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January, 2008 [Issue 01]H I G H L I G H T S

Help Bangladesh become middle income country:Chief Adviser in NRB ConferenceSidr brought sympathetic impact: AmbassadorForeign Adviser for protective status to BangladeshisCelebration of 37th Victory Day in the EmbassyClimate change- challenge for Bangladesh: PresidentVisit of Chief of Army StaffUSA hailed separation of Judiciary fromAdministrationBangladesh welcomes NPDA 2007Bangladeshi Americans with mainstream societyBusiness and DevelopmentScience and TechnologyPHOTO GALLERY

MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR M. HUMAYUNKABIR

welcome you to our webjournal and on behalf of my

colleagues and my own behalf Iwish you all a very happy NewYear. We do hope that 2008 willbring more peace, progress andhappiness for all of you.

This monthly journal is intended to keep our friends, wellwishers and community members informed about importantdevelopments on Bangladesh, and to promote Bangladeshin an objective manner to the international community. Wealso believe that this journal will perhaps create a newconnectivity between all of us to explore new level ofunderstanding and to strengthen cooperation between theEmbassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC and those wholove to see a democratic, dynamic, dignified and vibrantBangladesh.

We, however, acknowledge the fact that this new initiativehas to go a long way, and in this process of learning wewould always appreciate and welcome your inputs,observations and suggestion to improve this effort.

DEMOCRACY HAS NO ALTERNATIVE INBANGLADESH. CHIEF ADVISER REITERATEDPLEDGE TO HOLD ELECTION BY 2008

he chief adviser, Fakhruddin Ahmed announced thathis government would soon open dialogue with

political parties for transition to democracy through holdingfree, fair and neutral elections.

In an address to the nation,marking the completion of oneyear of caretaker government,he also said lifting restrictionson indoor politics outsideDhaka throughout the countrywas under consideration.

Referring to the formation of incumbent caretakergovernment in post 1/11 milieu, the chief adviser said, 'Inthe world history such spontaneous transition is rare, but weare going to do it. Because, we believe that democracy hasno alternative.' In categorical terms, he said the governmentwas committed to holding parliamentary polls by December2008 according to the Election Commission roadmap — ifpossible, ahead of it. 'And there is no room for confusionabout it,' he said reaffirming his government's position.

He urged political parties to take the advantage of thissituation and build themselves as democratic andcorruption-free. And 'the sooner, the better.' He made itclear that no political party or force is an opponent of thisgovernment.

The chief adviser admitted that overall prices of someessential commodities rose to a level that created amiserable situation for the citizens. He noted that two bigfloods and devastating cyclone Sidr in the same year hithard the food production-and-supply system alongsidevarious losses and damages. As a result, 15 lakh tonnes offood deficit would take place; he told the nation saying thatthe government had taken all-out steps to face thisunprecedented situation. Unfortunately prices of rice along

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with different commodities have shot up on theinternational market, he said.

Listing various steps taken by the government to stabilizethe domestic market, including Open Market Sale (OMS) atfair price, freshly introduced VGF cards, Test Relief andFood for Work programs, the chief adviser said thegovernment had decided to import 10 lakh tons of rice onurgent basis. He also mentioned some other steps under theagricultural recovery plan for increasing farm production.

Chief Adviser thanked all for successfully tackling theaftermath of the powerful cyclone 'Sidr' with cooperation ofall, including people, civil and military administrations,NGOs, foreign countries and development partners.

On the ongoing purge against corruption, he said that thegovernment at the outset had taken tough stand againstirregularities and corruption, and all-out efforts to bring thecorrupt, irrespective of position, to justice. Perhaps nonecould have imagined it only a year before, he observed.

On the role of the military, he said the cooperation that hasbeen given by the armed forces in governing the countryand facing disaster in aid of civil administration deserves aspecial mention. Turning to activities of the ElectionCommission, he said the government had recast theElection Commission as completely neutral and acceptableto people which has made draft of election-related amendedlaws and rules and regulations, which would be finalizedsoon. He also mentioned that preparation of voters' list withphotograph is progressing fast.

On the economic front, the chief adviser said despitepolitical unrest and soaring prices of fuel and importedessential commodities, economic growth rose to 6.5 percent in the last fiscal due to remarkable growth in industryand service sectors. The rate of increase of export was 16per cent, despite various adversities. He further said foreigninvestment in the country's EPZs has more than doubled insix months from July to December in 2007.

