ANIS ALAMGIR, FROM THIMPHU, BHUTAN
The Independent
28-4-2010
Apr 28: South Asian leaders have gathered in the majestic city and meeting Wednesday the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan for 16th SAARC Summit beginning tomorrow in the hope of making the region "a green and happy" one.
Along with other declaration, the leaders are expected to give a call from their two-days meeting for taking a joint initiative for tackling the impact of the climate change as well as boosting trade and combating terrorism for the wellbeing of 1.5 billion people of the region.
Climate change is the theme of the Thimpu Summit, as it is not only a threat to the bloc comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka but also to the world at large.
Two agreements - one on environment and the other on trade in services - will be signed during the summit.
All heads of state or government except Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh arrived here for the summit by Tuesday. Manmohan will be here early morning of the summit day. Sri Lankan President and current chairman of the SAARC Mahindra Rajapakse had arrived in Thimphu on Monday while rest of the leaders arrived Tuesday including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who will lead 56 members delegation in the summit.
A red carpet was rolled out as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in the morning at the country's lone Paro International Airport on the outer edge of the capital Thimphu to join the Summit. Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley received her at the Airport while a contingent of Bhutanese Army gave her guard of honour. Hasina inspected the guard and took salute.
School children and local people stood in line on both sides of the road from Paro to Thimphu to greet Hasina as well as other leaders to the summit.
Ahead of the summit foreign minister of the member countries met Tuesday at the convention centre in Thimphu to finalised the SAARC declaration and agenda of the summit for SAARC leaders.
According to the official programme inaugural session of the summit commences at the grand assembly hall in Thimphu at 2.30 pm local and Bangladesh time too. SAARC chairperson and Sri Lankan president Mahindra Rajapakse will open the summit. After that Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley will assume the SAARC chair of the 16th SAAARC summit.
Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Maldives president Mohammed Naseed, Nepal's Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Gilani, Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address the summit respectively on behalf of their countries.
After that heads of observer delegations will give their statement in the summit. At present Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union are the observers of the regional organisation.
SAARC secretary general also deliver his statement in this yearly function.
In this session, the SAARC leaders will inaugurate the permanent secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund. Bhutanese prime minister will make a short statement and untie the ribbon on plaque on behalf of the SAARC leaders.
The opening ceremony will concluded at 5-30pm. The leaders will have joint a banquet hosted by Bhutanese prime minister at Tashichho Dzong.
Bhutan, a founder member of the SAARC, is hosting the summit for the first time within two years of the establishment of a democratically elected government in 2008 ending the 100-year monarchy. Earlier, on three occasions, Bhutan had expressed its inability to host the summit due to lack of infrastructure and logistic support.
The two-day summit will revive outside world interest in the isolated Buddhist country and boost its tourism sector. The whole nation is trying their best to make it a success and significant to their guests.
SAARC had started its journey from Bangladesh in 1985 with a dream of improving the socio-economic condition of people of this area. Initially it was seven members bloc and in 2006 Afghanistan was included in the group.
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Saarc calls for high priority to meet climate challenge
ANIS ALAMGIR FROM THIMPHU
The Independent
30-4-2010
Apr 29: The two-day 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit ended this evening in Bhutanese capital Thimphu after adopting the Thimphu Declaration, signing two agreements on regional cooperation and with a joint statement on climate change by the heads of eight member countries.
The summit closed after calling for with high priority for taking collective action to confront climate change, food and energy scarcity in the region as well as the scourge of terrorism.
In the summit declaration, the leaders agreed on the "charter of democracy" for strengthening democracy in the region and collective response on any move of extra-constitutional seizure of state power. They endorsed Bangladesh's proposal for a "Charter of Democracy" for regional cooperation aimed at strengthening good governance. They noted the proposal by Bangladesh to convene an Inter-governmental meeting in Dhaka on the idea of a SAARC Charter of Democracy on which Bangladesh offered to circulate a concept paper.
The heads of state and government of eight SAARC countries agreed on two agreements - SAARC agreement on trade in service (SATIS), and the convention on cooperation on environment, which were signed by the SAARC member countries' foreign ministers.
"I can say with confidence that the decisions we have taken in the past two days have set the stage for SAARC to enter the new era, 25 years after its founding," said Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley in his closing statement.
"The Thimphu statement on climate change that we adopted will provide a strong step to our collaborative efforts to address the issue relating to the climate change at the national, regional and international levels," he added.
The new SAARC chairman also said: "Choice of climate change for the summit was most appropriate. We are able to have in-depth discussion on one of the most challenging issues of our time."
He mentioned that the two agreements signed in the summit -- a decision on south Asian development fund and south Asian university -- would help closer cooperation in the respective area.
"The operationalisation of the SAARC development fund and appointment of its first CEO on Wednesday was an important achievement. Our goal to establish a regional fund for financing regional and sub-regional socio-economic development programmes and projects has now been fully realised'" he said adding: "It is our duty to support the fund so that it can deliver on its important mandate. Bhutan as the host country will provide all possible support to the SDF secretariat."
He said that operationalisation of the South Asia University in New Delhi was another milestone achievement by the summit.
"The university when it opens in August, 2010 is destined to become the centre of excellence for higher learning in south Asia," he added
The Bhutanese prime minister added, "It is you also that we expect to see the establishment of our low carbon research and development institute."
In the closing ceremony Maldives president Mohammed Naseed declared that his country would agree to host the 17 SAARC summit in Male and sought cooperation from the member countries.
According to the Thimphu Statement on Climate Change, the leaders agreed on 16-point action plan.
In the statement the leaders expressed deep concern over the adverse effects of climate change and its impact on the region, particularly on the lives and livelihood of the 1.6 billion people of South Asia.
The leaders expressed their determination to see that South Asia should become a world leader in low-carbon technologies and renewable energy. They were also determined to address the adverse effects of climate change in accordance with the purposes and principles of regional cooperation enshrined in the SAARC Charter.
The statement said they would review the implementation of the Dhaka Declaration and SAARC Action Plan on Climate Change and ensure its timely implementation'
The leaders underlined that an agreed outcome of the global negotiations must emerge from an inclusive, transparent, open and democratic process of negotiations;
Besides the statement on climate change, the SAARC leaders approved the 37-point Thimphu Declaration titled "Towards a Green and Happy South Asia."
