Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina to Authorities: Investigate if BNP-Jamaat are behind the recent fire incidents
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday (April 15, 2023) asked concerned authorities to look into whether “arson, terrorism by BNP-Jamaat” is behind the recent fire incidents.
“It should be investigated whether they (BNP-Jamaat) are taking a different path by causing incidents like fire,” she said.
The prime minister said this while talking at the Awami League Local Government Nomination Board meeting held at her official residence Gana Bhaban.
She asked to investigate whether the recent spate of fire incidents in markets was part of a conspiracy or sabotage.
PM also said when the first fire incident occurred, everyone thought that it was an accident.
“…The fire incidents are occurring after 6 am. Surveillance should be beefed up and markets have to remain alert,” she said.
“Everyone should be more aware and careful. Everyone has to make arrangements on their own initiative to protect (their establishments). All efforts by the government will continue,” she said.
She said that observing the recent fire incidents raises questions about whether these are plain accidents or if there is some manipulation behind them.
“We know that some political parties want to create a movement after Eid, cripple the economy, and oust the government. But what are the faults of the common people and businessmen?” – she asked.
She also said that unnecessary gathering at sites of fire incidents must not be allowed when firefighters are trying to douse the blaze, and strict action will be taken in case of any obstruction regarding this matter.
“Why will they (firefighters) face obstacles when they try to extinguish the fire? Some people attacked the firefighters… Who are these people?” – PM asked.
PM told that the businessmen were the worst sufferers as they have been waiting for the Eid season. She also urged the countrymen to remain alert.
Recalling the arson, and terrorism by BNP-Jamaat in the recent past, she expressed her concerns and stressed proper investigations.
“In the past, they burnt people, and now whether they have taken the path to cripple the economy needs to be looked into,” she said.
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.