About manpower export, he said recently opportunities toexport manpower to the Middle East and varioussoutheastern countries have been increasing graduallyfollowing bilateral and multilateral initiatives of thegovernment. The number of outbound workers' clearancecertificates rose over 8 lakh in the year 2007 compared tothat of 3.81 lakh in 2006.

Chief Adviser in his conclusion remarked, 'Like you, I don'twant the country to revert to anarchy as before January 11. Iwant to see accountability and democratic trend establishedin all spheres of the state through reforms. I want to see thereputation of Bangladesh in the world forum as a shiningexample of anthropo-religious harmony.''—— we want tosee this day next year a service-oriented government electedthrough democratic process.

FIRST NRB CONFERENCE IN DHAKACHIEF ADVISER URGED EXPATRIATES TO HELPTHE COUNTRY BECOME MIDDLE-INCOME.

hief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed called on theexpatriate Bangladeshis to help the country become a

middle income state by 2021 with their long-termcontributions at the non-resident Bangladeshi (NRB)conference in Dhaka.

"I encourage NRBs to continue and expand these efforts toensure that the skills developed abroad by our citizens canbe used to the fullest advantage of our nation," ChiefAdviser urged theaudience comprisingover 1,000 expatriateswho attended the NRBconference organized byScholars Bangladesh."It is now necessarymore than ever to createtheenvironment and opportunity for the NRBs to make long-term contributions to the socio-economic progress of thenation," he added. He also urged the NRBs to establish aforum through which they can formally engage in activitieswith local administration and organizations.

He expressed confidence that with the support andcooperation of all citizens living at home and abroad ourcommon goal to transform the country into a middle-income by 2021, coinciding with 50 years ofIndependence and make the land abode of peace, progressand harmony for future generations could be achieved.

He expressed his belief that the NRB Conference wouldhelp overcome many of our future challenges by building abridge between scholars and entrepreneurs at home andabroad and hoped that this occasion provided anopportunity to drill down into some of the challenges andopportunities facing Bangladesh today and to proposestrategic solutions where they could extend helping hands.

The Chief Adviser handed out eight awards of excellence toartist Monirul Islam and singer Kalim Sharafi for arts,entrepreneur and academic Iqbal Quadir and farmer-scientist Haripada Kapali, doctors ABM Fazlul Karim andMR Khan for health, and professors Fazle Hussain andJamal Nazrul Islam for education and research.

Chief Adviser also hoped that NRB can play a role ininvestment in Bangladesh by availing the investment-friendly atmosphere and attractive incentives for NRB andforeign investor. He said this when Hansen Clarke, theMichigan state senator of USA paid a courtesy call on him.He also said NRBs could play a role for passage of a billplaced in the US Congress regarding duty free access ofBangladeshi goods to US market.

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Experts estimate that expatriate Bangladeshis could nowinvest $10 to $15 billion in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is in asuitable position to grasp the opportunities of attractingfunds available globally these days.

CYCLONE SIDR BROUGHT IN A VERY SYMPATHETICIMPACT: AMBASSADOR KABIR

ust aftermath of the devastation of flood, the people ofBangladesh faced another disaster cyclone Sidr which

claimed more than three thousands of lives, loss of cropsand serious damage to rural infrastructure and threat to theenvironment. With the help of early warning andpreparedness system, local administration evacuated some3.2 million people who lived along the coastline and soonafter the storm passed, government quickly begandistributing 4,000 tons of rice along with thousands of tentsand blankets and deployed 700 medical teams. This was a‘significant mitigating effect in this emergency’.

United States sent naval ships to participate in theemergency relief operation. US military has delivered morethan 113,000 kilograms of food and medicines, 54,000liters of drinking water and treated 2,355 people. Theemergency operation has the ramification of transformationinto a long-term civil operation for reconstruction andrehabilitation through USAID.

