Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina, Modi agree to strengthen Dhaka-Delhi relationship further
During a recent bilateral meeting, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, expressed their satisfaction with the deep relationship between their countries and committed to further strengthening it. Both leaders emphasized the importance of resolving outstanding issues through amicable discussions.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Hasina for her role in maintaining peace in India’s North Eastern region. They discussed various areas of bilateral interest, including socio-economic progress in Bangladesh, and Prime Minister Hasina requested uninterrupted essential commodity supplies from India. Both leaders pledged to enhance bilateral and regional connectivity, including rail and road links. Sheikh Hasina also sought Narendra Modi’s cooperation for the speedy repatriation of Rohingya people.
The meeting was described as fruitful and held in a cordial atmosphere, with both leaders discussing vital bilateral issues. Prime Minister Hasina acknowledged India’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 and expressed gratitude for the invitation to the G20 Leaders’ Summit. They also discussed global issues, including the well-being of underdeveloped regions.
Prime Minister Modi later shared the positive outcome of the meeting on social media, highlighting progress in India-Bangladesh relations. The Indian Prime Minister’s Office reiterated their commitment to diversifying bilateral cooperation, focusing on connectivity, culture, and people-to-people ties.
In the upcoming G20 Summit, Sheikh Hasina will participate in various sessions under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” She will address challenges such as climate change, post-pandemic economic recovery, and disruptions in the global supply chain. Bangladesh’s remarkable socio-economic achievements under the current government will also be highlighted to world leaders.
India, in its G20 presidency term, has invited nine countries, including Bangladesh, to attend the summit. The G20 Leaders’ Declaration will express leaders’ commitment to discussed priorities and global economic issues. The G20 serves as a crucial forum for international economic cooperation, with its members representing a significant portion of global GDP, trade, and population.
In attendance at the media briefing were State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, and Prime Minister Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.
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.
