Economy
Direct Air Connectivity Strengthens Dhaka-Tokyo Strategic Partnership
Md. Mahbub Ali, the State Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, underscored the significance of establishing direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Tokyo, highlighting its potential to enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations. He emphasized that such connectivity would not only strengthen existing bilateral relations but also broaden their scope.
Speaking at the “Dhaka-Narita Inaugural Flight Ceremony” held at Hotel Welco Narita, the state minister commended the joint efforts of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Bangladesh’s MGH group in organizing the event. The ceremony marked the return of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ Dreamliner Boeing 787 Gangchil to Narita International Airport after a hiatus of 17 years, inaugurating the direct Dhaka-Narita route BG 0376.
Md. Mahbub Ali expressed the intention of Bangladesh and Japan to elevate their relations from a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’ to a ‘Strategic level’ in the near future. He noted that the introduction of nonstop air connectivity would facilitate increased opportunities for economic and technological cooperation, trade and investment, education, tourism, as well as cultural and sports activities between the two countries. He also highlighted the significance of this new Narita flight as a gift from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladeshi expatriates.
Highlighting the growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, the state minister encouraged investment in various sectors, including tourism.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan, Shahabuddin, emphasized the potential for substantial economic growth resulting from increased exchanges between the two countries. He expressed the embassy’s commitment to realizing the government’s plans and policies to strengthen socio-economic, commercial, trade, investment, and business ties in accordance with the new Japan-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership.
Shafiul Azim, Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh, expressed optimism about the profitability of the new route. Biman is actively promoting the Narita route with attractive packages, including enhanced baggage allowances, aiming to attract air travelers from Nepal, Bhutan, and the northeastern states of neighboring India.
The event also featured speeches by Mostafa Kamal, Chairman of the Biman Board of Directors, and Akihiko Tamura, President and CEO of Narita International Airport Corporation.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to operate three flights weekly on the Dhaka-Narita route, utilizing Dreamliner 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. Departures from Dhaka are scheduled for every Friday, Monday, and Wednesday, with returns from Narita on every Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
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.
