Economy
Yunus, Biden to Discuss Bilateral Ties at UNGA
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to meet US President Joseph R. Biden on Tuesday during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), highlighting the strengthening ties between Bangladesh and the United States. This one-on-one meeting marks a historic moment, as no US president has held such a bilateral discussion with a Bangladeshi head of government in recent decades, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Biden will be in New York from September 23-25 to attend the 79th session of the UNGA, where he is scheduled to address the assembly and meet with global leaders to discuss international peace, security, economic prosperity, and human rights, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Prof Yunus, who is arriving in New York on Monday night, will deliver a speech at the UNGA on September 27. Upon his arrival at JFK International Airport, he will be welcomed by Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith and Salahuddin Mahmud, CDA of Bangladesh’s Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner has already briefed a US delegation in Dhaka about his interim government’s swift actions in “resetting, reforming, and restarting” Bangladesh’s economy and addressing issues in the judiciary, police, and financial sectors. He sought continued US support in fostering inclusive economic growth and institutional development.
In addition to his meeting with President Biden, Prof Yunus has a busy schedule of high-level meetings with leaders from the Netherlands, Pakistan, Nepal, the European Union, and international organizations such as the World Bank and USAID. His agenda also includes attending a welcome reception hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and a side event addressing the Rohingya crisis.
Prof Yunus will also participate in a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s membership in the UN, which he will host. There are further talks expected with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
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.
