Highlights
- Tk3,653-crore project implemented by BPC
- Pipeline will help prevent oil theft and wastage
- It will significantly cut transportation costs
- Tk226 crore estimated to be saved annually
- Pressure on highways to be eased
- Fuel supply time to drop from 48 hours to 12 hours
A ground-breaking pipeline project today (16 AUgust) officially began operations, providing a more efficient and secure method for transporting fuel oil from Chattogram to Dhaka.
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, inaugurated the 249.42-kilometre-long pipeline at Padma Oil Company's Despas Terminal in Chattogram at 11am.
Officials expressed hope that the pipeline will usher in a "revolutionary change" in the country's energy supply system by ensuring efficiency, security, and cost reduction.
The Tk3,653-crore project was implemented by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) under the supervision of the 24th Engineering Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army.
According to BPC officials, the pipeline will help prevent oil theft and wastage, significantly reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on highways, and cut delivery time. Fuel supply time will now drop from 48 hours to just 12 hours, saving an estimated Tk226 crore annually.
Project Director Aminul Haque said several successful trial runs of diesel supply from Chattogram to Godnail in Narayanganj had already been conducted.
Previously, more than 110 vessels per month were required to transport fuel, costing about Tk326 crore annually. With the pipeline now operational, annual costs are expected to fall to around Tk90 crore, resulting in savings of at least Tk226 crore.
The 250-kilometre pipeline consists of a 241.28-kilometre, 16-inch-diameter main line stretching from Chattogram's Patenga to Godnail via Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur, and Munshiganj. An additional 8.29-kilometre, 10-inch diameter connecting line links Godnail to Fatulla in Narayanganj.
Along its route, the pipeline crosses 22 rivers and canals, including 10 major rivers. For durability and safety, most of these crossings were built beneath riverbeds.
Fuel supply time to drop from 48 hours to just 12 hours, saving estimated Tk226 crore annually
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The "Mawlana Bhashani Bridge," the third over the Teesta river, opened to traffic today.
Local Government and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain inaugurated the 1,490-metre bridge at Haripur in Sundarganj upazila this afternoon.
The bridge establishes a direct link between Chilmari in Kurigram and Sundarganj in Gaibandha, opening new opportunities for regional connectivity and development.
Prabhat Chandra Pal, a college teacher in Haripur, said, "This bridge has been named after Mawlana Bhashani, making us proud. It will not only connect communities but also serve as a bridge of economy, education, and culture."
According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), construction began in September 2020 under a joint fund by the Saudi Fund for Development and the OPEC Fund for International Development, with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation as contractor. Although initially scheduled for completion in June 2023, the project was delayed five times before its inauguration today.
The core bridge structure cost Tk 367 crore, while an additional Tk 363.85 crore was spent on approach roads, land acquisition, river training, and culverts—making this the largest road bridge over the Teesta river.
The first Teesta bridge was built in the Gokunda area of Lalmonirhat in 2012 at a cost of Tk 87 crore, while the second was constructed in Mohipur, Rangpur's Gangachara, in 2018 at a cost of Tk 131 crore.
Uzzal Chowdhury, executive engineer of Gaibandha LGED, said, "The name 'Mawlana Bhashani Bridge' reflects the people's demand and honours a legendary figure. More than just an infrastructure project, it symbolises the aspirations, development, and potential of the people of northern Bangladesh."
The bridge named after Mawlana Bhashani
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Highlights
- Starlink leased a one-acre plot for 40 years
- Chaldal and PRAN-RFL Group to build call centers and IT hubs
- Bondstein plans to open a Robotics & IoT Research Center
- Agni Systems secured a one-acre plot; BRAC IT is negotiating for two
- Employers targeting Rajshahi youth for tech and IT outsourcing
- 16 companies occupy Silicon Tower, 11 remain operational
- 5 August looting caused Tk32 crore in damages
Since commencing operations last year, Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park has attracted growing interest from both domestic and foreign companies. This year, American company Starlink leased a one-acre plot for 40 years, agreeing to pay $2 per square meter annually plus service charges.
