At the juncture of Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of Independence
DHAKA : The year 2021 and the month March are watershed moments in the history of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is celebrating the golden jubilee of her independence today, 26 March 2021. This half-a-century long journey began with a glorious victory on 16 December 1971. Through the nine-month long War of Independence, the occupational Military of Pakistan was comprehensively and decisively defeated. However, more than three million Bengali made supreme sacrifices to achieve this victory. The whole nation came together under clarion call and political leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Once returned from the captivity, Bangabandhu also began rebuilding the war-ravaged country to transform it into a ‘Sonar Bangla’ – The Golden Bengal – his vision of a prosperous, just, happy and self-reliant Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is also celebrating the year 2020-2021 as the Mujib-Borsho (Mujib-Year) marking the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from 17 March 2020 to 16 December 2021. The UNESCO has decided to jointly celebrate the Mujib Year with Bangladesh at the 40th UNESCO General Assembly. On this occasion, UNESCO has also decided to launch ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize’ in the field of the Creative Economy.
As many as five Heads of States/Governments from the region of South Asia have been in Dhaka to join the dual celebrations in a wonderful expression of solidarity and neighbourliness.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka H. E. Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Bangladesh on 19-20 March for this purpose which was deeply appreciated by Bangladesh and its people.
Many other world leaders from important countries have given video messages on this momentous occasion in the history of Bangladesh.
All these are yet another testimony of Bangladesh’s standing in the comity of nations and also a vindication of Bangladesh’s development trajectory.
Bangabandhu was declared the first President of Bangladesh on 10 April 1971 during the struggle of liberation. After the independence, he took over as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 12 January 1972. Thereafter, he took over as the ultimate leader of the nation, the President, on 25 January 1975 and served until his brutal assassination on 15 August 1975. Bangabandhu was the key driving force for the independence of Bangladesh. He devoted his entire life for the nation. He was jailed for 4,682 days at different times in his fifty five and a half years of life. It is for his unfailing love for people, his life-long dedication for the well being of the common masses and his constant struggle against oppression and injustice, the people of the land lovingly bestowed upon him the title ‘Bangabandhu’ – The Friend of Bengal.
At the beginning of the Language Movement, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested on 11 March 1948 for his leading role and for raising voice for rights and justice. It was he who played a decisive role in establishing the Muslim Student League in 1948. Thus, his political activism began which ultimately led to the leadership of the Awami League, founded in 1949. He was instrumental in every movement of the Bangalees for their rights and for ensuring justice. In 1966, he began a movement for political autonomy of East Pakistan, through his famous Six-point movement which was well-accepted by his people as the ‘charter of freedom’. He was imprisoned by the Pakistani authorities which led to the 1969 mass uprising to free him. In his historic 7th March speech, which has been recognized by UNESCO as “Memory of the World International Heritage”, he called for the independence, laid out the strategy of the struggle and provided political leadership to the nation. This is how Bangabandhu became the central architect of the independence struggle of Bangladesh. Bangabandhu was declared ‘Jatir Pita’- The Father of the Nation after the independence.
Bangladesh, under the pragmatic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has experienced an average growth rate of 6.6% since 2009 making the country one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Bangladesh’s achievements in various sectors, including poverty alleviation, women empowerment, education, ICT, health, pharmaceuticals, sanitation, and sustainable development, have earned international accolades and made Bangladesh a role model of development. Bangladesh is now poised to graduate to a middle income country from the “least developed country” status having fulfilled all the three criteria set by UN for this graduation. To consolidate the socio-economic achievements and further unlocking the untapped economic potentials, the government of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of the Father of the Nation, is currently implementing many mega projects in the country including the Padma Bridge, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Matarbari Power Project and Deep Sea Port, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, Payra Sea Port, Elevated Expressway, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Hi-Tech Park, Bangladesh Economic Zones etc. The megaprojects are seen as major catalysts to trigger further economic growth and facilitate the overall national development and achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The government, being imbued with Bangabandhu’s dream of a `Sonar Bangla’, has relentlessly been working to implement Vision-2021, Vision- 2041 and Delta Plan-2100. The Delta Plan 2100 is a strategic and comprehensive planning document that covers almost 100 years of vision to achieve a safe, climate resilient and prosperous delta. This plan identifies and prioritizes investable sectors for action to reduce climate risk and environmental losses in thisdelta region for ensuring long term and sustainable economic growth.
