What's new

Bangladesh Economic & Infrastructure Development - Updates & Discussions

Made in Bangladesh from Circuit Board/SMD/SMT level:


Walton 55″ 4K Smart TV (WD4-MT55-VC10)


Walton 55-inches 4K Smart TV (WD4-MT55-VC10) Specs & Price in BD


Features & Highlights
  • 55″ 4K Display Resolution
  • 120Hz Fluid Motion Engine
  • Running On Android Nougat v7.0
  • 1.0 GHz Quad-Core Processor
  • 1.25 GB RAM & 8 GB Internal Storage
  • Built-in 5th Gen WiFi
  • MPEG & Noise Reduction
  • Stylish & Slim Design
  • Energy Saving Features


It's really expensive @ 94,000 taka. Which puts it up against stiff competition among the very best in the business. As much as I like them, I wouldn't buy their TV for that much. Smart fridges maybe. TV, not yet.

But that's the default rrp. Walton dealers are known to slash prices off the rrp, with a lot of flash sales.

I think it might be a phantom product, to showcase what they're capable of. I don't think they plan to sell many. But it'll serve the purpose of improving the brand image. The point of phantom products is to sell the brand, rather than sell itself.

They even had plans for an 8K TV!!!! Showcased at a trade show before covid. It was in its testing phase. Probably another phantom product. But not much is known about it since the unviel. Not sure if it's completely their product either.


 
Last edited:
.
It's really expensive @ 94,000 taka. Which puts it up against stiff competition among the very best in the business. As much as I like them, I wouldn't buy their TV for that much. Smart fridges maybe. TV, not yet.

But that's the default rrp. Walton dealers are known to slash prices off the rrp, with a lot of flash sales.

I think it might be a phantom product, to showcase what they're capable of. I don't think they plan to sell many. But it'll serve the purpose of improving the brand image. The point of phantom products is to sell the brand, rather than sell itself.

They even had plans for an 8K TV!!!! Showcased at a trade show before covid. It was in its testing phase. Probably another phantom product. But not much is known about it since the unviel. Not sure if it's completely their product either.



Well even 4K content and programming is itself hard to find in the US (unless you count Netflix or Amazon Video), forget 8K content. There are a handful of 4K content (video) available on YouTube, but the Amazon Firestick had been available in 4K for a year or more, which allows 4K content and programming from various apps like Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Video etc. I am sure you can get those options in Bangladesh too. Eventually 4K content will be more numerous and available.

But if you ask me, I don't see a point to upgrade to 8K yet. 4K (and 4K upscaling of HD content) is enough bang-for-the-buck for me, having plenty of difference between HD and itself.

I have seen an 8K model at a friend's house and remain underwhelmed. Not worth the money right now to upgrade. It's like the early days of HDTV, they are asking too much. Let the early-adopters pay for the 8K products, then you and I can buy down the line, a couple of years later.

Even Samsung QLED 75 inch 8K TV's are priced around 10,00,000 Rupees in India which means Bangladesh-made Walton 8K TV will be around Tk. 9,00,000 or thereabouts. I am sure 8K TVs for now will be "By-order-basis" only for the subcontinent (or imported from overseas). The changes to the circuit board is rather minor, changes for 8K are mainly in the screen, which I am sure Walton does not make - yet.

 
Last edited:
.
PM to inaugurate installation work of RNPP reactor vessel tomorrow
  • Sun Online Desk
  • 9th October, 2021 09:48:56 PM
  • Print news
PM to inaugurate installation work of RNPP reactor vessel tomorrow


Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate virtually the reactor pressure vessel installation work in the first reactor building of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) tomorrow (Sunday).

The premier will inaugurate it through video conferencing from her official residence Ganabhaban at 10am. "With this, the country's dream to produce nuclear energy is going to be materialized," an official familiar with the process told BSS.

The main unit of the nuclear power plant at Rooppur in Pabna will be installed in the first unit of the reactor pressure vessel or nuclear reactor.

"Rooppur NPP has accumulated the best Russian practice and dozens of years of experience and scientific thoughts. The unique combination of active and passive systems of the power units will ensure safe operation of the power plant and guarantee the planned level of electricity generation", director general of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev said.

He said, "Development of nuclear power industry will not only resolve the problem of energy supply in Bangladesh but will also contribute to the development of the region and enhance the living standards of the people."

