Economy
UN WFP Director Commends Bangladesh’s 15-Year Success Story
The Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy H McCain, has praised Bangladesh for its substantial achievements across various sectors over the past 15 years. Highlighting the nation’s significant role in women’s empowerment, successful school feeding programs reducing dropout rates, and resilient responses to climate adversities, McCain commended Bangladesh’s progress.
She particularly applauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, acknowledging the country’s compassionate hosting of Rohingya refugees forced to flee Myanmar due to ethnic cleansing and genocide.
McCain made these remarks during a ceremony marking the presentation of the Letter of Commission accrediting Md Monirul Islam as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to WFP. Ambassador Islam expressed gratitude for receiving the Commission and highlighted Bangladesh’s recent accomplishments.
The Ambassador noted the multi-dimensional and highly effective nature of WFP’s activities in Bangladesh, specifically mentioning the government’s financial and operational contributions to the School Feeding Programme and Rice Fortification Programme.
He also appreciated WFP’s crucial role in addressing the Rohingya crisis and urged WFP to use its influence through the Executive Board to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Expressing satisfaction with the achievements of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for Bangladesh from 2022-2026, the Ambassador requested close collaboration to secure financing from development partners for its implementation.
The event, held at WFP Headquarters on February 19, concluded with both Bangladesh and WFP reiterating their commitment to closely work together, emphasizing “Saving and Changing Lives Worldwide” in the pursuit of the 2030 Agenda, particularly focusing on SDG 2. The Executive Director of WFP was accompanied by senior officials of WFP, while representatives from the Bangladesh Embassy in Rome were also present.
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.
