Maisson

Yeah, we shut it down for a little bit.

Japan's metro rail project in Dhaka has slowed with barely 15% of the work force engaged in any kind of productive activities, whereas China has been relentless and promised Bangladesh it will fulfil all its project obligations regardless of the COVID-19 crisis.

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31st span of Padma Bridge installed Over 4.5km of Padma Bridge will be visible Over 4.5 kilometers of the multipurpose Padma bridge will be visible after installation of 31st span on it today. “The 31st span bearing 5-A number will be installed on 25 and 26 pillars of the Padma bridge as the last span on the Jajira side, that will make visible 4650 meters or more than 4.5 kilometers of its main structure,” said the officials familiar with the project here today. The installation of the span is critical comparatively than other spans of the bridge, they said, adding that Bridge construction concern Major Bridge Engineering Company prefers to install the span by today. After installation of 31st span, only ten spans will remain left to be installed on the Mawa side which would be easier to install during the rainy season, said the officials. Earlier, the 30th span was installed on 26 and 27 no pillars of the bridge on May 31 which made its 4500 meters or 4.5 kilometers visible. Meanwhile, all type of vessels’ movement including the ferry services on Shimulia-Kathalia river route has been suspended for at least eight hours since 10 this morning for installing 31st span, said Assistant General Manager of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) M Shafiqul Islam. Once operational, the Padma Bridge will connect 21 southern districts with the capital and boost the country’s GDP by 1.2 percent, according to experts. The 6.15km long two-story bridge is being constructed with steel and concrete. The main bridge is being built by the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Company Limited.

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Payra is not a viable option because that channel is always silted up and it will cost billions of dollars to dredge the channel.

Bangladesh might have the closest existing deep sea ports in the world operating side by side if Japan and China get their way. The Japanese have already started construction of their deep sea port and powerplant facilities on Matarbari Island. They not only want to buy the two aforementioned infrastructure but an entire city along the coast. The Chinese deep sea port project however became a seriously contentious issue because countries such as India and US posted their dissatisfaction with it. Under pressure the Bangladesh government cancelled the project on "environmental grounds" but it looks like China has got the green light to restart the project because Bangladesh needs as much FDI as possible and bigger powers such as Japan, China and US will have to play fairly if they want to maintain a profitable and strategic partnership with Bangladesh. The stakes are high because Bangladesh is perched in the central location of the Bay of Bengal. It has a young, dynamic work force ready to move mountains. The question is will it be really feasible for both deep sea ports to co-exist?

The Bangladesh armed forces have taken all out preparation to support the people of the country to face Cyclone Amphan. https://www.defseca.com/national-security/bangladesh-military-ready-for-cyclone-amphan/

The Coronavirus is not going to go away. It might turn in to a seasonal flu type deal so vaccination will be the mainstay to combat it. Coming back to the economy - I believe governments throughout the world are facing similar crisis - some more than others. Countries we thought had the right capabilities to handle any crisis proved to be the weakest whereas some others did well to combat the problems. Diversification of the nation's industries will be important to any economic revival program. You cannot rely on manpower exports and RMG to become a major economy. Those things will take you to a certain level but it was never going to be the solution whether or not coronavirus was a factor. Moreover as a country with a population of some 170 million the internal market is huge. Now is the time for innovation and even the defence sector can benefit from timely R&D exercise in partnership with experienced foreign companies. Many countries will be looking for partnerships now as they want to kick start their own economies. It might be a good time to get FTA done.

Did someone just fall off the sky?

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Deal signed with Chinese firm for Sylhet airport expansion Published at 11:32 pm April 19th, 2020 The Tk2,116 crore worth will take around three years for completion Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has signed an agreement with Beijing Urban Construction Group Ltd (BUCG) for the construction of a new terminal at the Sylhet airport. Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, chairman of CAAB and Mr Harold Huang, country head of BUCG, signed the bilateral agreement at CAAB’s headquarters in Dhaka on Sunday morning. CAAB said this project, worth Tk2,116 crore, will take around three years for completion. After the construction of an ultramodern terminal building, a cargo building, a modern ATC tower, taxiway, apron and a modern fire station ends, passenger capacity of Sylhet Osmani International Airport will be increased to 2,000,000. Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Mafidur, said that this is a visionary and very important project of the government and after implementation, this project will play a major role in the socio-economic development of our country. “I welcome BUCG as our development partner,” he added. During the signing ceremony, Mr Harold Huang mentioned his company’s expertise and experience in building various international airports around the world including Beijing International Airport in China. Senior officials from both organizations were present during the event.