The vision of the Father of the Nation to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’ is becoming a reality day-by-day. The whole nation is united under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu, to achieve this goal by 2041. The celebration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and Golden Jubilee of Independence are landmark occasions to further strengthen the nation’s resolve to make it happen.
b. Jute – Golden Fiber of Bangladesh
Jute fibre is usually produced from a species called white jute (Corchorus olitorius). The word ‘jute’ is probably derived from the word ‘jhuta’ or ‘jota’, an Orissa word. However, the use of Juttapotta cloth was mentioned in Monushanghita-Mahabharat. This indicates the use of jute materials by the people of this region from ancient time. There is also evidence of the trade of jute cloth in the 16th century. Ain-e-akbari (1590) mentions sackcloth originating from Bengal. Currently, jute is grown in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brazil and some other countries. Besides the fiber, its leaves are also used as vegetable and medicinal herb.
Bangladesh has the perfect climate for jute where the monsoon is abundant. The jute plant grows well where the annual rainfall is 1500 mm or more, with at least 250 mm during each of the months of March, April and May. The optimum range of temperature required is 18-33 degrees Celsius. Jute is cultivated in the rainy season. In Bangladesh, sowing usually starts at the end of February and continues up to the end of May, depending on the species.
Rooted in a history of more than five thousand years, jute has been one of the major cash-crops of Bangladesh and nurtures a strong bond with the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Bangladesh exports mainly raw jute to various countries in all the continents of the world. Along with raw jute, it also exports different kinds of jute-cloth and jute-made products, famous for being environment-friendly. Recently, a consortium of researchers in Bangladesh has successfully decoded the jute plant draft genome sequencing. Subsequently, another scientist has successfully developed a cellulose-based biodegradable bio-plastic alternative (locally know as ‘Sonali Bags’) to plastic bags, particularly polythene bags. The cellulose used in ‘Sonali Bags’ is actually extracted from jute.
Today, Bangladesh is the second largest producer and exporter of jute and exported USD 899 million worth of jute in 2019. From July 2019 to May 2020, the country also exported USD 791.3 million worth of jute which is 17% higher than the target set for the first ten months of outgoing fiscal year of 2019-2020.
UN Resolution on Jute:
The United Nations (UN) has adopted by consensus a resolution on natural fibers, paving the way for a stronger, effective, and efficient ‘global value chain’ for jute and other natural fiber products. The resolution, titled “Natural Plant fibers and Sustainable Development”, was adopted at the plenary session of the Second Committee of the 74th session of the UNGA. It was tabled in the Committee in September 2019 by the then Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, the present Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) of Bangladesh Government.
The resolution primarily focuses on jute and other natural fibers, such as abaca, coir, kenaf, sisal, hemp, and ramie, which are less familiar to the world. It iterates that the promotion of these fibers will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. By placing the resolution, Bangladesh took the lead in highlighting the potential economic, social, and environmental benefits of the natural plant fibers like jute, which is known as the “golden fiber” in Bangladesh. This is the first resolution in the UN General Assembly that features the challenges, as well as the potential, of jute and other natural plant fibers as economically viable, socially beneficial and environmentally sustainable agricultural products.
c. Exportables of Bangladesh
1. ICT Sector – Life line of Digital Economy
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina envisions a “Digital Bangladesh” and the government is trying relentlessly to turn this vision into a reality. The rapidly growing ICT industry in Bangladesh with its second largest number of IT-freelancers in the world is providing various services related to IT, finance, telecom, health-sector and other fields. There are six lakh active freelancers in Bangladesh generating USD100 million worth of revenue per year. E-commerce is another significant contributing sector to Bangladesh’s digital economy. Currently, it is adding about USD1.6 billion per year to the national economy and projected to grow up to USD 3 billion by 2023. The e-governance or ‘a2i’ program is giving Bangladeshi people access to information and services irrespective of their institutional literacy level. The government conceived the plan to construct Bangabandhu Hi-tech Park, which is being equipped with all modern facilities required for a state of the art IT hub. Moreover, the Bangabandhu Satellite-1 has made it possible for the citizens to enjoy a diverse range of telecommunication services from the comfort of their homes. Such initiatives have set cornerstones for Bangladesh to be one of the fastest growing nations of the world in terms of achieving excellence in Information and Communications Technology.
