Assignment On: Bangladesh Governance of Awami leagues

Course Title- Introduction to Political Science

Submitted to:Md. shamsuzzamanaAssistant Professor Department of Govt . & Political E-mail: nafeem@gmail.com, nafeem@yahoo.comMobile: 01711677558

Submitted byName: Farhanairen popyProgram: BBASemester: fallYear: 2013Batch: 44th (A)Course Code: Gp1101ID.No:201215063````````````

Submission Date _2013-11-30

This article is part of a series on thepolitics and government of

Bangladesh

History of Bangladesh Awami League: The Bangladesh Awami League' (Bengali: বাংলাদে�শ আওয়ামী লীগ; translated from Urdu: Bangladesh People's League, formerly the All-Pakistan Awami League), commonly known as the Awami League, is one of the two main political parties of Bangladesh. It is the country's governing party after winning the 2008 Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

The Awami League was founded in Dhaka, the former capital of the Pakistani province of East Bengal, in 1949 by Bengali nationalists Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Shamsul Huq, and later Hussein Shaheed Suhrawardy who went on to become Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Awami League was established as the Bengali alternative to the domination of the Muslim League in Pakistan and over centralizations of the government . The party quickly gained massive popular support in East Bengal, later named East Pakistan, and eventually led the forces of Bengali nationalism in the struggle against West Pakistan's military and political establishment. The party under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, would lead the struggle for independence, first through massive populist and civil disobedience movements, such as the Six Point Movement and 1971 Non-Cooperation Movement, and then during the Bangladesh Liberation War. After the emergence of independent Bangladesh, the Awami League would win the first general elections in 1973 but was overthrown in 1975 after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.The party was forced by subsequent military regimes into political wilderness and many of its senior leaders and activists were executed and jailed. After the restoration of democracy in 1990, the Awami League emerged as one of the principal players of Bangladeshi politics.

Amongst the leaders of the Awami League, five have become the President of Bangladesh, four have become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and one became the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Since the independence of Bangladesh, the party has been under the control of the family of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His daughter and also the incumbent Prime Minister of

Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has been heading the party since 1981. The student wing of the party is the Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Bangladesh Awami League:

Bangladesh Awami Leagueবাংলাদে�শ আওয়ামী লীগ (BAL)

Leader Sheikh HasinaFounded June 23, 1949

Headquarters Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka

IdeologyDemocratic SocialismBengali nationalismSecularism

Political position Centre-leftNational affiliation Grand Alliance

International affiliation None

Colors GreenSeats in the Jatyo

Sangshad 230 / 300

Election symbol

Awami LeaguePolitics of Bangladesh

Political partiesThe Bangladesh Awami League' Elections

Since 2009, the Awami League in government faced several major political challenges, including BDR (border security force) mutiny, power crisis, unrest in garments industry and stock market fluctuations. Judicial achievements for the party included restoring 1972 constitution (set by the first Awami League government), beginning of war crimes trials, and guilty verdict in 1975 assassination trial. According to the Nielsen 2 year survey, 50% felt the country was moving in the right direction, and 36% gave the government a favorable rating.

Wings of Bangladesh Awami League Bangladesh Awami Youth League Bangladesh Students League Bangladesh Krishak League Bangladesh Sromik League Bangladesh Swechchasebak League Bangladesh Awami Olama league Bangladesh Mohila Awami league Bangladesh Shosostro(Armed) Awami League

he Government of Bangladesh (Bengali: বাংলাদে�শ সরকার) is the central government of Bangladesh. The Government is led by the Prime Minister, who selects all the remaining Ministers. The Prime Minister and the other most senior Ministers belong to the supreme decision-making committee, known as the Cabinet.

The current Prime Minister is Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Bangladesh Awami League, who was appointed by the President on 6 January 2009 following the General Election on 29 December 2008. Bangladesh Awami League lead by her, and its Grand Alliance (a total of 14 parties) won the two-thirds majority numerically the party controls 230 seats out of 299.

Executive branch

Government Seal of Bangladesh.

Main office holdersOffice Name Party Since

President Abdul Hamid Awami League 24 March 2013Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Awami League 6 January 2009

The President is the head of state, a largely ceremonial post. The real power is held by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The president is elected by the legislature every five years and has normally limited powers that are substantially expanded during the tenure of a caretaker government, mainly in controlling the transition to a new government. Bangladesh has instituted a unique system of transfer of power; at the end of the tenure of the government, power is handed over to members of a civil society for three months, who run the general elections and transfer the power to elected representatives. This system was first practiced in 1991 and adopted to the constitution in 1996. The prime minister is ceremonially appointed by the president, commanding the confidence of the majority of the MPs. The cabinet is composed of ministers selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president.

Legislative branch

Parliament of Bangladesh : .300 members are elected by universal suffrage at least every 5 years. There is universal suffrage for all citizens at the age of 18.

"On 16 May 2004, the Jatiyo Sangshad (the National Parliament) passed the 14th constitutional amendment to reintroduce quotas for women (article 65). The number of seats in parliament is to be raised to 345, 45 (15%) of which will be reserved for women in the next parliament. The seats will be allocated to parties in proportion to their overall share of the vote. This quota system replaces the previous quota law which expired in 2001. Until 2001 a system of reserved seats for women was used, where 30 seats out of 330 were reserved to women (chosen by indirect election by the 300 directly elected MPs). This provision of guaranteeing women reserved seats expired in April 2001. This quota system was first introduced by the 1972 Constitution (originally providing for 15 reserved seats for women, out of 315 seats, for a period of 10 years). In 1978 a presidential proclamation enlarged the number of reserved seats to 30 and extended the period of reservation to 15 years from the date of promulgation of the constitution of the Republic in December 1972. The constitutional provision lapsed in 1987 and was re-incorporated in the constitution by an amendment in 1990 to be effective for 10 years from the first meeting of the legislature next elected. This provision also lapsed in 2001. The Parliament elected in October 2001 does not have reserved seats for women. Women's groups are lobbying for these seats to become directly elected positions and for the number of reserved seats to be increased." The 9th Parliament had its first sitting on January 25, 2009.

Judicial branch: The highest judiciary body is the Supreme Court. Until recently, Chief Justice and judges were recommended by the Prime Minister and formally appointed by the President. Since 1991 political parties during their tenure in government have initiated the separation of the judiciary from control by the executive branch brought about by amendment of the Constitution of Bangladesh in 1975. The separation by presidential promulgation acts have signed and passed. Acts on the separation of Judiciary Administration, Remuneration, Pay and Leave, etc. have all been completed. The Supreme Court has now judiciary and administrative authority over all lower courts

Administrative divisions : At the local government level, the country is divided into divisions, districts, sub districts (Upazila), unions, and villages. The lowest level of local government representative are Local officials of union council those who are elected at the union level election. All larger administrative units are run by members of the civil service.

Economy of Bangladesh:Economy of Bangladesh

Karwan Bazar, a commercial hub of Bangladesh

51 (nominal) /35 (ppp)

Currency Bangladesh Taka (BDT)

Fiscal year 1 July - 30 June

Trade organizationsWTO, WCO, IOR-ARC, SAFTA, D8

Statistics

GDP

$115.6 billion ((nominal) 43rd; 2012 est.)

$347 billion ((PPP) 33rd; 2012 est.)

GDP growth 6.7% (2013 est.)

GDP per capita

$1,044 (nominal: 150th; 2013) $2,210 (PPP" 145th; 2013 est.)

GDP by sector

agriculture: 17.3%, industry: 28.6%, services: 54.1% (2012 est.)

Inflation (CPI) 8.8% (2012) Populationbelow poverty line 24 % (2013 est.)

Gini coefficient 32.1 (2007)

Labour force 87.9 million (2013)

Labour forceby occupation

agriculture: 45%, industry: 30%, services: 25% (2008)

Unemployment 5% (2012 est.)

Main industries

textiles and apparel, jute, tea, leather, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, cement, ceramics, shipbuilding, fertilizer, food processing, paper newsprint, light engineering, sugar, fisheries, rubber, ship repairing, agriculture

Ease of Doing Business Rank 117thExternal

Exports $30.25 billion (2013 est.)

Export goods apparel, ships, jute and jute products, frozen fish and seafood, leather and leather products, ceramics, pharmaceuticals,

cement, processed food, fertilizer

Main export partners

 United States 16.7%

 Germany 12.5%

 United Kingdom 8.4%

 France 5.0% (2012 est.)

Imports $29.27 billion (2013 est.)

Import goods

machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement

Main import partners

 China 19.5%

 India 13.4% Singapore

4.9% Malaysia

4.7% South Korea

4.1% (2012 est.)

Gross external debt$36.21 billion (31 December 2012 est.)

Public finances

Public debt 22.8% of GDP (2013 est.)

Revenues $12.67 billion (2012 est.)

