Economy
Govt Embraces Digital Innovation for Wildlife Conservation: Saber
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury revealed that the government is spearheading initiatives to utilize digital technology for sustainable wildlife conservation and legal wildlife trade, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife. Speaking as the chief guest at an event marking World Wildlife Day 2024, the minister highlighted the exploration of diverse digital technologies to accelerate wildlife conservation efforts.
Presiding over the event, Chief Conservator of Forest Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury emphasized the importance of the theme, “Connecting people and Planet: Exploring Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.” Special guests, including Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Farhina Ahmed and Additional Secretary Iqbal Abdullah Harun, underscored the commitment to the sustainable adaptation of nature through digital innovation in wildlife conservation.
During the event, Dr. Mohammad Anwarul Islam, Chief Executive of WildTeam, and Mukit Majumdar Babu, Chairman of the Nature and Life Foundation, also shared insights. Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as the Sundarbans tiger survey using camera trapping, research programs on tiger prey, and advanced technologies like drone surveillance and smart patrolling in crime monitoring and management activities.
The minister outlined significant milestones, including the creation of a DNA barcode database through genetic sequencing, species identification from wildlife samples at the Wildlife Forensic Lab, and the radio collaring of elephants for tracking their distribution and movement in the Cox’s Bazar forest area. He also mentioned the development of a wildlife crime reporting tool to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies for efficient wildlife crime control activities.
In concluding remarks, the minister called for collective commitment and efforts to protect Bangladesh’s rich biodiversity and wildlife.
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.
