Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina Seeks Increased Investments from Netherlands, UK, and Azerbaijan
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina actively pursued enhanced economic cooperation during separate bilateral meetings with Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, UK Secretary of the State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. These discussions took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2024.
Highlighting the Netherlands as a significant development partner, Prime Minister Hasina urged increased investments, citing their pivotal role in implementing Bangladesh’s Delta Plan 2100 and contributing to dredging efforts. She expressed gratitude for the Netherlands’ substantial role in Bangladesh’s development.
In the meeting with the UK delegation, Prime Minister Hasina called for larger investments in Bangladesh, acknowledging the UK as a major development partner. Bilateral relations were discussed, and the UK Foreign Minister was invited to visit Bangladesh.
Azerbaijan’s President and Prime Minister Hasina discussed potential investments across various sectors in Bangladesh. The President proposed the formation of a joint working group to elevate existing bilateral relations, emphasizing its establishment before the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan this November.
Aside from economic matters, the leaders addressed global concerns, including the Russia-Ukraine War and the situation in Gaza. The need for collective efforts to end conflicts was emphasized.
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud briefed reporters on these significant discussions, underlining the importance of strengthening ties and fostering economic collaborations.
As Prime Minister Hasina concludes her participation in the Munich Security Conference, the outcomes of these meetings are poised to contribute to Bangladesh’s economic growth and strengthen diplomatic relations.
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.