Expenses $17.15 billion (2012 est.)

Economic aid $0.957 billion (2011 est.)

Credit rating

BB - (domestic)BB - (foreign)BB -(T&C assessment)Outlook: Stable(Standard & Poor's)[10]

Foreign reserves $16.31 billion (January 2013)

Main data source: CIA World Fact Book

All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars

The economy of Bangladesh is a rapidly developing market-based economy. Its per capita income in 2012 was estimated to be US$2,100 (adjusted by purchasing power parity). According to the International Monetary Fund, Bangladesh ranked as the 44th largest economy in the world in 2012 in PPP terms and 57th largest in nominal terms, among the Next Eleven (N-11) of Goldman Sachs and D-8 economies, with a gross domestic product of US$306 billion in PPP terms and US$153.6 billion in nominal terms. The economy has grown at the rate of 6-7% per annum over the past few years. More than half of the GDP is generated by the service sector; while nearly half of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector. Other goods produced are textiles, jute, fish, vegetables, fruit, leather and leather goods, ceramics, ready-made goods.

Exports of textiles and garments are the largest source of foreign exchange earnings. Shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods manufacturing are important emerging industries,

The land is devoted mainly to rice and jute cultivation as well as fruits and other produce, although wheat production has increased in recent years; the country is largely self-sufficient in rice production.

The country's main endowments include its vast human resource base, rich agricultural land, relatively abundant water, substantial reserves of natural gas and coal, major seaports at Chittagong and Mongla, and its central strategic location at the crossroads of the two large burgeoning economic hub groups of SAARC and ASEAN. According to a 2012 projection by HSBC, Bangladesh will be the world's 31st largest economy in 2050 when ranked by total gross domestic product (GDP) and 89th when ranked by GDP per capita.

Bangladesh Development Update: Resilient Economy Facing Internal Risks. October 23, 2010

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The GDP growth in FY13 decelerated, for the second year in a row, to six percent.

The most pressing challenges lie in rebuilding the image of the garment sector, removing supply bottlenecks and maintaining economic and financial reforms.

Global risks to the economy have receded, only to be off-set by internal risks, which have grown in stature.

RELATEDWORLD BANK

Bangladesh Development Update October 2013 World Bank in Bangladesh World Bank Bangladesh on Face book

Recent Economic Developments the Bangladesh Development Update October 2013 notes that GDP growth in FY13 decelerated, for the second year in a row, to six percent. Disruptions caused by political strife, deepening political tensions relating to the impending political transition and the inadequate improvements in the provision of power, gas and infrastructure were the key factors in the growth slowdown. 

Growth came largely from construction and manufacturing while services also made significant contribution. The slower growth reflects decline in both agricultural and service sector growth. Agricultural output growth weakened to 2.2% in FY13 from 3.1% in FY12, primarily because of stagnant cereal crop production. Services growth declined from 6.3% in FY12 to 6.06% in FY13, suffering most from the direct impact of strikes and political violence.

These combined to weakening investor confidence leading to 1.2% decline in the real private investment rate. However, total exports increased by 11.2% in FY13, compared with 5.9% growth in FY12 and inward remittances grew by 12.6%, compared with 10.2% in FY12. 

Inflation: Inflation decelerated but remained high with annual average inflation declining from 8.7% in FY12 to 6.8% in FY13. This reflects a decline in both food and non-food prices. Softer international prices helped reduce food inflation. Increased production, declining demand from large importers, and increasing food stocks in international markets exerted downward pressures on international prices. The conduct of monetary policy improved remarkably in FY13, which helped reduce non-food price increases.

External balance :  A sharp improvement in the Balance of Payment position from an overall $494 million surplus in FY12 to a surplus of $5.1 billion in FY13 due to large increases in current and financial account surplus created pressure on the exchange rate to appreciate. Bangladesh Bank intervened frequently to prevent a

large appreciation, leading to historic highs in building up official foreign exchange reserves. The current reserve level is adequate, but not excessive.  

Financial system: The financial system remains under stress and capital market activities have been weak. Several financial scams and resultant loan defaults in the state-owned commercial banks (SCBs) moved them into a position of insolvency. Capital market activities remained generally weak throughout FY13.

Fiscal policy: The overall fiscal deficit (excluding grants) stands at 4.3% of GDP and below the five percent budget target. The FY14 budget targets a modest deficit of 4.6% of GDP and a domestic financing target of 2.9%, as the authorities confront a host of domestic challenges ranging from a rising incidence of road traffic congestions, shortages of power, water and gas, to the need for higher welfare spending to protect the poor and the vulnerable.

The dynamic ready-made garments sector has been a key contributor to Bangladesh's strong economic performance and to women's empowerment. But this industry is now at a critical crossroads, as recent high-fatality factory fires and a building collapse have exposed the hazards workers face and also severely tarnished the industry's image: Bangladesh must act now to articulate and enforce improved standards for building safety and worker health and security, so that the garments industry can continue to grow and other industries can follow its example.

Johannes ZuttCountry Director, World Bank Bangladesh

Policies and Development Challenges Economic and financial reforms:  Some structural reforms have moved forward. The new VAT law is being implemented; an online tax registration system was introduced; amendments to the Banking Companies Act have been passed, progress is being made in identifying critical weaknesses in the state-owned commercial banks; the Labor Law was amended and 3G licenses rolled out through auction.

Challenges: The most pressing challenges is rebuilding the garment industry’s image and addressing supply bottlenecks. 

“The dynamic ready-made garments sector has been a key contributor to Bangladesh's strong economic performance and to women's empowerment,” said Johannes Zutt, Country Director. “But this industry is now at a critical crossroads, as recent high-fatality factory fires and a building collapse have exposed the hazards workers face and also severely tarnished the industry's image: Bangladesh must act now to articulate and enforce improved standards for building safety and worker health and security, so that the garments industry can continue to grow and other industries can follow its example.”

Outlook and Risks Traditional risks remain while newer challenges mount: The global economy is slowly getting back on its feet, albeit with some hesitancy and unevenness. Bangladesh's growth outlook depends on internal stability and structural reforms. 

The outlook is subject to several macro vulnerabilities: further growth slowdown due to internal strife, the prospect of resurgent inflation due to disruptions in supply chain and wage push factors, decline in exports and remittance growth, fiscal expansion due to increased recurrent expenditures in response to political pressures, and failure of financial intermediation.

“Overall, the Bangladesh economy is moving into a more volatile phase,” said Zahid Hussein, Lead Economist. “The risks stemming from the impending political transition have grown significantly while new risks and challenges have gained prominence, including notably the risks associated with the damaged image of Bangladesh’s major manufacturing success story - the garments industry.”

Garment Industry at CrossroadsThe sunny picture of the Bangladesh ready-made garments (RMG) sector has changed. Industrial accidents have revived concerns over compliance in labor standards and worker safety, putting Bangladesh’s competitiveness in ready-made garments (RMG) at risk. Noncompliance in worker safety is a collective failure of the manufacturers, the buyers, and the government. Attention to low worker wages, poor working condition and the violation of workers’ rights has become more pronounced.

The time to act is now. The most immediate priority for the government is to ensure enforcement of the steps suggested by foreign buyers, international agencies and domestic regulatory bodies. European and American buyers’ consortiums have announced separate initiatives to improve compliance over the next five years. The European Union (EU) and Bangladesh agreed to a time bound “Sustainability Compact”, which is broadly consistent with action plan provided by the US. Effective implementation of planned actions through coordinated efforts is the need of the hour.

The cost of inaction could be high. Removing Bangladesh’s favored access to the United States market under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program may not hurt Bangladesh’s garment industry unduly, as the benefits to the industry were non-existent, but if the EU were to suspend Bangladesh’s favored access to its markets, Bangladesh could see its total exports fall by as much as 4.1 to 8%.

Flagship: More and Better Jobs in South Asia

"The key asset to South Asia is its people. Creating jobs for them will contribute to growth, equity, and peace in the region."

—Isabel Guerrero, World Bank vice president for South Asia

About the report

April 2012 — South Asia, which is home to more than 40 percent of the world’s absolute poor, will contribute nearly 40 percent of the growth in the world’s working-age population over the next several decades.

More and Better Jobs in South Asia attempts to answer three questions:

Has South Asia been creating an increasing quantity and quality of jobs? What are the determinants of the quality of job creation, and what is the

employment challenge going forward? What demand- and supply-side bottlenecks need to be eased to meet South

Asia's employment challenge in the face of intensifying demographic pressure?

More and Better Jobs?

The region has created just under 800,000 jobs per month during the past two decades. The ranking among five of the larger countries in the region, from the highest to the lowest by growth of employment—Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka—coincides with their ranking by growth of the working-age (15-64) population. The quality of jobs—measured in terms of higher wages for wage workers and lower poverty for the self-employed—has been improving, thanks to strong economic growth in some countries during the last three decades and massive out-migration and workers’ remittances elsewhere.

