Illuminated remote hilly areas with solar panel light



Md. Rejuan Khan
Illuminated remote hilly areas with solar panel light

Illuminated remote hilly areas with solar panel light

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Three hill districts are located covering about one tenth approximately 13 thousand 295 square km of the area of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has taken effective steps to develop these three hill districts and improve the fortunes of its residents. Since 1997, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has been continuously conducting development supportive environment and comprehensive development programs in the hilly areas. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given special consideration to the people who are deprived of electricity facilities in remote hilly areas. On the instructions of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, forty thousand families of remote hilly areas of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari districts have been provided with solar home system and of 2,500 solar community systems have been provided for various hilly Para centers, student hostels, orphanage students fully free of cost. Not only that but also the beneficiaries will be provided free of costs of distribution, loading-unloading and installations also. 

Through the electricity generated from solar panels, remote hilly areas are being illuminated with light. As a result, the standard of living of the people in the remote areas of the three hill districts is modern and positive in most cases compared to the past. It is very difficult and expensive to reach remote and remote hilly areas through grid lines. So in these areas till now the only source of lighting and other electrical system processes was kerosene lamps or diesel generators, which were expensive. Getting electricity was like getting a golden deer for the poor. The government has taken the initiative to provide electricity and light for these marginalized poor people. Most of the developmental functions of the government are under the supervision of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board. 

Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Social, Taking effective measures to change the quality of life including economic and infrastructural development. The Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board deserves praise and success in all the development works of the hilly regions. Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board has managed to bring the people of hilly areas under the electricity facilities by installing solar photovoltaic system. Photovoltaic solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight. It absorbs sunlight as a source of energy. Photovoltaic (PV) modules are connected assemblies of photovoltaic solar cells available in different voltages and wattages in a package. Among the basic needs of people, electricity is an essential and useful resource. It is currently not possible to provide power to remote hilly areas from the national grid. Experts have opined that it will not be possible to supply electricity from the national grid to the remote areas of the three hill districts even within the next two years. 

Therefore, the government is distributing solar home systems and solar community systems completely free of charge to change the quality of life of people in remote hilly areas. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already launched solar home system for people deprived of electricity in remote are as of 26 Upazilas of three hill districts namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban and solar community system to supply electricity to educational institutions, hilly para centers, students hostels, orphanages etc. People of small ethnic groups used to live scattered on the hills for ages. In the remote mountainous areas, the inhabitants have been living in small Para villages. 20 to 100 families live in each Para village. 

The public facilities provided by the government are easily accessible and accessible to the people living in the foothills. However, these facilities are often difficult to reach for the people scattered over the hills. Therefore, the government has taken measures to distribute solar power through solar panels to poor people living in remote hilly areas and an off-grid photovoltaic system in community centers free of cost to the beneficiaries.40,000beneficiary households have been selected in the second phase to provide electricity facilities through photovoltaic solar systems. 

Besides, the government has also started the work of providing electricity to slum centers, student hostels, orphanage centers, orphanages through 2,500 photovoltaic community systems in remote areas. The government's project is titled 'Electricity Supply (Phase II) through Installation of Solar Panels in Remote Areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts'. The project is fully funded by GOB at a total estimated cost of Tk 217 crore 71 lakh and the implementation work is scheduled to be completed between July 2020 and June 2023. In the first phase, 10 thousand 890 families will be provided with a solar home system and 2thousand 814 solar community systems in power deprived Para centers, student hostels in remote areas, orphanage centers. As a result, 1.80 megawatts of solar power is being produced and used. In Rangamati District, a remote area of Chittagong Hill Tracts, the number of power-deprived hilly Paras are 639, of which the number of households is16,443. Already 3 thousand 643 families of Rangamati district have been included under the solar home system. The number of slums deprived of electricity in remote areas of Bandarban district is 1 thousand 881. Out of which the number of families deprived of electricity service is 18 thousand360. Already, 4 thousand 360 families in the remote areas of Bandarban district have been provided with electricity under the solar home system. In the remote areas of Khagrachari hill district, the number of electrified Paras are 454 out of which 16 thousand 107 electrified families have been selected as beneficiary families. 

Already 3 thousand 107 beneficiary families have been provided with electricity through the solar home system installed in Khagrachari district. On September 21, 2022, solar panel systems worth Tk 6 crore have been distributed to 1 thousand 327 families free of charge under the project 'Supply of electricity through installation of solar panels in the remote areas of hillyChittagong-2nd phase' in Remakri Union, a remote area of Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban district. Not only that, but also training in using the solar panel system was given to everyone for installation of the equipment in cash. Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Bir Bahadur Ushwe Singh MP attended the event as the chief guest and distributed these materials. 

