Bangladesh
UNGA’s annual debate ends with call for just and equitable system to overcome hurdles
The UN General Assembly’s annual debate has concluded with a call for a just and equitable multilateral system to overcome various global challenges, from the existential threat of climate change to the misuse of artificial intelligence.
Over the past week, the UN’s principal organ with universal membership heard Heads of States and Governments focused on restoring global trust and solidarity for crafting solutions to humanity's challenges.
In his concluding remarks, General Assembly President Dennis Francis on Tuesday stressed the need for unwavering dedication of the UN to bring peace, prosperity, and sustainability to the world.
Read: UMIMCC/UMML project: Climate migrants in five cities see their livelihood opportunities improved over 5 yrs
Many speakers in the last day's debate bemoaned that though the small island and developing countries have contributed the least to climate change, they are at the front lines of its repercussions.
Since 19 September, around 88 heads of states, 42 heads of governments, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and over 650 ministers took the rostrum, taking stock of the state of the world as the Assembly launched its 78 sessions.
Top officials took advantage of this massive turnout to engage in more than 2,000 bilateral meetings. Besides, over 13,000 country delegates, 2,600 members of the media, and more than 40,000 other participants were registered for the general debate and its over 100 associated events
Dennis Francis (Trinidad and Tobago), Assembly President, delivered closing remarks, noting that the UN remains focused on the collective challenges of the present time.
Read: Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh face new crisis as funding diminishes: UN
"With the planet being under siege, embracing climate action means safeguarding the Earth’s natural resources, preserving biodiversity and ensuring equitable access to clean air and water for all, he asserted, urging Member States to approach the twenty-eighth UN Climate Change Conference in the spirit of unity and solidarity and deliver a transformative plan of action.
Ministers and delegates voiced their concerns about the myriad of crises threatening the planet, including climate change, biodiversity loss, migration and forced displacement, while others pointed out that the intensification of conflicts in many parts of the world — together with natural hazards — are compromising the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar acknowledged the “exceptional period of turmoil” that the world is currently witnessing and referred to the structural inequities and uneven development.
He called for a fair, equitable and democratic international order, expressing concern over issues like vaccine apartheid, climate action and the misuse of market power.
“No individual State, even the most powerful or technologically advanced, has the capacity to face the global challenges on its own,” said San Marino’s delegate, sounding alarm over the increase of dangerous nuclear rhetoric and nuclear threats which “reinforce the image of a dark future instead of a sustainable one”.
Vanuatu’s delegate described climate change as the “defining existential challenge of our time”, which has set back decades of development progress, recalling that earlier in 2023, two cyclones hit his country with the total recovery needs estimated at 77 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
His country’s experience with cascading natural hazards led it to incorporate disaster risk reduction into its development plans, he said, calling for the reform of the international financial architecture.
In the same vein, Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, citing the climate crisis as “a threat to security, to development and human rights”, detailed his country’s ambitious climate action plan aimed at conserving and protecting parts of its ocean, marine species and corals. As a “large ocean” State, the Maldives has an intrinsic responsibility to protect this vast resource, he said, calling for the development of an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.
Echoing those concerns, Tandi Dorji, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, drew attention to increasingly frequent and ferocious natural hazards facing his country, including glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, windstorms and landslides.
Against this backdrop, he called for additional climate financing, including to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar acknowledged the “exceptional period of turmoil” that the world is currently witnessing and referred to the structural inequities and uneven development.
He called for a fair, equitable and democratic international order, expressing concern over issues like vaccine apartheid, climate action and the misuse of market power.
US visa policy won't affect students going abroad for studies: Dipu Moni
The visa policy imposed by the United States will not have any impact on the students going abroad for higher education, said Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni on Wednesday.
Many US universities are dependent on the fees of Bangladeshi students, she said.
