Economy
PM Calls for Global Collaboration in Achieving Public Health Goals
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on the international community to work together in achieving public health goals, with a focus on supporting countries with limited resources to better manage health risks. Speaking at the International Conference on Public Health and Diplomacy, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for strong commitment and diplomatic efforts from all countries to address global health challenges.
PM Hasina highlighted Bangladesh’s past success in protecting public health and dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of ensuring everyone’s safety. She expressed the country’s willingness to play a leading role in this global effort.
The Prime Minister made several recommendations for regional cooperation, including enhancing preparedness and harmonized response to future health emergencies, collaborating on preventing communicable diseases, mainstreaming mental health in national health systems, addressing public health hazards like drowning and accidents, mobilizing resources for medical education and research, and prioritizing the health of mothers, children, and adolescents to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
PM Hasina emphasized the crucial role of global health governance, with the World Health Organization (WHO) at its center, in serving humanity in the coming years. She encouraged sharing experiences and supporting each other to achieve these goals.
The International Conference on Public Health and Diplomacy, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in cooperation with WHO, featured the participation of ministers and senior officials from WHO Southeast Asia Region member states.
Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen and Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque were among the speakers at the conference, along with representatives from other countries. The conference aimed to promote collaboration and exchange of good practices in public health and diplomacy to advance global health goals.
The event provided a platform for dialogue and cooperation among countries in the region, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in ensuring the well-being of populations and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 related to good health and well-being.
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.
