United News of Bangladesh

Shoktikonna Third Cohort Graduation Ceremony held Monday (November 24) celebrated a new generation of young women leaders committed to advancing Bangladesh’s sustainable and inclusive energy future. Speaking at the event on Monday Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Micheal Miller said European Union is proud to work with Shoktikonna, an initiative aims to empower women to strengthen skills, confidence, and leadership. He said these efforts are contributing to a more equal, more innovative, wealthier and more sustainable Bangladesh. "Congratulating the Shoktikonna graduates of 2025, we underline our support for training, combined with real workplace experience, that opens doors to employment and leadership roles in the green economy," said Ambassador Miller. German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz said they are committed to a feminist transformation of the energy sector – one where women sit at decision-making tables, shape national priorities, and lead in both public and private institutions. Read more: Tarique Rahman calls for childcare plan to empower women

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for building Bangladesh in a way where every working mother and every female student has the freedom to thrive, instead of being forced to leave work or education due to a lack of adequate childcare. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, he also said the BNP rejects any regressive idea that limits women’s potential. “Empowering women through childcare, equal pay, and workplace safety is not only fairness – it’s smart economics.” The BNP leader said his party’s goal is to build a modern, people-centred Bangladesh where no woman has to choose between her family and her future. “What happens when a young mother leaves her job or a female student drops out because she cannot find adequate childcare? Bangladesh loses out on potential, productivity, and progress,” Tarique said. Citing the 2024 BBS Labour Force Survey, he said only 43 percent of women participate in the labour market compared to 80 percent of men. “That gap is warning us that we are leaving more than half of our nation’s talent behind,” he wrote. Tarique said the BNP is considering launching a nationwide initiative to make childcare a part of Bangladesh’s economic growth strategy. For every girl who dreams, will make the state her partner, not obstacle: Tarique He said the plan includes setting up daycare centres in all public universities, gradually establishing daycare centres in government offices, and making it mandatory for large private institutions and factories to provide childcare facilities. He also mentioned that the initiative would include tax incentives and CSR credits for employers offering childcare, as well as training and certification for caregivers under the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs’ standards. “This single reform can help raise women’s employment, increase family income, allow the growing middle class to find financial stability, and add up to 1 percent to our GDP,” the BNP leader said. He observed that women make up nearly two-thirds of the garments industry workforce, and their contribution should not be undervalued. Citing studies by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), Tarique said factories with childcare facilities experience higher retention, lower absenteeism, and recover costs within a year. “Childcare is not charity – it is part of the socio-economic infrastructure. Just as roads connect markets, daycare connects women to opportunity,” he added. Tarique pledges highest budget allocation for education if BNP returns to power Tarique said the BNP has a clear vision to build an inclusive trillion-dollar economy by 2034 that will create millions of jobs and ensure that every citizen, especially women, contributes to the country’s growth with pride. “Together, let’s build a nation where every working mother and every student has the freedom to thrive, and where care within one’s community is recognised as the foundation of progress,” he said in the post.

Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid on Tuesday said they need to support the grassroots-level organisations to empower women, the way Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) does. “We should have a policy where both government and non-government organisations coordinate together to achieve national priorities,” she said. During Manusher Jonno Foundation’s (MJF) launch event of the “Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership in Bangladesh” project, the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh highlighted Canada’s commitment of $9.7M (CAD) in funding for the project, announced earlier on March 8, 2025, marking International Women’s Day. Building on the success of the first Women's Voice and Leadership project, this new initiative seeks to expand its reach strengthening even more women’s rights organizations, bolstering the role of organizations led by women and marginalized minority communities into the national conversation at this critical time. Mango export to China begins Wednesday High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh Ajit Singh took the opportunity to emphasise how “Canada proudly supports this initiative as a key component of our commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering women and girls and building a more inclusive society in Bangladesh.” While the initiative launch was taking place, Executive Director of MJF Shaheen Anam expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada for renewing “Women’s Voice and Leadership in Bangladesh”. She underscored that gender equality is not only a women’s issue but a path towards ensuring human rights, justice and inclusive development. “To achieve this, all stakeholders must work together in cooperation and solidarity.” The Canadian high commission and MJF were joined by representatives from more than 50 organisations, including women’s rights organisations, women’s networks, and marginalized minority communities, who attended the project inauguration, organised by MJF.