"Cooperation between Russia and Bangladesh is of strategic character. I am confident that many other projects both in the field of power engineering and other areas are yet to be implemented by Russian and Bangladeshi specialists together", Likhachev further said.

Before installing the nuclear reactor, Science and Technology Minister Architect Yafesh Osman said it is the most important chapter in the construction of the nuclear power plant and with this the project is moving forward on time.

The nuclear power plant in Pabna that consists of two units with a capacity of 1,200MW each is the country's maiden power project of its kind, he said.

Project Director and nuclear scientist Dr Md Shaukat Akbar said that work is going on in Rooppur following strict hygiene rules in COVID-19.

He said installation of almost all types of nuclear equipment will be completed by installing reactor pressure vessels inside the physical structure of Unit-1. As a result, the work inside the reactor building of this unit will be almost completed.

The Ruppur project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, which is being constructed with the technical and financial support of Russia.
 
.
PM to inaugurate installation work of RNPP reactor vessel tomorrow
  • Sun Online Desk
  • 9th October, 2021 09:48:56 PM
  • Print news
PM to inaugurate installation work of RNPP reactor vessel tomorrow


Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate virtually the reactor pressure vessel installation work in the first reactor building of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) tomorrow (Sunday).

The premier will inaugurate it through video conferencing from her official residence Ganabhaban at 10am. "With this, the country's dream to produce nuclear energy is going to be materialized," an official familiar with the process told BSS.

The main unit of the nuclear power plant at Rooppur in Pabna will be installed in the first unit of the reactor pressure vessel or nuclear reactor.

"Rooppur NPP has accumulated the best Russian practice and dozens of years of experience and scientific thoughts. The unique combination of active and passive systems of the power units will ensure safe operation of the power plant and guarantee the planned level of electricity generation", director general of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev said.

He said, "Development of nuclear power industry will not only resolve the problem of energy supply in Bangladesh but will also contribute to the development of the region and enhance the living standards of the people."

"Cooperation between Russia and Bangladesh is of strategic character. I am confident that many other projects both in the field of power engineering and other areas are yet to be implemented by Russian and Bangladeshi specialists together", Likhachev further said.

Before installing the nuclear reactor, Science and Technology Minister Architect Yafesh Osman said it is the most important chapter in the construction of the nuclear power plant and with this the project is moving forward on time.

The nuclear power plant in Pabna that consists of two units with a capacity of 1,200MW each is the country's maiden power project of its kind, he said.

Project Director and nuclear scientist Dr Md Shaukat Akbar said that work is going on in Rooppur following strict hygiene rules in COVID-19.

He said installation of almost all types of nuclear equipment will be completed by installing reactor pressure vessels inside the physical structure of Unit-1. As a result, the work inside the reactor building of this unit will be almost completed.

The Ruppur project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, which is being constructed with the technical and financial support of Russia.

on topic discussion about power generation

Time to drill some gas
 
.
A case for green transition in our apparel sector


Fahmida Khatun
Mon Oct 11, 2021 12:00 AM
A green RMG factory in Gazipur. File photo: Star

green-transition-apparel-sector.jpg



In today's world, business is not only about profit, employment, income, and growth. Hence, it is not only about economic sustainability—it is also about social and environmental sustainability. In the run-up to the 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the green transition of all economic activities has gained more momentum. Several global leaders have reiterated their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and set ambitious targets to reach net-zero levels of emissions in an attempt to keep the global temperature rise within 1.5 degree Celsius. The private sector, including large businesses, has also made a commitment to reduce carbon emissions and set timelines to become carbon neutral.

One may refer to the findings of a McKinsey report in 2018, which indicated that the global fashion industry emitted about 2.1 billion metric tonnes of GHG—which is equivalent to about four percent of total global GHG emission. The fashion industry has to reduce its GHG emissions by 1.1 billion metric tonnes of carbon equivalent by 2030. Unfortunately, at the current trajectory of its GHG emission, the targets of 2030 will not be met.

Bangladesh is a small player in the global fashion industry. In fact, Bangladesh's national contribution to global GHG emission is 0.45 percent. However, despite its negligible GHG emission, Bangladesh has to play its part and make efforts towards the green transition of its economy, including the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. Producers, buyers and consumers worldwide are more aware of climate and environmental issues than ever before. Hence, sustainability has become a core agenda among brands. Many high-end brands have also started using recycled fabrics. Over 40 brands have committed to cut their GHG emission by 30 percent within 2030.