Beneficiaries will get 100 watt peak hour electricity from each solar panel. Solar panel equipment can run 4 LED bulbs, 1 ceiling fan,1 TV, 1 charge controller. By proper use, the beneficiaries will get solar power benefits for at least 20 years. Solar panels or solar power generation is the best way to electrify remote areas in hilly areas, reliable, clean and environment friendly. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has enlightened the hill region by distributing and installing solar panels in the hill towns. The Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs is working continuously to build a developed and prosperous hill region.

Writer is an Information Officer, PID, Dhaka. PID Feature

   

The King of Bhutan satisfied with the site, wants to come again to Kurigram



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Kurigram
Photo: Barta24

Photo: Barta24

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King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited the 'Bhutan Special Economic Zone' in the northern district of Kurigram. This was the first visit of a foreign head of state to Kurigram.

On Thursday (March 28) from 1:20 PM to 1:35 PM, the King of Bhutan stayed at the 'Bhutan Special Economic Zone' in Madhavaram village of Dharla bank near Kurigram town.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Sheikh Yusuf Haroon spoke to reporters after leaving the venue after visiting the King of Bhutan Economic Zone. He said the king of Bhutan has agreed to develop this place as an economic zone. He visited the place and liked it. He (King of Bhutan) also said that I myself will come here once more when the work starts. He is satisfied with the space and communication system here.

Quoting the King of Bhutan, Yusuf Harun also said, the King said, the factory will be built here in accordance with the needs of the local people and the needs of the investors. Special emphasis will be given to agriculture and productivity.

During the King's visit to Kurigram, he was accompanied by State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) Sheikh Yusuf Haroon, Member of Parliament for Kurigram 2 Constituency Dr. Hamidul Haque Khandkar, Mayor of Kurigram Municipality Kajiul Islam, Superintendent of Police, Deputy Commissioner and other political leaders and administration officials.

After visiting the proposed Economic Zone site of Kurigram, the King of Bhutan entered Golakganj in the Indian state of Assam through Sonahat land port of Bhurungamari upazila around 3 pm. Bangladesh State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury bid him farewell there. This ended the four-day state visit of the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh.

It is to be noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had announced the establishment of Special Economic Zone in Kurigram in 2015 in a public meeting at Kurigram Government College grounds. In view of this, an economic zone has been designated on the eastern side of the Kurigram-Bhurungamari road, east of the Dharla Bridge at the eastern end of the district town.

Then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed the establishment of Special Economic Zone in Kurigram in a bilateral meeting with the King and Queen of Bhutan in London in May 2023. In response to that call, the government of Bhutan came forward. In view of this, Bangladesh government is giving 190 acres of land to Bhutan to establish a special economic zone in Kurigram. An agreement was also signed with the Government of Bangladesh on the establishment of a Special Economic Zone for Bhutan at Kurigram during the ongoing visit of the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh.

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Government has come a long way in rescuing hostages including ships: Foreign Minister



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said that the government has come a long way to free the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah and 23 sailors.

He said, we are in communication to rescue the sailors. Various activities are being carried out to free them. We continue to work keeping in mind that no harm should come to them. I just want to say that we have come a long way.

The Foreign Minister gave this information in response to questions from journalists at a briefing on contemporary affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (March 28).

Hasan Mahmud said about the food shortage in the ship, food shortage did not happen in the past when the ship was hijacked. After three years of detention, it did not happen. 100 days have not yet passed. Hopefully, it won't happen in this case either.

Note that on March 12, Somali pirates hijacked the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah in the Indian Ocean, 600 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. After three days, the hostage ship with the sailors was taken to the coast of Somalia. The pirates anchored the ship off the coast of Gadvajiran, Somalia after making two changes of location.

After 9 days of taking the Bangladeshi ship hostage with 23 sailors, Somali pirates contacted the owners.

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Prime Minister’s directives to be proactive in dealing with LDC transition and challenges



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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In 2026, Bangladesh will get to be promoted from the Least Developed Country (LDC) list to a developing country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given instructions on what benefits will be available from abroad and what challenges will be faced. Also, the head of government ordered to be proactive in dealing with the problem from now on.

She gave this instruction at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Thursday (March 28).

The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Sheikh Hasina. At the end of the meeting Minister of Planning Major General (retd.) Abdus Salam and Minister of State for Planning Md. Shahiduzzaman Sarkar gave details in the press conference. At that time, Secretary of Planning Division Satyajit Karmakar and members of Planning Commission were present.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the projects which are in the last stage should be completed by releasing money quickly.

