How Bangladesh is affected by flooding

Flooding is a huge problem for the people in Bangladesh and the problems continue to have negative and positive effects on the people, property and land/environment. The negatives of flooding; There are many different types of floods that Bangladesh suffers from and these are; flash floods; where there is an extreme amount of rainfall effecting both upland areas and over time low land areas.

This type of flood has a huge affect on property as it can wash it away completely destroying it and also flooding crops and killing them, this type of flooding will also deposit lots of sediment so the river bed will rise making the river easier to flood. River floods are where high amounts of rain and melted snow from the Himalayas completely flood the river and also the floodplain, the water can not be contained so flows over lands which is usually not protected, this again damages crops by flooding them and also ruining the land for future use as farm land.

This type of flooding will also damage or even destroy property and in extreme cases entire settlements which in turn will also kill people if they do not evacuate quick enough. Rainwater floods are where there are again extreme amounts of rainfall and there is too much surface water and land is flooded. This can kill cattle, people and destroy farmland and crops which people need for their livelihoods. For example of crop destruction, in 1987 and 1988 rice production on a country scale was largely disrupted due to extreme floods.

Even if engineering is successful and floods are controlled there is the negative effects that the country gets further into debt and a lot of the flood controls do not fit in with the natural environment so is an eye sore. Methods of flood control also effect farming in certain areas as they block irrigation of water so many farmers are complaining as they are not getting the water needed to grow crops for their livelihood.

The worst effected areas of flooding are the coast as many people live here and this is where flooding is most extensive, many people are killed damage to property and farm land is huge so this disrupts the local economy. In the floods of 1991 flooding was that hard that waves were 7 metres high and this brought wind speeds of 225 km/h. people had to climb trees to evade the floods but over 150 000 people were drowned and 500 000 cattle were lost along with vast damage to settlements, electricity, roads and fishing.

Deforestation is another big factor that is negative as this destroys trees that are vital for the world and also does not allow interception to occur so the snow melting from the Himalayas is coming directly to Bangladesh with nothing sopping it. As there is little knowledge and little communication available people can not prepare and are defenceless. With the vast amounts of chemicals and diseases in the Ganges, flooding just spreads this all around the country contaminating drinking water and brings huge problems that need huge amount of medical care so calls for the worlds charities to help.

You can read also Waves

There are very little positive effects of flooding as floods bring so much destruction. The positives though are; due to vast amounts of deposition the silt that is deposited is high in fertility so ‘repairs’ the soil so can be used in the future making it good for crops to grow in. also the vast amounts of water, when controlled can be irrigated for the crops rice and jute which require a large amount of water to grow.

This in turn helps re – boost the local economy and gets the farmers back to their usual livelihood. Finally in cases of extreme flooding where the world is made aware, it can show the kindness of countries by the help they donate and the medical care made available to help restore the country to normal. Although there will always be social, economic, and humane problems with flooding the key is for the country to recover as quick as possible with the least effects and damage done to the country and its people.

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Conservation of heritage site of dhaka city

Background of the study Dacha, one of the oldest cities of Bangladesh, has a glorious history of over 400 years. Because of the location and strategic advantage, it was the hub of central activities and administrative activities during various historic periods. The Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms, the Fagan Ruling prior, the McHugh Ruling Period, the British Colonialism, the partition of Bengal, the Liberation War and the contemporary era have enriched Dacha’s history and the testimonies of those periods have remarkable significance in the nation’s identity.

With the passage of time, Dacha has gone through changes to keep pace with the modern globalizes world but yet some testimonies of different historic periods remain. RAJAH has enlisted 93 historic sites of Dacha of different historic periods and published in a gazette form in 2009 but proper measures have not been taken from government initiative to conserve majority of these sites after enlistment. As a result the condition of many of these historic sites are formidable in respect to structural condition, illegal occupancy, incompatible structures, lack of maintenance.

In this study, we have tried to identify the location and present notation of these 93 enlisted heritage sites and develop some proposals and policies for the proper conservation of these sites. There have been many researches on the heritage sites of Dacha but majority of these researches focus on the sites that have gone through proper conservation measures and are maintained well. Many of the enlisted heritage sites are in deplorable condition and are in a way to ruin but do not get any attention from planning authorities.

The distinction of this study from previously conducted researches is that it has covered and highlighted the heritage ties that are in a relatively deplorable condition beside the sites that are in a better condition. An overall guiding policy and framework have been proposed for the conservation of these legacies of the country. 1. 2 Methodology Figure 1. 1 : Methodology of the Study Project Selection: At the very first stage, the project was selected through the course teachers under the course “Urban Planning Studio”. It was about the Conservation of the Heritage sites of Bangladesh.

Formulation of Objectives: The objectives of study were formulated to achieve the goal. Preparation of literature review: Literature view has been prepared by studying international rules and regulations for conservation, criteria for conservation, different acts and policies. Laws of Bangladesh also has been studied for conservation. Three cases of conserved sites from foreign countries have been studied. Selection of Study area: RAJAH enlisted 93 sites were distributed among nine groups. Each group was assign to survey ten sites.

Data collection through field survey: Data and information were collected though field survey. The location of the heritage sites, their ownership status, conservation status and uses were identified. Selection of sites for detailed survey and analysis: Three sites were selected for detail survey analysis from previous ten sites. Data collection of selected sites: Data and information were collected of selected three sites. Primary data: Primary data were collected though field survey. Local people and owners were interviewed and photographs were taken through this process.

Secondary data: Secondary data were collected though visiting different Government offices, private organizations and internet. Problems identification: Different problems and issues were identified through survey and analysis. Determination of leslies and proposals: Policies and proposals were generated and determined considering the prospects and problems regarding the sites. Final Presentation and Report Submission: Finally a presentation has been prepared and report has been submitted. 1. 3 Objectives 1. To study location and present condition of the historic sites of Dacha city. . To determine some proposals for the conservation of selected sites. 1. 4 Rationale of the study: Historic site conservation is very significant an issue to bring variability and uphold the historic magnificence while planning an urban area. So, a defined study on inspiration of the heritage sites for formulating comprehensive guidelines based on the identified issues is Justifiable. 1. 5 Scopes and Limitations While conducting the study some scopes of the study were identified as well as some limitations were faced.

Scopes To identify the present state of the heritage sites, detail survey have been performed and secondary sources have been gone through carefully. The owners of the sites have also been interacted to sort out the problems underlying in conservation of sites. The analysis has helped to formulate the policies and proposals for the maintenance of the historic sites. If any project is planned in future by government or private sector for the conservation of heritage sites, the findings of this study would help to a great extent. Limitations Extracting of data regarding the heritage sites requires much time.

Because of time limitation, the analysis could not be done in a greater scale. For conducting the survey it was necessary to visit the study area several times which caused problems with expense issues. In some cases, the owners were not that much willing to provide information. Accessibility to some sites was very poor because of the poor infrastructure and transport modes. Getting information from government authorities was difficult because of their resource limitation. No systematic database is maintained in most of the government authorities.

Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW “The cultural heritage may be defined as the entire corpus of material signs – either artistic or symbolic – handed on by the past to each culture and, therefore, to the whole of humankind. ” (CICERO, 1990, p. 4) 2. 1 Criteria for Conservation 2. 1. 1 General criteria Scholars and organizations have established criteria to assign a site or structure as heritage site based on various parameters. Countries worldwide have developed their own assessment criteria for heritage conservation considering these conventional parameters as well as taking into account the particular issues of own regions.

World Heritage Trust has fixed six criteria (Aesthetic, Typical, Scarcity, Historical role, Enhancement of adjacent areas, Superlatives) the fulfillment of one or more of which would make a site worthy of conservation. Reign (1902) categorized the parameters in basic five typologies- Age, Historical, Commemorative, Use, Newness. Lips (1984) emphasizes five aspects (Economic, Aesthetic, Associative-symbolic, and Informational) for assigning a site as a heritage site.

Burr Charter proposes for assigning a site as a cultural heritage when it has any or more than one of these values: Social (including spiritual, political, national, other cultural), Scientific, Aesthetic, Historic (Mason, n. D. ). Age, historical legacy, special architectural fabric of some particular period, rarity, human settlement of traditional indigenous communities are some very common criteria observed in the conservation principles of most of the countries’ act. Regarding age of the buildings, majority of nations’ isolation call for conservation of structures erected before 100 years or more.

In Scotland, buildings erected before 1840; in Germany, those places which have survived for at least 50 years; in South Africa, structures older than 60 years; in Egypt, historic sites more than 100 years old; in Pakistan, structures of at least 75 years; in England, historic sites erected before 1st July 1948 are recommended to be enlisted as heritage sites (English Heritage, n. D. ). Conservation of religious icons, like- ancient churches, mosques, cathedral, temples, cemetery, tomb, monastery, holds significant importance for conservation in the acts of majority of countries.

Conservation of ancient mines, caves, forts and palaces are very common worldwide. 2. 1. 2 Country wise Special Criteria Some nations have unique historical background or cultural identity which plays an important role in their fixing of criteria for heritage conservation. In Nepal, the religion has a great impact in the conservation criteria of cultural heritage. In some countries, the places that have association of the historical or religious leaders are conserved for the spiritual and historic significance. According to Ancient

Monuments Protection Act of Nepal, ” Archaeological Object means the object made and used by human being in prehistorically period or handwritten genealogy, scribed or inscribed idol, temple of god or goddess, Buddhist cenotaph, statue, thanks, things used in royal palace”. (Department of Archaeology, 1956) South Africa has a remarkable history of slavery and this holds a vital place in their assessment criteria of a site to be in consideration of conservation (SAHARA, 2013). In South Africa and England, the assessment criteria have been set bringing all the historical monuments under three grades or categories.

In South Africa, Monuments of having importance at national level are assigned in Grade I and monuments having significance at provincial level fall in Grade II and the remaining ones with exemplary architectural interest fall in Grade Ill. English Heritage,a public body of the British Government in England, classifies the heritage sites of England in three categories: Grade I (buildings of exceptional interest), Grade II* (particularly important buildings of more than special interest), Grade “(buildings of national importance and of special interests)(English Heritage, n. D. ).

In India, INTACT also categorizes the sites for conservation in two groups according to priority for conservation. Priority has been given to out-of-town developments meaning that town centers, local trade and small scale commercial enterprises are under threat (INTACT, n. D. ). In China, the ancient trees are also assumed as cultural property and are recommended to conserve. In September 2002, when the Municipality of Beijing issued a plan for protecting cultural property and relics within the municipality’s borders, it included a provision for protection of “ancient and famous trees” (Durra, 2004). Norway Act Concerning the Cultural Heritage, tress of special significance are recommended to conserve(Ministry of Environment, 1978). 2. 2 Principles 2. 2. 1 Publishing of enlisted buildings in gazette form In most of the country, the list of the heritage sites is published in a gazette form to inform the general people. The list is also published in a number of renowned newspapers to get people informed. In Norway, notice is given in the Norwegian Gazette and in at least two newspapers for public inspection.

In Nepal, the list of selected heritage sites is published in a gazette form (Department of Archaeology, 956). 2. 2. 2 Ownership, acquisition and maintenance Regarding ownership, owners are encouraged to conserve the heritage sites leaving it to original owner based on the condition of its proper maintenance in many countries. In some cases, government acquires the historic buildings from owners when there is lack of proper maintenance or vulnerability of its demolition. In Nepal, acquisition of historic sites is observed.

In Section 5, the Chief Archaeology Officer has been empowered to cause the owners of ancient monument to enter into a deed of responsibility for Supervision of the monument, responsibility of the monument ND duties of its watchman (Department of Archaeology, 1956). In India, the central government may acquire the protected monument under provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 if a protected monument is in danger of being destroyed, injured, misused, or allowed to fall into decay.

In Section 2(C) of Indian’s The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, it has been stated that owner’s right can be restricted for ensuring the proper maintenance of a historic site (Gazette of India, 1958). In case of private ownership, an agreement is signed between the owner and the government for the proper protection of the monument. In Australia, The Minister enters into an agreement (a heritage agreement) on behalf of the Territory with the owner of a heritage place or object (Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment, 2011). . 2. 3 Tax incentive for conserving heritage sites TAR (Transfer of Development Right is a very effective measure in motivating the owners of the heritage site to leave the heritage site in government’s acquisition for its proper safeguard. Conservation projects in Hong Kong and Australia gives evidence of effectiveness of TAR in motivating the private owners. Tax reductions and ax incentives can be effective instrument to encourage the owners of the historic monuments to conserve the historic building.

In Germany, the owner of a general building who lets his property has a depreciation of tax of only 2 % per annum. The owner of a historic building has for eight years a depreciation of 9 % per annum and for the following four years a depreciation of 7 % per annum (RISC Research, 2007). 2. 2. 4 Construction compatibility Compatible construction and maintenance of environment within a particular extent of the enlisted site is observed in the legislation of many countries.

In article 7 of Ireland’s Law on the Protection of Historical and Cultural Properties, it has been mentioned that no person can build or allow another to construct a building within the registered limits of an archaeological area, without the permission of the Institute of Archaeology (Office of Attorney General, 2004). In Pakistan, the zone for compatible construction around a historic site is fit (Antiquities Act, 1975). To protect a historic structure from disturbance in Norway, a zone shall extend from the visible or known perimeter as far as necessary around an automatically protected monument r site.

The area shall be encircled in each case by the concerned authority (Ministry of Environment, 1978). In India the prohibited area is mm and more mm beyond it is also included for reconstruction, repair or renovation compared to the main site (Gazette of India, 1958). 2. 2. 5 Alteration of heritage site Addition, destruction or alteration is strongly discouraged in majority of country’s legislation. If done so, provision of punishment is kept in most of the country’s act.