Immediately after Sidr, the Embassy of Bangladesh took anumber of initiatives to sensitize the local people and theexpatriate community about the urgent need for extendingassistance to the Sidr victims. Accordingly, BangladeshEmbassy in Washington, DC and Consulates General inNew York and Los Angeles convened a number ofmeetings with the leaders of Bangladesh associations in theUnited States with a view to seek their assistance inreaching out to wider sections of the expatriate Bangladeshicommunity to come forward for Sidr victims and to informways of donating funds to the Chief Adviser’s Relief andWelfare Fund. Besides, Ambassador Kabir appeared inlocal TV channels to apprise viewers of the ongoing rescueand reliefoperations, andthe initiativesof thegovernment tomeet thischallenge on amedium andlong termbasis. [Ambassador Kabir in a meeting with leaders of Bangladeshi

Associations urging them to come forward for Sidr victims]

Ambassador Kabir said that both the government andpeople in USA sincerely want to assist in the reliefoperation. He considers that this is a very friendly andhumane gesture to the people of Bangladesh. He alsoacknowledged the positive response that he has receivedfrom the members of Bangladesh community in the USA.

The US House of Representatives unanimously voted on aResolution H. Res. 842, sponsored by Congressman StevenRothman of Foreign Affairs Committee and supported bymembers of the US Bangladesh Congressional Caucus. TheResolution expressed sympathy, support to the people ofBangladesh and urged US Government to provide supportto the people affected by the Cyclone Sidr in the southwestBangladesh. Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar AhmedChowdhury said, "The adoption of the bill can be viewed asrecognition of healthy US-Bangladesh relations. I amdeeply satisfied and Bangladesh is grateful to their friendsin the US legislature.”

It is reported that the bill was voted at this time, despite avery crowded calendar. This passage of the bill is one of themanifestations of Embassy-community relationship.

Bangladesh community through the Embassy andConsulates in New York and Los Angeles sent around sixand half crores of Taka directly to Chief Adviser’s Reliefand Welfare Fund.

FOREIGN ADVISER REQUESTED PROTECTEDSTATUS TO BANGLADESHIS

oreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury addressed aletter to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to

consider granting Temporary Protected Status toBangladeshi nationals in the USA. He also expressedthanks for the "generous support" received from the US inthe post-Sidr relief and rehabilitation operations andelaborated on Bangladesh's "strategy to deal with theemerging challenge" of natural disaster.

In the letter, the adviser has also urged Secretary Rice that itwould "greatly help" if, given the current suffering ofBangladeshis due to the calamity, the US authorities couldgrant Temporary Protected Status to Bangladeshi nationalsstaying in the US under the provisions of the Immigrationand Nationality Act.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington is maintainingclose contacts with concerns authorities in USA for thispurpose.

CELEBRATION OF 36TH ANNIVERSARY OFVICTORY DAY IN THE EMBASSY

he 37th Great Victory Day was observed at theChancery of the Embassy of Bangladesh in

Washington DC with due respect and solemnity.

The first part of the program began with the hoisting ofnational flag ceremonially by His Excellency M. HumayunKabir. On the occasion of this auspicious day, messagesfrom Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Chief Adviser andHon’ble Foreign Adviser were read out. This part of theprogram concluded with the special prayer seeking for thesalvation of the departed souls of our valiant freedom

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fighters, and those who lost their lives in Cyclone Sidr andfor continued blessing for peace, progress and prosperity ofthe country.

The second part of the Program was marked by discussionon the significance of the day, inauguration of paintingexhibition of the Bangladeshi American painters andpresentation of a cultural program on the evolution ofIndependence.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States, M.Humayun Kabir welcomed the guests. In his openingaddress, Ambassador Kabir said that the glorious Victorywas achieved through unimaginable miseries and supremesacrifices of millions and paid deepest gratitude to alliesand friends, who made sacrifices alongside the people ofBangladesh to make the country free of occupied forces.He clearly mentioned that still today, the sprit and energy ofLiberation War act as the driving force to the resilience,creativity of the people of Bangladesh to face challenges ofthe day. In this regard, he cited a good number of instanceswhere Bangladesh made comparatively praiseworthyprogress in various socio-economic indicators, creativity ofthe people as manifested in the developing the concept ofmicro lending and changing pattern of country’s economy.He mentioned that Bangladesh as a responsible member ofinternational community is already sharing its expertise tobuild broken societies around the world and would continueto do so in future. He also mentioned the various ongoingreform programs initiated by the present Government toaccelerate the development process. He stressed on the needfor supporting these reform initiatives and appealed to theinternational community and Bangladesh community, livingin USA in particular, to come forward to support theGovernment.

