Former diplomat Tariq Ahmad Karim has assumed the role of President of the Bay of Bengal Institute, a prominent initiative under the Cosmos Foundation. Ambassador Karim, who has had a distinguished career in Bangladesh's Foreign Service, outlined his vision for the institute, emphasising the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal. "There is no gainsaying the importance of the Bay of Bengal from a strategic perspective. It connects the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean, and plays a significant role in the politics of both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean regions in today’s world" he said. Italy summons Iran's ambassador to release arrested Italian journalist He highlighted Bangladesh’s crucial position in global geopolitics, by virtue of its location at the epicentre of Bay, and expressed his intention to leverage the Bay of Bengal’s strategic potential to advance the country’s interests. Starting his tenure on January 1, 2025, Ambassador Karim plans to launch initiatives aimed at boosting public awareness and engagement, including organising meetings, seminars and dialogues to discuss the region's untapped potential. Turkish ambassador Ramis Sen pays courtesy visit to Trade Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, President of the Cosmos Foundation, welcomed the appointment, saying: “We are all very excited to have Ambassador Tariq Karim accept the responsibilities of President of the Bay of Bengal Institute! I know him to be a person of outstanding capabilities. He will bring immense intellectual rigour and a vast reservoir of knowledge to this position. I look forward to a close and rewarding cooperation between the Foundation and the Institute in the times ahead." Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of the Cosmos Foundation and the Bay of Bengal Institute, congratulated Karim on his appointment, saying, "We are thrilled to have Ambassador Tariq Ahmad Karim at the helm of the Bay of Bengal Institute. His extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable in promoting greater awareness of the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal and furthering the Institute’s mission to advance Bangladesh’s role on the global stage." A seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Karim has an extensive history of distinguished service to the nation. He served notably as Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States and High Commissioner to India. Earlier he was also High Commissioner to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia, and Ambassador to Iran and Lebanon. He played a pivotal role in the finalization of the landmark 1996 Ganges Water Treaty between Bangladesh and India during his tenure as Additional Foreign Secretary for South Asia and SAARC, when he also advocated for robust sub-regional cooperation on issues of existential importance to Bangladesh and its immediate surrounding region. In addition to his new role as President of the Bay of Bengal Institute, Ambassador Karim also serves concurrently as Adviser Emeritus to the Cosmos Foundation.  He has also been a Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at the prestigious Institute for South Asian Studies of the National University of Singapore since 2022, and a member of the Board of Advisers of the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) of Seattle WA and Washington DC since 2021. Ambassador Karim’s vast experience in regional and international diplomacy is poised to guide the institute in its mission to elevate Bangladesh's strategic significance in the Bay of Bengal.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin called on Russia to increase the intake of skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh and simplify visa procedure. The President made this request during a meeting with newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin who presented his credentials at Bangabhaban. Welcoming the new ambassador, President Shahabuddin highlighted the growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Russia in various sectors, including trade and investment. He also mentioned Russia’s ongoing support for Bangladesh’s development and urged the timely completion of the 'Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant' project. During the meeting, the President sought greater opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Russia. He also expressed the hope that Russia would continue pressing Myanmar for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. In discussing bilateral trade, President Shahabuddin acknowledged Bangladesh’s imports of agricultural products such as wheat and fertilizer from Russia and stressed the importance of collaboration to address food security challenges. Ambassador Khozin sought the President's full cooperation during his tenure in Bangladesh. President's Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, Press Secretary Sarwar Alam, Russian embassy minister-counsellor Ekaterina Semenova, and Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged all to further strengthen the bond of communal harmony to make Bangladesh discrimination and corruption-free and build it a justice-based country. He made this call at a greeting exchange programme with prominent Christian community people at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Christmas. Palestinian Ambassador meets President Shahabuddin, thanks Bangladesh for support President Shahabuddin said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony and called upon all to work together for the welfare of the country and its people. On the occasion of Christmas, the President and his wife Dr. Rebeka Sultana hosted the greeting exchange programme in honor of Christian believers. Religious Affairs adviser  A. F. M. Khalid Hossain, Archbishop Bijoy N. D. Cruz, Ambassador to the Vatican Kevin S. Randall and secretaries to the President were present at the programme. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Liberation War martyrs on Victory Day Earlier, the President cut a cake to mark the occasion. Later, the President exchanged greetings with the invited guests.

