Economy
World Food Day Today
World Food Day 2022 is to be followed in the country today, 16 October, as elsewhere in the world in an appropriate manner.
This year’s theme of the day is “Kauke Poshchatey Rekhey Noy-Valo Uthpadoney Uttom Pushti, Surokkhito Poribesh Abong Unnoto Jibon”. which means “Leaving no one behind – better nutrition, safer environment and better life in better heat”.
The Agriculture Ministry and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly observe the day.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the evening of the day.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said agriculture is one of the main drivers of poverty reduction and economic development in Bangladesh.
Highlighting the role of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the agriculture sector of the country, he said Bangabandhu called for agricultural revolution in rebuilding the country.
Bangabandhu ensured the distribution of Khas land, fertilizers, pesticides, improved seeds and other agricultural outputs among the farmers, the head of the state recalled.
Regarding this, the country has achieved self-sufficiency in food grains as a result of the adoption of appropriate policies and measures by the government, he said, adding that along with crops, enormous success has been achieved in the animal-protein sector.
If agricultural production is increased alongside controlling inflation, it will be possible to earn foreign exchange by exporting food products at high prices to the world market, he said.
He stressed the need for continuing relentless efforts of all concerned for developing and expanding new nutrient-rich crop varieties and appropriate technologies in order to sustain food and nutritional security.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in continuation of the plans and programs taken by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Awami League government has been taking and implementing various agriculture-friendly and realistic initiatives for the development of agriculture for the last 13.5 years.
Taking the development of agriculture and farmers’ welfare into the highest consideration, a range of work plans and initiatives, including the National Agriculture Policy 2018, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-2030, Delta Plan-2100 and the Food Safety Act, have been taken by the government, the premier said.
Initiatives were also taken to ensure the distribution of agriculture-based loans, the opening of bank accounts with Tk10 and innovation of climate-tolerant varieties and technologies, Sheikh Hasina said.
“We have increased allocation further in agriculture research and education,” she added.
“We have constructed the Padma Bridge with our own funding to establish uninterrupted, cost-effective and speedy communication between 21 districts of the South-Western region with the capital,” she continued.
Through this bridge, the quality of farmer’s life in the region will improve, she added.
She hoped that a happy, prosperous and developed Sonar (Golden) Bangladesh as dreamt by Bangabandhu can be built by 2041 with the participation of the government as well as everyone by meeting nutritional needs through ensuring safe food and eliminating hunger and poverty.
Both the president and the premier wished for the overall success of all programs taken on the occasion of World Food Day 2022.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login