Dr. Mohsin Siddique, a Bangladeshi national, activists inthe Washington DC in 1971 worked with the people ofUSA and in Capitol Hill to mobilize support forBangladesh, gave a brief account of his activities in thosedays.

Dr. William Greenough,Professor of Johns HopkinsUniversity in his speechmentioned the challenges hefaced at that crucial day. Hestated that he was about to beblack listed by then U.S.administration. But he did notretreat from telling the truth. Heplayed key role by establishingBangladesh Information Center in Washington DC duringthe period of Independence.

Mr. Peter Blood, son of Mr. Archer Blood who was theConsul General of the United States in Dhaka in 1971,vividly described the days of struggle. He read out hisfather’s fax messages that courageously accommodated truepicture of the atrocities inflicted by the then occupied forces

on the freedom but peaceloving people of Bangladesh tohis government despite the factthat the then U.S.Administration had differentpolicy. Mr. Peter Blood’emotional but vividdeliberation drew hugeappreciation from theaudience.

Mr. Wahed Hossaini, a member of Bangladeshi communityactivist, also spoke highlighting the significance of the Day.

The Embassy arranged a painting and cultural program tocommemorate the Victory Day. 22 Bangladesh originpainters now living in different States of USA took part inthis week long exhibition. Dr. Franklin S. Odo, Director ofAsian Pacific AmericanProgram of the SmithsonianInstitute inaugurated theExhibition. In his remark,Mr. Odo expressed theirreadiness to work with theBangladeshi community inthe process of creating morediverse and inclusiveAmerican society andhistory. He expressed deepappreciation for the creative works of Bangladeshi artists.

Artists participating in the Exhibition announced thedonation of30% of theproceeds tothe ChiefAdviser’sRelief andWelfareFund. Thiscreated lot ofenthusiasmamong theaudience.

Dhroopad, alocal cultural

organizationportrayed theevolution offreedom strugglethat started from

LanguageMovement and

culminated through armed struggle and eventual victory on16 December, 1971 through songs and dances. The uniquefeature of this program was that the entire was conductedby the second generation Americans of Bangladesh origin.Their outstanding performance elevated the morale of the

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audience and most of the audience felt proud before localAmericans, dignitaries and other high officials.

The Program was attended by large number ofBangladeshis living in greater Washington DC, localAmericans, high officials from Capitol Hill and USGovernment offices, members of diplomatic corps,intellectuals, private sector and Non GovernmentOrganization graced the occasion. The Program ended withserving of traditional Bangladeshi delicacies.

CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES PROGRESS INBANGLADESH – PRESIDENT IAJUDDIN

he significant achievement on poverty reductionand improvement of human development during the

last few decades may be challenged by the impact ofclimate change and other associated disasters such asfloods, river bank erosion, land degradation and intrusion ofsalinity. This was stated by Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed,Hon’ble President of Bangladesh at a seminar at NewOrleans, Louisiana organized by Soil Science Society ofAmerica.

[Hon’ble President Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed is receiving award at NewOrleans University]

Touching on the strategies of the Government to addressthose challenges, the President asserted that the povertyreduction strategy paper had taken into account ofenvironmental health, energy, agriculture, natural resources,climate change and disaster management. He added thatimproving the environmental management to reducepoverty required pooling of local knowledge andexperience as well as mainstreaming the biodiversityconcern into all sectoral development strategies. Touchingon the specific areas that may suffer serious consequencesfrom climate change, he cited two processes, such as,desertification and salinization of land, to intensify in thechanged circumstances.

Mr. Ray C Nagin, Mayor of New Orleans paid a courtesycall on the Hon’ble President and presented him with thekey to the city. He handed over a proclamation declaringthe November 05 as Bangladesh Day in New Orleans. Theydiscussed the effects of natural disasters in Bangladesh andthe United States with particular focus on Louisiana.

During his visit to Ohio State University (OSU), Hon’blePresident was given red carpet reception and key to the cityby Mayor of Wooster City. The president made a keynotespeech on "Educational System in Bangladesh" at the OhioAgricultural Research and Development Centre.

Among the guests Jim Carmichael, state representative, DrRattan Lal, president of the Soil Science Society ofAmerica, and Humayun Kabir, Ambassador of Bangladeshto the USA were present.President of OSU Prof. Gordon Gee stated that OSU wouldassist Bangladesh address the Arsenic challenges andincrease exchange of scholars and scholarship toBangladeshi students.

