Economy
US Welcomes Interim Government in Bangladesh
In its initial response to the turmoil in Bangladesh, the United States has welcomed the establishment of an interim government, emphasizing the importance of a lawful transition.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, in his opening remarks on Bangladesh, expressed solidarity with the Bangladeshi people. “We have noted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh and are closely monitoring the situation,” Miller stated during a regular briefing in Washington on August 5.
Miller underscored the importance of focusing on the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people and ensuring a pathway to democratic governance. The US also called on all parties to avoid further violence. “Too many lives have been lost over the past few weeks. We urge calm and restraint in the coming days,” Miller said.
The Spokesperson expressed sorrow over reports of human rights abuses, casualties, and injuries from recent weeks. He emphasized that accountability should be pursued under Bangladeshi law, stating, “Anyone responsible for acts of violence or legal violations should be held accountable.”
Miller extended condolences to those who lost loved ones and those who are suffering. Responding to a question, he reiterated the US’s focus on the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people and their right to decide the future of their government. “We want the Bangladeshi people to determine their government’s future,” he said.
The US is committed to supporting an end to violence and ensuring accountability. “All decisions regarding the interim government should respect democratic principles, the rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people,” Miller stated, emphasizing the need for transparent investigations into recent violence and deaths.
Regarding the Rohingya refugees, Miller mentioned that the US has provided approximately $2 billion in aid. “I don’t have immediate comments on how the change in government might impact these programs,” he said. However, he stressed the importance of Bangladesh continuing its hospitality towards refugees, with ongoing US support.
For fiscal year 2023, the United States provided over $212 million in economic, development, and health assistance to Bangladesh. “We hope these programs continue as they are vital to our relationship with the Bangladeshi people,” Miller concluded.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 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.
