EU
EU keen to exchange “good practices, preparedness strategies" with Bangladesh
Visiting European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on Monday stressed more cooperation in preparedness, disaster management and climate change, including flood control, saying that the European Union (EU) is keen to exchange “good practices" and preparedness strategies with Bangladesh.
"You did an extraordinary job at an extraordinary time. My main message is that we are ready to reinforce our cooperation,” the European Commissioner told Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus lauding his leadership at the critical juncture of the country.
The Chief Adviser said the interim government is committed to holding a "free and fair" election and the vote would likely be held by December this year, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.
She said the European Union is providing 68 million euros this year for the Rohingya response, including host communities in Bangladesh and for the Myanmar conflict, notably for the people caught in violence in Myanmar's Western Rakhine state.
The EU commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management made the announcement when she called on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
But despite the fact that the amount is more than the initial EU contribution last year, it is still not enough to avoid the risk of a significant deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the camps, the Commissioner said, due to the growing funding gap.
Prof Yunus reiterated his government's support for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, saying it is a "big issue" for Bangladesh. “It has been going on for several years without any solution. There’s no expiry date.
“We are very happy to see you visit Bangladesh. The UN secretary-general is coming. We are trying to draw international attention to the Rohingya crisis,” said Prof Yunus.
The EU Commissioner said the only answer to the crisis is peace. “We need to remain prepared for all kinds of disasters, including man-made disasters. Such disasters also include disinformation,” she said.
A fugitive party trying to destablise Bangladesh: Dr Yunus tells BBC Bangla
3 days ago
As Davos 2025 reacts to Trump tack, EU chief leads defense against climate change
As the World Economic Forum’s annual gabfest in the Swiss Alps got into full swing Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump gave everybody something to talk about with his actions on his first day back in office.
Energy industry executives could consider Trump's vow to “drill, baby, drill.” Foreign leaders deciphered what he meant by his wish to expand U.S. territory. Trade advocates digested the unveiling of his “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs and duties — a concern for many business leaders at the elite gathering.
From the earliest speeches, panel discussions and back-channel meetings in the town of Davos, Trump’s executive orders and evocative oratory were setting tongues wagging.
Here's a look at some major themes.
EU's von der Leyen leads defense on climate
Right from the start, participants were able to riff off of Trump’s new tack.
For all his various pronouncements, European leaders put a big focus on the fight against global warming after his executive order directing the U.S. government to pull out of the Paris climate pact — again.
Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Union's executive branch, called the 2015 accord “the best hope for all humanity” and vowed: “Europe will stay the course, and keep working with all nations that want to protect nature and stop global warming.”
The voluntary pact aims to limit long-term global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels or at least keep temperature rises well under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit).
Before her speech, climate activists unfurled a banner over the main Davos Congress Center atrium that read, “Tax the super-rich! Fund a just and green future.”
Even without the U.S. government, the private sector and countries leading the clean energy transition like China are continuing to work on climate change.
“The world is undergoing an energy transition that is unstoppable,” United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell said. The “door remains open” if the U.S. wants to get back into the Paris accord one day, he added.
Democracy and human rights on the defensive?
Business leaders and political pundits — as so often with Trump — sought to cut through the bluster and over-the-top pronouncements like his call for U.S. territorial expansion or the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
Read: WEF: CA Dr Yunus arrives in Switzerland, over 40 engagements planned in Davos
Europe, like the United States seen as a paragon of democratic values, has been riven by political discord in countries such as France and Germany. Some recently ascendant leaders like Italy's Giorgia Meloni — who was invited to the inauguration — have cast themselves as more Trump-friendly.
Alain Berset, a former Swiss president who heads the Council of Europe, which defends human rights and supports democracy, said he was “not surprised” by Trump's speech.
He said Trump returned to power in a democratic election, but democracy must be continually defended.
“We are witnessing a backsliding in democracy everywhere in the world, even in the most advanced democracy," Berset told The Associated Press. "It is a movement into the bad — in the wrong direction.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has criticized Trump ally Elon Musk's support for the European far-right, was expected to speak later Tuesday .
