Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury has said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the incumbent government has taken various initiatives to fulfill Bangladesh's commitment to protecting the world's environment by disseminating Bangladeshi eco-friendly and biodegradable jute products all over the world, including Bhutan. He made the remarks while speaking at the inaugural session of the Bangladesh Jute Products Exhibition Centre in Thimpu, Bhutan, on Monday evening. Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay inaugurated the exhibition, organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Thimpu, according to a message received here today. Saber Chowdhury said Bhutan-Bangladesh friendship will be stronger by setting up an exhibition centre for jute products of Bangladesh for the first time abroad. It will not only protect the environment but also play a positive role in bilateral trade. Bhutan's Foreign Minister, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Minis ter of Health, Minister of Power and Natural Resources, Foreign Secretary, Secretary of Natural Resources and other senior officials of the Government of Bhutan were present on the occasion. Among others, Bangladesh Ambassador to Bhutan Shivnath Roy and Embassy Counselor Sujan Debnath spoke on the occasion. Besides, the leaders of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce, a large number of Bhutanese businessmen, importers and handicraft traders were present. After the inauguration, Bhutanese leaders and businessmen visited the exhibition centre and Bangladeshi jute products. They were impressed by the versatile goods produced from Bangladesh jute like jute bags, shoes, carpets, tissue boxes, kitchen items, clothing, office files, conference files, pen holders and home furnishings. They hoped that a permanent market for Bangladeshi jute products would soon develop in Bhutan. According to embassy sources, the quantity and number of jute products will increase in the near future. As a result, the market for Bangladeshi ju te products will develop in different cities of Bhutan. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Nepal’s rivers are assets of Nepal: PM Dahal
Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said Nepal's rivers are its assets and should be utilised by itself. In his address to supplementary questions from lawmakers over the allocations of budget to the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President and the Office of the Prime Minister during deliberations on the Appropriation Bill, 2081 here today, the Prime Minister said, " The rivers in Nepal are Nepal's properties and it is clear that they should be utilized by Nepal." He claimed that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year is 'balanced' and is based on the 'just distribution'. The government through the budget aims to achieve rapid development ending economic, social, and geographical oddities. A new phase of economic development has been announced in the budget, he reminded. "Our policy is to explore for a grant and in cases of a concessional loan, interest rate above 1.5 percent will be avoided." As the Prime Minister said, projects below Rs 30 million will not be i mplemented by the federal government and they will be handed to lower levels. Source: National News Agency Nepal
Nazrul for mitigating child labour for building smart Bangladesh
State Minister for labour and employment Nazrul Islam Chowdhury has called for mitigating the child labour for building improved, prosperous and smart Bangladesh. He stressed the need for forging social resistance against child labour. Simultaneously, utmost emphasis should be given on transforming the children into skilled workforces through technical and vocational education. The state minister was addressing a workshop on mitigating the child labour organized by his ministry at the office conference hall of Divisional Commissioner here today as chief guest. With Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir in the chair, the meeting was addressed by Secretary to the ministry Mahbub Alam, Additional Secretary Jahangir Alam, Director General of the Directorate of Labour Tariqul Alam and Inspector General of Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Abdur Rahman Khan as special guests. Additional Divisional Commissioner Tartafder Akter Jamil, Deputy Commissioner of Rajs hahi Shamim Ahmed, Superintendent of Police Saifur Rahman and Chief Field Officer of UNICEF Toufique Ahmed also spoke. State Minister Nazrul Islam Chowdhury said they have adopted a pilot project for preventing child labour and Rajshahi will be freed from child labour through intervention of the project. He also said the present government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly for halting child labour. He added that 43 sectors have already been banned from child labour through declaring those as riskiest. Nazrul Islam also said social responsibility coupled with concerted efforts of all the government and non-government organizations concerned can be the best way of preventing child labour. Side by side with building large-scale mass-awareness, owners of factories and industries should come forward and work together to eliminate the child labour for protecting their legitimate rights. Later, the state minister visited the divisional office of the Department of Inspection for Fact ories and Establishments, National Occupational Health and Security related Research and Training Institute and Divisional Labour Office together with sharing views with the officials and others concerned respectively. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
HoR passes Appropriation Bill, 2081
