27-06-2021

SunDay, June 27, 2021
4
Acting Editor & Publisher : Jobaer Alam
e-mail: editor@thebangladeshtoday.com
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Increase cotton
production locally
The export earnings of the country's readymade garments
(RMG) sector could be substantially greater if the RMG
industries could be backed up adequately by value-addition
through backward linkage activities. Presently, nearly the value of
60 per cent of foreign currencies earned through RMG export are
spent on importing raw cotton, fabric and yarn to support the RMG
industries.
But the greater value of such imports can be saved through
import substitution if raw cotton, the primary raw material for
RMG sector's linkage industries, is grown in greater quantities in
the country. Such cotton can be utilised to make yarn and fabric for
the RMG industries locally and, in that case, value addition in the
textile sector can be so much more and the amount of the country's
retained foreign exchange earnings from the textile sector should
increase spectacularly .
Raw cotton produced in the country meets only about 5 per cent
of the total demand. The rest 95 per cent are imported. Total cotton
production in the country in recent years has been about 14,000
metric tons, on average, annually. But experts are of the opinion
that total yields of cotton can be fast increased by extending cotton
cultivation in the south-western parts of the country.
Bangladesh has very suitable lands and climate for cotton
cultivation. Apart from the south-western districts of Jessore,
Kushtia, Jhenaidah and Chuadanga, no activity of the Bangladesh
Cotton Development Board (BCDB) is seen in other areas to
encourage cotton cultivation among farmers.
Many places of the country are suitable for cotton cultivation but
the potential of extending cultivation in these areas is not being
tested by BCDB though it was set up over a decade ago. But the
present worldwide scarcity of cotton and its soaring prices, has also
put into sharp focus the imperative of growing cotton within the
country to reduce import dependency for the product and find price
relief as well.
It is believed that greater activism on the part of BCDB, plus
government's incentives and support prices for cotton growing ,
can enthuse a larger number of farmers to take up cotton cultivation
as a remunerative commercial crop in between production of
foodgrains at many different parts of the country. Besides, there is
also the prospects of successfully carrying on cotton cultivation in
marginal lands which are not being farmed intensively at present
throughout the year.
Cost analysis has shown that it would even make economic sense
to release part of the good cultivable lands to grow cotton instead of
foodgrains. In that case, it might be necessary to import some
quantities of foodgrains. But the import costs of the foodgrains are
likely to be notably lower in comparison to the value added earnings
of the RMG sector through import substitution.
An action plan needs to be in place for greater production of raw
cotton in the country. To satisfy growing demand of cotton with
quality, high yielding best quality clone cotton plant has to be
imported to produce cotton in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association
(BKMEA) says that production of raw cotton could be increased
manifold in some years from now through making up a task force
to implement an action plan . The BCDB should play the leading
role in this area.
It is possible to increase the area under cotton cultivation by
adopting profitable cotton based cropping pattern, replacing
tobacco cultivation, bringing areas of river bank and char land,
drought and saline prone areas, hill slopes and valley areas, agroforestry
system and other cropping systems under cotton
cultivation. Another practical option is to increase cotton
production by increasing per hectare yield through high yielding
modern varieties, hybrids, transgenic cotton and improved
management practices. Besides, quality seeds are the prerequisites
for better yield. Intervention of modern production technologies
can lead to increased yield of locally produced cotton to the world
average.
Cotton seed is a good source of edible oil. Sixty percent of the
harvested seed cotton is seed through which we can get huge
quantity of seed. Private ginneries produce cotton crude oil. Some of
them are used in soap industries and rest of the crude oil is refined
by refinery industry for edible purpose. The speller machine used by
the private ginneries for oil extraction can extract 10 to 18% crude
oil from cotton seeds. In Pakistan, 68% of the edible oil requirement
is fulfilled from cotton seed. India is also one of the big countries of
cotton seed oil producer. This oil contains more nutritional value
than any other edible oils like soybean, mustard oil and sunflower
oil. Like Pakistan, China and India are also good cotton oil
producers in the world. The oil cake is generally used for livestock
feeding. Cotton oil cake has high demand in the market for multiple
uses.
