Bangladesh
Bus fare raises by 60% for maintaining social distance
The number of Coronavirus infections and deaths in Bangladesh has been rising at an alarming pace in recent weeks. The Bangladesh government released a notification on March 29 (Monday) with 18-point directives to curb the covid-19 infection.
The guidelines stipulate that all forms of public events, including social, political, and religious gatherings, be restricted, as well as public gatherings in highly infected areas are also being prohibited. Furthermore, according to the notification guidelines, public transports are only permitted to carry 50% of its total capacity. To make things work, bus fare has raised by 60% for maintaining social distance.
The main reason for the government's decision to raise bus fare
To ensure social distancing, the government has ordered that passenger movement on public transportation be limited.
On the other hand, inter-district bus services have been instructed to be stopped if necessary. Coronavirus infection can be prevented by limiting people's movement in public places. This would lower the rate of infection and the number of people who die as a result of it across the country.
The government's decision to raise bus fare is primarily motivated by this. Meanwhile, the bus owners' association requested a 60% rise in per-person fare, citing the directive's obligation to transport half of the capacity. In response to their requests, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges accepted a proposal to raise bus fare by 60%, which will remain in effect from March 31 for two weeks (Wednesday).
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However, Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader advised the transport owners to take the required measures to ensure that passengers adhere to the hygiene laws, such as wearing masks and using hand sanitizers.
Public opinions in regards to the increase of bus fare
Due to the low cost of travel, the city's local bus services are the primary mode of transportation for daily workers to reach their workplace in the capital. But the sudden rise in bus fare has exacerbated the plight of low-income people.
Furthermore, people are unable to arrive at their destination on time due to a shortage of transportation. Despite this, the public has backed the government's decision to fight the pandemic. “This is a good move. Since saving lives costs a lot of money given the current condition of the coronavirus, we should accept the government's decision,” A student said while traveling the BRTC bus in Gulistan on Wednesday. “This is a good initiative. If we only consider money, this decision would bring us difficulties.
However, it is important that everyone follow the hygiene rules at this moment,” A jobholder reflected on the government's decision. Meanwhile, when speaking with long-distance travelers, there was a mixed reaction. Some bus companies are collecting nearly double the fare by taking advantage of the government's notice. However, reputable bus services have raised fares by 60% in compliance with government instructions and have also installed hand sanitizers in accordance with hygiene guidelines.
Law enforcement authorities must constantly monitor bus service providers' activities in order to fully execute the government's decision. Apart from that, everybody, including the general public and transport companies, needs to be more sincere.
The potential effects of the coronavirus in Bangladesh in the summer
Although the coronavirus outbreak in Bangladesh has recently risen, experts predict that the number of covid-19 patients will not increase massively in the coming summer. Because people have begun to develop antibodies.
According to a report, approximately 74 percent of slum dwellers had antibodies. Furthermore, if vaccine activities continue, the effect of the coronavirus outbreak in Bangladesh will gradually decline. Besides that, if passenger movement in public transportation can be controlled for a period of time, the coronavirus infection could be controlled more effectively. Once the national vaccination campaign is finished, the situation is expected to improve even further.
Despite the fear of a covid-19 pandemic, if the expert's predictions come true, the general public will at least feel some relief in public transportation this summer.
Bottom Line
The government has taken some important decisions as a precautionary measure for two weeks as the covid-19 situation in Bangladesh has unexpectedly worsened.
Coronavirus infections can be controlled by maintaining social distance and adhering to health laws, according to experts. In this case, low-income people have suffered financially. However, the majority of the population has welcomed the government's decision to raise the bus fare by 60% for maintaining social distance because it is in the country's best interests.
Read Covid surge in Bangladesh: Experts for tightening the grip with nighttime curfew
Tigers all-out in 9.3 overs to suffer another clean sweep
While chasing a huge total of 141 runs in 10 overs in the third T20I against New Zealand, Bangladesh got all-out for 76 in 9.3 overs on Thursday at Auckland.
This is the first time for Bangladesh to lose all 10 wickets in less than 10 overs in any format of international cricket. And with losing this game by 65 runs, Bangladesh losing-streak against New Zealand in New Zealand reached 32 international games— the longest losing streak in International cricket against a team in their backyard.
