Economy
US Delegation Meets CA Yunus to Discuss Economic Growth, Bilateral Relations
A US delegation, visiting Bangladesh today (15 September), met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guesthouse Jamuna, engaging in discussions on a range of mutual interests. According to the US Embassy in Dhaka, the meeting underscored the United States’ commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, institution building, and development to benefit the people of Bangladesh.
“As Bangladesh strives for a more equitable and inclusive future, the US stands ready to support these efforts,” the Embassy noted after the event.
The US delegation included Donald Lu, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, who arrived in Dhaka following his India tour. He participated in this morning’s meeting alongside other key US and Bangladeshi officials.
Bangladesh’s interim government expressed optimism about holding “multi-dimensional” discussions with the visiting delegation.
Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury, was part of the interagency delegation engaged in discussions with the Bangladeshi interim government. Lutfey Siddiqui, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs, also joined the meeting.
The US delegation later met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the state guesthouse Padma.
Assistant United States Trade Representative Brandon Lynch, also part of the multi-agency US team, held talks focused on bilateral relations between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin hosted a working lunch at the Padma State Guesthouse, where discussions delved into how the United States can contribute to Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability, and development needs.
This delegation marks the first US visit to Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Yunus on August 8. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin emphasized that the arrival of this delegation highlights the significance the United States places on its relationship with Bangladesh, with discussions expected to cover a wide array of topics, not just economic cooperation.
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.