Alongside Starlink, local firm Agni Systems Limited secured a one-acre plot, while discussions are underway to allocate land to BRAC IT. BRAC CEO Asif Saleh recently visited the park, and the organisation has requested a two-acre plot to relocate its 650 IT developers.
Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park features a 12-story Silicon Tower with 84,661 square feet of leasable space. Recently, Chaldal and PRAN-RFL Group signed resolutions to lease 12,612 square feet each on the 10th and 9th floors, respectively. Both plan to establish IT and call centers there.
Bondstein Technologies, a local company associated with Starlink's infrastructure development and management in Bangladesh, plans to establish a Robotics and IoT Research Center in the park.
The company's CEO, Mir Shahrukh Islam, told
The Business Standard, "Starlink has yet to be fully operational; only about ten antennas are installed, with thirty more planned. We are excited to contribute to advanced tech research and development here."
After leasing the plot in April, Starlink completed construction of a ground station by July on its one-acre plot. The company has also built ground stations in Gazipur and Jessore Hi-Tech Parks, from where it plans to run operations across Bangladesh.
The park's Deputy Director Mahfuzul Kabir, highlighted that eight plots in front of Silicon Tower remain reserved for large companies, signaling ongoing expansion. He expressed confidence that by December, significant operational activity will be underway at the park.
The park spans 31 acres beside the Padma River near Rajshahi's court area and was developed with an investment of 343 crore taka. The project was officially handed over to the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority on June 30, 2024.
Despite a severe setback on August 5 last year, when looters caused extensive damage and theft worth crores of taka, many companies have resumed activities. Star Cineplex, one of the few companies present before the incident, remains closed due to losses estimated at Tk3 crore, but others like Netra Systems Limited and Business Automation Limited have restarted operations.
Netra Systems CEO Asik Mohammad reported losses of 25 lakh taka and three months of halted activities, temporarily shifting to home office work. He believes political stability will foster further growth and increase foreign investment, especially as software development expands beyond the current freelancing-focused operations.
Business Automation Ltd also suffered losses of approximately 30 lakh taka but has since redecorated and resumed work.
However, ongoing infrastructure issues persist. HR Executive Rubaiat Zaman Abir noted that frequent electrical substation failures disrupt server operations, halting work. Security remains inadequate, with CCTV installation pending and reliance on local personnel for protection.
Despite challenges, the park is creating employment opportunities for Rajshahi's youth. Chaldal CEO Zia Ashraf expressed hope to employ skilled young professionals, particularly in graphic design, tech support, and hardware. Rajshahi's reputation as an education hub with a talented workforce eager to work locally supports this optimism.
PRAN-RFL's GM Tanvir Hossain also shared plans to start IT business process outsourcing, graphic design, and training centers upon finalising their floor allocation.
Currently, 16 companies occupy 18 blocks in Silicon Tower, with 11 operational and others preparing to launch. Additionally, seven software firms operate within the adjacent IT Training and Incubation Center.
A committee, including representatives from the Public Works Department, was formed to assess the damages from the August 5 looting, preliminarily estimating losses around 32 crore taka, particularly affecting Star Cineplex and related assets.
Looking ahead, Deputy Director Mahfuzul Kabir is optimistic, saying, "We have revived the park from near ruin. By December, we expect a surge in activity and employment at Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park."
Officials and investors remain confident as steady leasing and growing interest from both local giants and foreign firms signal Rajshahi's strong potential as a tech hub.
This renewed optimism at Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park reflects Bangladesh's broader ambition to develop regional technology centers, boost employment, and attract foreign direct investment, provided political stability and infrastructural support continue to improve.
https://www.tbsnews.net/tech/renewe...ahi-hi-tech-park-after-august-5-pause-1213106
The government is preparing to clear its overdue payments to Russia for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant following a temporary waiver from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Earlier this month, OFAC, the US Treasury agency that enforces sanctions against countries and regimes in line with US policies, authorised Dhaka to proceed with the payments under certain conditions, including completion by December, officials said.
