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Home , Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Joy Bangla, Mainamati, Mohammad Kibria, President of Bangladesh, Pundranagar

BANGLADESH INDEPENDENCE DAY SUPPLEMENT

DISCOVER NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT IN

REASONS TO VISIT BEAUTIFUL BANGLADESH

CELEBRATING 45 years of Danish diplomatic relations EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 A MESSAGE FROM THE

areas of readymade garments, pharmaceuti- cals, ceramic and ship-building industry. The country’s financial sector along with Bank and Insurances has been expanded. Bangladesh is now being branded as a role model of devel- opment in the outside world. Our achievement in the international arena is also commend- able. Our expatriate , have also been making significant contributions to our national economy through sending their hard- earned remittances. Nevertheless, we have to go a long way for achieving the desired goals of independence. I believe that sincere and Father of the Nation concerted efforts from all strata irrespective Bangabandhu of party affiliation are imperative to reach the goals. On the occasion of our great Independence and National Day, I extend my heart- felt greetings and warm felicitations to my fellow countrymen living at home The people of our country have a great love and abroad. for democracy, development and peace. They do not support any sort of violence including militancy and terrorism. We should keep in mind that the thriving of democracy and its in- for their unmatched valour, immense contribu- stitutionalisation is very important for attain- tions and courageous role that accelerated the ing overall development. Therefore, we have achievement of our victory. I remember with to maintain patience, self-restraint, and for- deep respect our foreign friends who extended bearance in our national life along with show- their wholehearted support directly and indi- ing respect to others’ opinion in a democratic rectly in our war of liberation in 1971. The contri- pluralism. I hope that people from all strata butions of all would be written in golden letters would play their due role from their respective in the history of our independence forever. positions to attain the objectives of independ- ence and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of One of the prime objectives of our hard-earned our people. Father of the Nation Bangaband- independence was to build a happy and pros- hu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of trans- perous Bangladesh. Keeping that in mind, the forming Bangladesh into ‘Sonar Bangia’. The present Government has been rendering un- H.E. Md. present Government has set ‘Vision 2021’ and tiring efforts in materialising the objectives of ‘Vision 2041’ to materialise Bangabandhu’s The great Independence Day is a glorious one independence. The growth rate of GDP and per dream into reality. It is my expectation that in our national life. On this historic day, I re- capita income is increasing constantly and the people from all walks of life would contribute call with profound respect, Father of the Na- rate of poverty is decreasing. In the meantime, towards building an IT-based, happy and pros- tion Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we have achieved some significant progress perous Bangladesh through implementing the who proclaimed our country’s independence on in the fields of agriculture, education, health, Vision by the golden jubilee celebration of our March 26, 1971 after inspiring the whole nation rural infrastructure, communication, energy T and power, trade & commerce, ICT and SME independence. with and preparing sectors. It is notable that our country has at- them for independence. Under his charismatic tained food-sufficiency owing to the huge de- On this auspicious day of independence, I urge leadership, we achieved our much awaited in- velopment in agriculture. We have also been all, living at home and abroad, to work united- dependence through a nine-month long armed able to export food grains on a small scale. The ly imbued with the spirit of the War of Libera- struggle. Today, I pay my deep tributes to the pace of advancement in the sector of empow- tion and democratic norms to expedite further martyrs and valiant sons of the soil, who made erment of women, youth & sports is continu- progress and democratic advancement of the the supreme sacrifices in the war of liberation. I ing. The mega project of the is country. also recall with deep reverence our four Nation- underway by our own resources. At the same al Leaders, valiant freedom-fighters, organisers, time we have also attained remarkable de- Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever. supporters and people from all walks of life velopment in the private sector including the Md. Abdul Hamid

President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● Editor: David Nothling-Demmer ● Layout: Lyndsay Jensen Commercial Director: Hans Hermansen, [email protected], Tel: +45 2420 2411 ● Picture credit for images: iStock & Bangledesh Embassy. EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 ADVANCING BANGLADESH IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR GREAT LIBERATION: A MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

man, under whose undisputed leadership we ber 1971 after a nine-month bloody war. earned our beloved independence. I pay my deep homage to the three million martyrs and The independence earned through supreme 200 thousand women who lost their innocence sacrifices of millions of people is the greatest in the War of Liberation. I also pay my trib- achievement of the Bangladeshi nation. To en- utes to four national leaders who led the War sure that this achievement remains meaningful, of Liberation. My homage goes to the valiant we all have to know the history of our great freedom fighters, including the wounded ones. liberation war and retain the spirit of independ- I extend my sympathies to those who had lost ence. The history has to be passed on from gen- their near and dear ones, and were subjected to eration to generation. brutal torture during the war. I recall with grati- tude our foreign friends who had extended their Being imbued with the spirit of the freedom whole-hearted support and cooperation for the struggle, the government has cause of our liberation. been working relentlessly to develop the coun- try. During the last eight years, we have imple- mented expected development programmes H.E. The Bangladeshi nation had fought against Pa- in all sectors. As a result, Bangladesh has kistani rulers’ oppression and deprivation for as emerged as a ‘Role Model’ of socio-economic long as 23 years under the leadership of Bang- I convey my heartiest greetings and development. We will turn Bangladesh into a abandhu. They were compelled to hold gen- congratulations to my countrymen middle-income country by 2021 and a devel- eral elections in 1970. The Bangladesh Awami as well as all expatriate Bangla- oped one by 2041, Insha Allah. League, led by Bangabandhu won overwhelm- deshis on the occasion of the great ing majority in the elections. But the Pakistani We have executed the verdict of the killing case Independence and National Day of rulers, instead of handing over the power to the of Bangabandhu and most of his family mem- Bangladesh. majority party in a democratic way, launched bers. The verdicts of cases against those who repressive measures against them. Bangaband- committed crimes against humanity are also hu in his 7th March historic address at the then being executed. Our government is maintain- Racecourse Maidan declared, “The struggle of ing a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to tackle militancy this time is for freedom, the struggle for this and terrorism. We have stopped the takeover of time for our independence.” He instructed the power in an undemocratic way through the 15th Bangladeshi nation to resist their enemies. amendment of constitution. On this auspicious day, I urge our countrymen to foil any plot of The occupation forces unleashed a sudden at- the anti-liberation, communal forces and an- tack and started killing innocent and unarmed ti-development and anti-democracy forces to- th Bangladeshis on the black night of the 25 gether. March 1971. They killed thousands of people in cities and towns, including . The Father Being imbued with the spirit of our great libera- of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur tion war, let us take a fresh vow to advance our Rahman officially proclaimed the independ- country’s development and democracy. Let us ence of Bangladesh at the first hour of the 26th join our hands to build a non-communal, hun- March 1971. Bangabandhu’s proclamation was ger, poverty-free, happy and prosperous ‘Sonar The 26th of March is the day of earning self-iden- spread all over the country through telegrams, Bangia’ as dreamt by the Father of the nation. tity of our nation. It’s the day of breaking the tele-printers and EPR wireless. The internation- On this historic day, this is our commitment. shackles of subjugation. On the eve of our In- al media also had circulated Bangabandhu’s dependence Day, I recall with deep gratitude proclamation of independence. Under the brave , Joi Bangabandhu the greatest Bangladeshi of all time, Father of and dauntless leadership of Bangabandhu, we May Bangladesh Live Forever. President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● Editor: David Nothling-Demmer ● Layout: Lyndsay Jensen Tthe Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rah- earned the ultimate victory on the 16th Decem- Sheikh Hasina Commercial Director: Hans Hermansen, [email protected], Tel: +45 2420 2411 ● Picture credit for images: iStock & Bangledesh Embassy. 3 EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 RENEWING THE PLEDGE TO BUILD THE ‘SONAR BANGLA’ A MESSAGE FROM THE FOREIGN MINISTER