ECNEC meeting approved Chancery House construction project in Egypt. The Prime Minister has asked to keep booths and waiting areas for serving expatriates there. Apart from this, Union Parishad Complex construction projects have also been approved in all districts of Bangladesh. She ordered to complete the work of this project as soon as possible and to preserve the rain water there.

Sheikh Hasina has said that a special system for training women will be kept in the new complex of the Weaving Board. Along with that, she instructed all the upazilas of Kurigram to prevent river erosion and work keeping in mind the risk of erosion in the construction of roads.

It is to be noted that 11 projects at a cost of Tk. 8 thousand 425 crore 51 lakh have been approved in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Out of this, Tk. 7 thousand 939 crore 87 lakh will be available from government funds and 485 crore 64 lakh rupees from project loans.

Approved projects include - Construction of Bangladesh Chancery Complex and Residential Building in Cairo, Egypt, Procurement of 20 Meter Gauge Diesel Electric Locomotive and 150 Meter Gauge Passenger Carriage (1st Revised) for Bangladesh Railways, Kashinathpur-Dashuria-Nator-Rajshahi-Nawabganj-Kansat-Sonamsjid-Baliadighi Border (N-06) Improvement of National Highway to appropriate standard and width (Nawabganj section), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock infrastructure development (1st phase) to increase the capacity of existing government fish farms and fish production, Improvement of Fish Landing Center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation in Cox's Bazar District Scheme, Rural Infrastructure Development Scheme of Districts of Greater Rangpur Region, Construction of Union Parishad Complex Building (3rd Phase), Establishment of Comprehensive Cancer, Heart Disease and Kidney Treatment Centers in 8 Divisional Towns Health Services Department (1st Revised) etc.

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‘Bangladeshi Americans are working to strengthen the relationship between the two countries’



News Desk, Barta24.com
Photo: Barta24.com

Photo: Barta24.com

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The US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Ambassador Donald Lu, has highly appreciated the contributions of the Bangladeshi Americans to building the foundations of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Ambassador Lu was addressing as the Guest of Honour a reception hosted by Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday evening on the occasion of the celebration of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.


Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mr. Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address at the function held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Mission.

US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu said there are huge number of Bangladeshi Americans in the United States and it’s their strength and tremendous hard work that builds the foundation of the excellent relations between the two countries.


“We are so proud of the work of the Bangladeshi Americans what they do to support the relations between our two great nations,” he said.

In this connection, Mr. Donald Lu referred to Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs who have excelled in different fields with their unique and innovative ideas.

The US Assistant Secretary of State concluded his remarks by saying, “Happy Birthday Bangladesh and Joy Bangla”.


In his welcome remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to all Bangladeshi people living at home at abroad on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day.

He also paid deep homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three million martyrs who sacrificed their life for the cause of independence.

Ambassador Imran said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its long-standing partnership with the United States. Ever since the establishment our two countries’ relations, there prevailed excellent understanding and collaboration with the United States playing a positive role in Bangladesh’s development journey.

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He mentioned that Bangladesh also shares with the United States a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all. We sincerely believe that two countries will be able to strengthen and advance the relationship further and explore new areas of cooperation, Ambassador Imran said.

He said Bangladesh looks forward to the support and cooperation from all its friends to realize the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to transform Bangladesh into “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), a hunger-and poverty-free prosperous Bangladesh.

Later, the US Assistant Secretary of State and the Bangladesh Ambassador jointly cut a cake in the presence of the guests. Earlier, the reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. It was followed by a screening of a documentary on the Liberation War and development of Bangladesh.

Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Director, Office of Foreign Missions, US State Department, Ambassadors and diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the State Department, and representatives from the US Government, USAID, USTR, NDI, IRI and other organizations were present at the function.

The event was also attended by Ambassador Mr. Muhammad Ziauddin, Ambassador at Large of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and former Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, ex-Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Group and Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Saddam Selim, a Bangladeshi American elected a State Senator from Virginia and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, the President of the US chapter of Bangladesh Awami League and the members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

To celebrate the great Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy arranged daylong programs that included hoisting of the National Flag, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, screening of a documentary and holding a discussion session and a special prayer.

The day’s programs began in the morning with ceremonially hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Muhammad Imran on the Chancery premises. Officials and employees of the Mission were present on the occasion.

Later, the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the presence of the officials of the Embassy.

The messages issued on the occasion by the Hon'ble President, Hon'ble Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister were read out by Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain and Counsellor and Head of Chancery Ms Shamima Yeasmin Smrite.

Later, a discussion session highlighting the significance of the Independence and National Day was held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Bangladesh Embassy Shamima Yeasmin Smrite and First Secretary (Passport and Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton conducted the two parts of the programs.

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