The Present Prospects of Bangladesh Foreign Policy

The Current Prospects of Bangladesh in International Affairs: What is happening now?

Countries make friends with others because they can help each other in need.

1/ The close tie with India

the Bangladesh government under the leadership of PM Sheikh Hasina has a good relationship with its neighbouring country, India.

Swapping enclave: The long waited India-Bangladesh enclave exchange deal was implemented (July 31 in 2015) by the two governments. Now 111 Indian enclaves inside Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India are attached to the respective nations. A chitmahal or enclave is described as a sovereign piece of land fully surrounded by another sovereign country.

High-level official visits occur between the two countries on a regular basis.

Visa processing and travelling to India have become easier.

Trade and business relationship: so many treaties signed

Power plants:  Rampal coal-fired power plant (1320 MW) is being set up by Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Limited (BIFPCL), a joint venture between Bangladesh's BPDB and India's NTPC.

The transit and transshipments: Bangladesh is going to allow transhipment of Indian products via Mongla and Chittagong Seaports (from January 2020) without charging transit fees and customs duties. However, India will be required to pay taxes for using ports and pay fees for using roads. Time as well as distance has gone down to 1/3 for transporting products through Bangladesh instead of present Indian routes.

For the educational needs, the Indian government provides scholarships to students who are descendants of Muktijoddhas.

2/ Solving maritime dispute with India and Myanmar

By the judgment of ITLOS (2012), Bangladesh’s sovereign rights in the Bay of Bengal is now recognised and guaranteed. Bangladesh has also finished an old dispute over a sea border with its neighbouring country, India through the Court of Arbitration. The undisputed rights help the country to promote its blue economy (fish and natural resources beneath). 

3/ Good relationship with Russia

The Rooppur nuclear power plant is being built in Pabna with cooperation with Russia. Moreover, Russia provides scholarships to the Bangladeshi students to study nuclear science in their country so the trained officials can run the nuclear plant.

Bangladesh buys helicopters and other military equipment from Russia (the world’s second-largest weapons exporter). Moreover, Russian Helicopters will train BGB members for operating and maintaining helicopters and military hardware.

Bangladesh imports RMG, seafood and leather items to Russia and Russia exports machinery equipment, fertilizers, crops, raw materials for the textile industry and so on to Bangladesh.

4/ Japan and Bangladesh relation

Japan is always friendly towards Bangladesh. The Meghna Bridge was built with assistance from the Japanese government. Japan's International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has committed to give $400 million for the Padma Bridge. Japan usually cooperates the country with the construction of development projects because Japan can sell cars and other electronics parts and machines to receiving countries. Furthermore, it wants to gain supports from Bangladesh for the bid to join the UN Security Council, and secure markets for their finished goods and services.

Matarbari deep seaport: With funding from Japan (JICA), the Bangladesh government is going to build a deep seaport near Cox's Bazar. Japan also assists Bangladesh to construct a coal-fired power plant (1,200-megawatt) and a modern township at Matarbari (Maheshkhali Upazila, Cox's Bazar).

5/ Sino-Bangladesh relations

In 1976, 5 years after Bangladesh’s independence, China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, friendship and cooperation were established and consolidated.

Bangladesh imports most goods from China and China is the top trading partner of the country. Chinese government involves in economic and technical cooperation, investment, power, culture and tourism. The country will also aid rice to the Rohingya. China has shown an interest in joining in blue economy of Bangladesh.

Due to the geopolitical importance of Bangladesh, China has deepened its strategic influence in the region (India's immediate neighbours) with its economic expansion. Keeping close defence ties with Bangladesh, China, a reliable and affordable source, provides weapons, equipment, military technology and training to the Bangladeshi armed forces. Moreover, 2 Ming class submarines were also imported from China.

The Padma Bridge: China Major Bridge Engineering Company builds a major road-rail project across the Padma River and Exim Bank of China provides money for constructing the rail link accompanying the Padma Bridge.

Payra Deep-sea Port in Patuakhali, a Belt and Road Initiative project is being constructed by two Chinese state-owned enterprises named CHEC and CSCEC. Outside of the port area, the Payra Power Plant (1,320 MW coal-based power plants) is being implemented by Bangladesh-China Power Company Limited (BCPCL) with funds from Chinese Exim Bank.