Drug dealer killed in ‘gunfight’ with BGB in Cox's Bazar Published at 01:18 pm April 19th, 2020 Teknaf-2 BGB members with recovered yaba pills and ammunition after the gunfight When BGB officials retaliated, the suspected drug dealers fled the spot leaving Zafar’s bullet shot injured body behind A suspected drug dealer was killed in a reported gunfight with Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) in Shah Porir Dwip’s Gholar Char area at Teknaf upazila, Cox’s Bazar early morning Sunday. The deceased, Zafar Alam, 30, was a notorious yaba trader of the area, claims BGB. According to BGB sources, a boat, which was coming from Myanmar’s Naf river, was trying to harbour on the Gholar Char area of the island. When challenged, the people on the boat started firing at the BGB members. When the BGB officials retaliated, the suspected drug dealers fled the spot leaving Zafar’s bullet shot injured body behind. “When we took Zafar to the Upazila Health Complex, the duty doctor declared him dead,” said Teknaf-2 BGB Commander Lt Col Mohammad Foisal Hasan Khan. “We recovered around Tk2 lakh worth of the contraband drug yaba and a local pistol from the abandoned boat. We filed a case regarding the matter,” added the BGB official.

19 ships of River Police working to prevent coronavirus spread in riverways Starting from April 11, the ships have already pushed back 310 people from different river ports and ghats River Police, a specialised unit of Bangladesh Police responsible for policing internal riverways of the country, has deployed 19 ships and 23 speedboats to control the movement of people in riverways amid the spread of novel coronavirus in the country. The ships will also strengthen the government's ongoing drive against catching jatka (juvenile Hilsa), says a press release issued by the river police. Starting from April 11, the ships have already pushed back 310 people from different river ports and ghats. "After observing the current situation, we came to the conclusion that preventing the spread of coronavirus via riverways would have been easier if brick-field owners agreed to give minimum incentives to the workers," the press release reads. Besides pushing back people, the river police have recovered 15,000 kilograms of jatka in the last 15 days, all of which have been distributed among local orphanages, gipsies (snake charmer) and poor people.

Rohingya influx feared again, border on alert Fears have arisen of yet another influx of Rohingya from Myanmar into Bangladesh. Local residents and people’s representatives said that there are over 150 Rohingyas positioned at the borders of Teknaf and Ukhia. The Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) is on alert. Announcements to this end were made over loudspeaker along the border on Thursday night. Union Parishad (UP) member of Palongkhali union, Ukhia, Sultan Ahmed, said that they were contacted on Thursday night by a government agency on duty at the border. They were told that quite a few Rohingyas might be attempting to cross over the border into Bangladesh. Upon hearing this, the UP member along with others took position at the Paishkhali border towards 11 in the night. They could hear noises of people in the forest on the other side of the border. It confirmed their suspicions of a possible attempt by Rohingyas to enter Bangladesh. The local people learnt that a certain terrorist group was trying to bring these Rohingyas into Bangladesh. However, after being tipped off, everyone in the area was on alert. The people were cautioned over loudspeaker at night in this regard. It was learnt that many of the Rohingyas who had gathered at the border were infected with coronavirus. Palongkhali UP chairman Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, speaking to Prothom Alo, said that he had learnt that over 150 Rohingyas were attempting to enter Bangladesh through Medhir Khal border at Anjumanpara. About the matter, he had spoken to the BGB personnel deployed at the border. They were on alert. No Rohingyas would be allowed to enter illegally. Learning that many of the Rohingyas may be infected with coronavirus, the UP chairman said they had learnt that they were trying to come to Bangladesh for treatment. After 25 August 2017, hordes of Rohingyas had entered Bangladesh through the Teknaf and Ukhia borders. Around 1.15 million Rohingyas had settled in Teknaf and Ukhia since then. Myanmar has spoken about taking them back at various times, but till now has not done so. Commander of BGB’s 34 battalion in Cox’s Bazar, Lt Col Ali Haider Azad Ahmed, told Prothom Alo that BGB men had been sent to the border at Anjumanpara and Ulubania and that no one would be allowed to enter. BGB is keeping sharp watch at these areas. No one has been spotted in these areas. Ukhia upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Mohammed Nikaruzzaman Chowdhury and Teknaf UNO Mohammed Saiful Islam, said that at night there had suddenly been reports that Rohingyas were trying to enter Bangladesh at the borders of the two upazilas. However, the border guards were in alert and so, they hoped, no one would be able to enter.

