coffee cultivation has been gaining popularity among farmers in Bangladesh's three hill districts under mixed crop cultivation project.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board started the nine-year project with a view to popularize some non-traditional value added crops like coffee, orange in Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts.

So far, coffee has been produced in 400 gardens in Ruma upazila of the district. Besides, it has been cultivated in Sajek and Borkol of the district and Ramgarh and Panchhari of Khagrachhari district.

Mac Foundation collected the coffee from the farmers and has started its processing and marketing.

Abul Hossain, a coffee farmer of Ruma upazila, said 5 kg of coffee beans could be produced from each tree and 500 grams coffee could be collected after processing 1 kg coffee beans.

Hill Tracts Development Board sources said coffee plants bear flowers in February-April and matured seeds are available in December-January. (UNB)

 

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Source: :The Daily Star: Internet Edition

Sea border talks start today after 28 years
Energy-rich Bay of Bengal makes Dhaka-Delhi discussion crucial
Star Report


In a context of higher prospect of finding oil and gas in the Bay of Bengal, expert delegations of Bangladesh and India begin a three-day meeting in the city today to settle unresolved maritime boundary issues.

Earlier, Bangladesh and India sat on the same issue in 1982 only to have some primary talks.

Bangladesh is sharing the Bay with India and Myanmar but has not demarcated the sea territory with them which is creating disputes mainly over offshore search of oil and gas.

None of the countries has yet to claim about their marine boundaries to the United Nations.

Back in June, New Delhi and Yangoon strongly opposed Bangladesh's offshore block bidding for exploration of oil and gas.

Previously, Dhaka raised objections when India and Myanmar floated international tender for searching offshore in 2006 accusing them of overlapping Bangladesh territory but yet to get any reply from India.

Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said in a press release yesterday, "The technical level talks are taking place after 28 years. We believe today both the governments are now deeply committed to strengthening their relations through resolutions of all outstanding issues."

A seven-member team led by Indian Rear Admiral BR Rao and the Bangladesh delegation led by Additional Foreign Secretary MAK Mahmud will discuss different technical issues until September 17.

The Bay of Bengal has become very important, especially after India's discovery of 100 trillion cubic feet gas in 2005-06 and Myanmar's discovery of 7 tcf gas at the same time. Besides, India also discovered oil.

The Bay in Bangladesh's territory that has not been tapped at all promises huge natural resources, experts say. The Daily Star reported in 2006 discovery of sedimentary rock oolite that promises of oil and gas there.

"Without a win-win negotiation, Bangladesh might not be able to tap its own resources in future while our neighbours might get to enjoy it all as they have made good progress in their demarcation jobs," an energy expert notes.

India and Myanmar need to finish the maritime demarcation with Bangladesh shortly as they are set to file their claim to the UN on June 29 and May 21 next year respectively.

Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Bangladesh also has to file its claim within July 27, 2011.

Bangladesh has yet to make any progress in making its papers with proper boundary survey due to lack of experience, skilled manpower and equipment. The government is planning to take help from the US, the UK and Australia to do it, sources in the foreign ministry said.

In 2004, the foreign ministry formed a committee with members from Petrobangla, Geological Survey of Bangladesh, the Navy, Spaarso, Inland Water Transport Authority and Surveyor of Bangladesh. The purpose of this committee was to recommend how to mark the deep-sea territory fulfilling requirements of the UN and as per the law of the sea.

However, the committee became dysfunctional within a year, while its foreign ministry members were busy making foreign trips.

International law allows each country to have 200 nautical miles from its coast to the sea to enjoy rights. However, this is a tricky matter as the coasts of India and Bangladesh and Myanmar follow a curve, which implies overlapping of territory.

As per the international practices, in such a case, the neighbours should inform each other and reach a mutual understanding before exploring such areas.

BANGLADESH STANDPOINT
A source says Bangladesh will remain firm on getting equitable share in the Bay of Bengal waters. An official said Dhaka insisted on the determination of the staring point, which is crucial for registering with the UN a valid on common territories.