Kathmandu: The House of Representatives (HoR) has passed the Appropriation Bill, 2081. In today's HoR meeting, the proposal presented by Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun seeking endorsement of 'Appropriation Bill, 2081', was passed by majority. The government had on May 28 presented a budget of Rs 1.86 trillion for coming fiscal year 2024/25 in the joint meeting of the federal parliament. Discussion on headings of different ministries, offices and bodies under the Appropriation Bill had started in HoR from June 11. The Prime Minister and ministers of respective ministries had responded to queries raised by lawmakers on different headings under the Appropriation Bill. Source: National News Agency Nepal
Bangladesh seeks Japan’s support to build TSDF
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today sought Japanese assistance for building a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) in Bangladesh soon to transform Bangladeshi shipyards into world class green certified to continue hassle free ship breaking. The foreign minister made the urge when the Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Ono Keiichi met him at the ministry here this afternoon. During the meeting, they also discussed the ratification by Bangladesh of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Foreign minister expressed satisfaction at the good progress of JICA-assisted mega-infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, namely, Matarbari Deep Sea Port, Dhaka Metro Rail, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport 3rd Terminal and Bangabandhu Railway Bridge over Jamuna river. Dr Hasan also commended the visit of the Japanese Trade Negotiating Team for EPA to Dhaka last month to attend the 1st round of Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partner ship Agreement (EPA) Negotiations. He hoped that the EPA would be concluded to get Japanese financial concession by 2026 when Bangladesh will be graduated from LDC status. The Foreign minister thanked the Japanese government along with Sasakawa Foundation for the continued efforts towards a durable solution for the safe, sustainable, and dignified return of the Rohingyas to the Rakhine State of Myanmar for peace, stability, and security in the region. He also appreciated Japan's humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas including those relocated to Bhashan Char. Hasan thanked the Senior Deputy Minister for visiting Bangladesh to attend the 5th Bangladesh-Japan Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). In reply, regarding ship recycling, the Japanese Senior Deputy Minister informed that Japanese experts will visit Bangladesh soon to ensure the TSDF facilities in Bangladesh. Ono Keiichi gave emphasis on the construction of Matarbari deep sea port in Bangladesh which will ensure greater connectivity in the region . He also looked forward to early conclusion of EPA to boost bilateral trade and investment. Ono Keiichi thanked Bangladesh government for hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingyas on humanitarian ground and assured of continued Japanese support towards their humanitarian assistance and repatriation process. Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori was also present, among others, during the meeting. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Bangladesh’s external debt decreased by $1.34 billion
Bangladesh's foreign debt has decreased by US$1.34 billion in the first three months of this year. According to the data from the Bangladesh Bank, the county's total public and private sector debt stood at $99.30 billion as of March last. The external debt for the first time climbed to $100.64 billion in December last year. At the end of March this year, the private sector's total debt stood at $20.29 billion, 3 percent lower than $20.94 billion in December last year. Meanwhile, the government's foreign debt stood at $79 billion, down from $79.69 billion as of the end of 2023. In March, the private sector's short-term foreign debts reached at $11.04 billion, a decrease by $750 million from $11.79 billion in December. However, the private sector's long-term external debt decreased to $91.53 billion in March from $92.56 billion in December. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Bangladesh-Japan 5th FOC held
Bangladesh and Japan today held the 5th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at the State Guest House Padma in the capital. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan ONO Keiichi led their respective side, a foreign ministry's press release said here. This FOC is a follow-up of the bilateral engagements since elevation of the bilateral relations as "Strategic Partnership" which was declared during the last visit of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan in April 2023. During the consultations, both sides discussed a wide range of issues including the overview of bilateral relations, trade, commerce, investment, infrastructure, human resources development, defence and security cooperation, cultural issues and people-to-people contacts. They also agreed to extend cooperation in bilateral and regional issues. The both sides also reiterated their continuous efforts in favour of sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Chinese company to invest $109 million in BEPZA EZ
