Economy
CA Prof Yunus Arrives in USA for UNGA
Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus arrived in the United States today to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His flight, operated by Qatar Airways, landed at New York’s JFK International Airport at 10:10 PM local time on September 23.
Upon arrival, Yunus and his delegation were received by Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, and the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DM Salahuddin Mahmud.
Earlier in the day, Professor Yunus departed from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:05 AM (Bangladesh time) on the same flight.
Professor Yunus is set to attend the inaugural session of the high-level week at the UNGA on September 24 at the UN Headquarters in New York. His address at the assembly is scheduled for 10 AM (New York time) on September 27.
In addition to his UN duties, Yunus will hold a bilateral meeting with US President Joseph R. Biden at 11 AM on September 24. He is also slated to engage in high-level discussions with multiple world leaders and international organization heads on the sidelines of the UNGA.
The high-level debate at the UNGA is set to begin on September 24. Yunus will remain in New York for three days, departing for Dhaka on September 27. During his stay, he is expected to meet with the prime ministers of the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Nepal, as well as hold discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the President of the European Union, the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the World Bank President, and the USAID Administrator.
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.
