Economy
Bangladesh, UAE signs MoU on e-visa
A Memorandum of Understanding, MoU was signed between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, UAE in a bid to implement ‘e-Visa/e/-TA’ in Dhaka on Tuesday, 18 October.
Security Services Division under Home Ministry Md Abdullah Al Masud Chowdhury and UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Abdullah Khaseif Al Hamoudi signed the MoU on behalf of the respective countries with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in the chair at a program at the conference room of the ministry.
Minister Asaduzzaman said the initiative to implement the ‘e-Visa/e/-TA’ system on the basis of ‘G2G’ was taken through the MoU sign.
Terming the MoU as a big achievement in the bilateral relations of the countries, he said MoU signing day is to be marked as a milestone for Bangladesh and the UAE in digitalization of the country’s ‘e-visa’ system.
Describing UAE as a tested-friend, he said Bangladeshi workers have been playing an important role in the development of both countries over time.
The minister said the UAE is one of the main investment partners of Bangladesh and mutual respect and significant cooperation among the countries is the historic base of the bilateral relations.
He said the implementation of the ‘e-visa’ is one the significant pledges of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to digitalize the country as the current government has underscored the use of digital technology.
Asaduzzaman said the security services division will be able to provide online visa service once the ‘e-visa’ system is implemented.
He hoped that number of foreign tourists and investments will be boosted to a great extent after the ‘e-visa’ is launched in the country.
The minister thanked the UAE government for their support to implement the ‘e-visa’ system.
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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