However, if any such measure for alteration is to be undertaken, taking consent from planning authority is a must. In Policy BE 8 and Policy BE 12 of Planning Policy Statements of Ireland, it has been stated that the planning department can permit for any alteration when the new development is in sympathy with the characteristic built form of the area and the scale, form, materials and detailing of the development respects the characteristics of adjoining buildings in the area. The environmental aspects have also been considered (Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, 1999).

In Germany, it is mandatory to seek permission from the state authorities for all proposed changes to the building, or demolitions and any change that does not eave resemblance with the original form cannot be done. For example, no modern large windows are allowed in a historic building (RISC Research, 2007). According to England’s legislation, new work or alteration in England to a significant place is acceptable if the alteration ensures no material harm to the values of the place and the value of the place is reinforced or further revealed (English Heritage, 2008).

Some countries’ acts have provision for replacement or alteration of features of heritage sites if the feature is in an almost ruined state. But the condition of minimum intervention to the originality of the heritage site is persistently applicable in these scenarios. If repair of a historic structure by stabilization, consolidation, and conservation proves no satisfactory result, the next level of intervention involves replacement.

This replacement has to very limited and is applicable in kind of extensively deteriorated or missing parts of features when there are surviving prototypes (for example, brackets, dentals, steps, plaster, or portions of slate or tile roofing). The replacement material needs to match the old both physically and visually, I. E. , wood with wood, etc (Weeks, et al. 1995). In special cases, permission can be given for demolishing a building but this is very rare a scenario. In Ireland, The Planning Department does not permit the demolition of a listed building unless there are exceptional reasons.

Proper reasoning has to be Justified before demolishing about why the building cannot be retained in its original or a reasonably modified form (The Planning Service, 1999). 2. 2. 6 Penalty for damage Any damage or attempt to harm the heritage site calls for severe punishment in most of the country’s legislations. According to Indian’s legislation, any person who moves NY antiquity shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees; and the court conviction a person of any such contravention may by order such person to restore the antiquity to the place from which it was moved(Gazette of India, 1958).

Section 51 of National Archives and records service of South Africa Act calls for guilt fines up to a maximum amount of ROI 000 for infringement of the terms of Act and heritage resources authority is responsible for punishment (SAHARA,1996). 2. 3 Strategies for Conservation The common tools used in different countries for conserving a historical site involve obliteration, restoration, replication, adaptive reuse and preservation. Restoration is a process where any alteration from the original form is removed and the structure is returned in exactly its original form.

It is the toughest form of conservation and can only be carried out when there is substantial physical and documentary or oral evidence to retain the authenticity of the structure. Rehabilitation and renovation are more flexible conservation approaches. Rehabilitation has to be undertaken to make decrepit buildings usable again by bringing necessary modifications in the interior art and leaving the exterior part in the original form.

Preservation should be considered as the primary treatment when the historic place’s materials, features and spaces are essentially intact and thus convey the historic significance without extensive repair or replacement (Canada’s Historic Places, 2010). Adaptive reuse refers to the utilization of buildings other built structures and sites of value for purposes other than that for which they were intended originally (Australia COSMOS, 2013). Relocation is also a conservation tool which is applied in very rare cases. In Egypt, relocation of a heritage site is done only if the site is in danger of natural hazard.

Otherwise conservation has to be done in the original place (Nashua, et al. , n. D. ). 2. 4 Institutional Arrangement for Conservation For conserving the historical monuments, a strong institutional framework and coordination among the authorities is found in western and some of the Asian countries. The conservation procedures from the very beginning of assessment and declaration of the site as a historical monument towards the protection of the site from decay is done by Archaeology Department of the nation and the planning omission or planning department of the government.

The institutional framework for heritage conservation involves the following steps: Figure 2. 1 : Planning process methodology for institutional framework Source: Mason ( n. D. ) 2. 4. 1 Government agencies, central and local government In Norway, Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage Management is a government agency manages cultural heritages at national level whereas County Municipalities are responsible for the management at regional level.

The State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SASH) is responsible for historical site conservation in China. In Singapore, AURA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) is designated as the national conservation authority charged with powers under the Planning Act to issue conservation guidelines, advise the Minister for National Development on getting areas for conservation and grant planning permission for restoration works apart from serving as the national planning authority(Legislative Council Secretariat, n. D. . The responsibility is distributed between the central and the local government in Ireland as the entire procedure of conserving and managing the historic sites becomes difficult and complex if only the central government is involved. The Minister has responsibility for formulating national policy in relation to the physical heritage and for the implementation of the National Monuments Acts. Physical planning is implemented at local government level, under the policy direction of the Minister (Packard, 2001).

In South Africa, heritage resources are managed by the levels of government closest to the community (SAHARA, 1996). The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage Management is responsible for the management of cultural heritage in Norway on the national level. At the regional level the county municipalities are responsible for the management in their county. For archaeological excavations there are five chartered archeological museums authority (Ministry of Environment, 1978).

Regarding coordination among the agencies of government, Philippines shows a good collaboration and management understanding among the agencies. The cultural agencies and other national government agencies (The Department of Tourism, the Intramural Administration, The Department of Public Works and Highways, The National Commission on Indigenous People, The UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, The Office of the special Envoy of Transnational Crimes) consult, coordinate and work closely tit the commission in the implementation of their respective programs/pro]sects (Congress of Philippines, 2009). . 4. 2 International organizations International organizations also extend their assistance to manage the entire process of conservation or undertaking any measures needed for conservation in form of technical and financial assistance. UNESCO, International Centre for the Study of the Preservation & Restoration of Cultural Properties (CICERO), The World Heritage Trust, International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (“C) are some international organizations playing vigorous role in promoting the cultural heritages worldwide( UNESCO, n. D. ). 2. 4. Private and autonomous organizations Some private and autonomous organizations are also observed to play important role in conservation of the historical legacies. In Nepal, an organization named Ought Corporation, an autonomous organization of government of Nepal has a major role in looking after the proper protection of the private ancient monuments. In South Africa, The national system for the management of heritage resources (SAHARA) and in India, The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACT) have a vital role in raising heritage awareness among people and in taking care of the historical structures( INTACT, n. . ). 2. 4. 4 Involvement of professionals In some instances, committee is formed by multi-disciplinary team of experts to provide technical assistance in the entire procedure of conservation. In Afghanistan, a committee is formed and named the Archeological Committee consisting of two archaeologists, scientifically competent member, one historian, a lecturer from the Faculty of Social Sciences from the University of Kabul, one engineer or architect according to the Law of Protection of Historic and Cultural properties (Ministry of Justice, 2004).

For discovering the defects of cultural heritages, five-yearly inspections are undertaken before irreversible damage occurs involving specialist professional specially conservation architects (Kent, n. D). According to legislation of England, if a local planning authority does not have the full range of expertise to assess the financial Justification and the assessment of proper development, it will be necessary to involve external consultants (English Heritage, 2012). 2. 4. Public- Private Partnership Public private partnership is effective way to undertake and manage the entire procedure of conservation measures.

