BUSINESS INVESTMENT INDUSTRY ART CULTURE TOURISM OPPORTUNITY BANGLADESH 2013 EDITION A COMMEMORATIVE PUBLICATION BY THE BANGLADESH HIGH COMMISSION OF SINGAPORE cova.indd 6 18/3/2013 11:49:09 AM The Father of the Nation BANGABANDHU SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN Bangladesh CONTENTS2013 EDITION 5 Message from the Hon’ble President-in-Charge 34 A Closer Look at Competitive Sectors in 7 Message from the Hon’ble Prime Minister Bangladesh 8 Message from the Hon’ble Foreign Minister 39 A Foreign Investor’s Perspective on 10 Message from the High Commissioner Bangladesh Power Sector 13 Editor’s Note 42 Ready-made Garment - A Success 14 Moving Towards a Vision Unparalleled 16 Four Years of Progress: Foundation of Vision 45 Bangladesh Workforce: Good Year for 2021 Overseas Employment 21 Singapore Minister's Visit Enhances Ties 47 Arts, Culture and History of Bangladesh 23 Adapting to the Changing Climate 51 Tourism Highlights of Sylhet 24 The Future is Now - Why Bangladesh’s Time has Arrived 55 Bangladesh - a Foodies’ Paradise 28 Bangladesh Investment Summit Singapore 56 Photo Feature 30 Trade and Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh 58 Bangladesh Fact File Chairman, Editorial Board His Excellency Mahbub Uz Zaman Members Iren Perven Badhan, Syed Mohammad Zahid Hossain, Md. Nurun Nobi, Md. Rashedujjaman, Ayesha Haq, Md. Reyad Hossain Editorial Coordinator Md. Rashedujjaman Editor Nomita Dhar Publisher Sun Media Pte Ltd on behalf of Bangladesh High Commission Writer Sushmita Bhowmick, Syed Jaafar Alkaff Media & Publications Project Manager Neha Lad Photo Contribution High Commission of People’s Republic of Bangladesh Design Valerius Reza Boenawan Marketing & Sales Neha Lad, Deepali Batra Sharma, Isaac Choo Printer Image Printers Pte Ltd Editorial Office Sun Media Pte Ltd, 20 Kramat Lane #01-02 United House (S) 228773. Tel (65) 6735 2972/6735 1907/6735 2986. Fax (65) 6735 3114 E-mail [email protected] URL www.sunmediaonline.com High Commission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh 91 Bencoolen Street, #06 – 01/07 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652 Tel (65) 62550075, 62505539 Fax (65) 62551824 URL www.bangladesh.org.sg MICA (P) 033/03/2013 This publication has been prepared by the High Commission for The People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Singapore commemorating the 42nd Anniversary of Independence and National Day. All correspondence regarding advertising and editorial should be addressed to SUN MEDIA PTE LTD 20 Kramat Lane, #01-02 United House Singapore 228773. Opportunity Bangladesh is published by Sun Media Pte Ltd on behalf of the High Commission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Singapore. The opinions, pronouncements or views expressed or implied in this publication are those of contributors or authors. The information-contained herein has been made available by the Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore, however, it does not necessarily reflect the official position of the Bangladesh authorities nor their agents or representatives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot be liable for loss incurred in any way whatsoever by any company or person relying on the information contained herein. The aim of this publication is to guide and provide general information. Advice should be sought before taking action on specific issues. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Message from the Hon’ble President-in-Charge our four National Leaders; valiant are imperative in this regard. freedom-fighters and organisers who The people of our country are rendered their dedicated efforts and democracy-loving. Without making enthusiastic support that accelerated institutionalization of democracy, the the achievement of our victory. I overall development is hard to attain. also remember with deep respect the Tolerance, fortitude and respect to contributions of late Sher-e-Bangla others opinion are the pre-conditions A. K. Fazlul Haque, Huseyn Shaheed for flourishing democracy. Therefore, it Suhrawardy and Moulana Abdul Hamid is of paramount importance to maintain Khan Bhasani who inspired our people patience, forbearance at all level and at various stages for attaining country’s to be respectful to others opinion in a self-sovereignty. The contributionsdemocratic pluralism. Let us make our of those valiant sons of the soil would Jatiya Sangsad as a centre of excellence be ever written in the history of our in solving our national issues through independence. discussion. I am confident, everybody One of the prime objectives of irrespective of party affiliation would our hard-earned independence was play responsible role in fulfilling the arch 26 is our great to build a happy and prosperous hopes and aspirations of our common Independence and National Bangladesh. Keeping that in mind, people by playing their due role. Day. On the eve of the day, the Government is rendering untiring The present Government, under MI convey my heartfelt greetings and efforts in materializing the objectives the leadership of Prime Minister felicitations to the fellow countrymen of independence. With the span Sheikh Hasina has declared “Vision living at home and abroad. of time, we have achieved some 2021” with a view to attaining “Golden The historic Independence Day significant progress in the field of Bangla” dreamt by Bangabandhu. I is a glorious day in our national life. agriculture, education, health, rural believe people from all strata of life We achieved our long-cherished infrastructure, communication, ICT, would contribute to build an IT-based independence through nine-month SME, youth & sports, women and happy and prosperous Bangladesh by long armed struggle and supreme children, women empowerment, materializing the “Vision” in the Golden sacrifices of millions of people. On this etc. at national level. At the same Jubilee of independence in 2021. solemn day, I pay my deep homage to time we have also attained notable On this Independence Day, I urge the martyrs who laid down their lives in advancement in corporate sector all, living at home and abroad, to work the War of Liberation in 1971. I pray to including the area of readymade unitedly imbued with the spirit of War the Almighty for the salvation of those garments, pharmaceuticals, ceramic of Liberation to expedite economic self- departed souls. and ship-building industry. The reliance and democratic advancement On this very memorable day, I recall Government is also very sincere to of the country. with profound respect The Father of The establish Rule of Law, Human Rights May the Almighty be with us Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur in the country. Our achievement Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Rahman, who proclaimed country’s at international arena is also Forever independence at the early hours on praiseworthy. Yet, we have to go a March 26 1971. Responding to his long way for achieving the desired clarion call, the people from all walks of goals of independence and building life participated in the War of Liberation a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. H.E. Md. Abdul Hamid Advocate and achieved victory through armed I believe concerted efforts from all Hon’ble President-in-Charge struggle. I also recall with deep respect strata irrespective of party affiliation The People’s Republic of Bangladesh Opportunity Bangladesh 5 Your Trusted Medical Partner Congratulations and Best Wishes to Bangladesh on the 42 nd Anniversary of Independence Raffles Hospital is a tertiary hospital offering a comprehensive range of specialist services. Backed by more than 35 years of experience in delivering quality medical care, the Raffles brand name is trusted and synonymous with quality. Raffles Hospital is a Joint Commission International accredited hospital and ISO 9001:2008 certified. 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Iof the great Independence and National Cherishing the true history of the Day of Bangladesh. liberation war close to our hearts, we The 26th March is a glorious day in our would have to go ahead in achieving national life. On this great day, I pay my the objectives of the Charter of Change deep homage to the 3 million martyrs by building a Bangladesh, free from and 200 thousand women who lost their corruption, mal-governance, terrorism, innocence