Chinese company Alpen Banyan Garments BD Co. Ltd. today signed an agreement with Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) to invest US$ 108.99 million in BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ). The company will set up a garment manufacturing factory on 90 thousand square meters of land where 43 million pcs of Woven and Knit garments will be produced annually, said a press release. The company will create employment opportunities for 11,995 Bangladeshi nationals when it will come into operation in full swing. In the presence of BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, BSP, ndc, psc, Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA Md. Ashraful Kabir and Director of Alpen Banyan Garments BD Co. Ltd. Li, Tianning signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations at BEPZA Complex in the city. It would be the highest amount of proposed investment ever from a single company signed agreements to establish industries in BEPZA EZ. BEPZA Executive Chairman thanked Alpen Ba nyan Garments for choosing BEPZA EZ as their investment destination. He said that BEPZA welcomes investment from all sectors including RMG and Textile but encouraging more investment in diversified sectors like Automobile, Electronics and Electrical, IT products etc. Mentionable, BEPZA gets positive response from the investors of home and abroad to invest in BEPZA EZ, the largest venture of BEPZA located at Mirsharai, Chattogram. A total of 29 companies, including Alpen Banyan Garments, signed agreements to invest in the BEPZA EZ with a total proposed investment of USD 688 million. In addition to the ready-made garments and textiles, these lease companies are supposed to produce diversified products such as footwear and footwear accessories, tents and camping equipment, hair care products and accessories, lubricating oil, disposable cutlery, etc. Three companies of BEPZA EZ have already started their commercial production while three more companies expected to make their first export by this year. M ember (Engineering) Mohammad Faruque Alam, Member (Finance) A N M Foyzul Haque, Executive Director (Enterprise Services) Md. Khorshid Alam, Executive Director (Public Relations) A.S.M Anwar Parvez and Executive Director (Investment Promotion- Addl. Charge) Fazlul Haque Mazumder along with the representatives of the company were present during the signing ceremony. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
China to continue cooperation for Bangladesh’s development: Liu Jianchao
Visiting Minister of the International Relations of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s central committee Liu Jianchao today said China is keen to continue all possible cooperation for the development of Bangladesh in the coming days. "China always attaches great importance to bolster the development ties with Bangladesh . . . It will always be beside Bangladesh's development," he said during a courtesy call on Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban here today. Liu Jianchao praised Bangladesh's development in various sectors, especially infrastructure development, information technology, communication, energy and tourism. Later, President's Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin briefed the BSS about the outcome of the meeting. Welcoming the Chinese minister at Bangabhaban, President Shahabuddin said China is one of the most important development partners of Bangladesh. He said China's cooperation in implementing various mega projects of Bangladesh, including Padma Bridge Rail Link, Karnaphuli Tunnel and Elevated Expressway, have accelerated the economic development of Bangladesh. Noting that Bangladesh's relationship with China is very old, the Head of State hoped that China's development partnership with Bangladesh will strengthen in the days to come. The President sought China's support for Bangladesh to become a partner member of the alliance of developing economies "BRICS", an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's possible visit to China next month, the President hoped that the relations between the two countries would reach new heights through her visit. During the meeting, the President emphasized on increasing people-to-people contacts to expand bilateral relations in various fields, including trade and investment. Mentioning that the Rohingyas in Bangladesh are now a big problem, he sought China's full cooperation in solving this problem. The President recently referred to the visit of a delegation of Awami League to China. He said this visit will play a positive role in increasing understanding and cooperation between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Bangladesh Awami League (AL). Secretaries concerned to the President's office were present on the Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Dhaka-Thimphu to enhance environmental and energy cooperation: Saber Chowdhury
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said Bangladesh and Bhutan will strengthen cooperation on environment and energy. 'Our bilateral cooperation can serve as a model for regional and global partnerships. By enhancing collaboration, we can overcome obstacles and create a brighter and greener tomorrow for our nations and the world as well,' he said. The environment minister made the remarks at a bilateral meeting with Bhutan Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Gem Tshering at his office in Thimphu, Bhutan, according to a message received here. Speaking at the meeting, he said this is the time to take decisive actions that will safeguard natural resources of both countries for future generations. As the outgoing chairman of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP), Saber Chowdhury congratulated SACEP's new chairman Gem Tshering, the energy and natural resources minister of Bhutan. He also invited Gem Tshering to join a tri-party meeting of e nvironment ministers of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan to be held in Dhaka in July next. Expressing gratitude to Saber Chowdhury for his visit to Bhutan, Tshering said Bhutan is committed to pursuing sustainable development. 'The meeting marked a step forward in our joint efforts to foster environmental stewardship and energy cooperation,' he said. During the meeting, they underscored the shared commitment of both nations to addressing the pressing environmental challenges, enhancing sustainable energy practices, and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. Both the ministers engaged in productive discussions focusing on mutual cooperation in forest conservation, renewable energy development and implementation of climate-resilient strategies. Earlier in the day, Minister Saber Chowdhury held a meeting with Bhutan Minister for Industry, Commerce, Employment and Tourism Namgyal Dorji at his office. Royal Civil Service Commissioner Tashi Pem also met Saber Chowdhury at Le Meridien Thimphu. Sourc e: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