The finance ministry has since set the process in motion. The Economic Relations Division (ERD) has written to the Russian embassy in Dhaka seeking details on how the payments can be made, while the Bangladesh Bank is working on the technical procedure.
"Once we receive instructions from the Russian side, the proposal will be sent back to OFAC for final clearance," said an ERD official on condition of anonymity.
ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky confirmed the development but refused to elaborate.
"We will share information after the process is complete," he said.
An ERD official told The Daily Star that several other countries have received no-objection certificates from OFAC to conduct certain transactions under sanctions, and Bangladesh was likely to have followed a similar approach.
OFAC has granted clearance for transactions regarding non-military projects that began before sanctions.
The waiver for Bangladesh follows a formal request in April by the interim government to the US Treasury seeking permission for the payment.
A Bangladeshi delegation had also raised the issue with US Treasury officials at the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings in Washington in the same month.
Bangladesh's payment to Russia stopped in 2022 when the US and other Western countries imposed economic sanctions on the Eurasian country following its invasion of Ukraine.
Under the sanctions, major Russian banks, including the Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs (VEB), the designated bank for the Rooppur project, were barred from using the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system, which provides the main messaging network through which international payments are initiated.
The sanctions forced the Bangladesh Bank to deposit the funds to repay loans and interest for the $11.38 billion Russia-funded Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant into a third-party account, also known as an escrow account, that holds the assets of a transaction temporarily.
As of June this year, the account held $1.03 billion, of which $185 million had been disbursed to local contractors.
A senior official of the Bangladesh Bank said they will seek OFAC's no-objection certificate again after learning the preferred payment channel and intermediary from Russia.
The official also said they are ready to release the funds once Washington and Moscow agree on the payment mechanism.
"It is yet to be confirmed if the payments would be possible, but we are ready to release the funds at any time as the money is set aside at a different account," the official also said.
Russia has repeatedly sought payments following the sanctions, even in roubles if possible.
Bangladesh has also explored alternative options like sending payments through a bank in China, but that went nowhere as the Chinese banks did not agree with the proposals.
Under a 2011 agreement, the Eurasian superpower had provided Bangladesh with $500 million in 2013 for preparatory work and $11.38 billion in 2016 for the Rooppur plant's construction.
Before sanctions took effect, Bangladesh had paid about $1 billion in interest and advance payments. Since then, both principal and interest payments have stalled, and a proposal to defer the start of principal repayments was rejected.
Under the existing schedule, repayment will begin in September 2028, with two instalments each year, in March and September, over a 20-year period.
As per the latest progress report of Bangladesh Power Development Board, the first 1,200MW unit of the 2,400MW plant is planned to begin commercial operations by December this year and the second one in December 2026.
Central bank seeks nod from Washington after Russia's reply
www.thedailystar.net
Highlights:
- Bangladesh seeks $3.1B from Korea, Japan for two bridges
- Bhola-Barishal bridge to be nation's longest, boosting GDP 0.86%
- Shariatpur-Chandpur bridge cuts Khulna–Chattogram distance by 90km
- Both bridges aim to finish by 2032–2033
- Korea's EDCF offers ultra-low interest loans, requiring Korean contractors
- Japan, Korea expected to provide joint financing under PPP
Bangladesh is seeking Tk33,423 crore ($3.1 billion) in funding from Korea and Japan for two monumental bridge projects that will significantly enhance regional connectivity and boost the economy. The projects, once funded, are expected to be completed by 2033.
Preliminary project proposals were submitted to the Planning Commission on 25 June.
The Planning Commission is currently reviewing the preliminary project proposals. Meanwhile, a PPPP review for the Meghna bridge construction was held on 4 August.
Bhola-Barishal bridge
The largest of the two projects is the Bhola-Barishal bridge, with an estimated cost of Tk17,466 crore. At 10.86km long, it will be the country's longest bridge, providing a permanent and reliable road link for the island district of Bhola with the mainland at Barishal. A 2024 feasibility study predicts the bridge will attract investment, create jobs, and contribute 0.86% to the GDP over 30 years. It will also facilitate natural gas transmission from Bhola to the national grid. Officials anticipate a completion date of 2033. The Japanese firm Miyagawa Construction Limited has shown interest in financing this project.
