Economy
US Pledges $199M Aid for Bangladesh’s Rohingya Refugees
The United States has announced nearly $199 million in new assistance to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The announcement was made by Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya during a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 24.
According to a press release from the US Department of State, this new funding includes almost $70 million from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and over $129 million from USAID. Of the USAID allocation, $78 million will come from the Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation, which will be used to purchase, ship, and distribute food from American farmers to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.
The aid is aimed at providing life-saving support, including food, shelter, and protection for those displaced by violence and persecution. The funds will also be directed towards disaster preparedness, educational access, skills training, and helping refugees prepare for a possible return to their homeland when conditions are safe.
Since the onset of the Rohingya crisis in August 2017, the US government has provided over $2.5 billion in aid for the regional response, with more than $2.1 billion allocated to Bangladesh. Of this amount, nearly $1.3 billion was contributed through PRM.
“The United States remains committed to assisting crisis-affected communities in Bangladesh and the region and urges other donors to maintain their support,” the press release concluded.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 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.