In Nepal, public participation is encouraged to manage and look after the conserved sites watchman (Department of Archeology, 1956). 2. 5 Financial Arrangement for Conservation Funding for the conservation of heritage sites usually comes from owners’ initiatives, public funding, international donation, private associations, grants and loans. In Egypt, Together with public funds, there are international donations assisting conservation of heritage sites. Salvage of Nubian Monuments was assisted by the UNESCO in the sixties (26 million dollars) and Infertile tomb by Getty (1 million dollar) (Nashua, et al. N. D. ). There are two principal programs of aid available in Ireland. L) Tax relief program for expenditure on approved heritage buildings, gardens and objects in respect of repair, maintenance or restoration. 2) Grant aid program for the conservation of the architectural heritage which is administered through local planning authorities . This scheme was initiated in 1999 with budget of E. 9 million. Grants available under this scheme are small, within a range of E 500-10000 although grants of up to E20000 may be provided in exceptional circumstances (Packard, n. . ). In Norway, all or some of the costs are met by the State and decision regarding this funding is taken by the Minister. Where less extensive private projects are involved, all or part of the costs is met by the State, if these costs impose much burden for the initiator of the project (Ministry of Environment, 1978). In Section 77 of England’s Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas act it has been mentioned State makes grants or loans for the purposes of defraying the whole or part of expenditure required for conservation works.

Other grant sources than State’s grant may be available from the Heritage Lottery Fund, local authorities, heritage groups and amenity societies (Kent, n. D. ). In Nepal, renovation of the private and public monuments is done by ‘Town Development Fund’. Amount may be received as donation or grant from Government or any person or organization, international organization, foreign government or entrance fee (Department of Archeology, 1956) The funding agencies which assist INTACT in India to undertake any conservation of cultural heritage sites include: Gag Khan Program, Australian High Commission,

Helen Hamlin Trust, UK,INTACT (I-J) Trust, Maharani Museum Trust, Jodhpurs, UNESCO, World Monument Watch, Unit Foundation ,Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain (MACE),Patella Heritage Society, Ministry of Tourism, Department of Archaeology, UNCUT, Shinbone Japan, University of Allahabad, Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. University of Hawaii’s at Manna,Department of Cultural Heritage, Government of Kananga, Archaeological Survey of India ,Ministry of Culture, ,Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Human Resource Development, ,Ministry of Railways( INTACT, n. D. ). 2. 6 Conservation in Bangladesh The Antiquities Act, 1976 has been followed so far for the conservation of the heritage sites. The other legal provisions are Immovable Antiquities Preservation Rules 1976, The Archaeological Works Code 1938, and The Manual of Conservation of 1922(Department of Archaeology, n. . ). 2. 6. 1 Criteria and Principles Immovable antiquity has been defined in Antiquities Act as “any urban site, street, group of buildings or public square of special value which the Central Government, being of the opinion that its preservation is a matter of public interest by reason of its arrangement, architecture or materials of construction, by deification in the official Gazette, declares to be an immovable antiquity for the purposes of this Act” Criteria for Conservation (Department of Archaeology, 1968, p. ) The Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh considers enlisting a historic or archaeological edifice only if it is 100 years old as per provision in the Antiquities Act (Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904). But the committee formed for enlistment of historic sites on behalf of ARRACK enlisted an edifice considering historical, architectural, political, aesthetic and cultural value even if it is not 100 ears old(The Daily Star, 2008).

The conservation practice in Bangladesh is archaeological preservation and it is based on the legislations introduced in 1922 by Sir John Marshall, the founder director General of Archaeological Survey of India (Wisped, n. D. ). Conservation, Acquisition, Penalty For the decision regarding conservation, an advisory committee is stated to take the responsibility which consists of director, two members of parliament, and three other persons having special knowledge about antiquities.

The committee would give decision about a property the owner of which cannot be traced. Section 7 of Antiquities Act demonstrates that provincial Government can acquire a land or any part of the land that contains antiquities under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894) for public purpose after getting direction from the Central Government.

Section 16 of the Act calls fir compulsory acquisition of an immovable antiquity if it is in danger of decay. A protected immovable property cannot be used for any other purpose than its preservation and administration. In Section 20 of the Act, provision for penalty for counterfeiting or damaging antiquities has been kept, but what pacific punishment would be given has not been clarified (Department of Archaeology, 1968).

Though TAR (Transfer of development Right) is very effective to persuade and encourage private owners to cooperate in government’s move of conserving heritage sites, it has not been introduced in Bangladesh till 2008(The Daily star, 2008). Change and Compatibility In Dacha Metropolitan Building Rules (Impart Norman Abdominal), it has been stated for any change, development, extension or destruction of building, a written statement is needed from the authority. The authority can permit entirely or partly

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Tibbat Bangladesh

Table of contents

Introduction

The art of advertising is a tough job. It is not very easy to impress the mind of the target audience and create a good perception of your product. Creating a good perception takes the job to whole new level where advertisers must make the audience learn about the product. This instigates an even harder job, to pursue the audience to make the decision in your favor. The job is even harder when you have to pursue the audience about a product which has failed once in the past. Such is our mission in reestablishing one of our favorite food brands on the past, ‘Nocilla’. Grupo Nutrexpa’ is the mother company of ‘Nocilla’. The company is headquartered in Barcelona, and it was set up in the 1940s with a view to produce food which was “tasty and highly nutritious”. Nutrexpa offers five kinds of ‘Nocilla’ with different colors and taste which are ‘Nocilla Bokawa(cake)’; ‘Nocilla Postres (a liquid chocolate which is used on ice-cream,burgers etc)’; ‘Nocilla sticks (flour sticks& chocolate)’; ‘Nocilla Vasos (red, green, light blue, glass jars)’; ‘Nocilla Tarrinas (two chocolate flavor)’. Basically ‘Nocilla Original’ was marketed in Bangladesh.

At the beginning of the 1990’s it was available in our local market though a food importing company of Bangladesh called ‘Sajeeb Corporation’. For the sake of our project we are assuming that Nocilla is being re launched in Bangladesh and the hard task of advertising about this forgotten product has been handed to an advertising company managed by us.

Advertising Objectives

  • Sales Objective: It is obvious that Nocilla’s sales in Bangladesh have declined drastically over the last few years. So our main and prime objective as the advertising agency is to boost the sales of Nocilla. Since there are very little mearns of communicating Nocilla to the consumers, we can use advertising which is a dominant force in the marketing mix for Nocilla.
  • Communication Objective: As we are repositioning Nocilla with the concept of both Taste and Nutrition, we need to communicate this information to the appropriate target consumers. Through our advertising, we have to make sure the kids get the sense of taste and the parent’s get the essence of Nutrition.

Audience Analysis

As per our analysis, our audiences are our target consumers for whom Nocilla would be reestablished.

