The United States and the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern over the recent handing down of convictions by Pakistani military courts to 25 civilian supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan over their alleged involvement in riots last year. The convictions had previously also been criticized by the European Union and domestic human rights activists. “The United States is deeply concerned that Pakistani civilians have been sentenced by a military tribunal for their involvement in protests on May 9, 2023. These military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees,” according to a statement released by State Department on Monday. South Korea's opposition party vows to impeach acting president It asked Pakistan to respect the right to a fair trial and due process. In London, the Foreign Office said that “while the UK respects Pakistan’s sovereignty over its own legal proceedings, trying civilians in military courts lacks transparency, independent scrutiny and undermines the right to a fair trial. We call on the Government of Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” The statements were referring to the violence that erupted after Khan’s arrest in Islamabad in May 2023. The former premier was ousted through a no-confidence vote in the parliament in 2022, and he was convicted of corruption and sentenced in August 2023. Since then, Khan has been behind bars. Khan’s popular opposition party is in talks with the government to secure his release. The 25 supporters on Monday received prison terms ranging from two years to 10 years, which the army in a statement warned acted as a “stark reminder” for people to never take the law into their own hands. Khan's opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, has rejected the convictions of civilians, demanding they should be tried in the normal courts if they were involved in the riots. Pakistani health workers' boycotting halts polio vaccination drive in southwest There was no response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government to the criticism from the US and the UK, but state-run Pakistan Television on Tuesday showed people welcoming the convictions, saying the punishments were given to people who attacked military installations. Earlier this month, Khan and dozens of others were indicted by a civilian court on charges of inciting people on May 9, 2023, when demonstrators attacked the military’s headquarters in Rawalpindi, stormed an air base in Mianwali in the eastern Punjab province and torched a building housing state-run Radio Pakistan in the northwest.

From its vibrant academic institutions to dynamic professional opportunities, the United Kingdom (UK) remains a top destination for international students and skilled professionals alike. For those aspiring to study, work, or settle in the UK, English proficiency is essential—and a recognized language qualification is often the key. Specifically designed to meet UK immigration and visa requirements, the IELTS for UKVI is a government-approved test that ensures candidates meet the language standards for life in the UK. Here’s a closer look at the structure and evaluation process of this specialized exam. What is UKVI IELTS? Designed specifically for visa applications, this Secure English Language Test (SELT) is recognized by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authority. It ensures that individuals possess the necessary language skills for work, study, or residency in the UK. UKVI IELTS Test Categories This assessment is divided into four distinct categories based on its purpose. Like the standard IELTS, the first two options are Academic, for study visas, and General training, for work visas. Then comes the Life Skills section which comprises two levels- A1 and B1; each tailored to specific visa requirements: A1 Level: Required for a family visa application for individuals with a settled person in the UK.B1 Level: Necessary for those applying for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. Read more: Higher Studies in England: Application, Study Cost, Scholarship, and Other Scopes IELTS vs. UKVI IELTS The two tests share a similar format, content, scoring, and difficulty level. However, the key distinction lies in the Test Report Form. It indicates that candidates have taken the IELTS exam at an official UKVI location sanctioned by the UK Home Office. Additionally, unlike the traditional IELTS, which can be taken online remotely, UKVI requires all candidates to complete the exam in person at an accredited testing center. This stipulation ensures an added layer of security and verification. UKVI IELTS Test Format The structure of the entire evaluation mirrors the standard IELTS, with the exception that Life Skills tests include only the Listening and Speaking sections. The assessment test’s total duration spans about 2 hours and 45 minutes, structured similarly for both the Academic and General Training categories.  The assessment includes four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The first three sections are completed consecutively on the same day, with no breaks in between. The Speaking component may take place on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other sections, depending on local arrangements. Read more: IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better for study abroad? UKVI IELTS Scoring System The final score for this evaluation is presented as a band score ranging from 1 to 9, with scores reported in whole or half-band increments for each component. The specific score required for UKVI applications is determined by CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels. These levels are also associated with the visa being sought. - CEFR A1 requires a pass in the life skills A1 test- CEFR B1 requires a pass in the life skills B1 test- For CEFR B1, a minimum band score of 4 is needed across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.- For CEFR B2, candidates must achieve at least a 5.5 in all four components.- CEFR level C1 necessitates a minimum score of 7.0 across each module. Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh?