2. Ship building – A New Prospect
Shipbuilding is one of the most prominent industries of Bangladesh with its history starting from the early modern period. Bangladesh is now exporting small and medium-size ships to the highly competitive European market. More than 200 shipbuilding companies in Dhaka, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Barisal and Khulna are generating around 100,000 jobs. Bangladeshi shipbuilding industry has been exploring export opportunities in the niche segment of small vessels (below 12,000 dwt). The export value has increased from USD 5.7 million in FY 2012-13 to USD 30 million in FY 2017-18. The annual capacity for export orders is estimated to be around 20 vessels. As far as shipping trade is concerned, it is estimated that the sea borne cargo growth increases 6-8% per year; side by side, the demand of new shipbuilding is also increasing every year. Bangladesh is a very lucrative destination of investment in the shipbuilding industry both in the form of setting up of shipyards or placing order for ships.
3. Readymade Garments – The Lifeline of Export
The readymade garments (RMG) industry is a main catalyst for the development of Bangladesh. The ‘Made in Bangladesh’ tag has made the country a prestigious brand across the globe. Currently, there are more than 4,000 garment factories in Bangladesh employing more than 1.2 million workers of which 85% are women. The workers are quick learners and dedicated, with an average age of less than 40 years. The industry has rapidly adopted environment friendly, energy efficient, and green concepts which resulted in 7 out of 10 companies in the country to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. The apparel industry of Bangladesh is the biggest export earner with a value of over USD 24.49 billion of exports in FY 2018-19 contributing about 76% of the country’s total export earnings.
4. Pharmaceuticals – With Unbound Potential
At present, the pharmaceutical sector is one of the most developed technology oriented and knowledge-based sectors in Bangladesh. After the independence, Bangladesh was totally dependent on export of medicine. As a result, people had to buy medicine at a very high price. Currently, Bangladesh produces 98% of its total medicine demand. On the other hand, only a very few high tech products are being imported from abroad. Bangladesh is now gaining recognition from the world as a pharmaceutical exporter country. Some leading companies of the country have received certification from USFDA, UKMHRA, TGA (Australia). As many as 54 pharmaceuticals companies are exporting medicines to 148 countries. Pharmaceuticals export has surpassed USD 100 million mark for the third time in the country’s history. There are 271 Allopathic, 205 Ayurbvedic, 271 Unani, 32 Herbal and 79 Homeopathic drug manufacturing companies in the country. The size of this industry is USD 2.4 billion and has seen a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.6% in the last five years. The pharmaceutical industry currently contributes to 1.83% of country’s GDP.
5. Leather Industry – A Promising Sector
At present, Bangladesh has 161 leather and footwear industries and 161 tanneries that process raw hides into finished leather. The main advantage of the leather industry of Bangladesh is the availability of raw materials. The leather industry has been developing rapidly since the independence of Bangladesh and is currently worth around USD 1.9 billion. In FY 2016-17, Bangladesh exported leather and leather goods worth USD 1.23 billion. The sector has huge potential given the value additive opportunities. The leather industry products include leather-based garments, shoes, belts, bags, jackets, suitcases, wallets etc. The key export destinations of leather goods are the EU, the USA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Bangladesh meets the demand for about 10% of the world’s total leather market. The government of Bangladesh has established a modern leather industrial estate and an environment-friendly tannery estate in Savar that has become a potential zone for the leather industry, having promising projectile of growth over the coming days.
6. Agriculture Sector – Miracle for Millions
The agricultural sector is the largest employment sector of Bangladesh. It has achieved remarkable growth since the advent of the green revolution in the late 1970s, despite frequent natural disasters and population growth. Agriculture remains the most important sector of Bangladeshi economy, contributing more than 15% to the national GDP and providing employment to 43% of the total population. Bangladesh has achieved rapid growth in rice productivity and other main crops and eventually experienced unheralded progress against malnutrition. The child and maternal malnutrition has been reduced in the last few years with extensive programs undertaken by the government of Bangladesh. At present, Bangladesh is self-sufficient in food production. It has been made possible through strong motivation and devotion of grass-root level farmers along with every stakeholder in the agriculture sector by the present government. In FY 1971-72, the food (rice) production was 98.89 lakh MT, whereas this production was increased to 376.32 lakh MT (gross) in FY 2019-20. Bangladesh has become not only self-sufficient in food production but also a food surplus (and exporting) country. During the last 50 years (FY 1971-2020), the growth rate of the food production has been increased four times. It is worth mentioning that because of digitalization as well as taking immediate measures, the food supply chain remains uninterrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has given directives for addressing the COVID-19 situation of the country, which included guidelines for food production. The Prime Minister also unveiled BDT 50 billion (USD 590 million) stimulus packages loans for the farmers who were severely affected by the pandemic.