Also read: New Zealand hit 141 in 3rd T20I vs Bangladesh
Soumya Sarkar started well hitting two fours off the first three balls he faced but got out of the fourth delivery of the first over bowled by the New Zealand captain Tim Southee. Off the last ball of the first over, Liton Das, captain of Bangladesh in this game as the regular captain Mahmudullah Riyad was ruled out due to an injury, tried to scoop off the first ball but Southee shattered his stumps.
Bangladesh were never in a position in this game to offer some challenge to the hosts who won the T20I series 3-0. They had also won the sealed ODI series by the same margin.
Mohammad Naim smashed some watchful sixes and one four, but that was not enough to run for the win in the game which was reduced to 10-over a side due to rain before the match.
Naim was the highest runs getter in this game for the visitors with 19 off 13 balls with two sixes and one four while Mosaddek Hossain scored 13 and Soumya posted 10.
For the hosts, leg-spinner Todd Astle bagged four wickets conceding 13 runs in two overs while Tim Southee took three wickets giving only 15 runs away in three overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first under the overcast condition.
In the three-over powerplay, New Zealand smashed 43 for none. Nasum Ahmed started bowling conceding nine runs in the first over. In the second over, Taskin Ahmed conceded 14 runs, and Nasum came in the third over and gave away 23 runs with three fours and one six.
Also read: Liton to lead Tigers in 3rd T20I vs Kiwis
New Zealand continued to smash boundaries as Finn Allen completed his first T20I fifty off 18 balls with eight fours and two sixes.
Finn got dismissed by Taskin in the last over as the substitute fielder Mehdiy Hasan Miraz took a tough catch at the boundary in the third man area. Finn ended up on 71 off 29 balls with 10 fours and three sixes.
Bangladesh got the first wicket when Martin Guptil skied off Mahedi Hasan to the deep area and Afif Hossain took an easy catch. Guptil ended up on 44 off 19 balls with five sixes and one four.
Eventually, New Zealand ended up 141 for four with Finn hitting the highest score of 71.
For Bangladesh, Mahedi, Taskin and Shoriful bagged one wicket each while the other wicket fell prey to runout.
Also read: Bangladesh want to end New Zealand tour with consolation win
Before coming into the T20Is series, the Tigers have lost the three-match ODI series 3-0. Bangladesh played a total of 31 international matches in New Zealand but failed to come up victorious in any of them.
Bangladesh made three changes in this game as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain and Rubel Hossain came in to replace Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Mithun and Mohammad Saifuddin.
Bangladesh bans entry of passengers from Europe & 12 countries for two weeks
In an effort to contain Covid-19 in the country, the civil aviation regulator on Thursday banned the entry of passengers from all European nations, except the UK, and 12 other countries, to Bangladesh from April 3.
The twelve countries are Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Peru, Qatar, South Africa, Turkey and Uruguay, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said in a release.
The CAAB has issued the circular after reviewing the ongoing Covid-19 situation throughout the country and worldwide. The entry ban will be in force from April 3 to April 18.
Airlines operating scheduled passenger flights from all the above-mentioned countries will be allowed to carry only transit passengers to Bangladesh, subject to the conditions that they remain confined inside the terminal building only.
Irrespective of the Covid-19 vaccination, all passengers coming to Bangladesh shall mandatorily possess and show ‘PCR-based Covid-19 negative certificate’ during departure from origin and on arrival at an airport in this country.
Also read: 14-day institutional quarantine mandatory for travellers from European countries: CAAB
The PCR test shall be done within 72 hours of the flight departure time. If no Covid-19 symptoms are found on arrival, passengers shall strictly have to complete a 14-day home quarantine, the regulator said.
However, if any Covid-19 symptoms are detected, passengers shall have to undergo mandatory 14 days isolation at government facilities at their own expenses.
Passengers coming from other countries, that's except those mentioned earlier, and exiting from the transit at the airport, shall have to obtain a fresh Covid-19 negative certificate as the existing one would be deemed null and void.
Also read: Now restrictions lifted on domestic flights: CAAB
In addition, on arrival in Bangladesh, all such passengers shall have to complete mandatory four days institutional quarantine at government facilities or government-approved hotels at their own expenses.