A British cross-party parliamentary delegation visited the Beximco’s Vertical Leeds Green Certified Industrial Park on Monday. They were keen to learn about Beximco’s vision and strategy on the global situations, application of technologies to overcome manufacturing and sustainability issues and future products and collaboration opportunities between Bangladesh and UK. Bangladesh, Canada find many areas for potential collaboration They were extremely impressed with the state-of-the-art vertical manufacturing in textiles, apparels and washing with best-in-class employees and a happy workforce, said the company. They were also very impressed to see Shinepukur Ceramics which produces fine Porcelain and high-end Bone-China to customers including Royal Doulton, Royal Albert and others. ‘Ready to work with you closely’: UAE Foreign Minister writes to Hasan Mahmud They earlier met Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral ties through collaboration in trade and investment and climate change issues.  The cross-party Parliamentary delegation comprises Virendra Sharma MP (Labour), Paul Scully MP (Conservative), Neil Coyle MP (Labour) and Andrew Western MP (Labour).  US senators’ letter in support of Dr. Yunus shows lack of respect for the office of PM of an independent nation: Congress of Bangladeshi Americans The delegation will be leaving Bangladesh on January 31.

Ruling out any external pressure, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh will stick to its foreign policy principle – “friendship to all, malice towards none” – against the backdrop of a divided world. “All the countries in the East and the West have expressed their willingness to work with us, with the government. At the end of the day, they are our development partners and we will work together,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Maritime Affairs Unit Secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam were present at the time. Meeting reporters for the first time after taking oath as the foreign minister, Hasan said the world is gradually becoming divided and it is a challenge in this changing scenario. Apart from forging deeper friendships with all the countries, he said the government values their concerns, too. “There had been many pressures centering the election. The election was held overcoming all those pressures. We never allowed us to feel any pressure from anyone. We will work together with all,” he said. Read more: Hasina’s commitment to amplifying voices of climate vulnerable nations truly commendable: CVF Responding to a question, he said they will have no problem in working together with all as Bangladesh has willingness to get closer to all. “We want to be with all. That is our strength.” The foreign minister laid emphasis on sending skilled manpower abroad, addressing the problems of the expatriates and encouraging them to send remittance through formal channels. He said the government needs to strengthen its economic diplomacy to expand its export market and explore new markets. He reiterated that at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government’s cabinet in Bangabhaban, all the ambassadors and high commissioners based in Dhaka, including those from the US, UK and the European Union (EU), were present. “They all came to congratulate the current government,” said the new foreign minister.Responding to a question, Hasan said each country has its own “perspective and narrative,” and the government of Bangladesh values those perspectives and narratives. “It’s a very important ministry. It is a challenge,” he said about his new role. FM Hasan said the elections were free and fair as described by international observers. Read more: PM likely to attend Munich Security Conference 2024 “We will work with all the countries – call it the West or East – for the development of our country. We believe in friendship to all and malice to none,” he said. He said the election was held in a free and fair manner with the wider participation of voters in a festive atmosphere. He said huge foreign observers including from the US, EU, OIC, Commonwealth, Japan and Saarc countries observed the polls and acknowledged the polls as “free and fair” with enthusiastic participation of voters. “There were many barriers but the observers came to accept the polls,” he said. The foreign minister, quoting a US observer, said there are always discussions and questions about the election, and even in the US. “Ministry of Information was a challenge. I met that challenge with your help. It's definitely a challenge in the global context and the fact that there are wars going on in different parts of the world now,” said the foreign minister while responding to a question. He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, they have taken the country forward by facing all the challenges. “Prime Minister has entrusted me with the responsibility of foreign ministry. Insha Allah, facing this challenge, we will move the country forward and brighten the country’s image, improve relations with the East and the West,” the foreign minister said. Read more: Rohingya issue can be resolved diplomatically: Foreign Minister

