Dhaka metro rail(b)
Dhaka Metro Rail (DMR) is a rapid transit system under construction in Dhaka, the
capital of Bangladesh. A 20km Metro Rail route will be constructed from Uttara to
Bangladesh Bank, having 16 stops. The 16 stations are Uttara, Mirpur, Rokeya
Sarani, Khamarbari, Farmgate, Sonargaon Hotel, Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, and
Topkhana Road. The Dhaka Metro Rail Project has a total cost of Tk 22,000 crore.
The Japanese government, through JICA, will provide Tk 16,600 crores of the total
project cost of Tk 22,000 crores ($2.5 billion) as a loan at a 0.01% interest rate.
The rest will have to be managed by the government. The construction began in
May 2015, and it is expected to be completed by 2022. It is being built as an
elevated concrete structure. All stations are being constructed as elevated concrete
structures with massive pillars. It will not be a ground-level track like the ones you
find in many cities worldwide, but rather a series of elevated tracks that run above
the ground level. This is to keep these stations well away from traffic and pollution
to ensure maximum comfort for passengers over long distances. The development
of a metro rail project in Dhaka is speeding up in order to relieve the city’s severe
traffic congestion. In two stages, the project will be completed. The metro rail
service, officially known as the rapid mass transit (MRT) Line-6, is scheduled to
transport around 60,000 people every hour once it is finished. It is expected to
save travel time inside Dhaka city by a substantial amount. The initiative is
estimated to save TK 200 billion every year, which will be a significant boon to our
first-generation economy. However, Dhaka residents have been experiencing
challenges as a result of significant traffic congestion since the project began. The
continuous excavation for the metro train has resulted in this predicament.
Nonetheless, individuals are willing to put up with these little inconveniences
because they know that eliminating traffic bottlenecks would save thousands of
work hours. It would also provide a pleasant lifestyle for city people. As a result, it
is fair to argue that metro rail has opened the door to a more contemporary and
pleasant future.
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant(c)
The Government of Bangladesh is building its first nuclear power plant in Rooppur on the east
side of the river Padma near Ishwardi in the Pabna district of Bangladesh. The project is being
implemented by the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), under the guidance of Science and
Technology Ministry of the Government of Bangladesh. The nuclear power plant (NPP) will include two
units, Rooppur Unit-1 and Rooppur Unit-2 with a capacity of 1.2GW each.
Foundation stone for the Rooppur NPP was laid in October 2013 and the first concrete for the main
construction phase was poured in November 2017. The main construction of Unit-2 began in July 2018,
with the pouring of the first concrete.
Rooppur Unit-1 is scheduled to commence operations in 2023, while Rooppur Unit-2 is due to come
online in 2024.
The Rooppur nuclear power plant will use cutting-edge technologies and follow the safety guidelines of
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA supported the country in the assessment of
sites and development of a radioactive waste management system for the nuclear power programme.
The project will provide low-cost electricity and create new jobs in Bangladesh. The power production in
Bangladesh currently exceeds 4GW a year. The new plant will increase the country’s power production
and enable it to achieve energy independence. Rooppur NPP will be equipped with two VVER-1200
water-cooled, water-moderated power reactors of the AES-2006 / V-392M design.
Construction of the nuclear power plant was divided into stages, including the preparatory and main
stages. The preparatory construction stage work was carried out during 2015-2016. It included the
construction of amenities and office buildings, roads, security fences and storage facilities.
The main construction works include excavation works, the pit water removal system, development of pit
for units one and two, soil stabilisation works and foundations for both reactor units.
In March 2018, a trilateral agreement was signed to allow Indian companies to take part in construction
and installation works for the project. Indian firms can also supply non-critical equipment, according to
the memorandum of understanding.
The Rooppur NPP incorporates the defence-in-depth protection, which is a multi-layer protection and
mitigation system. Any human or man-made accidents can be mitigated using the system ensuring safety
to the environment.
The system includes five layers of barriers, which will prevent radiation exposure, as well as protect
people and the environment.
Padma Bridge(d)
Introduction: The Padma Bridge is a multi-purpose road-rail bridge over the Padma River in
Bangladesh. It is the longest bridge in Bangladesh and the deepest-piled bridge in the world. It
connects Munshiganj district with Shariatpur and Madaripur, i.e. the capital with the southwestern
part of the country and the northeastern part. The 6.15 km long and 21.10 m wide bridge project
includes a 15.1 km approach road, toll plazas, and service areas. The bridge will contribute
significantly to the economic progress and industrial development of Bangladesh, a developing
country with a population of about 180 million. The Padma Multi-purpose Bridge is expected to
increase the country’s GDP by 1.2 percent. The double-decker bridge carries a four-lane road on the
upper deck, a rail track below, and also gas pipes, electrical lines, and fiber optic cables.