USA HAILED BANGLADESH ON SEPARATION OFTHE JUDICIARY FROM THE EXECUTIVE.

The United States government congratulated the caretakergovernment's initiative to implement this reform process."Separation of the judiciary from the executive is animportant step towards ensuring greater judicialindependence and brings Bangladesh closer to the return todemocracy.” was the comment of US Government. Thishistorical decision came into effective from November 01,2007.

VISIT OF CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TO THE USA

angladesh armychief General

Moeen U Ahmed visitedthe United States inOctober, 2007. Duringthis visit he metCongressman JosephCrowley, high officialsat UN, interacted withcommunities and media.

[Chief of Army Staff with media in NY]

US Congress Joseph Crowley said in a meeting with armychief that the ongoing anti-corruption drive has broughtdown Bangladesh's position in the corruption perceptionindex. Reiterating his support for the anti-corruption drive,Crowley said eradication of corruption is a precondition fordemocracy and progress. He also gave assurance of all sortsof US assistance to address arsenic problems.

In a civic reception in Boston, General Moeen U Ahmedsaid fears over the uncertainty of holding free, fair, credibleelections will be proved baseless by the end of 2008, as thegovernment will take adequate measures in the remaining14 months.

[Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador in a community reception inNew York]

He said $129 million illegally earned money siphoned offoverseas has been brought back to Bangladesh anddeposited in the central bank. He said another $72 millionhas been recovered but is stuck in legal disputes and

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another $214 million would be brought to Bangladesh soon.

The army chief also cited the caretaker government'sachievements, such as recasting and reforming the ElectionCommission, Anti-corruption Commission, Public ServiceCommission and the University Grants Commission.

BANGLADESH WELCOMES THE INTRODUCTION OF“NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT ACT 2007”IN THE US CONGRESS

angladesh welcomes the introduction of “NewPartnership for Development Act 2007” in the US

Congress aiming at reducing global extreme povertythrough eliminating tariff on all products that originate inLDCs. We thank Congressman Jim McDermott for hisinitiative in introducing this long awaited bill. This bill isexpected to create newopportunities foremployment and therebyalleviating poverty andensuring social progress inBangladesh. The billneeds to be passed by theboth House and Senateand be endorsed by U.S.President in order to betreated as Act.

[Ambassador and Congressman McDermott]Support of US law makers, labor unions and apparel andtextile association and support of African LDCs areessential to get bill through the Congress. Respect toworkers’ rights, payment of minimum wages, maintenanceof acceptable working environment are the key challengesfor inclusion of Bangladesh in the bill. It is encouraging tosee that Bangladesh community particularly in Kansas andNorth Carolina are at this moment actively working tomobilize support for the bill. The Embassy of Bangladeshin Washington DC is relentlessly working to mobilizenecessary support for this purpose and believecommunities’ different areas will be supportive of the billand accordingly come forward to engage themselves.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, EXPATRIATEBANGLADESHIS VIEW CHIEF ADVISER’S VISIT TONEW YORK AS FRUITFUL

nternational communityand expatriateBangladeshis see the

recent visit of Chief Adviserof Bangladesh CaretakerGovernment Dr. FakhruddinAhmed in New York as veryfruitful saying the presentcaretaker government hasbeen able to raise its agendabefore the international community successfully.They are of the opinion that in his interactions with theworld's leaders during the 62nd UN General Assembly

session, the Chief Adviser had successfully removed some‘misunderstanding’ about the government’s action againstcorruption and the ongoing reform measures.

The world's leaders attending the assembly highlyacclaimed the non-party interim caretaker government’smeasures in Bangladesh and expressed their full support toits actions and programs especially in arresting corruption.

Chief Adviser attended a number of receptions hosted byUS President George W. Bush, South African PresidentThabo Mbeki and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri-al-Maliki anda dinner hosted by UN Secretary General. On sidelines ofthe UNGA session, the Chief Adviser had bilateralmeetings with Congressman Joseph Crowley, President ofAfghanistan Hamid Karzai, Prime Minister of MalaysiaAbdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi and UN SecretaryGeneral. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon alsoreiterated firm support for the initiatives of the government.