Also read: New US visa policy declared targeting next Bangladesh polls
The minister was replying to questions from journalists after inaugurating the final of the 50th Summer National Sports Competition of School, Madrasa and Technical Education Sports Association in Sylhet city on Wednesday afternoon.
The US visa policy will also not affect the next elections, as there is no pressure on the government to do so. The government is committed to holding a fair and peaceful election, Dipu said.
Also read: Trade ties with US won't be disrupted by visa policy: Salman F Rahman
She also said that all preparations are being made to hand over the new books to everyone on the first day of next year.
Also read: What could be the possible reasons to apply US visa restrictions against someone?
Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of Technical and Madrasah Education Division Kamal Hossain and Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Solaiman Khan were present as special guests at the programme.
UMIMCC/UMML project: Climate migrants in five cities see their livelihood opportunities improved over 5 yrs
Climate migrants living in slums in five cities across Bangladesh have seen their livelihood opportunities improved over the last five years.
The Urban Management of Internal Migration due to Climate Change (UMIMCC) / Urban Management of Migration and Livelihoods (UMML) project carried out a range of measures in Rajshahi, Sirajganj, Khulna, Satkhira, and Barishal in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW).
The project wrap-up event was held today at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden where they presented activities and accomplishments to the partners and stakeholders.
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The project was funded by the German Federal Government and Co-Funded by the European Union (EU).
The opening session of the conference featured words from Alexander Dörzenbach, Project Manager, UMIMCC/UMML, GIZ Bangladesh; Additional Secretary Jobaida Begum from the Ministry of Social Welfare; and Edwin Koekkoek, Team Leader from the Delegation to the European Union to Bangladesh. Speakers provided event overview and objectives, key recommendations from the project. Jahan Ara, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and PD of UMIMCC/UMML, shed light on the various aspects of climate migration and its corresponding economic challenges.
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A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Dana de la Fontaine, Cluster Coordinator, Climate Change and Sustainable Urban Development at GIZ Bangladesh, explored successful strategies to improve the lives of climate migrants and economically susceptible individuals.
Panellists included Florian Höllen, Head of Development Cooperation, German Embassy at Dhaka; Mr. Edwin Koekkoek, Team Leader, Delegation to the European Union to Bangladesh; Prof. Saleemul Huq, International Centre for Climate Change and Development; Dr. Abu Saleh Mostafa Kamal, Director General, Department of Social Services (DSS) and Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque of Khulna City Corporation.
Md Shariful Islam, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare chaired the concluding session.
State Minister Md. Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru, MP, Ministry of Social Welfare graced the event as the chief guest.
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Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley was present as the special guest.
Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru delivered a powerful message stating the Ministry of Social Welfare is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by urban migrants.
In his speech, he also said that the closing event not only highlighted the project's progress in managing climate migration, advancing urban sustainability, and fostering livelihoods, but also served as a knowledge-sharing hub.
It provides a platform for stakeholders to delve into the multifaceted experiences, learnings, and novel approaches surrounding climate-induced internal migration, sustainable livelihood creation, and urban development.
‘It is a privilege to witness the culmination of the UMML Project, which has not only created positive change within cities but also served as a beacon of international collaboration and commitment to sustainable urban development’ said Charles Whiteley while delivering his speech in this event.
One of the highlights of the event was handing over the policy brief that put forward critical recommendations, underlining the way forward for national policy discourse on climate-induced migration challenges.
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh face new crisis as funding diminishes: UN
Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, now face a dire situation as aid funding diminishes, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday.
The Rohingya, who have faced repeated climate shocks since their exodus from Myanmar seven years ago, now face hunger, deepening their vulnerabilities, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
UN Assistant Secretary General visits Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar
Dujarric said the World Food Programme (WFP) reports that cuts in donor funding have forced the agency to reduce its life-saving assistance for the entire Rohingya population in Cox's Bazar. Funding shortfalls have resulted in a cut in the Rohingya's full ration of 12 U.S. dollars to 10 dollars per person per month in March and then to 8 dollars in June.
