Unique Essay Supplement- 02

1. Ins and outs Israel and Palestine conflicts:

Where Does Bangladesh Stand?
The roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th
centuries when nationalist movements in Europe led to the Zionist movement, which aimed to establish
a Jewish homeland in Palestine. This region was inhabited predominantly by Arab
Muslims, Christians, and some Jews. The British Mandate for Palestine, established
after World War I, further complicated the situation, as it laid the groundwork for
the future conflict by promoting Jewish immigration and Jewish land acquisition.

Balfour Declaration: More than 100 years ago, on November 2, 1917, Britain’s then-foreign secretary,
Arthur Balfour, wrote a letter addressed to Lionel Walter Rothschild, a figurehead of the British Jewish
community. The letter was short – just 67 words – but its contents had a seismic effect on Palestine that
is still felt to this day. It committed the British government to “the establishment in Palestine of a national
home for the Jewish people” and to facilitating “the achievement of this object”. The letter is known as
the Balfour Declaration. In essence, a European power promised the Zionist movement a country where
Palestinian Arab natives made up more than 90 percent of the population. A British Mandate was created
in 1923 and lasted until 1948. During that period, the British facilitated mass Jewish immigration – many
of the new residents were fleeing Nazism in Europe – and they also faced protests and strikes. Palestinians
were alarmed by their country’s changing demographics and British confiscation of their lands to be
handed over to Jewish settlers.

What happened during the 1930s?

Escalating tensions eventually led to the Arab Revolt, which lasted from 1936 to 1939. In April 1936, the
newly formed Arab National Committee called on Palestinians to launch a general strike, withhold tax
payments and boycott Jewish products to protest British colonialism and growing Jewish immigration. The
six-month strike was brutally repressed by the British, who launched a mass arrest campaign and carried
out punitive home demolitions, a practice that Israel continues to implement against Palestinians today.

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The second phase of the revolt began in late 1937 and was led by the Palestinian peasant resistance
movement, which targeted British forces and colonialism. By the second half of 1939, Britain had massed
30,000 troops in Palestine. Villages were bombed by air, curfews imposed, homes demolished, and
administrative detentions and summary killings were widespread. In tandem, the
British collaborated with the Jewish settler community and formed armed groups and a British-led
“counterinsurgency force” of Jewish fighters named the Special Night Squads. Within the Yishuv, the pre-
state settler community, arms were secretly imported and weapons factories established to expand the
Haganah, the Jewish paramilitary that later became the core of the Israeli army. In those three years of
revolt, 5,000 Palestinians were killed, 15,000 to 20,000 were wounded and 5,600 were imprisoned.

What was the UN partition plan?

By 1947, the Jewish population had ballooned to 33 percent of Palestine, but they owned only 6 percent
of the land. The United Nations adopted Resolution 181, which called for the partition of Palestine into
Arab and Jewish states. The Palestinians rejected the plan because it allotted about 55 percent of
Palestine to the Jewish state, including most of the fertile coastal region. At the time, the Palestinians
owned 94 percent of historic Palestine and comprised 67 percent of its population.

The 1948 Nakba, or the ethnic cleansing of Palestine

Even before the British Mandate expired on May 14, 1948, Zionist paramilitaries were already embarking
on a military operation to destroy Palestinian towns
and villages to expand the borders of the Zionist
state that was to be born. In April 1948, more than
100 Palestinian men, women and children were
killed in the village of Deir Yassin on the outskirts of
Jerusalem. That set the tone for the rest of the
operation, and from 1947 to 1949, more than 500
Palestinian villages, towns and cities were
destroyed in what Palestinians refer to as
the Nakba, or “catastrophe” in Arabic. An estimated
15,000 Palestinians were killed, including in dozens
of massacres. The Zionist movement captured 78
percent of historic Palestine. The remaining 22
percent was divided into what are now the
occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip.
An estimated 750,000 Palestinians were forced out
of their homes. Today their descendants live as six
million refugees in 58 squalid camps throughout
Palestine and in the neighbouring countries of
Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. On May 15, 1948, Israel announced its establishment. The following
day, the first Arab-Israeli war began and fighting ended in January 1949 after an armistice between Israel
and Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. In December 1948, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution
194, which calls for the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

The years after the Nakba: At least 150,000 Palestinians remained in the newly created state of Israel and
lived under a tightly controlled military occupation for almost 20 years before they were eventually
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granted Israeli citizenship. Egypt took over the Gaza Strip, and in 1950, Jordan began its administrative
rule over the West Bank. In 1964, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) was formed, and a year
later, the Fatah political party was established.
The Naksa, or the Six-Day War and the settlement:
In 1967, the Six-Day War erupted
when Israel preemptively attacked
Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Israel's
swift victory resulted in the
occupation of the West Bank, East
Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, the Sinai
Peninsula, and the Golan Heights.
The occupation of these territories
became a major point of
contention, as Israel began building
settlements in the West Bank,
leading to ongoing disputes over
land and resources.
1973: The Yom Kippur War: In
1973, the Yom Kippur War occurred
when Egypt and Syria launched a
surprise attack on Israel. Though
Israel ultimately won the war, it led
to international pressure for peace
negotiations and laid the
groundwork for future peace initiatives.
1993-1995: Oslo Accords and the Peace Process: The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, marked a significant
turning point. These agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
established a framework for Palestinian self-government in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The
Accords aimed to resolve the conflict through a two-state solution, but implementation faced numerous
challenges, including violence and terrorism from both sides.

Trump's Jerusalem Decision and Ongoing Tensions: In 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump recognized
Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocated the U.S. Embassy there, a move widely condemned by
Palestinians and many world leaders. This decision heightened tensions and hampered peace efforts.

The first Intifada 1987-1993: The first Palestinian Intifada erupted in the Gaza Strip in December 1987
after four Palestinians were killed when an Israeli truck collided with two vans carrying Palestinian
workers. Protests spread rapidly to the West Bank with young Palestinians throwing stones at Israeli army
tanks and soldiers. It also led to the establishment of the Hamas movement, an off-shoot of the Muslim
Brotherhood that engaged in armed resistance against the Israeli occupation. The Israeli army’s heavy-
handed response was encapsulated by the “Break their Bones” policy advocated by then-Defence
Minister Yitzhak Rabin. It included summary killings, closures of universities, deportations of activists and
destruction of homes. The Intifada was primarily carried out by young people and was directed by the
Unified National Leadership of the Uprising, a coalition of Palestinian political factions committed to
ending the Israeli occupation and establishing Palestinian independence. In 1988, the Arab League
recognised the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. The Intifada was characterised

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by popular mobilisations, mass protests, civil disobedience, well-organised strikes and communal
cooperatives. According to the Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem, 1,070 Palestinians were killed
by Israeli forces during the Intifada, including 237 children. More than 175,000 Palestinians were arrested.
The Intifada also prompted the international community to search for a solution to the conflict.

The second Intifada: The second Intifada began on September 28, 2000, when Likud opposition leader
Ariel Sharon made a provocative visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound with thousands of security forces
deployed in and around the Old City
of Jerusalem. Clashes between
Palestinian protesters and Israeli
forces killed five Palestinians and
injured 200 over two days. The
incident sparked a widespread armed
uprising. During the Intifada, Israel
caused unprecedented damage to
the Palestinian economy and
infrastructure. Israel reoccupied
areas governed by the Palestinian
Authority and began construction of
a separation wall that along with
rampant settlement construction,
destroyed Palestinian livelihoods and
communities. Settlements are illegal
under international law, but over the
years, hundreds of thousands of
Jewish settlers have moved to
colonies built on stolen Palestinian
land. The space for Palestinians is shrinking as settler-only roads and infrastructure slice up the occupied
West Bank, forcing Palestinian cities and towns into bantustans, the isolated enclaves for Black South
Africans that the country’s former apartheid regime created. At the time the Oslo Accords were signed,
just over 110,000 Jewish settlers lived in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Today, the figure is
more than 700,000 living on more than 100,000 hectares (390sq miles) of land expropriated from the
Palestinians.

The Palestinian division and the Gaza blockade::PLO leader Yasser Arafat died in 2004, and a year later,
the second Intifada ended, Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip were dismantled, and Israeli soldiers and
9,000 settlers left the enclave. A year later, Palestinians voted in a general election for the first time.
Hamas won a majority. However, a Fatah-Hamas civil war broke out, lasting for months, resulting in the
deaths of hundreds of Palestinians. Hamas expelled Fatah from the Gaza Strip, and Fatah – the main party
of the Palestinian Authority – resumed control of parts of the West Bank. In June 2007, Israel imposed a
land, air and naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, accusing Hamas of “terrorism”.