Bangladesh has retained the status of the top exporter of garment items in the UK market in consideration of quantity in the period of January–October 2023. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) revealing the UK’s import data showed Bangladesh exported 178.39 million kilogrammes (kgs) of garment items to the UK while China shipped 159.25 million kg. In this regard, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan told UNB that considering the performance of the UK sourcing countries, China is at the top. It is followed by Bangladesh, Turkey, India, and Pakistan. Bangladesh had secured its position as the top garment supplier in Europe in terms of volume (quantity) in 2022. Milestone for RMG as Bangladesh becomes top source of Knitwear into EU market “Our position in the UK market remains the same because, in 2022, the UK's imports from Bangladesh exceeded imports from China, and this trend continues in the first 10 months of 2023,” he said. However, Bangladesh's share of the UK's total apparel imports is 23 percent in terms of value and 28 percent in terms of volume, said Faruque. “So far, we have been able to secure our position through potential cost savings, timely product delivery, and maintaining quality, which has kept us ahead of the competition in the fashion world,” said BGMEA President. Govt announces Tk 12,500 as minimum salary for RMG workers He said that the UK market still has opportunities as they approach the saturation point, and the global trade policy and competitive landscape will change over the coming decades. The key to capturing more global market share and sustaining growth will be to shift to higher-value products and higher-value markets by acquiring capabilities in backward and forward linkage industries. Bangladesh can add higher value by moving into the mid-high price segment of the market, where a T-shirt or a polo shirt can fetch higher FOB revenue only because of the complex process (e.g., advanced fabrication, embroidery, printing, even functionality), he said. Incidentally, it would also like to mention that, considering the average price of UK apparel imports, Bangladesh offers the lowest price compared to other competitors. “Our average price is 21.39 percent lower than China, 32 percent lower than Turkey, and even 26.75 percent lower than India. This not only proves that we are not competitive in the global market, but at the same time, our absence in the mid-high price segment of the market is starkly evident. At this point, we need to strategise to capture the mid-high price segment to take the industry forward,” said BGMEA President. Despite anticipated challenges in 2024, int’l market demand for RMG products could rise: BGMEA Director  END/UNB/AI/MB/JA

Haileybury UK has surged to the fifth position from 16th among UK’s leading independent schools for International Baccalaureate (IB) performance, according to The Sunday Times’ Parent Power Guide ranking. The legacy of Haileybury has now been extended to Bangladesh through Haileybury Bhaluka, the country’s first international boarding school promising a foundation for successful and illuminated lives to students in this part of the world, according to a press release. The boarding school has recently secured improved ranking, based on the average performance of IB outcomes, A ‘Level, and GCSE. The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide is widely known as the most authoritative ranking of the UK’s top schools, and it ranks the 400 best state secondary and grammar schools, it said. Read more: Non-cadre aspirants stage sit-in in front of PSC “The improvement in the ranking proves Haileybury’s dedication to outstanding education for its pupils. The standard of Haileybury schools sustains on the wholehearted efforts of its teachers, staff and of course the students and guardians who believe in Haileybury. The recognition by The Sunday Times surely is gratifying for Haileybury academics across the world,” said Simon O’Grady, headmaster of Haileybury Bhaluka. Haileybury’s ethos centre around the importance of education, which includes outstanding pastoral support and extra-curricular provision. Students from Haileybury have achieved 39 Average IB Points with a 100 percent passing rate at IBDP results, said the release. “Our UK students from the class of 2024 have joined Ivy League and Russell Group universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and LSE. At Haileybury Bhaluka, we intend to recreate and better these achievements – one reason why all teacher leaders at our school are Harvard-certified,” said Dr Sandeep Ananthanarayanan, academic director of Haileybury Bhaluka. Haileybury has also been ranked the #1 fully coeducational IB Independent school in the UK, the 85th best UK independent school overall (for Cambridge and IB results), and the 31st best independent school in the Southeast UK, it added. Haileybury Bhaluka is offering similar streaks of academic excellence and comprehensive growth for its students (https://haileybury.com.bd/) in Bangladesh, the release also said. Read more: DU admission test: Students demand cancellation of transgender quota

A sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, because of "its rapidly increasing spread". JN.1 has been found in many countries around the world, including India, China, UK and the United States, reports BBC. The risk to the public is currently low and current vaccines continue to offer protection, the WHO says. But it warns Covid and other infections could rise this winter. Respiratory viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere. China emerged from 'zero-COVID' in 2023 to confront new challenges in a changed world The virus which causes Covid is constantly changing over time and sometimes this leads to new variants developing. Omicron has been the globally dominant variant for some time. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently tracking a number of variants of interest linked to Omicron - including JN.1 - although none of them are deemed to be concerning. But JN.1 is spreading quickly in many corners of the world. It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for 15-29% of infections. Bangladesh among 5 countries selected for project to strengthen preparedness to COVID-19, other infectious diseases The UK Health Security Agency says JN.1 currently makes up around 7% of positive Covid tests analysed in a lab. It said it would continue to monitor all available data on this and other variants. Winter surge JN.1 is spreading fast in all regions, probably because it has an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to the BA.2.86 variant from which it's descended. "It is anticipated that this variant may cause an increase in Sars-Cov-2 [coronavirus] cases amid a surge of infections of other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season," the WHO's risk assessment says. There is still limited evidence on how capable JN.1 is of getting round the immunity offered by vaccines, the WHO says. Bangladesh registers 5 new Covid-19 cases in 24hrs There are no reports of people becoming more ill with this variant than previous ones. But more studies are needed to work out the health impact, the WHO says, as the number of countries reporting data on people admitted to hospital with Covid has dramatically reduced. To prevent infections and severe disease, the WHO advises: • wear a mask in crowded, enclosed areas• cover up coughs and sneezes• clean your hands regularly• stay up to date with Covid and flu vaccinations, especially if vulnerable• stay home if ill• get tested if you have symptoms

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said Bangladesh would be the 9th largest consumer market by 2030 with the government working with the goal of overtaking many established markets in the world. “We’ve been working with a goal so Bangladesh could surpass established markets like the UK and Germany, and the current high-growth countries Vietnam and Thailand at that time. We’ve this effort,” she said. The premier said this while inaugurating the 60 years’ celebration and Investment Expo, 2023 of Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at Hotel Radisson Blu in the city. “There are some 17 crore people in our Bangladesh. Besides, we’ve strengthened connectivity with our neighbouring countries. We think Bangladesh would become the world’s 9th largest consumer market by 2030,” she said. Noting that Bangladesh has a large population, she said the government is developing them as skilled manpower for its better utilization. Read: Bangladesh to become world’s 9th largest market by 2030 overtaking UK, Germany: PM Hasina  The PM said the number of growing middle class and rich people will be 3.40 crore by 2025 in Bangladesh and the estimated GDP per capita will be 5,880 US$ by 2040. “Due to its strategic geographical location, Bangladesh can be the hub of the regional market of 3 billion people,” she said adding that her government has taken steps to strengthen the connectivity with this region. Hasina said her government has successfully been able to bring a significant change in Bangladesh after assuming office in 2009. “Bangladesh has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the last 15 years,” she said. Noting that Bangladesh is now considered as the 35th largest economy in the world, she said they have raised the GDP growth rate to 7.25 percent now due to strong macroeconomic fundamentals and trade consolidation. The PM, however, said the growth rate was even higher during the pre-Covid period as the government raised it to 8:10pc before the pandemic. Read: Only votes can change govt: PM Hasina The government has successfully increased per capita income to US$2,793 from only US$ 543 and raised the GDP size to Tk 50.31 lakh crore now from Tk 4 lakh crore in 2006, she said. During this period, they brought down the poverty rate to 18.7 percent from 41.1 percent, while extreme poverty rate to 5.6 percent from over 25pc, she said adding that her