Feb 7 (g): A red carpet was rolled out to greet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as she landed at Kuwait International Airport on Sunday afternoon to begin a three-day state visit to the Gulf country. Adviser to the Kuwaiti Prime Minister Dr Sheikh Rafah al Sabah al Jaber received Sheikh Hasina at the tarmac as a special airplane carrying her flew into the airport at 6.0pm (local time). The Prime Minister was given a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent. Bangladesh Ambassador to

Kuwait Shahed Reza was present.

Later, the Prime Minister drove to Bayan Palace in a ceremonial motorcade.

Sheikh Hasina will visit the Bangladesh Bhaban in the capital of the Gulf state this evening and have her dinner. The Prime Minister will hold official talks with her Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah tomorrow (Monday) on a wide range of matters of bilateral cooperation, encompassing development assistance, investment and labour issues. Earlier, the special plane sent by Emir of Kuwait Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, carrying the Prime Minister and the members of her entourage, took off from Zia International Airport at 2:07 pm.

“At the talks, Bangladesh will seek assistance for development of communications infrastructures, including the mega-project of Padma Bridge, and support for the country’s energy sector,” one official told the news agency.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sunday invited sister of Kuwait Emir, Anthal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Babah, to visit Bangladesh for having a look regarding the adverse effect of climate change in the most vulnerable countries (MVCs) like Bangladesh.

She made the invitation when Anthal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah called on the Prime Minister at her suite at Bayan Palace Sunday evening.

Anthal, who is also an environment activist, accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation and expressed her desire to visit Bangladesh at her convenient time.

Younger sister of the Prime Minister Sheikh Rehana, Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, State Minister for Environment and Forest Dr Hasan Mahmud, Bangladesh Ambassador in Kuwait Shahed Reza and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad were present, among others, during the meeting.

The Prime Minister during the meeting expressed her deep concern regarding the adverse effect of climate change and expressed her desire to work together with Anthal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah.

Important issues :
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina sought to secure more jobs for Bangladeshis and greater investment for the country in talks with Kuwaiti leaders on Monday.

She said her government will provide all possible assistance to Kuwaiti investors and also invited them to import high quality garments, ceramics and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh.

Hasina, in the Gulf state on a three-day official visit, suggested that Kuwaiti businesses can invest in sectors like power, telecommunications, infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, textiles, ICT, gas and energy, furniture and agro based industries.

Kuwait’s prime minister Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah formally received Hasina at the Baydan Palace in the morning.

Hasina then had an audience with Kuwait’s Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Sief Palace where she discussed matters of mutual interest.

“Manpower export from Bangladesh, river dredging and Kuwaiti investment in Bangladesh’s development sector figured prominently during the meetings,” The prime minister’s press secretary Abul Kalam Azad told reporters after the talks.

At a luncheon, hosted by Kuwait Chamber of Commerce later in the day, Hasina invited Kuwaiti businessmen to come forward with investments in Bangladesh.

The prime minister said the investment would not only bring benefits to Kuwati businesses but also help further strengthen existing bilateral relations. “There is huge scope to diversify and enhance trade between the two countries,” she said.

She said her government had been successful in creating an attractive environment for investment with liberal fiscal and financial policies including tax holiday, avoidance of double taxation and unrestricted exit policy.

Besides, Bangladesh has a huge domestic market of 150 million people, abundant skilled labour that will help to attract foreign investors, she said.

“We only need to work together to identify areas of cooperation to harness the existing potentials,” she said.
Hasina urges investment from Kuwaitis
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged Kuwaiti business leaders and entrepreneurs to import products from Bangladesh and make investment in the country’s promising sectors under an attractive package of incentives.

“In fact, there is ample scope for diversifying and increasing our two-way trade. We only need to work together to identify areas of cooperation to harness the existing potential,” she told the audience at a luncheon meeting hosted by Kuwait Chamber of Commerce in her honour yesterday.

Hasina arrived here Sunday on a three-day state visit to the oil-rich Gulf state with a wide range of matters of bilateral cooperation on her agenda, especially development assistance, investment and labour issues.

