Mandatory installation of solar panels (solar power generation equipment) in multi-storied buildings in the capital to get new electricity connections has become a big problem.

The customer does not get any electricity from the panel, on the other hand, the electricity department workers are being extorted in the name of panel inspection.

A large part of these solar panels, which have been brought in by spending huge foreign currency in the last 12 years, are now useless. These expensive 20-year solar panels do not last even a year. It is being sold as waste to thrift shops. Clothes are being dried on the solar panels which is a showpiece on the roof.

Building owners and housing traders said that due to the mandatory use of solar panels, some traders involved in the import of these materials have become sudden rich. Opportunity for bribery of dishonest officials-employees of electricity distribution companies has been created. The country did not gain anything, on the contrary, the harassment of common people increased. There are also threats.

Tofail, a caretaker of a six-storey building in Khilkhet of the capital, said that after six months of installing the solar panel at a cost of Tk 4 lakh, the battery was damaged. No longer fixed. Most of the surrounding buildings have no solar panels.

Sheikh Hatim, the owner of a house in Vatara, said that after building a building with a loan, one has to spend Tk 3 to 10 lakh to install solar panels. Otherwise the electricity does not connect.

Citing examples of acquaintances, he said, many people bring solar panels on rent and returned it after receiving electricity connections. Even if the panels are installed correctly, many defects appear after a few years. No lights turn on. Employees of the electricity department have to manage by bribing when they come to observe. It's all a waste. If someone needs solar power, he will install it at his own will.

In the last four days, more than half a hundred buildings in Khilkhet, Badda, Bhatara, Mirpur and Sheorapara of the capital have surveyed, most of the buildings have solar panels as showpieces. Most are useless. A thick layer of dust has accumulated on the panel. Also cut the cable connection. No battery.

Those concerned said that even if the solar panels are of no use, they are being imported at the cost of foreign currency. Some businessmen of certain countries and Bangladesh are benefiting from this. The loss is to the country.

Meanwhile, the fact that the solar panels installed at home are not working has come up in various surveys before. The issue of civil disaffection has come up. Bangladesh University of Engineering (BUET) professor and renewable energy researcher Shahidul Islam Khan conducted a survey in 2013 among customers who got new electricity connections after installing solar panels in Dhaka.

In that survey, the dissatisfaction of the customers and the ineffectiveness of the solar panels emerged.

According to the survey report, the installation of solar power panels has resulted in customer suffering and additional cost. Some people got the opportunity to corrupt by selling or renting substandard panels. As a result, there is a negative attitude towards solar power among urban people.

In 2017, a survey conducted by the Electricity Department showed that the number of solar panels of residential customers in Dhaka City was more than 60 thousand. More than 50,000 of them are wasted.

On the other hand, after 2017, all the buildings in which solar panels have been installed were not functional. Basically these panels are installed by connecting or renting them to get electricity connection.

Another study titled 'Effectiveness of Net Metering System in Dhaka City for Rooftop PV System' by Dhaka Electricity Supply Company (DESCO) found that 35 rooftop solar systems were tested only four were properly utilized.

In 2010, consumers were verbally conditioned to install solar panels to get electricity connection.

Since then, various consumer groups, especially the housing tradesmen's organization, have been demanding the removal of the provision for installation of rehab solar panels.

In view of the demand, the government waived the obligation to install solar panels for new connections on 12 May 2014.

But in 2015, this condition was again imposed on the neck of the people. If the area of ​​the building is more than 6 thousand square feet then adding solar panel is mandatory. As a result, all the high-rise buildings built in the capital have to install solar panels.

According to housing traders, more than 2 lakh buildings were constructed in the country during this period. And thousands of crores of taka have been spent to install solar panels on these buildings. Few companies have imported these solar from abroad by spending valuable foreign currency.

Sources from Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association said that the cost of generating electricity from rooftop solar panels is 6 crore taka per 1 megawatt (including land cost, installation of solar power system, maintenance cost).