Scholz's hold on power in economically sluggish Germany appears tenuous. His Social Democrats are trailing third in polls showing conservative Friedrich Merz is the favorite to become the next chancellor after the Feb. 23 elections.
Merz himself is set to take part in a discussion in Davos late in the day Tuesday.
Trump didn't talk Ukraine. Zelenskyy did in Davos
During his presidential campaign, Trump said he could end the Russia-Ukraine war in one day. He didn't mention either country in his inaugural address, even if he did say he wants to be “a peacemaker and a unifier” more generally.
Nearly three years after Russia's full-blown invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his platform in Davos to urge European allies to remain united.
Read more: Israel's president and the OpenAI CEO will take part in Davos on Day 3 of the World Economic Forum
“We’re at yet another turning point, which some see as a problem for Europe, but others call a chance. Europe must establish itself as a strong global player,” he said. “Let’s not forget – there’s no ocean separating European countries from Russia.
He acknowledged the critical role of the United States as an ally for Europe.
“In times of war, everyone worries – will the United States stay with them? Every ally worries about that. But does anyone in the United States worry that Europe might abandon them someday – might stop being their ally?" Zelenskyy said. "The answer is no,” he said.
“Europe can’t afford to be second or third in line for its allies. If that happens, the world will start moving forward without Europe, and that’s a world that won’t be comfortable or beneficial for Europeans," he added.
Mideast, Gaza aid and ‘gold medal’ for Trump?
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani are likely to discuss the Gaza ceasefire.
Tom Fletcher, the head of the U.N. humanitarian aid coordinator, said his immediate priority was ensuring aid gets into Gaza during the ceasefire. Beyond that, he said he hoped Trump might help find a way to foster Mideast peace between Israelis and Palestinians, that has evaded his predecessors and many other diplomats and decision makers for decades.
“I hope there is an argument that can be made to Trump that this is the thing that (Joe) Biden and (Barack) Obama and (Bill) Clinton couldn’t do," Fletcher, who is British, said. “You know, this is your chance to get a great big gold medal.”
Then he added some advice for Trump: “Don’t be a loser. Be a winner.”
1 month ago
EU not to tolerate attacks within borders, France says amid Trump’s Greenland claim
The European Union will not permit attacks on its sovereign territories, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared on Wednesday, following President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed insistence that the United States must bring Greenland under its control.
Speaking in an interview with radio station France Inter, Barrot stressed the bloc’s commitment to defending its member states and territories, including Greenland, which is an autonomous Danish territory and an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) associated with the EU.
Trump Jr to visit Greenland after father’s interest in Danish territory
“There is no question that the European Union would allow any nation in the world — and I would even emphasise, starting with Russia — to assault its sovereign borders,” Barrot said, as reported by CNBC. “We are a strong continent, and we must continue to strengthen ourselves.”
Barrot dismissed the likelihood of a direct U.S. military invasion of Greenland but cautioned about the evolving global power dynamics.
“If you’re asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, the answer is no,” he explained. “But have we entered an era of survival of the fittest? The answer is yes.”
Barrot’s remarks come ahead of a meeting between Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, and Denmark’s King Frederik in Copenhagen. While no official agenda has been released, the meeting coincides with updates to the royal coat of arms to include symbols representing Greenland, signalling a renewed emphasis on the territory’s ties with Denmark.
Trump’s Greenland Pursuit Resurfaces
The controversy reignited after Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform last month, reiterated that acquiring Greenland was vital for U.S. national and economic security. The proposal, first floated during his presidency in 2019, was dismissed outright by both Denmark and Greenland at the time.
Trump reignites proposal for US-Canada 'merger'
Trump’s comments have drawn fresh criticism from European leaders and Greenlandic officials.
Prime Minister Egede reaffirmed Greenland’s stance, stating unequivocally last month, “We are not for sale.”
