"Although the next preferential trade benefit, or GSP status, is different from the current "Everything but Arms, or EBA, facility", there is still scope for market expansion. "That means the business partners here and the Bangladesh government now must carry out huge activities. "Highlighting the beginning of the efforts through a comprehensive review of labour law, Miller said: "We would like to see that in the near future and hope that transparency will be maintained with the EU. In 2023, 20.70 percent of Bangladesh's total trade was with the EU alliance.Bangladesh exported goods worth $18.9 billion to the European market that year, in which the apparel sector played a major role. It depends on the progress of the readymade garments, textiles, and knitwear sector and environmental, social, and good governance.

If proven to have benefited from embezzlement, the government hopes those assets will be returned to Bangladesh, it saysThe interim government is working to return the people's money that was laundered from Bangladesh during the previous government's tenure, the Chief Advisor's Office, or CAO, says. “He said properties and assets tied to stolen Bangladeshi funds, including those linked to individuals with connections to the previous regime, must be investigated thoroughly. The statement read, “The interim government is actively working with international law enforcement agencies to investigate and recover funds stolen from the people of Bangladesh. “The misuse of public resources in this and other projects has not only robbed the people of Bangladesh but also disrupted the country’s progress toward economic stability.”“The funds stolen from Bangladesh belong to its people. We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that justice is done," the statement read.

He expects the problem to be resolved within a couple of days, after which savings certificate transactions will return to normal. The server malfunction has led to the suspension of new purchases of savings certificates since Thursday. The central bank typically handles the sale and renewal of savings certificates, with large crowds usually observed until 2pm. Different savings certificate schemes are available for the lower middle class, people with limited incomes, women, the disabled, and retired officers and employees. Due to this investment, the government must pay interest to savings certificate holders every month, and thus, net sales are considered government debt.

The reform process will include a national anti-corruption strategy paper, says commission chiefThe commission formed to reform the Anti-Corruption Commission, or ACC, has prepared a report containing 47 recommendations. Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, is heading the ACC Reform Commission, one of six commissions formed by the interim government, alongside those for the judiciary, police, and judiciary division. Iftekharuzzaman told bdnews24.com the report on the reform of the ACC has been prepared under two broad recommendations. He said the formulation of a national anti-corruption strategy paper and its implementation will also be part of the reform process. Multiple sources suggest the reform report may include proposals to amend the ACC Chairman and Commissioner Appointment Act.

Students at Jagannath University (JnU) have begun a ‘complete shutdown’ programme after a 24-hour hunger strike to push for their three-point charter of demands. Among their key demands is the call for the construction of the university’s second campus to be handed over to the army, reports UNB. After their 24-hour-long hunger strike failed to yield a response, the students locked the main entrance of the university and the Sajid Academic Building on Monday morning. Jagannath University received a cheque for nearly Tk 9 billion in July 2019 to implement the project, which is estimated to cost Tk 19.2 billion. Last week, they escalated their campaign by staging a hunger strike, demanding accountability and immediate action to fulfil the commitment.

"The first and most important thing is to make it very clear psychologically and politically that we will continue to stand by Ukraine," said Pistorius upon arriving in Kyiv. He will meet the Ukrainian government to discuss further aid and will assess the military situation. Trump says he will quickly solve the war in Ukraine and has criticised the scale of US support for Kyiv. There is debate in Germany over Berlin's support for Ukraine ahead of a snap German election on Feb 23, particularly as the incoming Trump presidency is putting pressure on Europe to boost its own defences. He said he would discuss the question of industrial cooperation for arms productions in Ukraine, including how to support Kyiv in boosting capacity and conclude joint ventures.

He made the statement while responding to a question on Tuesday about the BNP's demand to hold the 13th national election by the middle of this year. The UNDP delegation led by Lewis held a meeting with the chief election commissioner at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon. Asked about the possible timing of the polls, she said: “That’s outside of the scope of the election mission. It’s really a decision of the political parties and Muhammad Yunus’s government. To this end, the UNDP delegation will stay in Bangladesh for the next 10 days to meet with political parties, the Election Commission, civil society, teachers, and other stakeholders, she said.

