Economy
Charles III Crowned at Westminster Abbey in Ancient Rite
King Charles III was officially crowned on Saturday in a time-honored ceremony held at Westminster Abbey, where he received the majestic St. Edward’s Crown.
This significant event took place amidst efforts by the monarchy to maintain relevance in a modern and divided Britain. With over 2,000 guests, including world leaders, aristocrats, and celebrities, the atmosphere inside the medieval abbey was filled with fanfare, as trumpets resounded and the congregation enthusiastically exclaimed, “God save the king!” Meanwhile, outside the abbey, thousands of troops, numerous spectators, and a handful of protesters gathered, creating a vibrant backdrop. For Charles, this momentous occasion marked the culmination of a journey spanning seven decades from heir to monarch.
Both the royal family and the government regarded the coronation, code-named Operation Golden Orb, as an extraordinary display of heritage, tradition, and spectacle that is unparalleled globally. The ceremony was expected to be watched by millions, yet the awe and reverence it once evoked have diminished over time, leading some to greet the day with indifference. In fact, a group of Republican protesters gathered outside, shouting “Not my king,” expressing their disdain for an institution they perceive as representing privilege and inequality in a nation grappling with deepening poverty and social fragmentation. A few individuals were even arrested.
Despite this backdrop, thousands of people from across the United Kingdom and around the world eagerly awaited the king’s arrival at Westminster Abbey. They had camped overnight along the 1.3-mile route that Charles and his wife, Camilla, traversed in a grand horse-drawn carriage adorned with gilt trim. The church itself buzzed with excitement, adorned with fragrant flowers and vibrant hats, as international dignitaries and nobles joined the congregation. Notable figures in attendance included U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, eight current and former British prime ministers, and renowned celebrities like Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, and Lionel Richie.
The traditional Anglican service, slightly modified to reflect modern times, commenced with Charles, attired in crimson and cream robes, solemnly swearing on a Bible as a “true Protestant.” However, a preface was added to the coronation oath, affirming the Church of England’s commitment to fostering an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs can live freely. Notably, the epistle from the King James Bible was read by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Britain’s first Hindu leader. A gospel choir delivered a newly composed “Alleluia,” and for the first time in history, female clergy participated in the ceremony. Additionally, representatives from Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths were included.
In a captivating display of royal authority rooted in antiquity, Charles received anointing with oil from the Mount of Olives in the Holy Land, along with the presentation of an orb, swords, and scepters. Finally, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed the solid gold crown, adorned with over 400 precious stones, atop the monarch’s head, accompanied by resounding trumpets and nationwide gun salutes.
For over a millennium, British monarchs have been crowned in grandiose ceremonies, symbolizing their legitimate right to rule. Charles becomes the 40th sovereign to be crowned in Westminster Abbey, and at the age of 74, he is the oldest monarch to ascend the throne. In contemporary times, the king no longer holds executive or political power, rendering the ceremony purely ceremonial. Charles automatically became king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September. Nevertheless, the king retains his role as the United Kingdom’s head of state, representing national identity. In an era when support for the monarchy is waning, particularly among younger generations.
Nonetheless, Charles has endeavored to lead a more streamlined and cost-effective monarchy for the 21st century. His coronation was comparatively shorter than Elizabeth’s three-hour ceremony, featuring fewer guests and a condensed procession. Nevertheless, attendees were treated to a visual spectacle that included judges donning wigs, soldiers adorned with gleaming medals on their red tunics, members of the House of Lords, international royalty, heads of state, public servants, key workers, and local heroes.
In a noteworthy display of unity, the famously feuding royal family presented a show of solidarity. Prince William, the heir to the throne, attended alongside his wife, Kate, and their three children. Prince Harry, William’s younger brother who has publicly clashed with the family, arrived unaccompanied, while his wife Meghan and their children remained in California.
Towards the conclusion of the ceremony, Prince William knelt before his father, King Charles III, pledging loyalty and affection by kissing him on the cheek. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby then invited everyone present in the abbey to pledge “true allegiance” to the monarch. While this moment was also extended to the television audience, it was toned down after facing criticism for being perceived as a somewhat insensitive request for a public oath of allegiance to Charles.
The contemporary audience differs significantly from those who witnessed Elizabeth’s coronation. Today, nearly 20% of the population comprises ethnic minority groups, a significant increase compared to less than 1% in the 1950s. The presence of over 300 languages spoken in British schools and less than half the population identifying as Christian further exemplifies the diverse composition of the country. Nonetheless, people from around the world and across Britain flocked to the occasion, driven by a desire to be part of this historic event.
Jill Coughlin, a devoted royal supporter from Essex, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s a joyous experience to be surrounded by love and witness the ascension of our King Charles. He represents stability and continuity for us, building upon the legacy of our beloved queen. It’s a truly wonderful moment for all of us.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (25 April) called for speaking out against all forms of aggression and atrocities, and say ‘no’ to wars.
“We must speak out against all forms of aggression and atrocities, and say ‘no’ to wars,” she said adding that Bangladesh supports the UN Secretary General’s ‘New Agenda for Peace.
The prime minister was addressing the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) held at the ESCAP Hall (2nd floor), United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) here.
She arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday on a six-day official visit to Thailand.
The PM said the pre-condition for sustainable development is lasting peace and security.
“We must settle regional disputes and tension through dialogue. Our mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain paramount,” she said.
Hasina called upon the Asia-Pacific region, especially ASEAN, to redouble their efforts to end Rohingya crisis as all efforts at regional connectivity, integration, and prosperity will continue to be marked by a missing puzzle without it.
“The origin of their crisis has been in Myanmar, and its solution also lies in Myanmar,” she declared.
