Aparajita Banerjee

The Padma bridge project used to run round the clock but now only the day shift is working so it will be nearly impossible to complete the project in time by June 2021. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2020/06/11/budget-fy21-fund-cuts-in-mega-projects-due-to-covid-19-pandemic

Budget FY21: Chartered aircraft, helicopter flights to become costlier https://www.dhakatribune.com/business/economy/2020/06/11/budget-fy21-chartered-aircraft-helicopter-flights-to-become-costlier The budget speech for FY2020-21 has called for the supplementary duty on chartered aircraft and helicopter services to be raised to 30% from the existing 25% The growing popularity of chartered aircraft and helicopter flights might suffer a hit as the government has proposed a hike in the supplementary duty on the service by 5%. The budget speech for FY2020-21 has called for the supplementary duty on chartered aircraft and helicopter services to be raised to 30% from the existing 25%. 2020/06/honor-the-hero-paper-ads-04-1591699750066.png The duty hike comes despite protests as helicopters presently not only provides luxury services, but also emergency medical services or search-and-rescue operations in disaster zones, or for high-profile visits by government or corporate officials. South Asian Airlines first introduced commercial helicopter services in Bangladesh in 1999 with two helicopters. At present, more than 10 companies commercially operate more than 25 helicopters in Bangladesh.

Expect significant delays in delivery, contract signing for defence acquisitions due to COVID-19. Everything pushed back.

The French Defence Minister Florence Parly is visiting Bangladesh today in a mission to sell Rafale multi-role combat aircraft and unmanned combat aerial vehicles amongst other military hardware. https://www.defseca.com/procurements/france-offers-rafale-fighters-armed-uavs-to-bangladesh/

The Kingdom of Mrauk-U was an independent coastal kingdom of Arakan which existed for over 350 years. It was based in the city of Mrauk-U, near the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal. The kingdom from 1429 to 1785 ruled over what is now Rakhine State, Myanmar and Chittagong Division, Bangladesh. From 1429 to 1531 it was a protectorate of the Bengal Sultanate at different time periods. After gaining independence from Bengal, it prospered with help from the Portuguese settlement in Chittagong. In 1666, it lost control of Chittagong after a war with the Mughal Empire. Its reign continued until the 18th century, when it fell to the invasion of the Burmese Empire. It was home to a multiethnic population with the city of Mrauk U being home to mosques, temples, shrines, seminaries and libraries. The kingdom was also a center of piracy and the slave trade. It was frequented by Arab, Danish, Dutch and Portuguese traders. The kingdom minted currency of taka modeled on the currency of the Bengal sultanate. Mrauk U's population consisted of Muslims and Buddhists alike. There was a sizeable Portuguese presence at a time when Chittagong was a centre for trade by the Catholic Europeans.

Bangladesh Navy is respected through its work with UNFIL. The IDF and BN never faced problems while Bangladesh Navy frigates were carrying out their UN mandated duties off the Lebanese coast. Professional armed services usually respect each others work spaces.

I have no qualms about starting formal, mutually beneficial ties with the state of Israel. Bangladesh doesn't have to be like India, it doesn't need to play a double standard game. It can be far more effective in relation to the Palestinian statehood than it can by simply not recognizing a country that already exists. And let me remind you, Israel does not just simply exist, it thrives, its powerful, its a useful country. Bangladesh could effectively neuter India using Israeli equipment and tactics against the much larger Indian Army, that is an analogue to the Syrian Arab republic's army.

Where did @Zoro96 and @Darth Nihilus go?

Indian Air Force MiG-29 crashed

Upon my astute observance I find there are so many chela's in this forum.