The Thimphu Declaration said: "In this Silver Jubilee Year of SAARC, the leaders emphasised the need to develop a 'Vision Statement'. They agreed to form a 'South Asia Forum' for the generation of debate, discussion and the exchange of ideas on South Asia and its future development. The Forum will consist of eminent personalities of diverse background, including from all SAARC member states. The Forum would provide inputs, based on a comprehensive understanding, for charting out the future course of SAARC in the medium and long run and recommend, if required, the necessary improvements required in the existing mechanisms. Such a forum could function on public-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs beyond governments into the consideration of the future of SAARC."
It said: "In order to commemorate the 25th anniversary, the leaders laid emphasis on effective communications and public diplomacy. They drew attention in this regard to the need to reach out to different sections of the South Asian community, particularly its students and youth, private media, private sector, think tanks, civil society, and institutions of economic development."
The leaders resolved that the Silver Jubilee Year should be commemorated by making SAARC truly action oriented by fulfilling commitments, implementing declarations and decisions and operationalising instruments and living up to the hopes and aspirations of one-fifth of humanity.
The declaration said: "The leaders, while appreciating that all the member states had evolved into multi-party democracies, underlined the challenges faced by them in ensuring effective, efficient, transparent and accountable governments. In this regard, they emphasised the need for regional cooperation to strengthen good governance through sharing of experiences, best-practices and establishing institutional linkages.
"The leaders recognised the need to draw on the democratic and participatory tradition collectively represented by the parliamentarians of South Asia for the progress of SAARC. In this context, the leaders recommended the convening of a "Conclave of SAARC Parliamentarians" in line with the SAARC Charter and directed the SAARC Secretariat to convene a working group, comprising nominees of the member states, to work out the modalities for the establishment of such a Conclave," said the declaration.
The Independent
30-4-2010
Apr 29: The two-day 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit ended this evening in Bhutanese capital Thimphu after adopting the Thimphu Declaration, signing two agreements on regional cooperation and with a joint statement on climate change by the heads of eight member countries.
The summit closed after calling for with high priority for taking collective action to confront climate change, food and energy scarcity in the region as well as the scourge of terrorism.
In the summit declaration, the leaders agreed on the "charter of democracy" for strengthening democracy in the region and collective response on any move of extra-constitutional seizure of state power. They endorsed Bangladesh's proposal for a "Charter of Democracy" for regional cooperation aimed at strengthening good governance. They noted the proposal by Bangladesh to convene an Inter-governmental meeting in Dhaka on the idea of a SAARC Charter of Democracy on which Bangladesh offered to circulate a concept paper.
The heads of state and government of eight SAARC countries agreed on two agreements - SAARC agreement on trade in service (SATIS), and the convention on cooperation on environment, which were signed by the SAARC member countries' foreign ministers.
"I can say with confidence that the decisions we have taken in the past two days have set the stage for SAARC to enter the new era, 25 years after its founding," said Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley in his closing statement.
"The Thimphu statement on climate change that we adopted will provide a strong step to our collaborative efforts to address the issue relating to the climate change at the national, regional and international levels," he added.
The new SAARC chairman also said: "Choice of climate change for the summit was most appropriate. We are able to have in-depth discussion on one of the most challenging issues of our time."
He mentioned that the two agreements signed in the summit -- a decision on south Asian development fund and south Asian university -- would help closer cooperation in the respective area.
"The operationalisation of the SAARC development fund and appointment of its first CEO on Wednesday was an important achievement. Our goal to establish a regional fund for financing regional and sub-regional socio-economic development programmes and projects has now been fully realised'" he said adding: "It is our duty to support the fund so that it can deliver on its important mandate. Bhutan as the host country will provide all possible support to the SDF secretariat."
He said that operationalisation of the South Asia University in New Delhi was another milestone achievement by the summit.
"The university when it opens in August, 2010 is destined to become the centre of excellence for higher learning in south Asia," he added
The Bhutanese prime minister added, "It is you also that we expect to see the establishment of our low carbon research and development institute."
In the closing ceremony Maldives president Mohammed Naseed declared that his country would agree to host the 17 SAARC summit in Male and sought cooperation from the member countries.
According to the Thimphu Statement on Climate Change, the leaders agreed on 16-point action plan.
In the statement the leaders expressed deep concern over the adverse effects of climate change and its impact on the region, particularly on the lives and livelihood of the 1.6 billion people of South Asia.
The leaders expressed their determination to see that South Asia should become a world leader in low-carbon technologies and renewable energy. They were also determined to address the adverse effects of climate change in accordance with the purposes and principles of regional cooperation enshrined in the SAARC Charter.
The statement said they would review the implementation of the Dhaka Declaration and SAARC Action Plan on Climate Change and ensure its timely implementation'
The leaders underlined that an agreed outcome of the global negotiations must emerge from an inclusive, transparent, open and democratic process of negotiations;
Besides the statement on climate change, the SAARC leaders approved the 37-point Thimphu Declaration titled "Towards a Green and Happy South Asia."
The Thimphu Declaration said: "In this Silver Jubilee Year of SAARC, the leaders emphasised the need to develop a 'Vision Statement'. They agreed to form a 'South Asia Forum' for the generation of debate, discussion and the exchange of ideas on South Asia and its future development. The Forum will consist of eminent personalities of diverse background, including from all SAARC member states. The Forum would provide inputs, based on a comprehensive understanding, for charting out the future course of SAARC in the medium and long run and recommend, if required, the necessary improvements required in the existing mechanisms. Such a forum could function on public-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs beyond governments into the consideration of the future of SAARC."
It said: "In order to commemorate the 25th anniversary, the leaders laid emphasis on effective communications and public diplomacy. They drew attention in this regard to the need to reach out to different sections of the South Asian community, particularly its students and youth, private media, private sector, think tanks, civil society, and institutions of economic development."
The leaders resolved that the Silver Jubilee Year should be commemorated by making SAARC truly action oriented by fulfilling commitments, implementing declarations and decisions and operationalising instruments and living up to the hopes and aspirations of one-fifth of humanity.
The declaration said: "The leaders, while appreciating that all the member states had evolved into multi-party democracies, underlined the challenges faced by them in ensuring effective, efficient, transparent and accountable governments. In this regard, they emphasised the need for regional cooperation to strengthen good governance through sharing of experiences, best-practices and establishing institutional linkages.
