Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina: Plant Trees to Create a Greener Bangladesh
Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina urged the nation to create a “Green Bangladesh” through extensive tree planting during an event on June 15.
“We must plant as many trees as possible across the country to make a ‘Green Bangladesh,'” she stated at the launch of the three-month-long tree plantation program by Bangladesh Krishak League (BKL) at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
At the event, the Prime Minister honored several BKL leaders for their efforts in promoting the Awami League’s nationwide tree plantation campaign and distributed saplings among them.
She called on leaders and activists to play a crucial role in transforming the country into a “Green Bangladesh.” Hasina urged BKL leaders to plant saplings along river embankments, coastal belts, roadsides, rooftops, and houses to advance the ‘Green Movement.’
The Prime Minister planted three saplings at Ganabhaban to mark the occasion. “Since assuming office, I have planted over 2,000 trees in Ganabhaban,” she said.
She emphasized that Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country and its economy relies heavily on agriculture. “We will pursue industrialization after strengthening the agriculture sector. We will not bypass agriculture for industrialization,” she added.
However, she warned against the destruction of arable lands in the process of industrial development. “Croplands must not be destroyed in the name of industrialization,” she cautioned.
With significant developments and urbanization taking place across the country, she urged vigilance to prevent damage to arable lands.
BKL President Samir Chanda and Acting General Secretary Bishwanath Sarker Bitu also spoke at the event, which was moderated by BKL Joint General Secretary Shamima Shahriar.
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.