Missing for 18 months, Rab official Hasinur returns home 22 Feb 2020 22:06, Somoy English Desk Sacked Rab official Lt Col Hasinur Rahman, who remained missing for the last 18 months, returned home on Friday night. Hasinur’s wife Shamima Akhter said her husband retuned home around 11pm. She said her husband was a former commanding officer of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab). Shamima said Hasinur is now fine, but he did not say anything about his disappearance. “We also didn’t want to know about it.” Hasinur was sacked from the army for his alleged involvement with militancy, though his family claimed that he was victim of a conspiracy. On August 8, 2018, he was reportedly picked up by a group of people in plainclothes around 10:30pm. Later, his family held a press conference demanding that the government ensure his safe return. https://en.somoynews.tv/5544/news/Missing-for-18-months-Rab-official-Hasinur-returns-home

Bangladesh improves in the Global Terrorism Index Hasan Al Javed Published at 10:35 pm February 22nd, 2020 In 2017, Bangladesh ranked 19th in the Global Terrorism Index and then progressed to the 31st rank after two years in 2019 Instances of extremism or terrorism are increasing globally but the situation in Bangladesh is changing for the better. In 2017, Bangladesh ranked 19th in the Global Terrorism Index and then progressed to the 31st rank after two years in 2019. Md Monirul Islam, head of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) of Bangladesh Police, presented the information as chief guest at a discussion meeting titled 'Role of Mass Media in Preventing Extremism,' held at the National Press Club on Saturday. Neighbouring countries India and Pakistan are in the top ten risky countries according to the index. The condition of Bangladesh is much better and is still improving. Even countries like the United States and United Kingdom are at risk. "We do not have a definite strategy to curb violent extremism: time is required to do that. But we are going to adopt Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) policies," said the police official. "People, ages 15-30, are the ones who are mostly getting involved in terrorism. We are having dialogues with young leaders to motivate this vulnerable group. We are also having conversations with religious leaders," he added. Monirul commented that people abroad think that militants start hacking people with machetes as soon as they set foot on the roads of Bangladesh. This is not the case and it is the mass media's responsibility to promote the real situation. "We are working to restrain extremism based on our country's context. We are not making the same mistake as Sampreeti Bangladesh who made an advertisement imitating foreign media. We are also conducting academic research," Monirul said. Chief editor of GTV and Sarabangla.net, Syed Ishtiaque Reza, said: "Whenever an extremist is arrested, police say the 'joddha' (fighter) was arrested with 'jihadi' books. Words like these can inspire extremism." Maasranga TV Head of News, Rezwanul Haq Raza, said: "Several media houses published the smiling pictures of the Holey Artisan attackers which was really inappropriate. A person gained popularity after praising Delwar Hossain Sayeedi and speaking against female leadership. Police have to work on these things." Mozammel Babu, owner of Ekattor TV, suggested that the recent arrest of Shariyat Bayati is inciting militancy. NTV Chief News Editor Zahirul Alam commented that it would be better if CTTC prepared a guideline for media outlets in this regard. ATN Bangla Head of News Z E Mamun, DBC News CEO Manzurul Islam, and Ekushey TV Head of News Mostafa Mohshin Abbas, were among others who expressed their opinions on the issue during the three hour long dialogue session. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2020/02/22/bangladesh-improves-in-the-global-terrorism-index