H.E. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali

On this day, 46 years back, the greatest Bangladeshi of all time, and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed independence of Bangladesh in the early hours of March 26, 1971. Peo- military support from the global community in agenda 2030. With Bangabandhu’s daughter ple from all walks of life responded favour of the Liberation War. Enormous contri- and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the helm to his clarion call, participated in butions from our foreign friends have been writ- of affairs, Bangladesh will be on course to meet ten in golden letters in the history of our Liber- the objectives and targets under the SDGs. the War of Liberation and achieved ation War; we are privileged to recognise their victory on 16 December, 1971 to give contribution and bestow honour as “Friends of I thank all the members of the Ministry of For- us an independent Bangladesh. On Bangladesh”. eign Affairs and our Missions abroad who have the occasion of the 46th anniversary been working with sincerity, dedication and of the Independence and National Bangabandhu’s daughter and Prime Minister commitment in achieving our foreign policy ob- Day, I convey my heartfelt greetings Sheikh Hasina have declared ‘Vision2021’ (to jectives and implementing development goals. I and warm wishes to my compatri- build a middle-income country by 2021) and also congratulate the in ots living at home and abroad. ‘Vision-2041’ (to build a developed country by every corner of the world which is immensely 2041) in line with the spirit of the Liberation contributing to the strengthening of the image I recall the supreme sacrifices made by the War and the dream of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh. three million martyrs. I also pay my deep re- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build spect to the two hundred thousand women a ‘Sonar Bangia’ (Golden ). We have I may add that the Bangladesh Parliament on who sacrificed their honour for our freedom. My since then attained the status of a lower middle the 11th of March 2017, unanimously adopted a sympathy goes to those families who lost their income country and are on track to become a Resolution declaring 25th March as the “Day Inear and dear ones during the Liberation War. middle income country well before 2021. of Genocide”. We should, therefore, renew our We also express our gratitude to the wounded pledge to work for the country from our respec- freedom fighters. Bangladesh was acclaimed as a ‘role model’ af- tive positions imbued with the spirit of Libera- ter successfully achieving many of the ‘Millenni- tion War to build the ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden I also pay my gratitude to people from all walks um Development Goals’ (MDGs). The 71st ) of Bangabandhu’s dream. of life and especially the members of the dip- Nations Assembly last year adopted lomatic front who, during and after our Liber- the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs). ! ation War, played a courageous role that laid Even before that we had already started work- Joy Bangabandhu! the ground for obtaining moral, financial and ing to align our national plan in line with the Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, M.P.

4 EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 A MESSAGE OF REFLECTION FROM THE STATE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

H. E. Md. Shahriar Alam

history of our Liberation War.

The Government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working tirelessly to materi- alise the dream of the Father of the Nation for a secular as well as hunger – and poverty-free Today is 26 March – our great Independence Day. This is the day of breaking prosperous Bangladesh. As a result, Bangla- of the shackles of 24 years of subjugation; a day of reaching the enlightened desh is marching forward with US$ 1466 per world from the abyss of darkness. On this very day in 1971 the Bangladeshi nation capita income, more than 7.1% growth rate started the War of Liberation against the misrule, exploitation and torture of the and US$ 32 billion of foreign currency reserve. Pakistani autocratic brutal ruler with the clarion call of our Father of the Nation, Today, Bangladesh is a role model to the out- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. side world. These changes in Bangladesh are towards prosperity and welfare. And, you, my expatriate brothers and sisters are a part of On this very day, I recall with deep reverence The occupation forces unleashed a sudden at- this onward movement. Today’s more than the great Hero and the greatest Bangladeshi tack and started killing innocent and unarmed US$ 14.91 Billion of remittance is the outcome of all time, the Father of the Nation Bangab- Bangladeshi on the black night of the 25th of your love for the motherland as well as andhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman whose vigorous March 1971. They killed thousands of people your families. This remittance is contributing leadership inspired the Bangladeshi nation in in cities and towns, including Dhaka. The pres- significantly to the development process of Othe War of Liberation. I pay my homage to our ent Parliament on 11 March 2017 unanimously Bangladesh. three million martyrs and two hundred thou- adopted a resolution to observe 25 March as sand mothers and sisters whose supreme sac- “Day of Genocide” marking the brutality car- To keep up with this pace of development we rifice and dishonour ushered us an independent ried out by the Pakistani Army on the black all will be working unitedly under “Vision 2021” and sovereign Bangladesh coloured in red and night of March 25, 1971. declared by Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh green. I remember all the martyrs of all the Hasina to transform Bangladesh into a middle movements and struggles; including from the 26 March is a day to remember the great lead- income country by 2021 and follow the path of anti-colonial movement to the historical lan- er Bangabandhu Sheikh Muj ibur Rahman, war development to take Bangladesh to the level guage movement and mass upsurge of 1969 – heroes and their contributions as well as to of a developed country by 2041. We pledge whose blood coloured our homeland and their take oath to realise the spirit of our Liberation this on this day of independence. memory is shining in our national flag. The War which motivated the Bangladeshi Nation achievement of our independence has made in its supreme sacrifices. This is also an occa- Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu. these sacrifices glorious and meaningful. sion to introduce a new generation to the true Md. Shahriar Alam, M.P. 5 EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 CELEBRATING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH DENMARK: LOOKING AHEAD TO A GREENER FUTURE

On the eve of the 46th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh, I recall with profound respect the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who proclaimed independence of Bangladesh in the early hours of 26th March 1971. I also pay deep homage to the three million martyrs and two hundred thousand women who sacrificed their honour during the nine-month long liberation war that resulted in laying the foundation of a secular, progressive and democratic Bangladesh.