The Employment Challenge

But there is absolutely no room for complacency. South Asia will add between 1 million and 1.2 million new entrants to the labor force every month for the next two decades, the latter if female participation in the labor force rises at the pace observed in some East Asian countries. This is between 20 to 50 percent higher than the average between 1990 and 2010. Absorbing them into the labor force at rising

levels of output per worker is the crux of South Asia’s employment challenge.

A Cross-Cutting Reform Agenda

Meeting the employment challenge calls for a reform agenda that cuts across sectors. Most important is enhancing access to reliable electricity supply for firms in both urban and rural settings, through a combination of new investment, tariff adjustment and improved governance of the power sector. Corruption in dealings between firms and the state, especially in transactions with the public utilities and tax administration, is also a major constraint to firms’ expanding employment. High on the policy agenda is a focus on better nutrition in early childhood in order to arrest irreversible cognitive impairment before children get to school. Improving the quality of education at all levels to equip workers with skills relevant for the world of work is important. Protecting workers in both informal and formal sectors to help deal with labor market shocks rather than protecting jobs for the few workers in the formal sector through restrictive labor legislation, should be a priority.

Bangladesh Poverty Assessment: A Decade of Progress in Reducing Poverty, 2000-2010June 20, 2013

STORY HIGHLIGHTS Over the decade, the number of poor people in Bangladesh declined by 26

percent. During the period 2000-2010 poverty reduction was closely linked to the

growth in labor income and changes in demographics. For further reduction in poverty, Bangladesh will need policies and

coordinated multi-spectral approaches that respond to the needs of the growing population of young adults as well as the poor in general.

Bangladesh experienced a uniform and steady decline in poverty rates between 2000 and 2010. Poverty declined 1.8% annually between 2000 and 2005, and 1.7% annually between 2005-2010.

There was a continuous decline in the number of poor people—from nearly 63 million in 2000, to 55 million in 2005, and then 47 million in 2010. Despite a growing population, the population of poor people declined by 26 percent in 10 years.

The Bangladesh Poverty Assessment shows that during the period 2000-2010 poverty reduction was closely linked to the growth in labor income and changes in demographics. Labor income, both formal and informal, was the dominant factor in higher incomes and lower poverty rates. Parallel to this, fertility rates have been steadily dropping over the last several decades which have resulted in lower dependency ratios thereby increasing income per-capita and reducing poverty.

The potential to benefit from the demographic dividend will continue in the short to medium term. But to continue to reap the benefits from the demographic changes, Bangladesh will need policies that respond to the needs of the growing population of young adults.  

Main Policy Implications

To ease the labor market pressures caused by the demographic transition, Bangladesh will need to focus more attention to the skills development of a rapidly expanding labor force, including policies aimed at enhancing opportunities for overseas migration. Similarly, given the trends in female education outcomes and low rates of female labor force participation, a focus on creating ‘female-friendly’ jobs, work environments and labor policies will also help to facilitate a higher level of female participation in the labor force.

Moreover, moving forward, sustained poverty reduction will necessitate coordinated multi-sectoral action. Investments to raise agricultural productivity and growth in the demand for salaried work in the manufacturing and service sectors are crucial for maintaining growth in labor income. Bangladesh will also find itself at the cusp of an aging challenge in about 20 years. There is ample time to prepare, but Bangladesh will want to start the process of discussing programs and policies that can protect the elderly in a manner that is both fiscally sustainable and culturally appropriate.

The report suggests that, to be more effective, safety net programs need to be: better timed to more adequately address short-term needs, better targeted ensure that benefits are primarily received by the poor, and better tailored to meet the specific needs of the poor. Consolidation of safety net programs in Bangladesh along these three principles would improve efficiency and establish a solid foundation for increasing investments in safety net programs with increased benefit levels.

Furthermore, safety nets have gradually shifted from food transfers to cash transfers in recognition of the fact that the latter are more cost effective. Linking this larger pool of cash allowances to human development outcomes could prove a powerful formula for increasing human capital and for attaining further poverty

reduction in the future. Particular emphasis needs to be placed on programs that focus on: early childhood development in ways that integrate health and nutrition services, pre-school education, early stimulation and learning; and also programs focused on building skills and improving the employability of poor youth. Flagship: More and Better Jobs in South Asia

Bangladesh OverviewBangladesh has maintained an impressive track record on growth and development. In the past decade, the economy has grown at nearly 6 percent per year, and human development went hand-in-hand with economic growth. Poverty dropped by nearly a third, coupled with increased life expectancy, literacy, and per capita food intake. More than 15 million Bangladeshis have moved out of poverty since 1992.

While poverty reduction in both urban and rural areas has been remarkable, the absolute number of people living below the poverty line remains significant. Despite the strong track record, around 47 million people are still below the poverty line, and improving access to quality services for this vulnerable group is a priority. There are also many people who could fall back into poverty if they lose their jobs or are affected by natural disasters.

With nearly 150 million inhabitants on a landmass of 147,570 square kilometers, Bangladesh is among the most densely populated countries in the world. Sustained growth in recent years has generated higher demand for electricity, transport, and telecommunication services, and contributed to widening infrastructure deficits. While the population growth rate has declined, the labor force is growing rapidly. This can be turned into a significant demographic dividend in the coming years, if more and better jobs can be created for the growing number of job-seekers. Moreover, improving labor force participation and productivity will help to release the potential of the economy. Exploiting the potential of regional cooperation and making trade policy more conducive to a deepening and diversification of exports will also play a vital role in the growth process.

Bangladesh aspires to be a middle-income country by 2021. This will require increasing GDP growth to 7.5 to 8 percent per year based on accelerated export and remittance growth. Both public and private investment will need to increase as well. Growth will also need to be more inclusive through creation of productive employment opportunities in the domestic economy. To sustain accelerated and inclusive growth, Bangladesh will need to manage the urbanization process more effectively, as well as prepare for adaptation to climate change impacts.

Becoming a middle-income country will require substantial efforts on many fronts. These include maintaining macroeconomic stability; strengthening revenue mobilization; tackling energy and infrastructure deficits; deepening financial-sector and external trade reforms; improving labor skills, economic governance, and urban management; and adapting to climate change. Bangladesh can become an

export powerhouse, with its labor-intensive manufactured and service exports growing at double digits on a sustained basis, if it speeds up government decision-making. Without timely action, other countries (such as Vietnam and Myanmar) will take the markets being vacated by China.

The Vision 2021 and Sixth Five-Year Plan have set solid development targets for Bangladesh. Recognizing that development is a long-term process, the Five-Year Plan is cast in the context of a long-term development vision defined by the government’s Vision 2021 and the Perspective Plan (2010-2021).

Those targets, if achieved, will transform the socioeconomic environment. Along with higher per capita income, the government’s Vision 2021 presents a development scenario where citizens will have a higher standard of living, be better-educated, face better social justice, and have a more equitable socioeconomic environment, and the sustainability of development will be ensured through better protection from climate change and natural disasters.

IDA commitments to Bangladesh have grown rapidly in the past five years, topping $1 billion for the first time in FY 2009. The World Bank’s present portfolio in Bangladesh amounts to $4.2 billion and includes 32 projects.

The World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy for FY11-14 is supporting the government’s vision of rapid poverty reduction through accelerated, sustainable, and inclusive growth, underpinned by stronger governance at central and local levels. To ensure better outcomes, the World Bank’s strategy seeks to scale up ongoing operations with demonstrable results, engage in strategic interventions with a transformative impact, and innovate through small pilots with high country ownership.

Key areas of intervention are:

Accelerated Growth: Infrastructure investment and a more conducive business environment are needed to sustain and increase recent levels of private sector growth. The World Bank Group will support reforms to strengthen sector governance, financial sustainability, and private-sector participation in infrastructure provision and maintenance. It will also support efforts to enhance regional cooperation as a means to accelerate exports and increase foreign direct investment.

Sustainable Growth: Bangladesh is among the most densely populated countries in the world, already vulnerable to natural disasters and increasingly affected by climate change. Water resource management, agricultural adaptation, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness will be critical areas for intervention.

Inclusive Growth: With around 47 million people below the poverty line, improving social service delivery is a priority. The Bank plans to provide second-generation support for sector-wide approaches with other partners in primary education and health, population, and nutrition services, as well as expand support for targeted social assistance.

Stronger Governance: Bangladesh has made gradual progress in many areas of governance in the past five to 10 years. The International Finance Corporation will focus on governance issues related to the private sector (such as how to strengthen the investment climate), while IDA will focus on decentralized service delivery, strengthening social accountability, and supporting transparency through the Right to Information Act.