"The leaders recognised the need to draw on the democratic and participatory tradition collectively represented by the parliamentarians of South Asia for the progress of SAARC. In this context, the leaders recommended the convening of a "Conclave of SAARC Parliamentarians" in line with the SAARC Charter and directed the SAARC Secretariat to convene a working group, comprising nominees of the member states, to work out the modalities for the establishment of such a Conclave," said the declaration.
PM tables twin points to combat climate change fallout
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT, FROM THIMPHU, BHUTAN
The Independent
29-4-2010
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday presented two innovative proposals - setting up Himalayan Council on the model of the Artic Council to help the climate-victim nations in South Asia and an International Adaptation and Research Centre (IARC) in Bangladesh to recommend measures to cope with the impacts of climate change.
Hasina made the proposals while delivering her statement at the opening session of the 16th SAARC summit at the Grand Assembly Hall as the 'Climate Change' is the centrepiece of the Thimphu summit that began in the capital of the Himalayan kingdom Wednesday afternoon.
The prime minister said the proposed IARC could facilitate exchange of scientific data, eco-friendly technologies, experience in renewable energy and assist the relevant SAARC Regional Centres to realise their mandates.
It could also help implement the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment to be signed at the summit.
"Global warming and climate change have already impacted our nations with melting of the Himalayan glaciers, rising sea level, erratic precipitation, land degradation, desertification and salinity," she told the summit of the leaders of the eight South Asian countries.
As Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country to the global warming, Hasina said the adverse geophysical changes with increasing frequency of cyclones and floods have been retarding the economic growth, poverty alleviation efforts, and millennium development goals (MDGs).
"To face these challenges, I believe, a holistic approach is imperative at regional and global levels," she told the summiteers.
Hasina, who played a key role at the Copenhagen climate change summit last November, said at global level, COP-15 at Copenhagen had given hope of a comprehensive, long-term programme.
She said there was now need to lock in the key global players in COP-16 at Mexico City later this year for concrete commitments covering greenhouse gas emission cuts, and guaranteeing fund and technology.
The prime minister observed that at the regional level, a unified approach was of essence, and called for the SAARC to establish a Himalayan Council on the model of the Artic Council for assisting the affected countries in the region.
Hasina told the summiteers that to meet the challenges of the climate change, Bangladesh had adopted 134 action plans under the National Adaptation Programme of Action, and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. The authorities have been designated for Clean Development Mechanism.
She said a plan in progress was dredging of rivers to hold more water, restrict flooding and reclaim inundated land, while river banks were being raised with excavated silt to contain rising water, create green belts and provide homesteads for the displaced.
Moreover, 14,000 cyclone shelters had been constructed with more on the way, she added.
To reduce greenhouse gas, the prime minister said a low carbon path to development was being followed by her government.
"Our plans also include creation of a large carbon sink through social forestry and green belts, use of clean coal technology, nuclear power and renewable energy," she said. "To meet the costs, we've set up a Climate Change Fund with our own resources," she added
In her speech the prime minister also stressed the creation of a regional power grid to utilise the potentials of renewable sources of energy that include hydro-electricity, solar, wind and biofuels.
She said the member countries faced increasing energy needs as the economies were growing.
"Recent trends indicate immediate need for cooperation at bilateral, sub-regional, and regional levels to harness each other's capacities and resources," she added.
Hasina said: "This includes developing a regional power-grid, harnessing renewable energy sources like hydropower, solar, biofuel, wind, and reducing dependence on fossil fuel."
The prime minister proposed a regional grid of power as the SAARC members have the potential to produce hundreds of megawatts of hydroelectricity by using mountainous rivers in India, Bhutan and Nepal.
On the impact on the agriculture sector, Hasina said climate change was also responsible for declining agricultural land, thereby threatening food security. "An answer here is high yielding seeds, resistant to pest attacks and climate variations for enhancing productivity."
She stressed the need for a SAARC Seed Bank with necessary legal framework for quality seed production, harmonised seed testing, certification, seed trade, and exchange of germ-plasm and plant genetic resources.
On the economic scenario, she noted that the South Asian economies had shown remarkable resilience in the face of recent global meltdown. Still, they had suffered from economic slowdown, soaring oil and food prices, and climate change.
The prime minister said tariff liberalisation under SAFTA, operation of SAARC Development Fund (SDF), and now SAARC Agreement on Trade in Service (SATIS), and other trade facilitation measures over the last 25 years had enabled the SAARC to cross significant milestones.
Nevertheless, she deplored that intra-regional trade among the SAARC countries measures up to a low single digit percentage of global trade of the region.
Hasina said though sensitive lists of trade items were being reduced, greater efforts were needed to make SAFTA and SATIS meaningful.
She hoped that once the South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO) was established, it would efficiently work in harmonising the standards to facilitate trade.
On the vital issue of connectivity, she said South Asian countries had displayed increasing focus on regional connectivity, and on a greater sense of regional identity.
"Success here is possible through enhanced people-to-people contact by means of easy communication, and education services," she said, adding that it is, indeed, high time to agree on equivalence of education standards and mutual recognition of degrees.
The prime minister noted that a productive start could be prioritising disciplines that may initially include science and technology, engineering, medical, law, and financial management.
Inauguration of the South Asian University could prove to be a successful vehicle in achieving this objective, she said.
She said that SDF, whose secretariat was inaugurated Wednesday, could play its role in generating funds from within and outside the region for projects on energy production.
On SAARC strivings to intensify connectivity to draw member states closer for mutual gains, the prime minister said: "Certain wrong-doers and terrorists are out to undo our good intentions and the growing trust among ourselves."
She said Bangladesh, a nation committed to peace and involved in UN peacekeeping efforts, was firmly opposed to terrorism, insurgency, organised crimes and religious extremism.
"We categorically reject claims of those who cloak themselves in the rhetoric of Islam, or any other faith to justify violence. We are also committed against the use of Bangladesh territory for launching terrorism elsewhere."
Hasina said SAARC's success lies in building bridges among the peoples of South Asia, which is possible through close and free interaction of the peoples from all walks of life.
Stressing that tourism could play a catalytic role, she said this would mean free movements and while there was rationale for immigration control, a reasonable balance could be worked out.
She said that through SAARC, "we could forge greater trust and confidence among ourselves, help each other in the spirit of collective self-reliance, and move towards a prosperous, progressive, integrated South Asia."
