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.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) today predicted the likelihood of light to moderate rain in various regions of the country.

According to the forecast, “light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds are likely to occur at most places in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, at a few locations in Dhaka division, and in one or two places across Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions.”

The met office also indicated that moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in several parts of Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, based on the forecast valid for the next 24 hours from 9 am today.

The axis of the monsoon trough extends from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal to Assam, crossing the central part of Bangladesh. An associated trough reaches up to the North Bay.

The monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderately active over the North Bay.

No significant changes in day and night temperatures are expected across the country.

On Saturday, Jashore recorded the highest temperature at 34.8°C, while Tetulia had the lowest temperature today at 22.4°C.

Netrokona registered the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours, recording 37 millimeters (mm) of rain as of 6 am today.

In Dhaka, the sun is set to set at 5:48 PM today and rise at 5:50 AM tomorrow.