 The International Development Association (IDA) has been supporting Bangladesh since 1972, just after the country’s independence. Since then, IDA has provided more than $15 billion in support for policy reforms and projects, accounting for more than one-quarter of all foreign aid to Bangladesh.

The World Bank support has helped Bangladesh to reduce poverty and improve human development. Key elements of that support have been the Bank’s long-term commitment to health and education, its support for rural infrastructure, and its engagement in policy dialogues that have created conditions for broad-based economic growth. Ida’s support has also included a substantial body of analytical work and knowledge products that have contributed to the policy debate, IDA-supported operations, and, ultimately, development outcomes. Forty years of partnership have built a solid foundation for improvements in growth, empowerment, and social mobility.

Highlights of Ida’s engagement in Bangladesh include:

Rural Infrastructure : IDA has been a major partner in the development of Bangladesh's rural infrastructure, having funded three rural road improvement projects. A recently completed rural road project has helped to improve and maintain more than 2,500 km of rural roads in 21 districts. These roads have improved access to schools and health clinics, reduced transport costs, and helped increase rural non-farm incomes. They also led to the creation of over 47,000 person-years of employment in the project area, with female employment increasing by 50 percent. The overall poverty effect of road improvement was significant, with poverty falling by about 1% and the poverty reduction rate almost doubling in project areas.

Agriculture : Bangladesh has made impressive achievements over the last 30 years in narrowing the gap between food crop production and the needs of the population, in large part due to expansion of irrigation. The country is nearly self-sufficient in rice (the main staple food) with production reaching more than 35 million metric tons per year. IDA is an active partner in the agriculture sector in Bangladesh, focusing support on technology and

research and on rehabilitation of infrastructure for flood control, irrigation and drainage. Bangladesh is one of the first countries to receive a grant from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, with project results focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihoods in two of the most agro-ecologically constrained areas of the country.

Energy: Bangladesh suffers from shortages of reliable electricity and natural gas service compared to demand. Total installed capacity is 8,050 MW, and IDA has contributed to more than 1,515 MW of that capacity, with another 335 MW under construction. IDA has supported public-private partnerships to build small power plants as well as large-scale independent power plants, such as the Haripur and the Meghnaghat plants. In addition, access to electricity is being provided in rural areas through off-grid technologies, and consumption of energy is being reduced through distribution of energy-efficient CFLs with IDA support. For example, more than 850,000 solar home systems have been installed through May 2012 in remote villages, and every month about 50,000 new homes and shops in rural areas are being connected to electricity through the installation of these systems.

Education: Bangladesh has made impressive gains in improving access to education, reaching the Millennium Development Goal of gender parity at school enrollment well ahead of time. Today, the female primary school enrollment rate of 98% in Bangladesh is higher than those in Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan and about the same as in India. Six million girls attend secondary school in Bangladesh today, rising from just 1 million two decades ago. IDA has contributed to these achievements by supporting both formal and informal education service delivery programs, including innovative models to improve performance and involve difficult-to-reach groups. Currently, IDA supports active projects in the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, including an initiative to bring out-of-school children back to school and a skill-building project to help develop a more competitive labor force.

Health: IDA has been a close partner of the government of Bangladesh to improve health, HIV and nutrition outcomes since 1975. The World Bank currently supports implementation of the government’s Health, Nutrition, and Population Sector Development Program in partnership with other development partners to strengthen health systems and improve health services, particularly for the poor. With World Bank support, assisted deliveries have helped reduce maternal mortality rates by 40% in the past decade. Today, nearly 90% of Bangladeshi children receive vitamin A supplements and more than 80% are vaccinated, contributing to an impressive reduction in infant and child mortality by more than two-thirds since 1990. The country is on track to meet the Millennium Development Goal targets for health, and received the 2010 United Nations Award for MDG 4 achievements. Nutrition, however, remains a challenge, as more than 40% of under-5 children are either moderately underweight or moderately stunted or both.

Livelihoods : IDA has been supporting community-driven development plans aimed at improving livelihoods; quality of life; and resilience to climate variability, natural hazards, and other shocks for the rural poor. Around 3.5 million people in about 1,000 villages have benefited from improvements in community infrastructure, such as access to drinking water; roads and bridges; and credit, markets, and opportunities for income generation.

Local governance : With IDA support, all 4,504 Union Parishad of Bangladesh have been provided with increased resources and delegated responsibility to deliver local services. For the first time, female Union Parishad members are managing 30% of the funds and plans. More than 35,000 community plans generating employment for poor people have been implemented so far, including construction or rehabilitation of roads, culverts, drainage and embankment systems; water and sanitation facilities; and schools and clinics. Current program innovations include performance-based grants to expand resources available to local governments.

Water supply and sanitation: In partnership with the government, IDA has contributed to providing access to safe and arsenic/pathogen-free water and improved sanitation services to 1.25 million people in rural areas and small towns. IDA is also supporting improvements in water supply and sanitation in Dhaka and Chittagong, two of the largest cities in the country.

500MW Solar Power Programmer

As part of the new generation expansion initiative in line with growing demand, Government has planned to enhance national power generation capacity to be 16000 MW by 2015. Expected generation from renewable sources should be then at least 800 MW as envisioned in National Renewable Energy Policy. However, estimated output per unit of renewable energy based installed capacity is far less than conventional power plants. Therefore, in order to achieve a dependable generation of 800 MW, installed capacity of renewable energy based power should be at least 1000-1200 MW. Moreover, considering a proven resources as of date, solar power should dominate in the renewable energy development initiative.Vision of Solar Power development through Asia Solar Energy Initiative (ASEI)

Meanwhile ADB has declared its vision 'Asia Energy Solar Initiative (ASEI)' to develop 3000 MW solar power in Asia and Pacific Region by 2013. ADB is also keen to provide support for renewable energy development in Bangladesh.

Asia Solar Energy Initiative (ASEI) was launched by Asian Development Bank (ADB) on May 2010 aiming to create a virtuous cycle of solar energy investments in the region toward achieving grid parity. ASEI has target to assist implementing 3000 MW of solar power in Asia and Pacific region by 2013. ADB together with its partners have introduced Asia Solar Energy Forum (ASEF) as part of boarder initiative to accelerate development of solar energy. During ASEF's inaugural meeting held in Manila on 5-6 July 2010, Hon'ble Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Taufiq-e-Elahi (BB) envisioned to achieve 500 MW solar power development in Bangladesh through the initiative of ASEF launched by ADB.

The vision is targeted to be achieved through a concerted effort of Bangladesh Government involving a number of government ministries and their affiliated agencies. In addition, there would be a strong involvement of private sector (more than 50%) in the project implementation.Under this initiative there would be two types of projects:

1. Business type involving contribution from beneficiaries and private sector management

2. Social Service type aiming to implement government's social commitment

The snapshot of the program is as follows: Investment Projects

1. Installation of Solar Irrigation Pumps

In the FY 2009-10, the agriculture sector of Bangladesh contributed 20.16% to the GDP (Bangladesh Economic Review-2010). Out of 11 million hectares of land under rice production, modern boro rice alone covers about 4.70 million hectares and nearly 98% of this area requires irrigation. However, power shortage and low voltage affecting irrigation from the electricity operated pumps causing lower production of crops. On the other hand, there are about 1.2 Million diesel operated pumps requiring 800 Million liter imported diesel per year. Considering the energy crisis of the country and increasing price of petroleum products across the globe, it is important to explore alternative energy sources for irrigation to ensure both food and energy security.

In this context, the application of solar irrigation pump has tremendous potential especially to decrease the dependence on diesel, an expensive liquid fuel.

Solar Powered Irrigation System:

Solar powered irrigation system could be an innovative, economic and environmentally friendly solution for the agro-based economy of Bangladesh. This system mainly consists of solar panels & solar submersible pump. Solar panels utilize daily sunshine to generate electricity which in turn runs the solar pump to provide uninterrupted water supply. If a sun-tracker is used, it will help in maximizing utilization of the sunlight the panels receive. Under the proposed program, a total of 10,000 solar irrigation pumps will be installed all over the country to replace diesel based pumps. Replacement of part of agricultural pumps with Solar PV technology could save significant amount of foreign currency and would offset considerable GHG emission.

Pump Capacity

Capacity of solar irrigation pumps being used for irrigation purpose is in Bangladesh is in the range of 5-11 kW. Under the program, solar irrigation pumps with an average capacity of 8 kW will be installed which will operate at total head of 12-15 meter. The pump of this

size is capable to lift 500,000 liters of water per day in local solar irradiation condition i.e. 4.5 kWh/m2/day.

Implementation Arrangement

The was implemented through Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), a government owned financial institution under the Ministry of Finance. Similar to Idol’s successful Solar Home System and Biogas Programs, it will select some NGOs, MIPS or private entities (Partner Organization or PO) to implement the program on the basis of management capacity, financial strength and micro-finance experience.

