Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina Calls for OIC Unity on Gaza Peace in Economic Diplomacy
On Tuesday (December 19), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need for unity among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states to establish peace in Gaza. The statement was made during a courtesy call by Qatar’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Seraya Ali Mahdi Saeed Al-Qahtani, at the official residence Ganabhaban.
According to PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim, the discussion primarily focused on the Gaza issue. Prime Minister Hasina stressed the importance of collective efforts by OIC member countries to bring about peace in Gaza.
During the meeting, Ambassador Al-Qahtani handed over an invitation letter to Prime Minister Hasina, inviting her to attend the 8th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) scheduled for March 4-6, 2024, in Qatar. Prime Minister Hasina expressed her intention to join the exhibition if she wins the upcoming national election on January 7.
Addressing the Gaza issue, Ambassador Al-Qahtani mentioned that Qatar had diverted its national day celebration budget of US$50 million to support the people of Gaza. In response, Prime Minister Hasina noted that Bangladesh had also sent relief items, including dry foods and clothes, for the Palestinians. She highlighted that Palestinian physicians who graduated from Bangladesh had received security training and were now contributing to healthcare in Palestine.
The Qatar ambassador pointed out that Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based media network, is broadcasting news on the Gaza issue, providing global awareness of the situation. Prime Minister Hasina expressed expectations for the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, to visit Bangladesh in 2024.
The Emir of Qatar had accepted an invitation to visit Bangladesh in May 2020. Prime Minister Hasina extended her gratitude to Qatar for its initiatives concerning the Gaza issue. Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M. Tofazzel Hossain Miah were also present during the meeting.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 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.