The RMG sector is not only human resource-intensive, but also natural resource-intensive, at every stage of the life cycle. The sector generates large amounts of waste—it requires volumes of clean freshwater for washing, dyeing, and finishing (WDF) of textiles. The textile sector is also energy-intensive. For WDF-related activities, hot water and steam have to be generated, which contributes to GHG emission. Besides, a number of harmful chemicals—including nitrous oxides, sulphur dioxides, carbon monoxide, and chlorine dioxide—are also released from factories through various activities. Therefore, the environmentally sustainable production process in the RMG sector involves waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency.

The government of Bangladesh is committed to achieving higher economic growth in an environment-friendly manner, and will work to reduce the impacts of climate change. Its medium- and long-term plans, such as the eighth five-year plan and the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, have spelt out strategies and action plans in that direction. Among others, monitoring and controlling pollution, higher investment in industrial effluent treatment plants, and the adoption of cleaner technologies for economic activities are among the few important promises of the government.

In the recent past, Bangladesh's RMG sector took a number of initiatives towards a green and sustainable industry. The Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) signed the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action in 2019 with the UNFCCC for reducing GHG emissions by 30 percent by 2030. It also entered into partnership with a number of international organisations to promote environmental sustainability. One of its pledges to be a part of the "Green Button Initiative" of the government of Germany is a state-owned seal on environmental sustainability.

Bangladesh has 148 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green garment factories, certified by the US Green Building Council. Nine out of the world's top 10 green RMG factories are located in Bangladesh. Also, 40 out of the top 100 green industrial projects in the world are situated in Bangladesh. More than 500 factories are in the pipeline to achieve the green factory status. It must be noted that in a highly cost-competitive environment, it is a challenge to be LEED-certified companies that are designed and built in a way to use less energy and water, have good indoor air quality, and improve the quality of life. These standards are much above the national requirements and are also expensive. Also, RMG factories have entered the Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT) programme of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which aims to lower environmental impact and resource consumption in the sector. Factories under PaCT have adopted cleaner production practices, which have helped reduce their GHG emissions.

The RMG sector is one of the major driving forces of the Bangladesh economy. It is the source of employment and income for about four million workers, the majority of whom are women. It is a key source of foreign exchange income. Currently, about 81 percent of export income comes from this sector. Bangladesh is the second largest exporter of apparels in the world, following China. During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the sector faced challenges in terms of reduced exports due to the nationwide lockdown in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus, and also cancellation and postponement of orders by a number of international buyers. However, as soon as the global markets started to open up, RMG exports started to pick up too. In recent months, the growth of RMG exports has been significant. In September 2021, RMG exports grew by 41.7 percent compared to the previous month.

During the last decade or so, the sector has worked towards improving various compliances in partnership with brands. As the country is going to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, the compliance requirements on Bangladeshi exports will become more stringent. With higher commitments of governments and private sectors and higher awareness of consumers around the world, social and environmental issues are taking the centre stage of production and consumption.

However, green economic transition also involves costs. To remain competitive in the global market, productivity enhancement and cost minimisation are needed. Some of the LEED factory owners are not happy, since they have not seen returns on their green investments in terms of higher revenues. There is a demand on buyers for higher prices of apparels for the supply chains to be climate neutral. Also, it will be difficult for many factories to be climate-positive through energy-efficient technologies because of the additional costs involved.

Therefore, technology transfer and finance are two major requirements for the green transition of the RMG sector in Bangladesh. Higher productivity and lesser wastage of resources through better technology can reduce cost. However, technological upgradation has to be associated with capacity development of workers as it may lead to displacement of unskilled workers—particularly female workers. Indeed, environmental compliance has to be coupled with social compliance. It has to ensure a decent living for its workers.

Catalysing green finance is crucial for green transformation of the RMG industry through environment-friendly technologies. Global sources such as the Green Climate Fund have been less effective as the disbursement process is slow. However, given the scale of requirements for a green path, green financing will have to be mobilised from multiple sources. Public resources can never fulfil the demand; private investment is more crucial. A blended finance package comprising grants, green loan guarantees, subsidised loans, and also support from buyers can de-risk environmental investment and catalyse private funds. Higher green investment in the RMG sector will not only make the RMG sector sustainable, but will also help achieve Bangladesh's commitments towards implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including two important SDGs: SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, and SDG 13 on climate action. Hence, commitments for a green RMG sector are also commitments for intergenerational equity.