Despite this, Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, with threats of economic pressure to achieve his goal. Adding fuel to the controversy, Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Greenland on Tuesday for what has been described as an “unofficial visit.”
EU Reaffirms Territorial Integrity
Barrot’s strong response highlights the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its associated territories. Greenland, though not an EU member, maintains close ties with the bloc through Denmark.
Its strategic position and abundant natural resources have long made it a focal point of geopolitical interest.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure
As global leaders convene in Copenhagen, the EU’s position remains steadfast: any attempt to compromise the sovereignty of its territories will be met with firm resistance. Whether Trump’s renewed claims over Greenland will escalate into a broader diplomatic standoff remains to be seen.
Source: With inputs from CNBC
1 month ago
EU and EIB pledged support for Bangladesh's environmental protection priorities: Rizwana
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan shas aid that the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) will support Bangladesh in its environmental protection efforts, aligned with government priorities, including technical assistance, renewable energy initiatives, the introduction of electric public transport, capacity building for officials and measures to combat air and water pollution.
Adviser Rizwana Hasan shared this during a meeting with an EU-EIB delegation led by Nicola Beer, Vice President of the EIB, at her office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday.
The adviser emphasised Bangladesh's urgent need for international support in addressing critical issues such as air pollution control, river cleaning, renewable energy adoption, improved sewage and water management, establishment of an elephant sanctuary, biodiversity conservation and monitoring capacity enhancement.
She highlighted the government’s commitment to engaging youth in environment and biodiversity conservation.
Nicola Beer commended Bangladesh’s interim government for initiating significant reforms and affirmed the EU and EIB’s commitment to aiding the country through expertise and resources. She highlighted potential collaboration in areas such as afforestation, climate change mitigation, sustainable housing, green bonds and waste management.
Current situation in Bangladesh stable for investment: EIB VP Beer
The meeting was attended by high-level officials, including secretaries from the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Water Resources; Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh; Nicole Birtsch, Head of the Vice President’s Office, EIB; Edvardas Bumsteinas, Head of Division, Asia & Pacific, EIB; Enrico Possenti, Senior Officer, Corporate Communications, EIB; Arundhati Pal, Loan Officer, Asia & Pacific, EIB; Michael Steidl, EIB Representative for South Asia; Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation, EU; Edwin Koekkoek, Team Leader, Green Inclusive Development; and Tanzina Dilshad, Programme Manager, Energy & Environment.
1 month ago
EU concerned about ICT's legal framework; seeks changes
The European Union (EU) has underlined the importance of ensuring due process at all stages of the legal proceedings and expressed "concern" about the legal framework of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which "should be revised" as soon as possible to bring it in line with international human rights standards.
Paying respect to the victims and survivors of the violent crackdown on protestors in July-August, as well as prior human rights violations, Bangladesh and the EU recently discussed the importance of transitional justice.
They agreed on the need to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable.
Both sides agreed on the need to address the human rights concerns of women, children, and persons belonging to minorities and marginalised groups.
No one should live in fear of violence, harassment or discrimination while law and order "should be ensured" for all, including the most vulnerable, according to the EU.
The interim government says it condemns any kind of violence and does not want to see any violence.
The 11th meeting of the sub-group on good governance and human rights of the EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission was held in Dhaka recently under the framework of the EU-Bangladesh Cooperation Agreement.
The sub-group was co-chaired by the head of the Bangladesh delegation, Mohammad Mohiuddin, head of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs division at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and by head of the European Union's delegation, Rensje Teerink, Head of Division for South Asia at the European External Action Service (EEAS).
They were also joined by observers from the Embassies of the EU Member States in Dhaka.
The sub-group reported to the Bangladesh-EU Joint Commission that addressed all areas of bilateral cooperation on Monday.
"Very happy to be back in Dhaka to co-chair the 11th EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission. We reviewed the wide range of cooperation during these transitional times," said Deputy Managing Director for Asia Pacific Department at the European External Action Service Paola Pampaloni after the meeting.