History: In 1971, before the independence of Bangladesh, the first plan to build a bridge over the
Padma river was taken up. A group of Japanese survey experts prepared a feasibility report for the
construction of the Dhaka-Faridpur road. As part of the construction of the road, they suggested the
construction of a bridge over the Padma River. But the work did not progress due to the partition of
the country. After Bangladesh became independent, President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman announced
the construction of a bridge across the River Padma, but due to his death, the work did not start.
In 1998, the Bangladesh government initiated a Tk 3,643.50 crore project to build a 5 km long and
18.10 m wide bridge over the Padma River on the Dhaka-Mawa-Bhanga-Khulna highway to directly
connect the southern and southwestern regions of the country with the capital Dhaka. Later in 1999, a
pre-feasibility study was conducted for the bridge project. On July 4, 2001, the foundation stone of
the Padma Bridge was laid at the Mawa-Jazira end. In 2004, Nippon Koei, a consultant appointed by
JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), after conducting a detailed survey for the
construction of the Padma Bridge, recommended the construction of the bridge at the previously
designated Mawa-Jazira Point.
Subsequently, in the 2006-2007 annual development program, the plan to construct the Padma multi-
purpose bridge was adopted. After the feasibility study, on August 20, 2007, the then caretaker
government approved the Padma Bridge project at a cost of Tk 10,161 crore. At that time the target
was set to complete the construction of the bridge by 2015.
Before the 2008 general elections, the Bangladesh Awami League announced a commitment to build
the Padma Bridge in its election manifesto. After winning the elections, the Awami League
government hired a consultancy firm in 2009 to draw up the design, and began the process of land
acquisition. The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, JICA and Islamic Development Bank have
pledged to finance the construction of the bridge. Bangladesh signed a loan agreement with the
World Bank on April 28, 2009.
The caretaker government passed the Padma Bridge project in 2007 at a cost of Rs 10,161 crore. But
the Awami League government that came to power added a rail track to it and repeatedly revised the
project plan, nearly tripling the estimated cost. Bangladesh signed loan agreements with several
financial institutions including the World Bank for the construction of the bridge. But the World
Bank accused the project of corruption. Hence, first the World Bank and later the Asian
Development Bank, JICA and the Islamic Development Bank suspended the financing of the project.
On July 8, 2012, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presented the Padma Bridge construction plan to
Parliament with Bangladesh’s own funding. On June 17, 2014, the Bangladesh Bridge
Authority signed an agreement with China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group for the
construction of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, and the Prime Minister inaugurated the construction
work on December 12, 2015.
Role of Padma Bridge in Economy: The Padma Multipurpose Bridge has created a direct link
between the center of Bangladesh and its southwestern region. So it can be said with certainty that
this bridge will contribute significantly to the social, economic and industrial development of the
remote and underdeveloped regions of the country. The bridge will directly benefit over 3 crore
people living in an area of about 44,000 sq km or 29% of the total area of Bangladesh. That is why
the Padma bridge is considered as a very important infrastructure for the country’s communication,
transportation and regional economic development. The bridge is expected to increase Bangladesh’s
GDP by up to 1.2 percent.
Conclusion: Padma Bridge is the longest bridge in Bangladesh and the largest construction in its
history. The fast-flowing and erosion-prone Padma River, which had divided the country into two
parts for the past half a century, ended this bridge and greatly facilitated the movement of people and
goods. A big dream of the Bengali nation has come true through the construction of the Padma
Bridge. In the coming days, this bridge will continue to accelerate the economic progress of
Bangladesh and play a groundbreaking role in industrial development.
Climate Change(f)
Introduction
Climate change refers to the long-term changes in the Earth’s climate, specifically the
gradual warming of the planet and the changes in precipitation patterns. It is caused by
the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the
atmosphere, which trap heat from the sun and warm the planet. Climate change can result
in a range of negative consequences, including rising sea levels, more extreme weather
events, and changes in precipitation patterns, which can have a devastating effect on
ecosystems and the displacement of many species.
Causes of Climate Change
The main cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and
natural gas. When these fuels are burned, they release greenhouse gases, such as carbon
dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and warm
the planet, leading to an increase in global temperatures, known as global warming.
Another cause of climate change is deforestation. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere and store it in their biomass. When they are cut down or burned, they release
this stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Additionally, human activities such as agriculture, cement production and transportation
also contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases.
Consequences of Climate Change
Climate change has a range of negative consequences for the planet. One of the most
significant is an increase in global temperatures, which leads to rising sea levels, more
extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns. This can have a
devastating effect on ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the displacement
of many species. Another consequence of climate change is the acidification of oceans.
As carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, it forms carbonic acid, which makes it
harder for marine organisms to build and maintain their shells and skeletons. This can
have a ripple effect throughout the food chain, leading to declines in fish populations and
other sea life.
Remedies of Climate Change
There are several ways to combat climate change and reduce its effects. One of the most
effective is to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by investing in renewable energy
sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Additionally, we can reduce
emissions by increasing energy efficiency, using public transportation and reducing meat
consumption. Another important step is to protect and restore natural carbon sinks, such
as forests, wetlands, and grasslands. These ecosystems absorb and store large amounts of
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce the concentration of greenhouse
gases.
Conclusion
Climate change is a pressing issue that is caused by human activities and has significant
consequences for the planet. The only way we can mitigate these effects is by taking
immediate action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural carbon
sinks. It is high time for the human race to take the necessary steps to prevent further
damage to our planet.
Rampal power plant(g)
The Rampal power plant is a proposed 1320 megawatt coal-fired power station at
RampalUpazila of Bagerhat District in Khulna, Bangladesh. It is a joint partnership between
India's state owned National Thermal Power Corporation and Bangladesh Power Development
Board. The joint venture company is known as Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company
(BIFPC).
The proposed project, on an area of over 1834 acres of land, is situated 14 kilometres north of the
world's largest mangrove forest Sundarbans which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It will be
the country's largest power plant.
This project violates the environmental impact assessment guidelines for coal-based thermal
power plants. On August 1, 2013, Department of Energy of Bangladesh approved construction,
but then changed its stance and set 50 preconditions for the project.
But the location of the plant, 14 kilometers from the Sundarbans, violates one of the basic
preconditions which says such projects must be outside a 25-kilometer radius from the outer
periphery of an ecologically sensitive area.
Nature is like a mother to us. We can not think of our existence without nature.
Moreover nature provides us with the most important valuable things- food, shelter,
water, air. On the contrary, our environment is being tortured by mankind. Man are
destroying the environment without thinking of the result. The most important reason for
destroying nature is the energy industry. Nowadays, the more the energy consumption,
the country is more developed. Therefore there is a competition of energy consumptions
among the countries in the world. Thus we are heading to the end of mankind. Though
energy consumption is essential, it should not be done by destroying our environment.
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated country. Here the demand of
electricity is higher than production. The production and efficiency of the industries,
garments are seriously hampered. Therefore our country cannot prosper to the highest
level. To solve this problem, Rampal power plant is suggested to build at Rampal
uphazila in Bagerhat district in Bangladesh. It is situated near the Sundarbans, one of
the world’s heritage site. It will be the largest power plant in our country. In respect of
Bangladesh, the project has a great advantages to meet our problem.
Undoubtedly, the project will meet a good energy supply. But it has a serious effects to
the environment. The most dangerous side of this project is the destruction of
Sundarbans. Sundarbans is the habitat for the royal Bengal tiger, one of the extinct
species in the world. This species will be totally destroyed as the result of the
destruction of sundarbans. As it is a coal based power plant, trees of the forest will be
cut to supply the ingredients. As a result, several types of trees will be vanished.
Moreover, it will be a serious threat to the existence of the extinct birds and animals
because of the scarcity of food and accommodation. The ecosystem of the
surroundings will be disturbed. Huge smoke including sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon are
emitted through the chimney. These global warming gases will cause air pollution
including decrement of ozone layer. In addition, it can cause acid rain which results to
the destruction of animals and trees. The wastes of power plant are casted to the rivers
of the sundarbans. Hence marine species such as dolphin, crocodile will face a serious
threaten. Still the number of species will be decreased as a result of chemical
contamination. Lastly any explosion of power plant can cause a destruction of
sundarbans in a second.
The harmful impact of rampal power plant has a direct connection with the existence of
mankind. Sundarbans is the main savior from natural disasters for south parts of
Bangladesh. Finally the river erosion will be increased. The increasing in water level of
Bay of Bengal can cause a destruction of many south sides of Bangladesh. Again, there
will be a scarcity of water, food and shelter.
The government of Bangladesh has violence the laws of UESCO in construction of
rampal power plant. Many environmental organizations, columnist, scientist, has
protested against the project. Researches based on the rampal power plant, it is shown
that the project is not economically as well as environmentally reliable. Within the two
years after the construction, 75% species will be vanished from the sundarbans.