Chairman of the apex trade body Ali Mohammad Thunayan Al-Ganim delivered his welcome address.

The prime minister said Kuwait could import from Bangladesh high-quality garments, ceramics and pharmaceuticals.

The other items she put on offer, which also have equal recognition in an increasingly environment-conscious world, are finished leather and leather products, furniture, handicrafts, and, particularly, jute and jute products.

Hasina said another important area of immense possibility is investment by Kuwait in Bangladesh. “Our government has been successful in creating an attractive investment climate with liberal fiscal and financial policies.”

She listed some of the significant facilities offered to the investors, which include tax holiday, concessionary duty on imported machinery, avoidance of double taxation, remittance of royalty, technical know-how, technical assistance fee, allowing 100 percent foreign equity, unrestricted exit policy, and full repatriation of capital and capital gains in the event of exit.

A huge domestic market of 150 million people, abundant skilled labour, the presence of homegrown entrepreneur class, supportive legal regime, and, above all, commitment of the government are added attractions for foreign investors, the PM told the leading Kuwaiti businesspeople.

She said Kuwaiti investors could seriously consider investing in power, telecommunications, infrastructure development, pharmaceutical, textiles, ICT, real estate, gas and energy, leather, furniture and agro-based industry sectors.

She assured the Kuwaiti entrepreneurs that her government would provide all possible assistance and cooperation in doing business.

“With your cooperation in the fields of trade, commerce and investment, both the State of Kuwait and Bangladesh would mutually be benefited bringing greater prosperity to our countries and peoples,” Hasina hoped.

At present, the balance of trade is very much in favour of Kuwait.

During 2007 to 2008, Bangladesh’s exports to Kuwait stood at $9.69 million, while the corresponding import figure was many times higher.

The Kuwaiti chamber chief stressed a better communication toward cooperation in the fields of trade and investments in the interests of both Kuwait and Bangladesh.

Labour and Expatriate Welfare Minister Mosharraf Hossain, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, State Minister for Environment Hasan Mahmud and Principal Secretary MA Karim were also present on the occasion.

The prime minister will return home on Wednesday.

Bird flu is very much harmful disease for the avian species specially for the chicken species in the world.

Bangladesh has culled about 13,000 chickens after fresh outbreak of bird flu in the country last month, officials said Monday.

Ataur Rahman, bird flu control room official, told, a total of ‘12,789 chickens were culled so far this year after fresh outbreak of the avian influenza in commercial farms.’

Of the total, he said, ‘9,526 birds, including 8,821 in a commercial firm in Dhaka, were culled in the first week of this month.

In January, when the outbreak of the disease was reported, 3,263 chickens were culled.

Habibur Rahman, director general of Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Live Stock Department, said the department has strengthened its surveillance to contain further spread of the infectious disease.

So far, four districts were affected by bird flu.

Officials, however, said with the rise of temperature in March and April, the risks from the disease would gradually ease.

Bird flu was first detected in Bangladesh in a poultry farm near Dhaka in March 2007.

The disease was later spread to 47 districts between December 2007 and March 2008.

Vegetable is one of the essential food items for growth and maintenance of health of human beings. In the months of December to March varieties of vegetables are available throughout Bangladesh. But in the rest of the year frequently people confront tremendous shortage of vegetables. Bangladesh is pre-dominantly an agricultural country with rich soil condition and climate. Numerous types of vegetables could also be grown over here in April to November. It is matter of regret that after four decades of independence we could not produce enough vegetables for the people.Other hand if we use our potentials we also can earn a huge amont of foreign currency by vegetable exporting .

One suitable sadar union in every rural upzila and unions surrounding cities and district towns should be ear marked, especially for vegetable production. Types of vegetable are to be selected on the basis of soil condition, climate and season. Government has to extend necessary inputs for vegetable production at the doorsteps of the farmers. Farmers should be motivated to grow vegetables.

Vegetables generate cash to the growers. It would help to reduce dependence on rice. We know modern science says that eating excess rice, which we do in general, is not good from the health point of view.