Kids are very fond of chocolate and would very cheerfully grab the oopportunity to change their traditional breakfast with something more chocolaty and tasty. Teenagers always look for different types of taste in their breakfast. They prefer a fast and easily makeable breakfast that would quickly set them free to get busy with their activities. Also they may prefer the taste whenever they would like to have quick snacks. Paren’ts always look to provide the necessary nutrition to their children. Nocilla provides hassle free and quick nutritious breakfast for them.

This behavior is also applicable for people with a busy life style and always on the go.

Segmentation

To better attract our target audience our advertising agency has decided to break down our consumers into sub group of consumers that have ssimilar needs, desired product benefits and purchase behavior. We have decided to segment our consumers by dividing them into Demographic, Geographic and Psychographic segments. Demographic Segmentation: Our target consumers would be of the age between 6 to 25 years. They are mainly kids, teenagers and grownups of that specific age category who share a love for a chocolaty breakfast.

We can also include the household of parent’s who likes a nutritious breakfast for their kids.

  • Geographic Segmentation: As for the quality Nocilla is a premium product with a premium price. So our main target location will be the city areas like Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and other major city centered regions.
  • Psychographic Segmentation: Our segmentation also depends on the life style of the consumers who would like a ready and fast breakfast as they lead a very busy life. Nocilla only requires a little amount of time to be spread on bread and to prepare.

Targeting

We are targeting our consumers based on differentiated marketing. We are targeting kids, teenagers, and grownups. Again, our target segments include parent’s and other persons with busy life styles.

Positioning

We will position Nocilla as ‘A tasty and nutritious breakfast’. One of the prime causes for the fall of the Nocilla brand was its excessive focus on the taste of the product. As consumers became more concerned over nutrition Nocilla began to lose consumers and thus Nocilla began to lose its brand image in Bangladesh. That’s why we are also focusing on the Nutrition factor as equally as taste.

  • Creative Strategy Art Direction: The artistic attributes of the ad-campaign will mainly focus on the positioning concept- ‘A tasty and nutritious breakfast’. In our campaign, all the advertisements will be directed in such a way so that they represent a creative mixture of both factors- Tasty & Nutritious. Also all the ads will indirectly communicate the quick preparation factor.
  • Production Values: For our advertisement campaign, production values plays a very important role in order to convince completely different type segments.

Firstly, to attract the kids we have to use our audio and video options in such a way so that our advertisements provide a childish representation. Again to attract the parent’s and grown-ups, our visual representation should be in communicative style. Now, to maintain these objectives, we have developed our advertisements accompanied with a proper mixture of communicative style and childish appearance. To create an appropriate ad-campaign for the re establishment of the brand Nocilla we will need the following components of the copy platform:

The sales of Nocilla have drastically declined due to the excessive attention drawn towards the taste criteria, instead of illustrating it as an ideal breakfast spread. Our primary objective would be to include the nutrition and quick prepare ability of a Nocilla breakfast along with the taste criteria. Unlike before Nocilla would be packaged in different sizes of glass jars and its coloring will differ with the contents of jar. There will be 4 varieties of Nocilla to be marketed in Bangladesh. Its packaging will also contain the nutrition chart which will be easily readable by the consumers. ) The profile of the target audience will be verified from our studies of the audience analysis and their behaviors.
After a careful study of the Bangladesh Market we have come to see that there is quite a few numbers of competitors of Nocilla in the market.

One of the prime competitors of Nocilla was found to be ‘Nutkao’. Originated from Italy, this product has offered to competitors’ different shapes and sizes of the product according to the family needs. The variety of the jars and the illustrations visualized emphasizes on it being a family food to be eaten during any time of the day.

Another competitor ‘Cokokrem’ comes from Turkey. This product doesn’t have any vvariety in the market but did illustrate a great taste appeal of cocoa which is rare compared to the others. ‘Alpella Krem’,’ Nutella’; ‘New Cream’ are also some of the competitors. The mother companies of these products are yet to be recognized. But the nutrition factors of these products do pose a threat to Nocilla. While we have seen Nocilla being priced at only Tk 120/70 based on available sizes, all the other competitors are priced above Tk 200.

This suggests that Nocilla have done a good job in keeping the price at a check compared to its competitors. The key consumer benefits of Nocilla are- Its tasty, it’s nutritious, and it’s quick to prepare. Support for the consumer benefits: The organization is providing us 4 varieties of the Nocilla products which support our notion of it being tasty. Again we are providing a nutrition chart to support claim of Nocilla being nutritious. The traditional packaging of Nocilla with a plastic cap makes it very easy to use thus further supporting our claim. ) Our recommendation for the organization for the selling strategy will be to use a combination of pull and push strategies. They can provide the retailers with trade promotions to push demand of the product while our advertisement will hopefully create a demand among the retailer to store Nocilla on their shelves. As for selling style we will go for the soft selling style that mearns we will create an impression in consumer’s mind which will lead them in taking the decision of purchasing Nocilla. Through our ad campaign we will include various kinds of appeals which are- quality appeal, star appeal and definitely sensory appeal.

Media Strategy Determining Geographic Scope: As we are reestablishing Nocilla and don’t want to waste our advertisers resources by transmitting our advertisements in areas where the products had limited or no demand. So we are concentrating our advertising efforts in cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. After a few months of operations, we will use BDI and CDI to evaluate our performance.

Scheduling the message: As an advertising agency, we plan to determine the timing of our message when the people in the target audience are very much receptive to the medium we are intending to use. We have decided on the continuity of our message by adopting “pulsing”. As our target audience are more receptive towards our ads during the “early fringe” i. e.; 4-7 p. m. and during “prime time” i. e. ; 8-11 p. m. The size, length and position of our ads will be determined as per the advertising objectives: creative strategy, budget, and reach ; frequency requirement.

In case of TV, we picked Channel I and NTV for running our TV commercials. For NTV, we have selected a total of 22 spots for running our ads with duration of 30 seconds. In Channel i, 6 spots have been selected for running the same 30 seconds advertisement. For print media, we have decided to put on a total of 75 insertions, with a combination of full size, 40col-inch, 24col-inch; 18col-inch ads. Selecting the media: After analyzing the media audiences, media environments, and the competitor’s media usages, we have decided that our “Media Mix” will consist of print media; electronic media (television).

We will also be doing other out-of-home advertisements. Calculating the cost efficiency: The ‘media mix’ will be selected by calculating the Cost per Thousand (CPM) of that particular media according to the data available from the company.

Print Strategy

We plan to utilize the print media by advertising our product in the newspapers only. Magazines are not appropriate according to us for our food product. Thus by advertising in the daily newspapers in our limited budget would be the most cost effective strategy to reestablish Nocilla.

We are basically advertising in ‘The Daily Star’ and ‘The Daily Prothom-Alo’. After initial advertisements in these two popular print media we will move on to other newspapers after analyzing the effectiveness of the advertisements. The detailed planned budgeting strategy for utilization is provided in the Appendix section. Headlines, Body copy, and Slogan Headlines: We will introduce various types of Headlines to attract our consumers at separate time periods. First, we will use ‘news headlines’ which will describe the new arrival of Nocilla.

