Load shedding

                                                       Load shedding

Bangladesh's energy infrastructure is quite small, insufficient and poorly managed. The per capita energy consumption in Bangladesh is one of the lowest (136 kWH) in the world. Noncommercial energy sources, such aswood fuel, animal wastes, and crop residues, are estimated to account for over half of the country's energy consumption. Bangladesh has small reserves of oil and coal, but very large natural gas resources. Commercial energy consumption is mostly natural gas (around 66%), followed by oil, hydropower and coal. Electricity is the major source of power for country's most of the economic activities. Bangladesh's installed electric generation capacity was 4.7 GW in 2009; only three-fourth of which is considered to be ‘available’. Only 40% of the population has access to electricity with a per capita availability of 136 kWh per annum. Problems in the Bangladesh's electric power sector include corruption in administration, high system losses, delays in completion of new plants, low plant efficiencies, erratic power supply, electricity theft, blackouts, and shortages of funds for power plant maintenance. Overall, the country's generation plants have been unable to meet system demand over the past decade. Bangladesh has 15 MW solar energy capacity through rural households and 1.9 MW wind power in Kutubdia and Feni. Bangladesh has planned to produce 5% of total power generation by 2015 & 10% by 2020 from renewable energy sources like air, waste & solar energy. The Ministry of Power and Energy has been mobilising Tk 40,000 crore ($5.88 billion) to generate 5,000 MW of electricity to reduce load shedding into a tolerable level within next four and half years during the term of the present government. Under the plan, the Power Development Board (PDB) would produce 500 MW gas-fired electricity between July and December 2009 to over come load shedding within December. The PDB would hire furnace-oil based 1,000MW of electricity from private sector from January to June 2010, the plan said. In 2011, the government would install furnace-oil based 800 MW capacity of power plant. The PDB officials would seek suitable place to establish the plant, a senior official of the PDB said. Besides the government would also hire another diesel or furnace oil based power plant having capacity of 700 MW in 2012 to keep load shedding into mild level, the official said. However, the government also contemplates to establish four coal-fired based power plants with capacity of producing 500 MW of electricity each with public and private partnership (PPP) in Rajshahi and Chittagong region. The government has initially tried to create fund of Tk 6,000 crore ($1 billion) to implement the plan, sources said. The power division has tried to utilise the government's budgetary allocation of Tk. 2000 crore for PPP in this regard, sources added. "If we can create the fund of Tk. 6,000 crore, it would be possible also to mobilise Tk 40,000 crore under ppp to produce 5,000 MW of electricity within four and half years," PDB chairman ASM Alamgir Kabir told the New Nation on 29 June 2009. During the meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina permitted the power division to implement the PDB plan to reduce load shedding up to a tolerable level. Prime Minister's Adviser for Power and Energy Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Bir Bikram, State Minister for Power and Energy Shamsul Haque Tuku, Power Division Secretary Md Abul Kalam, PDB Chairman ASM Alamgir Kabir were present. Recently prime minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated a power plant at Chandpur. In generating and distributing electricity, the failure to adequately manage the load leads to extensive load shedding which results in severe disruption in the industrial production and other economic activities. A recent survey reveals that power outages result in a loss of industrial output worth $1 billion a year which reduces the GDP growth by about half a percentage point in Bangladesh. A major hurdle in efficiently delivering power is caused by the inefficient distribution system. It is estimated that the total transmission and distribution losses in Bangladesh amount to one-third of the total generation, the value of which is equal to US $247 million per year.

In 2011, there were proposals to upgrade the grid technologies to digital smart metering systems and investing in renewable energy technologies to produce 5% of total power generation by 2015 & 10% by 2020, as noted in the National Renewable Energy Policy of 2008.  The city should put more effort in zoning areas to encourage more self reliant subdivisions and higher density housing around subways in order to be more sustainable, as during peak times load shedding would not affect everyone. It will reduce effects of power cuts and provide stability to the power sector. Radio transmitters could be operating remotely in unlicensed radio bands using two way real time communication and transmit coded instructions from the central to the circuit breakers in selected coordinates of the micro grids substations thereby maintain multiple power flow lines with automated control and digital metering. Using this technology, Feed-in tariffs (FIT) would also be possible, as the energy usage could be monitored remotely and private power generation and energy efficient entities could be offered rebates and incentives. This will also expedite investments in this sector, create job opportunities for engineering graduates and technicians, and ease pressures on the government.

AN IDEAL STUDENT

                                                         

                                                   AN IDEAL STUDENT

 An ideal student is one who is interested in learning new things. His interest is steady and wanes only if the subject matter does not suit his inner nature. A good student however works hard at learning whatever is being taught in the coursework assigned. He utilises his brain to think, research, study, experiment for himself and find results. He does not depend on other people finding out the answers and handing them over to him, but thrives in doing his own thinking. A good student is an avid reader, a good listener, analyser, and has good comprehension skills due to these qualities. His memory is also good because he "imbibes" the knowledge and knowledge is not superficial. An ideal student is the wealth and future of this nation, hope of the family and pride of the school. He respects his teachers and is helpful as well as friendly to his class-fellows. An ideal student always takes an active part in academic as well as in extra-curricular activities of his school. He is hard-working. He is both attentive and punctual in his studies. He is always in the good book of his teachers. An ideal student is disciplined and obedient. He is not a bookworm but an all rounder. Games and studies go side by side with him. He knows that sound mind lives in a sound body. He always sticks to his right ideals and aims.Simple living and high thinking is the motto of his life. An ideal student is the true patriot. He is prepared to serve his country heart and soul and sacrifice himself for the welfare of his country. It is his deep-rooted wish that his country should occupy the place of pride among the nations of the world. Since our country is passing through a difficult period of struggle, it is badly in need of ideal students and citizens. The nation can reach the zenith of glory if our students become ideal and participate in the task of national reconstruction. An ideal student is the spark of hope, glory and prosperity of his country. The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. The future of the country depends upon the students only. Every student should, therefore, try to become an ideal student. An ideal student is ideal in his work, conduct and thought. An ideal student is ever cheerful, positive, optimistic, cooperative disciplined and labourious. He is obedient and respectful. He pays proper respect to teachers, elders and his senior students. He is punctual, regular and cooperative and helps other students as best as he can. He spends some of his spare time in the library, reading books, magazines and newspapers but is never a bookworm. At the same time he takes active part in games and sports and co-curricular activities. He never neglects his body nor studies. He pays particular attention to the proper and all round development of his personality. He takes special care to have good moral character and courage. He is friendly, kind and cooperative and liked by his friends and teachers. He is always active, smart, well-dressed, good mannered and humble. He need not wear fashionable or costly clothes or uniform. He is healthy, cheerful and good looking but need not be handsome and fashionable. His manners are acceptable, courteous and natural. Wherever he goes he spreads good cheer, warmth and friendliness. He is obedient but sometimes may be a little naughty. He enjoys good things of life in moderation and never acquires bad habits. He always keeps away from the bad company. He aims at all-round development of his growing personality. He loves studies as much as games and sports. He takes daily some physical exercise to keep his body fit and trim. He believes in the saying that "All work and no play makes jack a dull boy". Moderation and balance is the hall-mark of an ideal student's life An ideal student is well aware of his duties and responsibilities as a student. He knows how much he owes to his parents, teachers and the society. He takes the full advantage of the opportunities offered. He uses his time wisely and in a planned way and believes that time is money. He knows that students are the future citizens, leaders, parents and scientists. This sense makes him devote all his energies to developing himself a meaningful and useful citizen of the country. He is always proud of his country, its history, culture and heritage. An ideal student takes keen interest in social and welfare activities in his own way. He wants to make the world a better place. He studies the lives of great men and women of the country and draws inspiration from them. He tries to follow them and their teachings. He is never misguided nor suffers from an complex.