The WFP said that with the current cash allowance, the Rohingya have less than 9 cents for each meal and "are being pushed over the edge."
US seeks sustained pressure on Myanmar to end Rohingya crisis
"WFP is urging donors to step up now to support them in restoring full rations and keeping critical humanitarian operations intact until the Rohingya repatriation," the spokesman told a regular press briefing. "WFP needs another 175 million dollars to provide the Rohingya with a full ration through December 2024."
The UN Population Fund said Cox's Bazar is the largest refugee camp in the world, with a population of almost 1 million Rohingya.
Don’t forget the Rohingyas: PM Hasina urges Int’l community
Efforts are there to curb potato price: Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque said on Wednesday that the government is trying to tackle syndicate-related issues to curb the prices of potatoes.
He said this while speaking at the inauguration of an agricultural fair in Tangail's Madhupur Upazila on Wednesday morning.
Read: Bangladesh can assist Sierra Leone in the ICT sector alongside agriculture: Foreign Minister
“There was a slight decrease in potato production this year. We have also exported some potatoes. However, potatoes shouldn't be so expensive. The syndicate is to blame for this. Owners of cold storage facilities hike their rates overnight. We are actively working to control the syndicate,” he said.
Read: Chapainawabganj agriculture entrepreneur’s innovative mango cultivation technique doubles yield
Responding to the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the minister said, “Even with a 48-day ultimatum, the BNP will not succeed. With elections approaching in three months, their movements will not impact the democratic process,”
Razzaque, also a presidium member of the ruling party, also addressed the US visa restriction issue and said, “The USA may have imposed the visa policy for any number of political reasons. I'm not sure what caused it. According to our constitution, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead during the election period, ensuring fair and acceptable elections in January. We don't care about anyone's visa policy. No one will be able to disrupt the elections with visa policy.”
St. Martins, Cox’s Bazar will be free from plastic waste: Speaker
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Wednesday said that initiatives are being taken to rid Cox’s Bazar of plastic waste.
She said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a four-day Bangladesh Festival held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Wednesday.
“We have initiated a campaign to make the St. Martin's Island plastic-free, and in the future, we aim to extend this effort to Cox's Bazar beach. We are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of government plans, and I urge everyone to fulfill their responsibilities diligently. This initiative is closely linked to our economic growth,” said Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.
Experts call for prompt ban on single-use of plastic, enforcement of laws
“Cox's Bazar beach lacks the activities and attractions seen in other countries around the world. If we can enhance the tourist experience, foreign tourists will be more interested,” she noted.
Drawing examples from a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Speaker shared insights on the potential economic benefits of tourism.
Integrated efforts needed to prevent plastic pollution: Minister
“Sri Lanka is thriving solely on tourism income. If we can emulate their model, our economy will also thrive. To achieve this, we can organise tourist buses in Dhaka,” she said.
The Speaker also said that such an initiative will allow foreign tourists to explore the traditions of Dhaka City through specific tours, including routes for Old Dhaka, New Dhaka, and river routes.
“I believe it will be highly beneficial,” she added.
Plastic pollution puts ecosystems in great danger: speakers
PM Hasina’s 77th birthday tomorrow
The 77th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the president of ruling Awami League, will be celebrated on Thursday.
Hasina, the eldest among the five children of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, was born at Tungipara in Gopalganj on September 28 in 1947.
The premier is now in the USA where she addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) besides joining a host of other events.
Over 1100 video contents are published on govt’s achievements to mark PM Hasina’s birthday
Awami League and its affiliated and likeminded organisations will celebrate the 77th birthday (76th birth anniversary) through various programmes focusing on her life, works and success.
The day celebration will be marked by doa, milad and special prayers in the capital and elsewhere in the country.
The doa and milad will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and all other mosques throughout the country after Zuhr prayers, while special prayers will be offered at different temples, churches and pagodas.
AL will organise a doa-mahfil at its central office in the capital’s Bangabandhu Avenue after Asr prayers to mark the day. Besides, special prayers will be arranged at Merul Badda Buddhist Monastery and Mirpur Baptist Church at 9 am, and Dhakeshwari Temple at 11 am on Thursday. AL central leaders will be in the programmes, said a press release on Wednesday.
BIWTA to hold boat race marking PM Hasina's birthday
AL will arrange a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city on Friday afternoon on the occasion of the birthday of its President Sheikh Hasina. AL presidium member Engineer Mosharraf Hossain will preside over the discussion.
PM Hasina assumed office on 7 January, 2019, for the fourth time and third time in a row after her party-led grand alliance won the 11th parliamentary election held on December 30, 2018.
PM Hasina reaches Washington DC
She served as the prime minister for the first time in 1996-2001, second term in 2009-2013, and the third term in 2014-2018. Hasina served as the Leader of Opposition thrice.
Hasina spent much of her childhood in her birthplace Tungipara in Gopalganj district. When Bangabandhu was elected a legislator, his family moved to Dhaka in 1954. She graduated from the University of Dhaka in 1973.
Having a chequered political career, Sheikh Hasina was elected vice-president of the Students Union of the Government Intermediate Girls College when she contested as a candidate from the Students League.
Later, she served as secretary and then as president of the college unit of the Student League. She was also a member of the Students League at Dhaka University and became the secretary of the Rokeya Hall unit. She actively participated in all mass movements from her student life.
Bangabandhu, along with the members of his family, was brutally assassinated on the fateful night of August 15, 1975. Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana survived the carnage as they were in Germany at that time.
Sheikh Hasina was unanimously elected as the president of Bangladesh Awami League in 1981 in her absence while she was in forced exile. She finally returned home on May 17, 1981, ending her six years in exile.
She faced the wrath of the then rulers on her return as she launched a movement to restore democracy in the country. Sheikh Hasina was detained time and again, and at least 22 attempts were made on her life.
Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum celebrates 11th founding anniversary
The Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) celebrated its 11th founding anniversary on Wednesday.
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury took part in the celebration while inaugurating the first ever “Bangladesh Festival” on World Tourism Day at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the capital, according to a press release.
Also read: Tanzim, Rajib, Sabuj elected President, VP, GS of ATJFB
Bangladesh Tourism Board is hosting the event at the BICC.
ATJFB is the only platform for aviation and tourism reporters in the country.
Also read: Amended Tobacco Act a must to achieve SDGs: ATJFB leaders
ATJFB would continue its efforts to contribute to the aviation and tourism sectors through objective reporting as well as building the capacity of the reporters covering the travel leisure arena in the days to come, said its President Md Tanzim Anwar.
A seminar on the role of media in the development of aviation and tourism will be held on September 30, on the last day of the festival, said the release.
Also read: ATJFB joins beach cleanup on World Tourism Day
Cabinet Secretary MD Mahbub Hossain, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mokammel Hossain, and BTB CEO Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber were present at the event, among others.
Over 1100 video contents are published on govt’s achievements to mark PM Hasina’s birthday
Some 1137 video contents have been published on digital platforms highlighting the multi-faceted initiatives, achievements and multi-dimensional development programmes under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Through these video contents on the social media, it has been possible to separately present a true picture of the overall development of done under various sectors and ministries of the government.
Prime Minister's Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwar-e-Alom Sarkar said that these videos have been published to celebrate the 77th Birthday of PM Hasina on Thursday.
BIWTA to hold boat race marking PM Hasina's birthday
These video contents also have real pictures and statistical presentation of the phenomenal progress achieved in Bangladesh under the leadership of Hasina in the last 14 years.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister's Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwar-e-Alom Sarkar, Information and Communication Technology Secretary of Bangladesh Awami Juba League Md. Shamshul Alam Anik and ASM Raisul Hasan Shoaib, a former member of Bangladesh Awami League's Labour and Manpower Sub-Committee, spontaneously created this large number of video contents.