Once labelled as a ‘bottomless basket’ by some soon after 1971, Bangladesh’s development trajectory now, by many metrics, is a unique success story. Although the improvement in Bangladesh’s growth rate since 1990 is impressive, which averaged more than 6% continuously for the last 12 years de- spite global economic volatility, it does not fully explain the country’s extraordinary results with regard to social development. Women empowerment which has a major emphasis in the development programmes and is considered key to addressing poverty, has been one of the most significant gains Oachieved in Bangladesh. The opening of the resident Bangladesh Embassy in Copenhagen in 2015 bears testimony to a burgeoning partnership between Bangladesh and Den- mark. Bilateral trade is now close to the billion-dollar mark which is, however, in our favour by a big margin. We are now looking forward to expanding our export basket to increase the share of non-traditional items like ocean-going ships, ceramics, leather goods, pharmaceuticals and IT products and services. At the same time, Bangladesh is ready to welcome increased investment from Denmark in sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and resource optimisation, green solutions to industrialisation, infrastructure, IT etc.

Keeping in sight the looming climate change debacle, the Government of Bangladesh is looking forward to a wider and deeper engagement with Danish private and public sectors to secure and promote green growth in Bangladesh. During the first ever bilateral visit by any Bangladesh Foreign Minister to Denmark, Foreign Minister A. H. Mahmood Ali, in a joint press statement issued in Copenhagen on 05 September 2016 said that, “In line with the global transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and taking into account the need for departure from “business as usual”, we need to revitalise our bilateral cooperation through development of a broad-based strategic partnership for 2030 agenda for sustainable development. In that pursuit, we want to learn from the Danish experiences and expertise in building public private partnerships, particularly in green growth by adopt-

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ing green and clean energy initiatives.” We are ladesh. The relationship with Denmark has fur- now looking forward to successfully hosting of ther been strengthened recently through the a Green Growth Conference in Dhaka in the last signing of two Danish initiatives - a three-year week of April 2017 and bringing all private and Strategic Sector Cooperation and a five-year public sector stakeholders from Denmark and Development Cooperation between the two Bangladesh on board to take the existing co- countries. The former focuses on occupation- operation on green issues to a whole new level. al safety and health standards in Bangladesh, particularly in the readymade garments sector In our Trade/Investment-Not-Aid/Assistance while the latter is designed to address Bangla- policy we have underpinned trade & investment desh’s development needs in line with the Sus- as the engine of growth and development. Both tainable Development Goals and its national 7th development and growth of the private sector Five-Year Plan (2016-2021) aimed to achieve remain a cornerstone of our development strat- middle-income status.

egy and we continue to liberalise our trade re- H.E. Muhammad A. Muhith gime and investment policies, through reduction While stationed in Copenhagen, I cannot but around eight million Bangladeshis are living of interest rates and cost of doing business. We talk about environmental issues which Den- and working outside the country and we relent- are committed to removing infrastructural bot- mark champions in. Climate change is an un- lessly strive for legal migration of our nationals tlenecks quickly, including modernising existing fortunate and inevitable reality for a country abroad. At the same time, we underline that, port facilities, building deep sea ports and en- like Bangladesh, a low-lying delta of the river in the globalised “flattening world” as econo- suring unfettered supply of power. Investment , which lies between the Himalayans in mies rapidly get connected in so many forms, has been made attractive with liberal fiscal the north and the to the south, it is time that people are allowed to move free- policies that include tax holiday, concession- making it prone to climate change. Bangladesh ly to secure mutual benefits for all economies. ary duty on import of machinery, remittance of is contributing the least to global warming (it Bangladesh has been leading the global migra- royalty, technical knowhow and technical assis- emits only around 0.3% of global greenhouse tion discussion from the front in recent years. tance fee, 100% foreign equity, unrestricted exit gases), but has been destined to become the On 8-9 December 2016, as the chair of the policy, full repatriation facilities of dividend and worst victim of climate change, experiencing Global Forum on Migration and Development capital on exit etc. In this regard, I invite Dan- climatic impacts like floods and flash floods, (GFMD), Bangladesh hosted the 9th Summit of ish businesses to take advantage of the newly cyclone and storm surges, salinity intrusion, ex- the Forum in Dhaka which turned out to be the established 100 special economic zones (SEZs) treme temperature and draught, among others. biggest multilateral meeting Bangladesh had across the country, where government is pro- Climate change is no longer solely an environ- ever hosted. With the participation of 1,000 viding real-time, one-stop services to promote mental issue in Bangladesh; it is threatening delegates from 130 countries including more faster economic growth. its hard-earned food security, and what can than 200 members of international civil socie- be more severe than this for a country which is ties and representatives from 30 UN and other Bangladesh is on its way to becoming an indus- only three times bigger than Denmark in area organisations, the Forum deliberated on all the trialised, digitalised, middle income country by but with a population of 160 million? Besides, relevant dimensions of migration - the promo- realising its ‘Vision 2021’ by the golden jubilee we are afraid that, one of the most dramatic tion of migration and development, addressing year of its independence, as envisaged by Prime impacts will be the forced displacement of peo- irregular migration, and responding to forced Minister Sheikh Hasina and a developed coun- ple throughout climate vulnerable countries like displacement and refugees. try by 2041. Bangladesh has already graduated Bangladesh as a result of losing their homes, to a Low Middle Income Country. As Bangla- lands, property and livelihoods to the effects Last but not the least, as a responsible mem- desh strives to achieve those goals, it is high of climate change. The Bangladesh Climate ber of the globalised world, we would like to inform the readers that we are concerned that time that Danish companies benefit from this Change Strategic Action Plan 2009 predicted terrorism, both in its magnitude and diversity, emergent prospect. And, Bangladesh is now that 6-8 million people in Bangladesh would be has become one of the gravest challenges to well-poised to offer a win-win scenario in terms permanently displaced by 2050. We are now human security. Bangladesh is now a brand of opportunities and benefits for such ventures. witnessing waves of refugees fleeing wars and name in keeping international peace and secu- unrest and in 2015 only, as reported in the me- rity through UN operations. Bangladesh con- However, the bilateral relations between Bang- dia, more than a million migrants and refugees demns terrorism in all its forms and manifesta- ladesh and Denmark is much more than trade, crossed into Europe. In this backdrop, we also tions. Our government has been following and commerce or investment. We recall with grati- should not lose sight of a situation down the will continue to follow a “zero tolerance” policy tude the valuable moral and diplomatic support road when climate refugees from the vulnera- towards terrorism and religious extremism. that the people of Denmark extended during ble corners of the world may take the centre Bangladesh’s War of Liberation in 1971. Den- stage of the global crises unless the interna- We look forward to building a solid partnership mark opened its mission in Dhaka in 1972 and tional community does something meaningful with Denmark for the mutual benefit of our two since then it has been played an instrumental before it is too late. countries in the years to come. role, as a trusted friend and development part- ner, with its growing, vibrant and dynamic Em- While in Europe, I should touch upon the issue Long live Bangladesh-Denmark friendship! bassy in Dhaka and pro-people programmes to of migration. Bangladesh is a staunch sup- Muhammad A. Muhith is the Bangladesh win the hearts and minds of the people in Bang- porter and promoter of safe migration. Today Ambassador to Denmark 7 EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 BANGLADESH: NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT

sustainable development goals, and others. into force, investors enjoy duty-free access to Bangladesh is consistently pursuing an open- , along with the European Union (EU), Ja- door investment policy and playing a catalytic pan and other developed countries. role to augment private investment, for which regulatory controls and constraints have been 4. Strong local market and growth: Bangladesh reduced to minimum level. The government has has proven itself as an attractive investment lo- steadily liberalised its trade regime. Significant cation, with its 160-million population and con- progress has been achieved in reducing non-tar- sistent economic growth for a decade, leading iff restrictions on trade, rationalising tariff rates to strong and growing domestic demand. and improving export incentives. 5. Proven export competitiveness: Bangladesh On the legal and administrative front the gov- enjoys tariff-free access to the EU, Canada and ernment has initiated measures to give greater Japan. In Europe, it enjoys 60 percent of the autonomy and independence to the judiciary retail market group share and is one of the top – a prerequisite as viewed by investors for the manufacturing exporters. Since its birth, Bengal has harbored restoration of confidence in the judicial system. the free spirit of entrepreneurs. 6. Competitive incentives: Bangladesh offers Muslin, spices and other premiums Relevant commercial laws, such as the Compa- the most liberal foreign direct-investment re- have its exclusive market all over ny Law, and securities laws have been updated gime in , allowing 100-percent for- the globe. Despite years of colonial and modernised. The Financial Reporting Act eign equity with unrestricted exit policy, remit- has been passed to ensure transparency of fi- tance of royalty and repatriation of equity and and oppressive rule, the economy nancial reporting. The Industrial Relations Act dividend. of Bangladesh is today positioning has been amended to enhance labour market itself as a destination for new busi- efficiency. 7. Export and economic zones: Bangladesh ness opportunity and investment. offers export-oriented industrial enclaves with This has been brought on by the Various pro-investor measures have been un- infrastructural and logistical support for foreign steady growth of the economy over dertaken to match the global pace. investors. A building economic zone is in the the past decade, registering a six process. The country is also developing its core percent growth, promising to reach A WINNING COMBINATION infrastructures, roads, highways, surface trans- seven percent in years to come. Bangladesh is a winning combination of a com- port and port facilities for a better business en- petitive market, business-friendly environment vironment. and competitive cost structure that can yield THE NEXT RISING STAR great returns. Consider these 10 reasons why 8. Positive environment: A largely homoge- Bangladesh is now trying to establish itself as investing in Bangladesh makes good business nous society with people living in harmony, ir- “the next rising star” in South Asia for foreign sense: respective of race and religion, Bangladesh is investment. The government has implemented a democratic country enjoying broad bipartisan a number of policy reforms designed to create a 1. Strong growth prospects: The economy political support for private investment. A legal more open and competitive climate for private of Bangladesh is currently at US$ 170 billion, and policy framework for business is conductive investment, both foreign and local. which, according to the International Monetary for foreign investment. Fund, will rise to US$ 322 billion, creating enor- Bangladesh has been quick on undertaking ma- mous economic opportunities. 9. Increasing trade integration: Labour cost jor restructure for establishing a market econo- advantage (less than half the average of other my, with a key role played by the private sector. 2. Large populace of educated and motivated Asian economies); Already the second-largest Its current development strategy is based on youth: 57 percent of the population are aged 25 garments exporter globally with other sectors the creation and distribution of wealth through years and below; high literacy rate (72 percent) coming up, such as: information-technology acceleration of growth, driven by competitive among the youth aged 15-24; inspired young, outsourcing, ceramics, light engineering, etc. market forces and government-facilitating who are hungry for work and growth; and two growth. million youth entering the job market each year. 10. Increasing urbanisation: Urbanisation rate is fast and will double over the next four decades; The government has speedily moved to trans- 3. Strategic location, regional connectivity and rapid industrialisation, infrastructure develop- late its vision of becoming a middle-income worldwide access: Bangladesh is strategically ment and demographic shifts. Dhaka will be the country by 2021 through policy plans, such located next to India, and to the Associa- world’s fifth-largest city with a population of 19 as “7th Five-year Plan,” “Perspective Plan,” the tion of Southeast Asian Nations market. As the million by 2019, according to United Nations national social-security strategy, appropriate South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) comes forecasts.

8 EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 BANGLADESH’S HIDDEN STORY: A BOOMING ECONOMY

A significant piece of news emerged from Bangladesh recently that re- ceived little notice outside the country. Last year for the first time, foreign direct investment from oth- er countries into Bangladesh sur- passed $2 billion, a 44 percent in- crease from the year before.

Written by Sajeeb Wazed

In other words, investors increasingly see Bang- ladesh as a smart place to put their money. And they aren’t alone.

fact, it’s a mistake to continue to think of Bang- gevity in Bangladesh is more than four years According to a March poll by the U.S.-based In- ladesh as t-shirt maker to the world. Bangla- longer than in neighboring India and . Iternational Republican Institute, 83 percent of desh garment manufacturers produce high-end Bangladeshis surveyed said the security situa- clothing that sells in Europe’s best boutiques. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of poor in tion in Bangladesh is very good or somewhat Bangladesh dropped 26 percent from 63 million good and 77 percent believe the country is po- The garment industry has fostered more than to 47 million. Today, the overall rate of poverty litically stable. In addition, 72 percent are op- pure economic gains. Demography has also in the country is 22 percent, down from 40 per- timistic that their personal economic situation been a winner. Garment factories have become cent a decade ago. will improve. the great gender leveler in society. Most em- ployees and managers are women, which has The World Bank reports that labor income has Top sectors for direct investment last year in led to their economic empowerment and rise in risen while birth rates have dropped, leading to Bangladesh included the ready-made garment stature in society. lower dependency ratios and higher per capita industry, of course. But investors also poured income. The World Bank recently ranked Bang- money into oil and gas, banking, telecommu- At the same time, the Bangladesh garment in- ladesh as a lower middle-income nation for the nication and power generation. One reason is, dustry is developing an international reputation first time. unlike many of its neighbors, Bangladesh has a for being smart and nimble. “Bangladesh offers liberal investment regime that allows 100 per- ease of doing business, importing-exporting is The economic surge started after the Awami cent foreign investment in many sectors and an faster. R&D on new styles is faster as you can League, the nation’s ruling party, won in a 2008 unrestricted exit policy. import fabrics in three days. In India, it would landslide. The impressive growth has been take 10 days,” Vijay Mathur, an official with the nurtured and sustained by smart government In recent years, Bangladesh’s economy has Indian Apparel Export Promotion Council, re- programs, savvy foreign investment and the en- grown at a consistent, blistering rate of more cently told the Business Standard. trepreneurial spirit of Bangladeshis, especially than 6 percent, making it one of the fastest its young people who are increasingly English growing economies in the world. Over the past As a result, Bangladesh garment exports are speaking and digitally savvy. nine months, that pace accelerated to 7 per- likely to hit $27 billion this year, up 10 percent cent. Today, the Bangladeshi economy stands from 2015. The bottom line is that Bangladesh is a legit- at about $180 billion. According to the World imate – if underreported – economic success Bank, that will rise to $322 billion by 2021, cre- The economic success story of Bangladesh has story, and one that is only in its beginning. ating many more scalable investment opportu- also improved the health of its citizens. nities. Twenty-five years ago the average Bangladeshi Sajeeb Wazed is the chief information could hope to live only to age 56. Today, that technology adviser to the government Growth is driven by the already-well-known figure is over 70, which is among the most nota- of Bangladesh and the son of Prime Min- ready-made garment industry. But it’s a more ble improvements in modern history, according ister Sheikh Hasina. Published in Diplo- dynamic industry than most people know. In to the Asia Foundation. In fact, expected lon- matic Courier in May 2016 9 EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE TOURISM OF BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is a country of diverse attractions, bountiful nature and friendly millions with more than a millennium of cultural heritage. The landscape of Bangladesh looks like a magical tapestry in green woven intricately, crisscrossed by a network of major rivers and their numerous tributaries and canals. In fact, Bangladesh is the largest riverine delta in the world. The extensive river systems are, thus, fundamental to the country’s economy and the people’s way of life. We take you on a whirl- wind journey through the interwoven cultural tapestry that is Bangladeshi heritage and tourism.

BIG AND BOLD CULTURE IN BANGLADESH History will tell you that Bangladesh has been the cradle of civilization and a centre of cultural diffusion since the dawn of history of mankind. It was the meeting ground of various peoples in different states of civilization, the most primitive as well as the most advanced. The cultural history of Bang- ladesh is one of the greatest and glorious heritages, for which every Bangladeshi is legitimately proud of. Each phase of the has its distinct characteristics and every race of people who came and settled, left its individual racial, religious and cultural impacts in the form of temples, , monasteries and mosques along with their associated objects.

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tional training programmes in Bangladesh to CULTURE AND HERITAGE SIGHTS ensure high quality levels of the performances. The other important segment of Cultural tour- Bangladesh, being a newly tourism-developed ism in Bangladesh is archaeological heritages. country, puts forth its best effort to find out the Cultural tourism based on archaeological herit- techniques for the management and marketing ages is being developed in a significant manner. of its tourism at historic and cultural sites, with Since Bangladesh inherits a rich cultural herit- particular reference to mass destinations. age of its colourful history of more than two and a half millennia it plays a vital role in the The traditional music in Bangladesh shares the development of cultural tourism in the country. perspectives of that of the Indian sub-continent. It has a good market share compared to other Music in Bangladesh can be divided into three segments of the tourism industry. Bangladesh distinct categories - classical, folk and modern. believes cultural tourism can include all prod- The classical music, both vocal and instrumen- ucts associated with public archaeological pro- tal is rooted in the remote-past of the sub-con- motion, including visits to archaeological sites, Basically an agricultural country, Bangladesh is tinent. Ustad Alauddin Khan and Ustad Ayet Ali museums, interpretation centres, re-enactments also steadily marching towards industrialisation Khan are two names in classical instrumental of historical occurrences, and the rediscovery of with investment from home and abroad. Bang- music who are internationally known. The story indigenous products, festivals, etc. ladesh is literally a multi-faced cultural collage. of folk song abounds in spiritual lyrics of La- Its deep-rooted heritage is amply reflected in lan Shah, Hasan Raja, Romesh Shill and many Though the total enumeration of archaeological its architecture, literature, dance, drama, mu- anonymous lyricists. Bangla music is enriched heritage sites in the country is not yet complete, sic and painting. Influenced by great religion with Jari, Shari, Bhatiali, Murshidi and oth- a survey of four divisions i.e., Rajshahi, Khulna, - Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity - er types of folk songs. Rabindra Sangeet and Barisal and Dhaka indicates that the number of Bangladesh has been a melting pot of diverse Nazrul Sangeet are Bangalees’ precious her- sites of various nature and dimensions may be races and confluence of civilizations. itage. Modern music is also practiced widely. more than two thousand. So far only 417 have Contemporary patterns have more inclinations been declared as protected archaeological sites Fairs and festivals, both religious and social to the west. Pop song and band groups are also for which Department of Archaeology is sup- always play a significant role in the life of the coming up, mainly in Dhaka City. posed to preserve and promote. Of them about people of Bangladesh. Bengali New Year’s Day, 30% are cultural mounds, which needs to be Independence Day, National Martyr’s Day, the exposed and the rest are either standing mon- Bangladesh has a rich tradition of Art. Speci- International Mother Language Day, Eid-ul-fitr, uments or exposed by archaeological excava- mens of ancient terracotta and pottery show Eid-ul Azha, Durga Puja, Christmas Day, Bud- tion and subsequently preserved. The latter two remarkable artistry. Modern painting was pi- dha Purnima are a few of such occasions to categories include city site, palace, port, bridge, oneered by artists like , Qamrul mention. Bangladesh is perhaps the only coun- road, monastery, temple, mosque, tomb, fort, Hasan, and S.M. Sultan. Zainul Abedin and S.M. try in the world which observes official holidays inns etc. Notable of them are Mahasthagarh Sultan who earned worldwide fame by their on important occassions of all religions. Beside and in district, stunning sketches of the Bengal Famine in 1943. these, various fairs and exhibitions are held in district, 60-domed mosque (a UNE- Other famous artists of Bangladesh are Abdur throughout the country round the year. SCO designated World Heriatge Site in Bager- Razzak, , Murtaza Baseer, hat district, Wari-Bateswar in Narsingdi District, Aminul Islam, Debdas Chakraborty, Kazi Abdul Visual arts and crafts are important attractions Panam City in Narayanganj, Tajhat Zamindar Baset, , and . for tourists and can be a source of income for Bari in Rangpur, Paharpur Monastery (also a residents of the tourism areas including people UNESCO designated World Heritage Site) in The earliest available specimen of Bengali liter- living in village and rural areas. For the authen- Naogaon district, Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur ature is about a thousand years old. During the ticity of local arts and crafts, these arts reflect District, Lalbag Fort in Dhaka, etc. All these mediaeval period, developed local designs, materials and craft skills. The monuments create a centre of attention to a considerably with the patronage of Muslim whole of Bangladesh is famous for arts and large number of visitors both from home and crafts. Bangladesh has developed some special rulers. Chandi Das, Daulat Kazi and Alaol are abroad. areas such as Dhamrai, Comilla, , some of the famous poets of the period. The era Rajshahi, which are famous for local arts and of modern Bengali Literature began in the late Overall, Bangladesh has plenty of opportunity crafts. Government has taken some institution- nineteenth century; Rabindranath Tagore, the for developing cultural tourism. Tourists can ob- al measures for developing and marketing dif- Nobel Laureate is a vital part of Bangalee cul- serve harmony and peace prevailing among the ferent sorts of visual arts and crafts. ture. , Michael Madhusudan people of different religions and cultural back- Datta, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhaya, Bankim grounds in this beautiful country. Traditional dance, music and drama perfor- Chandra Chattopadhaya, Mir Mosharraf Hos-

