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.
The newest tranche of US funding will assist Bangladesh towards a more inclusive, equitable and democratic course for its people, the US Embassy in Dhaka said today (16 September).
According to the embassy, from 2021-2026, USAID has committed nearly $1 billion to help improve the lives of the Bangladeshi people.
During the US delegation’s visit yesterday (15 September), USAID signed a development agreement worth over $200 million with the interim government to support Bangladesh in advancing development, strengthening governance, expanding trade, and creating greater opportunities for the Bangladeshis to build a brighter and more prosperous future.
The officials discussed ways to support inclusive economic opportunities for the people of Bangladesh, ensure financial stability, and strengthen democratic governance.
The US interagency delegation held meetings with key advisers for the Bangladesh interim government, including Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, and Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed yesterday.
The US delegation included Department of Treasury Assistant Secretary Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Änjali Kaur, and Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch.
Bangladeshi landowners are set to regain around 200 acres of land that had shifted into Indian territory due to the erosion of the Padma River along the Daulatpur border in Kushtia. This decision followed a joint agreement reached during a meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday.
The land in question, situated in the Challishpara area of Ramkrishnapur union, became disputed due to the shifting course of the Padma River and natural disasters, which disrupted boundary markers over a three-kilometer stretch. The issue was first identified in a survey earlier this year.
Lieutenant Colonel M Mahbub Murshed Rahman, commander of BGB’s 47th Battalion, confirmed the decision to resurvey the area and return the land to its rightful owners. A survey on February 10 revealed that approximately 200 acres of Bangladeshi land had ended up inside Indian territory, while 40 acres of Indian land were found in Bangladesh.
Both countries plan to officially correct the boundaries in October, following the resurvey. Sunday’s meeting, held at the Jamalpur Border Outpost, also addressed broader issues like preventing border killings and tackling drug trafficking.
Lt Col Rahman stressed that no one will be allowed to use the disputed land until the resurvey is complete. He also expressed Bangladesh’s strong opposition to recent border killings, urging the BSF to prevent the detention of innocent citizens and curb illegal cross-border activities, especially ahead of Durga Puja.
The holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi, commemorating the birth and demise of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), is being observed across Bangladesh today with profound religious reverence. The observance was confirmed during the National Moon Sighting Committee’s meeting on September 4, held at the Islamic Foundation’s Conference Room in Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Md Abdul Hamid Jamaddar, as announced in a press release.
The committee confirmed that the moon of Rabiul Awal 1446 Hijri was sighted in the sky of Bangladesh on September 4, marking the beginning of the holy month of Rabiul Awal from September 5 (Thursday).
On this day in 570, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, bringing divine blessings and messages of peace to humanity. He passed away on the same date, 12th Rabiul Awal, of the Hijri calendar.
In honor of the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and the Chief Adviser to the interim government, Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, issued separate messages, extending greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims worldwide.
To mark the day, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar are airing special programmes, while various national newspapers have published supplements underscoring the significance of the event. The day is also observed as a public holiday throughout the country.