Dr Fahmida Khatun is executive director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Longer TRIPS transition period for LDCs overlooks post-graduation challenges


Fahmida Khatun
Sun Jul 4, 2021 10:58 PM

ldc-graduation_1.jpg



On June 29, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) extended the deadline for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to protect intellectual property under the WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) until July 1, 2034.

Members agreed to extend the present transition period, which was scheduled to end on July 1, by 13 years. The TRIPS Agreement that facilitates trade in knowledge and creativity, covers areas such as copyright, trademark, geographical indicators, industrial design, patents, layout designs of integrated circuits and undisclosed information. It may also be mentioned that the transition period for pharmaceutical products was earlier extended by the Council for TRIPS until the end of 2032.

On behalf of the LDC Group in the WTO, Chad requested the extension on October 1, 2020. The LDC Group requested an extension of the transition period so that LDCs are exempted from applying TRIPS provisions till an LDC graduates instead of a fixed period which is applicable to all LDCs. Article 66.1 of the TRIPS Agreement provides flexibility to LDCs. These countries have been exempted from applying the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement twice since 2005—the first time from 2005 to 2013 and then from 2013 to 2021. While granting such exemptions, the special requirements of LDCs were taken into consideration. Their economic, financial and administrative constraints and the need to create a technological base have been mentioned by the WTO for such exemptions.

The other request from the LDC Group was exemption of an additional 12-year period after an LDC graduates so that the country can graduate in a smooth manner by overcoming shocks during the new circumstances. However, WTO members did not agree to the LDC request for continuation of the transition period after a country graduates from LDC status to the developing country category.

This is unfortunate since during the initial period after graduation, LDCs face challenges in terms of the loss of several international support measures. These include loss of preferential market access for LDC products in several developed and developing countries, access to concessional finance, TRIPS waiver, LDC-specific funds and technology transfer, among others.

It is widely discussed that though the pandemic has affected all economies, LDCs are more vulnerable to the crisis. These countries are facing health and economic shocks which are reflected through low economic activities, loss of employment and income of people, financial stress, fiscal deficit, and increased poverty. Social challenges such as poor healthcare, learning loss of students, violence against women, burden of unpaid care work, increased child marriage, and greater inequality have also become prominent in these countries during the pandemic. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2020), the pandemic could create an additional 32 million extreme poor by 2020 in 47 LDCs. This will increase the number of extreme poor to 377 million people, more than half of the number of poor worldwide. The pandemic is feared to take away some of the achievements in case of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under such circumstances, LDCs require even more flexibility than before. A shorter transition period as provided to graduating LDCs in the past is not enough.

LDCs have become more vulnerable in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Several studies have apprehended that achievements made by LDCs so far could be reversed due to the impact of the pandemic. This may not be reflected in the average statistical numbers but the inherent strength of their economies will be weaker. Hence, newly graduated LDCs will require a longer time to graduate in a sustainable manner. In such circumstances, LDC-specific support measures need to be continued for a longer period. One of these measures is the continuation of the TRIPS transition period during post-LDC graduation.

Advanced countries are working towards building their economies in a better way than the pre-pandemic period. Not only do they have access to enough vaccines to fight the pandemic, they are also investing heavily in human capital and green technology. LDCs do not have access to affordable knowledge products, healthcare facilities, and green technology. Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement refers to technology transfer to LDCs by developed countries so that a sound and viable technological base is created in LDCs. This is yet to be observed in a significant way. There has been a general lack of interest on the part of the developed countries in transferring technology. Rather, redundant and obsolete technologies are often dumped onto LDCs.

As the advanced countries aspire to "build back better" as part of their recovery plan and remain committed to global goals such as the SDGs, their commitment towards enhanced support to LDCs will be crucial. LDCs are facing uncertainty in getting vaccines while several developed countries have purchased more than their requirements. Therefore, the post-pandemic period will not only exacerbate inequality within countries but also between the rich and poor countries in the world. This requires conscious efforts of the global community.