The Bangladesh delegation will emphasise demarcating maritime boundary, a joint inspection for the delimitation of maritime boundary.

Earlier, foreign ministry officials held two rounds of talks in April and September with Myanmar and the discussions yielded 'good results' regarding common usage of the Naf river and estuary, official sources said.

But progress in resolving the sea boundary is still far to go as Myanmar is asking for eco-distance system in East to West boundary, while Bangladesh is asking to demarcate in equity basis North to South.

Another round of talks may take place with Myanmar in next November.

OIL AND GAS STAKES
Oil and gas exploration in the Bay is a very recent phenomenon. Both India and Myanmar discovered gas in the Bay between 2005 and 2007.

While Myanmar's activities were limited and resulted in a discovery of 7 trillion cubic feet of gas in 2006, India's activities were intensive resulting in a discovery of 100 tcf gas and two billion barrels of oil in place.

India has held off-shore block bids and has many oil companies working in the Bay.

The Indian press reports that two main basins in the Bay -- Krishna-Godavari and Mahanadi -- have shown a potential of nearly 18 billion barrels of oil equivalent gas in place. While official sources quote a figure of 100 tcf for gas reserves in the region, unofficial estimates peg the reserves at 200 TCF.

In Bangladesh on May 7, seven oil and gas companies submitted their bids in 15 offshore blocks out of a total 28. The response was lukewarm as some international oil lobbies have reportedly campaigned against the Bangladesh bid.

With some offers overlapping different blocks, six oil companies proposed to invest $1.6 billion. Each of the blocks has exploration area of between 3,000 square kilometres (sqkm) to 7,000sqkm.

However, Bangladesh might ultimately sign a contract with only two companies.

By June, both India and Myanmar have raised objection about this bid.

 

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Source: UNB, Dhaka, The New Nation - Internet Edition


Bangladesh elected UNCTAD President


Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva, yesterday was elected president of Trade & Development Board (TDB) of the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) for one year.

Ambassador Dr. Debapriya was unanimously elected by the 193 UN Member states to this post, said a message received here yesterday.

As president of TDB, Dr Debapriya will lead UNCTAD in implementing the instructions and guidelines provided by Heads of States and Governments and the Ministers during the UNCTAD conference held in Accra, Ghana earlier this year.

He will also give leadership to inter-governmental and inter-agency dialogues on current issues of critical concerns in the areas of trade and development.

Dr Debapriya, who will represent UNCTAD Membership in all UN events, is the first Bangladeshi Ambassador to be elected to this post.

TDB is the highest policy making body after the quadrennial ministerial conferences of the UNCTAD, a Geneva-based organ of the UN General Assembly.

 

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Source: Cricketnext.com
Posted on Sep 16, 2008 at 22:18 | Updated Sep 16, 2008 at 22:35

ICL launches Bangladesh-based team​

New Delhi: The Indian Cricket League (ICL) on Tuesday announced an all-Bangladeshi team in addition to the launch of the second season of the unsanctioned venture.


The Dhaka Warriors feature some of t(e top international cricketers to have played for Bangladesh, including former captain Habibul Bashar, former vice-captain Shahriar Nafees, Alok Kapali, Dhiman Ghosh, Aftab Ahmed and Farhad Reza, after the Bangladeshi media reported of a mass exodus recen4ly.


Bashar, who was removed from the captaincy and then dropped from the national side owing to a slump in form, revealed that he and his teammates had announced their retirement from international cricket due to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's policy of not allowing players with ICL links to represent their country.


"Yes, it has been the biggest news emerging from B!ngladesh," Bashar said after being unveiled by the ICL on Tuesday. But terming us as 'villains' is unfair. There is plenty of talent in Bangladesh. In fact, we are also available to play for Bangladesh but because of their policy."


ICL Chairman Kapil Dev, who has been critical of the BCCI's stand against the Zee Group venture, was hopeful of getting rid of the 'rebe,' tag associated with the league, and urged cricket boards as well as the ICC to recognise the parallel body.


