Economy
“PM for Economic Cooperation Among South, Southeast Asian Nations”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need for economic cooperation between South and Southeast Asian countries to benefit the people of the region during a meeting with outgoing ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, Lee Jang-keun.
The meeting took place at the prime minister’s official residence, Ganabhaban, and was followed by a media briefing where the prime minister’s press secretary, Ihsanul Karim, quoted her statements.
In the briefing, Karim stated that Prime Minister Hasina commended Korea’s success in transforming the country into a developed nation within a generation. She expressed how this achievement had inspired Bangladesh in its own pursuit of development and prosperity. The prime minister also recalled her two visits to Korea, where she witnessed the remarkable progress made by the country.
During the meeting, Ambassador Jang-keun emphasized the importance of enhancing trade, official development assistance, employment, and investment between Bangladesh and Korea. He highlighted that the trade volume between the two countries had increased from $1.5 billion in 2020 to $3 billion.
Additionally, he mentioned that the official development assistance had risen from $500 million in 2020 to $3 billion. The ambassador also expressed Korea’s interest in recruiting skilled manpower from Bangladesh’s shipbuilding sector.
Ambassador Jang-keun highly praised the significant development achieved by Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership over the past 14 years. He expressed his deep satisfaction with his tenure in Bangladesh, stating that the people of Bangladesh would always hold a special place in his heart. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 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.
