As a very severe cyclone Mocha made landfall, authorities evacuated over 1.2 million people to safety in Cox's Bazar reducing impact significantly, thanks to the country’s disaster preparedness developed over the last decade. With an early warning system, Honourable Prime Minister (HPM) Sheikh Hasina took stock of the situation round the clock. In last decade, the country has seen a record number of cyclone centers established under the leadership of HPM Sheikh Hasina. National Helpline 333 has been launched to provide crucial support and information, let alone different affiliated bodies of Awami League stood beside people who fled homes to stay in shelters. In the aftermath, relief distribution works are underway to help affected families turn around their lives.

During her address in the inauguration of the 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)-2023, HPM Sheikh Hasina raised six priority areas for the countries of the Indian Ocean region, including fostering maritime diplomacy and partnership, and strengthening maritime security and mutual trust for prosperity for all. “Despite its potential, the region faces many challenges. The countries in the Indian Ocean region, therefore, need to foster partnerships and cooperation for ensuring peace, and prosperity for all,” added the premier. In the two day conference hosted by Dhaka, high profile representatives from government and think-tanks from at least 25 countries took part in the event.

In the recently held two day Indian Ocean Conference in Dhaka, a number of representatives from 25 Indian Ocean nations discussed regional economic growth, cooperation and security at the Indian Ocean Conference in Bangladesh as the Indo-Pacific grows in importance amid changes in the world order. Addressing the conference, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said they believe that a seamless transition into an Indo-Pacific is to their collective advantage. He reiterated India’s commitment to the well-being and progress of all nations of the Indian Ocean. Referring to Bangladesh which released its Indo-Pacific Outlook on 24 April 2023, Jaishankar said, "By doing so, Bangladesh joined a number of countries ranging from ASEAN and East Asia to Europe and North America in articulating its thinking on this important subject."

UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Olivier De Schutter observed that over the recent years, Bangladesh has marked significant gains in slashing down poverty with people are now provided with better life opportunities. According to media reports, Olivier De Schutter is scheduled to make a visit to Bangladesh to examine the government’s efforts to eradicate poverty from 17 May to 29 May. During the visit, the UN expert will travel to Dhaka, Rangpur Division and Cox’s Bazar, where he will meet with national and local government officials, individuals and communities affected by poverty, and representatives from civil society.

An extensive scheme to offer daily essentials at subsidised rates to as many as 10 million low-income families nationwide will start from this week. This initiative stands as another manifestation of HPM Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to stand beside families affected by the global headwinds brewing over global economies. In addition to such schemes, under HPM Sheikh Hasina, over the course of decade, a number of initiatives with regards to safety net are rolled out including largest housing scheme, financial assistances for marginalized people and even transgender community that helped turn around millions of lives.

Bangladesh has made significant progress in bridging gaps between low and high opportunity groups, particularly in the education sector, according to Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. South Asia has suffered an unprecedented combination of shocks over the past three years, and moving from recovery to growth requires ensuring economic development is inclusive, said the World Bank in its latest regional economic update. Meanwhile, a conference has been started in Dhaka that aims to provide academics and researchers a platform to discuss South Asia’s economic outlook, and how socio-economic disparities prevent the region from achieving its development goals.

During his recent visit to Bangladesh, Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts has said Bangladesh and Australia work closely together to promote their shared interests in regional peace and security, and have a growing trade and investment relationship. "I look forward to continuing discussions on our political and economic cooperation while in Bangladesh," the diplomat was quoted by media as saying. The Australian assistant minister represented Australia at the 6th Indian Ocean Conference in Bangladesh, added the diplomat.

Impressed by remarkable progress Bangladesh achieved on different indices over the course of last decade under the leadership of HPM Sheikh Hasina, Honourbale President of Mauritius Prithvirajsing Roopun, during a recent visit to Bangladesh, mentioned the long-standing excellent relations between the countries. Expressing happiness over the role of Bangladeshi workers in Mauritius, the Honourable President extended invitation for high-level visits from Bangladesh. He maintained that Mauritius can be a gateway for Bangladeshi trade and business in Africa.