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The wars on the Gaza Strip: Israel has launched four protracted military assaults on Gaza: in 2008, 2012,
2014 and 2021. Thousands of Palestinians
have been killed, including many children,
and tens of thousands of homes, schools and
office buildings have been destroyed.
Rebuilding has been next to impossible
because the siege prevents construction
materials, such as steel and cement, from
reaching Gaza. The 2008 assault involved the
use of internationally banned weaponry,
such as phosphorus gas. In 2014, over a span
of 50 days, Israel killed more than 2,100
Palestinians, including 1,462 civilians and
close to 500 children. During the assault,
called Operation Protective Edge by the
Israelis, about 11,000 Palestinians were
wounded, 20,000 homes were destroyed and half a million people displaced .

Key Issues in the Conflict:

1. Territorial Disputes: The core issue is the territorial dispute over land, borders, and the status of
Jerusalem. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim historic and religious ties to the land, making
territorial compromises challenging.

2. Refugees: The conflict has produced a significant refugee issue, with millions of Palestinian
refugees and their descendants seeking the right to return to their ancestral homes. Israel opposes
this, fearing it would undermine its Jewish majority.

3. Security Concerns: Israel has legitimate security concerns due to past conflicts and terrorist
attacks, making issues such as demilitarization, border security, and the prevention of arms
smuggling a central concern.

4. Settlements: Israel's construction of settlements in the West Bank is a major obstacle to peace.
Palestinians see these as encroachments on their future state, while Israelis view them as strategic
and historic assets.

5. Gaza Blockade: The blockade on Gaza, imposed by Israel and Egypt, severely restricts the
movement of goods and people, contributing to humanitarian suffering and political tensions.

Potential Solutions: Resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict remains a challenging endeavor, but several
frameworks have been proposed:

1. Two-State Solution: The most widely supported solution envisions the creation of an independent
Palestinian state alongside Israel. Key issues include borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the
rights of refugees.

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2. One-State Solution: Some argue for a single, bi-national state where Israelis and Palestinians live
together with equal rights. However, this idea faces significant obstacles, as it would require
addressing demographic and political complexities.

3. Interim Agreements: Gradual, phased agreements could establish trust and lay the groundwork
for a future comprehensive solution. Such agreements could focus on borders, security, and
economic cooperation.

4. International Intervention: Some suggest international mediation or peacekeeping forces to

facilitate negotiations and ensure the implementation of agreements.

Bangladesh's Position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Bangladesh, as a predominantly Muslim country in South Asia, has consistently articulated a principled
and unambiguous stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
1. Support for Palestinian Statehood: One of the core elements of Bangladesh's position is its unwavering
support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine. This support aligns with
the internationally accepted two-state solution, which envisions Israel and Palestine as two separate states
coexisting side by side. Bangladesh has consistently called for the creation of a Palestinian state based on
the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
2. Condemnation of Israeli Actions: Bangladesh has consistently condemned Israeli actions that it views
as violations of international law and human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. These actions
include Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, military operations in the Gaza Strip, and other
activities deemed detrimental to the prospects of peace and a just solution to the conflict.
3. Recognition of the State of Palestine: Bangladesh officially recognized the State of Palestine in 1974,
making it one of the first countries to do so. This recognition represented a significant diplomatic move
and a clear demonstration of Bangladesh's commitment to supporting Palestinian self-determination and
statehood.
4. Humanitarian Assistance to Palestine: In addition to its diplomatic stance, Bangladesh has also provided
humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people during periods of conflict or crisis. This assistance
includes financial aid, food, and medical support to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians affected by
violence and insecurity.
Diplomatic Efforts and International Forums

Bangladesh's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict is not limited to statements of support and
condemnation. It actively participates in diplomatic efforts and engages in various international forums to
advocate for a just and lasting solution to the conflict.
1. Participation in International Organizations: Bangladesh is a member of the United Nations (UN) and
actively participates in UN initiatives related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It supports resolutions and
actions that aim to address the issue, condemn violations, and promote a peaceful resolution.
2. OIC Membership: Bangladesh is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which plays
a significant role in addressing issues related to the Muslim world, including the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Bangladesh's OIC membership underscores its commitment to the Palestinian cause and its willingness to
work collectively with other Muslim-majority countries to find a solution to the conflict.

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3. Bilateral Relations and Diplomacy: Bangladesh has maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and
Palestine. While its relationship with Israel is not characterized by formal recognition, it engages in
diplomatic interactions with both parties to encourage dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Humanitarian Engagement and Aid

Bangladesh's engagement with the Israel-Palestine conflict extends beyond diplomatic efforts. The country
has demonstrated a commitment to humanitarian support for Palestinians affected by the conflict.

1. Humanitarian Aid: During periods of conflict or humanitarian crisis, Bangladesh has provided
humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. This assistance includes financial aid, food supplies, medical
support, and other forms of relief to alleviate the suffering of those affected by violence and insecurity in
the region.
2. Support for UN Relief Agencies: Bangladesh has supported the work of UN relief agencies, such as the
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). These agencies
play a crucial role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees and addressing their needs.

Broader Implications of Bangladesh's Stance

Bangladesh's principled stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict carries several broader implications within
the international community.

1. Moral and Ethical Leadership: Bangladesh's support for the Palestinian cause is often seen as a
reflection of its moral and ethical commitment to justice and the rights of oppressed people. It positions
Bangladesh as a principled advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people within the global community.
2. Solidarity with the Muslim World: As a predominantly Muslim country, Bangladesh's stance on the
Israel-Palestine conflict is often perceived as an expression of solidarity with other Muslim-majority
nations. This solidarity can be a unifying factor in the Muslim world's approach to addressing the issue.
3. Advocacy for International Law: Bangladesh's consistent condemnation of actions it deems as
violations of international law underscores its commitment to the principles of international law and the
importance of upholding these principles, particularly in conflict situations.
4. Commitment to Peace: Bangladesh's support for a two-state solution and its condemnation of actions
detrimental to peace in the region reflect its commitment to a peaceful and just resolution to the Israel-
Palestine conflict. This stance aligns with international efforts to bring an end to the protracted conflict.

Bangladesh's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict is characterized by its unwavering support for
the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, condemnation of actions deemed
violations of international law, recognition of the State of Palestine, and humanitarian assistance to the
Palestinian people. This principled position, rooted in international law, human rights, and a commitment
to justice, has earned Bangladesh a respected place in the international community. It underscores the
country's dedication to the Palestinian cause and its active role in diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a
just and lasting solution to the conflict.

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2. Karnaphuli Tunnel/Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel
In a remarkable feat of engineering and vision, Bangladesh is set to unveil the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman Tunnel proudly. Spanning under the Karnaphuli River, it stands as the very first tunnel in Bangladesh's
landscape and the first-ever under-river tunnel for road communication in South Asia. The journey of the tunnel
commenced in 2016 and is being inaugurated on October 28, 2023, by Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Starting the next day, the tunnel will open for vehicular traffic. It is truly transformative for its capacity to forge
an alternative route, connecting Chattogram to the destinations of Cox's Bazar, Teknaf, and Matarbari. In doing so,
it will reduce around 40 kilometers of the existing distance between these bustling hubs.

The main tunnel extends for 3.32 kilometers, featuring

two four-lane tubes, each spanning 2.45 kilometers.
Complementing this, two 5.35 km link roads at the
tunnel's western and eastern termini, along with a 727-
meter flyover at the Anwara end, are expected to elevate
regional connectivity. The tunnel will allow vehicles to
run at a maximum speed of 80 km. Impressively, the
tunnel resides at depths ranging from 18 to 31 meters
beneath the Karnaphuli River.
This project, supported by the governments of
Bangladesh and China, received a total investment of Tk 10,374 crore. The Bangladesh government is providing BDT
4,619.70 crore in financing, with the remaining amount being funded by the Exim Bank of China. The China
Communication and Construction Company Limited (CCCC) is responsible for the tunnel's construction. Bangladesh
government envisions a 'One City Two Towns' concept, akin to Shanghai's, on both banks of the Karnaphuli River.