In her statement, the prime minister referred to the harsh reality facing the people in South Asia, saying: "let us take a moment to ponder on the plight of our 1.5 billion people and an awesome majority of them live in poverty craving for food and other basic necessities."
Reminding the South Asian leaders of their responsibility towards peoples of the region, she said: "Is it not fair that we, as their entrusted leaders, consider seriously their dilemma, determinedly rise above all our differences, and plunge with fixated resolve to change their life?"
She added: "I firmly believe we can, and do so we will, with some bold decisions here. I am convinced that this maiden Summit of the Kingdom of Bhutan under its Chair, would lead us across the threshold to a new era of peace and prosperity of our peoples."
Referring to the fresh wind of democracy blowing across the region, Hasina said: "It is heartening to see all eight states of the SAARC gathered here today are democracies represented by elected leaders. This is an historic development emanating from our experience that only democracy can achieve aspirations of our peoples."
She added: "Indeed, our democracies now need to be cherished, protected, and allowed to mature. I believe these sentiments need to be recorded in a SAARC 'Charter for Democracy'."
The Independent
29-4-2010
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday presented two innovative proposals - setting up Himalayan Council on the model of the Artic Council to help the climate-victim nations in South Asia and an International Adaptation and Research Centre (IARC) in Bangladesh to recommend measures to cope with the impacts of climate change.
Hasina made the proposals while delivering her statement at the opening session of the 16th SAARC summit at the Grand Assembly Hall as the 'Climate Change' is the centrepiece of the Thimphu summit that began in the capital of the Himalayan kingdom Wednesday afternoon.
The prime minister said the proposed IARC could facilitate exchange of scientific data, eco-friendly technologies, experience in renewable energy and assist the relevant SAARC Regional Centres to realise their mandates.
It could also help implement the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment to be signed at the summit.
"Global warming and climate change have already impacted our nations with melting of the Himalayan glaciers, rising sea level, erratic precipitation, land degradation, desertification and salinity," she told the summit of the leaders of the eight South Asian countries.
As Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country to the global warming, Hasina said the adverse geophysical changes with increasing frequency of cyclones and floods have been retarding the economic growth, poverty alleviation efforts, and millennium development goals (MDGs).
"To face these challenges, I believe, a holistic approach is imperative at regional and global levels," she told the summiteers.
Hasina, who played a key role at the Copenhagen climate change summit last November, said at global level, COP-15 at Copenhagen had given hope of a comprehensive, long-term programme.
She said there was now need to lock in the key global players in COP-16 at Mexico City later this year for concrete commitments covering greenhouse gas emission cuts, and guaranteeing fund and technology.
The prime minister observed that at the regional level, a unified approach was of essence, and called for the SAARC to establish a Himalayan Council on the model of the Artic Council for assisting the affected countries in the region.
Hasina told the summiteers that to meet the challenges of the climate change, Bangladesh had adopted 134 action plans under the National Adaptation Programme of Action, and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. The authorities have been designated for Clean Development Mechanism.
She said a plan in progress was dredging of rivers to hold more water, restrict flooding and reclaim inundated land, while river banks were being raised with excavated silt to contain rising water, create green belts and provide homesteads for the displaced.
Moreover, 14,000 cyclone shelters had been constructed with more on the way, she added.
To reduce greenhouse gas, the prime minister said a low carbon path to development was being followed by her government.
"Our plans also include creation of a large carbon sink through social forestry and green belts, use of clean coal technology, nuclear power and renewable energy," she said. "To meet the costs, we've set up a Climate Change Fund with our own resources," she added
In her speech the prime minister also stressed the creation of a regional power grid to utilise the potentials of renewable sources of energy that include hydro-electricity, solar, wind and biofuels.
She said the member countries faced increasing energy needs as the economies were growing.
"Recent trends indicate immediate need for cooperation at bilateral, sub-regional, and regional levels to harness each other's capacities and resources," she added.
Hasina said: "This includes developing a regional power-grid, harnessing renewable energy sources like hydropower, solar, biofuel, wind, and reducing dependence on fossil fuel."
The prime minister proposed a regional grid of power as the SAARC members have the potential to produce hundreds of megawatts of hydroelectricity by using mountainous rivers in India, Bhutan and Nepal.
On the impact on the agriculture sector, Hasina said climate change was also responsible for declining agricultural land, thereby threatening food security. "An answer here is high yielding seeds, resistant to pest attacks and climate variations for enhancing productivity."
She stressed the need for a SAARC Seed Bank with necessary legal framework for quality seed production, harmonised seed testing, certification, seed trade, and exchange of germ-plasm and plant genetic resources.
On the economic scenario, she noted that the South Asian economies had shown remarkable resilience in the face of recent global meltdown. Still, they had suffered from economic slowdown, soaring oil and food prices, and climate change.
The prime minister said tariff liberalisation under SAFTA, operation of SAARC Development Fund (SDF), and now SAARC Agreement on Trade in Service (SATIS), and other trade facilitation measures over the last 25 years had enabled the SAARC to cross significant milestones.
Nevertheless, she deplored that intra-regional trade among the SAARC countries measures up to a low single digit percentage of global trade of the region.
Hasina said though sensitive lists of trade items were being reduced, greater efforts were needed to make SAFTA and SATIS meaningful.
She hoped that once the South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO) was established, it would efficiently work in harmonising the standards to facilitate trade.
On the vital issue of connectivity, she said South Asian countries had displayed increasing focus on regional connectivity, and on a greater sense of regional identity.
"Success here is possible through enhanced people-to-people contact by means of easy communication, and education services," she said, adding that it is, indeed, high time to agree on equivalence of education standards and mutual recognition of degrees.
The prime minister noted that a productive start could be prioritising disciplines that may initially include science and technology, engineering, medical, law, and financial management.
Inauguration of the South Asian University could prove to be a successful vehicle in achieving this objective, she said.
She said that SDF, whose secretariat was inaugurated Wednesday, could play its role in generating funds from within and outside the region for projects on energy production.
On SAARC strivings to intensify connectivity to draw member states closer for mutual gains, the prime minister said: "Certain wrong-doers and terrorists are out to undo our good intentions and the growing trust among ourselves."
She said Bangladesh, a nation committed to peace and involved in UN peacekeeping efforts, was firmly opposed to terrorism, insurgency, organised crimes and religious extremism.