Initiatives being made to accept EPG Report on understanding of both nations: PM Dahal
Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has made it clear that initiatives are on for receiving the report of the Nepal-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) through understanding of the two countries. He said that he made the initiation for an understanding in that connection during his recent visit to India. Responding to the supplementary questions of lawmakers on the budget and programmes allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the subordinate bodies under the Appropriation Bill, 2081 in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, the PM reiterated that the Nepal-India relations and treaties would be moved forward on the basis of national understanding. Stating that regular contact and coordination is being established with the Embassy of Nepal in Moscow and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kathmandu regarding the information on the Nepali citizens who have died and held captive due to the Russia-Ukraine war, he said a taskforce has been set up to give recommendatio ns for making the movement of Nepalis in Russia systematic. The PM added that talks are being held with Ukraine through diplomatic channel in connection with the Nepalis held captive there in course of the conflict. Making it clear that the appointment of ambassadors would be done on a merit basis, he vowed to render it more systematic in the coming days. 'Government has kept rescue of Nepalis in difficulty in foreign land in priority' Similarly, PM Dahal stated that Nepal's diplomatic missions abroad have kept in high priority the task of facilitating the rescue of Nepali nationals in difficulty in foreign countries and in their repatriation home to Nepal if needed. He said the Nepali ambassadors and mission chiefs have been provided orientation for making the foreign employment dignified, safe and systematic, adding that arrangements have been made so that services like repatriation of the bodies of those Nepalis killed abroad to Nepal and securing compensation would be available from the Nepal's for eign diplomatic missions 24 hours. "Arrangements have been made for establishing easy contact through hotline service as well as website and social site, besides telephone service at some of the diplomatic missions. Shelter homes have been managed at some missions including in Saudi Arabia, among some countries. The missions have been running psycho-social counseling services targeting the Nepali migrant workers through direct and online means," he said. The Prime Minister said that the Department of Passports has made the passport distribution and renewal services more effective and friendly to the service-seekers. Likewise, PM Dahal said that the government is committed to mobilizing the Nepal's overseas diplomatic missions and their chiefs to the best interest of the nation. He also made it clear that the government can, as per the Guidelines on Appointment of Ambassadors, recall the ambassadors before completion of their tenure if it deems necessary. He further added that the policy of appointing at least 50 per cent ambassadors from the foreign services itself has been continued for keeping a balance between political appointments and the professionals in the ambassadorial appointments. The Prime Minister expressed his belief that the ambassadorial appointment would be rendered more systematic, prestigious and transparent, and based on capacity and job performance, making the Guidelines as the main basis. Source: National News Agency Nepal
BNP does politics over Khaleda Zia’s illness: Quader
Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said BNP leaders are doing politics over the illness of Begum Khaleda Zia. BNP leaders have unnecessarily delayed the trial of the cases of convicted Begum Khaleda Zia, he said while replying to a query of reporters after a board meeting of Bangladesh Bridge Authority at its Bhaban in city's Banani. Quader said BNP leaders, including its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, talk much, but they didn't wage even any visible movement over Begum Zia issue. In fact, they are doing politics over the health issue of Begum Zia, he added. The AL general secretary said the then caretaker government filed cases against Begum Khaleda Zia. 'Even a case was filed against our leader and incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. But they didn't get anything against her (Sheikh Hasina) after investigation,' he said. On the other hand, he said, Begum Zia was not present before the court for long which delayed the tria l process. Rejecting comments of BNP leaders, Quader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has shown her unprecedented generosity to Begum Zia giving her release from jail and she is now taking treatment outside the jail. 'She is also staying at her residence. Why will we kill her?' he added. He said BNP's founder Ziaur Rahman had begun the politics of killing. 'BNP is the mastermind of August 15, November 3 and August 21 carnages. They started the politics of killing and conspiracies. And we are victims of their evil politics and conspiracies. We didn't kill anyone and didn't do any conspiracy,' he said. About the board meeting, Quader said about 1.27 crore vehicles have crossed the Padma Bridge till now and Taka 1648 crore has been realized as toll. Taka 948 crore has been paid to the Finance Division till the sixth installment. Besides, cheques for Taka 314 crore will be given to the Finance Division by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban on June 27 as seventh and eighth installments, he added. S ource: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha