Ganobhaban setting a model with various projects including renewable energy, pearl farming

Dhaka, Jul 21 (2010) (UNB)- A major part of the premises of Ganobhaban, the official residence of the Bangladesh Prime Minister, has taken on the look and feel of a farm having been allocated for operating various agricultural farms on model basis.

With the small-scale projects of Fiber Glass Biogas Digester, farming of fish, pearl, mushrooms, vegetables and honey, the Prime Minister’s residence has established itself as a role model for the government’s planned “One House, One Farm” project.

“My dream is to make every family of the country economically and socially self-reliant,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said while visiting the projects strewn across various corners of her residence.

Upon returning from the inaugural function of the National Fisheries Week’ 2010 held at the Osmani Auditorium on Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Hasina released over 5,000 fries of various fish species in the Ganobhaban pond.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister visited the model projects accompanied by her grandchildren.

Staying there for over an hour, the Prime Minister wanted to know about the pros and cons of every project and expressed her happiness over the launching of the projects.

“Not a single inch of farmable land will be allowed to be wasted. Bangabandhu’s Golden Bangladesh is possible if we can utilize our resources and brains appropriately,” the Prime Minister said.

While briefing the Prime Minister, biogas expert ATM Mahbubul Alam said this type of plant is the ever first bio-gas plant in Bangladesh, with fiberglass technology used extensively.

Alam said two biogas plants have been set up using wastages of four foreign big cows and two cubs.

A two kilowatt generator, one double burner biogas hitter, two bio- hajjak (lantern) lights are being operated everyday respectively for three, six and four hours by the electricity generated from the biogas plants.

Moreover, an irrigation pump is also being run by the electricity generated by the biogas plant, Alam said.

About the effectiveness of the fiber glass technology, Alam said biogas plants have not gained much popularity in the country so far due to concrete-made digesters of the plants, as such digesters do not work for long time.

But the fiber glass-made digester is so light that it can be carried to any remote place and its maintenance cost is also very cheap, he said.

Moreover, 40 percent portion of the fiber glass digester can be manufactured using the country’s local jute which can also pave a new era for the jute industry, the expert said.

Another innovative project inside the Ganobhaban area is pearl farming, which is being run by the Fisheries Department.

Apart from farming various local fish in the Ganobhaban pond, pink pearls are also being farmed in the water body, although in small scale.

“We have started to cultivate pearls in the Ganobhaban lake following directions from the Prime Minister. She wants to experience the results of pearl farming on her own,” said a Ganobhban spokesperson.

The official said pearl farming began in the pond on a model basis as the Prime Minister has a plan to spread the practice of pearl farming in every village and family of the country.

“The Prime Minister believes that pearl farming can be very effective in eradicating unemployment of people, particularly of the women,” he said.

Mahbuba Moonmoon, a female agriculturalist was telling the Prime Minister about the prospects of mushroom cultivation in Bangladesh.

Standing in front of a small tin-shed house set up at the eastern corner of the Ganobhaban for mushroom farming, Moonmoon said mushroom cultivation does not require any land, rather a small house is enough for farming the globally popular food item.

“Mushroom cultivation can remove lack of nutrition for a family as well as poverty,” Moonmoon said.

Later talking to UNB, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said these projects show how a family can meet their needs of electricity, food and employment.

“Our Prime Minister wants to see a Bangladesh where every family has its own capacity for generating electricity, managing necessary food and nutrition, and earning its livelihood,” Azad said.

Everest now under our foot

A Bangladeshi mountaineer and a journalist by profession, Musa Ibrahim, has conquered Everest on May 23rd, 2010. He is the first Bangladeshi to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Arranger of the expedition Iswari Paudel and Musa Ibrahim's wife, Umme Soraban Tahura (Asst. District Judge of Mymensing), confirmed the news at first hand.

Just steal some times to get refreshed you

It was just one-hour ride on a CNG-run taxi from my home village Kalikatcha of Sarail Upazila of Brahmanbaria. I was lucky that I could think about such a plan to get out of my daily life.

I and my two friends--Shahman Moishan and Sumel Mia went to see the wonders of natures in Satchhari National Park under Habiganj district on June 16, 2010.

