Bangladesh News Bangladesh Economy & Development

[Isa Khan]

The Planning Commission is considering moving forward with MRT Line-2 instead of MRT Line-5 Southern Route to serve the densely populated Old Dhaka.

The MRT-5 Southern Route would link Gabtoli to Dasherkandi, while the Line-2 would link Gabtoli to Narayanganj with a branch through Old Dhaka to Sadarghat.

The new route is expected to serve a much larger urban population and thus address critical transit needs in key areas of the city.

According to planning officials, in addition to constructing MRT-2, several other proposals are under consideration.

These include the possibility of scrapping the MRT Line-5 project entirely or only implementing certain sections of the route, they said.

These proposals were developed at the directive of the planning adviser, they said, adding that the government will review them before giving any approval.

The MRT-5 is still under review by the commission, awaiting final approval, said the officials.

According to the commission, none of the current metro projects connect Old Dhaka, but MRT Line-2 would address this gap by linking Gabtoli through Old Dhaka to Narayanganj, thereby serving a densely populated area.

Besides, the Dasherkandi route of MRT-5 lacks significant commercial activity, prompting the commission to prioritise MRT Line-2 for its greater economic impact.

MRT Line-2's main route would span from Gabtoli through areas like Dhaka Uddyan, Mohammadpur, Jhigatola, Science Laboratory, New Market, Azimpur, Palashi, Dhaka Medical College, Gulistan, Motijheel, Kamalapur, Manda, Dakhingaon, Dhamripara, Signboard, Bhuighar, Jalkuri, eventually connecting to Narayanganj.

A branch line from Gulistan would extend to Sadarghat, although the feasibility study for this route is yet to be completed.

According to the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the construction of the 35km MRT Line-2 is estimated to cost Tk60,837 crore, with final costs to be determined after the feasibility study.

In April, the Planning Commission held a review meeting on the DPP (Development Project Proposal) regarding MRT Line-5 (Southern Route).

The 17.2km route from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi is expected to cost Tk54,618 crore, with the Asian Development Bank and South Korea agreeing to finance Tk39,138 crore. The remaining Tk15,481 crore is expected to come from the government.

One alternative proposal suggests dropping the Gabtoli to Karwan Bazar section of MRT-5 Southern Route while adding a branch line from MRT-2 to Bijoy Sarani.

Another proposal involves constructing only the Karwan Bazar to Dasherkandi portion, while another alternative suggests scrapping the entire MRT-5 Southern Route project for now and reconsidering it when economic conditions improve.

Now focus is on linking Old Dhaka with metro

MRT-2 route plan has a branch line from Gulistan extended to Sadarghat

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[Isa Khan]

Walton Digi-Tech Industries Limited and Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a three-year partnership aimed at promoting research, cooperation, innovation and technological advancement.

According to an ISPR release issued today (25 September), this strategic collaboration will focus on extending the basis for friendship and cooperative exchanges between the two parties with a particular emphasis on research and innovation (R&I) projects.

It said Walton Digi-Tech and MIST will work together on various initiatives to develop and exchange ideas in areas of mutual interest under the terms of the MoU.

The partnership aims to enhance access to smart technology in educational institutions, provide cutting-edge tools along with resources as well as technical training, workshop, industrial visit and scholarships to students and researchers, which will drive future technological growth in Bangladesh, it added.

The agreement marked an important step in fostering mutual cooperation, empowering both organizations to contribute to the nation's research ecosystem and promote the widespread adoption of smart technology in education system, the release said.

MIST signs MoU with Walton for research, innovation

Walton Digi-Tech and MIST will work together on various initiatives to develop and exchange ideas in areas of mutual interest under the terms of the MoU

www.tbsnews.net

With the interim government re-evaluating several development projects, including the mega projects, the 28-kilometre Ramu-Gundum portion of the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail link project is getting cancelled.

No economic benefit will come from the Ramu-Gundum railway line as Bangladesh’s relationship with Myanmar is not so good.

This is why, the Bangladesh Railway is set to prune the Ramu-Gundum portion from this project, saving the country Tk6,682 crore.

Under the 128-kilometer Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail link project, the construction of 100-kilometer rail line from Chattogram’s Dohazari to Ramu in Cox’s Bazar has already been finished.

The Bangladesh Railway started implementing the project in June 2010 to connect Cox’s Bazar with the rail network along with the Trans-Asian Railway corridor at a projected cost of Tk18,034 crore.

Railway sources said beyond Gundum, there is only mountainous terrain in the Myanmar part and the Southeast Asian country has no plan to construct a railway track in that region, leading the government to take fresh decision to cancel the 28-kilometre portion.

Md Hadiuzzaman, a transport expert and professor at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), told the Daily Sun, “There was a significant flaw in the planning of this project. It was inflated under the guise of Trans-Asian Railway corridor with Myanmar.”

“However, for an international corridor to be established, it’s crucial to consider geopolitical strategy and the nature of the relationship with the involved country. In this case, Bangladesh’s relationship with Myanmar has been strained. This reflects the short-sightedness of railway officials, the flaws in project planning, and a failure to consider the geographical-political dynamics with Myanmar,” he added.

When asked about the reduction in additional costs, Director of Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar Railway Project Md Suboktagin told the Daily Sun, “After the new government assumed office, a directive was given to review this project. As a result, the project’s cost is decreasing by Tk6,682 crore.”

“However, this reduction is not solely due to the exclusion of the 28-kilometre railway track from Ramu to Gundum, there are many other reasons why the cost has decreased,” he stated.

