Economy
PM Offers Use of Payra Port to Nepal, Vows to Boost Regional Connectivity
In a bilateral meeting held at the newly inaugurated Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room in the FAO Headquarters during the UN Food Systems Summit in Rome, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended a generous offer to her Nepalese counterpart, Pushpa Kamal Dahal. During the meeting, which took place on Monday (July 24), PM Hasina expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to allow Nepal access to its recently constructed Payra port, in addition to the already available Chalna and Chittagong ports. Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen confirmed the offer while addressing the press.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to regional development, PM Hasina emphasized the ongoing efforts to transform the Sayedpur airport into a pivotal regional hub, aimed at enhancing connectivity within the region. In response, the Nepalese premier commended the remarkable progress achieved by Bangladesh under PM Hasina’s successful leadership, acknowledging her as a prominent figure in the region.
Discussions also revolved around Nepal’s vast potential for hydroelectricity generation, a subject that deeply interests both nations. PM Hasina assured Nepal of Bangladesh’s intention to import renewable energy, particularly hydroelectricity, following the upcoming trilateral power trade involving Nepal, Bangladesh, and India, which is set to begin with a 40MW power transfer.
Touching upon the educational aspect of their bilateral relations, PM Dahal praised the significant number of Nepalese students pursuing their studies in Bangladesh, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
The meeting exemplified the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Nepal to foster mutual growth and cooperation, laying the groundwork for a prosperous and interconnected region. With the offer of Payra port usage, Bangladesh seeks to bolster trade and transportation links, fostering stronger ties with its neighboring nation. As both leaders continue to engage in constructive dialogues, their efforts are poised to elevate the region’s economic prospects and facilitate a brighter future for their people.
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.