Karnaphuli's Contribution to the Country

The country’s reliance on the Karnaphuli River, topped with its vital connection to the Bay of Bengal, has made it
a magnet for global trade. This is not something that emerged with Bangladesh; the Karnaphuli has a very long
history of contributing to global trade for this land. Legend has it that during the eighth and ninth centuries, Arab
merchants used to bring “Karanphol“ (cloves) to Chattogram from hilly tracks in Sylhet with the intention of
exporting them to Europe. Thus, eventually, the river started getting known as Karnaphuli. Since the Karnaphuli is
the gateway for Bangladesh to global trade, this advantageous positioning has attracted industry leaders, prompting
them to establish economic powerhouses on both banks of the river, further contributing to the region’s economic
growth and significance. BEPZA, being the official organ of the government to promote, attract, and facilitate foreign
investment, manages two EPZs in Chattogram. One of which is KEPZ, or the Karnaphuli EPZ, which was also
established on the bank of the river Karnaphuli. Besides these, this portion of the river is an integral part of
Bangladesh Navy’s operations.

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Tale of Two Banks: Patenga and Anwara
The Karnaphuli Tunnel is built as a straight-line alternative to a bridge that
would have connected Anwara with Patenga, which converge at the point where
the Karnaphuli River meets the Bay of Bengal. This estuary has immense
significance due to its vital role as the gateway for vessels to access the Bay of
Bengal, resulting in significant maritime traffic throughout the year.

Bottlenecks That the Karnaphuli Tunnel is Solving

However, prior to the construction of the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the connection
between these two banks posed significant challenges. Travelers had to navigate
to Kalurghat, the opposite part of the city, to use the Karnaphuli Bridge as the
route between Patenga and Anwara, resulting in increased travel distances and
heightened traffic congestion. Prior to the tunnel’s completion, the only practical way to cross the river in the
shortest time was by boat, but strong tides frequently made this option difficult. There were often boat-sink
accidents that caused deaths and casualties.
Moreover, no regular ferry service was available for crossing the river. Strong tides also make it impossible to
operate ferry services. Due to the river’s confluence with the sea within close proximity, there is a very strong ebb
and flow. This led to a limitation on vehicles crossing the river. Thus, both transportation of goods and passengers
with cars had the only option of going to the other end of the town and crossing the river with the Karnaphuli
bridge.
Prior to the Karnaphuli tunnel, those who wanted to visit Cox’s Bazar by road from Dhaka or other districts had to
travel the same loop, going to Kalurghat and crossing the Karnaphuli bridge. This also lengthened the travel distance
to Cox’s Bazar. For this reason, the same route to Kalurghat had both intercity and intracity vehicles at the same
time, ultimately resulting in more traffic congestion.
The Kalurghat bridge was opened in 1931. Being almost a century old, it requires more maintenance. But more
importantly, this bridge has a major caviar. Along with vehicles, the one-way bridge carries trains. The other side
of the bridge is closed when traffic moves on one side. Thus, long traffic jams have been a problem as a result
for more than three decades.

Why Not Another Bridge Instead of the Karnaphuli Tunnel?

As the Karnaphuli River has been providing easy access to the Bay of Bengal, its
maritime advantages are endless. This navigable route has always been the lifeline
CHATTOGRAM
for not only Chattogram Port but also for all the industries that have been built PORT

on both sides of the river. There are numerous jetties and terminals on this route
that help the industries carry their goods. This route has also been the go-to for
NAVAL BASE
the Bangladesh Navy’s base located on the same bank as Chattogram Port. And for
this reason, building a bridge over this route for connecting Anwara and Patenga
would have destroyed Bangladesh’s prime seaport, naval defense, and other JETTIES AND
TERMINALS

industries as well.
To keep the facilities provided by the Karnaphuli River intact and at the same
time solve one of the largest hiccups in Chattogram, the government of Bangladesh decided to build the Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel 150 feet under the Karnaphuli River. Being the only solution to the problem, this
is also South Asia’s first underwater tunnel.

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Finance and Economic Benefits of Karnaphuli Tunnel
The Tunnel will yield the Financial and Economic Internal Rates of Return (IRR) at 6.19% and 12.49%, respectively.
It is forecasted to boost Bangladesh's GDP by 0.166%. The Karnaphuli Tunnel was built at a cost of BDT 103 billion.
This project has been implemented with joint funding from the Governments of Bangladesh and China. The Exim
Bank of China has given a loan of BDT 59 billion with a 2% interest rate and a repayment period of 20 years. The
government of Bangladesh provided the remaining amount.
The Karnaphuli tunnel has four different types of economic
benefits, according to a feasibility study published by the Bangladesh
Bridges Authority. The estimated number of staff for operations is
around 250, and all of them are local. Thus, the total value-added
contribution to the country’s economy is estimated at BDT 36 million
per year. A Traffic
Survey Analysis and
Forecast Reports
prepared by
DevConsultants Ltd shows that, With the tunnel operational, it is
expected to be able to handle more than 28,000 vehicles per day by
2025. And with a feasibility study, it is expected to handle 162,000
vehicles per day by 2067.
Karnaphuli Tunnel was created to save time and travel distance. With
saved time, each vehicle earns a value of time. Multiplying this with the projected traffic shows that the tunnel
would earn $112.5 million/year by 2062.

Along with the value of time, the vehicle will incur fewer
operational costs. By 2062, it is projected to save $12.9
million/year.

Expectation
The narrow roads connecting to the Karnaphuli Tunnel may
become a significant issue. The current 18-foot-wide Chattogram-
Cox’s Bazar highway is incapable of handling the expected surge
in traffic due to the tunnel’s operation. The concern for traffic congestion, accidents, and a lack of service lanes
still remains on this road. However, the Roads and Highways Department has already started working on widening
this road to 36 feet, which is expected to be completed by 2026.

The tunnel serves not just as a transportation route or boon to the economy but as a symbol of the nation's
progress and development. With great expectations towards the engineering marvel, the country is ready to dive
into the mighty river of opportunities.

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3. Bangladesh: Towards the Highway of Development or,
The Rising Star of South Asia: Bangladesh's Development Drive
“Bangladesh has made incredible progress. It spurred economic growth, reduced poverty,
increased access to education and health resources and built new opportunities for the people”;
-said by Prime Minister of Canada Justin Traudeau
Bangladesh has demonstrated a robust history of progress and advancement, particularly during periods of
heightened worldwide unpredictability. Over the past 20 years, rapid economic expansion has been backed
by a large demographic dividend, solid ready-made garment (RMG) exports, sustained remittance inflows,
and stable macroeconomic conditions. Bangladesh's tale of progress and poverty alleviation is very
inspiring. Bangladesh went from being one of the
world's poorest countries at birth in 1971 to having
In 2026, Middle Income
a lower middle class in 2015. It is expected to Status Country
leave the UN's list of the Least Developed
Countries (LDCs) by 2026. By 2022, the In 2015, Lower-middle
percentage of the population living in poverty fell Income Status Country
from 11.8 percent in 2010 to 5.0 percent, based on
the $2.15 per day international poverty threshold In 1971, One of the
Poorest Country
(using 2017 Purchasing Power Parity exchange
rate). Additionally, results for human development
improved in other areas.
Progress of Bangladesh:
“What Bangladesh can teach others about development”
-The Financial Times
Bangladesh's economy has grown rapidly over the last ten years. In the last ten years, the economy has
grown strongly at an average annual rate of 6.5 percent, notwithstanding the effects of the coronavirus
disease epidemic. As a result, the GDP per capita increased dramatically, from $1,659 in the fiscal year
2016 to $2,657 in the fiscal year 2023, exceeding the lower middle-income country criteria in 2015. The
expansion in exports and the increasing proportion of manufacturing output to GDP have been the main
drivers of Bangladesh's economic recovery. These days, our nation wants to build on these victories and
quicken its economic expansion. Bangladesh aims to become a high-income country by 2041 and an upper
middle-income country by 2031, as stated in its Perspective Plan 2041. Perspective Plan 2041 also aims to
address the nation's international commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN.

Economic Advancement
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GDP: The United Nations has given Bangladesh the go-ahead to leave the category of least developed
countries in 2021. Over the past 14 years, the
GDP has grown by more than 6.7% on In 2009, 60th largest economy in the world

average. During the COVID pandemic,

when other countries saw negative growth, In 2023, 35th largest economy in the world

our country had GDP growth of 3.45%.

