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.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
