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.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
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