The cotton oil cake is a by product of cotton seed and it is
produced during oil extraction. The oil cake is generally used for
livestock feeding and fish feed. Cotton oil cake has high demand in
the market for multiple uses with high percentage of protein. Cotton
oil cake is also used as organic fertilizer like mustard oil cakes and
it is better than mustard oil cake.
Cotton stalk (after harvest) is a source of fuel /pulp/particle
board. Man height cotton plant is a good source of fuel which is
scarce in many developing countries. One hectare of land can
provide 3000-4000 kg fuel wood through which farmers can earn
extra income. India has been producing eco-friendly particle board
using cotton stalk. Latest news is our BJMC is going to install a
machine with the technical assistance of China. Good quality offset
paper will be produced by mixture of cotton stalk and jute plant
(50% cotton stalk+50% jute plant) and this is a value addition for
cotton. Cotton plants have tap root system. It takes nutrients from
the deeper part of soil. The leaves of cotton plant that fall in the soil
increase soil fertility.
BCDB has to strengthen and build a close relation with other
NARS institutions and other research organizations inside and
outside the country. Also it needs more international collaboration
with leading cotton growing countries and cotton research
institutions for developing hybrid and Bt varieties.
Power of respect and productive criticism
Iknow that I am not alone in being
aghast at some of the scenes that
have emerged on television over the
last few weeks with the state election in
West Bengal. Politics is not in my
domain, and I do not follow any political
debates. However, many of my work
colleagues and social associates have
their vested interest in some form or
shape in India, particularly West Bengal.
They talked about politics, monoculturalism,
multi-culturalism,
secularism and political dynamism in
West Bengal. I am not a political critic.
But as a member of the public, I have a
social duty to raise my voice against any
social odds.
I am always sceptical about politics,
not because it is terrible but because
political culture works in many parts of
the world. Anyone entering the political
arena needs to be ready for the dangers
that wait. For the word 'arena' is just
right; in many respects, the world they
enter has echoes of the gladiatorial
arenas of Ancient Rome. Politics has
always been a dirty business, not
because politicians are necessarily
dishonest people, but because power by
its very nature is a magnet for some who
see opportunities for wealth. Many
politicians are people of principle and
conviction, but others have less lofty
motives and have no concern for those
whose careers they damage and
destruction along the way. Instead of
wanting to serve the public or the nation,
they are self-serving and self-obsessed.
I have been watching several TV
programmes and news, talk shows and
political debates in recent weeks. To my
surprise, I am amazed to see some of the
discussions by intellectuals, mainly
academics, doctors, politicians, political
analysts, and legislators. The ways they
debate, use inappropriate words,
abusive attitude, rude outburst and
swearing exchanges, shouting each
other's, not allowing others to discuss
and try to lead the discussion is entirely
awful. The exact parallel can be drawn
concerning Bangladesh, particularly in
media appearance and communicating
and expressing our views on others. A
recent Bangladeshi TV channel's Talk
show has grabbed my attention. A
prominent Bangladeshi TV channel was
airing this talk show in which a senior
Govt. official and legislator, who is also a
prominent businessman, talked very
rudely with intimidating and abusive
manner. At one point, he made
unacceptable comments to the anchor
and calling him "stupid". Such mean
behaviour is utterly inappropriate. Such
patterns of behaviour are not an
example of a one-off incident. Instead,
this becomes the norms, habits and
routines of conducting one's behaviour.
I have often witnessed when our socalled
civil society members or
politicians express their opinions or
points of view, they only try to defend
their opinions without appropriate
justification and do not want to follow
other's thoughts. People can easily
understand their dismissive treatment
through disinterested mood or insidious
nonverbal behaviour by raising
eyebrows or making gestures. To
demonise others or opponents by
making insensitive jokes or taunting
others, patronising behaviour or
showing arrogancy becomes part and
parcel of our culture of debate or making
criticism. Making negative comments
about others or colleagues and
undermines others are just as new
normal.