Shariatpur-Chandpur bridge
The second project is the Shariatpur-Chandpur bridge, an 8km structure over the Meghna River. Estimated to cost Tk15,957 crore, this bridge will directly connect 21 south-western districts with 11 south-eastern districts. It will provide a crucial alternative to the current unreliable ferry system and reduce the distance between Khulna and Chattogram by approximately 90km, easing traffic congestion in Dhaka. The bridge is planned to be built at the Horina Ferry Ghat in Chandpur and will connect to Sakhipur in Shariatpur, with a target completion date of 2032. In 2021, the Bridge Authority appointed an international consulting firm for the project, and the survey report was completed last year.
South Korea has expressed strong interest in financing this project through its Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), which offers highly concessional loans. Japan has also been approached and showed initial interest in a public-private partnership (PPP) framework. Officials are hoping for joint financing for both projects.
Funding & outlook
Due to the projects' high cost, the Bridges Division is seeking joint financing from development partners. Korea's EDCF loan, with a low interest rate of 0.01% to 0.05% and a repayment period of up to 40 years, is a highly favourable option, though it requires the use of Korean contractors.
Japan has also been approached for loans for both bridge projects. The Planning Commission is currently reviewing the proposals, and the Korean authorities have specifically requested the proposal for the Meghna bridge for their loan decision.
Quazi Muhammad Ferdous, chief engineer of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, told TBS, "Joint financing is possible, and the ERD has been requested to ensure loans under favourable conditions," he said, expenses could rise once detailed designs are completed.
Korea keen on financing, Japanese loan is also expected for the $3.1b ventures
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Highlights:
- Dhaka Elevated Expressway to connect with Mawa–Bhanga Expressway
- Link will bypass Dhaka traffic, easing north-south travel
- Feasibility study to decide route, cost, and design
- Dhaka Elevated Expressway completion target: December 2026
- Project delays stemmed from funding, legal, and land issues
- Connection expected to boost trade, save time, raise toll revenue
Road transport authorities have decided to link the Dhaka Elevated Expressway with the Mawa–Bhanga Expressway, which will enable a smooth journey for people travelling from the northern to the southern regions of the country, circumventing city traffic congestion.
The 19.73km Dhaka Elevated Expressway (46.73km with ramps) – linking the Shahjalal Airport to Jatrabari-adjacent Kutubkhali on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway – is partially complete. Around 12.5 km (Airport–FDC) is now open to traffic, while work on the remaining stretch under a PPP model continues slowly amid disruptions. Work will begin in full swing soon.
Meanwhile, the Mawa–Bhanga Expressway begins at Jatrabari-adjacent Keraniganj, separate from the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway. So the gap between the Dhaka Expressway's endpoint and the starting point of the Mawa Expressway is short – one to two km.
According to officials, connecting the two expressways would ultimately link three major overhead roadways, including the under-construction Dhaka–Ashulia Expressway.
This would allow vehicles from the northern region — Rajshahi, Rangpur, or Mymensingh — to travel directly to the southeastern or western regions — Chattogram or Khulna — without adding to central Dhaka's traffic.
Officials said the Roads and Highways Department recently proposed to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority to connect the expressways. Bridge Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf told TBS that a decision has already been made to carry out a feasibility study on the connection.
"The study will determine whether the plan is practical. Based on its findings, we will make a final decision. It will also outline the estimated cost, the design, and the exact route of the connection—whether it will be an overpass or a road link," he said.
Quazi Muhammad Ferdous, chief engineer of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, said the feasibility study will be conducted through the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).
In addition, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway's current investor will conduct another feasibility study for constructing a new ramp at Mohakhali to facilitate better traffic to and from the airport.