ভারতের মিগ-২৯ বিধ্বস্ত ট্রিবিউন ডেস্ক প্রকাশিত ০৫:১৮ সন্ধ্যা ফেব্রুয়ারি ২৩, ২০২০ বিমানের দুই পাইলট অক্ষত আছেন প্রশিক্ষণ চলাকালে ভারতীয় নৌবাহিনীর মিগ-২৯-কে মডেলের একটি বিমান বিধ্বস্ত হয়েছে। রবিবার (২৩ ফেব্রুয়ারি) স্থানীয় সময় সকাল সাড়ে ১০টায় গোয়ার ডাবোলিম থেকে ওড়ার কিছুক্ষণের মধ্যেই বিমানটি বিধ্বস্ত হয় বলে ভারতীয় গণমাধ্যম এনডিটিভি'র একটি খবরে বলা হয়। ভারতীয় নৌবাহিনীর পক্ষ থেকে এক টুইটবার্তায় এই তথ্য নিশ্চিত করা হয়। তবে, বিমানের দুই পাইলট অক্ষত আছেন। ভারতীয় নৌবাহিনীর টুইটে বলা হয়, "গোয়ায় রবিবার সকাল ১০টা ৩০ মিনিট নাগাদ একটি মিগ ২৯-কে বিমান নিয়মিত প্রশিক্ষণ চলাকালীন বিধ্বস্ত হয়। তবে, বিমানের দুই পাইলট অক্ষতভাবে বিমান থেকে বেরিয়ে আসতে পেরেছেন । দুর্ঘটনার কারণ খতিয়ে দেখতে তদন্তের নির্দেশ দেওয়া হয়েছে।" নৌবাহিনী আরও জানায়, পাখির ঝাঁকের সঙ্গে ধাক্কা লাগার ফলে বিমানটির ডান পাশের ইঞ্জিনে আগুন ধরে যায়। সাথে সাথে বিকল হয়ে যায় বাম দিকের ইঞ্জিনটিও। তবে, দুই পাইলটের তৎপরতার কারণে বিমানটি একটি জনশূন্য স্থানে ভূপাতিত হয়। এর ফলে কোনও হতাহতের ঘটনা ঘটেনি। https://bangla.dhakatribune.com/international/2020/02/23/20397/ভেঙে-পড়লো-ভারতের-মিগ-২৯

Rohingya crisis: UNHCR special envoy Angelina Jolie writes to PM Hollywood star applauds Bangladesh’s leadership role Angelina Jolie, the special envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has recently written a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highly praising Bangladesh for the generosity and the leadership it has demonstrated in the Rohingya crisis. She appreciated Bangladesh for giving shelter to the Rohingya people and ensuring their safety and security. The Hollywood star mentioned that the UNHCR would continue its efforts to engage with Myanmar to create suitable conditions for the sustainable return of the Rohingya. She hoped that Bangladesh’s initiatives for the Rohingya would help to get better funding for the 2020 joint response plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis which would be launched in March, 2020. She committed to continuing her advocacy for the humanitarian response for the Rohingya people and expressed gratefulness to the people of Bangladesh for all kinds of support. Angelina Jolie visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar in February, 2019 in her capacity as UNHCR special envoy. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/rohingya-crisis/2020/02/23/rohingya-crisis-unhcr-special-envoy-angelina-jolie-writes-to-pm

Coronavirus outbreak to cost airlines almost $30bn Airlines stand to lose $29.3bn (£23.7bn) of revenue this year due to the coronavirus outbreak, the global airline industry body has warned. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts demand for air travel will fall for the first time in more than a decade. Airlines in China and other parts of the Asia Pacific region are expected to take the vast majority of the impact. It comes as carriers around the world have been forced to reduce flights. In total, airlines in the Asia Pacific region are set to see a $27.8bn revenue loss in 2020, while those outside Asia are expected to lose $1.5bn in revenue, IATA has forecast. Of that figure, IATA predicts that carriers in China are set to lose revenue of $12.8bn in their home market alone. "Airlines are making difficult decisions to cut capacity and in some cases routes," said IATA's director-general Alexandre de Juniac. "This will be a very tough year for airlines." However, IATA cautioned it was too early to predict what this expected revenue loss would mean for airlines' profitability this year. IATA said it had based its estimates on the slump in demand that was seen during the Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak in 2003. That was characterised by a six-month period that saw a sharp fall in demand followed by an equally quick recovery. That year Sars was responsible for the 5.1% fall in demand for airlines in the Asia-Pacific region. The forecast also assumes that the virus remains centred on China, but IATA warned the effect could be far worse if the infection spreads further in the region. IATA has previously forecast that the Asia Pacific region would be the biggest driver of air travel demand between 2015 and 2035, with four of the five fastest-growing markets in terms of passengers being from Asia. On Thursday, two major airline groups warned of a severe financial impact as a result of the coronavirus hitting demand for travel in Asia. Australia's Qantas said the outbreak would cost it up to 150m Australian dollars ($99m; £76m), while European carrier Air-France KLM put the cost at up to €200m ($213m; £168m) for the period between February and April. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51499779

The website+forum is faster now (it was fast before) but this is perfect. Thank you.

