Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina Urges China to Boost Partnership for Swift Development
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has called on China to enhance its cooperation to accelerate Bangladesh’s development, emphasizing China as one of the largest development and strategic partners for her country. This request was made during a meeting with Sun Haiyan, the Vice-Minister of the International Department of the central committee of the Chinese Communist Party, who congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Prime Minister.
Sun Haiyan conveyed President Xi Jinping’s greetings, expressing confidence in Sheikh Hasina’s reelection due to her dedication to improving the fate of the Bangladeshi people and her patriotism. The Chinese vice minister also congratulated Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, on her election as the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), expressing hope for her significant role in global efforts to address autism.
During the meeting, Sun Haiyan commended Bangladesh’s development, highlighting the country’s progress since 1991. Sheikh Hasina attributed this development to instilling confidence in the people that “we can do.” She emphasized the need for continued government stability to implement socio-economic development plans. The Prime Minister invited Sun Haiyan to visit rural areas to witness the tangible changes in Bangladesh.
In response to Sun Haiyan’s call for enhanced collaboration, Sheikh Hasina outlined her government’s commitment to fulfilling the unfinished tasks of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, aiming to improve the lives of its citizens. She sought Chinese cooperation for this purpose.
The Chinese vice minister underscored the importance of strengthening relations between the Communist Party of China and Bangladesh Awami League through increased collaboration programs. Ambassador-at-Large M Ziauddin and PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were also present during the meeting.
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.