government has given the most importance to the development of the rural economy. In the last 15 years, the Awami League government took multifaceted measures for the development of the business sector of the country. So, the private sector has become stronger and more developed. Bangladesh is currently the second largest garment exporter in the world, she said. “Bangladesh is expected to be the 20th largest economy in the world by 2037,” said Sheikh Hasina, adding that the country will be transformed into a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh by 2041. Mentioning that the government is setting up some 100 economic zones and established 39 hi-tech parks throughout the country, she said those economic zones and parks are kept open for foreign investment. If any country can want land singly, seek land under joint venture or public private partnership (PPP), the government would allow them and provide them with lands, she said. Read: PM Hasina collects nomination form for national election  The premier said one stop service has been introduced in investment development agencies to facilitate investment. “We have undertaken plans to make all offices providing investment services fully online and digitized,” she said. In Bangladesh, there is a scope to develop USD 350-billion infrastructures in the energy, water, logistics and transport sectors. “By 2025, the logistics sector alone is expected to become a US$90 billion market,” she said. The prime minister said they want to raise private investment to 31.43 percent of GDP by 2031.She said Bangladesh has become an attractive destination to many countries around the world for investment, industrialisation and export due to various reasons including its economic growth, structural development programmes, investment-friendly policy, large domestic market, strategic location, high profitability and large workforce. Talking about the FICCI’s celebration, she said the chamber has stepped into 60 years this year since the inception of its journey in 1936. As a leading chamber, FICCI represents investors from 35 countries in more than 21 sectors of Bangladesh. “FICCI represents 90 percent of the country's inward FDI, which carries special importance to the overall development of our country,” she said. The premier extended sincere thanks to all former and current members of FICCI on the occasion of the celebration of its 60 years. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, among others, spoke at the function, while FICCI President and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Naser Ezaz Bijoy delivered the welcome speech. The premier also unveiled a research book titled ‘Catalyzing Greater FDI for Vision 2041’, which was published by FICCI.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Hindu Association, representing Bangladesh-origin Hindus in the UK, have praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership for the remarkable economic development as well as her exemplary steps to establish a secular and oppression-free democratic Bangladesh. They called on Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in London on Saturday (September 30, 2023), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (October 01, 2023). The Association raised their concerns over the welfare of their fellow members and relatives in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja and upcoming election. The Foreign Minister assured them that strict precautionary measures and necessary steps would be taken during the Durga Puja and upcoming election to protect the Hindus. Dr Momen emphasized the Bangladesh government’s commitment to ensure religious peace, harmony, and security. Read: ‘Battle is between secular and non-secular forces, which one does UK choose?’: Bangladesh High Commissioner The Bangladesh Hindu Association thanked and appreciated the Foreign Minister for his support and commitments to safeguard the values of the Hindus and other religious communities. Foreign Minister Dr Momen also praised their role in connecting Bangladeshi-origin Hindus with the UK and urged them to represent Bangladesh’s religious harmonies as well as the nation's achievements. The Hindu association handed over a petition to the Foreign Minister to ensure the protection and safety of their relatives. Mr. Proshanta Datta Purokayastha, BEM, Chairman of the association, led the group. Read: British MPs, diplomats express solidarity with Bangabandhu’s secular, progressive values Rabin Paul, Vice Chairman, Haradhan Bhowmik, Vice Chairman, Prasanta Kumar Dutta, Vice Chairman, Sujith Chowdhury, General Secretary, Biswajit Dey, Treasurer, Kankan Kanti Ghosh, Joint Treasurer, Bappy Dam, Women Organizing Secretary, Arjun Kumar Datta, Deputy Organizing Secretary, Sushanta Kumar Halder, Entertainment Secretary, and Dr Debabrata Chowdhury, Member, attended the meeting. Read more: Bangabandhu's killing designed to destroy secular spirit of Liberation War: Speakers