7. Tea – A Long Heritage
Bangladesh is one of the leading tea producing and exporter countries of the world making it country’s second largest export oriented cash-crop contributing 1% of countries total GDP. The history of tea production goes back to the British era when commercial tea production started in Sylhet in 1857. During Pakistan period, the Tea Board was established in 1951 under the Tea Act 1950. It can be mentioned here that the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the first Bangalee Chairman of Tea Board in 1957. After the independence of Bangladesh, the Tea Board was reconstituted with the objective of developing tea industry in the country. In 2019, Bangladesh experienced the highest tea production of 96.07 million kg. We have introduced “Development Roadmap: Bangladesh Tea Industry”. The government is heading to achieve the target of 140 million kg by 2025. Bangladeshi Tea is getting exported to Pakistan, India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the USA, England, New Zealand, France, Australia, Cyprus, Brunei, Greece, China, Japan and many more countries across the world. Organic tea `Teatulia Organic’ is one of the most popular brands in Europe. Though Bangladesh mainly produces CTC Black Tea, it also manufactures good quality Orthodox Tea, Green Tea, White Tea and Value added Tea like Masala Tea, Tulsi Tea, Ginger Tea, Lemon Tea, Jasmine Tea, Amloki Tea, Jeera Tea, Rose Tea, Shatkora Tea, etc. Bangladesh’s developed BT-2 variety Black Tea Clone is world-famous. The most popular local tea brands are Bangladeshi Tea, Ispahani Mirzapore, Kazi & Kazi, Seylon, Finlays, Taaza, Tetley, Danish, Fresh and Halda Valley etc.
8. Fisheries – Ensuring Protein
Bangladesh is one of the world’s leading fish producing countries with a total production of 4.13 million MT, where aquaculture constitutes 56.44 percent of the total production. During the last 10 years, average growth performance of this sector was almost 5.43 percent. The government is trying to sustain this growth performance, which will eventually help achieve the projected production target of 4.55 million MT by FY 2020-21. According to FAO statistics 2016, Bangladesh was ranked ‘fifth’ in the world, in terms of aquaculture production. This sector is contributing significantly to food security through providing safe and quality animal protein; 60 percent of world animal protein comes from fish. It contributes 3.61 percent to Bangladesh’s national GDP and around one-fourth (24.41 percent) to the agricultural GDP. Hilsa (Ilish) is the national fish of Bangladesh. About 12% of the country’s total fish production comes from Hilsa. Shrimp is one of the major export items. Total shrimp and prawn production including capture has been increased from 0.16 million MT in FY 2002-03 to 0.246 million MT in FY 2016-17. Despite having vast marine water resources, only about 15.41% of country’s total fish production is contributed by the marine sector. The present government sets utmost priority regarding the protection, conservation of the rights of the people associated with fisheries and farming. The government has introduced various rules and regulations to protect the fisheries sector from overfishing as well as allocated subsidies and incentives to fisher-folk community which directly or indirectly affects around 63% of the country’s total population.
9. Fruits
Every year Bangladesh produces huge quantity of fruits. The common variety of fruits grown in Bangladesh include mango, papaya, jackfruit, banana, pineapple, star fruit, litchi, guava, cocoanut, citrus fruit, rose berry, orange, black berry etc. There are seven agricultural universities and many research institutions which are working constantly to introduce new variety of fruits with incentives and motivation from the government. Cultivation of new 23 varieties of dragon fruits, 16 varieties of dates, 2 varieties of coconuts, 1 variety of jackfruit and 3 varieties of mangoes have been successful. The government is encouraging to grow fruits and vegetables wherever possible to increase fruit production. There is huge demand for processed and value added fruits in the overseas markets. Bangladesh exports fruits and vegetables to at least 42 destinations of the globe. United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman are some of the prominent/major export destination. The export of fruits increased almost 114 percent to 2.22 million in the FY 2017-18.