Additionally, the economy quickly resumed In 2037, 20th largest economy in the world (Projected)

its greater growth trajectory following the

COVID-19 year. Bangladesh 5's GDP increased by 6.94 percent in FY2020–21 and by 7.10 percent in
FY2021–22. Bangladesh had a GDP of just US$ 6.3 billion following its independence. In 2009, 38 years
later, it reached $100 billion USD. Since then, Bangladesh's GDP has increased fourfold, reaching US$
443.9 billion in FY2022-23.
Employment: In 2022, the unemployment rate decreased from 4.5 percent in 2010 to 3.2 percent. Women's
labor force participation climbed from 36 percent in 2016 to 42.7% in 2022. Three plans have been
prepared: the Perspective Plan (2021–2041), the Eighth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), and the Delta Plan-
2100. By 2041, these plans which are already in the execution stage will have established the groundwork
for a sophisticated and intelligent Bangladesh.
Poverty: Between 2005 and 2022, the percentage of people living in poverty drops by over 50%, from 40%
to 18.7%. Ultra-poverty has dropped from 25.1% to 5.6% over the same period of time, a three-quarters
reduction.
Electricity: The capacity of power generation increased to 27,361 MW in 2022 compared to 4,900 MW in
FY2009-10. 100 percent of the population of Bangladesh has been brought under the coverage of electricity
by the programme "Sheikh Hasina’s initiative - electricity in every house".
Ashrayan Project- 2: Nine districts and 211 Upazilas in Bangladesh are home to no homeless individuals
under the "None without housing and no landless in Bangladesh" program. There won't be any homeless
persons in other districts in the foreseeable future. Following the definitive resolution of legal disputes
about maritime boundaries with Myanmar and India, Bangladesh now owns 1,18,813 square kilometers of
its territorial seas in the Bay of Bengal, including exclusive economic zones and continental shelf. The
Perspective Plan 2041 has implemented a number of blue water economy policies in an effort to take
advantage of this chance.
Food: As per the "Vision 2021," we have eliminated food shortages by increasing agricultural output. The
nation's food production is currently 8 self-sufficient. Currently, rice production exceeds 3,81,000,000 MT,
up from 2,89,000,000 MT in 2008.
Network Connectivity: With Digital Bangladesh, the honorable prime minister's goal has come true. There

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are already 4,550 Union Councils with Digital Centers in place. Additionally, Bangabandhu satellite launch
and underwater optical cable installation have made internet connectivity accessible to a wider population.
In Upazila towns, it also made it easier to install ATMs and introduce mobile banking services. The country
currently has 12.6 crore internet users and 18.4 crore mobile phone users.
Mega Projects: The nation is now building the foundation for economic prosperity through the
implementation of numerous mega-projects. Both the Metro Rail and the Padma Bridge are already
operational. Soon, the elevated road connecting Dhaka Airport
to Kutubkhali, which is close to Jatrabari, will open as the Padma
Bridge
Karnafuli Tunnel. The economy's prosperity will take on a new
Payra Sea
Metro-rail
dimension with the completion of numerous other significant Port

projects, such as Payra Seaport, Matarbari Deep Seaport, and Mega Projects
of Bangladesh
Rampal Power Station. To promote environmentally friendly
Rampal Dhaka
industrialization, increase both domestic and international Power Elevated
Station Expressway
investment, and create jobs for young people, 100 economic
Karnafuli
zones are being built. Tunnel

Progress in Social Sector

Bangladesh has gained international attention not just for its economic progress but also for its remarkable
achievements in social variables like health and education when compared to neighboring and similar
countries. In 2021, the SDG Progress Award was given to Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in
appreciation of the accomplishments of the SDG implementation. Bangladesh is currently working toward
accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 after the UN Millennium Development Goals
were successfully met. The nation's five-year plan's objectives and plans are in line with the Sustainable
Development Goals.

Current Status of Some Social Indicators’

✓ In 2008, the mortality rate of infants under 1-year was 41 per thousand. This rate has halved to 22
per thousand in 2021.
✓ Now, maternal mortality rate has decreased to 168 per thousand compared to 348 per thousand in
2005. The under-five rate of infant mortality decreased from 68 per thousand in 2005 to 28 per
thousand in 2021.
✓ Number of medically trained birth attendants increased from 15.6 percent in 2004 to 57.9 percent
in 2019. Safe drinking water coverage has now increased to 97 percent.
✓ Sanitation coverage currently stands at 85.8 percent. Average life expectancy increased from 66.8
years in 2008 to 72.3 years in 2021. Literacy rate in 2008 was 55.8 percent. In 2021, it increased to

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76.4 percent (age seven years and above).
✓ Enrollment rate in primary education stands at about 98 percent.
✓ The rate of technical education has increased from just 1 percent in 2010 to 17.2 percent at present.
Establishment of Good Governance
The Bangladeshi Parliament currently oversees all government functions, strengthening democracy.
Parliament passed 572 laws from 2009 to February 2023. War criminals who perpetrated crimes against
humanity and genocide during the liberation movement have been prosecuted. March 25 is "National
Genocide Day." Most of those who killed Bangabandhu and his family in 1975 were convicted and
sentenced. Mujib Year and the Golden Jubilee of Independence were commemorated with eager domestic
and foreign visitors. The government's zero-tolerance policy has successfully combated terrorism.
Smart Bangladesh Vision
In our "Smart Bangladesh," inflation will be between 4 and 5 percent, the budget deficit below 5 percent of
GDP, the revenue-to-GDP ratio above 20%, the per capita income at least US$12,500, less than 3 percent
of people below the poverty line, and extreme poverty zero; and investment will account for 40% of GDP.
Full digital economy and STEM knowledge will be achieved. Healthcare will be universal. Resident
amenities will include sustainable urbanization and autonomous communication technologies. Our society
will be cashless and paperless. Smart Bangladesh will most importantly build an equitable and fair society.
On going Circumstances
In spite of these developments, inequality has increased in urban regions and decreased in rural ones. The
nation did recover from the COVID-19 pandemic quickly, helped by cautious macroeconomic policies; in
FY23, GDP growth was predicted to be 6.0 percent. Nonetheless, the economy is confronted with
significant obstacles, including increasing inflationary pressure, energy scarcity, a deficit in the balance of
payments, and a lack of revenue. The trade deficit shrank in FY23, while the balance of payments (BoP)
deficit and foreign exchange reserves decreased as a result of a contraction in the financial account deficit.
As a result of continuous import reduction measures that interrupt economic activity, real GDP growth is
predicted to decline in FY24.
To Handle this Situation
In response, the government is prioritizing supply and public welfare initiatives while implementing
austerity measures in other areas throughout the fiscal year. To preserve agricultural production, the
government has rapidly and decisively guaranteed affordable fertilizer supplies. Gas and electricity
subsidies have also been boosted. Bangladesh Bank has also raised the repo rate—the policy interest rate—
multiple times to control inflation. The regulatory duty was reduced from 25% to 10% and the rice price
customs duty was eliminated. The advance tax exemption has been extended and the diesel tariff decreased
from 10% to 5% to lower diesel prices. The "food-friendly program," open market rice sales, one crore

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household cards, and other government efforts aim to reduce inflation and its consequences on low-income
people.
Conclusion: Bangladesh has made great strides economically and socially. Growth in GDP, employment,
poverty reduction, and infrastructure have catapulted the country to middle-income status. Public health
and education have also improved in Bangladesh. Democracy and war criminal prosecution have improved
due to the government's focus on good governance and justice. Despite these successes, inflation, energy
shortages, and a balance-of-payments deficit persist. The administration is addressing these concerns with
austerity and public welfare projects. Bangladesh intends to become wealthy, smart, and inclusive soon.
References:
1. Economic Review- 2023,
2. Budget Speech- 2023-24,
3. Finance Ministry Website,
4. The World Bank.

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4. Socio-Economic impacts of RMG sector in Bangladesh
The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh has significantly contributed to the socio-
economic landscape of the country since its emergence in the late 1970s. This sector plays a pivotal role
in shaping the nation’s economy, employment opportunities, and social fabric. The impacts of the RMG
industry in Bangladesh are multi-faceted, affecting various aspects of society and the economy.

Bangladesh RMG industry has gone from strength to

Bangladesh in International Trade
strength and has become a global hub for apparel
In Import 30th
sourcing. At present, the industry consists of over four
In Export 42nd
thousand factories. RMG exports from Bangladesh
B
includes a wide variety of knitwear & woven garments
products such as shirts, trousers, T Shirt, denim, jackets, sweaters, etc. In
History of the RMG sector of Bangladesh
In
The apparel industry of Bangladesh started its journey in the 1980s and has come to the position it is in Im
today. The late Nurool Quader Khan was the pioneer of the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh. In
He had a vision of how to transform the country. In 1978, he sent 130 trainees to South Korea where they Ex
learned how to produce readymade garments. With those trainees, he set up the first factory "Desh
Garments" to produce garments for export.

At the same time, the late Akhter Mohammad Musa of Bond Garments, the late Mohammad Reazuddin
of Reaz Garments, MdHumayun of Paris Garments, Engineer Mohammad Fazlul Azim of Azim Group,
Major (Retd) Abdul Mannan of Sunman Group, M Shamsur Rahman of Stylecraft Limited, the first
President of BGMEA, AM Subid Ali of Aristocrat Limited also came forward and established some of the
first garment factories in Bangladesh.