mances of Bangladesh are also of much in- sain and Kazi Ahdul Wadud are the pioneers of Source: Ziaul Haque Howlader – Deputy Manager of Bang- terest to many tourists. There are also institu- modern Bengali Literature. ladesh Parjatan Corporation (Govt. Tourism Organisation).

11 EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 DOING BUSINESS IN BANGLADESH: COMPETITIVE SECTORS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Bangladesh is recognised as having some of the most lib- eral investment policies and incentive regimes in South Asia. The country has been promoting Foreign Direct In- vestments (FDI) for decades and The Board of Investment (BOI), the country’s one- stop investment and facili- tation agency, offers a wide range of services to inves- tors from conceptualisation to product marketing ad- vice. The BOI has identified several competitive sectors for investors…

BLUE ECONOMY The concept of the Blue Economy is cur- rently resonating among several coun- tries across the world and Bangladesh is perhaps now one of the most vocal ones among them. The added enthusiasm has been prompted by two recent ver- dicts, handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) constituted under UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the International Tribunal for Law of the Sea (ITLOS) de- limitating maritime boundaries with In- dia and respectively. Through the verdicts, more than one third of the country’s earlier total territorial area has been added up to it allowing Bangla- desh to exclusively exercise its own sov- ereign right on 118,813 sq. km. of waters extending up to 12 nautical miles of ter- ritorial sea and a further Exclusive Eco- nomic Zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles into the sea. To keep up the momentum, Bangladesh hosted the first ever Inter- national Workshop on Blue Economy in September 2014 in Dhaka and proposed the Bay of Bengal (BoB) Partnership

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for a Blue Economy. At the core of the Blue Economy lies the idea of “optimisation of nat- ural marine resources within ecological limits”, and the “de-coupling of socioeconomic devel- opment from environmental degradation”. The new found vast area of sea has opened up a horizon in the areas of deep sea fishing, respon- sible harvesting of marine resources and maxi- mum usage of fish parts on an industrial scale.

In terms of offshore gas exploration, while Bangladesh has an impressive gas success ratio of 3:1 (3 exploration wells drillings, resulting in 1 discovery) observed in the onshore area, the The prospects for Bangladesh’s shipbuilding global clients are increasingly looking for diver- success ratio in the offshore is less impressive, industry are bright mainly due to a large pool sification of sourcing portfolio, Bangladesh now i.e. 9:1. Until 2014, 19 exploratory wells were of practically experienced workforce (available presents itself with the potential of becoming drilled in BoB, resulting in only two gas dis- welders, cutters and other technical hands may a leading outsourcing destination for software coveries, i.e. the Sangu and the Kutubdia, with be trained quickly with codes and standards), and IT enabled services. small reserves. Bangladesh is yet to assess the vast river front and quiet deep water up to sea, true potential of its offshore oil and gas pros- low cost of human input as a major strength The largest ICT event staged in Bangladesh, pects. Major international oil and gas compa- and a reasonably low cost of infrastructure. ‘Digital World 2016’ held in October 2016 in nies are now taking part in bids in exploring Shipbuilding yards in Bangladesh are now ex- Dhaka showcased how much Bangladesh can hydrocarbon resources in the Bay of Bengal. porting small and medium-sized ships for the gain through developing ICT and ICT-related The Bangladesh government has taken up a highly competitive European market. industries. By 2021, Bangladesh shall have over Tk. 1600 crore project to explore the marine re- two million people working in the ICT sector sources. Already, presence of uranium, thorium, With a dream to take the industry to the next and by this time, the foreign income in this sec- white clay, glass sand, metallic monazite, zir- level, to build bigger ocean-going vessels, Bang- tor is expected to exceed five billion dollars. By conium, stornium, rubidium, chromium yttrium, ladesh has been developing its infrastructures 2025, 34 million enterprises will be established nioblum and ruthium has been detected in the and investing in research and development. in the e-commerce sector by small and medium Bay of Bengal. With an aggressive marketing plan, the new entrepreneurs and e-commerce will not be only breed of entrepreneurs is expected to realise city-centric; rather it will grow up in the villages SHIPBUILDING this dream and firmly establish Bangladesh as of Bangladesh. Shipbuilding is as natural as a Bangladeshi in- a major ship-building nation to sercure its due dustry as jute production, tea-cultivation and place in the global industry. Bangladesh’s ICT sector has huge potential ready-made garments, among others; yet for a for foreign investment. According to BASIS, at variety of reasons it has started coming out of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY least 30 ICT companies have been established the shadow only recently. In the past decades, Software and IT service industry in Bangladesh through joint ventures with overseas firms or Bangladesh was recognised as a ship-breaking has crossed a long road over the last few dec- as offshore developments. The central bank nation but a favourable domestic setting and ades. It has matured and joined the mainstream of Bangladesh - is seeking to global market competitiveness have contribut- industries. This industry is contributing signifi- double government-related ICT projects under ed to what has now been witnessed as a renais- cantly in the national income and also played a the Equity and Entrepreneurship Fund (EEF). sance in making, creating, in turn, a sector ca- crucial role in creating high quality employment The EEF fund is managed through the Invest- pable of earning the second-highest volume of for a sizable portion of young graduates. Con- ment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), and of- foreign-exchange after ready-made garments. siderable achievements in the IT sector have fers to fund 49 percent of project costs through There are more than small 200 shipyards in already been made over several years towards equity positions. the country and the industry presently has em- building a ‘Digital Bangladesh’ and more ini- ployed more than 100,000 skilled and 150,000 tiatives are coming. To fully capitalise on the Approximately 250,000 professionals, majority semi-skilled workers. About two million people opportunities offered by the worldwide IT ex- IT and other graduates, are employed in the in- are directly or indirectly linked to it. pansion, Bangladesh pushes heavily towards dustry. Over 70% of the companies are found further developing the IT sector to draw the to be involved in development and maintenance attention of foreign investors competing with of software for their clients. Currently, software other technologically advanced/well-invested and IT service companies in Bangladesh are Asian countries. The demographic advantage, exporting software and related services to 60 the stability and the social developments have countries including USA, Canada, UK, Sweden, set the platform for Bangladesh to emerge as Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Japan etc. one of the next large players in the global ser- Software applications and IT-related services vice outsourcing market. As outsourcing costs in are also available in the custom business ap- traditional service provider countries like China, plications, contract programming services, web India and Philippines are rising dramatically and content development, e-governance software