Bangladesh should try to replace India as an important arms supplier to Nepal. Sell them BD-08 rifles, ammunition at discounted rates, offer them advanced training. Offer to employ Gurkha members in Bangladesh's own army to strengthen irregular warfare capabilities of our own.

Unfortunately for Bangladesh, the Rampal power station being built by India uses outdated technology. These definitions regarding steam generation were found in a report on coal production in China investigated by the Center for American Progress. Subcritical – up to 705 °F (374 °C) and 3,208 psi (221.2 bar) (the critical point of water) Supercritical – up to the 1,000–1,050 °F (538–566 °C); turbine speed increases dramatically, requires advanced materials Ultra-supercritical – up to 1,400 °F (760 °C) and pressure levels of 5,000 psi (340 bar) (additional innovations, not specified, would allow even more efficiency) India's first USC coal plant commissioned Sep 2019 runs at 600 °C and pressure of 270 kg/cm2 (264.8 bar) and 41.5% generation efficiency or 3.3% more than existing conventional fleet. The above concerns are further compounded by the proposed technological and risk management plans. The plant at Rampal is set to use outdated supercritical (SC) technology, which skips the water-boiling phase of conventional coal-fired generation but has since been superseded by the more modern and efficient “ultra-supercritical” (USC). Contrary to the claims of the Bangladeshi government, this is bound to produce high levels of carbon dioxide and waste-water discharges. It is also likely that Rampal will in fact be run using poor quality coal imported from India, which spits out lots of ash without creating much energy.

I pray good sense prevails with the Bangladesh armed services, respective members of the Bangladesh government to never buy major Indian defence hardware. Bangladesh will look weak internationally as a cuckold nation Indians will use the opportunity to pressurize, subdue Bangladesh There will be presence of Indian military personnel in Bangladesh to "support" the hardware, offer "trainings" The quality of Indian made defence hardware speaks for itself because India is one of the largest weapons importing nations today Bangladesh might not be able to use the weapons to good effect It will infuriate China because Bangladesh is not importing very much from them these days I say avoid India at all costs, lower dependence on China, increase cooperation with European nations, build own nation's defence industries.

It guts me to know some of our deshi brothers are living overseas in Western countries using Bangladesh as the sacrificial lamb for their personal agendas. These people will use comments from the senator to strengthen their asylum seeker business interests.

Bangladesh strongly protest remarks of US Senator Grassley It expects correction on his narrative, understanding about Bangladesh The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, DC has categorically rejected the remarks on Bangladesh made by US Senator Chuck Grassley, saying what the senator said was farthest from the truth. "The Embassy clearly states that the remarks made by Senator Grassley are not only biased and motivated but also absolutely contradictory to the 2019 Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)," the Bangladesh embassy said in a statement, strongly protesting his remarks. It said the embassy is surprised to see that Senator Grassley had stated in his op-ed that citizens of Bangladesh live under an authoritarian regime and face persecution for faith and religious beliefs, reports UNB. Bangladesh is a secular democracy, where people from all faiths live in peace and harmony, the embassy said. The statement further said the embassy is extremely disappointed to see that instead of appreciating the democratic government of Bangladesh for sheltering more than 1.1 million Rohingyas from Myanmar, who were persecuted in their own country for their religion and ethnicity, Senator Grassley has opted for complete subjectivity to criticize the government [of Bangladesh] that actually saved their lives. An op-ed, titled "Religious freedom under attack - US can promote and protect liberty globally," by Chuck Grassley, senator for Iowa, appeared on his official website (https://www.grassley.senate.gov/) on Tuesday. The embassy said it expects that Senator Grassley would correct his narrative and his understanding about Bangladesh based on facts and realities on the ground. A few examples of religious freedom and harmony in Bangladesh were also shared. These are as follows: Bangladesh is a country where festivals of major religious communities (Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists) are public holidays, the president of Bangladesh hosts reception for members of each religious community on the day of these festivals and prime minister of Bangladesh promotes a national slogan "Religion unto individual, festivals unto all." People from all faiths celebrate the festivals together, which is truly reflective of the spirit of secularism and non-communalism, added the embassy. Verses from the holy books of all major faiths are recited at the beginning of all important official programs, it said. The embassy said that Senator Grassley is welcome to visit Bangladesh and see for himself the values of democracy, freedom, openness, inclusiveness, and religious harmony that exists in Bangladesh. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2020/02/21/bangladesh-strongly-protests-us-senator-grassley-s-remarks

