Economy
Bangladesh Chairs CMGG Meeting on Guyana Dispute
Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain presided over a virtual meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana (CMGG) on Tuesday evening. The meeting saw participation from foreign ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, according to a press release from the foreign ministry.
During the session, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation provided updates on the ongoing dispute over the Essequibo region between Venezuela and Guyana. The CMGG reaffirmed its unwavering support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the appropriate and lawful avenue to resolve the matter in accordance with international law.
Bangladesh, along with the other participating countries, expressed its strong support for the preservation of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom also reiterated their commitment to upholding Guyana’s sovereign rights.
After thorough discussions, the group agreed to issue a concluding statement commending Guyana for its restraint and adherence to international law. The ministers also expressed their condolences on the passing of Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, the longest-serving and second Commonwealth Secretary-General. They acknowledged his remarkable global leadership, particularly his efforts in coordinating international opposition to apartheid in South Africa, advocating for the rights of small states, and fostering international cooperation.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General extended her gratitude to Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser for expertly chairing the meeting.
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.