Also read: Migrant workers’ protests: CAAB permits operation of more Saudi Airlines flights
Samples will be collected for the Covid-19 PCR test and the passenger will be released to complete the 14 days' home quarantine (including the institutional quarantine) if the result is negative.
Bangladesh opt to bowl as 3rd T20 reduces to 10-over a side
Bangladesh won the toss opted to bowl first in the third T20I against Bangladesh in Auckland on Thursday.
The match was scheduled to start at 12pm (Bangladesh time), but due to heavy rain, the match is delayed by more than two hours.
The match is reduced to 10-over a side, and the first three overs will be considered the powerplay.
Liton Das, the right-handed top-order batsman, is leading the Tigers in this game as the regular captain Mahmudullah Riyad sustained a blow in the second game and ruled out of this game.
Also read: Liton to lead Tigers in 3rd T20I vs Kiwis
Bangladesh have already lost the series losing the first two games against the hosts. In the first game, Bangladesh lost by 66 runs, and in the rain-hit second game, the Tigers endured the defeat by 28 runs in the DL method.
Before coming into the T20Is series, the Tigers have lost the three-match ODI series 3-0. Bangladesh played a total of 31 international matches in New Zealand but failed to come up victorious in any of them.
Bangladesh made three changes in this game as Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain and Rubel Hossain came in to replace Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Mithun and Mohammad Saifuddin.
Also read: Soumya hit fifty but Tigers lose T20Is series against Kiwis
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das(w/c), Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nasum Ahmed
Also read: Tigers start T20 series vs New Zealand with big defeat
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Devon Conway(w), Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee(c), Adam Milne, Todd Astle, Lockie Ferguson
How Bangladesh can boost apparel exports
Bangladesh has so far failed to cash in on the huge market potential for ready-made garments in both developed and emerging economies, if government figures are to be believed.
Last year's Covid-induced lockdown that saw many garment manufacturing units shutting shop further shattered the hopes of the sector. And now the threat of a second outbreak looms large over the industry.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh’s readymade garment exports stood at Tk 21033.01 million till February this fiscal, 3.73 percent lower than the corresponding period in the previous financial year. Last fiscal's export figure was Tk 21,847.53 million.
However, experts attribute this setback to the sector overall not being competitive enough, and say that if issues like the lack of technological advancement and skilled manpower can be addressed, the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh may witness a rapid revival.
Expanding the product portfolio as per consumer preference is also needed for the sector's turnaround, they say. All these issues if addressed can increase Bangladesh's market share in readymade garment exports up to 10 percent from the existing 6.8 percent by 2025.
Bangladesh’s five basic items are shirts, trousers, jackets, T-shirts and sweaters -- together they make up more than 70 percent of the total readymade garment exports. But these products go to only five countries -- Germany, the US, the UK, France and Spain.
So, market extension is very significant for Bangladesh, say experts, suggesting that like China, Bangladesh also has to go in non-cotton production to increase its market share as there is a huge potential for these items across the world.
Also read: Coronavirus: RMG sector to get loan on 2pc interest
According to the World Trade Statistical Review (WTSR)- 2020, Bangladesh’s global market share in apparel exports stood at 6.8 percent in 2019, which was 6.4 percent in 2018.
“The total market size of the global apparel industry was $411 billion in 2019. Vietnam was the closest competitor of Bangladesh at 6.20 percent share. Besides, India’s market share was 3.5 percent in 2019 while Turkey’s stood at 3.2 percent."
WTSR-2019 data also showed that of the global apparel export market of $421 billion, Bangladesh grasped $32 billion in 2018, which was $29 in 2017. In 2019, China was the top global garment exporter with a 30.8 percent share, followed by the EU and Bangladesh.
Research Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Khondaker Golam Moazzem told UNB that Bangladesh should produce more diversified products to increase its apparel industry market share across the globe.
“Actually, we export only several basic cotton items. But there is a huge market for non-cotton products across the world. So, Bangladesh has to go in non-cotton products to increase its global market share,” he said.
The economist also called upon the government to provide more "technological" funds to help entrepreneurs improve production of garments to suit the needs of the world.
“We should bring in foreign investors (those who are capable of producing non-cotton products) in our economic zones. The market share won’t increase without value added products. So our capacity needs to be increased alongside infrastructure development."
Underscoring the need for new market extension, the Managing Director of the Giant Group Faruque Hassan said, “If we are elected to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), we will address the issues plaguing the industry."
Also read: Coronavirus: Experts call for paying attention to apparel sector
"If properly addressed, Bangladesh can increase its market share in readymade garment exports to 10 percent in four years," said the panel leader of Sammilita Parishad.
According to Faruque, Bangladesh's export earnings from the clothing sector decreased to $27 billion in the 2019-20 financial year from $34 billion in the previous fiscal. "We will prioritise diversification and innovation production by adopting the latest technology."
“If our panel gets a chance, we will also work closely with the Bangladesh government and the European Union to retain duty-free market access in the region upto 2031. It’s possible through apparel diplomacy,” he added.
The panel leader also said that they would form a special task force for an effective negotiation with the global trade partners and buyers to help the sector overcome the existing challenges.
“The dominance of cotton products in the fashion industry declined sharply in the last three decades. Besides, nearly 70 percent of the market is captured by man-made fibre. We have only 25 percent of products made of cotton. So, there is a huge opportunity," he said.
"However, we will appoint lobbyists in the US to get duty-free market access for Bangladeshi apparel products if elected. We will also reform customs policy and automate import and export data activities."
Meanwhile, the incumbent BGMEA President Dr Rubana Hug said she would also help strengthen the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
“If our panel is elected again, we will finish our unfinished work. We have been able to change many things in the sector in the last two years. We will now use our experience to overcome the challenges of the sector," she added.
As Shadhinata Parishad joined with Sammilita Parishad, two panels are contesting this year's BGMEA election. Chairman of Hannan Group ABM Shamsuddin is leading the Forum panel.
Bangladesh opt to bowl first in 2nd T20 vs New Zealand
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second T20 of the three-match series against New Zealand on Tuesday at Napier.
The visitors have lost the first game by 66 runs. So this match is a chance for the Tigers to keep the series alive. The third and final match of this series will take place on April 1.
Also read: Bangladesh vs New Zealand ODI Series 2021: Bangladesh Team Report Card
Mushfiqur Rahim, the wicketkeeper-batsman of Bangladesh, who missed the first game of the series, is also unavailable in the second game for a shoulder injury.
Bangladesh made a change to the playing XI replacing Mustafizur Rahman with Taskin Ahmed who bowled well in the ODI series.
There is the possibility of rain during this game, and that is why the Bangladesh captain opted to bowl first under the overcast condition.
Also read: New Zealand post 210 in 1st T20I vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Mohammad Naim, Liton Das(w), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah(c), Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Devon Conway(w), Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee(c), Ish Sodhi, Hamish Bennett, Adam Milne
Rohingya Repatriation: Dhaka seeks Delhi’s strong role in UNSC
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested India, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, to play a “strong role” in the early repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have reiterated the importance of safe, speedy and sustainable return of Rohingyas to their homeland for the greater security of the region.
India which shares border with Bangladesh and Myanmar assured its continued support in this regard, according to joint statement issued on Prime Minister Modi’s two-day state visit that ended on Saturday.
Also read: US urged to lead in finding durable solution to Rohingya crisis
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed appreciation at the generosity of Bangladesh in sheltering and providing humanitarian assistance to the 1.1 million forcibly displaced persons from the Rakhine State of Myanmar.
Bangladesh and Myanmar signed the repatriation deal on November 23, 2017. On January 16, 2018, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a document on ‘Physical Arrangement’, which was supposed to facilitate the return of Rohingyas to their homeland.
Bangladesh says the Rohingyas do not trust their government, and Bangladesh gave a number of proposals to build trust among them.
Also read: Dhaka seeks global community's constructive role in early Rohingya repatriation
Bangladesh is trying in multiple ways -- bilaterally, multilaterally, tri-laterally and through the judicial system -- to find a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Bangladesh proposed deployment of nonmilitary civilian observers from Myanmar’s friendly countries -- Japan, China, Russia, India and Asean countries.