They conveyed EU support to reforms for an "inclusive" democratic transition.
The EU and Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to "strengthen cooperation" in the field of human rights, good governance and on-going reform process of the interim government.
They recognised that the political transition the country is currently undergoing constitutes an "unprecedented opportunity" to make progress on human rights and good governance in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh-EU relations transforming from development-centric to wide-ranging strategic partnership: Paola Pampaloni
They paid tribute to the courage and determination of the students and members of the general public that stood up for their rights – and remembered those that lost their lives – during the popular uprising in July-August.
The EU welcomed the interim government’s "strong commitment" to advance reforms and take the necessary steps towards a "democratic, pluralistic and inclusive" Bangladesh that is grounded in the rule of law and human rights.
This commitment is notably reflected in Bangladesh’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), and in the creation of a Commission of Inquiry on enforced disappearances, according to the EU.
Announcements to repeal or swiftly amend some of the legislations that have been used to crush dissent and curtail fundamental freedoms, such as the Cyber Security Act, are further signals of this commitment.
Bangladesh explained the process for carrying out structural reforms in several key areas, including through the recently established reform commissions.
The EU welcomed the ongoing work of the commissions and underlined the importance of taking into account the realities and perspectives of the population in all its diversity, including women and minorities.
The need for clarity over the further process of consultation and decision-making based on the commissions’ reports was discussed.
The subgroup discussed a number of areas of reform, such as the justice sector, public administration, the security sector, and capacity building of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.
Following up on the EU’s long-standing engagement with Bangladesh on labour rights, Bangladesh and the EU agreed on the urgency and opportunity to make progress in this regard, namely by making labour inspections more effective.
The EU recalled that the preferential access of Bangladeshi exports to the European market is premised on the respect of international human rights and labour standards.
Besides, the EU drew attention to recently adopted legislation that will reinforce the protection of human rights and labour rights, as well as improve environmental sustainability, throughout European supply chains, including for products from Bangladesh.
Helpful Reference for Electoral Reforms
Agreeing on the need for thorough electoral reforms, they acknowledged the recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission of January 2024 as a "helpful reference" for Bangladesh to rebuild public trust in the electoral process and ensure that international standards on elections are upheld.
The EU reiterated its great appreciation for Bangladesh temporarily hosting 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people on its territory.
Measures to best meet the needs of the Rohingya people and host communities, as well as perspectives for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return were discussed.
The EU and Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine that is seriously affecting the commencement of Rohingya repatriation.
The EU encouraged the government of Bangladesh to further cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to issue a standing invitation to UN Special Procedures in order to benefit from relevant expertise in the context of the country’s political transition.
Bangladesh shared that the promotion and protection of human rights of all citizens is one of the priorities of the interim Government and it is working closely with the OHCHR in this regard.
At the invitation of interim government, the UN is undertaking an independent UN Fact Finding Mission regarding the human rights violations committed in the context of the July-August student-led mass movement.
Bangladesh underlined that the interim government would give due consideration to the recommendations of the UN Fact Finding Mission.
They both expressed the expectation that, with Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to human rights and democracy, collaboration and alignment in multilateral human rights fora would increase.
4 months ago
EU eyes right process towards Bangladesh polls; also mindful of rule of law
Acknowledging the broader support and popularity of the interim government, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said there has to be democratic elections at the end of the process, leading to a new parliament and a government with people’s mandate staying mindful of the “rule of law and respect” for fundamental rights.
“For us, these are principles that are at the core of the relationship between the European Union and Bangladesh,” the Head of the EU Delegation told UNB in his first interview after his arrival in Dhaka, noting that the ambition is “sky high” while the changes are always “difficult”.
The Bangladesh-EU partnership is seen as fast-evolving and dynamic; and last year, two sides celebrated 50 years of relations.
Ambassador Miller said the popularity of the Chief Adviser and interim government is very clear and the sense of common support across party lines is really very strong.