Again to represent the product quality we will use ‘benefit headlines’. These headlines will be presented to our audience time to time. One example of our headlines is- “The new taste of breakfast”. Body Copy: A very important characteristic of the advertisements is they all will consist ‘picture and caption copy’. The main purpose of doing this is to visually attract our target segments. Sometimes there will be pictures of Nocilla jars providing product information. And some other times images of kids will be introduced accompanied with concrete messages.

Slogan: As we are reestablishing Nocilla, we will introduce a new slogan- “Wake Up, Boost Up and Break Out”. This new slogan is necessary to create a new brand image. This slogan has been developed in such a way so that it is stylish enough to attract kids and teenagers; and it is encouraging enough for the parent’s and grown-ups.

Television Advertising

As for television advertising we will go only for cable channels- Channel I, NTV. This is mainly because our target market is not the mass market. Infact, we are targeting only the city centered consumers.

So, they can be easily reached using the cable channels. Our advertising type will be both participation and spot announcement. This campaign will involve buying ad spots for some particular programs and also purchasing segments of commercial times from the TV. Our planning for Television advertising will include measuring the TV audience using ‘program rating’; selecting time periods that is early fringe and prime time; understanding TV ad rates using the formula of CPP; placing TV ads based on availability and using special TV services that is provided time to time by the TV channels.

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Biotech industry in Bangladesh

At present the company is exposed to big opportunity to explore the advantage of being the single producer of import substitute in the native market and of widening operational potential in international market.

Pharmaceutical industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in Bangladesh with domestic market valued at IIS$I . 136 billion and a growth rate of 23. 59% in 2011. There are 260 registered pharmaceutical companies, among which 191 are in operation. The manufactured products of these companies are meeting 90% of the domestic requirement.

Historically, Bangladesh has been dependent on imports for ingredients in Pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh procure raw materials from various countries namely I-J, France, Germany, Japan, Holland, Italy, Denmark, China, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, India, Ireland etc. Recently, local firms have been approaching to producing ingredients locally. These have reduced dependency on imported raw materials to 70% of total.

Bangladesh has tremendous possibilities to do a lot better by focusing on biotechnology and genetic engineering.

With the use of genetic engineering, the costly and rarely available drug has become widely marketed and cheaper. The ever-advancing pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh have started to develop separate and dedicated biotech units. Bangladesh has made use of bioinformatics technology to sequence the Jute genome and the genome of a deadly fungus, microphone possession that have impact on the improvement of Jute fiber. The country is now capable of producing adequate food with the same or less amount of land in hand due to the use of biotechnology in agriculture.

Other than molecular biology laboratories at the University of Dacha, the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, through its program in agriculture and life sciences under the auspices of United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA), is partially supporting quite a good number f projects in the agricultural universities and research organizations. Different public universities including the agricultural ones and National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) are working on various facets of plant biotechnology.

The Institute of Public Health (PIP) and International Center for Diarrhea Disease Research, Bangladesh (ACIDIC) are performing most of the medical biotechnology and animal genetic engineering. An overview f subdivision of biotechnology and their products and services are given in the following fugue.

According to the global accounting firm Ernst & Young, the total biotechnology industry revenues were about IIS$ 89. 8 billion in 2012 clustered around United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. In all Asian countries, the governments are the ones driving biotech research. Private industry’s role, in comparison, is minimum because biotech research requires large investments in infrastructure and has a sigh cash-burn rate, while the returns in the initial years are quite low.

However, strong research-focused private players are rapidly emerging in countries such as China, India, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore.

Biotechnology, particularly Medical Biotechnology, is a very prospective area of development for developing countries like Bangladesh because the country blessed with rich biodiversity, low cost of labor in research, development and manufacturing. In addition, the country can also exploit big export potential and contractual research, and capture fairly large local market.

However, in Bangladesh the field of modern medical biotechnology is still untouched. The reason behind it is that corruption and responsibilities on the part of government regarding development of biotechnology, emigration of experts to developed countries, unawareness and disinterest of the entrepreneur in investing in research and development and weak connection to knowledge and information network. Besides, unfavorable intellectual property right and trade license imposed by the developed countries are always be a thread for poor countries like Bangladesh.

References

  1. Minimum Chuddar and Md. Racial Hosing, “Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering”, the Daily Star, 21 March, 2013
  2. Sheikh Mizzen, “Medical Biotechnology: Problems and Biotech Industry in Bangladesh By Keenan

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Agriculture in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a primarily agrarian economy. Agriculture is the single largest producing sector of the economy since it comprises about 18. 6% (data released on November, 2010) of the country’s GDP and employs around 45% of the total labor force. [1] The performance of this sector has an overwhelming impact on major macroeconomic objectives like employment generation, poverty alleviation, human resources development and food security. A plurality of Bangladeshis earn their living from agriculture. Although rice and jute are the primary crops, wheat is assuming greater importance.

Tea is grown in the northeast. Because of Bangladesh’s fertile soil and normally ample water supply, rice can be grown and harvested three times a year in many areas. Due to a number of factors, Bangladesh’s labor-intensive agriculture has achieved steady increases in food grain production despite the often unfavorable weather conditions. These include better flood control and irrigation, a generally more efficient use of fertilizers, and the establishment of better distribution and rural credit networks.

With 35. 8 million metric tons produced in 2000, rice is Bangladesh’s principal crop. National sales of the classes of insecticide used on rice, including granular carbofuran, synthetic pyrethroids, and malathion exceeded 13,000 tons of formulated product in 2003. [2][3] The insecticides not only represent an environmental threat, but are a significant expenditure to poor rice farmers. The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute is working with various NGOs and international organizations to reduce insecticide use in rice. [4] In comparison to rice, wheat output in 1999 was 1. 9 million metric tons.

Population pressure continues to place a severe burden on productive capacity, creating a food deficit, especially of wheat. Foreign assistance and commercial imports fill the gap. Underemployment remains a serious problem, and a growing concern for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector will be its ability to absorb additional manpower. Finding alternative sources of employment will continue to be a daunting problem for future governments, particularly with the increasing numbers of landless peasants who already account for about half the rural labor force. Food crops

Although rice and jute are the primary crops, maize and vegetables are assuming greater importance. [5] Due to the expansion of irrigation networks, some wheat producers have switched to cultivation of maize which is used mostly as poultry feed. [5] Tea is grown in the northeast. [5] Because of Bangladesh’s fertile soil and normally ample water supply, rice can be grown and harvested three times a year in many areas. [5] Due to a number of factors, Bangladesh’s labor-intensive agriculture has achieved steady increases in food grain production despite the often unfavorable weather conditions.

