Economy
AL wins election through people’s vote, not by rigging
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) meeting held at Ganabhaban, emphasized that Awami League does not resort to vote rigging to secure victories in elections. Instead, she highlighted that the party earns the support of the people through their dedication to serving the masses and gaining their confidence and trust. The prime minister firmly stated that whenever Awami League faced defeat in an election, it was a result of conspiracies aimed at undermining their success.
Sheikh Hasina further emphasized that the people of the country consistently vote for Awami League whenever they are given the opportunity to express their choice freely. Referring to the 2008 election held under a caretaker government, she highlighted the victory of the grand alliance led by the Awami League, which defeated the 20-party alliance led by the BNP. She pointed out that BNP only secured 29 seats, along with one seat from a by-election, totaling 30 seats. This outcome, she emphasized, reflected the fact that the people did not cast their votes in favor of the BNP, which she referred to as a “terrorist party.”
The prime minister also mentioned that due to their poor performance in the 2008 election, BNP decided not to contest in the 2014 election, vowing to resist participating in the vote. Sheikh Hasina underscored that the Awami League government has fought tirelessly to ensure the voting rights of the people.
In her introductory speech, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Awami League’s commitment to democracy, public trust, and serving the nation’s best interests. She expressed confidence that the party’s dedication to the welfare of the masses would continue to earn them the support and confidence of the people in future elections.
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.
