Please enjoy and give some constructive recommendations to AL or the
New Government of Bangladesh.
Thank you.
---------
Source: http://alapbangladesh.com/blog/2009/01/19/challenges-and-
actions-for-al-in-bangladesh/
The world watched with great enthusiasm as the new Government of
Bangladesh led by the Awami League party was swearing in. AL came to
power after almost seven years. People from all works of life have
high hopes on this government after years or misrule, mismanagement
and corruption. With almost 75% of vote for their party, AL carries
an enormous weight to fulfill their election pledge. Their actions
and steps will be watched all over the world and they will face a
greater scrutiny of their actions. As I watch and think more, I
realize that the AL government needs to act fast to materialize
peoples dream and aspirations. Bangladeshi people could be very
impatient in realizing their dreams. The widespread support that AL
is getting now will evaporates with in 6 month to a year, if they can
not show any concrete steps and direction.
The government of AL is in a better situation to fulfill their
election manifestoes. The out going caretaker Government of
Fakhruddin is leaving the country with some great news. The foreign
currency reserve is at almost $6 billion dollar, price of essentials
are going down and rice is selling for 20-24 taka now, price of
Petroleum products are lower in the international market (below $45)
and electricity generation is at an all time high and more power is
going to be added soon due to CTG's actions. Now AL has to continue
the momentum that CTG left.
Here are some of the tasks that the incumbent Government of AL needs
to do to give a positive image to the people of Bangladesh. The
recent clean selection of Cabinet posts is a welcome sign for the
people of Bangladesh.
Energy:
The Awami League in its election pledges said it would increase power
generation to 5,000MW by 2011 and to 7,000MW by 2013. In order to do
that it needs to do the followings:
1. Need to pass the contentious COAL Policy with greater
participation and tacit support of opposition parties.
2. Based on the COAL Policy start exploration of COAL and
construction of At least one or two 500 mw of coal fired electricity
generation unit.
3. Formulate a Nuclear Energy Policy and Act for proper use of
Nuclear energy for peaceful use and award contracts for construction
of Nuclear Power stations. I have to mention that AL pledged to
implement the Rooppur Nuclear Power plant and this will fulfil that.
4. Strengthen BAPEX (Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and
Production Company) to make it in per with international standards.
5. Resolve the maritime boundary issues with India and Myanmar
and award off shore oil exploration contracts to reputed eligible
exploration companies for our Energy Security. It would be fare to
award BAPEX all of the Onshore areas and international companies for
the off shore areas. But I will leave that decision on the experts.
6. Balancing and modernization of the lone Refinery of
Bangladesh. Every year Bangladesh imports around 250,000 metric tons
of refined petroleum products. If we can refine petroleum in our
country, it will save a lot of money.
7. Look at alternate source of energy like Solar and put more
emphasis on their development.
8. Procure more rigs for BAPEX and explore more gas with in next
2 years.
9. Award contracts for 450 MW Bibiyana and Sirajganj projects to
generate electricity with in 6-8 months.
10. Take back those potential gas blocks that were awarded to the
International companies and were never explored.
11. Start new thermal power generation units. Russia was eager to
help in this regard and we should take on their promise.
12. Give permission to build the Saudi refinery in Chittagong
that was agreed before with a private company of Bangladesh.
Transportation and Ports
Transportation sector is one of the most neglected yet very vital for
our national interest. AL should move in this area with greater
speed.
1. Start implementing and building the Deep Sea port as it
pledged in its manifestoes.
2. Should construct Padma Bridge as it was also pledged in its
manifestoes.
3. Create a national Highway policy like the USA and create
District and Inter district highway system. The policy should state
about specific need for minimum of four lane for District highways
and six lanes for Inter-district highways.
4. Strengthen the Railway sector of Bangladesh and make it a
public – private initiative company with greater importance of
Independent decision making.
