Economy
“BD a role model for Women’s partaking in UN peacekeeping”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (November 28) underscored empowerment of women saying that they are the most vulnerable section of society and suffer most during any conflict and disaster.
“It is beyond question that women are the most vulnerable section of society, especially in third world countries. They suffer from various forms of violence, malnutrition, illiteracy and other basic needs. Their plights multiply during any conflict and disaster,” she said.
The premier said this while speaking at the inaugural session of two-day seminar on International Women Peace and Security.
Armed Forces Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Police organized the seminar at Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment.
She said that to address the peace and security issues of women, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution number 1,325 which established the Women Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and Bangladesh is proud to be a part in formulating the resolution.
Hasina said that since its independence, Bangladesh has been working on promoting women in all spheres of national life.
She said that the constitution of Bangladesh framed under the guidance of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman guarantees equal rights for women.
She quoted Article 28 (1) of the Constitution which says: The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Clause (2) of the same Article stipulates: Women shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of the State and of public life.
The PM said that her government has formulated Women Policy 2011. Under the policy, it has taken measures to ensure women’s overall development and active participation in mainstream socio-economic activities and remove all the impediments to their empowerment.
Their increased participation and contribution in sectors like politics, administration, education, businesses, sports, armed forces have been transforming the socio-economic landscape of Bangladesh, she added.
She mentioned that gender parity in Bangladesh has improved across all sectors due to the greater participation of women in socio-economic and political activities.
“Bangladesh is at the top position in gender equality among South Asian countries,” she told the seminar.
PM Hasina said that Bangladesh is a role model for women’s participation in peacekeeping, peace-building, disaster management, and preventing violent extremism.
In this regard, she said that it was her government that opened the door for women to be recruited into the armed forces during her first tenure in 1996.
At present, she said, Bangladesh is the top contributor of female peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping missions. So far, a total of 704 female peacekeepers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces have participated in UN peacekeeping operations. Currently, 373 female members are deployed in different peacekeeping missions.
“On the other hand, a total of 1,624 female police officers from Bangladesh Police have taken part in peacekeeping operations and 150 officers are currently working.”
She also said that women in Bangladesh are now serving as government secretaries, judges of the Supreme Court, vice presidents of universities and top positions in many organizations.
Sheikh Hasina said that she is glad to know that the participants will interact with the Rohingyas, forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals from Rakhine state.
“We have given them shelter on humanitarian grounds. We could understand their plights and miseries, as we had to undergo similar experiences and shocks during our War of Liberation in 1971. The interactive session, I hope, will be a great experience for the participants to understand the victims of war and conflict.”
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.
