Timeframe: 17th July – 23rd July 2021
Contributors:
Afrina Asad, Sayed Mohammed Tawsif Zaman, Shudipto Ahmed, Sayere Nazabi Sayem, and Zaima Nuzhat
1. Economy
The average inflation rate surpasses the government’s target rate
For the fiscal year 2020-2021, Bangladesh’s average inflation rate was recorded at 5.56 percent. The rate exceeds the goal of 5.4 percent. Economists say the rise in the prices of food items was reflected in this inflation rate. The highest rate in 8 months was also recorded in the month of June, the point-to-point inflation rate was 5.64 percent.
Source: The Business Standard
2. Politics
Cattle traders face immense losses this year
Most of the traders couldn’t make sufficient profit this year. Some farmers struggled to sell their cattle even at losses. With half of the sacrificial cows remaining unsold, many farmers are tensed about having to pay back ample amounts of loans.
Source: The Business Standard
3. Sports
Tamim Iqbal century, Nurul Hasan 45* complete Bangladesh’s 3-0 ODI whitewash
Tamim Iqbal’s forceful 112 off 97 balls set up Bangladesh’s 299 chase before Nurul Hasan, playing his first ODI in nearly five years, put the finishing touches with his 39-ball unbeaten 45 to give the visitors a five-wicket win. The visitors collected full points for the World Cup Super League from the ODI series by winning 3-0 as Zimbabwe, despite batting well in this game, fell into disarray with the ball, and the chase was completed with two overs to spare.
Source: ESPN Cricinfo
4. Education
Shortened versions of SSC, HSC exams likely in Nov, Dec
The government said the examinees would have to take the tests only in three optional subjects. The syllabus will be shortened and the exams will carry fewer marks. The students will not have to sit for tests in compulsory subjects like Bangla, English and Mathematics. The results of the three optional subjects and the Grade Point Average (GPA) of the students’ previous public examinations, including Junior School Certificate (JSC) tests, will be taken into consideration while preparing the final results, it said.
Source: The Daily Star
5. Agriculture
Fazly mango business gains momentum in Rajshahi
Sirajul Islam, additional director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said there are more than 2.60 lakh mango growers and orchard owners in the region comprising Rajshahi, Chapainawabgonj, Natore and Naogaon districts.
Around 1.30 lakh people are engaged in various activities related to mango harvesting, segregating, packaging, transporting and marketing.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
6. Expert Opinion
It’s time to kill the internal combustion engine
If all vehicles magically turned electric, then approximately one-fifth of all carbon emissions would vanish.
While many governments, including the Bangladeshi government are offering incentives and tax reductions in order to increase the sales of hybrid and electric vehicles, it is necessary to decisively put an end to the production of vehicles with the internal combustion engine.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
7. National News
Factories to remain closed during the new 14-day stringent lockdown in Bangladesh
Decisions have been made to shut down factories, shopping malls, and markets during this period. Access to transportation using the road, waterways, rail, personal vehicles, domestic aircraft, and public transport is limited. However, these restrictions do not apply to food, medicine, leather, and industrial manufacturers. The army is set to monitor any violation of the laws by the citizens during the lockdown.
Source: The Daily Star
8. Achievements of Bangladeshis
Bangladeshi man traveled to all 64 districts and seeded trees
Muminul Hoque Fahim, a 23-year-old nature lover, started his journey in May 2021 and had explored 49 districts in that time. He reached Himchari in Cox’s Bazar on June 24, 2021, and during this entire journey, he has seeded over a thousand trees per district. At the beginning of 2021, Fahim participated in the Youth Engagement COP-26 conference by the United Nations where his idea on the green plantation was chosen to be funded.
Source: The Business Standard
Disclaimer: The information provided here is obtained solely from the third parties mentioned above. Youth Policy Forum (YPF) is not responsible for any misinformation or misrepresentation.