Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina to Attend Business Conference on July 15
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the country’s apex trade body, is set to host a conference focused on the private sector’s role in building a ‘Smart Bangladesh’.
The event, named “Business Conference on Building Smart Bangladesh”, will take place on July 15 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the capital. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend the program as the chief guest.
In a preparatory meeting held on Sunday at a city hotel, the heads of member bodies from all chambers and associations affiliated with FBCCI gathered, as stated in an FBCCI press release. During the meeting, FBCCI President Md. Jashim Uddin emphasized the private sector’s contribution to the economic progress of Bangladesh. He highlighted that approximately 82% of the country’s business originates from the private sector. The discussions with the Prime Minister will revolve around the private sector’s role in building a ‘Smart Bangladesh’, he added.
President Jashim also mentioned that the “Bangladesh Business Summit-2023” aimed to showcase the country’s trade and investment potential to the world. FBCCI is preparing to publish a book documenting the achievements of the summit, which will be presented to the Prime Minister during the business conference. The book will feature expert opinions from summit participants, as well as the recommendations and policies discussed during the event.
Jashim further stated that FBCCI plans to distribute the book to relevant ministries of the government at a later stage. The meeting was attended by FBCCI senior vice-president Mostofa Azad Chaudhury Babu, former senior vice-presidents Mohammad Ali and Monowara Hakim Ali, vice-presidents MA Momen, Aminul Haque Shamim, Amin Helaly, Habib Ullah Dawn, MA Razzak Khan, President of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Naser Ezaz Bijoy, President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Sameer Sattar, President of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association Helal Uddin, and chief members of FBCCI-affiliated chambers and associations.
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.