Bangladesh played an important role in driving the extension of the exemption period for LDCs to implement the obligations of the TRIPS Agreement. Though Bangladesh has fulfilled LDC graduation criteria during the triennial reviews of the United Nations in 2018 and 2021, and is expected to graduate in 2026—it will need the LDC-specific flexibilities for a few years during its post-graduation period. This will help the country to prepare for absorbing the shocks to be felt due to the sudden withdrawal of various international support measures.

At the national level, Bangladesh will have to work towards preparing itself to overcome the challenges following graduation. These include a host of issues, such as diversification of its exports and markets, higher resource mobilisation and its efficient utilisation, increased capacity and productivity, technological adoption, and stronger institutions. As far as TRIPS is concerned, Bangladesh should also develop and strengthen its IP regime with support from the WTO and also by engaging national experts.
At the global level, Bangladesh will have to continue its engagement along with the LDC Group for the extension of TRIPS flexibilities both for current and graduating LDCs.

Dr Fahmida Khatun is the Executive Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue.
 
. . .
$1b green, smart township under Army supervision

Singapore’s Raffles Infrastructure Holdings will build the township in the Baunia neighbourhood

raffles_0_1.jpg


Singapore's Raffles Infrastructure Holdings Limited has entered a joint venture in Bangladesh as part of a major real estate deal to build a $1 billion township, one of the largest housing projects in Dhaka.

The Army Welfare Trust owns the 51.93-acre project land in Baunia designated for the development of an integrated residential town, "Trust Green City", adjacent to Mirpur DOHS and Uttara. More than 5,000 apartments will be built there, each covering 600-4,000 square feet area.

"It will be a clean and smart city, just like what you see in Hong Kong and Singapore," said Brig Gen Mahmood Hasan who looks after the planning, development, and construction of the project.

The foundation stone will be laid on 30 December. After that, It will take six months to one year to mobilise resources, and another five years to start the handover of the apartments built in zones 2,3 and 4 of Baunia, he added.

About 400 bighas of land in Baunia will be divided into five sectors and zones 1 and 5 will be developed for commercial and rehabilitation purposes.

trust_green_city_0.jpg

Courtesy: Trust Green City

Raffles Infrastructure will be responsible for designing, financing, construction, marketing, and maintenance of the Trust Green City, while Cupertino Power Ltd, the Bangladeshi party in the venture, will take care of the business and day-to-day operations.

The joint venture will be known as Raffles Infrastructure Development Bangladesh Ltd, with Raffles holding 85% of the company and Cupertino 15%, Raffles said in a filing to the Singapore stock exchange on Tuesday. An agreement on the collaboration was signed on 30 November last. The project value is estimated at about $1 billion (around Tk8,437 crore), according to Raffles Infrastructure.
Upon completion of this maiden project in Bangladesh, we aim to establish a stronger presence in the region where we are actively exploring more business opportunities
- Eric Choo
Trust Green City is a state-of-the-art dream project of the Bangladesh Army, "with the noble purpose of creating socio-economic opportunities, as well as building a smart and environmentally-friendly small township conducive to healthy living," the Army Welfare Trust said while signing the deal with Raffles Infrastructure.

The local company will help to process applications for various licenses and permits "from the relevant authorities in Bangladesh".

Cupertino Power Ltd has expertise in project planning, feasibility studies and setting up "Operations for investors and entrepreneurs from the USA, Singapore and Japan", Raffles said in the stock exchange filing. Eric Choo, chief executive of Raffles Infrastructure, told Singapore-based The Business Times, "Upon completion of this maiden project in Bangladesh, we aim to establish a stronger presence in the region where we are actively exploring more business opportunities."

trust_green_city_map.jpg

Courtesy: Trust Green City

Other projects under Welfare Trust in Baunia

The Army Welfare Trust will also develop zone 1 as a commercial area on 145 bighas of land.

The commercial zone will have a central business district, an amusement park, a hospital, a hotel and two schools. There will also be condominiums catering to the housing demand of people working within the area.

Zone 5, with an area of 100 bighas, will be developed for housing specifically for those who have exchanged land with the Welfare Trust for land development, said Brig Gen Hasan.
 
Last edited:
.
$1b green, smart township under Army supervision

Singapore’s Raffles Infrastructure Holdings will build the township in the Baunia neighbourhood

raffles_0_1.jpg


Singapore's Raffles Infrastructure Holdings Limited has entered a joint venture in Bangladesh as part of a major real estate deal to build a $1 billion township, one of the largest housing projects in Dhaka.

