Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina to depart for Doha to attend Qatar Economic Forum 2023
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to embark on a 3-day official visit to Doha, Qatar, to attend the highly anticipated Qatar Economic Forum 2023, taking place from May 23 to 25.
Accompanied by her entourage, the premier will depart from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:00 pm on Monday aboard a VVIP flight provided by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The flight is scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport in Doha at 6:00 pm local time (9:00 pm Bangladesh Time). The Prime Minister has been invited to the Forum, titled “3rd Qatar Economic Forum: A New Global Growth Story,” by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Qatar Economic Forum stands as the prominent voice in the Middle East, devoted to global business and investment. It aims to foster increased cooperation among the international community in addressing the multifaceted challenges and crises affecting the world, along with the adverse economic ramifications that have arisen as a result. The Forum seeks to find comprehensive solutions through productive discussions.
On May 23, PM Sheikh Hasina will partake in the opening session of the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum. Sheikh Hasina will also deliver an address to the students of Qatar University in Doha, while separately holding meetings with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid A. Al-Falih.
Continuing her engagement on May 24, the Prime Minister will join the Forum’s proceedings and engage in a meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Amiri Diwan. Additionally, she will visit the Awsaj Academy, a specialized school in Doha.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to return to Bangladesh in the morning of May 25, having concluded her visit to Doha the previous night.
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.