"It's just a couple of people in the BCCI who don't want us to run the ICL. If the cricket world were divided tomorrow, we all know who would be to blame for it," he said, hinting at a top BCCI official.

 

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Source: Gulf Times Newspaper, 2008 ©,
Gulf Times ? Qatar?s top-selling English daily newspaper - SriLanka/Bangladesh

Dhaka for road link with China

Published: Sunday, 14 September, 2008, 02:18 AM Doha Time

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has said a road link with China through Myanmar is likely to come for discussion during the forthcoming visit of the head of the caretaker government, Fakhruddin Ahmed, to China.
“Both of our countries are eager to develop physical connectivity through air and road links. We’ll discuss the possibility of a road linkage through Myanmar. Defence is another area where we have continuing co-operation, and the visit will also give this a boost,” he said yesterday.
Chowdhury said the visit would be a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, as both Bangladesh and China view each other as all-weather friends whose relationship had stood the test of time. “Over decades, our mutual friendship has evolved into a comprehensive partnership for development. This visit will tighten the bonds that link us even further,” he said.
The foreign adviser observed that the visit and the discussions would have “major positive economic ramifications apart from strengthening political relationship, which is important.”
He said new investments would emerge from this trip, as Bangladesh enjoys excellent market access to China.
“Bangladesh would underscore the need for consolidation and expansion of bilateral co-operation in various fields, including infrastructural development, such as, bridges and roads, power generation, and agricultural production. We’re keen to learn from the breakthrough achieved in China in the field of hybrid rice production and the growing of genetically modified seeds,” he said.
During his four-day visit, the chief adviser is expected to hold talks with President Hu Jintao, Vice President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. He will also attend a banquet to be hosted in his honour by Vice President Xi Jinping.
The chief adviser will leave for China on September 15 and return home on September 19.

This is most important IMO. As this road link can join Pakistan and Bangladesh, A path which India refused to give us before 1971, now its time to get connected by road.

 

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Source: English_Xinhua 2008-09-16 20:13:17, Chinese president meets Bangladeshi head of government_English_Xinhua


Chinese president meets Bangladeshi head of government

BEIJING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met here on Tuesday with Fakhruddin Ahmed, chief advisor of Bangladeshi Caretaker Government, who is on a four-day visit to China and to attend the Beijing Paralympics closing ceremony.

Hu thanked the Bangladesh government and people's support for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

"China and Bangladesh are long-time friendly neighbors. The bilateral relations have been in sound and smooth development in spite of the changes in the two countries or in the international arena," Hu said.

The Bangladeshi government has been a firm supporter to China on issues concerning Taiwan and Tibet, he said.

Hu said the Chinese people are indebted to the Bangladeshi government and people who sent relief assistance to China's earthquake-hit Sichuan province despite their own economic difficulties, and shared the Chinese people's mourning of the quake victims.

"China attaches great importance to its relations with Bangladesh, and is ready to invest more efforts in advancing the all-round cooperative partnership," Hu said.

Fakhruddin commended China on hosting a grand and successful Olympics, and said the Beijing Paralympics showed the Chinese government's caring for the disabled people.

The Chinese and the people in Bangladesh are trusted friends, Fakhruddin said, and the two countries shall deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and in international and regional affairs.

The leader also reaffirmed his country's adherence to the one-China policy.


Editor: An

 

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Source: BBC NEWS | South Asia | Bangladesh takes milk precautions

Bangladesh takes milk precautions ​

Bangladesh has taken "precautionary measures" to prevent possible poisoning by contaminated milk powder imported from two firms in China, officials say.

The Chinese government says that Bangladesh is one of five countries which have imported powder made by two firms whose products were contaminated.

Commerce Secretary Firoz Ahmed told the BBC that the government is "extremely concerned" about the issue.

He said that a ban on Chinese milk imports could be imposed.

But he said that would only be done if test results showed that the milk powder was dangerous.

Three infants are known to have died in China while thousands are ill.

