Economy
Protracted crisis in Myanmar poses growing risks with national, regional security implications for Bangladesh: Prof Yunus
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (27 September) called for creating pathways for the Rohingyas to return to their ancestral home in Rakhine State, with safety and rights.
“Looking at the evolving ground situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh is ready to work with the international community to create an environment for dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland,” he said drawing global attention to the Rohingya crisis.
Delivering his speech at the UNGA in Bangla, the Nobel Peace laureate said the protracted crisis in Myanmar also poses growing risks with national and regional security implications for Bangladesh, both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
Seven years on, he said, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas on humanitarian ground, incurring significant social-economic-environmental costs.
“We remain committed to supporting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar in Bangladesh,” Prof Yunus said.
He said they need continued support of the international community towards the Rohingyas in carrying out the humanitarian operations and their sustainable repatriation.
Equally important is to ensure justice for the grave human rights violations committed against the Rohingyas, through the ongoing accountability processes in the ICJ and the ICC, he said.
Bangladesh recognises and appreciates the efforts of the secretary-general and the United Nations system in creating a conducive environment for Rohingyas so that they can lead a free and dignified life.
Maintaining Peace
Bangladesh views maintaining peace and addressing conflicts is central to peoples’ progress.
“During the recent Revolution, our valiant armed forces have once again shown their commitment to peace by standing firmly with the people in fulfilling their aspirations for freedom during a most difficult time in our history,” Prof Yunus said.
This was possible thanks to their commitment to place human rights at the core of peacekeeping, he said.
“Bangladesh remains equally committed to peace-building, from the inception of the UN Peace-building Commission,” Prof Yunus said, adding that they look forward to promoting and enhancing Bangladesh’s value-driven contributions to the UN peacekeeping operations.
As the third largest troop-contributing country, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served across 63 Missions in 43 countries, to date.
About 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers had laid their lives, from Bosnia to Congo.
“We do hope that Bangladesh defence forces would continue to be called upon in the future UN peace operations, regardless of the challenges or circumstances,” said Prof Yunus.
Genocide in Gaza
In a world of poly-crisis, wars and conflicts are leading to erosion of rights and widespread abuses, Prof Yunus said.
The genocide in Gaza continues unabated despite global concerns and condemnation, he said.
“The situation in Palestine just does not concern the Arabs or Muslims at large rather the entire humanity,” he said.
“Palestinians are no expendable people. All those responsible for the crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people must be held accountable,” said the chief adviser.
Bangladesh calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire to protect the Palestinian people from the brutalities, particularly against the children and women.
The international community, including the UN, needs to act in earnest to implement the two-state solution that remains the only path to bring lasting peace in the Middle East, he said.
The two-and-a-half-year-long war in Ukraine has claimed far too many lives, Prof Yunus said.
The war has impacted far and wide, even lending deeper economic implications in Bangladesh.
“We would urge both sides to pursue dialogue to resolve the differences and end the war,” said the chief adviser.
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.
