Economy
Dhaka’s interest to join BRICS: Beijing assures its support
Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong has appreciated Bangladesh’s interest in joining BRICS and assured of China’s active support.
During the 13th round of bilateral political consultations between Bangladesh and China held in Beijing on 3 June, both parties agreed to work jointly for the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China next month.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladesh delegation, while the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong led the Chinese side.
The Bangladesh delegation comprised of Ambassador of Bangladesh to China Jashim Uddin, Additional Secretary of ERD Anwar Hossain and officials from the Foreign Ministry and Bangladesh Embassy in China.
Officials from the Foreign Ministry of China were present on the other side.
The consultations focused on consolidating bilateral relations, enhancing economic ties, promoting trade and investment and exploring opportunities for cooperation in a multilateral platform, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Chinese vice minister underscored the importance of high-level exchanges and people-to-people connectivity.
He conveyed China’s willingness to work together to import mangoes and other agricultural products from Bangladesh and to assist the youth in their skill development. The Chinese side assured that it would expedite the repatriation of the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.
Weidong mentioned that the two countries’ embassies in Dhaka and Beijing may work together to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Masud mentioned that Bangladesh attaches significant importance to its relations with China, which are based on shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations.
He recalled the visit of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to China in 1952 and 1957 and expected the book “The New China as I saw” to be published in Chinese before the upcoming VVIP visit.
The foreign secretary highlighted President Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh in 2016, which elevated the relationship to “Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.”
Bangladesh’s foreign secretary thanked China for their support in infrastructural development, which includes several mega projects.
He explained Bangladesh’s growing economy and sought China’s support to facilitate the existing structure of Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) access to Bangladeshi products in China.
Masud emphasised global cooperation to overcome challenges like pandemics, climate change, etc.
He expressed expectations for China’s continued support for the safe and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh to their homeland.
Chinese Vice Minister Weidong welcomed the Bangladeshi delegation and expressed his deepest sympathy for the damage caused by the recent cyclone “Remal.”
He congratulated the prime minister of Bangladesh on her re-election in the national election on 7 January and hoped that under her capable leadership, the Bengali nation would fulfil the dream of “Sonar Bangla.”
He recalled the Bangladesh prime minister’s visits to China since 2010 and her discussion with the Chinese president during last year’s BRICS summit.
The two sides agreed to hold the next bilateral political consultations between the two foreign ministries next year in Dhaka.
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.
