Economy
PM Hasina seeks robust Japanese investment in BD
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Dec 11, 2022) urged Japanese businessmen to make larger investments in Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh is a lucrative place for investment. Japanese private companies can invest in Bangladesh on larger scale,” she said.
The prime minister said this while outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh ITO Naoki paid a courtesy call to her at the official Ganabhaban residence here.
The Japanese envoy highly appreciated the socioeconomic advancement of Bangladesh under the dynamic and visionary leadership of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, hoping that the development would be continued in the days ahead.
“Peace, discipline, stability and democratic process alongside the socio-economic development in Bangladesh will be continued under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he hoped.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon briefed the newsmen after the meeting.
The prime minister hoped that the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Japan would be enhanced further.
She appreciated Japan’s support in implementing mega projects of Bangladesh such as Matharbari Deep Seaport, third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Dhaka Metro rail.
The premier has sought continuous support from Japan in Bangladesh’s development while the Japanese envoy assured of always staying beside Bangladesh in its development efforts.
Sheikh Hasina has also sought Japanese cooperation in developing a dedicated tourist place for foreigners in Bangladesh.
The Japanese envoy described it as good initiative and expressed eagerness to cooperate.
During the meeting, they also talked about Rohingya issues and said the forcibly displaced Rohingyas have become huge burden for Bangladesh and they should return to their country.
The prime minister appreciated Japanese cooperation in developing the Bhashanchar for relocating the Rohingyas.
She greeted the Japanese envoy for the successful completion of his tenure in Bangladesh and his role in enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries.
The Japanese envoy said the foundation of relationship between Bangladesh and Japan had been laid through Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s visit in 1973.
PM’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah was present.
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.
