Economy
BGMEA, Helen Keller Collaborate to Enhance Eye Health in Bangladesh
In a dedicated endeavor to uplift the well-being of garment workers in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has embarked on a strategic initiative. Recognizing the pivotal role of health and well-being in the sustained growth and reputation of the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry, BGMEA has forged a partnership with Helen Keller, a global organization committed to preventing blindness and promoting eye health. According to a recent press release, this collaboration aims to deliver comprehensive eye care services to the garment workers.
The commitment to this noble cause was evident during an inception workshop held at the BGMEA Complex, where representatives from BGMEA and Helen Keller expressed their dedication to implementing the eye care initiative. The primary focus of this collaboration is to provide primary eye care services, encompassing basic eye examinations, prescription glasses, and referrals for more complex eye disorders.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, speaking at the workshop, praised the collaboration, highlighting its potential to significantly improve the eye health of garment workers. He emphasized that offering eye care services extends beyond physical well-being, playing a crucial role in enhancing workplace productivity, safety, and overall job satisfaction.
Hasina Akhter, the country director of Helen Keller International, Bangladesh, emphasized the significance of the eye care initiative, underscoring how improved vision and eye health directly contribute to heightened productivity and better quality of work.
The workshop witnessed the presence of key figures from both BGMEA and Helen Keller, including Rakibul Alam Chowdhury (Vice President, BGMEA), Neela Hosna Ara (Director in Charge of Health Projects, BGMEA), Sheikh H.M. Mustafiz (Chairman, Standing Committee on Sustainability, BGMEA), and Wasim Zakariah (Chairman, Standing Committee, SDGs, BGMEA).
Distinguished individuals from various organizations also attended the meeting, including Prof Ava Hossain (Director, OSB Hospital), Prof Dipak Nag (Secretary General, OSB), Dr. Munir Ahmed (Country Director, Orbis International), Amrita Rejina Rozario (Country Director, Sightsavers), Misha Mehjabeen (Country Director, Vision Spring), Saiqa Siraj (Country Director, Nutrition International), Dr. Rudaba Khondker (Country Director, GAIN), Prof Nahid Ferdousi (Founder, KHEA Foundation), and Dr. Afsana Habib Sheuly (Head of Nutrition and Health, Helen Keller).
Earlier, BGMEA and Helen Keller formalized their commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide eye care services to garment workers. As part of this initiative, clinicians at five BGMEA-affiliated health facilities will undergo training, equipping them with the necessary tools to deliver effective eye care services. A key aspect of this collaboration involves assessing the impact of improved eye health on workers’ productivity, reaffirming the commitment of both organizations to fostering a healthier and more sustainable working environment.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