Following their footsteps, other prudent and hardworking entrepreneurs started RMG factories in the
country. Since then, Bangladeshi garment industry did not need to look behind. Despite many difficulties
faced by the sector over the past years, it has carved a niche in world market and kept continuing to show
robust performance.

Bangladesh RMG Industry- A global hub for garments manufacturing and sourcing

The main key factors which have a great influence on the RMG sector of Bangladesh are the following:

▪ Vast labor force,

▪ Skilled human resources,
▪ Technological upgrades,
▪ Government supports for textile and clothing,
▪ Special economic/export processing zones,
▪ Creation of textile and clothing villages,
▪ The incentive for use of local inputs,
▪ Duty reduction for the import of inputs/machines,
▪ Income tax reduction,
▪ And international supports like GSP, GSP+, duty-free access, etc.
Established Ecosystem: Around 1,430 textile mills are present in Bangladesh which includes 796 woven
fabric manufacturers with a capacity to produce 3,850 million meters of fabric per annum. In addition,
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Bangladesh has 240 dying, printing and finishing mills, which manufacturers 3,170 million meters of fabric
per annum.

Favorable trade benefits: Bangladesh enjoys duty free access in 52 countries which includes the EU,
Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Japan, Iceland, South Korea, Canada, Chile, India (46 RMG
products), Turkey, China. Bangladesh is also a member of regional blocs SAPTA, SAFTA, APTA, BIMSTEC.

Eco friendly factories: At present, six out of the top 10 eco-friendly platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design) certified factories worldwide are located in Bangladesh. In addition to having
the highest number of LEED-certified factories, Bangladesh is also home to the highest-rated LEED
Platinum denim factory, knitting factory, washing plant, and textile mill in the world.

Qualified workforce: Abundance of young and qualified labor force with over 110 million of the
population aged below 40 and 75 million of the population aged below 24, Bangladesh has an abundance
labor force.

Bangladesh's global market share:

Bangladesh's share in the global

readymade garment trade more than
tripled in the past 17 years as the country
cements its position as one of the largest
suppliers internationally. In 2005, the
country's share was 2.5 percent but it
rocketed to 7.9 percent last year, data
from the World Trade Statistical Review
2023 showed.

In 2000, Bangladesh shipped garment

items worth $4.82 billion. It posted a
meteoric rise in the past 22 years,
elevating earnings to $45 billion last year.
A number of factors have driven the expansion in the past two decades as the country solidified its place
as the second-largest apparel supplier in the world after China and raised its market share.

Export destinations

Three-quarters (76 percent) of Bangladesh’s product exports are to 12 countries including the United
States and Germany. Exports to each of these countries exceed $1 billion. Australia is the newest addition
to this billion-dollar club. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the top 12 export destinations
of Bangladeshi products in the outgoing financial year are the United States, Germany, the United
Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Japan, Poland, Canada and Australia. Among these
countries, only the United States, Germany and Poland saw a decline in exports. While other 9 markets
have increased from 7 to 40 percent.

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In the outgoing financial year 2022-23, a total
of $55.56 billion worth of goods were exported
from Bangladesh. The top 12 export
destinations and countries have exported
products worth $42.04 billion. In the previous
year, exports to these markets were worth
$41.10 billion. Exports to these countries
increased by $1.93 billion in one year.

Economic impacts of the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh:

1. Contribution to GDP:

The RMG sector contributes significantly to Bangladesh's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As of recent data
by BIDA, the industry contributes around 16% of the country's GDP. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, the RMG
sector contributed 82% to Bangladesh's total export earnings, as reported by the Bangladesh Export
Promotion Bureau.

2. Foreign Exchange Earnings: Year Earnings (Billion

The RMG sector is the largest source of foreign currency earnings USD)
for Bangladesh. It accounts for a substantial portion of the 2018 34.13
country's export income. According to data from the Bangladesh 2019 27.95
2020 31.46
Bank, the sector bagged $45.7 billion by shipping apparel items in
2021 42.61
the just concluded 2022, seeing an annual growth of 27.64% from
2022 45.7
$35.41 billion in 2021.
Source: EPB, BB
3. Employment Generation:

The RMG industry is the largest employer in Bangladesh, providing Total 25.62 lac
employment to millions of workers, predominantly women. It is Female 14.94 lac
estimated that more than 2.562 million people are directly Male 10.68 lac
employed in the RMG sector, as reported by the Bangladesh F:M ratio 58.3
Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Source: MIB
4. Contribution to Industrial Growth:

The RMG sector has played a pivotal role in the expansion and development of related industries,
contributing to the overall growth of the country's industrial sector. It has stimulated growth in ancillary
industries such as textiles, dyeing, printing, and accessories, creating a more integrated industrial
landscape.

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5. Regional Development:

Concentration of RMG factories in certain regions has spurred regional development in places like Dhaka,
Chittagong, and Gazipur. This industrial clustering has led to the development of infrastructure and
services, fostering economic growth in these areas.

6. Technological Advancements and Skills Development:

The RMG sector has gradually adopted modern technologies for production, which has enhanced
efficiency and quality in manufacturing processes. It has also played a role in advancing the skill set of the
workforce, improving their technical expertise.

7. Attracting Foreign Investment:

Bangladesh's success in the RMG sector has attracted significant foreign investment. Foreign investors are
drawn to the country's competitive labor costs and potential for market growth. In recent years, foreign
investors have shown increasing interest in establishing or expanding their presence in Bangladesh's RMG
sector.

8. Global Market Position:

Bangladesh has carved out a notable position in the global textile and apparel market Bangladesh gained
a higher share in the global readymade garment (RMG) trade last year, and retained its second position
among apparel-exporting nations. The country's share in garment trade rose to 7.90% in 2022 from 6.40%
in 2021, according to data released by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country's competitive
prices and production capabilities have cemented its position as a key player in the global garment
industry.

9. Economic Stability and Development:

The RMG sector's stability and growth have contributed significantly to Bangladesh's economic
development, assisting in poverty reduction and providing avenues for economic resilience.

10. Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

The growth of the RMG industry has had a positive spill-over effect on small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs) that provide supporting products and services to the garment manufacturing process. This
development has helped in diversifying the economic ecosystem, offering opportunities for ancillary
industries to flourish.

The social impacts of the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh

1. Women's Empowerment:
The RMG sector has significantly contributed to empowering women in Bangladesh. Around 58.3% of
RMG workers are women, providing them with job opportunities and financial independence. Data from
the World Bank and the International Labor Organization (ILO) underline the substantial presence of
women in the RMG workforce, marking a significant shift in employment patterns and women's economic
roles.

2. Changes in Gender Dynamics:

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Women's employment in the RMG sector has challenged traditional gender roles and societal perceptions.
It has redefined the role of women in the family and workplace, contributing to changing gender dynamics.
Reports from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and various gender studies have
observed the transformative impact of women's employment in the RMG sector on altering traditional
gender roles.

3. Rural-Urban Migration:
The growth of the RMG sector has triggered significant rural-to-urban migration. Workers migrate from
rural areas to urban centers where garment factories are predominantly located. Statistics from the
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics illustrate that approximately 60% of RMG workers have migrated from
rural areas, highlighting the impact on urbanization trends.

4. Economic Mobility and Income Generation:

The RMG sector has contributed to economic mobility, especially for women from rural areas, providing
opportunities for income generation and socio-economic advancement. Findings from studies conducted
by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and various development agencies emphasize the positive
impact of the RMG sector in offering income opportunities to previously unemployed individuals.

5. Challenges in Working Conditions:

Despite the positive impacts, the RMG sector faces challenges related to working conditions. Issues
include workplace safety concerns, long working hours, and inadequate compensation. Reports from
organizations like the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh and the Alliance for Bangladesh
Worker Safety have highlighted challenges related to working conditions and safety in some garment
factories.

6. Health and Education Challenges:

Some RMG workers face difficulties in accessing education and healthcare due to long working hours and
low wages. Studies conducted by organizations like UNICEF and the International Growth Centre have
addressed the challenges faced by workers in the RMG sector, hindering their access to education and
healthcare.

7. Family and Community Dynamics:

The RMG sector has caused shifts in family structures and community dynamics, particularly as women
become earners alongside men, altering traditional family roles. Research conducted by the World Bank
and various sociologists has examined the impact of women's employment in the RMG sector on familial
and community structures in Bangladesh.