10. Ceramics – An Emerging Industry
The art of pottery goes back to the time when human civilization started. Though at first it was mostly with clay, but with the passing of time various other components like wood, stone, shell and metal started being used until recently when porcelain and ceramics became popular. Bangladesh can proudly claim to have passed through all these stages prior to landing successfully in the ceramic age. It has emerged as one of the successful manufacturing and exporting countries of quality ceramics tableware, with the traditional skill and craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation. Gradually a favorable environment has been created for investment and export. Bangladesh has now reached such a stage of development that she is rated as one of the best ceramic producers in the world. All the ceramic tableware producing units use high quality raw materials, technology and standard, quality control and testing mechanism. All these arrangements have contributed to the production of world-class ceramic tableware in Bangladesh. These include dinner sets, tea sets, coffee sets, soup sets, fruit sets, plates, bowls, flower vases, mugs and various types of souvenir items. At present, ceramic tableware are exported to the USA, UK, Italy, Spain, UAE, Norway, Germany, Greece, Poland, Turkey, France, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Australia, Sweden and many other countries of the world. In the fiscal year 2015-16, Bangladesh exported around USD 37.69 million worth ceramics which almost doubled in 2018-19 reaching USD 68.97 million. The export is increasing because Bangladesh offers quality, classy and hygienic ceramic tableware at a reasonable price.
11. Furniture – Hidden Treasure
Furniture industry is one of the sectors of Bangladesh which has tremendous potential to enter into the international market. The demand for furniture both nationally and internationally is rising because of the increasing affordability of people as well as a better standard of living. Many young people are taking furniture designing as their profession resulting in high quality products and design. Government of Bangladesh is eager to create a niche for furniture and home furnishing products in overseas markets. In the export policy for 2018-2021, this sector has been considered as the Highest Priority Sector followed by declaration of lucrative facilities to be provided by the government. In order to boost up the export of furniture from Bangladesh, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has been organizing Bangladesh Furniture & Interior Décor Expo (BFID) since 2012. Besides, emphasis has been given to the production of boards, metal, jute & plastic-based furniture resulting in setting up a number of manufacturing units in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) and a few companies are conducting studies on the viability of commercial production of Jute-plastic based furniture. The government has taken initiatives to make the best use of the opportunities through analyzing them in multi-lateral, bi-lateral and regional forums. In order to support expansion of this sector 15% cash incentive has been given by the present government.
d. MEGA PROJECTS
1. Bangabandhu Satellite
Bangladesh joined the elite club of satellite owner countries by launching the country’s first geostationary communication satellite, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 (BS-1) on 12 May 2018. It was a bold & epoch making initiative by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to build a “Digital Bangladesh”. BS-1 has already made an impact on the countries broadcasting sectors and communication services as well as on other sectors such as blue economy, financial, telemedicine, e-education services and disaster management in remote areas. In addition, establishment of telecommunication networks through South Asia Satellite in more than forty remote islands are progressing fast. Thus, Bangladesh will become a true “Digital Bangladesh” being self-dependent in each area of satellite based services.
2. Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
Bangabandhu took the initiative immediately after the independence of Bangladesh to build a Nuclear Power Plant, in order to meet the power demand. Following his footstep, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proceeded with the plan and inaugurated the first phase of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) in 2013 making Bangladesh a member of the elite “Nuclear club” of countries. The country’s largest infrastructure project is expected to be completed by December 2025 and the cost is estimated at USD 12.65 billion. From RNPP, the electricity generation will be about 10% of the total power generation of the country. Giving utmost importance to the security, the government is strictly following the IAEA safety standards and other internationally approved practices in building RNPP. The construction of this Plant is going to enhance vastly the development potential of the country.
3. Bangladesh Economic Zones
The Government of Bangladesh has set target to develop 100 Economic Zones (EZs) within next 15 years. Once completed, these EZs will create 10 million jobs and provide a manufacturing base for US$ 40 billion worth goods and services. Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority has been established for the purpose which are to (a) attract FDI and domestic investment, (b) develop and diversify export, (c) promote skill development, knowledge sharing and generate employment, (d) ensure dynamic economic benefits for structural change and (e) sustain social and environmental security. Till now, BEZA has got approval to establish 97 economic zones across the country comprising 68 Government EZs and 29 Private EZs (Local and Foreign).
4. Marine Drive
Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive is an 80 km road along the world’s longest sandy unbroken sea beach which leads you to the fusion of panoramic greenery of coastal mountains and the sensational illusion of the Bay of Bengal. As the government attaches much importance to blue economy, the marine drive will make huge contribution to harness marine resources. It will also help implement the Delta Plan-2100. Furthermore, the significant part of the Marine Drive expressway will be connected with the Asian Highway-41 and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor. A brainchild of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the marine drive will connect at least 10 special economic zones in Chattogram region, a deep sea-port and a 2 x 600 MW power plant in Moheshkhali island near the town of Cox’s Bazar.
