Day: September 18, 2023

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that more investment in people, support for structural transformation, and achieving rapid and sustainable recovery from the COVID pandemic was necessary for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Saying that massive scaling up of affordable finance to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) including through the SDG stimulus package is crucial, the PM stated that commitment and support of international community was significant for adoption of the Doha Programme of Action, a 10-year plan 'to tap into the potential of the LDCs'.

Addressing the 2023 SDG Summit as the Chair of the Group of the LDCs at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday, the PM said that halfway to the 2030 deadline, "we are seriously off-track in achieving the SDGs".

The PM said that materializing the SDGs is Nepal’s top development priority and the SDGs have been integrated into the national policies and plans. "We are committed to eradicating poverty and reducing inequality in line with the 2030 Agenda and the principle of leaving no one behind," the PM shared.

He also reiterated Nepal's commitment to ensuring a smooth, sustainable, and irreversible graduation from the LDC category by 2026.

The PM said that the SDGs are in dire need of a rescue plan and mentioned the UN Secretary General’s SDG Report stating that more than half of the world is left behind, most from LDCs.

According to the PM, the global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geo-political tensions are further pushing our hard-earned progress into peril.

PM Dahal stated that twelve of the seventeen goals and at least 18 of the 169 targets refer explicitly to the LDCs, recognizing the importance of addressing their development challenges. "And yet, foreign direct investment flows to the LDCs saw a decline of about 30 per cent in 2022, as compared to 2021."

He also shared that investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, water and sanitation, food security, health and education suffered a significant blow.

He also shared that the average external debt of the LDCs rose from 41 per cent 54 per cent in the last one decade.

"However, we have not lost our faith, nor have we derailed our commitments. We have continued to make maximum effort to strengthen and mobilize our domestic resources and institutions," the PM told the international community in the 2023 SDG Summit.

He also called upon to address the debt distress of the LDCs by 2025 and provide coordinated and appropriate debt solutions in a timely manner.

The PM said that finance is the fuel that drives the SDG progress and the achievement of the SDGs in the LDCs defines its success or failure. "We also urge the developed countries to scale up and fulfil their commitments to providing 0.7 per cent of gross national products as official development assistance to developing countries and 0.15 to 0.20 per cent to the LDCs," the PM appealed.

Source: National News Agency Nepal

The government has taken initiative to make services of its different agencies interoperable to ensure whole-of-government approach.

As part of the initiative, a workshop titled 'Implementation of Bangladesh National Digital Architecture (BNDA)' was organised at BCC auditorium in the city's Agargaon today.

World Bank funded Enhancing Digital Government and Economy (EDGE) Project of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) arranged it with Project Director Md Shakhawat Hossain in the chair.

Executive Director of BCC Ranajit Kumar addressed it as the chief guest and Director of Data Center and Deputy Project Director of EDGE Engineer Mohammad Saiful Alam Khan also spoke at the function attended by representatives 40 government organizations.

Ranajit said the BNDA platform has been developed to bring uniformity in software to ensure interoperability government services.

"The government wants to make it mandatory for all its agencies to follow BNDA-prescribed standards, guidelines and specifications for developing software," he said.

Ranajit said if the government agencies separately developed software without following the BNDA-prescribed standards, guideline and specifications it would create obstacle to make services interoperable.

Shakhawat said all government agencies should follow the guideline as suggested by BNDA to facilitate smooth flow of intra-government data and information.

If implemented properly, BNDA will help cement Bangladesh's place in the world as an `Open Government 2.0' country and enable it to rise to the front-ranking category of countries as per the UN's EGD Index, said Saiful Alam Khan.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation AHM Khairuzzaman Liton said today BNP hatched a deep-rooted conspiracy when election comes with an ulterior motive to foil it through anarchies and arson-terrorism.

"The BNP always fear to take part in elections with fear of defeat," he added, while addressing the 26th annual council of Rajshahi University (RU) unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) on its campus as the chief guest.

With RU BCL President Golam Kibria in the chair, the council meeting was addressed, among others, by General Secretary Faisal Ahmed, Joint Secretary Abdullah Heel Bari and Rajshahi City Unit President Nur Muhammad Siam.

Bangladesh Awami League Presidium Member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton urged the BCL leaders and workers to take the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina forward.

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been taking the country's development to a new height for betterment of the public in general and the BCL leadership should take the responsibility of sustaining the development.

Highlighting the glorious role BCL played in various nation-building struggles and movements in the past he said the pride must be upheld through benevolent activities for welfare of the students' community.