"We categorically reject claims of those who cloak themselves in the rhetoric of Islam, or any other faith to justify violence. We are also committed against the use of Bangladesh territory for launching terrorism elsewhere."
Hasina said SAARC's success lies in building bridges among the peoples of South Asia, which is possible through close and free interaction of the peoples from all walks of life.
Stressing that tourism could play a catalytic role, she said this would mean free movements and while there was rationale for immigration control, a reasonable balance could be worked out.
She said that through SAARC, "we could forge greater trust and confidence among ourselves, help each other in the spirit of collective self-reliance, and move towards a prosperous, progressive, integrated South Asia."
In her statement, the prime minister referred to the harsh reality facing the people in South Asia, saying: "let us take a moment to ponder on the plight of our 1.5 billion people and an awesome majority of them live in poverty craving for food and other basic necessities."
Reminding the South Asian leaders of their responsibility towards peoples of the region, she said: "Is it not fair that we, as their entrusted leaders, consider seriously their dilemma, determinedly rise above all our differences, and plunge with fixated resolve to change their life?"
She added: "I firmly believe we can, and do so we will, with some bold decisions here. I am convinced that this maiden Summit of the Kingdom of Bhutan under its Chair, would lead us across the threshold to a new era of peace and prosperity of our peoples."
Referring to the fresh wind of democracy blowing across the region, Hasina said: "It is heartening to see all eight states of the SAARC gathered here today are democracies represented by elected leaders. This is an historic development emanating from our experience that only democracy can achieve aspirations of our peoples."
She added: "Indeed, our democracies now need to be cherished, protected, and allowed to mature. I believe these sentiments need to be recorded in a SAARC 'Charter for Democracy'."
Spotlight on climate change, terrorism/ SAARC summit opens
Spotlight on climate change, terrorism
SAARC summit opens
ANIS ALAMGIR, THIMPHU
The leaders of South Asia called for fighting the climate change together when April 28, the 16th SAARC summit opened here yesterday as the region is most vulnerable to natural disasters related to climate change.
The concern over the climate change dominated the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit as speaker after speaker in the opening session underscored the need to fight climate change unitedly, alongside securing food, water and energy, fighting terrorism for the betterment of over 150 crore people of the SAARC comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
"Global warming and climate change have already impacted our nations with the melting of the Himalayan glaciers, rising sea level, erratic precipitation, land degradation, desertification and salinity," said Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina in her speech at the opening session of the summit, adding:…"To face these challenges, a historic approach is imperative at the regional and global levels."
Most half of her speech focused on the climate change issue. Indian's prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh said: "There is perhaps no region more vulnerable to the effects of climate change that ours." He announced that India was setting up an 'Indian Endowment for Climate Change in South Asia' to help member states in meeting urgent adaptation and capacity building needs. "I will also propose the setting up of Climate Innovation Centre in South Asia to develop sustainable energy technologies based on indigenous resource endowments", Singh added.
Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said: "The theme of the summit reflects our common concern on global warming, with all its attendant and multifaceted challenges."
He said: "We must focus on sharing best practices and pool our resources to adopt region-wise mitigation and adaptation measures."
In his speech Bhutanese prime minister Jigme Y. Thinley said his country had a national forest cover of 72 per cent, dedicated 50 per cent of the land area as natural reserve and took up a programme to promote Bhutan as an organic band. Urging other south Asian countries to follow Bhutan's eco-supporting policies and steps to mitigate climate challenges the Bhutanese premier said: "Through such measures, we hope to preserve our fragile Himalayan ecology and remain for ever a carbon neutral country as pledged at the COP 15 summit in Copenhagen."
Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa said: "The impact of climate change is acute and is the common concern for all of us in the region, from the snow-capped mountain of Nepal and Bhutan to the sandy beaches of Maldives and Sri Lanka."
The summit was also overshadowed by the issue of terrorism and the leaders said a united fight was needed against violence if the region was to develop.
Terming extremism and terrorism as the biggest threats to peace and prosperity in the region, Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged all to set aside differences so that SAARC could decisively defeat terrorism. "The most challenging threats we all face are those of terrorism, extremism, narcotics, and organised crime. Our collaboration under SAARC can yield tangible and concrete solution to the problems of poverty, human suffering and deprivation in our region," said Hamid Karzai when Afghanistan battles a resurgent Taliban and its effects singe Pakistan's western borders.
"Terrorism has affected our region and impacted each one of us. Against the forces of extremism and intolerance, we need to forge a common front, based on tolerance, on respect for human dignity and universal values," Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said.
He hoped that the forthcoming meeting of the SAARC home ministers in Islamabad would help strengthen cooperation in this vital area. India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani are due to meet on Thursday evening on the sidelines of the conference to try and salvage the peace process.
Perhaps, this is for the first time that Indo-Pak conflict has not hijacked the attention of the summit from broader and more complex issues involving this nearly 25-year-old regional grouping. This is also for the first time the SAARC summit has started when governments of the member states are enjoying almost stable position in their home. This year's SAARC summit theme is "Conservation of environment and climate".
The opening session of the two-day summit started at the grand assembly hall in Thimphu in the afternoon with SAARC chairperson and president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa in the chair. After that host Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley presented his address of welcome and soon after assumed the SAARC chair for the next one year. India's prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Maldives president Mohammed Naseed, Nepal's prime minister Madhav Kumar Gilani, Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan's president Hamid Karzai and Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina spoke on behalf of their respective countries.
Observers from Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, the Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union also spoke at the grand gathering of south Asia giving assurance to work together with SAARC on climate change. Bob McMullam, MP, Parliamentary secretary for international division assistance of Australia, Wang Guangya, vice foreign minister of China, Manouchehr Mottaki, foreign minister of Iran, Chinami Nishimura, parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs of Japan, V Neethalia Win, Second secretary New Delhi High Commission of Mauritius, Nyan Win, minister for foreign minister of Myanmar, Yong-Joon Lee, deputy minister of foreign affairs and trade of South Korea, Robert Orris Blake, assistant secretary of state of the USA, and on behalf of the European Union, Jose Luis Garcia-Galan, deputy director for Asia of the Spanish ministry of foreign affairs, represented their government and organisations at the summit. SAARC secretary general Dr Sheel Kant Sharma also delivered his statement.