References

• Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)

• International Labor Organization (ILO)
• Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
• EPB
• Bangladesh Bank
• Human Rights Watch
• Various reports and research studies on the RMG sector in Banglade

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5. State of Global Climate Mitigation
Or,

From UNFCCC to Now: The Evolution of Global Climate Mitigation

“Climate change is a terrible problem, and it absolutely needs to be solved. It deserves to be a huge
priority”.

-said by Bill Gates

Governments everywhere have committed to reducing global warming throughout the past few decades.
However, even with increased diplomatic efforts, the effects of climate change are already being felt
globally, and they are only predicted to worsen.

Countries committed to lowering greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris
Agreement, but the quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is still rising and warming the planet at
an alarming rate. Scientists caution that unchecked global warming might result in catastrophic
environmental events throughout a large portion of the planet, such as extreme sea level rise,
unprecedented droughts and floods, and a significant loss of species. Many of the 195 nations that have
ratified the Paris Accord have increased their climate commitments since the negotiations began in 2015
at the UN climate summits known as the Conference of the Parties (COP). However, the UN has issued a
warning that states are not on track to reach their Paris objectives and is encouraging them to implement
significantly more aggressive decarbonization plans ahead of this year's COP28 session in Dubai.

Major International Initiatives to Mitigate Global Climate Change

Montreal Protocol, 1987: Despite not being designed to address climate change, the Montreal Protocol
was a groundbreaking environmental agreement that served as a template for subsequent climate change
diplomacy. Eventually, the deal was adopted by every nation on Earth, requiring them to cease producing
chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons that harm the ozone layer (CFCs). Almost 99 percent of these ozone-
depleting chemicals have been eliminated thanks to the procedure. Through the Kigali Amendment in

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2016, parties committed to lowering their production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse
gases that fuel climate change.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992: At the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit,
the UNFCCC was adopted. In order to avoid dangerous human interference with the climate system, it set
the goal of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and created the foundation for
upcoming international climate change negotiations. The historic agreement, which was ratified by 197
nations—including the US—was the first international agreement to specifically address climate change.
It created the Conference of the Parties, or COP, an annual venue for global talks aimed at stabilizing the
atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement were the
results of these discussions.

Kyoto Protocol, 1997: A global agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol was negotiated by the UNFCCC.
The first legally binding climate agreement was the Kyoto Protocol, which was ratified in 1997 and went
into effect in 2005. It set up a framework to track nations' progress and mandated industrialized nations
to cut emissions by an average of 5% below 1990 levels. For industrialized nations, often known as "Annex
I" countries, it set legally-binding emission reduction objectives for the years 2008–2012. However,
developing nations—such as China and India, two of the biggest carbon emitters—were not required by
the deal to act. In 1998, the United States signed the agreement, but it was never ratified and it was later
withdrawn.

The Paris Agreement, 2015: One of the most important international climate initiatives is the Paris
Agreement, which was approved at the 21st UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris. The Paris
Pact, the most important global climate agreement to date, mandates that all nations make pledges to
reduce their emissions. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are targets set by governments with
the intention of keeping the world average temperature below 1.5°C (2.7°F) and preventing it from rising
over preindustrial levels by 2°C (3.6°F). In the second half of the century, it also seeks to achieve global
net-zero emissions, which is defined as the quantity of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere
equal to the amount removed from it (This is also known as being climate neutral or carbon neutral).
Countries are required to evaluate their implementation of the agreement every five years through a
procedure called the global stocktake. The first, released in September 2023, warned governments that,

“The world is not on track to meet the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.”

The only nation to leave the agreement was the United States, which is the second-biggest emitter in the
world. Former President Donald Trump made this decision, and it went into effect in November 2020.
Nevertheless, in his first few months in office, President Joe Biden brought the United States back into the
pact. Three nations—Yemen, Iran, and Libya—have not formally ratified the deal.

Carbon Pricing: Carbon pricing is a strategy designed to address the external costs of greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions, linking these costs to their sources by imposing a price on carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions. This approach encourages emitters to either reduce emissions or pay for the damages caused
by GHG emissions. It offers economic incentives for emitters to decide how best to lower emissions, rather
than imposing specific methods. By internalizing the costs of climate change into economic decision-
making, carbon pricing stimulates investments in clean technology, innovation, and low-carbon economic
growth.

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Grassroots Movements and Public Awareness (Greta Thunberg): Raising awareness of climate change
and promoting action has been greatly aided by civil society and grassroots movements. Global attention
has been drawn to initiatives such as Greta Thunberg's "Fridays for Future" protests.

Why is it needed to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C?

For years, scientists have warned that if the current rate of global temperature rise continues, there will
be catastrophic environmental effects. The IPCC's 2021 assessment states that the Earth's average
temperature has already risen by about 1.1°C over preindustrial levels. According to the paper, which was
written by more than two hundred scientists from more than sixty countries, even if countries immediately
reduce their emissions dramatically, global warming would reach or surpass 1.5°C within the next 20 years.

An earlier, more comprehensive IPCC report summarized the severe effects expected to occur when the
global temperature warms by 1.5°C:

Effects of
Heat Droughts Ocean Arcticice Species Global
Rising seas
waves and floods changes thaws loss Climate
Change

Heat waves: There will be more hot days in many areas, with 14% of people globally experiencing periods
of extreme heat at least once every five years.

Droughts and floods: Certain areas will be more vulnerable to floods and droughts, which will make
farming more challenging, reduce crop yields, and result in a scarcity of food.

Rising seas: Living in coastal regions that will be swamped in the next decades are tens of millions of
people. Particularly at risk are small island states.

Ocean changes: Oceans will becoming more acidic and up to 90% of coral reefs would be destroyed. The
productivity of fisheries worldwide will drastically decline.

Arctic ice thaws: The Arctic will see a summer without sea ice at least once every century, something that
hasn't occurred in at least two millennia. By the end of the century, forty percent of the permafrost in the
Arctic will thaw.

Species loss: More insects, plants, and vertebrates will be at risk of extinction.

The consequences will be far worse if the 2°C threshold is reached. Scientists say, “We’re headed toward
disaster if we can’t get our warming in check and we need to do this very quickly”.

Are the commitments made under the Initiatives enough?

The majority of experts believe that national commitments won't be implemented swiftly enough to keep
the rise in global temperature to 1.5°C and that they are not ambitious enough. A 2.7°C (4.9°F) rise by
2100 might be brought about by the policies of the Paris signatories as of late 2022, according to the
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Climate Action Tracker created by the German nonprofit organizations Climate Analytics and the New
Climate Institute. The Paris Accord is insufficient. Even throughout the negotiation process, it was
acknowledged as insufficient. "It was merely a starting step, and countries were expected to return with
greater ambition to cut their emissions as time went on."

Conclusion: The global efforts to mitigate climate change and the urgency of keeping global temperature
rise below 1.5°C. Despite international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, the
world continues to experience the consequences of climate change. The significance of the Montreal
Protocol in environmental diplomacy, the role of carbon pricing as a strategy to address GHG emissions,
and the impact of grassroots movements like Greta Thunberg's "Fridays for Future" protests. The need to
limit global warming to 1.5°C is stressed due to the catastrophic consequences of higher temperatures,
including heatwaves, droughts, floods, sea-level rise, species loss, and more. Current commitments and
policies are insufficient to achieve this goal, and stronger, more ambitious actions are required to
effectively combat climate change.

References:

1. UN website

2. The World Bank website

3. UN Climate talks

4. World Meteorological Organization

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6. Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Society
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines,
especially computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for
using the information), reasoning (using rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions) and self-
correction. Particular applications of AI include expert systems, speech recognition & machine vision.
Artificial intelligence is a combination of science and technology which is based on Mathematics,
Psychology, Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, and Linguistics.
Importance of AI:
 It converts repetitive process into automatic and discovers insights from data.
 It finds patterns and sequences in data for acquiring skill of algorithm.
 AI performs high-volume, frequent, computer based tasks frequently and without weakness.
 AI can add intelligence in a product, process or in a system.
 AI can improve efficiency of resources.
What good can AI bring?
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized in many areas. It has the uncountable number of benefits and AI
can offer better human life. As follows-
Crossing Human Limit: When it is difficult for human to go, AI has ability to reach places to help human.
For instance, exploring space to greater extents where it could be dangerous for humans but AI can reach
there. Another example, in Deep Ocean where humans might not survive but AI can.
Predictive Analysis: Every day the world produces lots of data. Medical and financial sectors have much
potential than any another domain. AI is being used there to organize and manage data. It can analyze data
to find patterns, and based on these patterns it arrives at predictions. This predictions can ensure better and
faster decision making.
AI In Healthcare: Improving patient outcomes and minimizing costs are the biggest consequence of AI in
healthcare. Health monitoring, remote diagnosis especially in disease diagnosis, and in suggesting primary
medication, AI has performed significantly.
AI In Business: To reduce repetitive tasks, robotic process automation plays a significant role. To draw
insights from data on how to deal customers better, machine learning algorithms are applied to CRM and
analytics platforms, process innovation.
AI In Education: AI can automate grading system. AI enabled tutors can do assessment, requirement
adaptation, support and ensuring them to stay on the right track. It has potential to change learning
environment and replace teachers. AI adoption is the greatest in sectors that are already strong digital
adopters.
AI In Finance: Turbo Tax is disrupting innovation in finance arena. By collecting personal data, these
applications can provide financial advices. Ping An (an insurance company) is using AI to automate
settlement process of insurance claims in China.
AI In Law: Documents finding can be automated by AI to use more efficiently than ever before. AI has
potential in predictions of legal outcome, research documents and review etc. to assist judges in trial
process.
AI In Manufacturing: Manufacturing sector is the pioneer in incorporating robots into the workflow. AI in
supply chain such as Chatbot for operational procurement, ML for warehouse management etc. is a huge
opportunity.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI): From the perspective of Bangladesh

