Economy
PM: Bangladesh to Review Maersk’s Chattogram Terminal Proposal
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has announced that the nation’s relevant authorities will evaluate a proposal put forth by the Danish shipping and logistics giant, Maersk Group. The proposal pertains to the construction and operation of a novel container terminal at Laldia in Chattogram.
During a meeting at her office with Robert Maersk Uggla, the CEO of Maersk Group, and Danish Charges D’Affaires in Bangladesh, Andres B Karlsen, Prime Minister Hasina affirmed her government’s openness to considering the proposition. Highlighting the growing engagement between the two countries, PM noted that more than 50 Danish companies are currently active in Bangladesh.
Maersk Group’s interest in establishing and operating an APM terminal at Laldia was acknowledged by the premier, who conveyed her remarks through a media briefing held after the meeting. Sheikh Hasina also shared insights about the formulation of a logistic policy through a national committee to stimulate port development in the country.
With the Chattogram and Mongla ports already operational, and the forthcoming Payra Port’s imminent activation, Hasina highlighted the potential for India, Nepal, and Bhutan to utilize these ports for mutual benefits. Emphasizing the advantages, she pointed out the allure of the Payra port, which is expected to bring multiple opportunities.
Robert Maersk Uggla, the CEO of Maersk Group, acknowledged the immense potential within container shipping and logistic support in Bangladesh. He expressed enthusiasm for investing in port and logistic infrastructure, alluding to significant opportunities in these sectors. Notably, he underlined that renowned companies like H&M, M&S, and Walmart are keen on importing more Ready-Made Garment (RMG) products from Bangladesh.
Uggla also commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision to create a technologically advanced Bangladesh and foresees its manifestation at Chattogram seaport. He articulated the Group’s eagerness to engage in the development of ports and logistic support in Bangladesh, citing the supportive stance of the Danish government toward the nation’s logistic policy.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, and Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority, Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, were also present during the productive exchange of ideas. As Bangladesh’s leadership examines the proposal, the potential collaboration with Maersk Group marks a significant stride toward bolstering the nation’s maritime and logistic endeavors.
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.