He said it is a difficult moment and perhaps not everything - not all reforms - can happen all at once but there has to be delivery of some “quick wins”.
Ambassador Miller said the government has to demonstrate that it is able to take forward reforms. “The ambition is sky high. The pressure from the street is extremely strong and somewhere here there has to be delivery of some quick wins which can still be structural in nature.”
4 months ago
EU apparel imports drop 3.63%; Bangladesh's exports fall by 3.53%
The European Union's apparel imports saw a 3.63% decline from January to August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting a broader global trend of reduced apparel consumption. According to the latest data, total imports dropped from US$ 61.56 billion to US$ 59.32 billion.
Bangladesh, one of the leading apparel suppliers to the EU, experienced a 3.53% decrease in exports, with the value of shipments falling to US$ 12.91 billion during this period, according to former BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel.
Chinese Textile & Apparel Industry delegation visits BEPZA
This decline mirrors the overall drop in EU apparel demand but raises questions about shifting dynamics in global supply chains.
China, the largest exporter to the EU, saw its apparel imports decrease by 4.10% to US$ 15.62 billion. Other key suppliers like Turkey and India also faced declines, with Turkey’s exports down by 7.52% to US$ 6.84 billion and India’s down by 2.73% to US$ 3.34 billion. Vietnam reported a 2.09% decrease, with exports totaling US$ 2.65 billion.
USITC delegation meets BGMEA leaders, discuss Bangladesh's standing and competitiveness in global apparel market
In contrast, some countries bucked the downward trend. Cambodia's exports to the EU surged by 12.78%, Pakistan saw a 7.3% increase, and Morocco experienced a 6.09% rise, signaling a potential shift in sourcing preferences within the global apparel market. These variations among key suppliers suggest nuanced changes in global apparel supply chains.
4 months ago
EU announces new humanitarian aid package for Bangladesh, others
The European Commission has announced new funding to support humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Commission on Tuesday announced the new humanitarian aid package of €21.5 million for the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total EU support to almost €95 million in 2024.
Meanwhile, a EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight taking essential supplies for victims of typhoon Yagi that left a trail of destruction in the Asia-Pacific region is being launched and due to arrive in the coming days in Laos.
EU supports Bangladesh to strengthen border security
The announcements come as Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is visiting the Philippines and Indonesia this week to reinforce cooperation in disaster preparedness and response with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries in the region.
Commissioner Lenarčič will represent the EU at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, the Philippines where he will highlight the EU’s commitment to supporting disaster preparedness and response, both in the EU and beyond.
EU offers to delay new deforestation rules after an outcry from governments and farmers
The EU recently supported the Philippines following typhoons Yagi and Gaemi.
New agreement on EU-Asean disaster management
Later this week in Jakarta, the Commissioner will attend the signing of an agreement on disaster management between the EU’s department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and Asean’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
This agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Asean countries in preparedness and response to disasters by exchanging knowledge and best practices between Asean and the EU; deploying and exchanging experts; and developing training programmes.
During his stay in Jakarta, the Commissioner will mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, recalling the EU solidarity during the response.
Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said the ongoing monsoon season has been particularly hard in Southeast Asia, where several countries have suffered severe floods and cyclones.
The Commissioner said as climate-induced disasters become more frequent and intense, it is even more important to reinforce international cooperation for better preparedness and efficient response.
"I am convinced that this agreement between the EU and ASEAN disaster management bodies will bring many gains, allowing us to learn from each other and better protect our populations,” Lenarcic added.
4 months ago
How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh
With its work-life balanced culture and high quality of life, Germany stands out as an attractive destination for Bangladeshis seeking professional opportunities. The thriving economy of the country, a member of the EU (European Union), offers excellent prospects for skilled workers. The recent introduction of the Opportunity Card has streamlined the process, making it a more structured and accessible pathway for qualified professionals. This article offers a comprehensive guide to obtaining the German Opportunity Card from Bangladesh, covering key details on eligibility criteria and application procedures.