Speakers at a discussion here on Monday voiced concern over the domestic violence and sexual harassment against women and children in the country.  Referring to recent cases of rape and attempted murder, they emphasised the urgent need for authorities to take immediate action to ensure justice for victims. Without such measures, perpetrators will continue to escape accountability, further encouraging others to commit similar crimes. In addition to, ensuring women’s empowerment can significantly reduce crimes against them, the speakers observed.   The discussion, titled “Reflection on Reality: Women’s Journey Towards Leadership and Empowerment,” was organized on Monday (March 10) by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) at the ALOK Training Center, MJF Tower, in capital’s Mirpur area to mark the International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.” In the welcome address, Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), said, “Many have wished me ‘Happy Women’s Day.’ Today, I am not actually happy.” Referring to the recent sexual violence against women and children, she said that she sees no reason to be joyful. The Law Adviser has directed that investigations must be completed within 15 days, and trials within 90 days on recent rape incident, they will observe how effectively this is implemented, she added. Condemning the incident strongly, Shaheen Anam said, “Eight years ago, a man was punished for raping a child, but he has now been released through legal loopholes. We must not lose hope. The next generation will take up the mantle. Every woman has the responsibility to stand together and resist all crimes.” In her keynote presentation, Banasree Mitra Neogi, director of Rights and Governance Programmes at MJF, said, “If someone asks me if I have been subjected to violence, I say no. But I always live in fear, afraid that someone might throw acid, pull my clothes, or say something obscene. Even if I am not physically or mentally abused, this fear itself is a form of harassment. Everyone must understand this. Violence will not stop until we build a society without fear.” “Women must break free from the deeply rooted patriarchal norms of our society. Instead of being silenced by shame or fear, we must raise our voices,” she added. France highlights importance of life free from discrimination, violence Banasree also said, “Garment workers are employed in leadership roles as low-wage, low-skilled laborers. There is an opportunity here to develop women’s skills. Additionally, we must ensure women’s participation in science-based education.” She questioned, “We have become dependent on social media. The recent rape incident in Magura touched our hearts because it was presented through reels. However, why is there no protest when a rapist from eight years ago is released and roams freely? Our tolerance and acceptance are increasing violence against women.” Nishath Sultana, director of Influencing, Campaign and Communications, Plan International Bangladesh, said, “Recent events have left me speechless, but we must gather our strength and move forward.” Sharing her own life story, she spoke about overcoming numerous obstacles. Addressing as special guest, Maria Stridman, Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka, said, “Despite progress for women in Bangladesh, several challenges remain. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, Bangladesh ranks 99th out of 146 countries, leading in South Asia but still facing critical gaps in economic participation, wage equality, and leadership opportunities.” “We must work towards ensuring a gender equal society, in which women, girls, men and boys are equally valued and have equal rights,” she added. Stéphanie St-Laurent Brassard, second Secretary (Development-Gender Equality) at the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh, said, “We truly believe in an equal society. We will definitely renew the efforts on women empowerment.” JCD warns of street protests if violence against women cannot be curbed  While addressing as chief guest, Keya Khan, Director General, Department of Women Affairs, government of Bangladesh, said, “We are always working on awareness programmes for women. There are adolescent clubs in 4553 unions and 330 municipalities. We hold weekly discussions with them and listen to their voices.” The event, organised marking International Women’s Day, was attended by media personnel, civil society representatives, representatives of marginalized communities, youth, and various other groups and communities.

Travelling solo as a woman is an empowering experience. More and more women are embracing freedom and adventure through solo travel experiences. However, with all the excitement, safety remains a significant concern. Whether you want to explore new places abroad or heading off on a local trip, prioritising your safety is essential. Let’s dive into some practical and effective safety tips that can help you enjoy solo adventures with confidence and peace of mind. Tips to Stay Safe As a Solo Female Traveller . Research Your Destination Thoroughly Before your trip, thoroughly research your destination’s culture, customs, and laws. Understanding dress codes and behavioural norms is essential, especially in more conservative regions. Identify safe areas for solo female travellers and note places to avoid.  Additionally, you should save local emergency contacts, hospitals, and your country’s embassy information to ensure you are well-prepared for any situation.  Plan Your Accommodation Carefully When booking accommodation, prioritise safety and comfort. It is recommended to pick places that are centrally located, well-reviewed, and cater to female travellers.  Read more: Essential Snake Safety Tips for Hiking, Trekking, Camping, and Traveling Staying in female-only dorms or hotels with secure entry systems can provide peace of mind. Also, avoid accommodations in isolated or poorly lit areas which ensures you can walk to your destination or access transport safely. Travel Insurance It would be wise to have comprehensive travel insurance, especially when travelling solo. Make sure your insurance covers medical expenses, lost belongings, and trip cancellations. In case of an accident or unexpected event, this will give you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered. Research policies and opt for one that suits your travel style and needs. Get a Local SIM Having a local SIM card makes it easier to stay connected with family and friends, as well as navigate unfamiliar areas. A local SIM allows you to access data, make emergency calls, and use local apps without relying on potentially expensive roaming charges. It is also useful for communicating with locals or booking services such as taxis or tours. Stay Connected Keeping in touch with family and friends is crucial for your safety. Share your itinerary with them and keep them updated on any changes. Using tracking apps like Google Maps or other location-sharing apps will allow someone to monitor your whereabouts.  Read more: How to Travel Safely During Heat Waves Regular communication through messaging apps ensures that someone knows where you are, even if you are exploring more remote areas. VPNs are useful for securing your internet access, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi. Pack Smart and Light Packing light makes travel more convenient and also safer. Avoid carrying expensive or flashy items that might attract attention. Travellers should invest in anti-theft backpacks or money belts to secure their valuables. This will help you stay mobile, making it easier to move swiftly if needed and reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves. First Aid Kit Carrying a compact first aid kit ensures you are prepared for minor health issues on the go. Include essentials like band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. Being able to treat minor injuries or discomforts without delay is an important part of solo travel journeys, as you might not always have immediate access to medical care. Trust Your Instincts One of the most important safety tips for solo female travellers is to trust your instincts. If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, trust that feeling. Do not hesitate to remove yourself from potentially unsafe environments. Developing assertive behaviour and projecting confidence through body language can also deter unwanted attention or interactions. Read more: How to Avoid Scams During Travel Bookings Blend In With the Locals Adapting to the local culture by blending in is a smart way to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Dress in a way that reflects local customs, especially in more conservative countries. Learning basic local phrases can help you navigate better and show respect for the local culture. Additionally, it signals that you are not an easy target.  Use Reliable Transportation When travelling alone, it is important to use trusted transportation services like Uber. These apps allow you to track your route and share your location. Public transportation can be safe, but it is best to avoid late-night travel when possible. Plan your routes ahead of time to avoid appearing lost, and try to sit in safer areas, such as near the driver. Inform Friends and Family Letting loved ones know your travel plans is crucial for peace of mind. Share your accommodation details, daily itinerary, and contact information. Regularly update them on your location and any changes in your plans. This communication ensures that someone knows your whereabouts and can respond if something goes wrong, especially in emergency situations. Keep Your Documents and Money Safe Keeping your passport, visa, and other essential documents safe is crucial to avoid being stranded in a foreign country. It would be wise to have digital copies and paper photocopies of your documents.  