International Mother Language

                                            International Mother Language

International Mother Language Day is an observance held annually on 21 February worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It was first announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999. Its observance was also formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, pursuant to a resolution of UNESCO  .The resolution also reaffirmed the need to achieve full parity among the six official languages on United Nations websites. International Mother Language Day originated as the international recognition of Language Movement Day, which has been commemorated in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) since 1952, when a number of Dhaka University students were killed by the Pakistani police and army in Dhaka during Bengali Language Movement protest. TheLanguage Movement was a political effort in Bangladesh (then known as East Pakistan), advocating the recognition of the Bengali language as an official language of Pakistan. When the state of Pakistan was formed in 1947, its two regions, East Pakistan (also called East Bengal) and West Pakistan, were split along cultural, geographical, and linguistic lines. In 1948, the Government of Pakistan ordained Urdu as the sole national language, sparking extensive protests among the Bengali-speaking majority of East Pakistan. Facing rising sectarian tensions and mass discontent with the new law, the government outlawed public meetings and rallies. The students of the University of Dhaka and other political activists defied the law and organised a protest on 21 February 1952. The movement reached its climax when police killed student demonstrators on that day. The deaths provoked widespread civil unrest led by the Awami Muslim League. After years of conflict, the central government relented and granted official status to the Bengali language in 1956. In 2000, UNESCO declared 21 February International Mother Language Day for the whole world to celebrate, in tribute to the Language Movement and the ethno-linguistic rights of people around the world. The Language Movement catalysed the assertion of Bengali national identity in Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, including the 6-point movement and subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February is observed as Language Movement Day, a national holiday. The Shaheed Minar monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement and its victims.

Eave teasing

                                                                 Eave teasing

Eve teasing is an extensive social evil in Bangladesh that has taken away the right of women to live a dignified life. The issue has become persistent making women the victims irrespective of their age, caste, creed, and facial features. Be it anywhere at a beach, restaurant, on the roadside, or at any educational institutions, eve-teasing is noticed everywhere.

Men today are least bothered about the respect and dignity that women hold. The worst aspect is that even educated men and youth don’t think about desisting themselves from this uncouth behavior and attitude. No one thinks that the kind of harassment is directly hampering the social, emotional, as well as moral sentiments of a woman that may even lead to suicide. Is it so difficult to respect a woman? A woman who is being harassed at public places is definitely someone’s sister, someone’s daughter, or even someone’s mother. If you are the brother or father of a girl then think twice before performing this uncivilized act. And if you don’t have a sister or daughter, think about the great lady who gave birth to you. At a place where you harass any woman, your own daughter or sister or mother can be the victim at the same place at some point of time. Isn’t it your duty to think about their safety in the society?

Apart from this there is something that is really difficult to understand. What one gets by doing eve-teasing? Do anyone feel good with that or earn some worldly pleasure? No there is no greater joy one receives but it’s only a shame. When the same is done with tourists coming from across the world then the entire nation is put to shame. According to our Hindu Laws guests are highly respected but do any of the eve-teasing activities show respect or concern? All this has created a really bad image of the country amongst tourists.

Glorification in movies is one of the major causes of eve-teasing in the country. Acts like hooting, ogling, loud commenting, and whistling have become the most common ways of eve-teasing. It is just a crude and cruel way of acquiring female attention and it’s not something to feel proud of. Many girls are silently killed because of this issue. Who is then held responsible for this? According to the law it is a victimless crime but what if this crime takes the life of a women? Though no right of woman is snatched but definitely the right to feel free and safe in their own motherland is robbed from them.

Not only girls of the society but even parents feel unsafe and insecure sending their daughters out to colleges and for higher studies. This unwelcome masculine behavior has caused many parents to forcefully give an end to their daughter’s education. Many parents because of the fear of eve-teasing don’t allow their girls to go for parties, outings, and other such outdoor activities. They are forcefully asked to stay within the four walls and enjoy life in a restricted area of the house.