Shamsul Alamin, president of Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) told Bangladesh Pratidin, “The solar panels that are being given to the houses are not effective. I have told this matter many times to the Minister of State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Secretary of Energy Department. It is true that solar panels are being imported and installed by spending foreign currency, but the government or the nation is not getting any benefit from it.”

“Initially these panels were launched but later they are no longer in operation, maintenance is not done. If you go to the house, you will see that the clothes are dried on the panels placed on the roof. Solar panels are occupying a space on the roof. We have accepted that. It is required for green energy. But if it does not operate, then it is just a waste of foreign exchange,” he added.

Munira Sultana ndc, chairman of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority told Bangladesh Pratidin, “The building code policy of the Capital Development Authority states that those who construct new buildings must install solar panels. Approval is required for this. Many people install panels for building, but do not connect. Leave it like a showpiece.”

“If real solar panels were installed, electricity would be saved. The policy that has been made is correct. You don't have to pay for the electricity you get from solar panels. If someone doesn't understand his own good then there is nothing to do.”

“After installing the panel and pulling the line, there is no further cost. Just needs a little cleaning sometimes. Solar panels are installed at home on their own initiative. If the panel is damaged, you have to repair it at your own expense,” she added.

Source: Bangladesh Pratidin

A US delegation is meeting with Bangladesh under the Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (TICFA) in Dhaka today. Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia (acting) will lead the US delegation. He expressed the United States' position on trade and investment with Bangladesh. He was interviewed by Mahadi Hasan. 

Kaler Kantho : As the tariff placed on exports from Bangladesh is one of the highest faced by commodities entering the Western nations, the country is requesting duty-free and quota-free access to the US market. What do you think about the demand?

Brendan Lynch : U.S. demand for Bangladeshi exports, especially apparel exports, remains high. Bangladesh continues to be viewed as a reliable apparel supplier and even was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the lack of duty-free or quota-free preferences, Bangladesh remains the third largest supplier of apparel to the U.S. market. 

Kaler Kantho : Bangladesh asserts that labor standards and worker safety have significantly improved. Is the United States prepared to return the GSP to Bangladesh? 
Brendan Lynch : Bangladesh lost eligibility to the GSP program in 2013 as a result of inadequacies in worker rights and unsafe working conditions. We are awaiting U.S. Congressional reauthorization of the GSP program, which expired on December 31, 2020. We commend the significant progress that the Government of Bangladesh has made in the areas of worker safety standards after the Rana Plaza tragedy, which occurred 10 years ago. 
However, we note Bangladesh’s worker rights continues to fall short of international labor standards, especially with respect to freedom of association and collective bargaining. During the Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (TICFA) Council meeting held on September 20, worker rights are a top priority for the United States in our bilateral trade relationship. We commend the Government of Bangladesh for addressing certain hurdles workers face when registering unions, and see that work is ongoing in this area. In this TICFA Council meeting, we also emphasized the importance of combatting violence against workers and union organizers, as well as anti-union discrimination and other unfair labor practices. The recent murder of Shahidul Islam, a trade union organizer who was murdered protesting unpaid wages, is evidence that concerns about the environment for union organizers and worker rights still persist in Bangladesh. The United States plans to continue to engage with Bangladesh in a collaborative manner on issues related to labor and worker rights going forward.  

Kaler Kantho : Is Bangladeshi goods' duty- and quota-free access to the US market a political issue? Is it connected to democracy, ethical leadership, and human rights?

Brendan Lynch : The establishment of duty-free and quota-free access to the U.S. market for Bangladeshi goods falls under the legal authority of the U.S. Congress.  The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative does not have the legal ability to create preference programs.  

Kaler Kantho : Bangladesh is anticipated to lose trade privileges in a number of markets after graduating from LDC status. How can the US help Bangladesh keep its export market strong?