Bangladesh economy stronger than Singapore’s, says Hasina Published: 19 Feb 2020 02:37 AM BdST Updated: 19 Feb 2020 02:37 AM BdST Bangladesh sits on a stronger economic position than Singapore does, considering problems such as violent protests and dense population that do not blight the South-East Asian city state, Sheikh Hasina says. Praising Singapore for its discipline, the prime minister said on Tuesday, “The political and economic conditions have made it easier for them [Singapore government] to achieve development.” But Bangladesh experiences many odds like fire-bombings of buses, killings, and repression, the prime minister said, referring to protests and rule of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. “We are ahead of the countries not only in South Asia, but also those in Southeast Asia. We want to build a Singapore out of Bangladesh, but actually we are economically much stronger than Singapore. This is the least I can claim,” she said. She made the remarks in her speech during a discussion on a thanksgiving motion on President Abdul Hamid’s address to parliament. It was her closing speech to the session as well. Speaking about concerns over a coronavirus outbreak in China, which has hit global supply chain hard, Hasina said her government has taken measures to import industrial raw materials from other countries. “So I don’t see anything to be scared about,” she said, describing efforts to prevent a possible outbreak in Bangladesh as well, such as screening of incoming travellers. The prime minister said her government was also alert to a possible price hike during upcoming Ramadan. The authorities were stockpiling particular commodities so that they can control the markets by releasing them during the month of fasting, she said. She condemned a recent rise in incidents of rape. The government has a zero-tolerance policy towards rape along with terrorism, militancy and drugs, she said. https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2020/02/19/bangladesh-economy-stronger-than-singapores-says-hasina

Nepal expects to start exporting power to Bangladesh after five years Published: 19 Feb 2020 03:07 AM BdST Updated: 19 Feb 2020 03:07 AM BdST Nepal’s Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali has said it will take at least five years for his country to supply electricity to Bangladesh. Gyawali, speaking to the media after a meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen during his Dhaka visit on Tuesday, said they discussed energy cooperation. Bangladesh had signed memorandums of understanding with Nepal and an Indian company, GMR Energy, to import 500MW power through a cross-country grid. He said it would take five to six years for GMR to complete the hydropower project since it was relatively a big one. The two foreign ministers said they also discussed connectivity, trade, tourism and ways to tackle the effects of climate change. “We agreed on almost all the issues,” Momen said. Gyawali expressed his country’s interest to use Syedpur Airport in northern Bangladesh and Mongla Port in the south, according to Momen. At another event, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wholeheartedly wants strengthening of relations with Nepal. For better connectivity with Nepal, Bangladesh discussed with India a route via Chilahati, he said. Gyawali also spoke at the event, a discussion, organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies. https://bdnews24.com/economy/2020/02/19/nepal-expects-to-start-exporting-power-to-bangladesh-after-five-years

Thank you!! For an IR perspective this is the greatest ever line up of developing world's leaders in Bangladesh.