6/ The United States of America and Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s biggest export market is in the USA. The United States exports agricultural products, machinery, iron and steel products to Bangladesh. The U.S.A. imports apparel, footwear, textile products, headgear, and agricultural products from Bangladesh. 

The USA has provided money to improve the lives of Bangladeshis and the U.S.A. involvement with the Government of Bangladesh is helping produce more food, construct more roads, and develop more teachers, skilled health care providers, and soldiers.  Moreover, the USA provides humanitarian support (the largest donor to the Rohingya refugee crisis) to about 1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.  

7/ Bangladesh & Middle Eastern countries

The Middle East is the biggest international job market (the largest share of remittance) for Bangladeshi people. The country also depends on remittance and oil from the Middle Eastern countries. 

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Vote For Me and I Will Destroy You

Vote For Me and I Will Destroy You Gradually

Dear chickens,

I am one of the foxes competing in the election and I am a candidate in your area. Vote for me, please!

My promises are very simple and common. For instance:  

>>>  Stealing your money (in various ways) will be my sole motto. If I cannot, taxes and fees will be increased multiplied ways in the name of development.

>>> Opportunities will be given to my own people only.

>>> Power will be exercised by my party men.

>>> I will definitely corrupt me.

>>> You will be manipulated in several ways.

>>> You people will be divided into different sects so that I can dominate you precisely. 

>>> My family members will not be kept in the area and I will take my family members to the developed countries for education and permanent residency. 

>>> The ancestors’ glory will be praised but I won’t think about present problems and future challenges.

>>> If I need more money, gold or oil, there will be conflicts in the Middle East. 

>>> I will promote global peace through arms dealings and wars. 

>>> I will do whatever I want to.

With your support, I can legitimately cripple the country and get you free tickets to the hell. After all, I am honest and I am telling the truth.

My name is Adolf W. Trump and please cast vote me.

Make the Foolishtan fool again!

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Growing Demand and Supply of Online Courses: What You Need To Know

In the rapidly changing world, industries need adjustment and a new way of a working system for its survival and earning more profit. That is why companies want to recruit smart employees who can manage many things with a short period of time.  However, our education system does not change quickly and universities are not producing student with such skills that the new era requires. In this case, students can upgrade themselves by completing online courses.

The Significance of Online Courses:

People are pursuing international master’s degrees online and many universities in the USA, Canada and Europe have this opportunity. The costs vary on the basis of the university and the subject. You may feel that the cost of online degrees is more than you can afford. But many online educational platforms like Edx, coursera offer free service but you cannot get their official certificate. To obtain an online certificate, you need to pay money. The cost may vary from $ 15 to $ 2500 but don’t be afraid. The money is not asked to be deposited all together and money is collected based on semesters and courses. Moreover, scholarships (following the prescribed rules) are given to the students who have difficulties finishing the online postgraduate courses. (I have achieved 2 scholarships to complete my online courses.)

Online courses offer multi-dimensionality in education and you can be global sitting in local. Without a visa and staying abroad, you get a foreign degree. There are a lot of online courses you find in the online platform. You can do online research for the course you need most.  You can look at the profiles of various successful corporate personalities on LinkedIn.  

MBA, Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Public Health and so on.  

The system is very flexible and you need to participate in classes and exams online. Assignments and homework are provided by teachers online. If you pass the exams and finish assignments on time, you can obtain a certificate.   

Disadvantages or Limitation of Online Educational Courses:

The main problem is that you cannot interact with the teachers on campus and you don’t have lab facilities of the universities. Many experts believe, traditional education carries more value than online degrees.

To know more: please visit the following websites to understand their program and requirements and/or send e-mails to the university authorities if necessary. National ID, Passport, Graduation certificate may be asked to submit at the time of application. Some universities may conduct online oral tests via Skype.

harvard.edu

illinois.edu

edx.org

coursera.org/degrees

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Advanced tips for getting IELTS Score 7 plus

Important IELTS tips & techniques for you in a post

You must analyze your practice test which you have just completed. Don’t make the same mistakes again. Practice, practice and practice. Before siting for IELTS exam, give mock test under real exam like condition.