Benazir Ahmed becomes new IGP Abdullah Al-Mamun named new Rab DG Benazir Ahmed has been appointed the new Inspector General of Police, according to a home ministry circular issued today. The order will come into effect on April 15. Benazir will succeed Mohammad Javed Patwary. Benazir was serving as Director General, Rapid Action Battalion -- the elite force of Bangladesh Police -- since January 2015. Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has been appointed as the new Rab DG. Benazir joined Bangladesh Police Service as Assistant Superintendent of Police in February 1988. He has served in various capacities of Bangladesh Police where he proved his professionalism, dedication and excellence. He has served as Superintendent of Police in various districts, Deputy Police Commissioner North-Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police-Police Headquarters, Deputy Inspector General (Finance) and Deputy Inspector General (Admin & Op) - Police Headquarters, Police Commissioner-Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Moreover, he also had the opportunity to serve as Chief Instructor in Bangladesh Police Academy, Sardah and as Commandant of Police Training Center, Tangail. He has received various professional trainings from home and abroad. Mentionable are: comprehensive security response to terrorism, Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, Hawaii, United State of America; intelligence analysis & assessment, Charles Strut University, Canberra, Australia in association with Australian Crime Commission & Australian Federal Police; anti money laundering & financing of terrorism, IMF Regional Training Center, Singapore; and HR management, UN Training Center in New York, USA. Benazir has been blessed with accolades, awards and medals for his outstanding professionalism and dedication, among which are: Inspector General Police Exemplary Good Service Badge; UN Medal for the Service for Peace in Bosnia-1996, in Kosovo-2003, UN HQ, USA-2009; and outstanding Bangladesh Police Medal, (BPM) in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019.

When the rumours get put on to more serious websites it takes on the colour of truth. Needless to say it was proven to be a hoax.

Its been confirmed the "news" is not genuine however it is true that Myanmar has been trying to purchase the SY-400 for years now as per our own defence sources.

Apparently this is an April Fool's joke.

The Bangladesh government is very relaxed about Myanmar, which is partly why the Rohingya influx even occurred. Our intelligence community has known for a fact that Myanmar was wanting to purchase the SY-400 since the past couple of years now because Chinese authorities informed their Bangladeshi counterparts since Myanmar general's visited the country for the test firing a couple of years ago. If Bangladesh government does not act then what is the fault of the Chinese? They will try to profiteer any how they can. Now China will increasingly play a destabilising role in the region as Bangladesh is choosing the West. Western countries will never offer Bangladesh such technologies nor do they have any equivalent to the SY-400. Bangladesh will have to have overwhelming air power superiority over Myanmar to effectively neutralise the threat from SRBM and long range GMLRS. The Bangladesh Army just barely signed a contract for Type B GMLRS, which has a range of 120 km. It is playing catch up now with Myanmar.

Now you can imagine the kind of destabilising role China is playing in this region.