These include better flood control and irrigation, a generally more efficient use of fertilizers, and the establishment of better distribution and rural credit networks. [5] With 28. 8 million metric tons produced in 2005-2006 (July–June), rice is Bangladesh’s principal crop. [5] By comparison, wheat output in 2005-2006 was 9 million metric tons. [5] Population pressure continues to place a severe burden on productive capacity, creating a food deficit, especially of wheat. [5] Foreign assistance and commercial imports fill the gap.

Underemployment remains a serious problem, and a growing concern for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector will be its ability to absorb additional manpower. [5] Bangladesh is the fourth largest rice [6] producing country in the world. National sales of the classes of insecticide used on rice, including granular carbofuran, synthetic pyrethroids, and malathion exceeded 13,000 tons of formulated product in 2003 [1] [2]. The insecticides not only represent an environmental threat, but are a significant expenditure to poor rice farmers.

The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute is working with various NGOs and international organizations to reduce insecticide use in rice [3]. Wheat is not a traditional crop in Bangladesh, and in the late 1980s little was consumed in rural areas. During the 1960s and early 1970s, however, it was the only commodity for which local consumption increased because external food aid was most often provided in the form of wheat. In the first half of the 1980s, domestic wheat production rose to more than 1 million tons per year but was still only 7 to 9 percent of total food grain production. Record production of nearly 1.5 million tons was achieved in FY 1985, but the following year saw a decrease to just over 1 million tons. About half the wheat is grown on irrigated land.

The proportion of land devoted to wheat remained essentially unchanged between 1980 and 1986, at a little less than 6 percent of total planted area. Wheat also accounts for the great bulk of imported food grains, exceeding 1 million tons annually and going higher than 1. 8 million tons in FY 1984, FY 1985, and FY 1987. The great bulk of the imported wheat is financed under aid programs of the United States, the European Economic Community, and the World Food Programme.

Food grains are cultivated primarily for subsistence. Only a small percentage of total production makes its way into commercial channels. Other Bangladeshi food crops, however, are grown chiefly for the domestic market. They include potatoes and sweet potatoes, with a combined record production of 1. 9 million tons in FY 1984; oilseeds, with an annual average production of 250,000 tons; and fruits such as bananas, jackfruit, mangoes, and pineapples. Estimates of sugarcane production put annual production at more than 7 million tons per year, most of it processed into a coarse, unrefined sugar known as gur, and sold domestically.

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Role of Ngos in Bangladesh

Role of NGOs in Bangladesh In all spheres of development, NGOs are reported to have created a landmark in the history of Bangladesh. NGOs as the proper alternative organizations have the vision of imagination, flexibility, autonomy, creativity, innovative machinery, experience resources and strategies of executing programmers including non formal constructive education. NGOs have different projects towards development.

Doubtlessly to say, the NGOs with their constructive efforts have been promoting development strategies by creating unique changes in the field of socioeconomic progress in Bangladesh since her independence. Most of the endeavors made by the NGOs mainly targeted to achieve overall development of the country by meeting pragmatically or practically. The NGOs have their constructive mission in developing the country. They touch the fundamental elements of socio economic development of a country.

If human resources are not properly used, it will be gradual inactive and useless for the country bringing no utility. The most important NGO innovation has been in the way they reach the poor. A group-based or target group mobilization strategy underpins virtually all development NGO programs aimed at service-delivery. Such an approach serves to fulfill not only the goal of economic improvement through direct targeting and beneficiary participation, but also that of social and institutional development through strengthening the organizing capacity of the poor to be more able to help them.

The identification of credit as a critical need felt by the poor and subsequent designing of an efficient and cost-effective delivery mechanism to serve this need, have justifiably become the most will-known of the development NGO innovations in Bangladesh. The model pioneered by Grameen Bank (GB) has established micro-credit as the most widely replicated anti-poverty program in both government and development NGO sectors. The role of the development NGOs has been crucial in a number of primary healthcare concerns, notably immunization and diarrhea control.

NGOs have been particularly successful in effectively disseminating health through innovative media campaigns. Gains in immunization are already being reflected in reduced infant mortality. Universal awareness of oral dehydration therapy has also sharply cut down cases of diarrhoeal deaths. Low enrollment and high drop-out rates have been major problems that plague primary schools in Bangladesh. In response to this the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee(BRAC) pioneered a system of model is focused on poor children.

It employs young Para-professional teachers (mostly female) drawn from the community. A strong emphasis is placed on parent and community involvement. Some NGOs undertake unique programs of technology transfer. Declining soil fertility is an emerging environmental concern. About eight NGOs are currently involved in ground-breaking farm-level innovations in fertilizer-use and pest-management. These activities are complemented are developing an extension system for appropriate technology transfer to homestead agriculture.

It encourages cultivation of a variety of fruits and vegetables and teaches the proper method of cooling. The result not only provides income but also improves the nutritional status of the family, particularly children. During the seventies and early eighties, irrigation led agriculture was promoted by the government agencies. Small farmers with an acre or less of land could not afford irrigation technology. In response to the need of the small and marginal farmers and also to promote crop diversification, NGOs developed low-cost irrigation technologies through research and experiment.

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Consumer Association of Bangladesh

1. Introduction Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), a non-government Non-political and non-profit voluntary organization was founded in February, 1978 at the initiation of some dedicated residents in Dhaka who was imbued with the ideas of consumerism, a movement that already took shape in many advanced countries in Europe and America. Primarily started as a social group to protect consumers from commodity adulteration and artificial price-hike it has gradually widened its scope to establish and safeguard consumers’ rights and interests in social, economic, health and environmental issues.

CAB was registered with the Department of Social Services, Government of Bangladesh vide reg. No DHA-01247 dated 14 March 1983 and with the NGO Affairs Bureau vide reg. No. DSS/FDO/R-197 dated 2 March 1986. CAB is also a full member of Consumers International. It is funded by membership fees and by grants from donors. Organization Profile: Organization Name: CAB (Consumers Association of Bangladesh) Member no: 761 Joining date: 15 Mar 1981

Region: Asia Pacific Address: 8/6, Segunbagicha, Dhaka- 1000 Location: Bangladesh Type of Work: Campaigning and/or lobbying, Consumer Advice, Consumer Legislation, Dispute Resolution, Networking, Product Testing, Publishing, Research/Policy analysis. It has 500 regular and 100 associate members. Its mission is to empower Consumers with the knowledge and skills for the effective protection of their rights and interests.

The major areas of CAB activities are: Consumer Information & Education, Surveillances & Monitoring on market prices and quality of essential commodities and utility services, consumer’s complaints handlings, campaign for safe foods and commodities, ethical drug promotion and safe environment, studies & research on consumer issues and problems, Advocacy and lobby with the government and policy makers for enactment of Consumer Protection Law. 2. Objectives of CAB: The major objectives of CAB are to: 1. make consumers aware of their rights and responsibilities; 2. romote consumer education, aiming at raising awareness of consumers against exploitation, and providing them with technical knowledge and support for real protection; 3. focus on consumers’ problems and develop a spirit of mutual co-operation and understanding among different groups, associations, institutions, NGOs and government agencies functioning in the interests of the welfare of the people; 4. exchange information and knowledge of various actions about consumer protection with national and international organizations; 5. organize and set-up consumers associations and groups at the districts and thana level 6.