Listening

Instructions: It is very important and you must watch the instruction before starting. For example: “No more than two words”.

Singular or plural: Be careful with the word with s/es (or not). They are confusing.

Words with ‘ing’ form

Numbers: 13/ 30 or 15/50

Spelling: your answer will not be regarded as correct if your spelling is wrong.

Prediction: Use your knowledge and common sense to predict and write the answer. Watch the surrounding words for your conjecture.

Map: one of the difficult parts for the listening section is the direction in map completion. You should practice more for the map.

A conversation between two or more people in 3^rd part: People often discuss their projects or talk about some other issues and you need to be extra careful. They tell about all options and it needs more attention.

There is no pause in the 4^th part of the listening section.

The spelling of name and cell no are quickly told and notice.

Focused & give continuous attention to listening.

Answers can be changed and write each answer which you have just heard.

Be familiar with a range of accents.

Speaking

Discuss with a partner who will also give IELTS exam.

If you cannot find a partner:

Use a mirror – you can watch yourself.

Speak yourself and record and then listen for your errors.

Read loudly any good passage.

Listen and sing English songs simultaneously.

Don’t stop in the speaking test. Fill the sentence with any meaningful words.

Don’t say um, ummm etc.

Don’t repeat the same words. Use different words.

Different tense and sentence (Simple-Complex-Compound).

Intonation (the way someone's voice rises and falls as they're speaking) your voice.

Practice on Cue Card samples.  

Reading

Skim and Scan and practice & practice.

Underline keywords.

Don’t try to understand the whole passage and the exam is about strategy not for the English knowledge.

Learn more vocab.

Complete real tests from Cambridge books

Concentration & practice

Try to remember what you have just read.

Difficult: T/F Not given questions, Matching Heading and ‘Matching Information to Paragraphs’.

After completing the reading task, solve the problems with detail analysis and work on your weakness.

Matching Heading and ‘Matching Information to Paragraphs’ should be given at last.

Writing

Different types of sentence structure (simple-complex-compound - conditional- question – passive – different tenses). Use more complex sentences.

Different vocab suitable to the sentence.

Use linking words and adverb (Moreover, however,  firstly, secondly …).

Before starting the task, you must plan for 2-5 minutes (keywords, instructions, question type).

Understanding the topic.

Practice on writing part one and give emphasis one each type of graph.

Formal writing for academic IELTS and no contraction. (No etc., e.g.: for example and no etc. type words)

Avoid: there are/ it is

Write more words then the given number

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The incidents and tragedies will continue!

From Nimtoli (2010) to Chawkbazar (2019), Old Dhaka

Bangladesh has recently faced a deadly accident and it is a fire incident in Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka. It is a big shock to many. But is it really? Calm down, people!

It is not new to the people of Bangladesh and they have become accustomed to it. On 3 June 2010, a big night for some people, wedding parties continued on the roof the building in Nimtoli area. The worst incident happened when an electrical transformer exploded with fire and fire was fanned by flammable items (chemicals). The transformer blast was caused by a fire from a plastic factory's chemicals stored in houses. The factory caught fire from a stove pit near to it where cooks were cooking meals for the wedding engagement party. The density of that area, narrow lanes of Old Dhaka made it more complex for firefighters to stop the blaze. In 2010, the Nimtoli fire in Old Dhaka killed approximately 124 people.

However, nothing has changed. We have not learned anything from the hellfire accident. Chemical warehouses continue to operate in Old Dhaka illegally and old buildings are not demolished. Illegal establishments are at every street of old Dhaka.

It has been a time bomb and it has just blasted into Chawkbazar in Old Dhaka. This fire incident was in a multi-hazardous zone where there were transformers, cars with flammable cylinder bottles and a lot of chemical liquids.  Helicopters were used to spray water and douse the fire as an attempt to aid the firefighters.   

The major challenges the firefighters faced are narrow roads and water shortage in the area. The staircases of old buildings made it more difficult to handle fire service equipment and tools to work on the area. It is now confirmed that the fire was initiated at a four-story building.

So, what are the reasons for such continuous disasters?