Chief Adviser also addressed to UN Session on ClimateChange ventilated difficulties faced by Bangladesh due toenvironmental degradation and sought international supportto get rid of it. He also co-chaired a session with theNetherlands prime minister on climate change.

Dr. Fakhruddin gave speeches to Asia Society andColumbia University, attended a civic reception hosted byexpatriate Bangladeshi professionals living in NorthAmerica in honor of him and later exchanged views withthe New York based Bangladeshi journalists. A delegationof the US branch of Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha ChristianOikya Parishad called on him. BSS & The Daily Star.

“BANGLADESH CARETAKER GOVERNMENT IS ANOPPORTUNITY. IT SHOULD BE GIVEN TIME TOCOMPLETE THE REFORMS”: CONGRESSMAN JOSEPHCROWLEY

erming the role of Caretaker government of Bangladesh“as an opportunity”,speakers in a seminar in

the Heritage Foundation, aleading think tank in DCcommented that the caretakergovernment should be giventime to complete the reforms.

Commending the role of theCaretaker government for their bold initiatives includinganti-corruption drives, Congressman the Honorable JosephCrowley (D-NY), Co-chair of Bangladesh Caucus statedthat this government should be allowed time to completethe reform process. Giving a brief outline of pre-1/11situation, Congressman stated that Bangladesh deservesmuch better economic performance if corruption weren’tthat rampant. Referring to his recent meeting with Hon’bleChief Adviser of Bangladesh in New York on 23September last, Congressman Crowley said that he wasonce again assured that the election will take place by no

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later than December 2008 after completing the institutionalreforms.

Congressman Crowley made the above statements duringhis key note address on “Bangladesh: Democracy at aCrossroad” in the Heritage Foundation.

CONGRESSMEN LAUDED THE PROGRESS INBANGLADESH

ongressman Mike Honda (D- Cal) andCongresswoman Nancy Boyda (D- Kansas) lauded the

socio-economic developments in Bangladesh. Theircomments came during the 21st annual convention of theFederation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America(FOBANA) held in Wichita, Kansas.

Congresswoman Boyda lauded the progress in Bangladeshwhile referring to the resiliency and creativity of the peopleof Bangladesh that helped attainment of average growth ofGDP despite occasional natural harsh conditions andpolitical uneasiness in Bangladesh. She pointed out thatBangladesh and United States value hard working anddedicated people. "You have done so well" announced theCongresswoman to recognize the hard working and resilientpeople of Bangladesh.

Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)Congressman Mike Honda, who came all the way from hisconstituency in California to Wichita to attend theFOBANA also spoke highly about Bangladeshis in USA."Size and strength of Bangladesh community isimpressive". He went on elaborating that BangladeshiAmericans earns $12, 000.00 more than the average annualincome of USA and their educational levels are higher thanthose of average Americans.

Ambassador Humayun Kabir, attended the Convention asChief Guest, thanked the Congressmen for their support forBangladesh as well as members of Bangladesh communityin the USA. Regarding assimilation with the localcommunities, Ambassador Kabir categorically stated thatmore integration of Bangladesh communities with the localcommunities would serve both the countries in a mutuallybeneficial ways. He stressed on sharing rich culturalheritage of Bangladesh with the local communities throughdifferent events including FOBANA.

Both Congresswoman Nancy Boyda and CongressmanMike Honda expressed keen interest in the culture andtraditions of Bangladesh while enjoying a culturalpresentation of artists from Bangladesh community.

Ambassador Kabir presented them with sets of informationbooklets on Bangladesh published by the Ministry ofForeign Affairs.

[Ambassador M. Humayun Kabir addresses FOBANA. CongressmanMike Honda and Congresswoman Nancy Boyda are on the stage- fromright]

The Embassy offered mobile consular services and openedan information booth which generated great enthusiasm andinterests among the participants.

ANIS AHMED APPOINTED AS MARYLAND GOVERNMENTCOMMISSIONER.

overnor of the State of Maryland Hon. Martin O'Mallyhas appointed Anis Ahmed, a Bangladeshi American

as a Commissioner for the Governor's Commission onAsian Pacific American for a term of four years. As aCommissioner, Mr. Ahmed's responsibilities will include,among others, protection and promotion of the rights andinterests of the Asian Pacific American community,promotion of economic development within the Asian

community, and internationaltrade between Marylandcompanies planning businessin Asian and Pacificcountries. In this regard, Mr.Anis Ahmed could liaisonbetween the potentialinvestors of Maryland andBangladesh.