Researches have indicated that the need of sex, fun, and love are not the only factors affecting the increasing rate of eve-teasing. It’s just that men have their own beliefs and through generations a mindset is created that they are stronger and more powerful than women both physically and emotionally. But that’s just a myth; the truth is that women are physically and emotionally stronger than men.Whatever the cause the reason be, there should definitely be an end to this social issue. The simple answer to this solution is education. It’s very important to educate people on this issue and create awareness amongst people so that women of our society can live a hassle-free and joyful life without having any kind of psychological mark on their hearts and minds.

Price hike

                                                          Price hike

Price hike is a great problem of the day. It is a common phenomenon not only in our country but also in the world. Today the prices of necessary things such as food items, cloths, education materials, medicine and many other necessary things are going up by leaps and bounds. Price hike is caused by several factors like hoarding, population explosion, low productivity, natural calamities, wars, backwardness of communication, evil motives of dishonest businessmen, smuggling, black marketing etc. If the price hike is caused by the short supply of commodities, it is temporary. But it is very difficult to control the price hike  caused by inflation. However, the people of low income suffer greatly and pass their days in constant anxiety. They find it, difficult to make their both ends meet. price hike is a function of multifarious factors such as energy costs, declining dollar value, rising demand for bio-fuel, export restrictions on food grains, carrying cost, climate change, etc. Concerns over oil prices, energy security and climate change have prompted governments to encourage production and use of bio-fuel. The price hike  has widened the gap between the export and import value in the food grain importing countries which has affected the terms of trade and foreign exchange reserve. The fiscal impact of this price hike leads to the reduction of taxes on food grain import and a rise in subsidies in the production of the same  Price hike  has terrible effects on man’s character. It leads people to the path of corruption and moral degradation. The situation is complex and there is no single solution to this problem. The government should perform more efficiently and has to take actions so that the market performs properly. Bangladesh imports a lion’s share of its import of rice from India at low cost. In Bangladesh, the main sources of calorie are rice and wheat. In spite of a rise in wheat and rice price, people still consume rice and wheat. Therefore, the food price hike  affects the poor extensively.Food crisis is a national as well as an international problem. To reduce the extent of the effect of the crisis, some short term and long term measures can be taken. The government should begin selling rice from its stock and import food grains right at this moment to keep the local market stable. The dependency on private food importers should be lessened to avoid the artificial volatility of the local markets. Increasing the adoption of hybrid rice, improving crop management practices and access to high quality seed are essential. Deepening fertilizer dealer network to improve timely access to fertilizer and focusing on high quality seed availability are also needed.. Laws should be enforced strictly to bring the prices of the essential commodities within the purchasing capacity of the common people.

                                                           

Physical Exercise/ Rules of health/ Early rising/ Health is wealth

Physical Exercise/ Rules of health/ Early rising/ Health is wealth

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"Health is wealth" is a wise saying. It is at the root  of all happiness. Without sound health one can not expect a longer & fuller life. Sound health means the soundness of the body & the mind. To keep in good health one should follow the rules of health. Physical exercise is one of the pre-requisites to keep in good health. Physical exercise means the regular movement of our lambs. There are different kinds of physical exercise-- walking, running, swimming, cycling etc. Walking &  swimming are the best kinds of  physical  exercise. which are helpful for people of all ages. Besides, one should rise early in the morning. Early to bed & early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy & wise. The benefits of early rising are many. An early riser can have a good start of the day` work. One should take physical exercise in the morning breeze. Along with physical exercise & early rising one should take rest, have a sound health, drink much water & eat a balanced diet to maintain good health. An early riser can  finish a lot of work before others get up. Work done early in the morning is done well. At that time the mind & the body remain fresh. It gives energy for the day`s toil. Thus, we can finish all our work well in time. 

