Bangladesh - The Purbottar

25 Oct

Dhaka’s Smart Metro to Revolutionize Urban Transport in South Asia

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has inaugurated its first fully digital “Smart Metro Service” in Dhaka, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and cutting air pollution in one of Asia’s busiest cities. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the service, describing it as “a new era of clean and efficient urban transport.” The metro system features AI-driven train control, cashless ticketing, and solar-powered stations. The project, supported by Japanese and Indian funding, is expected to carry 600,000 passengers daily. Urban planners in Nepal and India have hailed the project as a model for sustainable mass transit in South Asia. Residents say the metro has already reduced…

24 Oct

Bangladesh Expands Digital Economy with New IT Export Hubs

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has announced the opening of five new IT export hubs to strengthen its position in the global technology market. The initiative, supported by the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, aims to generate $5 billion in software and IT service exports by 2030. Officials said the hubs would create over 100,000 jobs, mainly for youth and women. Indian tech companies have shown interest in partnering with Bangladeshi startups under the South Asian Digital Partnership Forum. Experts believe the expansion of the digital economy could transform Bangladesh into a regional innovation center, similar to Bengaluru or Pune.

23 Oct

Dhaka Unveils South Asia’s First Highway with Solar Roof Panels

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has inaugurated its first solar-powered expressway connecting Dhaka to Narayanganj, marking a significant milestone in South Asia’s green infrastructure development. The 25-kilometer highway features solar panels installed along its central divider and overhead roofs, capable of generating up to 40 megawatts of electricity daily — enough to power nearby communities and reduce grid pressure. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said during the inauguration, “This project represents our vision for a cleaner, self-sufficient Bangladesh.” The initiative aligns with the government’s target to produce 10% of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by 2030. Experts praised the project as a model for…

22 Oct

Bangladesh Expands Solar Power Projects to Reduce Reliance on Imports

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has announced a nationwide expansion of solar power projects aimed at cutting energy imports and promoting renewable sources. The Power Development Board said new installations will add 2,000 megawatts to the national grid within three years. The initiative is supported by international partners, including Japan and the Asian Development Bank. Officials stated that the new projects will reduce the country’s dependency on expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Energy experts in India have noted that similar projects across the subcontinent could foster regional power-sharing agreements. Cross-border energy exchange between India, Nepal, and Bangladesh could soon become a reality, boosting…

16 Oct

Bangladesh Likely to Delay Transit Facilities for Neighbours

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Plans to grant transit and transhipment facilities to neighbouring countries—India, Nepal, and Bhutan—appear to be delayed indefinitely, per official sources in Dhaka. An adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office noted the earlier momentum has slowed, with no significant progress in awarding such access. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has resumed oversight of the process after earlier transfers among ministries, and a technical committee meeting is expected in New Delhi in coming months. The senior commerce official said that until a transit deal with India is finalized, Bangladesh cannot unilaterally grant transshipment access to others. For Bangladeshi media, this is a…

10 Oct

Bangladesh Parties Agree to Referendum Over Reform Charter

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh’s major political parties have collectively endorsed holding a nationwide referendum on a proposed reform charter, but disagreement remains over when it should occur. The 28-page "July Charter" includes sweeping changes such as term limits for prime ministers, stronger checks and balances, and recognition of Bangladesh as multiethnic and multi-religious. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus supports rapid implementation, while some groups argue for holding the referendum only after parliamentary elections in early 2026. The charter is viewed as a response to last year’s mass protests that deposed Sheikh Hasina amid frustrations over corruption and authoritarianism. For Bangladeshi media, this is a…

06 Oct

Unseasonal Surge: Over 1,000 Hospitalized in a Day

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Health authorities confirmed that the dengue fever death toll in 2025 has risen to 212, after nine more deaths were reported in the past 24 hours — the highest single-day fatality count this year. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said over 1,042 patients were admitted within a day, pushing the total number of dengue cases this season to nearly 49,907. The outbreak has lingered beyond the usual monsoon months, expanding into October, raising concerns about vector control and hospital capacity. In response, the government has stepped up anti-larval campaigns, intensified mosquito-breeding site inspections, and distributed insecticide nets in…

03 Sep

Bangladesh Launches Satellite-Based Flood Monitoring

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has rolled out a satellite-based flood monitoring system, designed to give rural communities more accurate early warnings during monsoon season. The system, developed in collaboration with Japan, provides real-time rainfall and river-level data, which is shared through mobile alerts and community radio stations. Officials said the project could save thousands of lives and prevent large-scale crop losses, particularly in flood-prone districts like Kurigram, Jamalpur, and Sylhet. Experts believe the initiative can also be adapted in neighboring India and Nepal, where river systems are interconnected. Regional disaster management groups welcomed the move, calling it a model for South Asia.

01 Sep

Bangladesh Expands Metro Rail Network in Dhaka

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has announced plans to expand Dhaka’s metro rail network, with three new lines set to be completed by 2030. Officials say the project will reduce traffic congestion in one of Asia’s most crowded cities and improve links to surrounding districts. The government is seeking investment from Japan and India, both of which are already involved in metro construction. Transport experts say the project will also benefit trade and tourism between Bangladesh and neighboring India, particularly West Bengal. For Dhaka residents, the expansion promises shorter commutes and cleaner air.

29 Aug

Bangladesh Launches Nationwide Dengue Awareness Drive

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh’s Health Ministry has launched a nationwide dengue awareness campaign as cases surged in Dhaka, Chattogram, and several northern districts. Hospitals are reporting a steady flow of patients, with health experts warning of a severe outbreak if preventive steps are not enforced. The campaign includes door-to-door visits by health workers, public service announcements, and stricter enforcement of fines against households and businesses found with stagnant water. For neighboring regions, including West Bengal and Northeast India, the measures are seen as crucial since dengue transmission often spreads across borders during the monsoon season.