What is the German Opportunity Card?
The Opportunity Card is a permit that allows skilled workers from countries outside the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), or Switzerland to enter Germany for employment purposes. As a residence permit, it is valid for up to one year, during which the cardholder must secure employment. To obtain the card, applicants must provide proper proof of eligibility for the relevant employment.
Who is Eligible for the German Opportunity Card?
The card is primarily issued to two types of citizens from non-EU, EEA, or Swiss countries:
1. Individuals with a fully recognized German professional or educational qualification:Applicants must have an educational or professional certificate recognized in Germany, either from a home-country institution recognized by Germany or from an institution located in Germany.
2. Those who are not yet established workers but meet specific conditions:Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Hold an academic degree from a German university or a university recognized by Germany in their home country.
- Have completed at least two years of vocational training from an institution in Germany or one recognized by Germany in the home country.
- Demonstrate language proficiency: at least level A1 in German or level B2 in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). An IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.5 or a TOEFL IBT score of 72 to 94 is equivalent to CEFR level B2.
Read more: Free Education in Germany for International Students in Bachelor, Masters, PhD
German Opportunity Card Point System
Applicants under Category 2 must meet a point-based system to increase their chances of receiving the card. Achieving a minimum of six points is necessary. The points are distributed as follows:
Equivalence of Qualifications (4 points):
Four points are awarded if the completed degree or training is partially equivalent. For professions requiring a license, four points are given before licensure, but the license test must be passed before the residence permit is granted.
Eligibility for Shortage Occupations (1 point):
One point is awarded for degrees or vocational training in shortage professions in the German job market, such as mining managers, chemists, civil engineers, and software developers. A full list of shortage occupations can be found here:https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/fileadmin/1_Rebrush_2022/a_Fachkraefte/PDF-Dateien/3_Visum_u_Aufenthalt/2024_Mangelberufe_EN.pdf.
Professional Experience (2 to 3 points):
Two points for at least two years of relevant professional experience within the last five yearsThree points for at least five years of experience within the last seven years.
Language Proficiency (1 to 4 points):
One point for A2-level German proficiency, two points for B1, and three points for B2 or higher.An additional point is given for C1-level English proficiency or if the applicant is a native speaker.Age (1 to 2 points):
- Applicants under 35 receive two points- Those who are aged 35 to 40, receive one point.
Residence Record in Germany (1 point):
One point is given for having legally lived in Germany for at least six months in the past five years, regardless of the purpose (study, work, or travel).Spouse as a Skilled Worker (1 point):
If one spouse meets the Opportunity Card criteria, the other spouse receives one point.To check eligibility before starting the final application, visit the following link:https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/self-check-opportunity-card#c52628.
Read more: Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students
Benefits of the German Opportunity Card
This card initially allows the holder to find work in Germany for a maximum of 1 year. After this period, the card can be extended for up to 2 additional years while staying in Germany. Cardholders can pursue employment or self-employment opportunities. This permit allows for one or more part-time jobs totaling 20 hours per week. As part of their job search, cardholders can undertake a job trial for a maximum of 2 weeks per employer.
5 months ago
EU with ACC in recovering Bangladesh’s stolen money
A delegation of the European Union on Tuesday pledged to assist Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to recover the country’s stolen assets and money from Europe.
They came up with the assurance during a meeting with ACC at its headquarters in the city, ACC spokesperson (deputy director) Aktraul Islam told UNB.
The delegation members are Head of Development Cooperation of the European Union Michal KREJZA, Programme Manager of Inclusive Governance Pablo PADIN PEREZ, Nader Tanja and KISHOWER Amin.
At the meeting, the delegation was informed about the activities of the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Aktraul Islam said that there was a detailed discussion on EU’s support to Bangladesh to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission, especially in the field of prevention of money laundering and recovery of stolen assets.
The collaboration aims to bolster Bangladesh’s efforts in tackling corruption and improving governance, marking a significant step in the ongoing fight against financial misconduct.
5 months ago