“As long as that solution remains out of reach, all our efforts at regional connectivity, integration, and prosperity will continue to be marked by a missing puzzle. Let us redouble our efforts to put that puzzle back in place,” she said.
She said that in August 2017, when thousands of Rohingya men, women, and children from Myanmar fled to Bangladesh, Bangladesh offered them temporary shelter.
“With an ever growing population, this has now become one of the largest humanitarian situations in the world,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that In the backdrop of ongoing armed conflicts in Myanmar, the Rohingya repatriation process is also getting delayed.
“This is creating serious security risks within and beyond our territories,” she said.
She called upon the Asia-Pacific region, especially ASEAN, to play a proactive role in resolving the volatile situation in Myanmar.
“We must ensure that the Rohingya can go back home in safety and dignity at the earliest possible,” she said.
The prime minister said that the Asia-Pacific region must stand united against its common enemies of poverty and hunger.
She said Bangladesh has reduced poverty from 41.51 percent to 18.7 percent between 2006 and 2022.
It also reduced extreme poverty from 25.1 to 5.6 percent during the same period.
“We remain confident about eradicating extreme poverty by 2030,” she said.
She mentioned that Bangladesh has made notable progress on food security, with focused interventions on maternal and child nutrition.
“Our current priority is to address inequalities through income distribution, asset ownership, and social protection,” she said.
The prime minister said that Asia-Pacific region must put up a united front in tackling the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and transboundary pollution.
“We need to push for ambitious climate financing goals beyond 2025 at COP-29. We need to cooperate on cross-border water management and air quality improvement. We must all prepare for growing extreme weather events,” she said.
In this connection, she suggested looking into Bangladesh’s experience in disaster risk reduction.
“We appreciate UN-ESCAP’s support in improving our early warning capabilities,” she added.
Briefly describing various development programmes and achievements of her govebrment, the prime minister said that much of the development gains are affected by climate impacts.
“As a low-lying delta, Bangladesh has no option but to invest heavily in climate resilience,” she said.
She mentioned that Bangladesh is already recognised as a global leader in climate adaptation.
“We are happy to share our traditional and innovative solutions with other vulnerable countries,” she said.
She said that Bangladesh has urged developed and emerging economies in the region to raise their time-bound emission reduction targets.
“For economies in transition, it is important to have a just energy transition.”
In Bangladesh, she said, “we are working on long-term energy security with a sound mix of clean and renewable energy.”
“We shall continue to do our part in pursuing a circular and low-carbon economic growth pathway.”
She underscored the need for increased and easy access to financing and technology from both the public and private sectors.
“I invite UN-ESCAP to help build the capacity of climate-vulnerable countries to mobilise adequate international climate financing.”
PM Hasina said that Bangladesh now provides critical links to the Trans-Asian Highway and Railway networks.
“Our physical and digital infrastructures are being developed to foster regional trade and connectivity.”
She said Bangladesh offers access to the Bay of Bengal for land-locked territories in its neighbourhood.
“We stand ready to work together with all regional partners through mutual understanding and cooperation,” said the prime minister.
Bangladesh and Qatar signed 10 cooperation documents on Tuesday, including five agreements and five MoUs, aimed at strengthening ties and elevating relations to new heights.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of the documents.
The five agreements cover cooperation in the legal field, promotion and protection of mutual investments, avoidance of double taxation, maritime transport, and the establishment of a Joint Business Council (JBC) between FBCCI & QCCI.
The five MoUs include cooperation in sports and youth, manpower employment (Labour), diplomatic training, education, higher education, scientific research, and between Qatar Ports management Company “MAWANI QATAR” and Chittagong Ports Authority.
Earlier in the morning, PM Hasina warmly welcomed and received Emir Sheikh Tamim at her office.
They had a tête-à-tête meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, followed by a bilateral meeting.
After signing the visitors’ book, the emir headed for Bangabhaban where the president received him.
A high-level Qatari delegation led by Qatar’s emir is on a state visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of the president and the prime minister.
During the ceremony, a road and a park in Dhaka were named after Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
The park, constructed in Kalshi area of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation, and the road from Mirpur ECB point to Kalsi Fly Over were named after Emir of Qatar.
Now, the road and park are known as Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Avenue and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Park.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) is urging for greater involvement of marginal, small, and medium enterprises in international trade fairs. This initiative aims to spotlight Bangladesh’s promising products on the global market.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam made the call during the first meeting of the organisation’s Standing Committee on National and International Trade Fairs and Foreign Delegations. He emphasised the need to provide marginal, small, and medium enterprises with the space and resources to effectively display their products at these events.
“The participation of marginal, small, and medium enterprises is crucial at both national and international levels,” Mahbubul Alam said. “This will allow us to export Bangladesh’s promising products and open new markets.”
The FBCCI president informed that his organisation is actively discussing and collaborating with the government to make this a reality. He also proposed organising roadshows in neighbouring countries and Europe to revive the country’s handicraft industry and increase export opportunities for these products.
Standing Committee Chairman Nuruzzaman echoed Mahbubul Alam’s sentiments, highlighting Bangladesh’s vast potential and young population. “We need to move beyond the garment sector and focus on product diversification and market creation,” Nuruzzaman said.
Achieving this, he acknowledged, will require close collaboration with the Export Promotion Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.
FBCCI Senior Vice President Md Amin Helaly pledged the organisation’s support in facilitating increased exports through participation in foreign trade fairs. He stressed, however, the importance of raising awareness among Bangladeshis about the country’s diverse and promising products.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion where participants expressed keen interest in organising and participating in various sectoral fairs, both domestically and internationally, under the FBCCI’s umbrella.