Worrying Covid upsurge in Bangladesh: 3,908 new cases, 35 deaths
A growing number of coronavirus cases and an alarming uptrend in the daily infection rate are posing big challenges to Bangladesh in its fight against the deadly virus.
A 2.75 percent rise in the infection rate was recorded on Sunday (17.65 percent) compared to 14.9 percent a day earlier.
The country’s health authorities reported 3,908 new cases and 35 Covid-related deaths during a 24-hour period until Sunday morning.
Now, the local fatality tally stands at 8,904, according to a handout of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The country reported its first coronavirus-related death on March 18 last year.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records 3-month high 39 deaths; 3,674 fresh cases
Bangladesh, which announced its first cases on March 8 last year, has so far reported 595,714 infections.
However, the mortality rate was recorded at 1.4 percent on Sunday which was 1.5 percent on Saturday.
So far, 535,941 patients (89.97 percent) have recovered, including 2,019 in the last 24 hours, according to DGHS.
So far, 4,588,830 samples, including 22,136 in the past 24 hours, have been tested.
Also read: Global Covid-19 cases top 126.6 million
Coronavirus cases were first reported in China in December 2019. Until Sunday, countries around the world confirmed 126.6 million cases with 2.77 million fatalities, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
Fight against Covid
Along with a countrywide vaccination drive, the government has taken a tougher stance to tackle the transmission of Covid-19.
The Health Ministry sent letters to districts, directing the officials concerned to impose fines on people flouting Covid protocols.
Meanwhile, the closure of schools and colleges were extended until May 23 as the situation showed no sign of improvement.
Also read: 36 countries yet to get Covid jabs: WHO
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said she wants quick steps to fight the fresh surge of Covid-19 cases. “We’ll have to take prompt steps as we did in the past,” she said at a virtual discussion.
She said health guidelines and safe physical distance will have to be maintained at every programme and the use of face masks must be ensured.
New Zealand post 210 in 1st T20I vs Bangladesh
Despite losing the first wicket off the first ball of the match, New Zealand posted a challenging total of 213 for three in the first T20I of the three-match series against Bangladesh on Sunday at Hamilton.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. Mahmudullah Riyad, the Bangladesh captain, asked Nasum Ahmed, who got inducted to international cricket with this game, to bowl the first over. Nasum got his maiden wicket straightway removing New Zealand debutant Finn Allen for a golden duck.
Also read: Key T20I Records between Bangladesh and New Zealand
In the second wicket stand, New Zealand added 57 runs with the help of Martin Guptill and Devon Conway, who is on good form for a while now.
Inside the powerplay, New Zealand lost only a wicket. But in the very next over, Mahedi Hasan removed Guptil for 35. In the third wicket stand, Conway and Martin Guptill added 105 runs off 60 balls. They were destructive against the Bangladeshi bowling attack.
Glenn Phillips hit 24 off 10 balls coming into the crease at number five. With his blazing batting display, New Zealand passed the 200-run mark.
For Bangladesh, Nasum bagged two wickets while Mahedi took one. Shoriful Islam, the other debutant of Bangladesh, had a bad day at the office as he conceded as many as 50 runs in his four overs.
Also read: Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20 Series 2021: Who can replace Tamim in the opening slot?
Bangladesh are yet to win any international game against New Zealand in New Zealand. After losing the ODI series 3-0, the Tigers are eager to pull off a win in the T20Is series.
Dhaka, Delhi to accelerate momentum; eye next 50 years of diversified ties
Bangladesh and India have agreed to accelerate the momentum that exists between the countries with an eye on the next 50 years of cooperation in diversified areas.
Emphasis was also put on enhanced connectivity, not just between Bangladesh and India but beyond the two countries to ensure broader economic benefits.
“We not only need to continue the momentum, we need to accelerate the momentum,” Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said sharing the outcome of talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday evening.
Modi had a “productive meeting” with Hasina and reviewed the full range of Bangladesh-India relations and discussed ways to deepen economic and cultural linkages in the times to come.
He said Prime Minister Hasina raised the Teesta issue while the Indian Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to that end, sharing India’s sincere and continued efforts to conclude the agreement.
Also read: Hasina seeks fair share of Teesta water
The Indian Foreign Secretary said cooperation in the areas of common rivers water is an important issue.