Suppliers are believed to have added melamine, a banned chemical normally used in plastics, to water-down milk in order to make it appear higher in protein.

The additive is blamed for causing severe renal problems and kidney stones.

The director of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution, Lutfor Rahman, told the BBC that teams had been sent out to collect samples of milk powder from the market for testing.

He said that if any trace of contamination was found an immediate ban would be imposed.

Correspondents say it is not clear how much milk has been imported by Bangladesh from the two Chinese companies.

"Though there has been no bad reaction, the quality watchdog has demanded that these companies take action to recall the products," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a news briefing on Thursday.

 

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Source: Bangladesh, World Bank sign deal for $355 mln loan | Reuters

Bangladesh, World Bank sign deal for $355 mln loan

DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh has signed a deal with the World Bank for a $355 million loan to build a power generation plant and pipelines for natural gas transmission, the bank said on Thursday.

The money will be used to set up the Siddhirganj Peaking Power Project, Bangladesh's first integrated gas-to-power project, and will produce 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity to help address a shortage of power, it said in a statement.

"For achieving the middle income country status by 2020, Bangladesh must meet the rapidly growing demand for power. We are happy to support the government to increase power supply," Zahid Hussain, acting country director of the World Bank in Bangladesh said in the statement.

The plant, due to go into production in 2011, will boost power supply during periods of peak demand, said M. Fouzul Kabir Khan, government power division secretary.

"The Siddhirganj project will be an important part of the solution leading to sustainable provision of energy services, and will help Bangladesh to continue to expand electricity access to the poor," he said.

The loan from the International Development Association, the World Bank's concessionary arm, has 40 years to maturity with a 10-year grace period; they carry a service charge of 0.75 percent.

Bangladesh is facing power shortages of up to 1,500 MW each day, and hundreds of factories have been idled across the country.

 

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Source: Bangladesh scientists produce petroleum from organic wastes- Oil & Gas-Energy-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times


Bangladesh scientists produce petroleum from organic wastes

27 Aug, 2008, 2045 hrs IST, IANS

DHAKA: Scientists in Bangladesh have developed ways to produce petroleum from degradable organic municipal waste and are now studying its feasibility before going to commercial production.

"We have developed petroleum products from organic municipal wastes and we are looking into its commercial viability," Yunus Miah, principal engineer of the state-run Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), said Wednesday.

Miah said the scientists were using husk of paddy and oil seeds besides wastes. First they decompose the garbage and produce bio-oil from these wastes. Then they upgrade the bio-oil to petroleum products.

"We will have to have an economic analysis of the finding before going to commercial production," he said.

Dhaka daily produces around 15,000 tonnes garbage and the cost of collecting it is only nominal, he said, adding that there are still obstructions, poverty being the most important of them, in the way ot taking technology to the field.

Miah said: "We as a poor country will face many difficulties to go into commercial production," he added.

"If the cost of producing the petroleum products is at break-even point, we will be the gainer," said Naimul Haque, chief scientific officer at the BCSIR that falls under the science and information ministry of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh imports most petroleum products, about 3.7 million tonnes annually.

The country has limited coal and natural gas reserve. Its gas supply is short of demand while the coal mines are largely undeveloped.

 

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Source: :The Daily Star: Internet Edition

A friend in deed

Harun ur Rashid

ON September 14, Chief Adviser Dr. Fakruddin Ahmed went to China for a four-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. The visit is bound to strengthen the existing bilateral relations in all their aspects.

During the visit of the Chinese foreign minister to Bangladesh in April, he called on the chief adviser and invited him on behalf of the Chinese PM..

The CA held official talks with the Chinese prime minister on September 15. On the same day he called on President Hu Jintao.

China: Emerging global power
China is the fourth largest economy in the world. Within a few years China's GDP is expected to surpass the world's third largest economy, Germany. China's strategic and economic importance has been recognised by G8 leaders, and it was invited to their summit in Japan last July.

China's economy continues to soar, prompting many to call it Asia's "waking giant." It is the economy that overwhelms all other aspects of the relations between China and the West.