Sundarbans is a habitant and for many species of the surroundings. If the project is
constructed, man will face a serious threat though its profitable advantages. Hence it
should be reminded that development cannot be earned by destroying our environment.
Parliamentary Democracy in Bangladesh(j)
An ideal government can exist in parliamentary democracy in which everyone
can exercise power within the limits of his competence. So parliamentary
democracy has been the fondest dream of the people of Bangladesh since 1971.
Although as a new nation, we have relatively low exposure to the practice of
parliamentary democracy. The concept of Democracy originated from the Greek
words ‘Demos’ and ‘Kratos’ which means people and power respectively.
Democracy thus means the power of the people. Democracy is a system of rule
by temporary majorities. Parliamentary democracy has been being practised in
Bangladesh since her birth. Moreover, after a few years of practising
parliamentary democracy since its liberation in 1971. Bangladesh went through
serious political instability with the staging of coups and counter-coups. In the
process, by the courtesy of military dictators. The form of government was
changed to the presidential system. Again in the early nineties as the democratic
political forces got themselves united and succeeded in their fight against the
longest-serving dictator. H M Ershad. holding of a free and fair election under a
neutral caretaker government paved way for amending the constitution to revert
to the parliamentary form of government in 1991.
But unfortunately, the last several years of parliamentary democracy fell for short
of living up to the public expectation since February 1991. Three parliaments 5th,
7th and 8th were elected through popular voting under a non-partisan caretaker
government system and another short-lived parliament, the 6th one, was elected
amidst boycott by all mainstream political parties and very low voters turnout.
The public did not expect much from the 6th parliament which functioned for less
than two weeks. But the people of the country had great expectations from the
5th, 7th and 8th parliaments which have been elected through fair polls under a
caretaker government. Political intolerance, confrontational politics, winner takes
all attitude halted our advancement to the path of a sustained democratic culture.
Repeated walkouts, abstentions and permanent house boycotts by the
opposition in all these three parliaments made the parliamentary affairs all the
more dull and non-effective. Treasury bench led one-sided discussions in half-
empty parliaments did not bear no significance for the constituents.
It is unfortunate that the chiefs of major political parties are not on talking terms.
Having seen the democratic practices in other democratic countries, one feels
ashamed of what has been happening in Bangladesh. The unfortunate part of
Bangladesh politics is that the chiefs of the two major political parties do not talk
to each other. It goes against the very fundamental principle of democracy.
The speaker is bound to go by the constitution and the rules of procedure of the
parliament to run the business of the house. He takes an oath to run the House
as per the constitution and the rules of procedure of the Jatiya Sangsad. He will
preserve, protect and defend the constitution. If the speaker. the guardian of the
House is always accused of a partial role in running parliament then the whole
purpose is ended in smoke. In Bangladesh, the business advisory committee
headed by the speaker sits to allocate the business and duration of the session.
But the opinion of the opposition parties has never been accepted. The ruling
party dominates the committee. The speaker never raises his voice in favour of
any opposition lawmaker. Opposition parties always blame the speaker for his
partial role at the house.
Role of the House Leader:
In making the parliament effective in a line with the expectations of the people
the roles of the house leader are vital. In a parliamentary democracy, the leader
of the house is entitled to act as the safeguard for the ruling and opposition
lawmakers though slue is elected from the ruling party. The leader of the house
creates concord among all the activities of the parliament and play the main role
to run the house according to the government’s plan and gives suggestions to
the speaker. The leader of the House, also the chief of the executive popularly
known as the prime minister, has to play an anchor role in promoting
parliamentary democracy.
Role of the Leader of Opposition Party:
The leader of the opposition in the house is considered the chief of the shadow
government. If his party is in power, the strategy to run the state will be reflected
in his party activities in and outside the parliament. Consulting with the house
leader and whips, the opposition leader will also give the guidelines to
accomplish the parliament’s business with efficiency. He will build the bridge of
understanding between the ruling party and the opposition through frequent
meetings with the House leader.
Sick politics has been taking a heavy toll of the country’s spirit of parliamentary
democracy which the nation had achieved with great sacrifice. If the
parliamentary democracy becomes dysfunctional, the entire country suffers.
Instead of moving forward, we will regress. We should know that democracy is
the rule of the majority but the minority party’s right must be protected fully. To
consolidate parliamentary democracy, the majority has to work with the minority
in the parliament. This alone ensures the effectiveness of the democratic
process.
