Economy
Global Human Rights Day Today
Global Human Rights Day is being observed in Bangladesh like elsewhere in the world today. The year’s theme of the day is ‘Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.’
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the eve of the day, wishing all programmes of the day a success.
President Abdul Hamid says in his message, under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all globally recognized human rights were guaranteed in the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh with the aim of establishing equality, justice and human dignity.
The government constituted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2009 as an independent and neutral institution aiming at protecting and developing human rights.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says in her message, “On the auspicious occasion of International Human Rights Day, I, on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, join the Global community in reaffirming our unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedom of all people as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
This year, the day assumes added significance as it is devoted to commencing a year-long campaign for the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the premier added.
As a committed, responsible, and contributing member of the international community, Bangladesh has always been at the global forefront in demonstrating its robust engagement with human rights mechanisms and institutions and in living up to its national and international obligations to promote and protect human rights, she said.
“Our Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, envisioned a country that would uphold the principles of secularism, equality, inclusivity, democracy, and justice,” she said.
On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the premier called upon the people of the world to renew their vow to the cause of human dignity and freedom.
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.