Read more: Solo Trip: Tips for Travelling Alone for the First Time Use multiple forms of payment, such as cash, credit cards, and travel cards, and keep them in different locations to minimise the impact if something is lost or stolen. Be Cautious With Strangers  Interacting with locals can enrich your travel experience, but it is essential to maintain boundaries. Avoid sharing too much personal information or your travel plans with strangers. While friendliness is important, prioritise your safety by politely disengaging from conversations that make you uncomfortable. Always trust your instincts when assessing people’s intentions. Stay Alert in Social Situations While socialising can be fun, extra caution is necessary when you are alone. If you feel uneasy, have an exit strategy in place. Stick to well-lit, populated venues and avoid heading off with someone you have just met, especially in unfamiliar locations. Know Self-Defense Basics Taking a basic self-defence class before your trip can provide extra confidence. Learn simple techniques that are easy to remember and practical. Additionally, carrying small safety items like a personal alarm, whistle, or pepper spray can help in emergencies. These tools act as a deterrent and provide extra security during unsettling encounters. Read more: Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning while Travelling Closing Lines Travelling solo can be a rewarding and life-changing experience for any female outdoor enthusiast. While safety is a legitimate concern, with the right preparation and cautiousness, women tourists can explore the world confidently.  If you are a solo female traveller, trust your instincts, stay informed, and use technology to your advantage. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your travels while staying safe—and with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for any adventure that comes your way. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from

The women employment in the banking sector increased by 1407 in July-December period of 2023, and the overall perrcentage of women employees at banks stood at 16.37 percent in Bangladesh. Meanwhile just 13.51% of board members in the banks are women.  Bangladesh Bank’s (BB’s) latest report on gender equality revealed this information. There are 33346 women employees in 61 banks in the country, which is 16.37 percent of the total employees of banks, according to the report. The BB report shows that among the scheduled banks in 2023, 43 private commercial banks have the highest number of women employees 22,248, which is 16.32 percent of the total employees. Foreign commercial banks have the highest proportion of female officers, 24.18 percent as compared to other banks. In the period July-December 2023, the participation of women as board members was only 13.51 percent. Among them, foreign commercial banks have the highest female board member participation rate at 17.54 percent. Read more: Bangladesh's women empowerment showcased in Myanmar On the other hand, there is no participation of women board members of specialized commercial banks in the discussed period. According to the reports submitted by banks during the period July-December 2023 shows that the participation rate of women employees is higher at the entry-level 17.04 percent and mid-level 15.79 percent than at the higher levels 9.36 percent. Analysis of the obtained data shows that the participation of women in the banking sector is high at the initial stage. At the same time, the participation rate of female employees under thirty years of age 20.99 percent is more than double that of female officers above 9.58 percent in scheduled banks. Bangladesh’s place has improved by 12 steps in the gender gap report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2023, as women's employment increased in the country. The BB report shows that Bangladesh is holding the 59th position in 2023 improving from 71st in 2022 in the gender gap of WEF, among 146 countries in the world. Read more: PM Hasina keen to create more scopes for women in every sector: Nasrul Hamid Executive Director of CDP Dr. Fahmida Khatun said that women's employment is usually increasing with the developing socio-economic scenario of the country and decreasing the ratio of women's employment does not match that calculation. She focused on the need to study why the ratio of women employment has been decreasing in the banking sector. Bangladesh Bank’s spokesperson Mezbaul Haque told UNB that women's employment has increased in the banking sector following the central bank’s policy to reduce the gender gap in banks and financial institutions. The central bank prefers women both in employment and entrepreneurship development. Loan disbursement and interest incentives have been given to women encouraging them involved in financial inclusion. The BB is still working to ensure a sound environment in the workplace of banks. Facilities including maternity leave and daycare opportunities for women’s employees have increased, he said. Read more: Proven Passive Income Ideas for Women in 2024