The SAARC leaders inaugurated the permanent secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund (SDF). Bhutanese prime minister made a short statement and cut the ribbon on plaque on behalf of the SAARC leaders. The SDF will serve as the umbrella financial institution for all SAARC projects and solve the problems arising from the proliferation of financing mechanisms under the SAARC. Donors and member countries will be contributing various amounts for it.
The opening ceremony concluded in the evening. The leaders attended a banquet hosted by Bhutanese prime minister at Tashichho Dzong. Bhutanese prime minister and newly elected SAARC chairperson Jigme Y. Thinley will address the press on Thursday.
Bhutan, a founder member of the SAARC, is hosting the summit for the first time within two years of the establishment of a democratically elected government in 2008 ending the 100-year monarchy. The Thimphu summit also coincides with the 25th birthday of the organisation created in December 8, 1985 in Dhaka. The two-day summit will end on Thursday evening after adopting the Thimphu Declaration and signing agreements on regional cooperation. Two agreements - one on environment and the other on trade in services-are ready to be signed by the foreign ministers of eight member countries in the presence of summit leaders. Before that the SAARC leaders will have joint royal audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
The leaders will go for the Summit Retreat at Bhutan House at the SAARC village in Thimphu.
;
the independent
29-4-2010
SAARC summit opens
ANIS ALAMGIR, THIMPHU
The leaders of South Asia called for fighting the climate change together when April 28, the 16th SAARC summit opened here yesterday as the region is most vulnerable to natural disasters related to climate change.
The concern over the climate change dominated the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit as speaker after speaker in the opening session underscored the need to fight climate change unitedly, alongside securing food, water and energy, fighting terrorism for the betterment of over 150 crore people of the SAARC comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
"Global warming and climate change have already impacted our nations with the melting of the Himalayan glaciers, rising sea level, erratic precipitation, land degradation, desertification and salinity," said Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina in her speech at the opening session of the summit, adding:…"To face these challenges, a historic approach is imperative at the regional and global levels."
Most half of her speech focused on the climate change issue. Indian's prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh said: "There is perhaps no region more vulnerable to the effects of climate change that ours." He announced that India was setting up an 'Indian Endowment for Climate Change in South Asia' to help member states in meeting urgent adaptation and capacity building needs. "I will also propose the setting up of Climate Innovation Centre in South Asia to develop sustainable energy technologies based on indigenous resource endowments", Singh added.
Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said: "The theme of the summit reflects our common concern on global warming, with all its attendant and multifaceted challenges."
He said: "We must focus on sharing best practices and pool our resources to adopt region-wise mitigation and adaptation measures."
In his speech Bhutanese prime minister Jigme Y. Thinley said his country had a national forest cover of 72 per cent, dedicated 50 per cent of the land area as natural reserve and took up a programme to promote Bhutan as an organic band. Urging other south Asian countries to follow Bhutan's eco-supporting policies and steps to mitigate climate challenges the Bhutanese premier said: "Through such measures, we hope to preserve our fragile Himalayan ecology and remain for ever a carbon neutral country as pledged at the COP 15 summit in Copenhagen."
Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa said: "The impact of climate change is acute and is the common concern for all of us in the region, from the snow-capped mountain of Nepal and Bhutan to the sandy beaches of Maldives and Sri Lanka."
The summit was also overshadowed by the issue of terrorism and the leaders said a united fight was needed against violence if the region was to develop.
Terming extremism and terrorism as the biggest threats to peace and prosperity in the region, Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged all to set aside differences so that SAARC could decisively defeat terrorism. "The most challenging threats we all face are those of terrorism, extremism, narcotics, and organised crime. Our collaboration under SAARC can yield tangible and concrete solution to the problems of poverty, human suffering and deprivation in our region," said Hamid Karzai when Afghanistan battles a resurgent Taliban and its effects singe Pakistan's western borders.
"Terrorism has affected our region and impacted each one of us. Against the forces of extremism and intolerance, we need to forge a common front, based on tolerance, on respect for human dignity and universal values," Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said.
He hoped that the forthcoming meeting of the SAARC home ministers in Islamabad would help strengthen cooperation in this vital area. India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani are due to meet on Thursday evening on the sidelines of the conference to try and salvage the peace process.
Perhaps, this is for the first time that Indo-Pak conflict has not hijacked the attention of the summit from broader and more complex issues involving this nearly 25-year-old regional grouping. This is also for the first time the SAARC summit has started when governments of the member states are enjoying almost stable position in their home. This year's SAARC summit theme is "Conservation of environment and climate".
The opening session of the two-day summit started at the grand assembly hall in Thimphu in the afternoon with SAARC chairperson and president of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa in the chair. After that host Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley presented his address of welcome and soon after assumed the SAARC chair for the next one year. India's prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Maldives president Mohammed Naseed, Nepal's prime minister Madhav Kumar Gilani, Pakistan's prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Afghanistan's president Hamid Karzai and Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina spoke on behalf of their respective countries.
Observers from Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, the Republic of Korea, the United States and the European Union also spoke at the grand gathering of south Asia giving assurance to work together with SAARC on climate change. Bob McMullam, MP, Parliamentary secretary for international division assistance of Australia, Wang Guangya, vice foreign minister of China, Manouchehr Mottaki, foreign minister of Iran, Chinami Nishimura, parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs of Japan, V Neethalia Win, Second secretary New Delhi High Commission of Mauritius, Nyan Win, minister for foreign minister of Myanmar, Yong-Joon Lee, deputy minister of foreign affairs and trade of South Korea, Robert Orris Blake, assistant secretary of state of the USA, and on behalf of the European Union, Jose Luis Garcia-Galan, deputy director for Asia of the Spanish ministry of foreign affairs, represented their government and organisations at the summit. SAARC secretary general Dr Sheel Kant Sharma also delivered his statement.
The SAARC leaders inaugurated the permanent secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund (SDF). Bhutanese prime minister made a short statement and cut the ribbon on plaque on behalf of the SAARC leaders. The SDF will serve as the umbrella financial institution for all SAARC projects and solve the problems arising from the proliferation of financing mechanisms under the SAARC. Donors and member countries will be contributing various amounts for it.
The opening ceremony concluded in the evening. The leaders attended a banquet hosted by Bhutanese prime minister at Tashichho Dzong. Bhutanese prime minister and newly elected SAARC chairperson Jigme Y. Thinley will address the press on Thursday.