The Army Welfare Trust owns the 51.93-acre project land in Baunia designated for the development of an integrated residential town, "Trust Green City", adjacent to Mirpur DOHS and Uttara. More than 5,000 apartments will be built there, each covering 600-4,000 square feet area.

"It will be a clean and smart city, just like what you see in Hong Kong and Singapore," said Brig Gen Mahmood Hasan who looks after the planning, development, and construction of the project.

The foundation stone will be laid on 30 December. After that, It will take six months to one year to mobilise resources, and another five years to start the handover of the apartments built in zones 2,3 and 4 of Baunia, he added.

About 400 bighas of land in Baunia will be divided into five sectors and zones 1 and 5 will be developed for commercial and rehabilitation purposes.

trust_green_city_0.jpg

Courtesy: Trust Green City

Raffles Infrastructure will be responsible for designing, financing, construction, marketing, and maintenance of the Trust Green City, while Cupertino Power Ltd, the Bangladeshi party in the venture, will take care of the business and day-to-day operations.

The joint venture will be known as Raffles Infrastructure Development Bangladesh Ltd, with Raffles holding 85% of the company and Cupertino 15%, Raffles said in a filing to the Singapore stock exchange on Tuesday. An agreement on the collaboration was signed on 30 November last. The project value is estimated at about $1 billion (around Tk8,437 crore), according to Raffles Infrastructure.

Trust Green City is a state-of-the-art dream project of the Bangladesh Army, "with the noble purpose of creating socio-economic opportunities, as well as building a smart and environmentally-friendly small township conducive to healthy living," the Army Welfare Trust said while signing the deal with Raffles Infrastructure.

The local company will help to process applications for various licenses and permits "from the relevant authorities in Bangladesh".

Cupertino Power Ltd has expertise in project planning, feasibility studies and setting up "Operations for investors and entrepreneurs from the USA, Singapore and Japan", Raffles said in the stock exchange filing. Eric Choo, chief executive of Raffles Infrastructure, told Singapore-based The Business Times, "Upon completion of this maiden project in Bangladesh, we aim to establish a stronger presence in the region where we are actively exploring more business opportunities."

trust_green_city_map.jpg

Courtesy: Trust Green City

Other projects under Welfare Trust in Baunia

The Army Welfare Trust will also develop zone 1 as a commercial area on 145 bighas of land.

The commercial zone will have a central business district, an amusement park, a hospital, a hotel and two schools. There will also be condominiums catering to the housing demand of people working within the area.

Zone 5, with an area of 100 bighas, will be developed for housing specifically for those who have exchanged land with the Welfare Trust for land development, said Brig Gen Hasan.

Is the project only supervised by the army, or are they building an entire town exclusively for the upper echelons of the army?

If it's later, then it's Bangladesh's version of the sort of elitist artificial bubbles you have in Pakistan, with their defense sectors and red zones & all that. Artificial zones are completely cut off from reality with the rest of the country. A breeding ground for the next generation of ultra entitled heroin snorting degenerates that'll end up ruling the country. Like the parents before them.

I really hope it's not the case. But then again, Bangladesh isn't that much more "unique" and different than all the other highly dysfunctional South Asian states, as much as we like to pretend otherwise
 
.
Is the project only supervised by the army, or are they building an entire town exclusively for the upper echelons of the army?

If it's later, then it's Bangladesh's version of the sort of elitist artificial bubbles you have in Pakistan, with their defense sectors and red zones & all that. Artificial zones are completely cut off from reality with the rest of the country. A breeding ground for the next generation of ultra entitled heroin snorting degenerates that'll end up ruling the country. Like the parents before them.

I really hope it's not the case. But then again, Bangladesh isn't that much more "unique" and different than all the other highly dysfunctional South Asian states, as much as we like to pretend otherwise

I agree with all your points. Army Welfare Trust (AWT) is developing the land, there is not much publicly available information other than some shady Dhaka outfit called Cupertino Power Ltd. (which is probably owned by some retired Army bigwig) which is collaborating with AWT and Raffles Singapore. It's a tripartite JV.



Societal egalitarianism is unfortunately not common in Bangladesh, Army folks do not see an ethics conflict with them being in the Army and making money off of the population of Bangladesh.