POs will be responsible for selection of areas and target customers. They will install the plants and supply electricity to the customers. They will also operate those for at least the loan period. They will collect electricity bills from the customers.

POs should use maximum diligence in selecting the appropriate size of the plant. They should make a detailed survey of the proposed sites, calculate the demand at different hours of the day and also different seasons of the year. Based on the survey, they can prepare the design of the plant which will include panel capacity, size of battery bank, need for back-up diesel generator in cloudy days etc.

IDCOL will provide necessary technical, financial and promotional support to the POs for successful implementation of the program. IDCOL will assess the proposals submitted by POs, approve those based on strict guidelines and disburse grant and soft loan to the POs. Proper installation and operation of the plants will be ensured through periodic field visits by IDCOL inspection team. IDCOL's independent Technical Standard Committee will approve the equipments to be used under the program.

2. Installation of Mini Grid Solar Power System

Sponsoring Ministry: Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources Implementing Agency: IDCOLBangladesh has a very good potential for supply of electricity from grid connected solar PV from kW to MW ranges. Power Division through its electric utilities and through IDCOL has vision to install solar mini grid systems in offshore islands, remote hoar areas as well as other remote areas across the country. Under the proposed program, more than 1000 solar PV based mini-grid power plants with an average capacity of 25 kW will be installed in the off-grid areas of Bangladesh.

Implementation Arrangement

The solar mini grid projects will be implemented through IDCOL adopting their same business model used for SHS.

3. Solar Park

Bangladesh receives an average daily solar radiation of 4-6.5 kWh/m2. Solar power catches a good attention to provide electricity. Though the country has a big mass of population, but there are some isolated small char island which could be good for Solar park . The park will directly be connected to the grid. Nearly, 100-150MW of solar power is primarily assessed for solar park in different locations . Bangladesh Power Development Board(BPDB) will be the implementing agency.

4. Roof-top Solar Power Solution

Government has a directive to install solar panel to meet certain percentage of load demand as a pre-condition to get new electricity connection.

Roof-top Solar Power Solution for Commercial and Residential buildings

Government has recently provided directive to include certain percentage of solar power in commercial and residential buildings as a pre-condition to connect to the grid. The project would largely be implemented through involvement of private sector.

A typical 10 KWp roof-top solar solution will require a roof space of about 1,000 square feet which can light around 200 no.s of energy saving lamps. If installed in 5,000 buildings in the metropolitan areas of the country, a total of 16.5 million liter diesel/year or 100,000 units of electricity/year could be saved.

Installation of Roof Top Solar Solutions at Industries

Government is trying to encourage Industries to install solar panel to meet certain percentage of their load demand from solar powerThis Project aims to extend Credit facility to the Industries as an incentive. Primarily 400 Industries have been targeted. Estimated solar power capacity addition from this project shall be 20 MW.

Implementation Arrangement

The fund will be allocated to IDCOL or Bangladesh Bank. The Project Owner will get soft loan from those financial institutions. This is one kind of support mechanism aimed to the promotion of solar energy and an attempt to buy down the cost of investment. 

 SOCIAL SECTOR PROJECTS

1. Solar electrification at Railway Stations

Bangladesh Railway has so far 450 Rail stations. Many stations are at remote locations lacking dependable

power supply. Some stations even do not have electricity. Under the proposed project, 25 MW Solar Power systems would be installed at the remote railway stations and 5 MW Solar Power systems would be installed at the roof-top of unutilized large railway stations.

2. Solar electrification at Union Information Services Centers

Government has taken a remarkable initiative by setting up about 4501 Information Services Centers at Union level. The Information Centers have been set up in order to ensure access to information to all citizens of Bangladesh even to a remote villager. The project has been implemented by the A2I Program administered by the Prime Minister's Office.

Since many of the unions do not have reliable electricity during day time, it would be sensible to install solar PV systems at the Union Information Centers so that the remote villagers do not suffer for electricity outage. It would also ensure self-sufficiency and quality supply of electricity to the centers.  3. Solar LED Street Lighting

There are 6 City Corporations in the country that operates approx. 5000 km streets. There are also a number of municipalities. The street lights generally used are inefficient conventional systems. Illuminating part of the streets through Solar PV LED Street Lighting system can reduce pressure on conventional power use. According to ADB's preliminary study, 40 W, 30 W and 15 W LED Lighting System could be used. Corresponding Solar Panel size would be 100 Wp, 75 Wp and 40 Wp respectively. 33 LED units might be required to electrify 1 km street. The project is aimed to add 10 MW solar powers through Solar LED.

4. Solar electrification in rural health center

It is estimated that there are 18000 rural community clinics in remote villages. However, many health units do not have either dependable supply or even electricity access. Electricity is required for operation of health units, surgery and preservation of vaccinations and medicines. The solar electrification project would thus ensure quality medical services to the rural people.

5. Installation of Solar Home System in Religious Establishments:

Most of the religious establishments like mosques, temples are operated through government and public support. Many mosques are even in very remote areas where there is no grid electricity. Those establishments have occasional electricity usage pattern through out the day depending on prayer times. Solar electrification of those religious establishments would not only reduce pressure on grid electricity but would also ensure fulfillment of government's social commitment.

6. Solar Electrification in Remote Education Centers

Government has set up secondary and higher secondary level institutions in remote villages to ensure access of education to the rural people. There are also Non-governmental educational institutions. Government plans to introduce one laptop and multimedia classroom system to each school as part of modernization of education system. However, many schools do not have either dependable supply or even electricity access. The project aims to provide 7000 solar power systems to selected government and non-governmental institutions. The solar electrification project would thus ensure quality education services to the rural people.

Solar power is the most potential source among the renewable energy resources in Bangladesh. This initiative of Bangladesh Government could become a landmark success story on how government’s commitment in combination with strong support from Development Partner could achieve the. targeted renewable energy development in a developing country. The program could also evolve as a model for other developing countries who envision making a mass break-through in solar power development. Total solar power capacity addition from this project shall be 40 MW. The project would ensure quality education services to the rural people.

7. Installation of Solar Home System in Government

Government has a directive to install solar panel at government & semi-government offices by next three years to meet certain percentage of lighting and fan load demand. Capacity will vary depending on load demand and site condition. Battery back-up support shall be for 2 hrs. Estimated solar power capacity addition from this project shall be 41 MW. PWD will implement 25 MW project at Government Offices. Remaining 16 MW will be implemented by Semi-Government Offices.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

The ambitious vision of implementing 500 MW Solar Power Program requires Institutional capacity building support both in public and private sector. Strong R&D support also needs to be facilitated. Capacity development support for CDM project preparation is necessary. An integrated capacity development project may include all those essentials which may also include testing standardization of equipment.

ESTIMATED INVESTMENT REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

It is estimated that 2.76 b USD shall be required to implement the program. Out of which 1.77 b USD shall be required for Commercial Projects. Financial Support from Development Partners in the form of Grant and Credit (Grant 1.38 b USD and Credit 0.85 b USD) is expected amounting 2.23 b USD. Remaining financing shall be arranged from government and private sector.

PARTNERSHIP FOR IMPLEMENTATION: Following government support shall be facilitated for implementation of the Program:

Implementation Support Fiscal Incentives for Project Investors and Operators Import Duty Exemption (Full/ Partial) for certain technology and equipment Land Acquisition (Project Dependent) Institutional Support

It is expected that Development Partners shall extend following Technical and Financial support to facilitate implementation of the program:

(a)Technical Assistance (Project dependent):

1. Project Design2. Preparation of Standard Procurement and Contract Documents3. Detail Feasibility Study4. Capacity Building

(b)Financial Support:

1. Grant Support2. Low Interest Credit Support

WAY FORWARD

Solar power is the most potential source among the renewable energy resources in Bangladesh. This initiative of Bangladesh Government could become a landmark success story on how government’s commitment in combination with strong support from Development Partner could achieve the targeted renewable energy development in a developing country. The program could also evolve as a model for other developing countries who envisage making a mass break-through in solar power development.

GENERATION PLAN

While the power sector in Bangladesh has witnessed many success stories in the last couple of years, the road that lies ahead is dotted with innumerable challenges that result from the gaps that exist between what’s planned versus what the power sector has been able to deliver. There is no doubt that the demand for electricity is

increasing rapidly with the improvement of living standard, increase of agricultural production, progress of industries as well as overall development of the country.

 POWER GENERATION SCENARIO IN BANGLADESH

Severe power crisis compelled the Government to enter into contractual agreements for high-cost temporary solution, with a power sector which is almost dependent on natural-gas fired generation (89.22%), the country is confronting a simultaneous shortage of natural gas and electricity. Nearly 800 MW of power could not be availed from the power plants due to shortage of gas supply. Other fuels for generating low-cost, base-load electricity, such as coal, or large hydropower, are not readily available and Government has no option but to go for fuel diversity option for power generation.