It was amazing, it was wonderful, our minds were filled up with joys and happiness after we discovered ourselves amidst the trees, birds, monkeys, elephants and sweet sounds of Jhhi-Jhhi insects.

We were there for not more than one hour.But it will continue to fueling my urban life for next long time.

Jute genome decoded Golden fibre to become healthy, high yielding, weather-tolerant;

Reaz Ahmed, senior writer of The Daily Star (June 17, 2010)

Bangladeshi researchers have successfully decoded the jute plant genome opening up a new vista in the development of variety of the world's most adorned biodegradable natural fibre.

Experts said this gene sequencing would help improve the fibre length and quality, including colours and strength; and develop high yielding, saline soil- and pest-tolerant jute varieties through genetic engineering.

With the successful sequencing of jute genome, Bangladesh becomes only the second country after Malaysia, among the developing nations, to achieve such a feat.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the announcement of Bangladesh's scientific achievement in the parliament yesterday amid cheers and desk thumping by lawmakers.

Researchers from Dhaka University, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute and Software Company DataSoft in collaboration with Centre for Chemical Biology, University of Science, Malaysia and University of Hawaii, USA have decoded the genome.

Bangladeshi scientist Maqsudul Alam, a professor of the University of Hawaii, who earlier decoded the genome of papaya in the US and rubber plant in Malaysia, led from the forefront in sequencing the jute genome.

Maqsudul told The Daily Star over telephone yesterday evening, "This is a great accomplishment not only for Bangladesh but for the whole world." He refused to comment any further saying there would be a formal address to the press today (Thursday).

Dubbing it a historic scientific advancement, Sheikh Hasina told the parliament this would redeem the lost glory of the "golden fibre" as gene mapping of jute would now help breeders develop jute varieties resistant to pests and climatic adversities.

She said genome sequencing would help redeem the lost glory of our jute and jute products, immensely contribute to our economy and help transform jute fibre into the golden fibre and bring smiles to millions of jute farmers.

Jute genome sequencing initiative began in February, 2008 when Maqsudul started exploring the possibilities with several Bangladeshi scientists and academics. The whole process was kicked off with many long conference calls between Maqsudul and plant molecular biologists, Prof Haseena Khan and Prof Zeba Seraj of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Dhaka University. Then the lead researcher had several meetings with Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury.

Genome sequence represents a valuable shortcut, helping scientists find genes much more easily and quickly. A genome sequence allows scientists identify and understand how genes work together for the plant's different features like growth, development and maintenance as an entire organism. This allows them to manipulate the genes and enhance, reduce or add certain features of the plant.

Contacted, Zeba Seraj of DU told The Daily Star, "As against three billion genetic letters in human genome, jute has one billion. And sequencing of jute genome will open up a new vista of possibilities."

Jute is the second largest fibre crop in terms of cultivation next to cotton. Bangladesh is the world's second-largest producer of jute, after India, and the world's largest exporter of the fibre.

Sheikh Hasina when mother of ill-fated girls (June 09, 2010

Ratna, Runa and Asma, the three tragic characters of the cruel Nimtoli blaze, tied their nuptial knots Wednesday evening giving credence again to American poet Robert Frost’s famous quote about life, “It goes on.”

Famous musician Bismillah Khan’s music combined with the tunes of both melancholy and happiness was played on “Sanai” suiting the traditional wedding ceremony at the Banquet Hall of Ganobhaban.

A wedding podium was decorated with fresh roses, jasmine and `rajanigandha’ exuding sweet fragrance. The podium was wrapped up on the outside with colourful “silk’ cloths.

The background of the stage carried the three signs of love inscribing the names of three couples —Ratna and Suman, Runa and Jamil, and Asma and Alamgir.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who took upon her all responsibilities of their marriages as a ‘mother’ bought eight tolas of gold for each girl.

She also bought all necessary furniture and household items needed for a newly married couple starting from sofa set to refrigerator and television, dinner table and dinner sets to cooking utensils.

The Prime Minister also managed jobs for the three bridegrooms.

Since Runa’s husband Jamil belongs to the Shia community, marriage ceremony was conducted according to their culture.

Three brides wearing traditional red Benarasi katan saree entered Ganobhaban at 8:30pm while the three bridegrooms and their relatives came to Ganobhaban in 80 cars at 9:30pm.

