Economy
Bangladesh to sign deal for power import from Nepal soon: adviser
Bangladesh is poised to sign the tripartite agreement with Nepal and India soon to import hydropower from Nepal via Indian transmission lines, according to Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Md Fouzul Kabir Khan.
“A delegation of the interim government will visit Nepal soon to sign the agreement for import and export of power,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a reception programme marking Nepal’s National and Constitution Day at a city hotel on Friday evening.
Bangladesh, Nepal and India recently agreed to sign an agreement to import 40MW of electricity from Nepal via India six years after they reached an understanding on energy cooperation, according to the official source.
At the reception, hosted by Nepal Embassy in Dhaka, the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser expressed satisfaction over the growing engagements between Bangladesh and Nepal.
Commending the friendship and cooperation of Nepal and Nepali people, he underscored the need to accelerate bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, energy, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts, among others.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari highlighted that the day marked the historic promulgation of a democratic and inclusive Constitution in 2015.
“The day reminds us of the Nepali spirit of patriotism, democracy, and diversity, and is a testimony to the Nepali people’s ability to resolve their political issues and differences on their own,” he said.
He said as Bangladesh is passing through a transition period, Nepal is committed to stand by the interim government and its people with solidarity to provide all support and cooperation.
The envoy also mentioned that a tripartite deal on the export of 40 MW electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian transmission line is expected to be concluded sometime soon.
Shedding light on the relationship between Nepal and Bangladesh, he emphasized the need to leverage the transformative power of solidarity and cooperation to boost connectivity and propel economic development and prosperity for the mutual benefit of the peoples of both countries.
A cultural programme showcasing Nepali folk-dance performances was held in the second half of the event.
The event was attended by political leaders of Bangladesh, high-level government officials, ambassadors, heads of missions and diplomats, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, media personnel, and members of the Nepali community living in Bangladesh.
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.