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tools, data conversion and transcription servic- es, call centres and BPO (business process out- sourcing) services, etc.

PHARMACEUTICAL The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most dynamic and powerful sectors in Bangladesh. It is technologically one of the most developed manufacturing industries and currently contrib- utes about one percent to total GDP with great potential for expansion. Total domestic health- care expenditures are currently approximately three percent of GDP, offering substantial op- portunity for domestic pharmaceutical sales in addition to exports. Increased education levels, enhanced awareness of healthcare, growing per capita incomes, the emergence of private healthcare services and the government’s ex- 74 plants are licensed by the government and in the world, is now well posed to fully benefit panding public expenditures in this sector con- 71 are approved by the EU. This export-orient- from the naturally gifted fibre in meeting the in- tinue to stimulate a rise in demand. ed industry includes the following sub-sectors, creased global demands in the wake of raising which need proper attention for augmentation environmental awareness. Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector remains of production, attaining international standard largely protected from external competition, as quality and export earnings; hatcheries, sus- There is a substantial demand–supply gap in imports are restricted for similar drugs to those tainable aqua-culture technology, feed meals the agro-based industry both in the domestic that are manufactured locally. The World Trade plants and processing operations for value-add- and international markets. Today, Bangladesh Organization’s (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of ed products. Investment in the frozen food sec- is exporting its agro-based products to around Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) agreement tor with new technology and equipment has 100 countries all over the world. permits Bangladesh to reverse-engineer pat- vast potential for growth. ented generic pharmaceutical products to sell CERAMICS locally and export to markets around the world. Within this sector, the government is promoting The global market of ceramic tableware is semi-intensive shrimp farming. Shrimp process- about US$10 billion and Bangladesh ceramic The industry in Bangladesh is growing at more ing and exports are currently dominated by a tableware has a good reputation in interna- than 18% annually and emerging as a global smaller, unorganised sector and there is a 12.5 tional markets such as North America and EU hub for the Contract Manufacturing for the percent cash incentive for shrimp exports. countries. Bangladesh has achieved significant pharmaceutical formulations. According to technical expertise in ceramic tableware man- Business Monitor International’s latest report, AGRO-BASED INDUSTRY ufacturing. Historically, the tableware industry Bangladesh has moved up one place to occupy Although the share of agriculture in the econ- is labour-intensive and Bangladesh has skilled the 14th position in 17 regional markets surveyed omy has been declining vis-à-vis industrial and manpower in ceramic industry with high val- in BMls Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Business service sectors, its contribution to the GDP is ue add. Sanitary ware and insulation too have Environment Ratings for the Asia region. With still around 16%. With innovation, new tech- huge demands in domestic and international exports to more than 117 countries across the nology and infrastructural development, agro- markets. Bangladesh, being a gas-rich and low- world, two companies from Bangladesh have based industry holds tremendous potentials in labour-cost economy, is perfectly positioned to recently acquired the US-FDA Certifications, Bangladesh. It has fulfilled the preconditions of be a strategic partner in production and supply Bangladesh pharmaceutical industry has the access to inputs and raw materials in setting up of ceramic products. Bangladesh welcomes in- potentials to offer opportunities for multina- successful agro-based industries. Alluvial soil, a vestment interests in this sector. tional firms to partner with Bangladeshi com- year-round frost-free environment, adequate panies to produce for domestic or international water supply and abundance of cheap labour markets. are readibly available in Bangladesh. Increased cultivation of vegetables, spices and tropical FROZEN FOOD fruits in Bangladesh can ensure adequate sup- The frozen foods exports sector is the second ply of raw materials to local agro-processing largest export sector in the country. Bangladesh industries for both domestic and international exporters enjoy credibility and trustworthiness markets. in the global market. The frozen food sub-sec- tor has opportunities in the , EU, Once known as the ‘golden fiber of Bangla- North America and Far East countries. Accord- desh’ the natural and biodegradable jute and ing to information from the Bangladesh Frozen jute products are gaining traction in receiving Foods Exporters Association there are 145 fish renewed attention locally and internationally. processing plants with capacity of 265,000 MT, Bangladesh, being the major producer of jute

14 EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT MARCH 2017 BANGLADESH’S RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR HAS ‘HUGE POTENTIAL’

Climate change in the form of extreme-weather events, tidal surges, and erratic rainfall has negatively impacted agricultural production, industrial development and social structures – but Bangladesh is not waiting on the word to save the country – renewable energy is the plan. “We are fighting for our own future, albeit with limited resources and technologies,” said Bang- ladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2015.

