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.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