Bhutan, a founder member of the SAARC, is hosting the summit for the first time within two years of the establishment of a democratically elected government in 2008 ending the 100-year monarchy. The Thimphu summit also coincides with the 25th birthday of the organisation created in December 8, 1985 in Dhaka. The two-day summit will end on Thursday evening after adopting the Thimphu Declaration and signing agreements on regional cooperation. Two agreements - one on environment and the other on trade in services-are ready to be signed by the foreign ministers of eight member countries in the presence of summit leaders. Before that the SAARC leaders will have joint royal audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
The leaders will go for the Summit Retreat at Bhutan House at the SAARC village in Thimphu.
;
the independent
29-4-2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Cargo transit pact with Nepal on cards
The Independent
Thursday, 21 October 2010
ANIS ALAMGIR
The government plans to sign a deal on ‘Operation Modalities for Carriage of Transit Cargo’ both via rail and road with Nepal soon.
The five-year agreement will authorise Nepal’s cargo vehicles to carry imported or exported goods for transit through the territory of Bangladesh to or from Nepal, excluding goods in thenegative list as fixed by the two countries. The draft agreement said that transit cargo vehicle/vehicles could move single/in a convoy of maximum 25 vehicles under the protection of Bangladesh government.
Three routes have been selected by the two sides for transit as entry and exit points. The first one is Banglabandha-Panchagarh-Thakurgaon-Sayedpur-Rangpur-Bogra-Natore-Dasuria-Pakshcy-Kushtia-Jhenaidah-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla route, the second one is Biral-Parbatipur-Abdulpur-lshardee-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla route, and the third one running through Rohanpur-Rajshahi-Abdulpur-lshwardy-Khulna will be the route for rail cargo.
However, according to the draft, the transshipment point would be Santahar, and the entry and exit points for any particular cargo vehicle would be the same, unless specified otherwise.
It has been stated in the draft agreement that items, like firearms and ammunition, Hazardous cargo, gold and silver, goods prohibited for protecting human, animal and plant lives, antiques and similar other objects, narcotics and psychotropic substances and any other goods as restricted or prohibited by the Bangladesh government, would be treated as included in the negative list, and therefore, would not be allowed for transit through Bangladesh.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
ANIS ALAMGIR
The government plans to sign a deal on ‘Operation Modalities for Carriage of Transit Cargo’ both via rail and road with Nepal soon.
The five-year agreement will authorise Nepal’s cargo vehicles to carry imported or exported goods for transit through the territory of Bangladesh to or from Nepal, excluding goods in thenegative list as fixed by the two countries. The draft agreement said that transit cargo vehicle/vehicles could move single/in a convoy of maximum 25 vehicles under the protection of Bangladesh government.
Three routes have been selected by the two sides for transit as entry and exit points. The first one is Banglabandha-Panchagarh-Thakurgaon-Sayedpur-Rangpur-Bogra-Natore-Dasuria-Pakshcy-Kushtia-Jhenaidah-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla route, the second one is Biral-Parbatipur-Abdulpur-lshardee-Jessore-Khulna-Mongla route, and the third one running through Rohanpur-Rajshahi-Abdulpur-lshwardy-Khulna will be the route for rail cargo.
However, according to the draft, the transshipment point would be Santahar, and the entry and exit points for any particular cargo vehicle would be the same, unless specified otherwise.
It has been stated in the draft agreement that items, like firearms and ammunition, Hazardous cargo, gold and silver, goods prohibited for protecting human, animal and plant lives, antiques and similar other objects, narcotics and psychotropic substances and any other goods as restricted or prohibited by the Bangladesh government, would be treated as included in the negative list, and therefore, would not be allowed for transit through Bangladesh.
Dhaka for settling 3 prickly issues
Dhaka for settling 3 prickly issues
Foreign secy level / talks with Pakistan
Thursday, 28 October 2010
The Independent
ANIS ALAMGIR
Dhaka likes to end three pronged historic hassle with Islamabad which has always dominated the agenda for their bilateral meetings since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 from Pakistan after a nine-month long war.
A top foreign ministry official yesterday said, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, sharing of common assets, and unconditional apology from Pakistan for its atrocities in 1971- are the three issues which would be given most emphasis from Bangladesh side at the next foreign secretary level meeting between the two countries.
The fifth annual consultation meeting will be held in Islamabad on next November 1 and 2, after a gap of three years to ease and expedite the bilateral relations. Last such meeting was held in Dhaka in 2007.
Ahead of that meeting, an inter-ministerial meeting was held Tuesday at the foreign ministry with its secretary Mijarul Quayes in the chair. Officials from liberation war, disaster management, commerce and foreign ministries attended the meeting.
The meeting sources said, besides historical issues, some others common bilateral issues would also come up at the next month’s meeting.
Sources said, both the countries were interested in establishing direct shipping link between Chittagong and Karachi, which had remained disrupted after the war. They are also interested in increasing flights on Dhaka- Karachi route. Presently five PIA and three Biman flights are flying on the route.
Dhaka will also demand duty-free access for some Bangladeshi goods, reduction of jute export duty and lessening of negative list of Bangladeshi products for Pakistani market.
After the war, Bangladesh claimed that it deserved a share of the US$4 billion worth of pre-independence foreign exchange, bank credit, and movable assets protected in West Pakistan during the war.
In a 1975 agreement, Bangladesh accepted half of Pakistan’s pre-1971 external debts, but asset sharing issues remained unresolved.
The second issue concerning the emigration of large numbers of people, mostly Biharis (non-Bengali Muslims), to Pakistan. After the war, the International Red Cross registered nearly 540,000 people who wanted to emigrate to Pakistan. During Nawaz Sharif’s regime a few thousand Biharis had been repatriated, leaving behind about 250,000 people.
Pakistan government rejected Bangladesh demand for apology over 1971 atrocities asking Dhaka to move ahead with ties instead of getting 'frozen in time' though its civil society still stands beside Bangladesh.
Foreign secy level / talks with Pakistan
Thursday, 28 October 2010
The Independent
ANIS ALAMGIR
Dhaka likes to end three pronged historic hassle with Islamabad which has always dominated the agenda for their bilateral meetings since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 from Pakistan after a nine-month long war.
