Economy
“BNP-Jamaat Protesters Decline PM Sheikh Hasina’s Invitation to Meet at Hotel, says Official”
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to the Ritz Carlton hotel in Washington DC turned into an unexpected encounter with a group of BNP-Jamaat supporters protesting outside in the cold and pouring rain. The prime minister showed a gesture of goodwill and invited them to come inside to discuss their problems, but the protesters rejected her offer and left the scene.
According to the prime minister’s speech writer, M Nazrul Islam, PM noticed the demonstrators while she was on her way to attend a civic reception at the hotel. She sympathized with them and suggested that their representatives should come inside the hotel to express their grievances. Nazrul quoted the prime minister as saying, “Let them come in here to say what they want.”
The premier then requested her PS-II Al Mamun Murshed and one official from the Bangladesh mission to bring the protesters inside the hotel. However, police officials initially denied permission to bring them in without approval from the hotel authority. Eventually, the officials obtained permission from the hotel authority to allow the protesters inside.
Despite these efforts, the BNP-Jamaat protesters left the scene without accepting the prime minister’s invitation. Nazrul mentioned that the prime minister had genuinely wanted to listen to their concerns.
It remains unclear why the protesters refused the invitation, but the incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the BNP-Jamaat group and the ruling party. The prime minister’s gesture of inviting the protesters inside the hotel may have been an attempt to reach out and bridge the divide between the two sides.
Overall, the encounter between the prime minister and the BNP-Jamaat protesters at the Ritz Carlton Hotel highlights the importance of dialogue and communication in resolving political differences and promoting understanding.
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.