The malicious and spiteful personal
attacks in public space or national
platforms are not acceptable by any
measures and are likely to get worse in
the coming weeks and speak volumes of
how corrosive and hateful parts of our
society have become. It seems that
rather than respecting the fact that
others hold a different opinion, it is now
acceptable to set about savaging them.
What message does this send out to the
young? The very people who purport to
be champions of free speech and liberal
values seem to imbibe a poison that is
eating away at the fabric of society. Such
behaviour and attitudes need to be
addressed as a matter of urgency. We
need a more enlightened society, one
that endeavours to lift people rather
than generalising and label them.
We all have the right to express our
opinion as it is well protected and
respected in many developed societies. I
firmly believe that everyone's personal
views should be respected and should
not be threatened. However, we should
realise that there is a clear distinction
between what we say and how we say,
our conduct, not the content. Our
behaviour should be in line with societal
moral, rules and parameters. If our
freedom of expression or activities
causes severe disorder, violence and
goes against societal values, creates
disharmony, this will be seen as a misuse
of liberty, unlawful. Our freedom of
expression can be challenged and
restricted by the authorities. We all have
the right to speak. However, if we enjoy
the essence of human rights, we must
also take responsibilities for human
wrongs. This is when we get moral
justice. Free debate, good actions,
convincing arguments are essential to
counter hatred, prejudices, and
inequality in society.
The recent events in West Bengal,
India, are a great reminder of our moral
and societal obligation. Whatever
happened to social distancing? Those
who claim to care about the public
suffering from COVID-19 are now out
behaviour thorough irresponsibly,
potentially endangering lives. What we
DR P R DaTTa
are witnessing is not a legitimate victory
parade; it is verging on anarchy.
Unsavoury elements are seeking to
exploit legitimate hurt and direct it at
others. I was appalled to see that the
mobs heavily beat an 80-year-old
mother. What has been happening is
truly scary and deeply disturbing.
However, this is not part of my
discussion; instead, my focus is on
abusive behaviour toward others.
Dreadful things are happening across
the world, and not only in West Bengal.
We could all do with finding out what is
happening elsewhere, not in the media,
The malicious and spiteful personal attacks in public
space or national platforms are not acceptable by any
measures and are likely to get worse in the coming weeks
and speak volumes of how corrosive and hateful parts of
our society have become. It seems that rather than
respecting the fact that others hold a different opinion, it
is now acceptable to set about savaging them.
educating ourselves, and then finding a
constructive way to do something
positive about it. We can make a
difference. Let us make it a positive one.
We need respect, understanding and
love. At this time, I would ask where the
love is? I find myself wondering what we
are doing to inspire the young. Are we
encouraging them to think for
themselves? Are we helping them to
learn to seek new knowledge? Have we
provided them with the compass to
navigate their way to the wisdom of the
past?
Some people in our society are very
corrosive, greedy, dishonest and selfish.
Power is abused at every stage of our
national life, a thousand time a day by
some individuals. As a member of civil
society, we always forget that we have a
civic duty to create a harmonise and
inclusive community based on the
premise of zero tolerance of bullying,
injustices, and abusive disrespectful
behaviours. We all must work
assiduously in developing young
people's self-esteem, level of confidence,
and moral character. Behavioural code
of practices, principles and norms
should be established so that we all can
follow them to ensure power is not
abused. Members of civil society,
politicians, educators, doctors, artists,
experts, and industry leaders should
take bold steps to ensure they have a
respectful attitude towards others with a
calm, tolerant, and sincere mindset.
Often, we see people interrupting during
the discussion, disregards other's
opinion, showing disinterest with
dismissive treatment or insidious nonverbal
behaviour, appearing dull during
debate on others. These should be
avoided to make the discussion
productive and fruitful.
