Economy
Govt, UNDP Forge Alliance to Implement Climate Initiatives in Bangladesh
The Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, announced today that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is set to intensify its efforts in Bangladesh to enhance the country’s overall environmental and forestry development and address climate change. The government, under his leadership, will collaborate closely with UNDP to execute the National Adaptation Plan and the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation led by UNDP Resident Representative Stephan Liler at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury expressed the government’s eagerness to partner with UNDP for the implementation of a waste-free schools and villages program. Additionally, both parties will collaborate on initiatives such as biodiversity conservation, innovation and research, renewable energy, technology transfer, and capacity building.
UNDP’s Stephan Liler affirmed the organization’s commitment to working together to achieve Bangladesh’s sustainable development goals, with a focus on sensor-based monitoring, wetland conservation, and effective waste management. The meeting was attended by key figures, including Additional Secretary (Development) Dr. Fahmida Khanam, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Prasenjit Chakma, and specialists in climate change, strategic communication, and outreach.
Prior to this meeting, Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury engaged with a delegation from Dhaka Ahsania Mission, led by Mostafizur Rahman, Lead Policy Advisor of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. Discussions centered on strategies to reduce tobacco consumption in Bangladesh during this courtesy call.
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.
