Economy
PM reiterates commitment to hold free, fair, neutral election
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her commitment to holding a free, fair, and neutral election in the country, which is scheduled to take place either at the end of 2023 or early 2024.
During a meeting with the US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya, the prime minister expressed her party’s long-standing dedication to ensuring transparent elections and stated that they have previously conducted such elections. Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the importance of people’s rights to choose their representatives and highlighted the Awami League’s continuous fight for these rights. She also pointed out that it was the opposition party, BNP, that initially engaged in vote rigging, a situation that has been rectified by her government through the introduction of transparent ballot boxes for future polls. Furthermore, the prime minister recalled the atrocities and acts of terrorism carried out by BNP and its allies between 2013 and 2015, resulting in the loss of 500 lives. She also mentioned the August 21 Grenade attack, during which members of the Awami League shielded her from harm.
Uzra Zeya commended Prime Minister Hasina’s commitment to holding a neutral, free, and fair election and stated that her country had introduced a new visa policy to support this objective. She assured that there was no bias towards any political party and reiterated the desire for an impartial electoral process. The discussion also touched upon the Rohingya crisis, with Uzra Zeya emphasizing the need for coordinated international efforts to facilitate the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas back to their homeland in Myanmar. The US undersecretary praised Bangladesh for hosting a significant number of Rohingya refugees and announced a contribution of approximately $74 million for operational costs in the Rohingya camps. Sheikh Hasina expressed concerns about human trafficking and anti-social activities occurring within the camps, which pose security risks to the country. Labor issues were also addressed during the meeting, with Uzra Zeya stating that the US would collaborate with Bangladesh on labor reform initiatives. Prime Minister Hasina highlighted her personal efforts in encouraging industrial owners to improve wages and other facilities for workers.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Prime Minister’s Office Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mohammad Imran, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and US Ambassador Peter Haas.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 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.
