Economy
Prof. Yunus Returns to Dhaka After Groundbreaking UNGA Address
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived back in Dhaka early this morning (September 29), following a highly productive trip that featured numerous high-level meetings with global leaders.
Prof. Yunus and his delegation touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:32 am aboard a Qatar Airways commercial flight, marking the end of a significant visit to New York. His Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, confirmed the details to UNB.
During his four-day stay in New York, Prof. Yunus actively participated in more than 40 key events on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Alam highlighted that on September 26 alone, Yunus attended 16 major events and held discussions with at least 12 world leaders, including US President Joe Biden.
Prof. Yunus used the platform of the 79th session of the UNGA to urge the global community to engage with the “new Bangladesh,” which is committed to realizing freedom and democracy for all its citizens.
In his first address to the UNGA since assuming leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government after a student-led uprising last month, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate delivered a powerful message in Bangla. He emphasized that the youth of Bangladesh have demonstrated that the pursuit of freedom, dignity, and equality must not remain mere aspirations but are fundamental rights that everyone deserves.
Prof. Yunus invited nations worldwide to deepen their ties with Bangladesh in its ongoing journey toward democracy, rule of law, equality, and prosperity. His speech, according to his Press Secretary, was “epoch-making,” addressing not only national issues but also broader global and regional concerns.
Earlier, on the night of September 23 (New York time), Chief Adviser Yunus arrived in New York to attend the 79th UNGA, where he engaged in a series of high-profile meetings, including one with US President Joe Biden.
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.