[Anis Ahmed (M) receiving Proclamation from Governor O’Mally]

DR. NURUN NABI APPOINTED AS COUNCILMAN OFPLAINSBORO TOWNSHIP.

r. Nuran Nabi, a Bangladeshi American scientist andcommunity leader has been appointed as Councilman

of Plainsboro Township of New Jersey. Such appointmentrecognizes his work with mainstream society. He has beenassigned to the Liaison Committee for township population.

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BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT

SOUTH KOREA TO INVEST $7B IN ENERGYSECTOR

angladesh Government is considering the US$ 7billion investment proposal of South Korea in the

country's energy sector.

A South Korean consortium comprising government, theprivate sectors and the Ministry of Commerce, Industriesand Energy approached Bangladesh with a proposal ofinvestment in the energy sector in October 2005. Theyproposed to invest US$ 2 billion at the preliminary stagefor the exploration and extraction of coal and production ofcoal-based power. In the next phase, they proposed anotherinvestment of US$ 5 billion in the infrastructure andexploration and extraction of gas in deep sea.

The Korean investors proposed implementation of theinvestment projects based on government-to-governmentcooperation.

Loxon Global Energy, one of the two private companies inthe consortium, earlier signed a MoU with the Board ofInvestment (BoI) Bangladesh to invest in energy sector.The company was given the approval by the BoI to open aliaison office in Bangladesh .The Loxon Global Energyhad applied to the Bureau of Mineral Development (BMD)for getting licence to explore coal in Bangladesh. TheBMD authorities recently. TechFocus

INTEL OPENS NEW VISTA FOR BANGLADESH

echnology icon and Intel Corporation Chairman CraigR Barrett visited the country to open the Bangladesh

chapter of the chipmaker's global initiative in a bid to helpthe rural community by making technology available tothem.

To drive the World Ahead Program, the chipmaker teamedup with Grameen Solutions (GS) to promote economic andsocial development through ICT.

Based on the agreement, Intel and Grameen will jointlypromote and support digital inclusion projects acrossBangladesh to improve education, connectivity, and accessto technology, localized Internet content and softwareapplication.

Intel will also work with local software companies todevelop localized Internet content and software for thegovernment, schools and telecentres, because rich andlocalized content is essential to build a knowledge basedsociety.

"We would like to work with the communications industryto bring the latest in wireless technology in Bangladesh, toensure that all citizens, all communities have access to theInternet and also to work with the government to show thevalue of e-governance to citizens." Barett said.

Intel and Grameen Solutions will work side by side inorder develop and maintain WiMAX infrastructure andprovide cheap service to the people. If the technology ismade available in the rural areas it will nourish theInternet-related businesses, which in turn will create a hi-tech trend, generating more revenue.

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[Intel Chairman Craig Barett speaks at the event, top, while his wifeBarbara Barett speaks to 'Mobile Ladies', below]

Bangladesh Consulate in Los Angeles in consultation withBangladesh Embassy in Embassy in Washington DCworked hard to make this visit a success.

MATERNAL MORTALITY FALLS LARGELY DUETO SAFER ABORTION AND BETTEREMERGENCY CARE

angladesh has seen an enormous fall in maternalmortality over the last three decades, due in large partto better access to safe abortion services, as well as

emergency obstetric care, according to a report publishedin The Lancet, special issue Women Deliver. The report ishopeful that the Millennium Development Goal Five,which aims to reduce maternal mortality by 75% will beachieved in Bangladesh.

According to their findings, mortality dropped by 68% inthe ICDDR, B region - there was a drop of 54% in thegovernment region during the 1976-2005 periods. It wasnot until 1989 that maternal mortality started to fallsignificantly (5% annually). The introduction of theskilled-attendance strategy for births in 1990 coincidedwith the beginning of a faster decline in the ICDDR, Barea.

They conclude that the achievement of MDG-5 is not anunattainable dream for Bangladesh. The Lancet.

GRAMEEN SHAKTI RECEIVES THE RIGHTLIVELIHOOD AWARD 2007

A woman engineer demonstrating a Solar Home System

"... for bringing sustainable light and power tothousands of Bangladeshi villages, promoting health,education and productivity".

rameen Shakti, has installed more than 110,000 solarhome systems in rural Bangladesh. It has shown that

solar energy applications can be scaled up massively andrapidly to provide an affordable and climate-friendlyenergy option for the rural.

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BANGLADESHI DEVELOPS HUMANOID FROMSCRAP

Robo capable of performing simple tasks, understandsverbal commands

A Bangladeshi graduate student isdeveloping a robot capable ofpicking up objects, mopping floorsand performing other simple tasks -- at the fraction of the cost of otherhumanoids.

Feroz Ahmed Siddiky of theInternational Islamic University inChittagong says his “IRobo”responds to voice commands. hasspatial intelligence and is cheapbecause it's made from scrapmaterials he's collected fromelectronic shops and car mechanics.

"It can also be used for some risky jobs like in coal mines,where workers commonly suffer many accidents." Siddikyhas been working on the robot for two years and says he hasgot another year's worth of engineering to do before itscompleted. He said he is discussing commercial productionof the robot with an Australian software firm. "I hope peoplewill be able to buy it for less than $1,000," he added.

YOUNG RESEARCHER DEVELOPS ARSENICFILTER

ulaly Chowdhury, a young researcher, has recentlydeveloped a filter, called ‘Earth Filter’, for ensuringarsenic-free water with the support of Earth-Foundation,

a Dhaka based NGO.

‘The filter has been developed by using the local technologyof Bangladesh. A 15-litre reserve tank is on the top, anarsenic purification cartridge is in the middle and a tank tohold arsenic-free water is below the filter’ said Dulaly.

The water purification rate of the Earth Filter is faster thanany other arsenic filters available in Bangladesh, according tothe inventor. Arsenic, iron, temperature, pH and conductivityof the tube-well water of a few districts have been tested inthe laboratory. The filtered water is crystal clear and freefrom bacteria. The concentration of arsenic, iron,temperature, pH and conductivity of filtered water met theWHO’s and Bangladesh’s standard. The New Age BD

BANGLADESHI PROJECT GETS AGA KHANAWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE

is Highness the Aga Khan announced nine recipients ofthe 2007 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. This yearmarks the 30th anniversary of the Award, which was

founded in 1977, Says an Aga Khan Development Council.

One of the winners, the primary school project in Rudrapur,a village in North West Bangladesh was hand-built in fourmonths by architects, local craftsmen, pupils, parents andteachers, using traditional methods and materials ofconstruction but adapting them in new ways with aninnovative twist. The project successfully exemplified use oflocal resources and appropriate technology in an innovativeways. The New Nation

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P H O T O G A L L E R Y

Mr. Robert B. Zoellick, World Bank Presidentcalls on Hon’ble Chief Adviser. Dr. IftekharChowdhury,Hon’ble Foreign Adviser and Mr.Zakir Ahmed Khan, Alternate ExecutiveDirector, World Bank, were present.

Hon’ble Chief Adviser addressing WorldLeaders Forum in Columbia University

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Bin HajiAhmad Badawi calls on Chief Adviser Dr.Fakhruddin Ahmed. Dr. Iftekhar AhmedChowdhury, Hon’ble Adviser for Foreign

Affairs was present during the meeting.

Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmedaddresses and replies questions from audiencesat Asia Society.

Civic Reception in honor of Dr. FakhruddinAhmed, Hon’ble Chief Adviser sponsored byBangladeshi Communities in New York. Dr.Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Hon’ble Adviserfor Foreign Affairs and Ambassador M.Humayun Kabir attended.

U.S. branch of Bangladesh Hindu BouddhaChristian Oikya Parishad called on the ChiefAdviser at his hotel suite. Dr. Iftekhar AhmedChowdhury, Hon’ble Adviser for ForeignAffairs was present during the callon.

H.E. M. Humayun Kabir, Ambassador ofBangladesh to the United States inauguratedthe 21st FOBANA held in Wichita, Kansas.

Ambassador discussing with communityleaders on Sidr relief efforts.

[Participants of NRB Conference inDhaka- below]

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Hon’bleForeign Adviser( second from left), Mr. TouhidHossain, Foreign Secretary (third from left)were among the speakers at NRB Conference]

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[Observance of Victory Day in theEmbassy – below]

[Eid- ul- fitr reunion in the Embassy– below ]

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