On 6 July 2010, this project was initiated for the construct of a 100.8km single dual-gauge track from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar and an additional 28.75km single line from Ramu to Gundum, near the Myanmar border.

After several time extensions, the project is now scheduled for completion by October 2025.

However, the construction work is supposed to be finished by October 2024, with the remaining year designated as the defect liability period.

In December last year, train service began on the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail route. Currently, only three pairs of trains operate on this route, with two pairs running between Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, and one pair between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.

However, the project proposal originally claimed that the Bangladesh Railway would serve at least 50% of all tourists traveling to Cox’s Bazar from across the country once the project is implemented.

It was estimated that passenger transport in the first year would generate revenue of Tk392 crore, with an additional Tk50 crore from freight transports.

In the project proposal, it was also outlined that 46 trains would be able to operate on this route. However, only three pairs of trains are currently operating on this route.

Commenting on this issue, Md Suboktagin told the Daily Sun, “There is not enough manpower to operate more trains on this route. A proposal has been submitted seeking additional manpower. Moreover, there is a shortage of coaches and locomotives, making it difficult to operate more trains to Cox’s Bazar, even if we wanted to.”

Government to scrap Ramu-Gundum rail link project

With the interim government re-evaluating several development projects, including the mega projects, the 28-kilometre Ramu-Gundum portion of the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail link project is getting cancelled.

www.daily-sun.com

 

[Isa Khan]

Chhanamukhi, a unique and beloved sweetmeat from Brahmanbaria, has been recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product.

Assistant Director of the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) Md Majnu Bhuiyan today confirmed that Bangladesh is now one and only owner of the product.

Brahmanbaria's Chhanamukhi sweet has been registered under GI-75 in the Geographical Indication Registration Book since 8 April this year. The application for this recognition was submitted by the Brahmanbaria District Commissioner in April 2022, detailing the history, unique characteristics, and production method of the sweet.

According to the Brahmanbaria district administration's website, Chhanamukhi originated in Brahmanbaria during the British colonial period. The sweet is known for its labour-intensive process, with around seven to eight litres of cow's milk required to produce just one kilogramme of Chhanamukhi, which currently sells for Tk700 per kg.

The sweet has long held a special place in both local and international circles. Notably, in 1986, Pakistan's then-president General Ziaul Haque praised the delicacy after tasting it at an event at the Bangladesh Embassy in Islamabad. His compliments were widely reported in Pakistani media at the time.

The DPDT recognises and certifies GI products under the Ministry of Industry in accordance with the norms of the International Property Rights Organization (WIPO).

In 2013, the Geographical Indication Products (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted. In 2015, the DPDT called for the registration of GI products after the formulation of the Act.

It is mentionable that Jamdani saree was recognized as a GI product for the first time in Bangladesh in 2016.

Brahmanbaria's famous 'Chhanamukhi' gains GI status

Chhanamukhi, a unique and beloved sweetmeat from Brahmanbaria, has been recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product. Assistant Director of the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) Md Majnu Bhuiyan today confirmed that Bangladesh is now one and only owner of the product...

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The pineapples produced in Madhupur Garh region of Tangail have been recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product.

The Geographical Indication Unit of of the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) issued the certificate of recognition on 24 September.

"GI recognition of traditional products of the country is very important to strengthen Bangladesh's position in international trade," Madhupur UNO Mirza Jubair Hossain told the media.

According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Tangail, Madhupur is a key region for pineapple cultivation in the country, producing a significant quantity of pineapples valued at Tk700 crore each year.

Pineapples of Madhupur recognised as GI product

The Geographical Indication Unit issued the certificate of recognition on 24 September

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[Afif]

Sky Bees Ltd to establish drone manufacturing industry in BEPZA EZ

Bangladeshi company Sky Bees Limited is set to invest $45.95 million to establish an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV, commonly known as drone) manufacturing industry in the BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ).

This will be the first factory to manufacture drones in the zones under BEPZA, creating employment opportunities for 55 Bangladeshi nationals.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) signed an agreement with Sky Bees Limited at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka today (3 October), said a press release.

This company will annually produce 7,314 pieces of different kinds of UAV for agricultural pesticide spray, fire fighting, emergency rescue, delivery of products and services, cinematography, and mapping etc.

Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA Md Ashraful Kabir and Managing Director of Sky Bees Limited Josim Uddin Ahmed signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc witnessed the signing ceremony.

During the lease signing ceremony, Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman appreciated the decision of Sky Bees Limited to invest in BEPZA EZ, stating that the authority always encourages investment in diversified products within its EPZs and BEPZA EZ. He thanked the company for choosing BEPZA EZ as their investment destination for producing high-tech and diverse products, such as drones. The Executive Chairman further commended the initiative, noting that this venture marks the country's first investment in UAV production and is expected to play a crucial role in expanding Bangladesh's export basket.

Member (Engineering) Mohammad Faruque Alam, Member (Finance) A N M Foyzul Haque, Executive Director (Admin) ASM Zamshed Khondaker, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) Md Tanvir Hossain and Chairman of Sky Bees Limited Md Mashud Razzaq were present during the signing ceremony.

A total of 35 companies, including Sky Bees Limited, signed agreements with BEPZA to invest in the BEPZA EZ with a total proposed investment of $850.5 million.

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Sky Bees Ltd to establish drone manufacturing industry in BEPZA EZ

Bangladeshi company Sky Bees Limited is set to invest $45.95 million to establish an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV, commonly known as drone) manufacturing industry in the BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ). This will be the first factory to manufacture drones in the zones under BEPZA, creating...

www.tbsnews.net

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