In today's intricate economic landscape, ways of passive income have opened new doors to achieve financial stability while maintaining flexibility. After the pandemic and global economic crisis, the cost of living has significantly shot up throughout the world. Therefore, earning some extra cash can help women to support their families. Let’s take a look at several passive income strategies that working women and homemakers can try in 2024. Passive Income Ideas for Working Women and Homemakers YouTube Vlogging Starting a YouTube channel stands as a promising route for cultivating passive income. Women can actively share their expertise, experiences, or daily life through compelling video content. With persistent dedication, this content magnetises a broad viewership.  Consistent effort in content creation empowers women to get views and subscribers. This engagement may pave the way for monetisation avenues such as AdSense earning, ads or sponsorships.   Read more: 10 Best Programming Languages for 2024 Facebook Influencer Diving into the realm of a Facebook influencer offers another avenue for women seeking passive income sources. By harnessing a robust social media presence, women can make partnerships with brands, do sponsored content, and endorse products.  With these, they can generate revenue based on their level of interaction and number of followers. This engagement-driven approach cultivates a mutually beneficial relationship between influencers and brands. Thus, it serves as a lucrative source of income for women navigating the digital landscape. Read more: Influencer Marketing: A Beginner’s Guide Freelancing Opportunities Freelancing presents a versatile work structure. It enables women to leverage their expertise in diverse domains such as writing, graphic design, programming, and beyond. Platforms like Upwork, or Fiverr offer a spectrum of income opportunities.  Through active participation, these skilled individuals can carve a niche for themselves. They can engage with clients globally and foster a flexible yet rewarding career path, underpinned by their unique talents and proficiency. Read more: How to Transform Your Freelancing Career into a Scalable Business? Creating and Selling Stock Photos Producing and vending stock photos emerge as a lucrative opportunity. Women with photography skills can capture and market their images on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. By catering to diverse niches and trends, they can monetise their visual creations. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (September 20, 2023) said gender equality is not an option but rather an imperative to achieve a fair and just world. “Our efforts to achieve peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability would yield no result if half of the world’s population were left behind,” she said. The prime minister was speaking at the annual meeting of the UNGA Platform of Women leaders titled ‘Accelerating the implementation of SDG5 towards achieving Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability’ held at the United Nations Headquarters. Saying that every country is different and they have different challenges and different social and cultural dynamics, she, however, stated that when historic Agenda 2030 was adopted, all were committed to achieving gender equality. “We cannot back out of that commitment under any circumstances,” she said. Major economies must make fair share to avert impending climate crisis: PM Hasina at UN Hasina mentioned that as women leaders, all have a responsibility to stand by all women and create examples that can guide others. “We must leverage our position and power to achieve a gender-equal world,” she added. In this connection, she shared two specific points. These are: First, all must enhance their partnership base to make gender equality a norm across all sectors. The private sector needs to come forward to advance women’s participation at a higher level. “As leaders, we need to engage with them and encourage them to take bold initiatives in that regard," she noted. Second, all need to elevate their narrative from participation to leadership. Women must be in a leadership position to be able to influence decisions and make positive impacts in the lives of other women. PM Hasina attends banquet hosted by President Biden “And the UN must lead by example. It is regrettable that no woman has so far been appointed as the UN Secretary General. Time has come; we will have one soon.” Talking about Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said that guided by the constitutional commitment, the government has adopted the necessary laws and policies to ensure women’s equal participation in all walks of national life. “We invested heavily in girls’ education and women’s economic empowerment. Girls’ education has been made free up to the 12th grade. We are providing stipends and free books to students up to the secondary level.” She also said that the government has ensured that 60 percent of the school teachers at the primary level are women. “We have taken specific policy actions to encourage women's entrepreneurship and help them access financing. We have ensured concessional loans for women entrepreneurs.” World must learn from past mistakes to prevent another pandemic like Covid-19: PM Hasina tells high-level UN meet She mentioned that the government has established the Joyeeta Foundation to promote and support women in business initiatives. “We opened the doors for women in higher positions in government bodies. Women are now becoming judges of the highest court, ambassadors, higher positions in civil administration, the armed forces, law-enforcing agencies, vice chancellors of public universities, and so on. On the political spectrum, women are represented at all levels, from the top to the lowest tier of the government.” The prime minister said that the government has ensured women's and girls' access to ICT and digital platforms. There are 12,292 union and municipal digital centres that were run by a woman and a man. “We are providing training for women to work as freelancers. Our target is to achieve gender parity in the ICT sector, including tech start-ups and the e-commerce sector. We are one of the first countries to introduce gender-responsive budgeting.” In this regard, she said that thirty percent of our budget is allocated for women's development activities. She mentioned that women in Bangladesh have also been an integral part of our continued efforts to achieve sustainability. “Our gender-equal disaster response plan has earned us global recognition.” She said that the investments in women's development have given the country its dividends. “Today, women’s contribution to GDP has reached 34%. Economic empowerment has also enabled women to play a greater role in decision-making, both in their families and in society.” Read more: US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom meets Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen in New York

There has been no progress in the level of bias against women over the previous ten years, with nearly nine out of ten men and women still believing such prejudices globally, according to a new UN report released on Monday (June 12, 2023). UN Development Programme (UNDP) in its most recent Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) says , "Half of people worldwide still believe men make better political leaders than women, and more than 40% believe men make better business executives than women." Also Read: 9 countries inc. Bangladesh release first national estimates of illicit financial flows with UN support “Social norms that impair women’s rights are detrimental to society more broadly, dampening the expansion of human development,” said Pedro Conceição, head of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office. A staggering 25 per cent of people believe it is justified for a man to beat his wife, according to the report, reflecting the latest data from the World Values Survey. The report said that these biases are to blame for the obstacles women encounter, which have taken the form of the denial of women's rights in many regions of the world, the growth of movements opposing gender equality, and an increase in human rights abuses in some countries. The stark underrepresentation of women in leadership positions is another example of bias in action. Since 1995, the percentage of women serving as heads of State or governments has generally hovered around 10%, and in the job market, they make up less than one-third of executive posts. The report also sheds light on a broken link between women’s progress in education and economic empowerment. Also Read: A child or youth died once every 4.4 seconds in 2021: UN report Women are more skilled and educated than ever before, yet even in the 59 countries where women are now more educated than men, the average gender income gap remains a 39 per cent in favour of men. “Lack of progress on gender social norms is unfolding against a human development crisis,”  Conceição said, noting that the global Human Development Index (HDI) declined in 2020 for the first time on record and again the following year. “Everyone stands to gain from ensuring freedom and agency for women,” he added. The UNDP report emphasized that governments have a crucial role in shifting gender social norms, from adopting parental leave policies, that have changed perceptions around care work responsibilities, to labour market reforms that have led to a change in beliefs around women in the workforce. “An important place to start is recognizing the economic value of unpaid care work,” said Raquel Lagunas, Director of UNDP’s gender team. The report emphasized that despite the continued prevalence of bias against women, the data shows change can happen. Also Read: Rights groups slam severe Taliban restrictions on Afghan women as ‘crime against humanity’ An increase in the share of people with no bias in any indicator was evident in 27 of the 38 countries surveyed. The report authors said that to drive change towards greater gender equality, the focus needs to be on expanding human development through investment, insurance, and innovation. This includes investing in laws and policy measures that promote women’s equality in political participation, scaling up insurance mechanisms, such as strengthening social protection and care systems, and encouraging innovative interventions that could be particularly effective in challenging harmful social norms, patriarchal attitudes, and gender stereotypes. For example, combatting online hate speech and gender disinformation can help to shift pervasive gender norms towards greater acceptance and equality, according to the report. The report recommended directly addressing social norms through education to change people’s views, policies and legal changes that recognize the rights of women in all spheres of life, and more representation in decision-making and political processes. Read more: 90% of countries see decline in human development