Undertake research studies on consumer issues and problems. 7. Generate awareness among the consumers about their internationally recognized rights and responsibilities as consumers 8. Promote consumer education aiming at empowering consumers with the knowledge and skills on protection of their rights. 9. Enable consumers to organize themselves in establishing and protecting their rights and interests through organized action. 10. Arrange for testing of products and commodities to make the market places safer and consumer friendly. 11.

Provide mediation and legal support to the aggrieved consumers related to violation of their rights and interests involved in the purchase and use of commodities and services. 12. Foster and develop contacts and liaison with the national and international organizations having similar objectives. 13. Publish educational materials and feed consumers with information and knowledge on consumerism, consumer issues and problems. 3. Achievements: CAB activities in consumer education include mainly the publication of a monthly bulletin in Bangla titled Consumers’ Voice to provide consumers with information of various consumer issues and problem.

CAB also publishes a quarterly bulletin in English, which it distributes to different organizations at home and abroad. In addition, it occasionally publishes pamphlets, folders, and leaflets on various consumer issues and problems and regularly prepares features and press releases for dissemination through the mass media. CAB regularly monitors the market prices of essential commodities and services to show the actual price situation in the market and keep prices within the purchasing power of general consumers.

It runs a market monitoring cell, which regularly conducts market surveys and supplies relevant information to consumers through national dailies. CAB launched a ‘Dirty Dozen Campaign’ against 12 most harmful pesticides. Earlier, there were no guidelines on the marketing of pesticides and it is because of the pressure created by CAB that the government had to formulate guidelines on the marketing of pesticides and publish them through a gazette notification. CAB also carried out studies on household insecticides and labeling of pesticides on packets.

The organization was very vocal and active in creating demand for formulating a National Drug Policy (NDP) and played an active role in the process of enactment of the NDP in 1982. Since then, CAB has been regularly monitoring the implementation of NDP and organizing promotional activities, especially relating to issues of inadequacy and poor services in the delivery of public health care. CAB started an anti-tobacco campaign in 1981. CAB is active in lobbying with the government for banning smoking in selected public places. CAB is also monitoring the implementation of the Breast Milk Substitute Ordinance enacted in 1984.

CAB carries out campaigns in support of breastfeeding. CAB activities include organization of seminars, workshops, and group meetings, street processions, distribution of posters and leaflets, and publication of features in newspapers on environmental pollution and degradation as well as on safe road and transport systems. A routine activity of CAB is the formation and development of consumer for expansion of consumer movement at the division, district, thana and peripheral levels. These groups keep liaison with the national level and deal with consumer education and motivation and handle local consumer problems and issues.

CAB runs a Complaint Centre to receive complaints from consumers and extends technical and legal support to them for redress. With a view to keeping the consumers informed about the daily market situation and other consumer issues and problems CAB runs a Consumer Information Centre, which has a small library attached to it. It conducts studies on important consumer issues such as commodity prices, use of BMS in hospitals and clinics, tobacco consumption, road accidents, violation of BMS ordinance, drug abuse and the like.

It has been looking for the formulation of consumer protection laws in the country for a long time. CAB now concentrates its activities in the districts of Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Gazipur, Manikganj, Bogra, Khulna and Barisal but has plans to expand the activities in other districts of the country, too. Some of the achievements of CAB are as follows: The Milk Vita Company used to mix imported powder milk with cow’s milk and then market it as the cow’s milk.

CAB exposed this malpractice, following which the company had to change its policy; CAB created considerable awareness among the people about harmful and unnecessary drugs long before the enactment of the National Drug Policy, which after being formulated, was popularized by CAB through a vigorous campaign; Since 1984, CAB has been conducting campaigns for the promotion and protection of breast feeding and has been an advocate for enactment and implementation of Bangladesh Breast Feeding Substitutes (marketing regulation) Ordinance, 1984; CAB was instrumental in the declaration of the Code of Pesticide Marketing and assisted in the creation of a committee to evaluate price situation, in the re-organization of the Bangladesh Standard Institute and publication of lists for standard certificates, and in creation of a committee to assess the adulteration position in edible oils; CAB was instrumental in the re-organization of the government’s Environmental Pollution Control Department. The anti-tobacco campaign by CAB resulted in the introduction of warning against hazardous effects of smoking in cigarette advertisements; and CAB has been recognized as representative of consumers in numerous committees (both government and non-government) formed on different issues and subjects.

CAB, however, faces a number of constraints such as inadequacy of funds, and a relatively slow response from communities and population groups that prevent consumer movement from gaining a solid ground, and a general weakness of consumers in terms of their awareness level and bargaining strength in purchases. CAB’s success, therefore, remains minimal as their programmers often go against the interest of the business community, who enjoys near monopoly and has the opportunity to organize syndicated trade. 3. 1 Research Studies: Several research and survey works on consumer’s affairs are undertaken by CAB. Information dissemination to the stake holders and to the relevant government authorities are the routine practices. It helps the decision makers to take action and make remedial future action plan for assuring the rights of consumers in the country. Survey and research on “Awareness to the sellers and consumers regarding BSTI, and the certification marks system of BSTI” in the year of 2000. •Survey and research on “Awareness and the status of Bangladesh on keeping the consumers right” in the year of 2000. •Research on “Market food and packaged food” in the year of 2003. •Survey and research on “Unpackaged food in Dhaka city” in the year of 2003. •Survey and research on “Health service: The present status of Bangladesh (1. 5 years)” in the year of 2005. •Survey and research on “Public sentiment of sellers and consumers” in the year of 2005. •Survey report on “Livelihood expenses and pricing of product” in 1982- 2007). •Yearly survey report on “Accident on road and river transport” in (2000-2004). Survey and research on “The use of indigenous medicine” in the year of 2005. 3. 2 Campaign for Safe Environment: Women and children are the worst sufferers due to increasing environmental degradation and CAB undertakes programs to promote public awareness and their participation in the environmentally sustainable development. Campaign activities in the form of seminars, workshops, group meetings, rallies and street processions, production and distribution of educational materials, writing of features, press release etc. against air and water pollution, environmental degradation and other social abuses are organized on regular basis. 3. 3 Campaign against Tobacco:

CAB has been campaigning against production and marketing of tobacco since 1981 and it is through the continued and persistent endeavors of CAB that advertisement of cigarettes in Radio and TV has been banned and health hazards warning signals on cigarette packs has been introduced. CAB is a member of the Bangladesh Anti-tobacco Alliance and has been lobbying with the government for enactment of laws putting ban on smoking in public places as well as on advertisement of cigarettes in print media. This has, however, resulted in the enactment of Bangladesh Tobacco Control Law 2005. CAB has now started lobbying with the government for effective implementation of law and organizing campaign for raising public awareness on tobacco menace to bring about tangible reduction of tobacco use in the society.

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