Documentary film may be made on each vegetable showing different important aspects like, transplant seedlings, plant cultivation, insect protection, use of fertilizer, harvesting, storing and grading, selling vegetable etc. and storing vegetable seeds for future use. The documentary should be telecasted repeatedly through available electronic media.

Owing to budgetary procedural limitation innovative or experimental projects could hardly be taken by the relevant ministry or its attached offices. A special additional allocation — may be 3% to 5% of the revenue allocation per annum — could be given extra to each ministry with delegated authority to undertake and implement innovative or experimental projects.

Newly appointed chief justice Mohammad Fazlul Karim took oath of office on Monday.

Karim, the senior most judge of the Supreme Court Appellate Division, was given appointment to be the country’s 18th chief justice on February 4.

Justice Karim, who replaces Justice Md Tafazzul Islam, is due to go on retirement on September 30.

Justice Islam had been appointed chief justice superseding Karim.

He was born on September 30, 1943 in the family of Abdul Karim Shahitya Bisharad at Suchakradandi village under Patiya Police Station in Chittagong.

Justice Mohammad Fazlul Karim, son of late Al-haj Ahmed Kabir and late Sunia Ara Begum, obtained LLB from the University of Dhaka (DU) in 1964.

He was enrolled as an Advocate of the District Court, Chittagong in 1965, in the High Court Division in 1970 and in the Appellate Division in 1979.

He was elected Secretary to the Supreme Court Bar Association in 1982 and a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council in 1992.

Currently, he is also Chairman of the Judicial Service Pay Commission and Member of the Delhi-based Asia Pacific Advisory Forum on “Judicial Education on Gender Equality Issue”.

He was Chairman of the Court Administration and Court Management Scheme of Capacity Building Project, Member of the Scheme for Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution under the aid programme of USIS.

He participated in the conferences on ‘Judicial Education on Gender Equality Issue” held in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal in 1998-2006.

He also participated in the SAARC Law Conference held in Dhaka, conference on Prison Reform in South East Asia held at Kathmandu of Nepal in 1996.

He visited different Courts and Institutions to observe case management, court administration and alternative dispute resolution in UK and USA in 2002.

Speech for Justice transparency
Bangladesh’s new chief justice, Mohammad Fazlul Karim, has said all judges should declare their assets in the interests of transparency.
“I think everyone should disclose their assets to ensure their transparency as superior judges (of the Supreme Court),” Justice Fazlul Karim said Sunday after being felicitated as chief justice.

“I can take an initiative to this effect if the government or concerned authority makes any move for submission of wealth statements,” said the judge, who recently assumed the highest judicial post, after being superseded twice in the past.

He has also argued that present salaries of judges were not adequate and they should be raised.

In reply to a query on the competence of the judges, the chief justice said that they worked amidst various problems.

“The judges’ salaries are not sufficient and appropriate for such a dignified post,” he pointed out, adding that he had sent a proposal to the government for pay hike.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last week , in parliament unveiled her government’s massive plans to develop and modernise all sea, river and land ports of the country in addition to setting up a deep-sea port to boost Bangladesh’s economy.

She said Chittagong and Mongla ports will be prepared for the use of neighbouring countries by implementing various plans including construction of new container terminal, purchasing modern equipment for the two ports and carrying out capital dredging from Sadarghat to the third Karnaphuli Bridge.

The government also plans to construct new river ports at Noapara, Bhairab-Ashuganj and Barguna and a new inland container terminal at Pangaon. Besides, land ports at Teknaf, Hili, Banglabandha and Bibirbazar will be made operative after development work, Hasina said in her scripted answer to a query.

“Only 40 percent capacity of Chittagong port and 10 percent of Mongla port is being currently used. Revenue earning will be more than double when the usage is increased,” she said, adding that the earning will be increased further when neighbouring countries will be allowed to use the two seaports. This will also generate new employment opportunities.

On setting up a deep-sea port at Sonadia Island, Hasina said in light of a cabinet decision work is on to prepare detailed design of the port and explore foreign fund.

The premier said her government plans to introduce computerised container terminal management system at Chittagong Port, construct backward linkage at terminals 4 and 5 at New Mooring container terminal, appoint private global operator for running the terminal.

