Economy
PM urges to AL: Shun intra-party conflict to work for National Dev
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (19 April) asked her party members to shun intra-party conflict and work together for the development of the country and the welfare of the people.
“No grouping and intra-party rivalry shall be allowed in the area. Everyone has to work. I will give the nomination. Those who want to work in the area, must work together,” PM said.
PM Sheikh Hasina gave the instruction in a video call at the party’s joint meeting held at the political office of the Awami League President in Dhanmondi.
The Awami League president also directed the party leaders and activists to highlight the development activities of the government during the holy Eid-ul-Fitr vacation alongside looking after the beneficiaries of the government projects.
She said that various types of allowances are being provided to women, men, children and elderly persons through numerous schemes of the government.
In this connection, she asked the party men to check whether these allowances are being received directly by the beneficiaries.
According to sources at the meeting, PM Sheikh Hasina instructed the leaders and activists to stand by the helpless people on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to make the party more dynamic.
She urged all to highlight the development activities of the government ahead of the upcoming general elections.
She asked the AL members across the country to remain vigilant against arson attacks of BNP-Jamaat alongside making the people aware of such violence.
While talking to Awami League Publicity and Publication Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap over phone, she also asked the party leaders to plant trees for developing sound environment in the country.
Apart from giving instructions, she exchanged Eid greetings with AL leaders and activists and wished everyone a safe journey.
Prior, a joint meeting was held with Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.
AL presidium members and presidents-general secretaries of Dhaka City North and South units of AL and other allied organizations were present in the meeting.
Talking to journalist, AL Office Secretary Biplab Barua said that the PM asked all party members to raise public relations in view of the upcoming elections alongside exchanging Eid greetings.
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.