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"These video contents will be open source on web sites and social media. Those who need can use these contents for any positive work."
PM Hasina reaches Washington DC
The other two members of this initiative are Shamchul Alam Anik and ASM Raisul Hasan Soheb said that their efforts will be worthwhile only if the leaders and workers at different levels of Awami League and the general public benefit from this collected information in various ways.
These videos will be available at: https://www.facebook.com/e.albd?mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://x.com/vote_for_al?s=11&t=NNcHjJIfeNrOhIng9JCjHA
https://youtube.com/@voteforawamileague?si=s8L5ly4lSQNFvQYm
And https://voteforawamileague.org/
Bangladesh, Japan and NE India urged to form trilateral platform for regional value chain
Renowned economists at a discussion on Wednesday laid emphasis on forming a trilateral platform involving the government agencies, think tanks and private sector to create a regional industrial value chain connecting Bangladesh, Japan and Northeast India.
Highlighting that the region can become a major growth centre by overcoming challenges, they said establishing industries, infrastructures and energy links in the region would require massive investments, reforms to the trade policies and taxation, products harmonization and removing non-tariff barriers.
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State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam who joined as the chief guest said Bangladesh helped Northeast India's peace and stability, while taking a visionary decision of establishing the country's first deep sea port.
"Now it is time to further advance the regional industries and development," he said.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori and FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam also spoke at the seminar on improving regional connectivity and establishing industrial value chain in the the Bay of Bengal including Bangladesh and Northeast India, organized by the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka.
Japan, a major foreign direct investor in Bangladesh, is supporting the establishment of Matarbari Deep Sea Port, a power plant and road and rail connectivity linking the port.
Seminar on study and job opportunity in Japan held at IU
Japan is also working to accelerate industries and infrastructure along the Dhaka-Chattogram- Cox's Bazar belt and beyond under a $6-billion worth Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative since 2014.
Japan is also supporting India building the infrastructure and industries in Northeast India.
"An industrial value chain in the region is very much a need of the day," said Prof Dr Prabir De of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries.
As there will be many actors and factors that should be involved in the process, he suggested that Bangladesh, India and Japan come under a trilateral framework cooperation agreement for advancing the creation of the regional industrial value chain.
Centre for Policy Dialogue Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said while this is very much a possible and important idea, but it faces some of the challenges that need to be addressed.
"One needs to keep in mind if the project cost is overrunning," he said.
Japan wants to increase investment in Bangladesh: Japanese envoy told FBCCI
Noting of the Matarbari Deep Sea Port that will be complete by 2026, Dr Debapriya said it is important to assess the demand of the port, if there will be enough cargoes coming to the port for its best utilisation. Actions should be taken now to create that demand.
He said while setting up necessary industries in Bangladesh and Northeast India is important, one also needs to think of how Nepal and Bhutan can be connected to the value chain.
"Matarbari without connecting Nepal and Bhutan cannot be Matarbari," he said.
Debapriya said often competitive advantage is shaped by geopolitical issue. India is a federal system and the foreign and trade relations are determined by Delhi. This issue also needs to be taken into account.
"Whether Japan will relocate its industries from China to Bangladesh will also be a factor," the economist said.
Joining virtually, India-based Asian Confluence Executive Director Sabyasachi Dutta said Japan has already developed many connectivity infrastructures in Northeast India and Bangladesh but much more needs to be done.
Development of multimodal connectivity between Matarbari and Chattogram of Bangladesh to Sabroom and Agartala of Tripura including four-lane highway and railway can be a game changer, he said.
He suggested removing trade barriers between Bangladesh and India, as well as Japan.
Signing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Bangladesh, improving investment climate, smooth movements of goods across the border, facilitating third country trade should be some of the priorities, he added.