In what appears to be a marriage of convenience for both sides, the West has taken a softer approach towards China. For example, all the important leaders from the West, including President Bush, attended the inauguration of the Beijing Olympics last month.

China is taking a more active role at the UN. Its increasing confidence, diplomatic dexterity, and veto-wielding power in the UN Security Council has been demonstrated with care and caution.

Bangladesh is fully aware that China is emerging as a great military and economic power, and, being sandwiched between China and India, is deeply interested in extending its cooperation with both the countries in a globalised world, where economies are being integrated.

Dynamics of bilateral relations
Few people realise that China is 100 kilometres across the Himalayas from Bangladesh. Bangladesh's relation with China dates back centuries. A Buddhist monk, Atish Dipankar from Vikrampur, travelled to China in the 11th century and preached Buddhism for 17 years.

He died in modern day Chinese Tibet, and the Chinese government returned his ashes to his birthplace as a mark of friendship between the two countries.

Since the opening of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, bilateral relations have been founded on mutual trust and respect.

From the very beginning, Bangladesh has adhered to Chinese three "nos" policy to Taiwan -- no independence, no representation to international bodies and no two China. This means that Bangladesh considers Taiwan an integral part of China.

Dhaka's unambiguous stance in March to support the Beijing Olympics, when violence took place in Lhasa and there was a call for boycott of the Olympics, must have pleased China.

President Ziaur Rahman made the first official visit to China in 1977, leading to visits by all the heads of Bangladesh government, which consolidated relations between the two countries. President Ershad visited China six times during his presidency.

Bilateral relations reached their peak in 2005, when the two countries celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Premier Wen Jiabao paid a state visit to Bangladesh in April 2005, and the prime minister of Bangladesh paid a return visit within three months.

Generating $4.2 billion worth of trade in 2007, Sino-Bangladesh relationship is founded on the cornerstone of economic cooperation. Bangladesh is also China's third largest trade partner in South Asia.

Chinese entrepreneurs are encouraged to invest in Bangladesh in areas such as infrastructure, textiles, electronics, information technology and ceramics.

Other agreements signed between the countries include areas such as agriculture, transport and communications, machinery, energy, science and technology. A Joint Economic Commission was constituted in 1983.

China has shown interest in the mining sector and a Chinese company was given the lease in Khalaspir coalfield in Rangpur district. It also signed an agreement in 2000 to set up a feasibility study in utilising waters from hilly areas for generating power, including the possibility of hydro-electric power from Matanuhuri and Sangu rivers.

China provided loans and grants to Bangladesh and heavily invested in infrastructure. The Muktarpur Bridge over River Dhaleswari was the sixth bridge built and completed in February this year. All the bridges have contributed to interconnectivity within the country and boosted trade and economic growth.

During the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jeichi to Bangladesh in April this year, he offered Tk.6,000 million in "free aid" to Bangladesh and Tk. 5 million in "token gift" to mark his visit to the country. He showed interest in assisting in the generation of nuclear energy in the plant in Rooppur.

Talks fruitful
Official talks between Bangladesh and China were held at the Great Hall of the People on September 16, where Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed led the Bangladesh side while Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao, headed the host country.

China will provide special preferential treatment for access of some Bangladeshi products to its market to reduce the prevailing trade imbalance between the two countries, and cooperate in implementation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant for peaceful purpose.

Beijing will also consider Dhaka's request for engaging China in the Bangladesh-Myanmar Road Link scheme meant for enhancing trade and people-to-people contact.

Chinese leaders also assured cooperation in constructing bridges on the Meghna and the Gumti. Besides, they will provide technological support in developing hybrid seeds.

Three agreements on cooperation were concluded during the visit. This speaks for the relevance of Bangladesh in China's South Asia policy.

Strategic importance of Bangladesh to China
The two countries have worked closely in the multilateral forums, particularly in the UN, by focusing on development and peace issues. The strategic importance of Bangladesh in China's South Asia policy is obvious. Let me enumerate a few:

Bangladesh stands between China and India, and both are emerging as global economic and political powers. Bangladesh's cooperation may help achieve their goals in South Asia.

