Padma Bridge
Why the White Paper failed to make an impact
The interim government has set up several reform committees. One such committee, formed to review the economy left behind by the ‘autocrat’, recently published a white paper. During a press conference, the committee provided an explanation of the data and findings in the white paper. From the statements of the committee’s head, Debapriya Bhattacharya, it becomes clear that during the previous government's tenure, "crony capitalism" led to the creation of "corrupt systems", involving politicians, military and civilian bureaucrats, and the judiciary. The white paper claims that in the last 15 years, $234 billion was illegally siphoned out of Bangladesh through 28 different methods of corruption. However, the white paper did not attempt to identify the corrupt individuals, as it states its job is not to catch the thieves but to describe the methods of theft. Thus, the white paper only attempted to investigate the process of theft. According to Debapriya Bhattacharya, identifying the individuals or institutions involved in corruption would require appealing to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) or the Intelligence Unit of the central bank.
Loan-funded investment in Karnaphuli Tunnel at risk
The Karnaphuli Tunnel, a costly and loss-making mega project in Chattogram, has become a financial burden on Bangladesh’s economy. The tunnel, constructed with significant borrowed funds, now struggles to generate enough revenue to cover even a fraction of its expenses. Experts have pointed out that the loan taken for this project, along with the accruing interest, is being repaid from funds borrowed for other projects. As a result, the country’s economy is trapped in a vicious cycle of debt.
Protect Kuakata's preserved forest area from the deforesters
‘Sagar Kanya’ Kuakata is the only beach in the country where both sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed. Located in the southwestern part of the country, this tourist destination is amazingly beautiful! However, due to poor communication infrastructure, it remained somewhat isolated for a long time. In 2021, after the inauguration of the Payra Bridge in Lebukhali, Patuakhali, the communication system in that region changed significantly. Along with that, the opening of the Padma Bridge has transformed the entire landscape of the southern region.
Padma Bridge rail link project time extended by 1 year
The implementation period of the Padma Bridge Rail Link project has been extended by one more year without increasing the project cost.
China interested to import mangoes from Bangladesh
China has expressed its interest to import agricultural products including mangoes from Bangladesh. Besides, the country is also interested in investing in ICT, energy sector and infrastructure development in Bangladesh.
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