Bangladesh was the first developing nation to create a Climate Change Power Division says that Bangladesh has attached due importance to the Strategy and Action Plan. From 2009-2010 to 2014-15, the government al- development of renewable energy. located Tk 30.30 billion (US$ 385 million) to the country’s climate-change trust fund. All activities have been targeted toward adaptation to envi- DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN ronmental changes with a view to protecting human lives from floods BANGLADESH Band hurricanes, and protecting the environment from pollution caused by The Deputy Secretary goes on to say that the development of renewable rapid urbanisation and unsustainable industrialisation. energy has been identified as one of the programmes of Bangladesh’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. “Renewable energy options Despite these efforts, climate change continues to affect the lives and are also included in the Bangladesh National Building Code. A dedicated livelihoods of millions in this unique and active delta. “We cannot do it policy, Renewable Energy Policy of Bangladesh, has been in force since alone, which is why we need the international community to stand up 2009, which envisions having 5% power from renewable energy sources for nations such as ours through the United Nations Standard Develop- by 2015 and 10% by 2020. The government has established Sustainable ment Goals and the climate-change process. In order to address climate and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) to promote re- change, a critical balance between adaptation (adjusting to the impacts newable energy and energy efficiency. To strengthen international coop- of climate change) and mitigation (reducing the scale of climate change) eration, Bangladesh became one of the initial members of the Interna- will have to be maintained,” the Prime Minister went on to say. tional Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the only inter-governmental agency working exclusively on renewable energy. Those endeavours Being aware of the finite stock of fossil fuels and their negative impact on manifest Bangladesh’s commitment towards development of renewable the environment, countries across the world are now leaning towards re- energy.” newable energies like solar energy, wind energy, bio-energy, hydropower, geothermal and ocean energy in efforts to ensure energy security. Keep- Bangladesh receives an average daily solar radiation in the range of 4-5 ing pace with this global trend, Deputy Secretary (Renewable Energy), kWh/m². “Encouraged by the availability of solar radiation, Power Di-

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vanced Studies, Danish company Vestas Wind Bangladesh now needs to plan 100% access to System A/S, German Development Cooperation renewable energy, including for the transport (GIZ) and Renewable Energy Resource Centre sector. In reality, we need to think about the of Dhaka University assessed wind resource, at transport system which is not oil dependent. some length, in a few sites. I believe Bangladesh has talented people and it Renewable energy is no more an ambitious ex- has the capacity to attract funding and better pensive venture. Because of high research and technology to get ready for future catastro- development cost of renewable energy, it con- phes. Now is the time to plan for the future. tinues to lag in relation to conventional energy. As of now, oil spills are a major concern. It is For example, cost of solar PV panels declined an indication of the threat that oil poses. Oil more than 60% in the past three years. Interna- spills not only ruin water bodies, but also pose tional Energy Agency projects that renewables threats to land and its culture. Although the im- and natural gas are the big mixer in the race to pacts of oil spills are long-term, it can destroy meet energy demand growth until 2040! natural life and biodiversity as well.

GLOBAL ACTIVISM FOR BETTER Bangladesh is having to cope with the impacts RENEWABLE ENERGY despite not being liable for carbon emission. I vision has initiated a programme to generate South African human rights activist and former think the country’s stance right now is good. 500 MW of solar-based electricity,” explains International Director of international Right now, the country can demand financing the Deputy Secretary. environmentalist group Greenpeace, Kumi Nai- from the global community for better technol- doo, is a strong advocate for renewable energy. ogy to help the country fight future climatic Today, hydropower makes up the largest share He now leads the Global Call for Climate Action problems. of electricity generated from renewable sources (Tcktcktck.org), which brings together environ- as the global capacity reaches 1,000 GW. The mental, aid, religious and human rights groups, DT: Because of an ever-increasing thirst for only hydroelectric power plant was established labour unions, scientists and others and has or- energy, Bangladesh is planning to install coal- at Kaptai with present installed capacity of 230 ganised mass demonstrations around climate fired power plants of thousand-megawatt ca- MW. Bangladesh Power Development Board negotiations. He recently sat down with the pacities. Simultaneously, the country has an- (BPDB) identified two other sites at Sangu (140 Dhaka Tribune to discuss amongst other things, nounced to reduce carbon emission to 5% by MW) and Matamuhuri (75 MW) for large hy- Bangladesh’s potential to be a global player in 2030 voluntarily, and to 15% if it gets finance dropower plants. Further exploitation of hydro- the renewable energy sector. and technology. What are your views on this power appears to be limited due to flat terrain initiative? of Bangladesh. Several studies have identified a Dhaka Tribune (DT): Bangladesh has experi- few sites having potential ranging from 10 kW enced three large-scale oil spills in the last year. KN: I believe Bangladesh has huge potential in to 5 MW, but no appreciable capacity has yet One of them took place in the world’s biggest renewable energy. It has solar, wave, wind and been established. mangrove forest . What do you also bio-gases that should be used properly and think the country should do to reduce or man- this should be done within the next five to 10 Bio-energy is energy derived from any form age such man-made disasters? years. The country should more emphasize on of biomass, including bio-heat, bio-power, and clean energy.Bangladesh is investing in young bio-fuel. Bangladesh Agricultural University Kumi Naidoo (KN): If we are going to count the people and technology using its status as a de- and Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Indus- adverse effects of climate change, Bangladesh veloping country to get knowledge transferred. trial Research (BCSIR) launched biogas tech- is already being considered as one of the most The successful countries in the future will be nology in the country in early . Against an vulnerable countries. The country has been ex- those who adopt green technology. estimated potential of 4 million biogas plants periencing sea level rise and salinity that im- about 70,000 plants have been established so pacts the coastal community. Source: Dhaka Tribune, 27 January 2016 far throughout the country. Tapping potential of biomass, two rice husk-based power plants of 250 kW at Gazipur and 400 kW at Thakur- gaon, and seven poultry waste-based power plants at different sites with aggregated capac- ities exceeding 1 MW, have been established at the initiative of private sector with support from IDCOL.

Except for two pilot wind-power plants at Mu- huri Dam (0.9 MW) in Feni and Kutubdia Island (1.0 MW) in Cox’s Bazaar, comprehensive as- sessment of wind power potential is still ongo- ing. BCSIR, LGED, Bangladesh Centre for Ad-

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