Army has the guns, they wield considerable clout in govt. and with the PM. Public rights situation in Bangladesh is far from advanced or even 2nd world countries. No environmental group or public interest group can speak against this development, even if it is harmful environmentally to the water eco-system in Dhaka.

Bangladesh situation (DOHS and Cantonment land takeovers) seem to be like Pakistan's Defence Housing situation, but I am not familiar with Pakistan situation closely - so I will refrain from commenting on Pakistan, maybe one of the Pakistani bhais can comment.

The positive side is that in a chaotic lawless country like Bangladesh you need some semblance of discipline in sticking to urbanization standards (area offsets, zoning, building standards) and Army's 24th Engg. Brigade is good at that. They are building a lot of Padma Bridge auxiliary projects and the most recent signature projects for them are the Purbachal Expressway (11 Lanes?) and Jolshiri Abashon Smart City (without any foreign consultant or contractor involvement). The expertise gained is a good benchmark for local contractors and builders.

The Green Trust City with Raffles involvement will be an even better 'disruptive benchmark' which will take local urbanization standards even further forward. In this respect, I see some positive discipline compared to the rank amateur behavior of Rajuk officials, who totally effed up Purbachal as a city.

You would not believe how bad the design of roads in that area are, streets are barely twenty feet wide, with eight story apartment housing standing immediately next to the streets. I would gladly put out of his misery, the Rajuk Ba$tard that okayed these designs, they ruined a perfectly good urbanization plan and made it look like Shajahanpur and Tikatuli (ghetto slums) forever. Hong Kong dense slum areas look considerably better.

My only gripe with AWT, is that local civilians should be allowed to buy limited number (a portion) of the housings in these AWT developed DOHS areas, which will make these more profitable and viable.
 
Last edited:
.
Another super specialized hospital in Dhaka by 2026 on cards

The two super
specialized medical facilities along with BSMMU and BIRDEM will turn Shahbagh into a hospital hub
Another super specialised hospital in Dhaka by 2026 on cards


The government has planned to build another super specialized hospital – just across the first one – at Shahbagh in the capital.
With the construction of the first super specialized hospital under the auspices of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University almost to an end, the proposed 750-bed second medical facility along with the BSMMU and BIRDEM General Hospital will turn Shahbagh into a "hospital hub" in the next five years, say officials at the Economic Relations Division.

Funded by South Korea, the $200 million project will facilitate general surgery, gynecology, surgical oncology, and ENT and eye treatment. The hospital will also have a 50-60 bed dialysis center with 10 beds dedicated for children, said the officials.

Zulfiqur Rahman Khan, project director of the slated super specialized hospital, hopes the management of this medical facility "will rival" that of Square Hospitals or Evercare Hospital Dhaka [previously Apollo Hospitals] – two expensive private medical facilities in Bangladesh.

"Patients go abroad mostly for the hospital environment and medical services there. But we too have specialized doctors and are able to provide patients with better healthcare. If the medical skills and management could be put together in a hospital at home, the tendency of going abroad for treatment would certainly go down," he told The Business Standard.

Annually, about three lakh Bangladeshis go abroad for medical treatment. India tops the list of medical tourism destinations followed by other countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Dubai. With the Covid driven international flight suspensions in 2020 and 2021, the flow of outbound medical money saw an unprecedented drop.

Currently, Bangladesh does not have any such "super specialized" hospital. The BSMMU – a tertiary level medical facility – is considered to be the apex treatment facility.

The BSMMU Super Specialized Hospital One, a $122.25 million medical infrastructure also funded by South Korea, is slated for launching in February 2022; the construction of the 11-storey second hospital on three acres of land on the former Betar Bhaban premises will begin in 2023 and is expected to complete in three years.

Preferring not to be named, officials at the Economic Relations Division said South Korea showed interest in funding a second medical infrastructure as the first one's progress has been "admirable". South Korea will finance the entire spending for the second hospital while Bangladesh will only pay the customs duties on the foreign funding.

With more than 4,000 beds comprising the BSMMU, super specialized hospitals one and two, and the BIRDEM General Hospital, Shahbagh will turn into a "hospital hub" in the next five years, according to the officials.

All applied departments
The 11-storey hospital, the second super specialized hospital, will have five or six core departments and sub-departments. There will also be research centers, skill labs, lecture theatres, libraries, and a Bangabandhu museum.

