insight

April 21, 2019 | Issue 216

NEWSLETTER

Bhutan Bangladesh relations reach new heights

During a recent visit to Bangladesh, Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr Lotay Tshering focused on exploring more connectivity and business opportunities between Dhaka and Thimphu. According to a joint statement on the state visit, the two premiers welcomed the signing of the standard of procedure (SOP) for the operationalisation of the MoU on the 'Use of Inland Waterways for Transportation of Bilateral Trade and Transit Cargoes' between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Moreover, both countries viewed that the proposed trilateral cooperation with India in hydroelectric power can further strengthen regional cooperation, encourage the use of renewable energy and mitigate climate change challenges.

Bangladesh received $12b remittance in 9 months

Bangladeshi expatriates sent nearly US $12 billion remittance in the first nine months of the current fiscal 2018-19 -- highest in the last three years. During the July-March period in the current fiscal, they had sent $11.87 billion, 10.30 percent higher than the amount received in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal. According to Bangladesh Bank, the country received $10.76 billion remittance during July-March period of 2017-18 financial year while $9.19 billion in 2016-17, $11.06 billion in 2015-16 and $11.26 billion in 2014-15.

Footwear exports fetch $651m in 9 months

Footwear sector is strengthening its footing in the international market despite the negative growth of Bangladeshi leather products in export markets. Footwear exports totalled $651 million in the last nine months of the current FY 2018-19, which is around 10 per cent higher than the same period last fiscal. The country’s footwear industry rapidly grew in the past decade. Exports soared from $68 million in 2004 to $870 million in FY 2017-18. This year’s target for footwear exports has been fixed at $860 million.

Bangladesh observes Mujibnagar Day to mark formation of first government

Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman have poured in as Bangladesh observes the historic Mujibnagar Day, commemorating the formation of the country's provisional government in Meherpur in 1971. On the same day in 1971, the provisional Mujibnagar Government was constituted in Meherpur’s Baidyanathtala, which was later renamed as Mujibnagar. The village witnessed the ceremonial formation of the provisional government and millions of freedom loving people listened to the announcement over radio. The Mujibnagar Government was constituted with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the president, Syed Nazul Islam as acting president, and Tajuddin Ahmed as the prime minister.

Japan set to give largest-ever loan to BD for five ongoing projects

Japan is set to provide the highest-ever amount of loan to Bangladesh under a new loan package to facilitate implementation of five large ongoing projects in the port, communications, and energy and power sectors. Officials said a negotiation team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has confirmed the funding for the five projects under its 40th Official Development Assistance (ODA). Of the projects, Matarbari port development project will get the first tranche of the loan amount, while Matarbari power project will get fifth tranche of the total loan commitment. The Second tranche of loan will be provided for both MRT Line-1 and FDI promotion projects, which will facilitate setting up of the second corridor of metro-rail in the city and a special economic zone (SEZ) of Japan respectively.

BD's aviation market doubles in seven years

The aviation market of Bangladesh doubled over the last seven years to 2017 and is expected to grow at even faster rate in the near future. This has prompted Airbus to look to the market with offers for supplying their most modern and up-to-date aircraft for meeting the country's needs. According to media reports, the aviation industry of Bangladesh would be doubled in 15 years - at par with the global growth rate of aviation industry. The global air traffic has proved to be resilient to external shocks and doubles in every 15 years.

Bangladesh-China 2nd home-minister level meeting held

The second home minister-level meeting between China and Bangladesh was held in Beijing this week in a bid to establish close cooperation and share intelligence on issues like terrorism and cybercrimes. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan led the 19-member Bangladesh team while China’s State Councilor as well as Public Security Minister Zhao Kezhi led his 14-member in the meeting, a press release said here. During the meeting, the minister of China stressed on strengthening the cooperation between the two police forces of the two countries. Asaduzzaman sought the cooperation of China for the safe return of Rohingyas to their motherland Myanmar safely with dignity while the Public Security Minister Zhao expressed optimism over it.

HPM Sheikh Hasina grieves Notre Dame cathedral fire

Honourable Prime Minister (HPM) Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the damage to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris on Monday. “We are terribly shocked and deeply saddened at the colossal damage to the Cathedral Notre Dame due to a catastrophic fire,” she said in a message to President of France Emmanuel Macron. The damage to this iconic cathedral is heart-wrenching not only to people of France but for the entire humanity. “With a deep sense of loss and grief, I, on behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, convey our profound sadness to you and to the people of France,” reads the message.

BANGLADESH AWAMI LEAGUE
23, Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka-1000. Bangladesh.

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