When the present Government assumed the charge, the power generation was 3200 - 3400 MW against national demand of 5200 MW. In the election manifesto, government had declared specific power generation commitment of 5000 MW by 2011 and 7000 MW by 2013.

To achieve this commitment, in spite of the major deterrents energy crisis and gas supply shortage, government has taken several initiatives to generate  7,000 MW by 2013 and  13,000 MW by 2018, which are  close to the commitment in the election manifesto.  4432 MW of power (as of September, 2013) has already been added to the grid within three years time. The government has already developed Power system Master Plan 2010. According to the Master Plan the forecasted demand would be 19,000 MW in 2021 and 34,000 MW in 2030. To meet this demand the generation capacity should be 39,000 MW in 2030. The plan suggested going for fuel-mixed option, which should be domestic coal 30%, imported coal 20 %, natural gas (including LNG) 25%, liquid fuel 5%, nuclear, renewable energy and power import 20%. In line with the Power system Master Plan 2010, an interim generation addition plan up to 2018 has been prepared, which is as follows:

 Plants Commissioned During 2009 – September 2013

YEAR 2009 (MW) 2010 (MW) 2011 (MW) 2012 (MW) 2013 (MW) TOTAL (MW)

Public  

255 800 607 587 2249

Private 356 270 125 44 

795

Q. Rental 

250 838 300 

1388

Total 356 775 1763 951 587 4432

Calendar Year Wise Generation Addition program (From 2013 to 2018)             In MW

YEAR 2013 (MW)

2014 (MW)

2015 (MW) 2016 (MW) 2017 (MW) 2018

(MW)

TOTAL

(MW)

Public 662 604 1837 1510 00 1320 5933

Private 692 1366  1097 638 1271 00 5064

Power Import 500         

 500

Total 1854 1970 2934 2138 1271 1320 11,497

Under the medium term plan, initiatives have been taken to set up power plants with a total generation capacity of 11,497 MW. The plants are mainly coal based, some are gas and oil based. In the long term plan, some big coal fired plants will be set up, one will be in Khulna and other will be in Chittagong, each of having the capacity of 1300 MW. Some 300-450 MW gas based power plants will be set up in Bibiana, Meghnaghat, Ashugonj, Sirangonj and in Ghorashal. If the implementation of the plan goes smoothly, it will be possible to minimize the demand-supply gap at the end of 2015

Government has already started implementation of this plan. Total 38,229 Million-kilowatt hour (MkWh) net energy was generated during 2012-13. Public sector power plant generated 47% while private sector generated 53% of total net generation. The share of gas, hydro, coal and oil based energy generation was - 78.12%, 2.34%, 3.02% and 16.51% respectively. On the other hand, in FY  2011-12 35,118 million-kilowatt hour (MkWh) net energy was generated i.e. electricity growth rate in FY 2013 was  8.86% (In FY 2013

Transmission Plan

Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd. (PGCB) is responsible for operation, maintenance and development of transmission system all over the country. Presently power generated in various power plants in Bangladesh is transmitted to the national grid through 230 kV and 132 kV transmission lines. In 1996 when PGCB was formed, the total lengths of 230 kV and 132 kV line was 8,500 ckt km. In FY 2011 length of 230 kV and 132 kV transmission lines stood at 8,662 ckt km. The total length of the OPGW installed in the transmission line from 1996 to June, 2007 was 2200 km. This has been increased to 4200 km up to June, 2010 after completing the NLDC project. This shows that the major parts of the country are covered by the PGCB optical fiber network. 

Transmission Projects of PGCB

Govt. has undertaken a massive plan to strengthen the transmission system and fulfill the future demand of electricity with the aim of reaching electricity to all by 2020.

Major Upcoming Transmission Projects

1. Camilla-Meghnaghat-Haripur 230 kV Transmission Line.2. Turn in and out of existing Ghorasal-Haripur 230 kV Line at Rampura.3. Hasnabad-Aminbazar (Savar)-Tongi and Haripur-Meghnaghat 230 kV

Transmission Line.4. Rampura-Gulshan 132 kV Double ckt Cable Line. 5. Khulna Central-Khulna South Double ckt 132 kV Transmission Line.6. Khulna 230/132 kV Substation.7. Barapukuria 230/132 kV Substation.8. Extension of Joydebpur 132/33 kV Substation with GIS Bay.9. Natore-Rajshahi 132 kV Single Circuit Transmission Line with PGCB’s own

financing.10. Barapukuria-Rangpur and Barapukuria-Saidpur 132 kV Transmission Line.11. Ashuganj-Sirajganj 230 kV line & Sirajganj switching station.12. Construction of Joydevpur-Kabirpur-Tangail 132 kV double circuit

Transmission Line.13. Khulna-Ishurdi & Bogra-Barapukuria 230 kV double circuit Transmission Line.14. Bogra 230/132 kV S/S.15. Third 230/132 kV Transformer (225 MVA) each at Haripur, Aminbazar &

Rampura.16. Sirajganj-Bogra 230 kV Transmission Line.17. Sirajganj-Baghabari-Ishurdi 230 kV Line.18. Baghabari 230/132 kV S/S.19. Gallamari 132/33 kV GIS S/S.20. Naogaon-Niamatpur 132 kV Transmission Line.21. Niamatpur 132/33 kV S/S.22. Shahjibazar-Ashuganj 132 kV Transmission Line.23. Installation of 450 MVAR Capacitor Banks at 132 level in eight S/Ss.24. Aminbazar-Savar 132 kV Transmission Line.25. Savar 132/33 kV S/S.26. Magura 132/33 kV S/S.27. Jhenaidah-Magura 132 kV Transmission Line.28. Jhenaidah- Chuadanga 132 kV Transmission Line29. Naogaon-Joypurhat 132 kV Transmission Line30. Thakurgaon-Panchagar 132 kV Transmission Line31. Joypurhat 132/33 kV S/S32. Panchagar 132/33 kV S/S33. Chuadanga 132/33 kV S/S34. Daudkandi 132/33 kV S/S

35. Brahmanbaria 132/33 kV S/S36. Megnaghat S/S to Megnaghat Rental PP.37. Shiddhirganj to Siddhirganj Dutch Bangla PP.38. In-out at Ashuganj-Shahjibazar 132kV line to B.Baria.39. In-out at Haripur- Daudkandi 132kV line to Meghnaghat.40. In-out at Meghnaghat-Camilla(N) 132kV line to Daudkandi41. Goalpara-Khulna (c) 132 kV U/G Cable.42. Noapara PP to Noapara Ss.

To strengthen the transmission system in order to evacuate the already planned generation the following projects are under implementation

  On going Projects

Sl No. Name of the ProjectPhysical  Target

up to June-11Physical

Progress up to June-11

Financing Status

1Construction and Extension of Grid Substations including Transmission line facilities (Phase-1) Implementation Period : 2005-06 to 2011-12

87.46% 88.78% ADB, JBIC &  Bangladesh Govt.

2 Three Transmission Line.                                   Implementation Period : 2006-07 to 2010-11 100.00% 100.00% ADB &  Bangladesh

Govt.

3

Meghnaghat-Aminbazar 400 kVTransmission Line (Phase-1).                                               Implementation Period: 2006-07 to 2011-12

33.08% 39.58% ADB &  Bangladesh Govt.

4Aminbazar-Old Airport 230 kV Transmission Line and Associated Sub-Stations. Implementation Period : 2006-07 to 2011-12

60.30% 60.30% ADB &  Bangladesh Govt.

5

Transmission Efficiency improvement through Reactive Power Compensation at Grid Substations and Reinforcement of Goalpara Substation. 2007-08 to 2011-12

30.75% 63.60% kfW &  Bangladesh Govt.

6Siddhirganj-Maniknagar 230 kVTransmission line with associated substations. August, 2009 -Dec, 2011

30.57% 29.39% ADB &  Bangladesh Govt.

7Bibiyana-Kaliakoir 400kV & Fenchuganj- Bibiana 230 kV Transmission line Project. Implementation Period: 2010-11 to 2012-13

20.55% 10.00% EDCF & Bangladesh Govt.

8400kV Grid Interconnection between Bangladesh (Bheramara) and India (Baharampur) Project.Implementation Period: 2010-11 to 2011-12

15.00% 15.00% ADB &  Bangladesh Govt.

9Bibiyana-Comilla (North) 230kV Transmission Line Project.Implementation Period: Oct.2010 to Dec, 2012

8.00% 32.25% Bangladesh Govt.