“Five G (5G) will be on run within 2023. Future technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, big
data, blockchain, and IoT will be widespread”
- Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh is embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the digitalization of the nation. The digitization
process started a decade earlier. Now AI would work as an accelerator. Bangladesh's economy is the 42 nd
largest economy in the world by GNI and the 31st largest by PPP. It has also been classified among the next
eleven emerging market and frontier five. According to the IMF,
“Bangladesh economy is the 2nd fastest growing economy with rate of 7.1%, and expected impact of AI
economy of Bangladesh could boost 45% of gain.”
The right strategy and proactive actions can dramatize the economic growth of Bangladesh by AI for digital
transformation in all possible landscape including Citizen Services, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Health,
Mobility & Transportation, Finance and Trade and so on.
Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in economic, research, industry, agriculture and the medical area will help
our country to be the fastest moving country among South Asia. We have set 8 national priority sectors.
They are as follows:

❖ AI for public service delivery:

Bangladesh Govt. has developed Eksheba Citizen by which citizens can avail of any
services online by using their single identity. The Govt. has taken initiatives to analyze
and identify all the services delivering from different govt. offices and has identified
2700+ govt. services. As a result, AI can reduce administrative burdens, help to inform
all government services to the citizens, take on a significantly complex task, etc.

❖ AI for Manufacturing:
The manufacturing sector of Bangladesh is estimated to increase by 13 percent and this increased rate is
doubted by many observers. The index of large and medium manufacturing has been growing rapidly.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning have ignited the fourth industrial revolution. Adopting
new technologies into manufacturing sectors along with data and predictive analytics will minimize raw
materials, improve effectiveness and optimize supply chains. Smart Manufacturing includes overall
equipment effectiveness (OEE), custom, and adaptive manufacturing.

❖ AI for Agriculture:
The govt. opened [Link] portal and hotline (3331) to support farmers. According to Bangladesh
Economic Profile, the agriculture industry contributes approximately 15% of the total GDP in our economy.
Many activities are ongoing based on technology such as digital agriculture platform generating base data
for AI, IoT for crop field conditions, behavior analysis of cow, fish feeding, etc. crop stage mapping using
satellite image processing, hydroponics & vertical agriculture for moving towards building plant factories
and big data for prediction mapping. The country has much potential to solve some challenges by AI like
Dynamic soil topology Map, diseases forecast team system for a single crop, harvesting prediction
automation, image-based disease recognition, and health monitoring, etc. CropIn, an Indian agtech
company, has expanded its services to Bangladesh. They provide farmers with AI-driven insights on crop
health, weather predictions, and market trends, allowing them to make data-driven decisions and improve
their yields.

❖ AI for Smart Mobility and Transportation:

Bangladesh has seen a communications revolution with the fastest development of roads, bridges, flyovers,
culvert, etc. The government in Bangladesh has embarked on constructing a number of mega projects such
as Padma Multipurpose Bridge (Once complete to transform lives of 30 million southern people), Payra
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Deep seaport (country’s third seaport), Dhaka Metro Rail, Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway, Dhaka
elevated expressway, Karnafuli underwater tunnel, Bus rapid transit in Dhaka etc.

❖ AI for Skill & Education:

As per the World Bank’s report, Bangladesh has
made remarkable achievements over the past
decade by ensuring access to education at all levels
and especially for girls. The country’s net
enrollment rate at the primary school level
increased from 80% in 2000 to 100% in 2015. There
are 32,000 educational institutes with the
multimedia classroom. Bangladesh, like many other
countries, is investing greatly in the education system considering as one of the core strategies to alleviate
poverty and facilitate development including raise the ICT skills of Bangladeshis and move towards the
information society. Besides, Robi 10 Minute School is an example of a platform that offers personalized
educational content powered by AI. It analyzes a student's learning patterns and suggests suitable study
materials and practice questions, ensuring a more effective and personalized learning experience.

❖ AI for Finance & Trade:

The electronic banking system has become the main technology-driven revolution for conducting financial
transactions. According to the Bangladesh Bank (BB) guideline, commercial banks are categorized as
Category-1 and Category-2. Category-1 means Centralized ICT Operation for managing core business
application solution through Data Center (DC) with backup assets for continuation of critical services
including Disaster Recovery Site (DRS)/Secondary Data Center to which all other offices, branches, and
booths are connected through WAN with 24/7 attended operation. Category-2 stands for decentralizing ICT
operation for managing distributed business application solution. AI-based credit management will
eliminate fraud/enhance credit availability/enhance economy, centralized KYC automation improve service
dealing.

❖ AI for E-Commerce:
AI works well in e-commerce. AI currently attracts and boards customers safely through E-commerce. AI
can forecast demand and supply, assist customers, recommend products, personalize chatbots, and more in
e-commerce. Amazon, the largest e-commerce site, develops AI to stay profitable. Their high-end
recommendation system attracts clients and 24X7 AI-enabled assistance manages customer requests and
complaints to improve user experience.

❖ AI in E-Governance:
AI has been instrumental in improving e-governance in Bangladesh. Chatbots and virtual assistants are
being used to provide citizens with information, guide them through government services, and streamline
administrative processes. For instance, Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR) implemented an
AI-based chatbot on its website to assist taxpayers with queries related to tax policies, returns, and other
taxation matters. This has not only improved the efficiency of services but also reduced the need for in-
person interactions during the pandemic.

❖ AI for Healthcare:
The government of Bangladesh has outlined the AI strategy and roadmap in the National Strategy for
Artificial Intelligence report published on March 2020. The critical step to implementing AI in the
Bangladesh healthcare sector is through a centralized information system. A web-based system can be put
up to collect the statistical data centrally. Such a system will ensure a robust data reservoir that can be
integrated into the Health Information System (HIS). A common ground can be reached where hospitals
across the country can easily share and access patient records. AI model-driven telemedicine can be
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developed to provide medical assistance to a larger population at a time. Patients can describe their
symptoms, and the platform uses AI to provide a preliminary diagnosis. AI models pertinent to
Bangladesh’s healthcare system can also work on predicting epidemics and redirect efforts to control them
in advance. This technology has been especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allowed
patients to access healthcare services without risking physical exposure
❖ AI in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR):

“We will develop our children in such a way so that they could cope with the coming days that will be
technology driven and make them prepared to be the skilled manpower for the upcoming fourth
Industrial Revolution (4IR)”
-PM Sheikh Hasina

To begin with, 4IR is largely about digital technologies and

how these technologies can be managed. There need to be
proper policies to govern the use and development of
emerging technologies. With the introduction of the
"SMART Bangladesh" ideology, the government had
started to take steps in the right direction. The good news is
that some policies have already been formulated, and some
are being formulated.
In the last four years, we have progressed considerably in
ensuring broadband connectivity at the district levels. The
positive thing is that the government has undertaken multiple
projects, and it seems that in the next few years, broadband connectivity will improve significantly in rural
areas. The government has already established Tier 4 and Tier 3 data centers, and their capacity has
increased significantly.