A top foreign ministry official yesterday said, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, sharing of common assets, and unconditional apology from Pakistan for its atrocities in 1971- are the three issues which would be given most emphasis from Bangladesh side at the next foreign secretary level meeting between the two countries.
The fifth annual consultation meeting will be held in Islamabad on next November 1 and 2, after a gap of three years to ease and expedite the bilateral relations. Last such meeting was held in Dhaka in 2007.
Ahead of that meeting, an inter-ministerial meeting was held Tuesday at the foreign ministry with its secretary Mijarul Quayes in the chair. Officials from liberation war, disaster management, commerce and foreign ministries attended the meeting.
The meeting sources said, besides historical issues, some others common bilateral issues would also come up at the next month’s meeting.
Sources said, both the countries were interested in establishing direct shipping link between Chittagong and Karachi, which had remained disrupted after the war. They are also interested in increasing flights on Dhaka- Karachi route. Presently five PIA and three Biman flights are flying on the route.
Dhaka will also demand duty-free access for some Bangladeshi goods, reduction of jute export duty and lessening of negative list of Bangladeshi products for Pakistani market.
After the war, Bangladesh claimed that it deserved a share of the US$4 billion worth of pre-independence foreign exchange, bank credit, and movable assets protected in West Pakistan during the war.
In a 1975 agreement, Bangladesh accepted half of Pakistan’s pre-1971 external debts, but asset sharing issues remained unresolved.
The second issue concerning the emigration of large numbers of people, mostly Biharis (non-Bengali Muslims), to Pakistan. After the war, the International Red Cross registered nearly 540,000 people who wanted to emigrate to Pakistan. During Nawaz Sharif’s regime a few thousand Biharis had been repatriated, leaving behind about 250,000 people.
Pakistan government rejected Bangladesh demand for apology over 1971 atrocities asking Dhaka to move ahead with ties instead of getting 'frozen in time' though its civil society still stands beside Bangladesh.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
4pc jump in tax collections
The Independent
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Anis Alamgir
A record number of tax payers have submitted their tax returns for the financial year 2010-2011 amounting to Tk. 9.72 billion. Last year the total tax collections stood at Tk 8.5 billion for the financial year 2009-10.
This is almost 4 per cent jump in tax collections over last year.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) sources say, around 9.25 lakh people submitted their returns till the last day of the submission on Oct 7. Around 8. 25 lakh tax payers submitted their returns last time.
The NBR directed the concerned department to take tough action against those who fail to submit their return on time.
However, anyone can submit his/her tax return with a 10 per cent fine- a minimum of Tk. 1000, during the whole year.
Top sources say the tax collection operations will be carried out even at the Upazila level.
Talking to the Independent NBR member Bashir Uddin Ahmed said this is the first time such a large number of people submitted their returns. Ahmed expects that the number of returnees will go up further since a number of tax payers will be filing their returns throughout the year.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Anis Alamgir
A record number of tax payers have submitted their tax returns for the financial year 2010-2011 amounting to Tk. 9.72 billion. Last year the total tax collections stood at Tk 8.5 billion for the financial year 2009-10.
This is almost 4 per cent jump in tax collections over last year.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) sources say, around 9.25 lakh people submitted their returns till the last day of the submission on Oct 7. Around 8. 25 lakh tax payers submitted their returns last time.
The NBR directed the concerned department to take tough action against those who fail to submit their return on time.
However, anyone can submit his/her tax return with a 10 per cent fine- a minimum of Tk. 1000, during the whole year.
Top sources say the tax collection operations will be carried out even at the Upazila level.
Talking to the Independent NBR member Bashir Uddin Ahmed said this is the first time such a large number of people submitted their returns. Ahmed expects that the number of returnees will go up further since a number of tax payers will be filing their returns throughout the year.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
South Asia Forum in December
A first- SAARC Govt backed non-state forum
ANIS ALAMGIR
The Independent, Dhaka,10-10-10
SAARC group of countries are all set to launch a new organisation- South Asian Forum- essentially comprising non-state actors in Goa, India in December this year.
The proposed forum will focus on developing a 'vision for the next 25 years' for SAARC.
Recommendations of the Forum would be fed into the SAARC process in the lead to the 17th SAARC Summit in Male in 2011.
The forum will comprise leading industrialists, leaders and intellectuals, NGO’s and other civil society groups who will debate, discuss and exchange ideas on South Asia and its future development.
“Bangladesh is keen on the forum as such a forum could function on public-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs other than Government to flow into a collective vision of the future of SAARC,” said a foreign ministry official.
The idea was mooted at the Sixteenth SAARC Summit held in Thimphu, in april this year.
According to Foreign ministry officials, the forum could work towards the larger objective of a South Asian Community and the idea of a South Asian Economic Union.
It would also focus on inclusive and equitable development and reinforce cooperation in areas like environment, infrastructure, natural resources and human resource development.
Although Track-II meetings involving some SAARC countries have been held in the past, there has been no precedent of a regional forum endorsed by the Heads of State and the Government’s of the SAARC member states.
The Forum could eventually be modeled on existing successful initiatives of a similar nature such as the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Asia Pacific Roundtable (APR).
ANIS ALAMGIR
The Independent, Dhaka,10-10-10
SAARC group of countries are all set to launch a new organisation- South Asian Forum- essentially comprising non-state actors in Goa, India in December this year.
The proposed forum will focus on developing a 'vision for the next 25 years' for SAARC.
Recommendations of the Forum would be fed into the SAARC process in the lead to the 17th SAARC Summit in Male in 2011.
The forum will comprise leading industrialists, leaders and intellectuals, NGO’s and other civil society groups who will debate, discuss and exchange ideas on South Asia and its future development.
“Bangladesh is keen on the forum as such a forum could function on public-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs other than Government to flow into a collective vision of the future of SAARC,” said a foreign ministry official.
The idea was mooted at the Sixteenth SAARC Summit held in Thimphu, in april this year.
According to Foreign ministry officials, the forum could work towards the larger objective of a South Asian Community and the idea of a South Asian Economic Union.
It would also focus on inclusive and equitable development and reinforce cooperation in areas like environment, infrastructure, natural resources and human resource development.
Although Track-II meetings involving some SAARC countries have been held in the past, there has been no precedent of a regional forum endorsed by the Heads of State and the Government’s of the SAARC member states.
The Forum could eventually be modeled on existing successful initiatives of a similar nature such as the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Asia Pacific Roundtable (APR).
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