Students across Bangladesh are expected to have all their textbooks in hand within February, Education and Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud has said. During a courtesy meeting with leaders of the Education Reporters Association of Bangladesh, or ERAB, at the Planning Commission on Monday, he shared updates on the progress of textbook distribution. “The officials working on textbooks had said all books would be delivered on time, but later we realised there was still much work to be done,” he said. The advisor continued, “Initially, we were facing difficulties with the supply of art paper, and there was also a shortage of paper. “However, with the help of student representatives, intelligence agencies, and others, the issue of art paper has been resolved.”He said there is still some shortage of art paper, but shipments are expected to arrive by the end of January.

Naga Sadhus or Hindu holy men take a holy dip during the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, Jan 14, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNaga Sadhus or Hindu holy men take a holy dip during the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, Jan 14, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNaked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the waters of sacred rivers in India on Tuesday, part of a large crowd of 35 million devotees who took the holy dip on the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, seeking absolution from their sins. "The crowd today was fantastic," said ascetic Rakesh Kumar after his holy dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Every 12 years, the festival is described as "maha" or great, as the timing is considered to render it more auspicious, drawing bigger crowds.

Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said there is no tension along the India-Bangladesh border, describing the situation as relatively stable. “There is no tension at the border now. The advisor added that a meeting between the director generals of Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, and India's Border Security Force, or BSF, is scheduled for next month to discuss restoring peace. On the domestic front, Jahangir said there is no fertiliser shortage in the country. He warned, "If anyone tries to create an artificial shortage of fertiliser, action will be taken against them.

"We are committed to leveraging our influence constructively to support the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in fostering cricket development and ensuring playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan," an ICC spokesperson told Reuters. While the women's team has been disbanded, Afghanistan men's team have shifted base to Dubai. Britain's Culture minister Lisa Nandy was also apprehensive of the utility of boycotting a cricket team. Australia also play Afghanistan only in multi-team ICC events and have refused to host them more than once. Afghanistan begin their Group B campaign against South Africa in Karachi on Feb 21 before taking on England and Australia.

On the night of Aug 15, 2024, police arrested Ziaul in Khilkhet, based on a case filed at Dhaka’s New Market Police Station. In connection with the murder case filed at Dhaka’s New Market Police Station, Mashiur was arrested on Sept 19, 2024. Runi’s brother, Nausher Ali Roman, filed a case with the Sher-e-Bangla Police Station in connection with the murder. Three weeks later, on Oct 23, 2024, the government formed its own task force to expedite the investigation into the murder case. Following the murder, Runi’s brother, Nausher, filed a case at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station in Dhaka.

The women alleged that they were also beaten and the incident was recorded on videoTwo women have lodged a case against seven individuals over being an alleged gang rape at a sawmill in Cumilla. The case was filed around midnight on Monday, said Nangalkot police chief AK Fazlul Haque. The women also alleged that they were “beaten up” and “recorded on video" as well. But, due to the recorded video clips, they decided to ask for help from Nurpur locals on Saturday. Chauddagram Assistant Superintendent of Police Nishat Tabassum said: “The two women lodged the complaint to us.

REUTERSSadhus or Hindu holy men from Panchayati Bada Udasin Akhara take part in a religious procession during "Peshwai" or the arrival of the members of an akhara or sect of sadhus ahead of the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, January 12, 2025. REUTERSScores of naked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the water of holy rivers in northern India on Tuesday, dreadlocks flying, during the first 'royal bath' of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival. The dip by the ascetics, who wore only holy beads, though some wielded tridents, spears, or maces, signals the start of the ritual, watched by thousands of devotees. Earlier, to chants and the beat of drums, the ascetics had moved in procession towards the water, standing atop decorated trucks, riding horses, or walking. Every 12 years, the festival is described as 'maha' or great, as the timing is considered to render it more auspicious, drawing bigger crowds.

A "Shadabuk Machhranga" or white-throated kingfisher sits on the branch of a tree to seek prey in the Katka sanctuary in the Sundarbans. Twelve species of kingfisher can be found in Bangladesh. Most of them are found in the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. Photo: Muhammad Mostafigur Rahman