In many TV talk shows or debate
sessions, people like to show mood
matching behaviour. Shouting against
shouting, anger against anger,
intimidation against intimidation, if
DR. John C. hulSman
someone disrespect, others follow the
same patterns. This type of behaviour
will not help to solve many challenging
issues we are facing within a society.
Such behaviours can cause serious
problems not only to the opponents, but
it has severe societal consequences.
During the discussion, it can create a
hostile and unhealthy environment in
which individuals' contribution can be
reduced and undermines morale.
Therefore, all concerned institutions,
including Government, private and non-
Governmental entities at all local and
national level, must create a behavioural
code of conduct to enhance interrelationships
and collaborations
between colleagues and others. Zero
tolerance policies should be applied
against any misbehaviour through
appropriate enforcement mechanisms.
To ensure the environment is inclusive
and friendly, intervention policy is
essential as required to address such
behaviours regardless of the offender's
societal status, position, wealth,
popularity and connections.
Enforcement consistency should have
adhered to so that it will be widely
accepted by society.
When we criticise others, we should
have the courage to make positive and
constructive criticism rather than
making negative and fault-finding
feedback. It is not right to state what is
wrong or intentionally demonising
others. Constructive criticism should
come with suggesting appropriate
avenues for improvements. Such type of
criticism not only helping individuals
reflect on their mistakes and learn about
the areas of improvements. If criticisms
come with specific personal interest or
motivation such as displaying own's
superiority, demonising others,
degrading or humiliating, such criticism
will not be taken seriously or will cause
harm. Therefore, criticism must be
friendly, helpful and respectful.
However, society is such abrasive that
constructive criticism is unknown to
many. When criticism provides in an
impersonal and respectful fashion
without any personal attack, it offers
adequate support for others.
Contemptuous criticism is unhealthy for
personal growth and societal values.
Respect comes with openness,
appreciation, honesty and a tenacious
mindset, and such a person is always
calm and does not lose their temper in
any situational context. Such disposition
is an essential human character, and
society benefits from such values. Albert
Einstein asserted this notion with the
following quote "I speak to everyone in
the same way whether he is the garbage
man or the president of the University".
Very profound and powerful statement
that shown equality and great respect to
others. A great human character. When
people respect others, they cannot talk
bad things, demonise or underestimates
others.
The Writer is Executive Chair,
Centre for Business & Economic
Research, UK
Ghastly election of Raisi portends a darkening Middle East
While the uncomprehending Biden
administration may greet last
week's Iranian election with a
shrug - noting that Supreme Leader Ali
Khamenei has the lion's share of the power
anyway - the elevation of Ebrahim Raisi to
the presidency actually has significant and
far-reaching consequences. Sadly, almost
all of them point to darkening days for a
region desperately in need of sunlight.
Rather than myopically focusing on the
details of the election just passed, political
risk analysis impels us to look more
broadly at what the result actually means.
First, as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus
put it so well: "Character is destiny." In
Raisi's case, his future course can be clearly
seen by looking at his striking biography.
Raisi came to prominence early, as a firebreathing
prosecutor in the late 1980s,
when at the age of just 27 he served on
what became known as the "death
commission" in Tehran. In 1988, this panel
oversaw a series of mass trials that led to
the execution of between 5,000 and
30,000 regime dissidents in the wake of
the brutal Iraq-Iran war. Moving up, since
2019, Raisi has served as the country's
chief justice. It was in his current role that
Raisi advocated impunity for Iranian
officials and security forces accused of
killing protesters during the mass unrest in
the country in 2019.
