Economy
FBCCI impulses JICA to create Matarbari a petrochemical hub
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, FBCCI impulsed Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA to enhance the establishment a petrochemical industry in the Matarbari-Moheshkhali project area in Cox’s Bazar.
FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin suggested this at a discussion meeting regarding the Matarbari-Moheshkhali project at his office on Thursday. 13 October with JICA head office authorities, said a press release.
Bangladesh lacks a petrochemical industry despite high local industry demand. A petrochemical complex is much needed to keep the country’s industrial development and economic growth likely, it added.
The FBCCI chief also called for undertaking development projects in the sustainable energy sector as Bangladesh’s geographical location and offshore economy have tremendous potential.
“Hence, using these opportunities requires further development in infrastructure, ports, and the energy sector,” he added.
Md Jashim Uddin also wished JICA, a trusted development partner of Bangladesh, to organize projects in these regards.
Deputy Director of JICA Headquarters, Asakawa Yuka, desired the cooperation of the private sector of Bangladesh to make the Matarbari-Moheshkhali integrated development initiative successful.
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, MCCI President, Md Saiful Islam, also director of FBCCI, called for JICA’s cooperation in developing the FBCCI Innovation and Research Center.
FBCCI Director Abul Kasem Khan wished JICA may conduct a feasibility study on the conversion of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway from its existing 4-lanes to an 8-lane highway and the development of its logistics.
FBCCI Vice-President Md Habib Ullah Dawn, and Director, Engineer Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir, called upon the Japanese companies to set up a chip manufacturing industry for electronic devices.
Economy
Remittances Top $2bn in First 28 Days of September
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 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.
Economy
Yunus Pledges Swift Reforms and Election in Bangladesh’s Interim Govt
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.
Economy
Polythene Bags to Be Phased Out, Says Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan
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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