The delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended adjusting (increasing) the prices of fertilizers, electricity and gas to keep the balance of the budget for the next fiscal year 2024-25 and keeping subsidies at a tolerable level.

The IMF delegation to monitor the implementation of conditions under the loan program made the recommendation on Thursday (25 April) in a meeting with the Finance Department's budget division.

The delegation also sought to know what action was being taken against willful defaulters. Besides, targeted reduction of NPLs, especially of government-owned banks, and urgent implementation of pending laws related to banks and financial institutions.

Sources in the finance ministry said the government welcomed the government's adoption of a periodic formula-based price adjustment mechanism for petroleum products that would have reduced subsidies, as part of the mission meeting with the budget division of the finance division on subsidies.

However, to improve the overall budget management, it has recommended to increase the prices of electricity, gas and fertilizers to reduce subsidies in other sectors. In this context, the officials of the finance division said that the government will give adequate subsidy to agriculture for the time being keeping in mind the issue of food security. However, to reduce the subsidy on electricity and gas, the prices of these will be increased gradually.

The delegation, led by Chris Papageorgiou, head of the IMF's Development Microeconomics Division, presented these observations in a meeting with the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance.

Financial Institutions Division Secretary Sheikh Mohammad Salimullah led the meeting on behalf of the government. At this time, the MD of Sonali Bank Afzal Karim along with the officers of the financial institutions division also with MDs of Janata, Agrani and Rupali Bank were also present.

The ongoing severe heatwave is disrupting public life and impacting the food production system, particularly the cultivation of summer crops and fruits. Here are 10 essential agricultural practices to consider amidst the intense heat wave sweeping across the nation. These recommendations aim to support those engaged in agriculture:

One. Maintain a water level of at least 2-3 inches in the paddy fields, especially crucial during rice flowering. Insufficient water may lead to paddy spoilage.

Two. In the Haor area, harvest ripe paddy at earliest possible to mitigate potential damage from natural calamities, and promptly collect it from the fields.

Three. Be vigilant for signs of rice blast disease, which can proliferate during this period. Regular field monitoring is advised, and consider applying a suitable fungicide as a preventive measure.

Four. Ensure adequate watering of fruit trees by creating basins at their bases. If possible, spray the plants with water. Remember, insufficient water during this period can lead to reduced fruit production and increased risk of fruit drop at early stages.

Five. Periodically flood fruit orchards, preferably once a week, and mulch with straw to retain soil moisture around the base of the trees.

Six. Incorporate organic fertilizers into the soil when cultivating vegetables to enhance water retention and nutrient levels.

Seven. Maintain a cool environment in livestock and poultry shelters to prevent heat stress. Use insulators under tin roofs, provide ample water and ventilation, and install fans or misting systems.

Eight. Ensure proper ventilation in livestock and poultry shelters by removing surrounding coverings and using nets instead. Regularly bathe cattle to help them stay cool.

Nine. Provide saline water, along with a mixture of salt, vitamin C, and glucose, for livestock and poultry to maintain hydration and health.

Ten. Maintain a minimum water depth of five feet in fish ponds, aerating the water as needed. Supplement fish diet with salt and vitamin C, and monitor oxygen levels to prevent oxygen depletion.

Lastly, farmers should prioritize their own health and safety during this time. Work during cooler parts of the day, stay hydrated with saline water, wear protective clothing, and take breaks to splash water on the face and bathe regularly. Consume easily digestible foods, and seek medical attention if feeling unwell

The historical Abdul Jabbar's boli khela started ignoring the scorching heat of Baisakh.

Although the 115th volleyball season started at 4:25 pm on Thursday (April 15), the Laldighi ground became crowded from noon.

At least 100 people came to participate in this boli khela. The organizing committee registered 80 of them. At the end of the first round is the challenge round. Semi-finals and finals will follow.

Bolikhela was introduced by Abdul Jabbar Saudagar, a businessman of Bakshirhat, Chattogram, in 1909 to encourage the youth to join the anti-British movement. In the course of time, the 'Jabbarer Bolikhela' sitting in the field of Laldighi has become one of the attractions of this city. Just what? The biggest Baisakhi fair in Greater Chattogram is also held here. Since 1909, except for one year of World War II, this fair has been held every year, but the coronavirus stopped this joyous festival in 2020. This fair was not held the next year for the same reason. Even in 2022, the future of this historic event was hanging on a thread. In the end, with the efforts of the City Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, volleyball was organized by making a temporary ring in the middle of the road. Bolikhela has returned to its old address - Laldighi Maidan since last year. This year, the centenary event is also being held there.

Baisakhi fair is going on in a one kilometer area around the field centered on boli khela.

A total of 14 traditional products of the country, including Tangail saree, have been recognized as GI products by the Directorate of Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks of the Ministry of Industry.

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun handed over the certificate to the concerned people at the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy's Multipurpose Hall on Bailey Road in the capital on Thursday (April 25).

The products recognized as GI products are - Rasgolla of Gopalganj, Amrit Sagar banana of Narsingdi, Chamcham of Porabari of Tangail, Rasmalai of Cumilla, Tile Khaja of Kushtia, Black Bengal Goat of Bangladesh, Hanribhanga Mango of Rangpur, Agar Atar of Moulvibazar, Manda of Muktagacha, Jashore Date Jaggery, Sweet Pan of Rajshahi and Nakshikantha of Jamalpur. With this, the number of traditional products of Bangladesh with GI certification by DPDT stands at 31.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry said that Bangladesh is a country with immense potential on the face of the earth. Just as nature has poured her diverse resources into this country of six seasons, similarly, the hardworking people of this country have increased the fame and reputation of Bangladesh in the world by preparing unique products through their artistic crafts. Due to unique and unique characteristics of soil, air, water, environment, skills of artisans etc., numerous geographical indications or GI products are spread all over this small territory. In addition to recognizing these scattered products as GI, attention should be paid to their quality and sustainable preservation.

Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said, we have to take effective initiatives and steps now to promote and expand GI products in the global market. Bangladesh missions abroad, all international and domestic airports and important places of the country should be centrally arranged for the exhibition of these products. Moreover, GI products can be displayed at various fairs in the country and abroad. He said that the district and upazila administration can take effective steps for the development and promotion of these products with the cooperation of DPDT, BSCIC and SME Foundation under the Ministry of Industry.

The Minister said, Bangladesh is not an empty basket now, it is a full basket. We have no shortage of resources; we just need to make good use of them. These resources and products should be disseminated through necessary sponsorship, technical assistance and training.

Senior Industry Secretary Zakia Sultana said, we have already prepared a preliminary list of 500 products that can be recognized as GI. Although a little late, we have taken effective initiatives in this regard. He said, under the direction of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, we enacted the 'Geographical Indication Products (Registration and Protection) Act in 2013 and later in 2015 we formulated the relevant regulations. The special guest said, we have to protect the GI product and at the same time patent it. To promote GI products, we can give these products as gifts on various festivals, festivals and state occasions. Moreover, measures can be taken to promote the system on social media by making TVCs, documentaries about these products.

Under the chairmanship of DG of DPDT Munim Hasan, Zakia Sultana, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, Ambassador Mashfi binte Shams, Rector of the Foreign Service Academy and Kamrun Nahar Siddika, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries spoke as special guests.