5. Hi-Tech Parks
In order to leverage the digital dividends, the government of Bangladesh has decided to establish Hi-tech parks across the country. Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) is authorized to establish international standard infrastructure; create congenial & sustainable business environment for both local and foreign investors, develop IT/ITES based Industrial ecosystem and ensure all IT services through One Stop Platform. The BHTPA has already established parks in various Tier 1, Tier 2 Cities including Bangabandhu Hi-tech City in Kaliakoir, Gazipur and Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park in Jashore.
6. Dhaka Elevated Expressway
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway will link the Shahjalal International Airport and the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway extending the road connection to Chattogram. The 1.2 Billion USD project achieved its financial closure in March 2020 after securing the support from two foreign Partners in 2017. As planned, the expressway will be partially opened for operation in December of 2021 and will be completed by June 2023. Upon completion of the project, it will significantly relieve the traffic jam and help the public save many travel hours and thus help protect environment through less consumption of fuel.
7. Padma Multipurpose Bridge
The mega Padma Bridge is a self-funded project of the Bangladesh government worth USD 3.02 billion. The Bridge will connect the southern part with the capital city as well as the northern and eastern part of the country. Padma Bridge is the most challenging construction Project and a landmark structure in the history of Bangladesh. This Multipurpose Bridge will have both road and rail communication facilities. The 6.15 km Bridge is expected to be opened for traffic by 2022.
It is expected that the construction of the bridge will comprehensively transform the pace of economy in the region improving the lives of millions of people on both sides of the river. The Bridge when commissioned is expected to boost the GDP of Bangladesh by as much as 1.23 percent and decline poverty rate by 0.84 percent.
8. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel
Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the excavation of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel Project in February 2019 which is expected to be completed by December 2022. The total length of the Tunnel is approx. 9.39 km including 3.4 km main tunnel 18m – 31m below the Karnaphuli river bed. The cost of the project is approximately US$ 1.23 billion. The Tunnel is expected to bolster industrial development, enhance tourism and expand trade and commerce around the project area, create employment for thousands of people and boost exports. More importantly, this will help rapid communication between the Chattogram Port and the economic zones in the vicinity.
9. Matarbari Power Project
Matarbari 2×600 MW Ultra Super Critical Coal Fired Power Project is one of the Fast Track Projects of Bangladesh. The Project was approved in August 2014 with an estimated cost of USD 4.68 billion. The project, located in Matarbari, Maheshkhali of Cox’s Bazar, is one of those to meet the power required to maintain accelerating growth and economic development of the country especially in rural electrification, township development and resettlement assistance.
10. Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
With a view to reduce the traffic congestion by providing fast, safe, reliable, air-conditioned, time saving, electricity driven, environment-friendly, remote controlled state-of-the-art public transport system for Dhaka City and its adjoining areas, the Government of Bangladesh has undertaken a time-bound Action Plan 2030 consisting of 6 MRT Lines covering the distance of 128.741 km having 104 stations for the capital mega city Dhaka. Based on this Plan, the construction works of 20.10 km long MRT Line-6 from Uttara 3rd Phase to Motijheel with the capacity of carrying 60,000 passengers per hour is ongoing in full swing. The country’s first-ever Metro Rail is expected to start operating from 16 December 2021, the nation’s Victory Day.
11. Payra Sea Port
Starting its operational activities in 2016, the Payra Sea Port is another mega project comprising a total of 19 components. Of these, 13 components will be implemented under Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the remaining six under the government-to-government (G2G) deals. Total worth of the projects are USD 916.27 million. The Port will be developed in three stages. Under the Long Term Plan, by 2023, the Port will have a 10.5 meter channel. A number of terminals will be constructed, and other associated facilities such as an EEZ, Airport, Port city, Dockyard/Shipyard and Eco-Tourism facilities will also be developed.
12. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion
The Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka is being expanded in order to handle the continued increase in domestic and international passengers and cargo volume passing through the facility. The expansion project is set to have more than double the airport’s annual capacity (passenger from 8 million to 20 million, Cargo from 2,00,000 tons to 5,00,000 tons). The expansion will not only meet the future demand of air transportation but also will ensure international standard of safety and security. It will contribute further to the country’s sustained economic growth. Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the project on December 2019 which is expected to be completed by 2022 with at a cost of USD 689 million.