The entire Dhaka Elevated Express project is scheduled for completion in December 2026. The expressway will also connect to the 24-km Dhaka–Ashulia Expressway at the airport point, with that project expected to be completed by June next year.
Linking the expressways and highways would enable travellers to reach their destinations more quickly, saving time and fuel. It would also accelerate the movement of goods and passengers across regions, promoting trade and economic activity.
Additionally, toll revenue for the three expressways would rise, as long-distance travellers and trucks take the direct route.
Dhaka Expressway project faced delays, now back on track
Work on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, which began in 2017 under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, faced delays for various reasons in the past, including disputes among foreign investors, but is set to resume in full swing as disputes ease.
Construction stalled because lenders, including China Exim Bank, had halted fund disbursement, bringing work to a standstill. The contractor has now restarted limited work, and full-scale construction will resume once the next instalment from China Exim Bank is released.
Legal and financial complications among shareholders had previously caused lenders — including ICBC and China Exim Bank — to withhold funds.
The 13th instalment has been pending since January 2024. Officials say the issues are being resolved, and the installation is expected to be released soon. The project's shareholders are Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (51%), China Major Bridge Engineering Company Limited (34%), and Sinohydro Corporation Ltd (15%).
China Exim Bank is providing $461 million, and ICBC $400 million, totalling $861 million in loans. Of this, $467.32 million had been released up to the 12th cycle.
The total project cost is Tk8,940 crore, with Tk2,413 crore (27%) funded by the Bangladesh government.
Officials cite several causes for the delays since the beginning, including legal and financial issues, coordination requirements with other development projects, as well as delays in final design approvals. Land acquisition problems — particularly in areas under Bangladesh Railways, Panthakunja Park, and Dhaka South City Corporation — have required redesigning some sections.
According to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, only 12% of the third phase — from Moghbazar railway crossing to Kutubkhali on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway — has been physically completed so far.
Another Dhaka expressway ramp to be constructed at Mohakhali to facilitate better traffic to and from the airport
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The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) today (17 August) approved a Tk1,818 crore project to modernise 25 power substations under the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB), aiming to provide reliable and quality electricity to industrial areas.
The approval came during an Ecnec meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room.
The project will upgrade 33/11KV substations in Cumilla under the Chattogram division and in Gazipur, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Tangail, and Gopalganj districts under the Dhaka division by June 2029.
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, told The Business Standard, "Industries under BREB face frequent fluctuations in voltage and frequency, which often disrupt machines and halt production.
"We found that exporters are dissatisfied with the quality and reliability of BREB's power. To address this and ensure consistent, high-quality electricity for industrial areas, we launched this project."
The project will be funded with Tk479.98 crore from the government, Tk1,080.67 crore from development partners, and Tk257.35 crore from BREB's own fund. Alongside upgrading substations, BREB will lay new transmission lines and upgrade 625 km of power lines.
According to Planning Commission documents, the project is expected to enhance BREB's power distribution capacity by 418 megavolt-amperes, reduce system losses from 6.62% to 5.82%, and cut the System Average Interruption Duration Index from 332 minutes to 300 minutes.
Fouzul Kabir added, "While earlier the focus was on electricity access, today the emphasis is on quality.
"We are facing problems in supplying electricity to the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) after gas supply to a United Group power plant was cut off over unpaid bills. We tried to supply power to DEPZ from BREB, but exporters were not happy with the quality of electricity. This project will help ensure reliable power to industries."
In the same meeting, Ecnec approved 10 other projects, including the establishment of Rabindra University (Tk519.15 crore), burn and plastic surgery units at five medical colleges (Tk360.11 crore), and the construction of flats for government employees in Dhaka (Tk774.59 crore), reports UNB.
The total cost of the 11 approved projects is Tk9,361.92 crore. Among them, five are new, three are revised, and three received time extensions without any increase in cost.
Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud said the total project costs will be shared by the government (Tk6,677 crore), project assistance (Tk2,428.04 crore), and implementing agencies' own funds (Tk256.89 crore).
The project will provide industries with reliable and high-quality electricity, Adviser Fouzul says
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