Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh awarded the National Export Trophy to 77 exporters in 32 sectors for their outstanding performance in fetching the highest export earnings in the fiscal year 2021-2022. The recipients were recognized in various categories and assessed based on the National Export Trophy Policy 2013. Among the winners, 29 received gold trophies, 27 received silver trophies, and 21 received bronze trophies. Rifat Garments Ltd was honored with the highest recognition, the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Export Trophy, for achieving the highest export earnings in the readymade garment (RMG) woven category. Pran-RFL Group, a leading conglomerate in Bangladesh, received seven trophies, including three gold trophies, for their earnings from processed agricultural products, plastic goods, melamine, and light engineering products. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the exporters to explore new markets for Bangladeshi goods and expand the country's export basket. She emphasized the importance of diversifying export items and not relying solely on one product, such as readymade garments. Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need to target markets in the Middle East, Gulf countries, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and East Europe for export earnings. She also mentioned the significance of conducting research to identify the demand for specific products in different countries and modifying the design and fashion of products to meet changing trends. The prime minister recognized the role of exporters in contributing to the national economy and stressed the importance of economic diplomacy alongside political diplomacy. The event was attended by State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu, Commerce Secretary Md Selim Uddin, and other officials.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the interim government, called on the country’s garment manufacturers to support the rebuilding of Bangladesh after 15 years of economic plunder under the dictatorship of Sheikh Hasina. Yunus emphasized the challenges inherited by the interim government and urged the manufacturers to keep their businesses separate from politics. BGMEA leaders expressed their full support for Yunus’s leadership and requested the formation of a task force to address sector-specific challenges. BGMEA director Shovon Islam expressed optimism about the future under Yunus’s leadership and outlined the short-term and long-term needs of the industry. Yunus promised to address their concerns and help the industry. Dhaka stocks rebounded strongly. The interim government appointed Abdur Rahman Khan as NBR chairman. Rizwana warned of stern action against graft and irregularity. ADB engaged with the interim government to support development. [866cb654]