INTERVIEWS Brigadier General Md Tariqul Alam TARIQ, the Defence Attaché of Bangladesh to Turkey: “Turkish companies are winning the tenders for product compatibility, lower price and easy after sale service.” 31 Mart 2020 You can read the interview published in the 80th Issue of MSI Turkish Defence Review here: The defence industry cooperation between Turkey and Bangladesh continues to evolve and strengthen. We talked with Brigadier General Md Tariqul Alam Tariq, the Defence Attaché of Bangladesh to Turkey, who has played a significant role in the development of relations between the two countries, and who was kind enough to take the time to answer our questions about the point achieved in this cooperation. MSI TDR: The Turkish companies participate in various defence and aerospace projects in Bangladesh. Can you give us information about these projects? Brigadier General TARIQ: Many of the Turkish Defence Industries are already engaged with DGDP (Directorate General of Defence Purchase) for the procurement of various defence products of Bangladesh Armed Forces. In the past, Bangladesh Armed Forces procured various defence hardware through DGDP tender or direct purchase under G2G contract. In the recent past, Bangladesh Army procured different types of Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) like Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP), Tactical (Tac) and Command (Comd) from OTOKAR. A procurement contract has been signed last year between Bangladesh Army and ROKETSAN to procure Multiple Launcher Rocket System (MLRS) for Bangladesh Army. The project is in progress. Besides, many other defence products are being evaluated and procured by Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force from various defence industries of Turkey. MSI TDR: Why did Bangladesh prefer the Turkish companies in these projects? Brigadier General TARIQ: Bangladesh procurement system demands major defence hardware of European standard. As Turkey maintains European/NATO standard in the productions, therefore, Turkish products get standardized fairly easily. To avoid monopoly, Bangladesh Armed Forces follow a transparent and open procurement system where, companies from all over the world are invited to participate tenders. Turkish companies are winning the tenders for product compatibility, lower price and easy after sale service. Team of experts from related defence industries should maintain good contact with three services to plug the communication gap. As the defence products of Turkey maintains international standard with reasonable price, there are fair opportunities to win the open tenders of procurement in Bangladesh. MSI TDR: What defence and aerospace projects will be on Bangladesh’s agenda in the upcoming period? Brigadier General TARIQ: As part of ‘Forces Goal 2030’, Bangladesh Armed Forces is developing its Forces to cope with future requirement. As one of the highest troops contributing countries under Peace Keeping Operations, Bangladesh Armed Forces is maintaining its inventory keeping pace with the present day requirement in the conflicting zones. Bangladesh Armed Forces has been actively participating in United Nations Peace Keeping Operation since 1988. Under long term program (Forces Goal 2030) Bangladesh maintains a balanced defence hardware procurement every year. In that count, Bangladesh Armed Forces studies and evaluates the defence products of Turkish Defence Industries besides other foreign Defence Industries. In future, Bangladesh Armed Forces would be interested on T129 ATAK Helicopter, Light Tank, LAV (Ambulance), 120 mm Mortar, Large Petrol Craft (LPC), Submarine Search and Rescue Vessel, Artillery Ammunition Line, DMR Radio Sets etc. MSI TDR: With this in mind, is there anything you would like to say to the Turkish defence and aerospace sector about the opportunities that are open to them in these projects? Brigadier General TARIQ: Team of experts from related defence industries should maintain good contact with three services to plug the communication gap. As the defence products of Turkey maintains international standard with reasonable price, there are fair opportunities to win the open tenders of procurement in Bangladesh. MSI TDR: Which of Turkey’s current needs can be met by Bangladesh’s defence and aerospace sector? Brigadier General TARIQ: Bangladesh Armed Forces owns number of Defence Industries that may be upgraded to class one industries with the assistance from Turkish Defence Industries. Turkey may produce hardware in Bangladesh with cheaper price than that of their own industries because of cheap skilled manpower and labour. Turkey may venture in this regard. MSI TDR: We, as MSI Turkish Defence Review, publish a monthly defence and aerospace magazine. Do you benefit from this publication? What would you like to say about our magazine? Brigadier General TARIQ: MSI Turkish Defence Review is an informative Magazine in defence sector. The current defence industry projects along with modern technological information can easily be found from this journal. This helps the defence planners and higher Commanders shape their vision in developing own outfits. However, more number of supplementary copies can disseminate information more widely and quickly. MSI TDR: What would you like to say about AMAC Magazine? Brigadier General TARIQ: AMAC Magazine puts up various activities executed by AMAC members throughout the year. It displays National Day, Independence Day, Armed Forces Day etc. of countries with attractive photo and information of the events. The DA’s and MA’s are able to learn other defence activities from this Magazine too. MSI TDR: Is there anything you would like to add? Brigadier General TARIQ: I wish all the best for MSI and AMAC Magazine. On behalf of our readers, we would like to thank Brigadier General Md Tariqul Alam Tariq, the Defence Attaché of Bangladesh to Turkey, for taking the time to answer our questions and for providing us with such valuable information.

4 killed in Cox's Bazar 'gunfights' Published at 02:04 pm March 28th, 2020 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) presents the seized yaba pills and other illegal items before media on Saturday, March 28, 2020 Dhaka Tribune The incidents took place in Hnila Union's Leda Churikhal area and Howaikang Union's Tulatuli area early Saturday. At least four yaba dealers have been killed in separate gunfights with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Police in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar district. The incidents took place in Hnila Union's Leda Churikhal area and Howaikang Union's Tulatuli early Saturday. In Hnila Union, three yaba dealers were killed in a reported gunfight with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at Leda Churikhal area . The identities of the deceased were not confirmed immediately, said Teknaf BGB 2 Captain Ltd Colonel Foisal Hasan. Foisal said: "BGB challenged a gang of yaba dealers who were smuggling a large haul of yaba pills into Bangladesh from Myanmar on a boat near Leda Border Observation Post (BOP). Seeing BGB members, the yaba dealers opened fire on us, forcing BGB to fire back. Later, BGB recovered three people and took them to Teknaf Upazila Health Complex. As their condition deteriorated, the injured yaba dealers were shifted to Cox's Bazar Sadar hsopital where on duty doctors declared them dead " BGB also recovered over 150,000 yaba pills, two locally made pistols, two cartridges, one empty shell, and a sharp weapon from the scene, he added. " A case will be filed at Teknaf police station." In Howaikang Union, a yaba dealer was killed in a gunfight with a team of Teknaf police station at Tulatuli area. The deceased identified as Musa Akbar, 36, was from the area, said Cox's Bazar Superintendent of Police (SP) ABM Masud Hossain. Masud Hossain said that three police members sustained injuries and a case would be filed with Teknaf Police station. Teknaf Upazila Health Complex doctor Zane Alom said: "BGB and police have brought four hit bodies here. The injured BGB and police members were released after administrating primary treatment." In the last four months, at least 28 people were killed in separate gunfights in the Cox's Bazar district. Among the deceased, 17 were robbers and the rest were drug dealers, claimed by law enforcement agencies.

