Economy
Bangladesh seeks US to conclude extradition treaty
Bangladesh & US to complete the extradition treaty between them as early as possible to ease the process of deportation of Bangabandhu’s convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury to Bangladesh.
The appeal was made during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh’s state minister for foreign affairs Md. Shahriar Alam and his US counterpart Deputy Secretary Wendy R Sherman at the state department in Washington DC on Friday, 7 October according to a message received in Dhaka.
During the meeting, Bangladesh’s junior minister urged the US government to expedite the deportation of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s convicted and self-declared killer Rashed Chowdhury.
He said the issue of deporting killer Chowdhury is critically important to the people of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself for ensuring rule of law in the country.
Referring to the US sanctions on the RAB and its senior authorities, the state minister urged the US government to withdraw the sanctions asap.
Alam appreciated the US government for extending tremendous support to Bangladesh by delivering nearly 88 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to fight the pandemic.
He also expressed his sincere appreciation for the US humanitarian support to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and Washington’s efforts to ensure the repatriation of forcefully displaced people to Myanmar.
He sought US support at the WTO on LDC-related matters so that countries like Bangladesh could attain a smooth and safe LDC graduation.
Alam expressed his government’s willingness to work more closely with the US on the issue of climate change and migration.
Hence, he drew the US’s attention to an action-oriented discussion on the issue of loss and damage in the upcoming COP-27.
The Deputy Secretary expressed deep condolences for the three Bangladeshi peacekeepers, who lost their lives in the Central African Republic recently. She lauded Bangladesh’s contribution to global peacekeeping.
Sherman reiterated continued collaboration with Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
She also appreciated Bangladesh’s high COVID-19 vaccination rate and measures undertaken by the government to fight and contain the pandemic.
The deputy secretary appreciated Bangladesh’s leadership role in climate change and encouraged Bangladesh to join the Global Methane Pledge prior to COP-27.
Noting the progress made in the labor sector in Bangladesh, Sherman emphasized upon strengthening cooperation between the two countries to increase bilateral trade.
The war in Ukraine, the issue of food and energy security and the next parliamentary election in Bangladesh were also discussed at the meeting.
Later on the day, Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the US President and incoming Senior Director for South Asia at the White House National Security Council, paid a courtesy call on the State Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The issues including Bangladesh-US cooperation on counter-terrorism, RAB sanctions, Rohingya repatriation, Ukraine war and return of killer Rashed Chowdhury were discussed at 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.
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