Economy
Bangladesh, China Poised to Sign 20 MoUs During PM Sheikh Hasina’s Visit
During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official visit to China, which begins on Monday, Bangladesh and China are expected to sign around 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and announce several development projects. This information was disclosed by Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud at a media briefing on Sunday.
“Bangladesh will seek China’s assistance in investment, trade, financial support, and the repatriation of Rohingyas. Simultaneously, Bangladesh will continue to support China as a friend on the global stage,” stated Mahmud, expressing optimism about the visit’s success.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen confirmed that multiple cooperation documents and MoUs would be signed in various fields, including infrastructure, free trade agreements, agricultural exports, development in southern Bangladesh, digital economy, disaster prevention, poverty alleviation, clean energy, healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges.
At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit aims to “outline a new blueprint for practical cooperation” and coordinate the two countries’ positions on regional and international issues. Ambassador Yao described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations, expected to bring significant benefits to both nations.
This visit marks Prime Minister Hasina’s first trip to China since her new term began and comes five years after her last visit. During her stay, she will meet with President Xi Jinping and attend a welcoming ceremony hosted by Premier Li Qiang. The two leaders will hold discussions and attend a signing ceremony for various cooperation documents.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted the visit’s importance, noting that leaders from both countries would engage in-depth on deepening traditional friendship, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, and addressing regional and international issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Hasina will also participate in the Summit on Trade, Business, and Investment Opportunities between China and Bangladesh.
Reflecting on the 49 years of diplomatic relations, the Spokesperson praised the countries’ mutual respect, equality, and cooperation, setting an example of friendship between developing nations. With strategic guidance from their leaders, Bangladesh and China have fostered a deep strategic cooperative partnership.
“China is ready to work with Bangladesh to carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, deepen political mutual trust, align development strategies, and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” said the Spokesperson, emphasizing a commitment to elevating bilateral relations to a new level.
The visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen political mutual trust, consolidate traditional friendship, and synergize development strategies, furthering the realization of China’s National Rejuvenation and Bangladesh’s “Vision 2041.”
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.