Dowry system

                                                  Dowry system

A dowry is the money, goods, or estate that a woman brings forth to the marriage. Dowry is an ancient custom, and its existence may well predate records of it. Among the social evils that prevail and plague the society, the dowry system plays the most devastating role. It has spread out its tentacles far and wide in the society affecting almost every section of the society. Child marriage and the giving and receiving of dowries are major factors in the continuation of domestic violence in Bangladesh. Laws have been passed that criminalize both practices, but they are difficult to enforce, especially in rural areas where custom and tradition tend to govern social life. An advocacy project supported by UNFPA has worked from the grass roots to change the cultural beliefs and practices through which violence against women persists. A host of community groups, made up of civic and political leaders, imams, village elders, schoolteachers, mothers-in-law, young people and others are challenging age-old practices, and proving that culture is anything but static. Consequent to the monstrous growth of dowry system, it has become a part and parcel of the institution of marriage. In other words, without dowry no marriage is solemnized.. In fact before fixing a marriage or engagement, dowry is demanded as a precondition. When the demand for dowry is not accepted, a disagreement is reached and the marriage proposal gets foiled even at the preliminary stage. The personality of a bride or bridegroom, their willingness for the proposed marriage etc which are normally considered as the essential prerequisites of a marriage take the backstage. Another salient feature of the dowry system is that it is always associated with the status of the parties to the marriage. In particular, in the arranged marriages, the bridegroom’s parents demand a sum in cash or in kind, in the form of jewelry, material things like household articles, car and house etc. The irony is such demands are made befitting the economic status of the bridegroom’s family or the position held by the bridegroom or the actual amount that he earns as salary or in his business or profession. If the agreed amount of cash or kind is not paid before the marriage, it even leads to the termination of the contract of marriage and the marriage is not solemnized. The system of dowry has also become a primary source of post-marital disputes. When the agreed amount of dowry is not paid or it is partly paid and partly promised, sometimes the marriage is solemnized and even consummated. When the bride’s family is not able to fulfill the promise of dowry due to poverty, the strife begins at the marital home, in which the entire family members of the bridegroom is pitted against the bride. Going further, the bride, for no fault of her, is verbally abused in a vituperative language, assaulted or violently beaten by her husband, in extreme cases the bride is strangled to death or put to flame using petrol or kerosene. The bride is not spared even when she is pregnant or a mother of a baby. Unable to fulfill the dowry demands of the marital home, the bride is mostly driven back to her parent’s home. Somehow or other, the brides’ parents should fulfill the demands for dowry, so as to ensure a better future for their daughters at their marital homes. In the result, the bride’s parents become heavily indebted and wallow in poverty or struggle to have their both ends meet throughout their life. Sometimes, hapless men are being harassed by women misusing the provisions of Dowry Prohibition Act, preferring false complaints against their husbands. Hence, courts have begun to consider such cases sympathetically and even issued instructions accordingly. If a woman prefers a complaint against her husband on the ground of harassment for dowry, the police authorities need not automatically arrest him unless a prima facie case is made out on enquiry. Thus the dowry system creates a chaos in the society, by promoting violence and strife among the members of the families and thereby dismembering the families. As early as 1939, the evils of the dowry system were felt. Sporadic State legislations were not do to prevent the widely prevalent dowry system. Subsequent to independence, the Government of India began to enact legislations empowering women in India. It should begin from the schools and colleges in which the student community should be properly educated against the evils of dowry system and they should even take a vow that they will not give or take dowry from their prospective spouses. Spreading the message against the dowry system by conducting periodical legal aid camps and offering counseling to the victims as well as the general public will help to spread the awareness among them against the dowry system. Creating more stringent provisions in the dowry prohibition act like awarding a higher punishment to those who take or give or even demand dowry. Imposing punishments like imprisonment to those who cause the death of the victim by dowry harassment is a way of giving stringent punishment.The root cause for the existence and continuation of the dowry system is that parents of the bride despite being poor agree to the unreasonable demands for dowry made by the parents of the bridegroom. Therefore, they should make it a policy that they will never agree or make any compromise on the issue of giving or taking dowry, how long their daughter may remain unmarried.It requires commitment to eradicate the system of dowry. Perhaps a whole generation may have to suffer to get rid of this evil system. Instead of suffering from dowry harassment or losing your precious lives, it is better to remain unmarried for a common cause and for the benefit of the posterity.