10Barisal-Bhola-Borhanuddin 230kVTransmission Line.Implementation Period: March, 2011 to Sep, 2012

10.00% 10.00% Bank Loan

The following projects are under active consideration of PGCB in the Govt.’s Prioritized Investment Plan as shown in.

 Planned Project

Sl No. Name of the Project (Implementation Period) Present Status (Upto June, 2011)

1

Brahmanbaria-Nabinagar-Narsingdi 132 kV Double Circuit Transmission Line. (Sep, 2011 – Sep, 2013).

DPP prepared and sent to Power Division on 09/11/2011. Project evaluation meeting held on 23/02/2011. As per suggestion of the above meeting DPP reviewed and sent to Power Division 

2

RPCL Mymensingh-Tangail via Ghatail 132 kV double circuit transmission line and four new 132/33 kV substations (Sherpur, Kulaura, Sunamganj, Sylhet (South)) with interconnecting line. (2011-12 to 2013-14)

Pre-DPP sent to planning Commission from Power Division. Route survey is underway

3Eight new 132/33 kV S/Ss with Interconnecting 132 kV line. (2011-12 to 2012-13)

DPP prepared and sent to Power Division on 12/12/2010. Project evaluation meeting held on 23/02/2011. Proposed for JICA funding

4Hathazari-Sikalbaha- Anowara & Hathazari- Rampur 230kV Transmission line. (2012-13 to 2014-15)

Pre-DPP submitted and sent to planning commission for approval on 13/06/2010. DPP under preparation. Proposed for JICA funding.

5

Aminbazar-Maowa-Mongla 400 kV & Mongla- Khulna (S) 230kV Transmission  line. (NG3) (2011-12 to 2014-15)

Pre-DPP approved in principle and send to  ERD for sourcing fund on 09/09/2010. WB is funding the F/S. RFP for F/S issued to six short listed firm on 25th Aug, 2011

6

Anowara – Meghnaghat 400 kV Transmission line (NG4). (2011-12 to 2014-15)

Pre-DPP Approved in principle and send to ERD for sourceing fund on 13-10-2010. WB is funding the F/S. RFP for F/S issued to six short listed firm on 25th Aug, 2011.

7 Ishurdi-Rajshahi 230kV Transmission Line. (2011-12 to 2013-14)

Pre-DPP approved in principle on 27/09/2010. Awaiting for financing.

8

Construction of 230/132kV Substation at Shyampur, Jhenaidah (Or Jessore), Bheramara and Sripur. (2012-13 to 2014-15). Pre-DPP submitted

9Enhancement of Capacity of Grid Substations and  Transmission line (Phase-I). (2012-13 to 2014-15)

Pre-DPP prepared and sent to power Division  on 24-04-2011. DPP submitted to power division on 25 Aug, 2011.

10Chandraghona- Rangamati-Khagrachari 132kV Transmission Line. (2012-13 to 2014-15) Pre-DPP submitted. Awaiting for financing.

11 Khulna(s)-Barisal (N) 230kV Transmission line project. (2014-2015 to 2016-17) Pre-DPP under Preparation

12 Ruppur-Bheramara-Zajira 400kV Transmission line. (2014-15 to 2016-17) Pre-DPP under Preparation

13 Ashuganj-Joydebpur 400kV Transmission line. (2014-15 to 2016-17) Pre-DPP under Preparation

14Electricity interconnection between Tripura and Eastern Region of Bangladesh. (2011-12 to 2012-13)

Pre-DPP submitted for approval

15 Goalpara-Bagerhat 132kV 2nd Single Circuit Transmission line. (2011-12 to 2012-13)

PCP prepared & will be submitted to PGCB board for approval.

Power Distribution Plan

Because of major reforms, restructuring and corporatization process of Bangladesh power sector, a number of distribution entities were formed with the objective of bringing commercial environment including increase of efficiency, accountability and dynamism with the aim of reaching electricity to all citizens by 2021.

In order to increase and improve power generation and customer service with an aim to bring a greater mass under electrification, major integrated power distribution programs have been undertaken. Presently the following five

Organizations are responsible for the distribution of power:

1. Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB)2. Rural Electrification Board (REB)3. Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC)4. Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO)5. West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDC)

Achievements: The government has been extremely successful to enhance and increase the performance of the distribution entities due to continuous monitoring and evaluation. The distribution entities have also taken various

steps to improve the electricity distribution system, heighten consumer satisfaction, and decrease the overall system loss.

Distribution Projects

To increase power generation as well as to improve customer service and bring more people under electrification, integrated power distribution programs have been undertaken. Up to June 2011, about 1.25 crore consumers are connected with electricity by construction of 278,000 kilometer distribution lines. Nearly 80,000 new consumers will be connected through different projects within 3/4 years. However major power distribution expansion projects of five different entities are mentioned below in Table.

Achievement at a glance:

Total Distribution Lines : 278,000 KM

Total Consumers :12.5 million

Irrigation Consumer : 2.77 Lac

Access to electricity :50%

Distribution Loss : 12.75%

Accounts Receivable   : 2.22 Equivalent months

Power System Interface Meter

At present the government has taken massive measures to reduce system loss and increase customer satisfaction. Under this project 409 interface meters have been installed at all generating stations throughout the country and Dhaka distribution zone and transmission network at 230KV, 132KV and 33KV level. All the meters are connected with the main server which is located at Bidyut Bhaban (13th floor), Dhaka. Energy inflow/outflow, demand, voltage, current, power factor, meter tempering etc. may be known from the main server. BPDB, REB, DPDC, DESCO and WZPDC have individual workstation and can read data at some level. The interface meters have been used as billing meters. This will be extremely beneficial for the energy auditing system. Operator’s performance will also be enhanced significantly and accountability and transparency will be established in the energy auditing system.

Remote Area Power Supply System (RAPSS)

The government has already crossed some prominent hurdles in this challenging field.  But our country still faces power shortages and that is the reason the Gob has set a target for providing electricity to all citizens by 2021

considering this over arching goal, the government has identified private sector participation as an important requirement. Since power system development is highly capital- intensive, the government encourages private sector investment to implement RAPSS. Under the RAPSS concept, private investor will be given an area (the RAPSS Area) for the development, operation and maintenance of the electricity distribution and retail supply system, including generation as a utility for a period of 20 years. The government has taken initiatives to establish solar mini-grid for remote off-grid area under RAPSS where grid expansion is not planned for the next 15 to 20 years. Our government has also declared fiscal incentives as enjoyed by Independent Power Producer (IPP).

Pre Paid Meter

With an aim to improve operational efficiencies, reduce financial risks and enhance customer services, BPDB had decided to install nearly 46,000 pre paid meter in Chittagong, Bogra, Sylhet and Sirajgonj area. DESCO has installed another 10,000 pre-paid meters in Uttara, Tongi and Gulshan area. The introduction of pre paid meters has reduced system loss and improved power distribution significantly. Due to the success of the pre paid meter, the government has planned to install this system all around the country.

Uphold spirit of Liberation war: PM at Dhaka Cantonment

 Dhaka, November 21, 2013

"We'll have to keep in mind that we've achieved the independence with the sacrifices and blood of three million martyrs. So, all of us will have to uphold the spirit of the War of Liberation," Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said this while addressing a reception accorded to the gallantry award recipients and their family members by the Armed Forces Division (AFD) marking the Armed Forces Day, 2013 at the AFD in Dhaka Cantonment.

Mentioning that the Bengalese are a victorious nation as it had earned its independence through a hard-fought struggle, Sheikh Hasina said that this nation does not know to bow their heads. The Prime Minister expressed her firm commitment to establishing Bangladesh as a peaceful and dignified nation in South Asia. "We want to establish Bangladesh as a developed, prosperous and dignified nation, a peaceful nation in South Asia so that we can move ahead in global arena keeping our head high," she said.

Listing various steps of her government for the welfare of the freedom fighters and their family members, the Premier said that her government has taken many steps so that the freedom fighters and their family members do not experience the sufferings from poverty. "As long as I live, whether I remain in power or in the opposition, I'm giving my words that I would do whatever possible on behalf of myself for the treatment and accommodation of the freedom fighters," she said. Sheikh Hasina said the aim of her government is to ensure a better life for the freedom fighters. "I feel pain when I see that they are suffering from poverty and engaged in such works, which is not at all respectable for us," she added.

She said that the retirement age of the freedom fighter government officials and employees have been raised to 60 years from 57 apart from keeping 30 percent quota in government jobs for the children of freedom fighters and martyred freedom fighters alongside keeping 5 percent quota for admission in various public educational institutions.  Besides, she said, some two lakh freedom fighters are now

receiving monthly allowances of Taka 5,000, while monthly allowances of the Bir Shreshtha martyred families have been raised to Taka 14,400 as well as the allowances of some 2,500 shaheed families to Taka 7,020.  The Prime Minister said over Taka 61 crore was given as state allowances to some 7,838 war-wounded freedom fighters in fiscal year 2010-11 which was raised by 20 percent for the next fiscal. Though the allowances that the government has been providing to the freedom fighters and their family members would not be able to evaluate their real sacrifices for the motherland, the Prime Minister said that the government has tried its best so that they don't feel pain for financial sufferings. Earlier, the Prime Minister distributed cheques, mobile sets and shawls as gifts to some selected gallantry award recipient freedom fighters and their successors at the function

Bangladesh War Crime Tribunal: Many supporters of War Crime Tribunal in Bangladesh (BD) are giving their side of the version in the public – now even the editors of newspapers are taking sides. I have replied to one such editorial (of The Daily Star as given below).

My view sent to Star, as expected, has not found any space by paper yet. The vicious campaign in BD against Pakistani troop’s atrocities and their “collaborators” is in full swing.

I foresee great amount of tongue lashing against all these elements, by the political leaders in the upcoming election campaign, which starts from October 25. Our foreign mission in BD and Foreign Ministry in Islamabad is on the back foot whenever hype is created on each verdict of the tribunal.

For the past 42 years, governments in office in BD start Pakistan bashing which has become a ritual on every February 21 (Language Day), March 17 (Sheikh Mujib’s birthday), March 25 (as Pakistan troops crack down), March 26 (BD’s Independence Day), August 15 (Sh Mujib’s assassination, as National Mourning Day) and December 16 (fall of Dhaka/surrender of Pak Army is celebrated as Victory Day), to mention a few.

There are millions of Pakistan supporters in BD, especially in the BNP and others independent-minded citizens; someone has to make a point for these people to see the other side of the coin.

I am at a great disadvantage for putting pen to paper, being a Pakistani and a family friend of MP Salauddin Quader Chowdhury (SQC). I respect the point of view of Awami League and their supporters in the media being Bangladesh’s honoured citizens, but at the same time pray they give their consideration to what I have to place before them.

At the outset I must admit that a great wrong had been done by many Pakistan rulers to its own people in all the five provinces plus the other regions (FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir) from the very inception of the creation of Pakistan,

some regions suffered more than the other.

The rulers being the politicians and civil and military bureaucracy, who changed hands from time to time,. Bangladesh and Balochistan saw military action and loss of life and abuse of human rights with varying degrees at the hands of military ruler and a civilian democratic dispensation, respectively.

In both instances army was used to suppress its’ own people. It was a very shameful and condemnable act in our history, defying all norms of decent human behaviour – least of all by the followers of the tenets of Islam.

The question is whether these were the acts of individuals or did it carry the mandates of the people to inflict harm, misery and sufferings on the weak by the mighty state power? The fair answer would be that it did not carry the sanction of the people. In case of Bangladesh the majority of all the regions then in West Pakistan cannot be bracketed as one half against the other half, East Pakistan. In case of Balochistan all the majority in the truncated Pakistan’s seven regions cannot be blamed for letting loose the armed forces on the Bulloch people.

My second question would be; after the independence of Bangladesh, how has its’ own governments (civil and military) ruled its population.

Have they been fair, have they imparted justice and brought equality in distribution of state wealth and services and above all have they ruled or served the needy millions? The same question is equally applicable to truncated Pakistan who has seen 11 governments since 1971.

Rulers have acted exactly in the same manner irrespective of whichever regions they belonged to. The population under the various rulers has also behaved and agitated as they did when they were misruled by their own ilk or rulers from far away lands.

My last question to citizens of BD, would they be contend to hang 10 individuals as war criminals and would that bring solace to the bereaved millions (according to their assessment). Would it not be in accordance to the high moral grounds which they and many in the Awami League hierarchy are craving to establish that before the tribunal awards the death penalty the “criminals “ at least be given a fair trial?

SQC faced 23 charges including genocide, arson, rape and murder with the support of the Pakistan Army. The state produced 41 witnesses for the prosecution but when it came to the defense they were restricted to only five. Even one witness to defy each grievous charge would have permitted 23 witnesses!

When four most credible witnesses were to be brought from Pakistan to provide alibi for SQC being in Karachi and Lahore showing his presence in the Punjab University for periods shown in the charge sheet (April to September 2, 1971) the tribunal refused to issue summons for the Pakistanis.

In the absence of the summons, no visas could be issued by the BD High Commission in Islamabad. It would have been a great chance for the prosecution to cross-examine the witnesses from Pakistan and shred their “concocted” statements/affidavits to pieces.

The tribunal’s image would have been greatly enhanced in the eyes of its own people. The prosecution here too, mislead the judges as it did through out the trial. One defense witness was a sitting judge of the Dhaka High Court, Justice Shamim Hasnain, who was a classmate of SQC in the Punjab University during the period when the crimes are purported to have been committed.

Justice Shamim wrote a letter to his chief justice on July 22, 2013, stating that he and SQC were in the same class in Lahore and it was his moral duty to go and depose these facts before the tribunal and he may be permitted to appear as a witness. He did not get the assent of the CJ of the high court. It is also conveniently forgotten that SQC has a large family but none other have been charged by the government for genocide as if all responsibility fell upon the eldest son of AKM Fazlul Quader Chowdhury, former speaker of the National Assembly of united Pakistan, to suppress the Freedom Movement in BD!

All this is in realizations to the fact that SQC is a six-time member of parliament from Chittagong – a port city of BD, and a staunch political opponent of PM Hasina Wajid and it is she who has suddenly realized about the genocide in her second stint in office.

Her late father Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, who created BD, never ever thought of tribunals to punish crimes committed during the war of “liberation”. The founding fathers had a vision to establish a country for which a huge sacrifice had been laid. They moved on to reach their goals. While the AL of present times has lost itself into polarising society even further rather than uniting them after a lapse of 42 years.

None will be able to foil poll: PM at the Parliament

 Dhaka, November 20, 2013

"I have requested the President to make arrangement for holding the polls and he will take necessary steps to this end. The Election Commission will announce the election schedule and polls must be held on the soil of Bangladesh Insha Allah, "There will be no strength of anybody to resist the polls, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said this while delivering her winding up speech of the 19th session of the 9th Jatiya Sangsad.

"I can assure that as much long I exist, I have no intention to come to power by stealing the vote of the people. Rather we hate it (stealing vote) always," she said. Sheikh Hasina said election will have to be held within 90 days before expiry of parliament as per the constitution. “I have already met with the President and told him that we are ready for the polls," she added.

The Prime Minister said the President told her to continue the running of the government. "As per his advice, we have formed a small cabinet, and portfolio of the ministers has been distributed and a gazette notification would be issued tomorrow to this end," she said. Sheikh Hasina also said the election will be held in the way other democratic countries stage polls and the people will enjoy the rights to exercise their voting rights.

Pointing out the amendment to the constitution, the Prime Minister said her government has brought the amendment to strengthen democracy and seal off usurpation of power. Through the amendment, she said, the voting rights of the people have been protected side by side with restoration of spirit of the War of Liberation. "We want to at least start a process for the future generation and holding the elections through constitutional process. We don't want to struggle for voting rights time and again," she said.

Blasting the opposition for its violent acts in the name of movement, Sheikh Hasina said they have burnt to death 20 people in the name of hartal. What type of movement it is, she asked. The Prime Minister said the opposition is not getting any response from the people to its hartal. "Being revengeful, they are killing the innocent people including CNG and bus-truck drivers and children by clandestine attacks," she said.

Reiterating her firm determination to complete the trial of war criminals, the Prime Minister said the verdict of Bangabandhu Murder case was executed and the judgment of BDR mutiny has been announced. Insha Allah the verdict of the war crimes would be implemented," she said. Source: BSS & other news agencies

Entrepreneurs perceived a significant economic slowdown in 2013 perhaps due to political unrest in run up national parliamentary elections

1. Despite government announcement for building ‘Digital Bangladesh’, IT related Issues have not yet been properly addressed in government’s policies and operations.

2. Performance of the public sector has remained in question due to weak public Expenditure management and lack of proper initiative for undertaking required Reform measures.

3. despite having positive changes as regards some issues, key corruption related Concerns have remained at the same state. Lack of initiative to contain corruption is a major weakness of the government 4. Health sector has experienced a number of positive changes in 2013 including better Access to public and private sector healthcare services.

5. during the last 5 years, Bangladesh’s competitiveness has made some progress but not adequate enough that could facilitate targeted levels of growth and investment. “Because of weaknesses in key basic indicators and efficiency indicators, better Performance in other indicators could not make significant progress of countries Competitiveness”

6. Constraining factors which are major impediments to building competitiveness have remained the same over the years-

a. Corruption, infrastructure and inefficient government bureaucracy

b. Government should put highest effort to improve the above mentioned Structural and governance related weaknesses and bottlenecks

```````````End`````````Thank

you,