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.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