Corruption, greed, and negligence kill people and destroy our resources. We must act now and it is time. We have to clear and broaden the roads by breaking the illegal shops, houses, and other infrastructures. We must shift factories and chemical warehouses and ensure enough safety in the area.  Strike a hot metal (iron) with a tool before it cools. You have to shape a metal body while it is hot otherwise it will be difficult and people will forget. If these steps cannot be taken immediately and properly, you know what can happen.

The tragedy is happening in front of our eyes and we see and we mourn and forget. And it continues ……….

Disaster Waiting to Happen

Ghosts of Nimtoli
Drive-against-chemical-factories-in-old-dhaka-protest-foils-1-mobile-court

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Writing Task 2: Cambridge 13 IELTS Test 4

"In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this case?"

 By Cambridge 13 IELTS Academic Test 2 & Writing Task 4 (Sample) Answer

Although there have been significant improvements made in the agricultural sector, a large number of people in the world are out of food and water.

Lack of proper distribution of resources is one of the major issues behind the hunger issue. A tiny number of people in the world are in possession of most wealth.  Amartya Sen said that feminine in Bangladesh occurred due to the lack of distribution in 1974. The government of Bangladesh always keeps a large amount of money for agriculture development that includes loan, subsidies. However, the fruits go to the hand of local politicians and administrators. The price of essential goods goes higher in most cases because there is little control over the market.

Middlemen and politicians always get the benefits and mass people are the victims. Farmers don’t find their fair price and customers in the market buy the products at an extra price. In Africa and some countries in Asia face long term disputes and war which hamper normal distribution and transaction process. Greed, power politics and international game keep people hungry whether the country has plenty of foods or not.

The United Nations has also taken a giant initiative called sustainable development goals to remove hunger from the world. All nations should follow the goals and maintain good governance. If corruption and mismanagement are lessened, the distribution of resources will be implemented effectively and efficiently. Moreover, general people ought to be conscious about their rights which make them alert and empowered to keep their government accountable. 

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Writing Task 2: Cambridge 13 IELTS Test 3

“Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.”

By Cambridge 13 IELTS Academic Test 2 & Writing Task 3 (Sample) Answer

Every subject has its significance in its own way. According to some people, history is regarded as one of the most important disciplines in educational institutes. Nowadays, others believe science and technology-oriented subjects are more important. These will brief

People make the same mistakes again and again but they should not. By studying history, we could learn the past incidents and accidents which our previous generation made. For instance, if anyone studies the battle of Palashi, he will understand the actual reasons of the king’s Shiraj Uddula’s defeat. The king did not lose because of the British East India Company. He was lost due to a conspiracy of his own people. Pupils have the opportunities to know the experience of the past and understand the present and are ready for the future. Without history knowledge, we will not be complete.

 In the present era, we cannot think of a day without technologies. Science and technology make the day to day jobs easier. If we don’t possess the knowledge of information and communication technology, we will be in the last position in the economic competition of the world. The modern invention in medical research and other sectors are possible because of ICT. The government and other private organizations cannot protect themselves from cyber-attack, data theft without modern technological education.

In conclusion, I opine that both subjects are important because students need for their future. In most universities, discipline like CSE, SW keep history courses for their student development. 

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Writing Task 2: Cambridge 13 IELTS Test 2

“Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices.”

By Cambridge 13 IELTS Academic Test 2 & Writing Task 2 (Sample) Answer

A number of people think that now we have lots of options in our life. In present modern life, people can choose easily due to technological advances, advanced research and so on.

In my opinion, I agree with the above statement because we have already found many opportunities. With the invention of modern science and technology and innovative research, we can obtain and learn so many things in a short time. If I consider the education sector as an example, we see a revolution in the sector. Teachers and students can get their required books and materials easily and quickly. They can apply in several countries for higher studies sitting in their home. The Internet is available and wifi gets cheaper. Information flow is everywhere. If anyone lacks any skills he/ she can achieve the quality by taking a course in edx or Coursera or other educational websites that provide quality education freely or with little cost. Students have the freedom to find their aim in life since they can get advice and a motivational speech from YouTube. In the digital era, any person gets so many opportunities which are not possible in the past. 

In some cases, so many options can make people confused. Some experts also believe that we have got limited choices in our life because our choices are influenced by social media and/ or commercial advertisements and/ or politicians.