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday (September 13, 2023) invited investors from the Commonwealth countries to come to Bangladesh in a bigger way. “Geographically, Bangladesh is at the center of a market of 3 billion people. We have 170 million people of our own. By 2030, the affluent population of Bangladesh will stand at 35 million. Therefore, Bangladesh will become the third largest market globally, leaving behind Germany and the United Kingdom,” she said. The prime minister said this while addressing the two-day "Commonwealth trade and investment forum Bangladesh-2023" at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC). The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, which is the Commonwealth's accredited business network, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Zi Foundation, a family-run foundation that offers support to vulnerable people, jointly organised the event. End the Ukraine war thru negotiations: PM Hasina tells Russian foreign minister The aim is to promote innovation, trade, investment and economic growth, enhance partnerships and explore ways towards sustainable and inclusive economic development for Bangladesh. The PM said that Bangladesh needs development partners for reaching its goal. “We need more high-quality and sustainable investment to accelerate the economic progress of Bangladesh,” she said. She mentioned that as a prerequisite for Biniyog Bikash, or investment promotion, her government has prioritised organisational reforms, the formation of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), which offering attractive facilities for investors, and ensuring post-investment services. Hasina said that almost all sectors are open for investment in Bangladesh. ‘Why would you call yourselves minority?’: PM to Hindu community But among those, she said, more investment is encouraged in agricultural goods and food processing, leather and leather goods processing, medical equipment, automobiles and shipbuilding, and ICT. “There are promising investment facilities in these sectors, including the easy process of taking back dividends or benefits to your home country,” she said. The premier said that some 70 percent of Bangladesh's foreign direct investment comes from reinvestment, which is a proof of the excellent investment environment that Bangladesh offers to investors. She mentioned that BIDA has started a one-stop fast-track delivery service to facilitate investors with the services of various departments of the government and through this one-stop service, 78 services from 26 departments can be received through one platform. PM Hasina offers land to Japanese businesses to set up industries Mentioning that the pre-requisite for investment is the development of infrastructure, she said that the government has established 100 economic zones, 109 hi-tech and software technology parks, and IT training and incubation centres across the country with attractive incentive packages to promote foreign investors. “We are developing our land, rail, and air connectivity. Almost all highways in the country have been elevated to four or more lanes,” she said. In this connection, she said that the Padma Bridge has connected 21 south-western districts of Bangladesh directly with Dhaka and other parts of the country. “There will be rail connectivity through the Padma Bridge between Dhaka and Khulna soon," she said. Read more: Dhaka, London plan to sign MoUs on economic cooperation, cyber security She said that soon the government will inaugurate the Karnaphuli underwater tunnel, the first such infrastructure not only in Bangladesh but in South Asia. “Work on establishing rail link between Chattogram and tourism town Cox’s Bazar is progressing fast.” Sheikh Hasina said that after winning the election in 2008 and forming the government in 2009, the government has started building the country based on short-, middle-, and long-term programmes. “A democratic environment, political stability, continuity of government, and, above all, structured development programs have helped in the quick socio-economic development of Bangladesh," she stated The prime minister said that the government is working to build a Smart Bangladesh, which will be realised by building the pillars of smart government, smart citizens, a smart economy, and a smart society. “Our goal now is to become a knowledge-based and Developed Smart Country by 2041 and a Prosperous Delta by 2100. We are working relentlessly towards that goal through the Perspective Plan, the Five-Year Plan, and the Delta Plan 2100.” Prime minister's private industry and investment adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Lokman Hossain Miah, Strategic Advisor (Bangladesh) Of CWEIC Zillur Hussain And Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) Chairman Lord Marland also spoke at the programme. PM Hasina also handed over Commonwealth Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Green Investment Award to Eco Brixs from Uganda. A video documentary was screened in the programme. Read more: Russian foreign minister’s recent comment in Dhaka is ‘not the most self-aware’: US State Dept Spokesperson