Bangladesh has a sizeable middle class of about 40 million and is emerging as a lucrative market for China.

Bangladesh is a bridge between South Asia and South East Asia. Its membership of Asean Regional Forum has made Bangladesh critically important for any country that wishes to engage in South and South East Asia.

China has built a train line from Beijing to Lhasa (Tibet) and plans to extend it to Kathmandu (Nepal). If interconnectivity and transit routes are in place within South Asia Dhaka may connect a link to Beijing through Kathmandu.

Bangladesh is a member of the Commonwealth, Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), Non-Aligned Movement and the UN. Few countries are members of all these organisations. Bangladesh can play an important role in ensuring global peace and harmony, and it has considerable influence among the members of the OIC. Its role in curbing Islamic extremism within the country has been praised by the international community.

Sino-Bangladesh relations have been characterised by comprehensive partnership of cooperation, based on mutual respect and trust, with China for more than 32 years.

Bangladesh could find understanding in China of its problems and concerns to reduce poverty through economic growth and development.

The basic course of Bangladesh's relationship with China has been firmly set, and will continue for further expansion. The visit, although a brief one, will consolidate relations for mutual benefit of peoples of both countries.


Barrister Harun ur Rashid is a former Bangladesh Ambassador to the UN, Geneva.

 

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The Asian University for Women to Partner With Stanford University, Aalborg University in International Education Initiatives

Source: The Asian University for Women to Partner With Stanford University, Aalborg University in International Education Initiatives - MarketWatch

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, Oct 17, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Renowned International Institutions to Support New Women's University Initiative in South Asia
The Asian University for Women (AUW), based in Chittagong, Bangladesh, today announced two new relationships with Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; and, Aalborg University, Esbjerg, Denmark. As the Asian University for Women prepares to open its doors to its inaugural undergraduate class in July 2009, both relationships will be valuable in the University's initial development.
"As we continue to develop AUW's curriculum and faculty, we are honored to be working with forward-looking, international universities such as Stanford and Aalborg," said Dr. Hoon Eng Khoo, Provost and Acting Vice Chancellor at the Asian University for Women. "The exchange of knowledge and cultural experiences that our collective student body will experience exemplifies the heart and soul of AUW's mission -- to provide a world-class education and global professional development opportunities to talented young women of South and South East Asia, regardless of their backgrounds."
Stanford University
Recognized world-wide as a leading educational institution, Stanford University has offered to send two of their brightest post doctoral fellows to serve as part of the founding faculty for the year 2009-2010.
"The mission of the Asian University for Women is extraordinary. By providing access to quality higher education for women whose promise might otherwise go unrealized, the University is transforming the lives of these women and their families," said John Etchemendy, Provost at Stanford University. "By empowering women to become leaders in society, AUW is creating an important force for positive change in the world. Stanford University is dedicated to building a strong new program in South Asian Studies, and is looking forward to contributing to the living and learning community that the Asian University for Women is developing in Chittagong."
The relationship between Stanford University and the Asian University for Women highlights Stanford's dedication to building a strong program in South Asia through research on contemporary economics and politics, as well as research on the region's diverse cultures and history. Stanford students will be prepared for careers working side-by-side with their peers from around the world -- including those from the Asian University for Women.
Aalborg University
Internationally renowned for "the Aalborg Model of PBL," Aalborg University in Denmark is a leading institution with an inter-disciplinary, problem-oriented approach to innovative research and education. The University has entered into an agreement with the Asian University for Women to collaborate on establishing a graduate program in Information & Communication Technology.
As part of the initiative, Aalborg University will provide AUW with its own faculty members until a full Computer Science faculty has been recruited. Aalborg University is developing a further initiative to recruit South and South East Asian students to complete their doctoral degrees at Aalborg, before returning to Bangladesh to teach at the Asian University for Women.
"Information technology is the key to enabling global communications and the sharing of information and knowledge -- important tools in the development of an international university," said Lone Dirckinch-Holmfeld, Professor, PhD. at Aalborg University. "Women from underserved communities are often uneducated in the advances of global information technology, and are unaware of how they can use these tools to better serve both personal and community development. Aalborg's relationship with the Asian University for Women will provide these promising young women with the knowledge and resources they need to educate themselves, their families, and their communities."
About the Asian University for Women
Located in Chittagong, Bangladesh, the mission of the Asian University for Women (AUW) is based on the firm belief that education -- especially higher education -- provides a critical pathway to leadership development, economic progress, and social and political equality. Set to commence in September 2009, the University will educate promising young women from diverse cultural, religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds from across South and South East Asia and the Middle East -- with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of women from poor, rural, and refugee populations. At the heart of the University, is the civic and academic goal to cultivate successive generations of women leaders who possess the skills and resources to address the challenges of social and economic advancement of their communities. ASIAN UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN.
SOURCE Asian University for Women
ASIAN UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN

Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

 

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Source: :The Daily Star: Internet Edition
Published On: 2008-10-25

Solar Energy Promotion

Success of Bangladeshi environmentalist​

by: Mohammad Amjad Hossain


Yet another expatriate Bangladeshi has been gaining prominence slowly but steadily in the international arena. He has been working on renewable solar energy for more than a quarter of a century. This particular area of science has come to the forefront in view of energy crisis and global warming. Recently he has won Boston Mayor's Green award for community leadership in energy and climate protection.

He is Dr. Sajed Kamal the youngest son of the illustrious poet Sufia Kamal and Kamaluddin Ahmed. Born in 1947 at Burdawan, West Bengal in India, he obtained his graduation in Economics and Education from North Eastern University in Massachusetts, USA in 1971, and doctoral degree in humanistic studies from Boston University also in Massachusetts.

Dr. Sajed Kamal had launched first phase of photovoltaic pilot program in 1986 based on solar energy in Bangladesh. During his sojourn in Bangladesh from 1986 to 1988 photovoltaic solar electric system was demonstrated to over thirty non-government organizations, and educational institutes. Being inspired by the interest generated and feasibility study the second phase programme of 50 watt stand-alone was installed in 1989 at poet Sufia Kamal's Dhanmondi residence which turned out to be the pioneering project in Bangladesh. Each stand-alone project includes a 50 watt module, three fluorescent lights, a battery and a charge controller.

This particular project was installed in a number of places, including a clinic and school for children at Dhamrai operated by Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation and Nijera Kori training center at Noongola, Bogra. By the end of 1990 eight more pilot photovoltaic systems were installed across Bangladesh. These are: Energy park of the department of Applied Physics and Electronics of Dhaka University; UBINIG's rural school in Tangail; the school/community center of the Centre for Mass Education in Science in Rangpur; Nijera Kori's training center at Char Jabbar, Noakhali; Deepshikha, Protibondhi Foundation's school for children and vocational centre for women at Malibagh, Dhaka and a village market place at Mahmudpur, Pabna as a part of the village development project of Dhaka Rotary Club.

Initial expenses for installing such project came from Dr.Sajed Kamal and his wife Dr.Rosie coupled with a grant from the Overtook Foundation of Massachusetts. Dr.Rosie also holds doctorate degree in Humanistic Education from Boston University and they met first when they were students in late 1960's.

In 1997, Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) invited Dr.Sajed Kamal to serve as the consultant to plan, train and launch a renewable energy programme. During the consultancy period until 2000 “BRAC Solar Energy Programme for Sustainable Development” had succeeded to install over 30,000 40-50 watts stand-alone PV systems across the country, growing at the rate of about 750 systems per month. That was a phenomenal achievement by BRAC. Since Bangladesh is facing energy crisis this innovative project could be installed by non-government and government agencies to overcome the crisis.

