Economy
BSEC Chairman applauds Bilateral relation between Bangladesh & Japan
On the Investment Summit event which is held in Japan to showcase the economic potential of Bangladesh and strengthen the economic ties between the both countries, as they mark the 50th anniversary of their relationship.
The Bangladesh Securities & Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Prof. Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam applauds the Bilateral Relationship Between the two Countries Bangladesh & Japan, th relationship between both nations is about 50 years.
Prof. Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam says, Bangladesh has achieved many goals throughout the past few years that includes the Covid19 pandemic, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who have achieved the Global Recognition of Leadership, Champion of the Earth, Champion in Children Immunisation, Global Recognition of Development & SDG Progress Award.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has Visited Japan 7 times, Bangladesh has developed a lot during the last decade, says BSEC Chairman.
He also recalls Dr. Radhabinod who was one of the 11 judges appointed to the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, called as ‘Tokyo Trials’ based on World War-2.
Among all the judges of the tribunal, he was the only one who submitted a judgement in 1948 which insisted all defendants were not guilty.
Prof. Shibli Rubayat-Ul-islam added In recognition to the bondage between the countries Japan & Bangladesh, Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Japan first time in 1997 followed by four more trips in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019, this is her sixth trip her Japan in her tenure. She also visited one more time for a private meeting.
From the Bangladesh Economic Vulnerability Index Bangladesh is Performing pretty well. The nation’s GDP growth rate hikes to 7.1%, 2.9% Dependency on Foreign Aid, $2,793 per Capita income and 73 years Life Expectancy.
Hence, the Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan are based on mutual respect, shared values affinity and tradition. The amount of bilateral trade crossed the US $3 billion mark recently, export to Japan has increased by more than three times in last 10 years, presently japan is Bangladesh’s 11th largest export destination in the World and 2nd in Asia. Japan as a country is the 5th largest import source for Bangladesh. Prof. Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam added.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 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.
