Economy
Jashim Uddin Appointed as New SAARC Chamber President
Jashim Uddin, the current President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), has been elected as the new President of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation – SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
The SCCI serves as the apex trade body for the South Asian region. Jashim Uddin will assume the presidency for the term of 2023-2024, succeeding Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ali Malik, who held the position from June 2020 to May 2023. The official handover ceremony is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, as announced in a press release.
Traditionally, the President of the SCCI is elected from the eight SAARC member countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, every two years. Jashim Uddin will join the ranks of the previous two Bangladeshi Presidents, Salman F Rahman (1996-1997) and Anisul Huq (2010-2011).
Born on January 1, 1965, in Sonaimury, Noakhali, Bangladesh, Jashim Uddin hails from a respected business family. He obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Dhaka in 1986. Following his graduation, Uddin embarked on his professional journey by becoming a Director at the Board of Bengal Group of Industries in 1983. The Bengal Group is a diversified conglomerate involved in various sectors such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
Currently, Jashim Uddin holds prominent positions in several organizations. He serves as the Chairman of Bengal Commercial Bank Limited and Desh General Insurance Limited. Additionally, he holds the Vice-Chairman role on the Board of Directors of the Bengal Group of Industries and Bengal Media Corporation (RTV). Jashim Uddin’s leadership is widely recognized within the business community of Bangladesh, where he also holds the presidency of the FBCCI, the country’s apex trade body. Moreover, he leads the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
Jashim Uddin’s contributions to the business community and the economy of Bangladesh have garnered numerous accolades and awards. His outstanding achievements include being honored as a Commercially Important Person (CIP) and receiving the Best Enterprise Award multiple times. Notably, he has been awarded the “Prime Minister’s National Export Trophy-Gold” on several occasions for his valuable contributions to the country’s economy. Jashim Uddin has also been the recipient of the “President Industrial Development Award-2009” and the “Best Enterprise Award-2007.”
With his extensive experience and expertise, Jashim Uddin is poised to lead the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and further promote regional cooperation and economic development among the South Asian nations.
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.