5. Root out corruption from the BIWTA ( Bangladesh inland Water
Transportation Authority) and create a viable launch policy. Every
year, thousands of people die due to launch accidents and capsizes
for overcrowding. There should be stern punishment for over crowding
of launches.
6. Build more modern jetties and launch terminals with greater
participation of private companies and strict regulation for safety
and security.
7. Create a modern ticketing system like USA or western
countries and stop harassing motorist for bribe.
8. Strengthen Department of Motor Vehicle with more modern
equipment and root out corruption from the department. The government
can ask ACC to look at the department for any sign of Corruption and
nepotism.
9. Start constructing the four lane highway from Dhaka to
Chittagong and take upon the BOT offer of the Malaysian company for
constructing a four lane highway from Dhaka to Chittagong.
10. Finish the Hatirjheel project and all other projects that CTG
took to make Dhaka Traffic jam free.
11. Finish the circular waterway project.
12. Excavate and reclaim the lost waterways in and around Dhaka.
13. Reclaim lands and build a walkway around the banks of river
Buriganga, so that in future people can not grab lands from there.
14. Privatize New-mooring Container terminal and Chittagong port
and ban Trade Unions from there. The recent regulation for one trade
union should be banned as they hamper the day to day activities of
the ports and are a breeding ground for corruption and nepotism. The
CTG government did a wonderful job in maintaining the Chittagong port
and the momentum should be continued.
15. Finally and not the least, Build an underground or Monorail
system in Dhaka.
Local Government, Politics and Law
Local governments are an integral part of our daily life. With out
their development the country will not develop.
1. The Upazila election should be held and strengthen to
facilitate development in the sub-urban areas of Bangladesh.
2. Ban student politics in Education institutions and ban
political parties from having student organizations there.
3. Change the Article 70 of the constitution for floor crossing
in the parliament. It effectively gagged a MPs independency.
4. Pass the Police act for effective participation of the Police
force for the welfare of the public.
5. Strengthen the SWAT force with more resources from RAB and
provide more training from USA. Disband RAB if necessary and
integrate the RAB personal in SWAT.
6. Provide more resources and training to the Police force and
make mandatory Army Training for three months in their first two
years of the job. It will boost their moral and courage.
7. Restoration of the 1972 constitution.
8. Free administration from the political parties.
9. Setting up of National Security Agency for taking important
decisions about our National Security matters.
Agriculture and Jute
Agriculture and jute are very important in our social economic
development.
1. Agricultural subsidies should be expanded appropriately.
2. At least two more fertilizer manufacturing units should be
constructed with in 3 to 4 years. Each year we import around 200 –
300 million dollars world of Urea fertilizer which can be saved by
constructing 1 or 2 manufacturing units that will cost around 150
million or so. There by saving the country a staggering amount of
money every year.
3. Implement IT technology in the Agriculture area for proper
utilization.
4. More Research and Development budget for Jute and Jute
products.
5. Mandatory use of Jute products for shopping bags and others.
IT, Internet and Telecommunication
Bangladesh can close the digital divide by implementing IT. IT can
ensure transparency, accountability in our day to day activities.
1. Implement e-governance initiatives through out the government.
2. Finish the IT village aggressively situated at Kaliakor,
Dhaka or any where suitable.
3. Implement a Judiciary Information system for the court system
of Bangladesh.
4. Start a second sub-marine cable company.
5. Establishing a central e-governance centre for effective
implementation of e-commerce/digital business.
6. Send a satellite for better telecommunication coverage in
Bangladesh.
7. Free internet connection for Schools and colleges.
8. Start compulsory IT education course from grade 5 and above.
9. Withdraw any kind of VAT and tax from computers and
accessories.
10. Set up small scale technology parks by private entities for
proper utilization of IT resources.
11. Drastically cut Internet fees for better access to internet.
------------------------------------
[Disclaimer: ALOCHONA Management is not liable for information contained in this message. The author takes full responsibility.]
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