The bridegrooms paid Tk 25,000 each as gate money.

The Prime Minister decorated the brides with gold ornament with motherly affection at 9:20pm. Raja Hossain Hosseni and Hujjatul Islam Maulan Naki Imam moderated the wedding of Runa and Ratna while Quazi Mohammad Yunus moderated the marriage ceremony of Asma.

Awami League leaders MA Aziz was the ‘Ukil bap” for Ratna, Haji Selim for Runa and Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin MP for Asma.

‘Den Mohar’ was fixed at Tk 1.13 lakh for each bridegroom. Ganobhaban officials said food was cooked for 2,500 to 3,000 guests, mostly relatives and friends of the bride and bridegrooms as well as local elite of Nimtoli.

All the three brides – two sisters Sakina Akhter Ratna and Umme Faria Akhter Runa, and Asma Akhtar - lost their mothers and other family members in the blaze on June 3.

Asma’s father is struggling for his life at Dhaka CMH. Close relatives of the brides’ and grooms’ families, elite from Nimtoli area, local MP, local political leaders and senor Awami League leaders attended the marriage ceremony.

A RARE GESTURE (June 03,2010-UNB)

"I have no more expectations in life." That was the only sentence uttered by Ramiza Khatun, an octogenarian beggar, after she met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday.
Ramiza Khatun, who scrapes a living by begging on the city streets, came to meet the prime minister at the prime minister's office (PMO) following a news story carried by Bangla daily Kaler Kantho.
The new Bangla daily on June 2 published a front-page story that Ramiza Khatun's late husband, Hasmat Ali, who used to be a van driver, bought a piece of land in 2003 and registered the land in the name of Sheikh Hasina.
Prime minister's press secretary Abul Kalam Azad disclosed the ownership of the land will now be transferred to Ramiza Khatun.
On Ramiza's arrival at the prime minister's room in the PMO, the Hasina hugged Ramiza with rare emotion.
"From now onwards, I myself will take care of you," Hasina told Ramiza. As per the prime minister's directive, the government will soon set up a home for Ramiza on the land her husband bought.
"A farm full of pet animals like cows, ducks and hens will also be set up for Ramiza Khatun," said Abul Kalam Azad.
Besides, the prime minister further said that from now on, the government will bear all the expenses for medical treatment of Ramiza Khatun.
The prime minister also donated an amount of cash to Ramiza on the occasion.
According to the Kaler Kantho report, Hasmat Ali through his hard-earned money bought 6.45 decimals land on February 22, 2003 at Kharua Barail village of Rawna Union under Gafurgaon Upazila in Mymensingh district.
Hasmat, who died at the age of 80 in 2004, bought the land for Sheikh Hasina as he used to think of Hasina as an "orphan" after the tragic killings of her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and mother Fazilatunnesa Mujib, along with most of her other family members, on August 15, 1975.
After Bangabandhu's death, Hasmat Ali and Ramiza Khatun came to the capital and started to live in Agargaon slum.
According to the report, Hasmat Ali used to say the Razakars had killed Bangabandhu, leaving Sheikh Hasina as an "orphan". "He (Hasmat Ali) would always say he must do something for Sheikh Hasina," Ramiza was quoted as saying by the daily.
After Hasmat Ali died in 2004, Ramiza was compelled to live through begging, as her only son did not take his struggling mother with his family.
Unfortunately, the person from whom Hasmat Ali bought the land for Sheikh Hasina later grabbed the land. Prime minister Hasina, during the meet with Ramiza, ordered the authorities concerned to rescue the land and register it in the name of Ramiza.
The news story of the Bangla daily also had written that Ramiza is now suffering from various complicated diseases and old age complications.

Soon after reading the news report, the prime minister directed her officials to ensure modern
treatment for Ramiza. From then onwards, Ramiza has been undergoing treatment at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital.

Writer of the news story Haider Ali and BSMMU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Pran Gopal Datta were also present.

Cabinet approves national education policy(UNB-31-05-10)

The National Education Policy-2010, approved by the Cabinet on Monday, extended the level of primary education from class V to class VIII and free education from class V-VIII. The new education policy also raised the level of secondary education from class IX up to class XII.