Brendan Lynch : Bangladesh’s potential graduation from LDC status in 2026 indicates how far the country has progressed in its economic development. While this is positive news for Bangladesh, graduating from LDC status will require Bangladesh to make additional economic reforms in line with its international commitments. One way to ensure that Bangladesh remains competitive even after graduating would be for Bangladesh to focus on labor law reform, especially with respect to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and unfair labor practices. Aligning Bangladesh’s labor laws to internationally recognized labor standards would help ensure that Bangladesh can meet the eligibility criteria of the U.S.  Generalized System of Preferences program.  
Bangladesh is not without support after it graduates from LDC status. The United States sees itself as a partner in our trade relationship with Bangladesh and remains committed to assisting Bangladesh continue to reform. The United States wants to ensure that Bangladesh’s economy can continue to grow rapidly after LDC graduation. 

Kaler Kantho : According to the Bangladesh chapter in the US State Department's Investment Climate Statements for 2023, the political and security environment could deteriorate before the general elections. How important is national stability to US businesspeople?

Brendan Lynch : A stable political and security environment are critical factors for U.S. companies when they’re considering where to invest. If companies recognize that Bangladesh is able to conduct a free and fair election in a peaceful manner, U.S. businesses would feel more comfortable investing in Bangladesh. Countries that can best provide stability and predictability over the long term will be the most attractive.  

Kaler Kantho : According to US Ambassador Peter Haas, Bangladesh will draw in more investment if it can reassure US people and investors that corruption is less common here than in other markets. Are there obstacles for US businesses in Bangladesh?

Brendan Lynch :  Bangladesh should ensure that it has a strong legal framework that is unbiased and fair, and contains anti-corruption measures that   promote a sound investment climate. One long-standing challenge that we hear from U.S. companies operating in Bangladesh is that it can take years to resolve business and contract disputes, including non-payment, if matters enter the judicial system. These delays negatively impact the perception of Bangladesh’s investment climate.  We suggest that Bangladesh consider judicial reforms that would allow U.S. companies to settle cases and seek judgments in a fair, equitable, and efficient manner.

Kaler Kantho : Last year, US President Joe Biden launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum for Prosperity. Has Bangladesh been invited to this forum by the US? How might Bangladesh profit from this forum?

Brendan Lynch : We are pleased that Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) was launched with such an initial strong and diverse group of IPEF Partners, and we are focused on delivering concrete economic outcomes as quickly as possible. The United States has made clear that any decisions regarding new members will be made through a consensus-based decision-making process.

Kaler Kantho : The Bangladeshi government has not enacted any regulations governing responsible business conduct (RBC) or set any norms in this regard. What significance does this RBC have for Bangladesh, particularly in the viewpoint of the US?

Brendan Lynch : Since the signing of our Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement in 2013, the United States has strongly advocated for Bangladesh to engage in strong corporate governance and responsible business conduct, including sustainable and socially responsible practices, as these factors are increasingly important to investors. Government policy that is predicated on transparency is also key to attracting U.S. investment.

Kaler Kantho : Thank you.
Brendan Lynch : Thank you, Kaler Kantho.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address a public rally here on Wednesday which her party officials believe would be the largest ever in the history of the northern region, reports UNB.

An advance delegation of the ruling party, led by its General Secretary Obaidul Quader, on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for the divisional grand rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground.

“This is going to be the biggest ever rally in Rangpur,” said Quader after inspecting the venue along with senior party leaders. “The people here are eagerly waiting to see the prime minister and hear from her.”

Hasina, who doubles as the president of Awami League, is expected to address the rally at 3pm, according to the PMO sources.

She is scheduled to arrive in Rangpur at 1:30pm on Wednesday by a helicopter and arrive at the rally ground at 3:30 pm. She will then be escorted to a large boat-shaped stage.

From the rally, the prime minister will inaugurate 27 development schemes and lay foundation stone of five others including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novotheatre worth about Tk 1240 crore.