She said two vessels, one for oily waste reception and another for solid waste, will be purchased to improve environment management of Chittagong Port.

“Radiation detection equipment will be installed at Chittagong Port under the US Megaports Initiative to prevent smuggling of nuclear and radioactive goods through global maritime system,” the premier said.

The Karnaphuli container terminal will be constructed replacing expired jetties 11-13 at Chittagong Port. A multi-storey car-parking shed will be built at the port, she said.

Hasina said the government has planned for bank protection and capital dredging from Sadarghat to the third Karanphuli Bridge to protect important establishments at Chittagong Port from possible risk, and ensure discipline berthing of ships and navigability in Karanphuli channel.

On the development of Mongla Port, Hasina said her government plans to collect cargo handling equipment, cutter suction dredger, dispatch boat, and carry out dredging at outer bar of the Pashur channel and harbour area of the port.

She said activities of Benapole land port will be brought under automation to bring dynamism and transparency in its functions. The port will also have its own cargo handling equipment. Besides, a project to modernise the port will be implemented in two phases, she said.

The premier said Bhomra land port and Barisal river port will also be developed.

Besides, railway network will be set up across the country as well as the network from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar will be expanded.

Hasina said the number of lanes on Dhaka-Chittagong Highway will be increased to six in phases as the process for upgrading the highway into a four-lane one has begun.

Bangladesh: Chittagong and Mongla port prepared for use by neighbours, deep-sea port to be constructed

What we seek from contry ? Citizen Rights .
Research from the Citizenship Development Research Centre, based at IDS, is shedding new light on the gap between the theory and realities of citizenship in Bangladesh.

When researchers from the BRAC Development Institute asked people the meaning of rights, they were surprised to find that more than a fifth of female respondents referred to their right to shongshar – a word often translated from Bengali as family, though with wider implications.

‘That’s not something we were prepared to hear,’ said Kabita Chowdhury, a researcher at the BRAC Development Institute. ‘Why is it so important to have a right to your household? Because they are so vulnerable to being kicked out – your property, your house, your life, your family.’

The research – carried out for the Development Research Centre on Citizenship, Participation and Accountability, based at IDS, – was intended to explore how the practices of mobilisation and mediation of eight grassroots development organisations were cultivating an awareness of rights and a sense of citizenship among beneficiaries.

The findings shed light on the ways that certain practices of mobilisation and mediation shape people’s perceptions, conclusions that have been useful to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in the research. But the research has also underscored how important it is to have a conversation about the contradictions of citizenship – a term that legalistically implies equality, but in practice is rife with disparities, such as those in the household.

Citizen Rights FairTo bring attention to the ways that NGOs contribute to grassroots political empowerment, and to raise awareness of the gap between the theory and reality of citizenship, BRAC Development Institute hosted a Nagorik Adhikar Mela (Citizens Rights Fair): a colourful two-day event that used a traditional form of sharing and celebrating.

Nearly 600 grassroots members performed songs, dances and dramas during the programme. Hundreds of photographs and poster on the theme of rights and citizenship were displayed at the gallery, and 57 organisations showcased their efforts to raise awareness of citizen rights at their stalls: covering issues from human rights, labour rights, child rights, rights of ethnic groups, environmental rights and women’s rights. The fair ended with a panel discussion of high-profile speakers on ‘Fulfilling the promise of equal citizenship.’

Participants included NGOs such as BRAC and Nijera Kori, human rights agencies such as Ain-O-Shalish Kendra, organisations promoting workers’ rights such as BLAST, organisations raising awareness through cultural activities such as Rupantar, organisations working on child rights such as Aparajeyo-Bangladesh, those carrying forward the land rights movement for the landless like Samata, and associations fighting for the rights of indigenous groups. Nearly a quarter of the cost of the fair was covered through in-kind and small donations from the participating organisations themselves.

‘It’s an important opportunity for regional organisations to showcase their work at the national level,’ said Sohela Nazneen, a former IDS Dphil and Research Fellow with the Pathways of Women’s Empowerment Research Programme Consortium