Challenges of AI in Bangladesh:
While AI is making significant strides in Bangladesh, there are challenges and concerns that need to be
addressed. They are as follows:
❖ Infrastructure and Access:
Bangladesh needs an effective digital infrastructure and broad internet access in order for AI to flourish
there. Despite recent significant progress, several areas of the country still have limited access to dependable
internet connections. To fully realize the promise of AI across the nation, it will be essential to ensure
widespread connectivity and upgrade digital infrastructure.
❖ Information Accessibility and Efficiency:
For precise forecasting and decision-making, AI algorithms largely rely on high-quality and diversified
datasets. Bangladesh has issues with data management, accessibility, and collecting. It is essential to
guarantee the availability of clear and varied datasets while upholding data security and privacy. In order
to create data-sharing frameworks and encourage responsible data usage, the government and pertinent
parties must collaborate.
❖ Legal Issues:
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies present ethical and legal issues that need to be resolved. Careful
regulation and monitoring are necessary for problems including algorithmic prejudice, employment
displacement, and the impact on privacy and security. To ensure that the technology helps all facets of
society while reducing possible concerns, it is essential to establish clear norms and regulatory frameworks
for AI development and deployment.
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❖ Education and Labor Creation:
A competent workforce capable of creating, deploying, and maintaining AI systems is necessary for the
successful integration of AI. Bangladesh must fund educational initiatives and training programs to provide
people with the data science, machine learning, and AI technology capabilities they need. To close the skills
gap and create a healthy AI ecosystem, academics, business, and government must work together.
❖ Data Privacy and Security:
Maintaining data privacy and security is a significant concern. AI systems rely on data, and securing
sensitive information is essential to prevent data breaches and misuse.
❖ Lack of Research and Development:
There's a need for more investment in research and development in AI, as well as collaboration between
academia, industry, and the government to foster innovation.
Artificial Intelligence is on the rise in Bangladesh, with profound implications for its society. From
healthcare and education to agriculture and finance, AI is transforming sectors and improving services. The
government's Digital Bangladesh initiative and various private sector players are investing in AI research
and development to harness its potential.

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7. The laudable universal pension scheme
The Bangladesh government is embarking on a significant milestone by introducing the Universal Pension Scheme,
an initiative designed to provide a sustainable and organized social safety net for the country’s senior citizens. With
an aging population and a projected increase in the number of citizens over the age of 60, this program aims to
address the growing need for financial security among the elderly and those in the informal economy.

The much-discussed 'Universal Pension Management Bill-2023' has been passed in the National Parliament to bring
all the adult citizens of the country under the pension system apart from the government employees. However, a
person has to contribute continuously for at least 10 years after joining the public pension scheme to get monthly
pension benefits. Apart from this, an opportunity to bring government employees into this pension system by
issuing a separate gazette has been kept in the bill. All citizens from the age of 18 years and above to the age of
50 can participate in the universal pension based on the national identity card. Special consideration has been given
to covering the pension scheme for people above fifty years. However, to get monthly pension benefits, the
concerned person has to pay installments continuously for at least 10 years after joining the public pension scheme.
The person will get a lifetime pension from that age after the end of the installment period. Bangladeshi workers
working abroad can also participate in it.

Any Bangladeshi citizen aged over 18 can take up this scheme at home and abroad. The Universal Pension Scheme
encompasses four distinct schemes, each tailored to cater to different segments of the population. These schemes
are-

Pragati
• Private sector employees can avail of this scheme by depositing Tk.2,000, Tk.3,000 and Tk.5,000 in monthly
installments. As much as half the installments will be provided by the employees while the rest by their
employers.
• If any private company does not want to join UPS, employees can do so on their own.
• If any employee joins the scheme at the age of 18 and provides installments of Tk.2,000 per month for 42 years,
he/she will get Tk.68,931 a month at the age of 60. Those providing Tk.3,000 per month will get Tk.1,03,396
monthly, and people who will deposit Tk.5,000 per month can withdraw Tk.1,72,327 every month.
Surokkha
• Self-employed and informal sector workers such as farmers, rickshaw pullers, day laborer’s, blacksmiths, potters,
fishermen and weavers can avail of this.
• Those who continue the scheme after providing Tk.1,000 per month will get Tk.34,465 as a pension per month.
Besides, those who provide Tk.2,000 per month can withdraw Tk.68,931 per month.
• People who will provide Tk.3,000 and Tk.5,000 per month would be able to withdraw Tk.1,03,396 and Tk.1,72,327
per month respectively.
Samata
• Under the scheme, the monthly installment would be Tk.1,000 and the customer can provide Tk.500 per month
while the rest will be provided by the government. People living below the extreme poverty level can avail the
opportunity.
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• If any person joins the scheme at the age of 18 and provides a Tk.500 installment per month, he/she will get
Tk.34,465 per month. Besides, people aged above 50 will get Tk.1,530 per month after providing Tk.500 in
installments.
Prabashi
• For the migrant workers, the government has fixed Tk.5,000, Tk.7,500, and Tk.10,000 installments per month
under the scheme and if anyone returns to the country before 60 years, he/she can pay the amount through
local currency or exchange the scheme. They will get their pension in local currency after their scheme matures.
• If an 18-year-old migrant worker provides Tk.10,000 per month, he/she will be able to withdraw Tk.3,44,655
per month after 60 years till 75. Those who provide Tk.5,000 and Tk.7,500 as installments for 42 years, he/she
will get Tk.1,72,327 and Tk.2,58,491 per month.
• If someone provides Tk.5,000 per month for a minimum of 10 years, he/she will get Tk.7,651 per month from
the age of 60.
If the money deposited in the pension fund needs to be withdrawn at any stage, the subscriber can withdraw a
maximum of 50 percent of the money as a loan on application, which has to be repaid with fees later. The money
received from the pension will be free from income tax. Contributions earmarked for pension are treated as
investments and are eligible for a tax deduction. In case of citizens below the minimum age limit or indigent
contributors, the government can give a portion of the monthly contribution to the pension fund as a grant. The
public pension system provides for the participation of government, semi-government, autonomous, or private
institutions. In this case, the authorities will determine the share of the contribution of workers and institutions.
However, till the government decides, the persons working in government and semi-government or autonomous
organizations will be excluded from this pension scheme.
Formation of the National Pension Authority:
Provision has been made for the formation of a National Pension Authority. This authority will have an executive
chairman and four members. The government will appoint them. The bill also provides for the formation of a 16-
member board of directors. Its chairman will be the finance minister. Besides, the Bangladesh Bank Governor,
Secretary of the Financial Institutions Department, Secretary of the Finance Department, NBR Chairman, Secretary
of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Secretary of the Ministry
of Expatriate Welfare, Secretary of Ministry of Labor and Employment, Secretary of Posts and Telecommunications
Department, Secretary of Prime Minister's Office, Security and Exchange Commission Chairman, President of FBCCI,
President of Employers' Federation, President of Women Chambers of Commerce will be members. The member
secretary of the board will be the executive chairman of the authority. One or more Scheduled Banks prescribed by
rule shall act as bankers to the National Pension Fund. The National Pension Authority will be constituted after the
publication of this Act in Gazette form. After this, the pilot program of the 'Universal Pension System' scheme will
be launched on July 1. Initially, any other district of the country including Dhaka will be kept as a model district.
The duration of this experimental program will be a maximum of two years. Based on its success, the 'universal
pension system' will be rolled out across the country in a similar manner within the next two years. But the
initiation process will be limited.
After the universal pension system is introduced across the country, it will be kept optional for at least five years.
Later it may be made mandatory for all by 2028-2030. At present, only government employees get a pension in the
country, but the election manifesto of Awami League promised to bring everyone including private employees under
pension. After the formation of the government, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also said to introduce this facility
for everyone. After that, the legislative process started.
Out of 18 crore people in the country, 14 lakh people are employed, and the rest are outside. It is said in the bill
that the bill will be brought for the backward poor, distressed and helpless people of the country. But in our
constitution, Article 15 states that the state shall ensure the basic rights of people - food, clothing, shelter, and
education. And under Article 15 (Gha) the needy, distressed and helpless people of the country will get government
assistance.
The people of this country were personally engaged in future security. For example, people tried to secure their
future by saving small amounts, rearing cattle, buying agricultural land, taking a mortgage on agricultural land,
etc., which was the traditional way of securing the future of the common people of the country. There is no pension
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system for the future security of the people in the country. There is a pension system for government employees
only. In the current financial year, the total expenditure of the government in the 'Pension and Gratuity' sector is
28 thousand 209 crores, which is 4.7 percent of the total budget. This pension system aims to provide social security
for the retirement of 14 lakh public employees in the country.
The universal pension system is undoubtedly a welfare initiative. A milestone in the establishment of the welfare
state. The equitable distribution of wealth is the motto of a welfare democratic state. The government has launched
an allowance program for the social protection of marginalized groups including senior citizens, persons with
disabilities and widows. The state-wide 'Universal Pension System' will be a unique social security initiative of the
country.

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