Economy
Brazil Backs Bangladesh’s BRICS Aspirations, Says Foreign Minister
On Sunday (7th April), visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s keen interest in joining the BRICS alliance, stating that Brasilia viewed Dhaka’s aspirations “very strongly and positively.” He emphasized the alignment of principles and positions between Bangladesh and BRICS member states, highlighting the potential for collaboration. Vieira made these remarks during a joint media briefing with his Bangladeshi counterpart after holding bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the capital.
Last year, Bangladesh formally requested to join BRICS, comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, established in 2009 to promote economic and political equilibrium among powerful global nations. Vieira affirmed that Bangladesh, as an emerging voice of the Global South, could make significant contributions to BRICS on various issues.
Vieira’s two-day official visit aimed to further strengthen bilateral and commercial ties between Brazil and Bangladesh. Following discussions with the Bangladesh foreign minister, Vieira highlighted efforts to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in achieving balanced trade. He welcomed Bangladesh’s interest in establishing a MERCOSUR-Bangladesh Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), recognizing the potential for enhancing business opportunities and private sector engagements between Bangladesh, Brazil, and other MERCOSUR member states.
Both sides expressed their commitment to initiating negotiations for a MERCOSUR-Bangladesh PTA at the earliest opportunity, acknowledging its significance in promoting South-South cooperation. MERCOSUR, originally comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, welcomed Bolivia as a full member in 2023.
Following their meeting, the two foreign ministers signed a Technical Cooperation agreement between Bangladesh and Brazil, marking a milestone in bilateral relations. This visit from the Brazilian Foreign Minister represents the first-ever foreign minister-level visit from Brazil to Bangladesh.
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.