Mayor Liton said various development programmes have become visible with the efficient leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina throughout the country at present.

He added that the Bangladesh Awami League with leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will have to remain in state power in the years to come. "We will be a rich country if the Awami League remains in power for the next couple of terms constantly," he added.

Liton urged the BCL leadership to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for consolidating her development works.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The government has extended the conditional suspension of imprisonment of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for another six months.

The Security Service Division of the Home Ministry issued a notification in this regard recently, saying that the conditional suspension of Khaleda Zia's jail sentence will come into effect from September 25, 2023.

The government has so far suspended Khaleda Zia's prison sentence eighth times as tenure of the previous seventh extension will expire on September 24.

According to the notification, imprisoned Khaleda Zia will receive treatment staying at her own residence in Dhaka and she will not be able to travel abroad during her temporary release period.

On March 25, 2020, the then 76-year-old BNP chief was released from jail for six months upon an executive order of the government considering her age and humanitarian ground, following an application by her family members.

Earlier, On October 29, 2018, Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 sentenced BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and three others to seven-year imprisonment each in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case.

The court also fined them Taka 10 lakh each, in default, they have to serve six months more in jail.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Speakers at a workshop today stressed the need for taking necessary measures and reforming the policies as per necessity to increase the use of renewable energy at the countrywide industries to face the challenges of LDC graduation.

They said if Bangladesh fails to attain the required capacity in using renewable energy or environment-friendly energy, Bangladesh would face various challenges in international trade during the post graduation period.

The experts also said if the country fails, many buyers would not consider Bangladesh as the sourcing country while the entrepreneurs would have to pay extra tariff in exports.

They came up with such observations at a workshop titled "LDC Graduation and Implementation of Action Plan: Transition towards Efficient and Green Energy in the Industries in Bangladesh: Challenges and Way Forward" held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah spoke on the occasion as the chief guest while Power Division Senior Secretary Md Habibur Rahman and Environment, Forests and Climate Change Ministry Secretary Farhina Ahmed spoke as special guests.

Presided over by Commerce Ministry Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Commerce Ministry additional secretary Md Abdur Rahim Khan gave the address of welcome.

Dr Izaz Hossain, Professor (retd), Chemical Engineering Department, BUET and leading energy expert of the country, made the key-note presentation while RAPID Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, former DCCI president and Director of BGMEA Shams Mahmud, Energy expert and former member of SHREDA Sidique Zobair and BUET Prof Md Ali Ahammad Shoukat Choudhury and SREDA Chairman Munira Sultana spoke as special guests.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, PM's Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah said that there is a need to come out from the traditional trend of using energy to ensure smooth LDC graduation and attain desired goals as per plan.

"It has now become very much essential to ensure mandatory use of renewable energy and environment-friendly energy in international trade. So, the government may reform the existing policies if those are necessary," he added.

Senior Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said that Bangladesh has the high potential to become the production hub in future considering the current geopolitical trend.

"There is no alternative for enhancing the capacity for using renewable energy to tap that potential and also to fulfill the conditions of EU in trade. If necessary, the government will amend the existing policies," he said stressing on changing the existing tax rate in setting up solar panels.

Senior Secretary of Power Division Md Habibur Raman urged the entrepreneurs to set up rooftop solar panels after taking loans from IDCOL to increase the use of renewable energy in the country.

He informed that the government is planning to purchase power from those industrial units which are generating renewable energy and have excess electricity.

Highlighting the bright potentials of the renewable energy in the country, the Senior Power Division Secretary also informed that the government would get 66MW power from a wind-based power plant at Cox's Bazar in October while two more wind-based power plants would be set up at Mongla and Chokoria in Cox's Bazar.

Eminent economist and RAPID Chairman Dr MA Razzaque said that the European Union (EU) has introduced Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) to reduce carbon emission which is being applied for the first time this year for international trade. Besides, the USA, Canada and Japan have also introduced ETS.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Awami League (AL) today launched training programme for master trainers aiming to highlight developments and future planning of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the next parliament election.

Presidium Member of Awami League Jahangir Kabir Nanak inaugurated the training programme at AL's Bangabandhu Avenue central office here.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the Customs Bond Commissionerate in Chattogram to enhance the speed and simplicity of custom bond-related services to boost the competitiveness of the RMG industry.

The call was made when a delegation of BGMEA, headed by President Faruque Hassan, held a meeting with A.K.M. Mahbubur Rahman, Commissioner of Customs Bond Commissionerate, Chattogram.

BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, former First Vice President Moinuddin Ahmed Mintu, Directors A.M. Shafiul Karim (Khokon) and M. Ahsanul Hoq, former Directors Helal Uddin Chowdhury, Anjan Shekhar Das, Khondaker Belayet Hossain, Mohammad Atique and, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Trade Fair Mohammed Kamal Uddin, and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Cash Incentive Humayun Kabir Salim were present at the meeting held at the Customs Bond Commissionerate office in Chattogram today, said a press release.

The meeting was also attended by Joint Commissioners Kamona Sheesh and Md. Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Commissioners Tapan Chandra Dey, Suman Chakma and Mohammad Kawsar Alam Patwary.

The meeting centered on important discussions concerning issues and challenges faced by the RMG sector in relation to bond-related services.

During the meeting, Faruque underlined the immense potential that Bangladesh holds in the global market and emphasized that simplified bond services would play a pivotal role in harnessing this potential.

He particularly emphasized the necessity of eliminating complexities in the customs bond procedures, and resolving problems that causes delay in services.

Streamlining this process, he noted, would shorten lead times, thus contribute significantly to its global competitiveness.

In response to these concerns, the Commissioner of the Customs Bond Commissionerate assured the BGMEA delegation of the necessary cooperation in addressing the issues raised during the meeting.

In the meeting, both sides expressed willingness to work closely together to create a more conducive environment for RMG businesses to thrive.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan today called for simplifying customs-related procedures and removing all obstacles to facilitate faster and smoother services for the RMG sector.

In a highly competitive global market, he stressed that Bangladesh must reduce lead times, which is a critical factor for maintaining competitiveness within the fashion industry.

The BGMEA president made the call while leading a delegation in a meeting with Mohammad Fyzur Rahman, Commissioner of Custom House, Chattogram.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and address key concerns related to customs procedures affecting the readymade garments (RMG) industry, said a press release.

BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Directors Md. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, A.M. Shafiul Karim (Khokon) and M. Ahsanul Hoq, former Directors Anjan Shekhar Das and Helal Uddin Chowdhury, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Trade Fair Mohammed Kamal Uddin, and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Cash Incentive Humayun Kabir Salim were present at the meeting held at the Custom House in Chattogram.

Md. Zakir Hossain, Additional Commissioner, Tafsir Uddin Bhuiyan, Joint Commissioner and other high officials of the Custom House, Chattogram were also present at the meeting which was attended by President of Chattogram Custom Agents Association AKM Akhtar Hossain, Secretary General Kazi Mahmud Imam and port related secretary Liakat Ali Howlader.

During the meeting, Faruque also pointed to the challenges currently facing the RMG industry, especially a slowdown in orders due to the global economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war.

He highlighted the industry's need for government support and cooperation to navigate these challenging times and ensure its sustainable growth.

The BGMEA delegation apprised the Customs Commissioner of the various difficulties faced by garment exporters concerning customs-related services.

They urged the customs authorities to take prompt action in addressing these issues and streamlining services for the RMG industry.

In response, the Customs Commissioner acknowledged the significant contribution of the RMG industry to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh.

He listened to the concerns raised by the BGMEA leaders during the meeting and assured them of the Customs House's commitment to providing comprehensive support to resolve these challenges and enhance services for RMG exporters.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh and Hungary today signed one agreement and two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on economic, education and health cooperation.

Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Hungarian foreign and commerce minister Peter Szijjarto inked the deals on behalf of their respective side.

The two ministers signed the instruments at a bilateral meeting on the sideline of 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, according to a message received here.

The three instruments are - "Agreement on Economic Cooperation", "MoU on Cooperation within the Framework of Stipendium Hungaricum Programme for the years 2024-2026" and "MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Health for the years 2023-2025".

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed different bilateral issues including food safety, energy security and climate change.

They discussed on proposed visit of Hungarian Prime Minister to Bangladesh and hoped that during the trip three instruments - "Avoidance of Double Taxation", "Agreement on Investment Protection" and "Agreement on Water Cooperation" would be signed between Dhaka and Budapest.

Bangladesh foreign minister sought Hungary's support in repatriation efforts of displaced Rohingyas to their motherland Myanmar.

In reply, Hungarian minister assured that his government would keep pressure on Myanmar to take back Rohingyas from Bangladesh.

While Dr Momen drew attention on easing visa application process for Hungary from Dhaka, the Hungarian minister apprised of his Bangladesh counterpart that Budapest has already taken initiatives in this regards.

The two ministers also underscored for ceasing war in Europe to reduce the suffering of common people across the world.

Bangladesh foreign minister invited his Hungarian counterpart to attend the opening ceremony of Rooppur nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha