Economy
Bangladesh officially submits Instrument of Accession to ICPPED to UN
The Instrument of Accession to the International Convention for Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) has been officially deposited to the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), who is the depository of all multilateral treaties.
Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Muhammad A Muhith handed over the copy of the instrument to the Chief of the Treaty Section David K Nanopoulos, who received the copy on behalf of the Secretary General on Friday, according to a message received here today.
During the hand-over ceremony, Muhith stated that Bangladesh interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is deeply committed to upholding all human rights and fundamental freedoms for our people.
“The Government’s commitment is aptly demonstrated in the fact that, within 20 days of installation, the government completed all internal procedures for accession to this important human rights treaty,” he said.
The permanent representative noted that the Instrument has been deposited on a very special day, on 30th August which is observed globally as the International Day for Victims of Enforced Disappearance.
“Our action today manifests our solidarity to the countless victims who have been subjected to such heinous crimes and their families,” Muhith added.
Nanopoulos congratulated Bangladesh on this historic occasion and appreciated the commitment of Bangladesh to the multilateral treaty framework.
He informed that the United Nations will immediately issue all necessary notifications on Bangladesh’s accession to the International Convention for Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
With the handover of the Instrument of Accession, Bangladesh has now completed all procedures for becoming the 76th party to International Convention for Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
According to the provision of the Convention, it will enter into force for Bangladesh on 29 September 2024, on the thirtieth day after the date of the deposit of the instrument of accession.
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.