To conclude, it can be said that economic development and technological advancement allows us to choose among numerous options. However, we do have a limitation as we are the human being.  We are being told to what to do or not to do by someone else. We need to be careful with our choices. 

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Writing Task 2: Cambridge 13 IELTS Test 1

Question: Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems. 

By Cambridge 13, IELTS Test 1 & Writing Task 2 (Sample) Answer 

Residing in a foreign country where a person has to speak the country’s local language which is not his / her mother tongue can lead to both social and practical difficulties.

In my opinion, the statement is very true. Language is not just a spoken expression of people. It also contains culture, history and so on. Learning a second and/ or third language require extra time and dedication and people cannot always grasp the inner meaning of some words of a foreign language. Generally, people don’t have enough time and resources to learn a language. If they find the way, they may not have the capacity to process what they have learned. Mass people have limitation and they are not supermen. After gaining knowledge of a foreign language, he/ she cannot fully apply in practice. If a person makes a one pronunciation mistake or grammatical error it may change the whole meaning and it will embarrass him/ her. In some cases, they may be bullied for their alien accent.

However, if we look in the positive aspect, it can expand our friendships. Some foreigners living in the area understand the situation and they may help you with their language and it enriches your language learning skills. Some research finds that learning more languages help our brain power.

For several reasons, people abide in a foreign country. However, it can be an opportunity or an awkward situation for the person who lives abroad. To avoid the day to day problems, the person must learn how to use the local language and it will help in many ways.

This sample answer will be helpful for your writing test. If you want any modifications for the answer, please recommend the changes in the comment box. We will see.  

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Why You Should Donate More and Work for Social Welfare

Benefits of making the donation and working for the society

Why should I give my extra time for the social development free? Why should provide something to someone without my benefits? Giving someone does not reduce your wealth instead it helps you in various ways. Donation and voluntary work bring amazing benefits to your mind, body, and society.    

Developing yourselves: Working in a voluntary organization help you develop your leadership capacities, communication skills, team works, and other skills.

  

For higher studies and/or getting a job: To get a good job, you will need some working experience. However, if you are a fresh graduate, you don’t have any practical work experience. Then how will you get experience while you are studying? Volunteering, internship, and freelance works help you in this regard. 

Furthermore, working for the people increases chances to get you scholarships for the higher studies. Voluntary works prove that you are active and work for society. People like an active and industrious person.

Finding eternal peace: medical research has proved that you will get pleasure for helping others in need. For practical experience, you just give your warm clothes to a poor person, you definitely feel better. I can guarantee it. You will feel satisfied and be happier.

Removing depression/ anxiety: Voluntary work and charity definitely reduce mental disorder. To remove depression or anxiety or stress, you can work for social welfare. Moreover, it renders people improved self-esteem & self-worth. It helps you live a longer life.

Get rid of bad habits: if you are addicted to drugs and/ or masturbation, working with voluntary organizations helps you destroy these evil behaviours.

To protect the environment and the world: For our own survival, we need to save the world by cleaning the environment. There are several ways we can do it.

We can form groups or organizations to raise awareness and motivate people to protect the environment. Tree plantation is one of the initiatives which can be taken by anyone. Civil society groups and NGOs can pressure the government to implement environment-friendly policy. Environment-friendly and informed governments can pressurize the United Nations (UN) to take broad initiatives for the world environment.

Promoting Generosity in your kids: When your children observe you to give money to some people or organizations, they naturally adopt a donating-mindset. This mindset helps your kids to be good and gentle people.  

Tax Reduction:  You can write off charity on your tax return form and get a certain amount of tax rebate. Some restrictions and conditions do apply. A good number of celebrities and businessmen make a donation for this purpose.

Getting reward (Sawāb): Both Quran and hadith ensure that givers (donors) will receive Allah’s rewards both in this world and in the life hereafter. Giving donation does not reduce our wealth instead almighty Allah expands it. The philanthropists and charitable persons will be awarded highly.  

Sadaqah Jaariyah (an ‘ongoing charity’) is an amazing concept for Muslim people. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said that “when a man dies, his deeds come to an end except three: beneficial knowledge, Sadaqah Jaariyah and a child who prays for him/ her”.

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