The leaders and activists of AL and its associate bodies are feeling upbeat about the PM’s visit.

People of all strata of lives of the region are eagerly waiting to hear the premier speak at the rally.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said the Awami League relies on the people’s support.

“So, we are dependent on people not on weapons. We don't believe in arson terrorism. Our strength is the people of the country,” he said.

He also said that their target is to protect the country from crooks, tyrants, money-launderers, militant and sectarian evil forces

“We can’t hand over our motherland to these types of people. This is our promise," he continued.

To welcome the PM, the entire Rangpur has been decorated with hundreds of makeshift gates, festoons, banners, placards and posters with pictures of the Father of the Nation and the prime minister.

Chinese Special Envoy for Asian Affairs Deng Xijun held two separate meetings in Dhaka and discussed issues of mutual interest, including the thorny issue of Rohingya repatriation.

This is his second visit within less then four months and he had meetings with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen separately in Dhaka on Monday, said a diplomatic source.

This time the Chinese special envoy visited Myanmar before coming to Bangladesh. He is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has chosen to play it cool it seems, about the visit of the special envoy. No Foreign Ministry official, nor MoFA itself, shared anything of Xijun's visit till now.

After his meeting with the Chinese Special Envoy when he came earlier in April, Foreign Minister Momen reiterated his hope that the Rohingyas will start returning to Myanmar acknowledging that he had a discussion on the issue with the Chinese side recently.

The Foreign Minister said many are working to help facilitate the Rohingya repatriation. "I should say they (China) have taken a very good initiative and they are working accordingly," he added.

The foreign minister said there were two attempts to begin repatriation of the Rohingyas in the past but both went in vain.

Momen said the Chinese side facilitates the discussion between Bangladesh and Myanmar and hoped that the Rohingyas will start returning to their homes.

In Myanmar, Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received the delegation led by Deng Xijun, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China at the Office of SAC Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw a couple of days ago.
They frankly exchanged views on progress of friendly ties and cooperation between Myanmar and China, efforts of the State for restoration of internal peace and assistance of China, political progress of Myanmar and endeavours for ensuring peace and stability, and development of the country, preparations to accept the expatriates who left Rakhine State, according to Global New Light Of Myanmar.

The month of mourning begins today commemorating the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15, 1975.

The August 15 carnage is the ugliest chapter of the nation's history as the self-confessed killers not only assassinate the nation's founding father alone, but also killed 16 other members of his family, friends and relatives.

The nation observes with heavy heart the month of August as the month of mourning to recall the barbaric killing on 1975's 15 August.

The August 15 carnage martyrs included Bangabandhu's wife Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, his sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell, daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal, Bangabandhu's brother Sheikh Naser, brother-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabat, nephew and eminent journalist Sheikh Fazlul Huq Moni, Moni's pregnant wife Arzoo Moni and Bangabandhu's military secretary Colonel Jamil.

Bangabandhu's two daughters - incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana - escaped the planned assassination as they were visiting Germany at that time.

With the killing of Bangabandhu, the greatest Bangalee of all times, a pall of gloom descended and a sense of deep sadness spread among the people in the country and across the globe.

The world protested and condemned the killing, saying it is an irreparable loss to millions of people of Bangladesh.

The month of August is also black marked with another conspiracy of assassination. The nation cannot ever forget the heinous attempt of killing Sheikh Hasina through grenade attacks in 2004.

The vested quarter, who assassinated Bangabandhu in 1975, also tried to destroy Awami League (AL) by killing its president Sheikh Hasina with grenades on an anti-terrorism rally at Bangabandhu Avenue here on August 21 in 2004.

Sheikh Hasina narrowly escaped the attack suffering splinter injuries when 24 of her party men, including Awami League's women affairs secretary Ivy Rahman, were killed and 500 others injured.

Like in the previous years, different political and socio-cultural organisations, including ruling Awami League (AL) and its associate bodies have chalked out month-long programmes to observe the month of mourning.