Zulfiqur Rahman Khan said the second hospital will mainly have the applied departments not available at the first one.

BSMMU Super Specialized Hospital One will have a 100-bed accident emergency facility, a liver, gallbladder and pancreas center, organ transplant center, cancer center, maternal and child health care center, dental center, cardiovascular center, geriatric center, spinal cord center, burn injury center, a health screening center and an emergency medical center.

At the second super specialized hospital, Zulfiqur Rahman Khan said, there will be various departments and sub-departments of general surgery, gynecology, surgical oncology, and ENT and an eye department. The hospital will also have a 50-60 bed dialysis center with 10 beds dedicated for children.

Officials say the second hospital was initially planned to be a 20-storey building. However, since high-rise buildings near the old airport in Tejgaon are prohibited, the number of floors was later brought down to 11 – reducing the hospital patient beds to 750 from previously planned 1,000.

The hospital will have a 400-car parking facility on four basement levels. The first super specialized hospital will have a parking capacity of 250 vehicles on two basement levels.

There will be overhead or underground connecting corridors between the two hospitals for ease of patient access. The administration of each hospital will be different though they will be under the BSMMU umbrella.

Funding and construction phases
According to BSMMU sources, the Korean government's one-year feasibility study for construction of the hospital is in the final stages.

Subsequently, the construction budget will be drafted and there will be a loan agreement between Dhaka and Seoul. After formulation of the development project proposal (DPP), the project will go for approval of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

After the ECNEC go-ahead, a Korean contractor will be hired through a tender bid and construction will begin.

Zulfiqur Rahman Khan said it will take the whole of 2022 to complete all the initial processes and construction will likely begin in 2023 with a three-year deadline.

He said no existing medical facility in Bangladesh matches the standards of these two super specialized hospitals. However, Zulfiqur Rahman Khan did comment that maintaining standards would be challenging.
 
. . .
Interesting Title
What do you think @Bilal9 @PoondolotoPandalum

Before Bangladesh gets to be China (not of today, but that of twenty years ago), Bangladesh needs to

1. Have capable merit-based leadership, not these uneducated sycophant AL goons Hasina has in her cabinet
2. Get rid of ugly rickshaws, ramshackle buses from the streets and step up vehicle fitness regimes (also tackle the bus mafia)
3. Hide the ugly overhead cables for TV, telephone and lighting from the streets in every city
4. Enforce rule of law including traffic laws, make it super hard to get a driving license (including for buses), jail people (including police) for taking bribes
5. Enforce public whipping for people riding trains on their roofs, for ticketless travel in Metros, and for ba$tards sticking posters on columns (fine those being advertised, including politicians),
6. Stop people (or heavily fine them) for going overseas for medical care.

AL propaganda (some sponsored) is getting to be too much nowadays.

I almost fell of my chair laughing today, looking at one AL propaganda video with the heading,

"Storm of investment blowing in from Japan!!" (Japan thekey biniyoger jhor ashcchey!) :lol:
 
.
Completely agree with everything on the above ^^^

When my dad visited China in 2005 and 2006, her per capita income (both nominal and PPP) was similar to that of what Bangladesh is right now (around $2200 usd). But China had a 95% literacy rate, much better state schools, and had things like SMIC, Huawei, AVIC etc (IE, fully industrialized).

Couple that with possibly the most meritocratic and technocratic (Chinese politbureau are mostly composed of STEM grads, the people you want to be in charge of industrial policies), you're set up for sustained high rates of growth over the decades. It's slowing down now, but even 5-6% growth of an almost $16 dollar economy is no joke.

Bangladesh's "golden" period of growth was the 2010s. She achieved 7%+ growth rates only in 2016, 2017, 2017, and 2019. She did okay in 2020 during the pandemic. 2021 could've been far worse too. But she doesn't have the mechanism of a consistent 8%+ growth rate for decades like China did. Even if we did, as Bilal bhai once said, we don't deserve it, because we're not that civilized.

BTW I also think China has a very high probability of breaking the middle-income trap. Even the IMF project a per capita income of $17,000 by 2026, which puts them firmly into the higher income catagory. And that's based on 5% growth rates. They're likely to grow even faster. Especially when I'm there, working in their special economic zones haha (though for an anglo American company)
 
.

Pakistan Affairs Latest Posts

Back
Top Bottom