In 2004, Sajed and Rosie Kamal and some friends from the United States contributed PV systems to Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan (BPA), Muktijodha Jadughar, Bishwa Shahitto Kendro, the South-Asia school of photography in Dhaka and the Wetland Research Centre of the Bangladesh Centre for Advancement Studies in Gopalganj and Rokeya Sadan, a shelter for girls and women operated by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

On an experimental basis Sajed Kamal introduced stand-alone photovoltaic system at his residence at Fenway, Boston in Massachusetts in 1986 with a 50 watt solar panel sitting on a south facing window sill. The system has been generating clean electricity for two fifteen watt fluorescent lights, a small energy efficient table lamp and a record player round the year since it was installed.

With the motto of thinking globally and acting locally Sajed Kamal initiated in 1999 Solar Boston, a partnership of renewable energy experts, community organization and business communities committed to promoting solar technologies throughout Boston. Solar Boston became a partner of the US Department of Energy's million solar roofs initiative in 2000. Solar Boston helped install over fifty grid connected photovoltaic solar electric systems in the region.

Sajed Kamal distinguished himself as an international educator on sustainable energy and an adjunct lecturer in the Sustainable International Development Programme at Brandeis University. Sajed Kamal by now helped setting up pilot projects in the United States, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Armenia and El-Salvador.

As one of the participants Sajed Kamal presented a scholarly paper in the conference on 'Bangladesh in 21st Century' at Harvard University in June this year. The theme of the paper was 'the untapped energy mine' which, interalia gave the impression that Bangladesh, which is endowed with renewable energy sources including sunshine and wind, is truly an exceptional renewable energy mine. If judiciously planned and implemented, this energy mine has an inexhaustible capacity meeting the country's annual 4000 megawatts electricity need.

Dr. Sajed Kamal is the president of the International Consortium for Energy Development, a Boston based non-profit corporation. Apart from this, he is involved with many energy and environmental related projects and associations. Sajed Kamal received Mayor of Boston's first annual green award in 2007 and Life time Achievement Award was given to him in 2008 by US Environmental Protection Agency.


Mohammad Amjad Hossain, a former Bangladesh diplomat, writes from Virginia.

 

[Nafees]

Source: Abul Hussam - Heroes of the Environment - TIME

Heroes of the Environment

Abul Hussam calls the poisoning of drinking water with arsenic "one of the worst natural disasters on earth," and he is not the sort to stand idly by in the face of it. After decades of research, this associate professor of chemistry at George Mason University in Virginia has come up with a deceptively simple device to address the problem. It could save countless lives among the estimated 137 million people around the world whose water supply is contaminated with high levels of the colorless, odorless and tasteless metal, which accumulates in the body to cause sores, nerve damage, cancer and, too often, death.

Arsenic poisoning was no abstract issue for Hussam. As a graduate student in the U.S., his work on electro-analytical chemistry led him to discover dangerous levels of arsenic in the groundwater in his home district of Kushtia in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, other researchers were finding similar results elsewhere in the vast Ganges-Brahmaputra delta region of Bangladesh and in the neighboring Indian state of West Bengal.

Hussam set about working on an affordable, effective and environmentally sustainable way to make water arsenic-free. The result: his SONO filter, which uses a "composite iron matrix" that can be manufactured locally from cast-iron turnings, along with readily available river sand, wood charcoal and wet brick chips. The filter's humble housing in a stack of three buckets belies its power to change lives. It removes 98% of arsenic content as well as other mineral impurities that make water hard. A $35 unit serves two families and lasts at least five years.

Hussam's device won this year's inaugural Grainger Challenge Prize from the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and most of the $1 million prize has gone to a Bangladeshi nonprofit organization that produces and distributes the sono filter. Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis are benefiting already, and there are plans to take the SONO filter to India and Nepal and even further to South Africa. "People tell me how their symptoms of arsenic poisoning have been eased or even reversed with use of the SONO filter," says Hussam. "I even hear that women now prefer to wash their hair with filtered water as it makes it softer." No wonder Hussam gets a hero's welcome whenever he returns to Kushtia.