Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina Invites Bhutan to Establish Economic Zone
BAngladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended an invitation to Bhutan, offering the opportunity to establish an economic zone within Bangladesh for the benefit of both countries.
During a meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, held at the Claridge Hotel in the UK, PM proposed the creation of the “Bhutan Economic Zone” in Bangladesh. Welcoming the Bhutanese royal couple upon their arrival, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accompanied by her sister Sheikh Rehana, expressed her willingness to facilitate the establishment of the economic zone.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen later briefed reporters on the 50-minute meeting, where the PM informed King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck that Bangladesh had already allocated economic zones to India, Japan, and South Korea. In response to the Bhutanese king’s desire to develop an administrative economic zone in Bhutan while prioritizing environmental preservation, PM suggested Kurigram as a potential location for the proposed economic zone.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering communication and connectivity with neighbouring nations, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized that Bangladesh serves as a vital hub, offering Bhutan access to two ports and the Syedpur International Airport.
Foreign Minister Momen revealed that the Bhutanese royal couple highly praised Bangladesh’s remarkable economic progress under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During the meeting, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck expressed his aspiration for direct transit routes through both Bangladesh and India. In response, Prime Minister Hasina expressed her willingness to engage in discussions with India, if necessary, to facilitate Bhutan’s transit requirements.
The Bhutanese monarch also highlighted the special bond between Bhutan and Bangladesh, as the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bhutan had both studied in Bangladesh. The king expressed a desire for private visits to Bangladesh, which Prime Minister Hasina warmly welcomed, assuring them of her open-door policy.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss personal and family matters, as the Bhutanese king and queen consider Prime Minister Hasina their maternal aunt. Notable attendees at the meeting included Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Prime Minister’s Speechwriter M Nazrul Islam, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem.
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.
