Economy
Holy Shab-E-Barat to be observed this eve
The Muslim religion holy Shab-e-Barat — the night of blessings and forgiveness — will be observed in Bangladesh this evening Tuesday (7th March) with befitting religious fervour.
Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha’ban. Shab-e-Barat is regarded as a significant event during which Muslims pray to Allah and beg for forgiveness for their sins. It is thought to absolve them of their sins and bestow upon them good fortune for the entire year.
Muslim devotees performs special prayers, recite from the Holy Quran, and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion on Monday. They greeted all Muslims in the country and elsewhere across the world on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat.
President Abdul Hamid in his message said the holy Shab-e-Barat comes to mark the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and good fortune.
“On this holy night of Shab-e-Barat, we pray for the continued progress, welfare, and greater unity of the Muslim Ummah, along with seeking eternal mercy and blessings from the Almighty Allah. May the full virtues of the holy Shab-e-Barat be upon us.”
He urged the affluent to come forward and help the distressed and the poor on this occasion, as the world is gripped by a multitude of crises due to the Covid-19 pandemic followed by the war in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: “Inspired by the greatness of the holy Shab-e-Barat, I am calling upon all to devote themselves to the cause of human welfare and nation-building.”
She also asked all to establish the spirit of Islam at personal, social, and national levels, putting off all kinds of injustice, violence, and superstition.
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.