1,000 FMC Dockyard staff members living, working on-site in Chattogram The dockyard is also providing its staff with essentials such as food, accommodation, protective clothing, hand sanitiser, and medical checkups Around 1,000 staff members of FMC Dockyard Ltd in Chattogram are living and working on-site to tackle the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. The company has arranged to accommodate and feed its staff at the dockyard's dormitories – to minimise their risk of coming in contact with coronavirus patients. The dockyard is also providing its staff with essentials including protective clothing and hand sanitiser. A medical camp has been set up on-site, and the staff are undergoing body temperature checks twice a day. The dockyard, which is located in Boalkhali upazila of the port city, is now off limits to all visitors from outside. The shipbuilding company has announced that it will bear all the staff's expenses throughout their stay at the dockyard. The company launched these special measures on Saturday, which will continue till March 31. The FMC dockyard is spending around Tk2 lakh every day to implement these special measures. Speaking to The Business Standard, FMC Group's Chairman Mohammad Yasin Chowdhury said, "The prosperity of the company and its staff must be upheld. We had to implement these measures to remain competitive and safeguard our business. "If we shut down the company, the staff will suffer. So, we opted to continue with daily operations while ensuring the staff's safety. We also granted leaves-of-absence to anyone unwilling to work. All staff will get their salary and allowances during their leave period." Assistant Engineer Abdullah Al Mahmud, working at the FMC Dockyard Ltd, said, "I used to commute from home to my office every day. Under the special measures our company implemented, I settled into the dockyard dormitory on Saturday." "We undergo health checkups every day, and work is progressing according to schedule. Anyone feeling ill is receiving the treatment they need," he continued. Foreman Pavel Barua, of the company's production department, said, "I used to live at the dormitory before the special measures began on Saturday. We are now working while maintaining social distance from each other. Physicians are doing regular checkups. "The company has distributed masks and hand sanitiser to everyone." Meanwhile, FMC Dockyard Ltd's Deputy General Manager Uttam Ghosh said, "Around 1,000 staff members – including engineers, welders and technicians – are working to build ships here. We have two dormitories with a capacity of at least 1,000 beds. "Under normal circumstances, around 500 staff members live at the dormitories, while the rest commute from home. After the coronavirus outbreak began, we made arrangements to accommodate around 1,000 staff members at the dockyard and installed equipment to ensure their safety." Uttam Ghosh continued, "Apart from supplying protective clothing and hand sanitiser to the staff, we are producing hand sanitiser at the FMC chemical lab. It will be distributed to the staff and their family members." Praising the initiatives taken by FMC Dockyard Ltd, Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, civil surgeon of Chattogram said, "The dockyard staff must maintain at least 1 metre of space between each other, and frequently use hand sanitiser and masks." He added, "Anyone suffering from symptoms [of coronavirus] should seek immediate medical attention." The FMC Dockyard Ltd is located on 80-bighas of land near the bank of the Karnaphuli River. The company manufactures: container ships, tankers, passenger ships, fishing trawlers, dredgers, tug boats, and pontoons. The dockyard also exports ships when local demand is met.

Bangladesh bans foreigners’ entry through land ports The restriction will remain imposed until till further notice Bangladesh has restricted entry to the foreigners through its all land ports from March 22 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. A notice signed by Home Ministry's Senior Assistant Secretary Monira Haque made the disclosure on Saturday. The ports are- Benapole, Bhomra, Banglabandha, Hili, Burimari, Roumari, Darshana, Nakugaon, Tamabil, Sheola and Akhaura. The restriction will remain imposed until till further notice. Earlier on March 14, the government suspended on arrival visas for all countries and banned flights carrying passengers from all European countries, except the United Kingdom, for two weeks in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus. The country also cut air connectivity with 10 countries on March 21. The countries are- Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore and India. Bangladesh reported its second death from coronavirus on Saturday and first death on March 18. The number of coronavirus infected patients is now 24 in the country.