As a long-standing partner, World Bank Group President David Malpass has said that they will support Bangladesh as it navigates a challenging global environment on its way to reaching upper-middle-income status by 2031. “I am confident that with the right set of policies and timely action, Bangladesh can achieve its growth aspirations,” he said while speaking at the celebration of 50 years of partnership with Bangladesh on May 1. The World Bank president said Bangladesh’s remarkable journey was made possible by the indomitable energy and resilience of its people and a national will to build a prosperous nation. Following the celebration, Malpass also tweeted: “Many countries can learn from Bangladesh’s innovative approaches to reducing poverty, empowering women, and adapting to climate change.” Read: Stay with us in implementing future physical & social mega projects: PM Hasina to WB “We are proud of our partnership and look forward to opening the next chapter together with you,” he said at the celebration, addressing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Three lessons stand out from Bangladesh’s development experience and can inspire other countries: empowering women and girls, investing in people and connectivity, and moving decisively on climate adaptation and resilience, said the World Bank President. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and World Bank Group President David Malpass celebrated 50 years of partnership between Bangladesh and the World Bank at the institution’s headquarters in Washington DC. The partnership has helped lift millions of Bangladeshis out of poverty and supported the country’s economic growth and development. Read: Bangladesh, World Bank sign US$ 2.25 billion loan agreement comprising 5 projects The World Bank is providing Bangladesh with $2.25 billion of financing to improve regional connectivity, boost disaster preparedness to address inland flooding, transition to green and climate-resilient development, strengthen environmental management and green investment, and help the micro-enterprise sector become less polluting and more climate-resilient. Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has transformed from one of the poorest countries to achieving lower-middle income status in 2015. The country is now among the world’s fastest-growing economies. “In 1971, when Bangladesh was born, many development experts were sceptical about the country’s future. The aspirations germinated by our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and, our people have shown the world that with determination, it is possible to overcome even the hardest challenges. Bangladesh has transformed its economy and made it more resilient as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “The journey was not always easy, but we have never lost courage. In the past 50 years, the World Bank remained a steadfast development partner and supported our aspirations. We hope to work together with the World Bank as Bangladesh progresses to achieve higher-income country status by 2041,” she said. Read More: External pressure behind World Bank's withdrawal from Padma Bridge, says PM Hasina urging it to look into future Malpass reaffirmed the World Bank’s strong support for Bangladesh and its people as the country navigates unprecedented global challenges. “As Bangladesh’s largest development partner, we welcome its progress in income growth and poverty reduction. We are committed to continuing our support to enable the private sector, create new job opportunities, broaden the tax base, strengthen the financial sector, and build the country’s resilience to economic and climate shocks,” said Malpass. “Many countries can learn from Bangladesh’s development successes. The country stands out for its innovative approaches to reducing poverty in record time, empowering women, achieving wide-spread electricity access, and adapting to climate change,” he added. The Prime Minister and the World Bank President inaugurated a multimedia photo exhibition depicting Bangladesh’s development story over the past five decades and joined a seminar to reflect on 50 years of partnership. Read More: World Bank approves $1.25bn financing in 3 projects for Bangladesh The World bank President also thanked the Prime Minister and the Bangladeshi people for hosting the displaced Rohingya people. Bangladesh’s provision of shelter to more than 1.1 million Rohingya who fled from violence in Myanmar since 2017 saved thousands of lives. “We will continue to work with you in providing support to the Rohingya,” he said, adding that the World Bank has mobilized US$590 million in grant financing, with support from Canada and in close collaboration with the UN family and others, to help provide local communities in Cox’s Bazar, and the displaced Rohingya population, with healthcare, education, basic services, and infrastructure. “Several steps can improve the sustainability and impact of the programs: enhanced livelihood and education opportunities, resilient shelters, stronger inclusion of the Rohingyas into the national systems for service delivery, and leveraging government investments on the island of Bhasan Char,” the World bank President said. Read More: Bangladesh a model country for World Bank: Momen briefs media on PM’s US visit.