At the end of class X, a terminal examination will be held at upazila, municipality and thana level on a common question paper. According to the new education policy, a system will be in place so all students would be able to study their respective religions as well as moral education.

The education policy envisages the aim of madrasah education as building good faith on almighty Allah and his prophet (SM) and to enable the students to perceive the essence of Islam, the religion of peace.

Aligning with other modes of education, religion will be studied at the ebtedayee level in madrasah along with compulsory subjects like Bangla, English, moral education, Bangladesh studies, mathematics, social studies, environment and climate change, and science.

"Under the new policy, country''s education system will be inclusive," PM''s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said at press briefing at the PID conference room after the cabinet meeting.

He said all will be included in the education system "irrespective of religion, sex, socio-economic and geographical position, ethnic identities and disabilities."

About the primary education, Azad said the primary education will be gradually made full-free up to class VIII.

In this regard, he told the reporters that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed in the cabinet meeting the need for making the whole education system full free as she believes investment in education as most important.

"Education is the strongest tool for poverty eradication," Hasina was quoted as saying by her press secretary.
Replying to a question, Azad said the new education policy is expected to be implemented from the next academic year and a high level committee will be given the charge to guide the Education Ministry and concerned departments to implement the education policy properly.

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was congratulated by her cabinet colleagues for her visionary leadership in the formulation of the much-expected new education policy.

The Press Secretary said Prime Minister after getting the draft copy of the new education policy had directed the Education Ministry for posting the policy on its website so that people of all professions and classes could give their opinions and views about the policy.

"Educationalists, researchers, students, teachers, various professionals, religious leaders and mass people all have given their valuable opinions on the website.
Besides, the government also has collected suggestions from various seminars, meetings and symposiums before finalizing the education policy," he said.

Azad said Prime Minister Hasina at the cabinet meeting reiterated her strong commitment to build Bangladesh as a country of well-educated people.

"The new education policy will enlighten the people with the light of modern science and technology, moral and religious education, and with the spirit of the liberation war of 1971."

Describing the background of the new education policy, he said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after the independence formed Kudrat-e-Khuda Commission, but after his tragic killing in 1975, the commission was not continued.

In 1997, the then Awam League government formed Shamsul Haque Education Commission, but it also could not be implemented later.

"After assuming the office this time, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered the (Education) Ministry to formulate a time-befitting, modern education policy in the light of the recommendations of the two previous commissions and the present necessities and situation," Azad said.

The government formed National Education Policy Formulation Committee on April 8, 2009 with National Professor Kabir Chowdhury as its head and the committee submitted the draft policy to Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid on September 2 last year.

Then the Education Ministry posted the draft on its website for soliciting public opinion on the draft education policy.

The main characteristics of the new education policy are as follows:

Pre-Primary and Primary Education:
- One year-long pre-primary education will be introduced for 5+ children;
- Adivasi (indigenous) teachers and text books on Adivasi languages will be arranged so that Adivasi children can learn their respective mother tongues;
- Education up to class VIII will be primary and it will be free, universal and compulsory;
- Students will get stipends on the basis of class V exam results;
- All students will have scope to learn their respective religions.

Secondary Education:
- Level of secondary education will be from class IX up to XII;
- At secondary level of general, madrasah and vocational medium, common curriculam and texts will be followed for Bengali, English, Mathematics, Information Technology and Bangladesh Studies;
- At the end of class X a terminal examination will be held at upazila, municipality and thana level on a common question paper and students will be given stipends on the basis of their results.

Higher Study:
- Three-year degree course will gradually be turned into four-year Honors course at all educational institutions;
- Non-government Teachers Commission will be formed for teachers'' selection in non-government educational institutions and to provide them with trainings;
- To decentralize the National University, its centers will be set up at all divisional headquarters and later these centers will be turned into approving universities for respective areas.
Vocational and Technical Education:
- At the end of class VIII, students passing the primary certificate examination can opt for vocational education, if they so want;
- To expand vocational and technical education, technical education institutes will be set up in each upazila while numbers of polytechnic institutes, textile institutes and leather institutes will also be increased;

Facilities for teachers:
- To encourage meritorious students take up teaching profession, the issues of dignity and status of teachers will deeply be considered to restructure the system;
- Steps will be taken to enact an Integrated Education Act and form a Permanent Education Commission.