Throughout his career, Raisi has been
the hardest of hard-liners. His personal
fealty to Khamenei is well documented. In
fact, it is widely expected that Raisi's
elevation to the presidency (he is just 60) is
but a stepping stone to his succession as
supreme leader as Khamenei's chosen
successor (he is 82). Such an outcome has
historical precedent, as this was precisely
how Khamenei himself came to supreme
power following the death of Ayatollah
Khomeini in 1989. In other words, in
political risk terms this was not just
another election; rather it was Iran's
succession plan put into practice.
Second, Raisi's elevation means that the
old, tired argument that Iran's "moderates"
can be supported by the West from outside
the country has at last definitively been
proven false. With Raisi as president, hardliners
control all of Iran's state institutions
and levers of power. There simply can no
longer be any doubt that a revolutionary,
hard-line Iranian policy agenda is what the
world is facing.
There can no longer be any doubt that a
revolutionary, hard-line Iranian policy
agenda is what the world is facing.
Third, Iran's economy is a mess and
Raisi has no domestic answers as to how to
salvage it. Following Donald Trump's
highly effective sanctions campaign of
"maximum pressure," Iran's economy
nosedived by 4.8 percent in 2018 and a
further 9.5 percent in 2019. Oil exports, the
lifeblood of the Iranian economy, dipped
from 2.3 million barrels per day in 2018 to
just 1 million in 2019. At the same time,
according to the International Monetary
Fund, raging inflation is set to increase
from an already stratospheric 36.5 percent
in 2020 to 39 percent this year.
Fourth, all of this economic woe means
Tehran will be looking outside its borders
to find a way to somehow right the ship of
state. Only by both quickly reinstating the
nuclear deal with the West and courting
Second, Raisi's elevation means that the old, tired argument that
Iran's "moderates" can be supported by the West from outside the
country has at last definitively been proven false. With Raisi as president,
hard-liners control all of Iran's state institutions and levers of
power. There simply can no longer be any doubt that a revolutionary,
hard-line Iranian policy agenda is what the world is facing.
new ally China can Raisi and the other
hard-liners hope to keep the economic wolf
from the door. With Iran having entered
into a new, anti-American, strategic
alliance with Beijing, look for Raisi to try to
quickly expand ties with a rising China,
which is keen to find long-term sources of
energy for its ever-expanding economy.
Fifth, due to all this, look for the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to
be quickly renewed between Tehran and
the West. Raisi has said he grudgingly
supports the renewal of the JCPOA "as
long as it serves Iran's interests." A deal is
likely to come about sooner rather than
later, potentially before the official
handover of power in Iran in August, as
this would suit the domestic political
interests of the outgoing Rouhani
government (looking for a historical
legacy), the incoming Raisi government
(which doesn't want to get its hands dirty
negotiating with the Americans), and the
impatient Biden administration (that is
eager to lock down a deal so it can pivot to
the Indo-Pacific).
Sixth, such a deal will amount to a
diplomatic disaster, as it will be a strategic
capitulation entirely on Iran's terms. It will
let Tehran off the economic hook; as Raisi
put it, "The US is obliged to lift all
oppressive sanctions against Iran." Raisi
went on to say that he wouldn't bow to
international calls for a broader discussion
(as the Biden White House has been
pushing) about the development of Iran's
highly advanced ballistic missile program
or its fervent support for terrorist and
militia groups across the region (in Yemen,
Iraq, Syria and Lebanon), saying these
were "non-negotiable" issues.
If this is so, and there is every reason to
believe Raisi means what he says, the
Biden administration's efforts to make Iran
"a more normal" regional power have just
gone up in smoke. Instead, while
conceding nothing new, Iran will see its
coffers replenished, fortified by an
unthinking White House, as its
expansionist regional policy is given new
life.
Americans like to say "elections have
consequences." Unfortunately for the rest
of the world, the political rise of Raisi may
well prove to be disastrously
consequential.
Dr. John C. Hulsman is the president
and managing partner of John C.
Hulsman Enterprises, a prominent
global political risk consulting firm. He
is also senior columnist for City AM, the
newspaper of the City of London. He
can be contacted via
chartwellspeakers.com.