Md Sarwar Alam, a former information cadre official, has assumed the role of Press Secretary to the President with the rank of Secretary on a two-year contract. Sarwar Alam, an officer from the 84th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), succeeds information cadre fellow Md Joynal Abedin. Joynal Abedin formally handed over the responsibilities to his successor at the Bangabhaban Press Wing on Tuesday noon. The government appointed Sarwar to the position for a two-year term starting from his joining date. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Monday. Sarwar Alam, who hails from Feni, completed his graduation and post-graduation in Geography and Environmental Science from Dhaka University. Read: National election by June 30, 2026: Press Secretary He joined the Bangladesh Civil Service through the BCS examination and has served in various capacities throughout his career. From 2006 to 2008, Sarwar served as Deputy Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He also worked as Deputy Press Secretary to former President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser of the then caretaker government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed. Sarwar Alam retired from government service in 2023 after being on post-retirement leave (LPR) since 2022. During the Awami League regime, he was kept on OSD for an extended period.

South Korea’s main opposition party said Tuesday it will seek to impeach acting leader Han Duck-soo after he missed an opposition-set deadline to approve independent investigations into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife. If realized, Han’s impeachment would further deepen South Korea’s political tumult and worries by neighboring countries caused by Yoon’s stunning December 3 martial law declaration and ensuing impeachment. Han, the country’s No. 2 official, has taken over presidential powers and duties since Yoon’s impeachment. If he's impeached too, the finance minister is next in line. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, has slammed Han for vetoing several opposition-sponsored bills, including a controversial agriculture bill. It also urged Han to quickly appoint justices to vacant seats on the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing Yoon's impeachment and will determine whether to dismiss or reinstate him. Filling the court's three empty posts could make conviction more likely, as it requires the support of six of the court's nine possible members. The Democratic Party also demanded that Han approve by Tuesday bills calling for the appointments of special prosecutors to investigate Yoon for rebellion over his marital law decree, and his wife for corruption and other allegations. But Han didn’t do so during Tuesday’s Cabinet Council meeting, calling for the ruling and opposition parties to negotiate. Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae responded that there's no room for negotiations about a Yoon investigation, and that his party would begin steps toward an impeachment at once. “We’ve clearly warned that it’s totally up to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo whether he would go down in history as a disgraceful figure as a puppet of rebellion plot leader Yoon Suk Yeol or a public servant that has faithfully carried out the orders by the public,” Park told a televised party meeting. China says US is 'playing with fire' after latest military aid for Taiwan Korean prosecutors and other officials are separately probing whether Yoon committed rebellion and abuse of power, but he’s ignored requests by investigative agencies to appear for questioning and allow searches of his office. Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and several other senior military commanders have already been arrested over the deployment of troops and police officers to the National Assembly, which prompted a dramatic standoff that ended when lawmakers managed to enter the chamber and voted unanimously to overrule Yoon's decree.   The governing People Power Party said that the opposition's impeachment threats are interfering with Han’s “legitimate exercise of authority." Floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, a Yoon loyalist, said the Democratic Party’s “politics of intimidation have reached their peak.” An impeachment vote would face legal ambiguities. Most Korean officials can be impeached with a simple majority of parliament, but impeaching the presidents takes two-thirds. The rival parties differ on which standard would apply to an acting president. The Democratic Party controls 170 of the National Assembly's 300 seats, so it would need support from members of other parties including Yoon's own to get a two-thirds majority. The Constitutional Court has up to six months to determine Yoon's fate. If he's thrown of office, a national election to find his successor must take place within two months.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has expressed deep shock over the death of AF Hassan Ariff, Adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Land. Commerce Adviser mourns Hassan Ariff's death In a condolence message, the President said that his death is an irreparable loss for Bangladesh. The President prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased's soul and expressed his deepest condolences to his bereaved family.

President-elect Donald Trump effectively derailed bipartisan budget negotiations on Wednesday, rejecting the proposed legislation and accusing it of favoring Democrats. Billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally, played a key role in stirring opposition through social media, rallying Republican lawmakers and constituents against the bill. In a joint statement with Vice President-elect JD Vance, Trump dismissed the measure and called for renewed negotiations. Musk, who is set to co-lead a task force on government efficiency with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, launched a social media campaign against the bill, labeling it an example of overspending. On his platform X, Musk threatened to support primary challenges against any lawmaker backing the legislation. Trump echoed the sentiment, amplifying Musk’s rallying cry, “Stop the steal of your tax dollars!” Trump named Time Person of the Year 2024 The budget deal’s collapse highlights Musk’s growing political clout. Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky reported an influx of calls from constituents influenced by Musk’s posts, stating, “The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk.” Trump and Vance urged Republicans to tie the debt ceiling extension to the budget deal, arguing it was better addressed while President Joe Biden is still in office. “Let’s settle this debate now rather than during our administration,” they said. The setback created uncertainty for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who negotiated the bill and faces a re-election challenge as Speaker. The slim Republican majority in the House increases the risk of renewed leadership disputes. Lawmakers were blindsided by Trump’s opposition, with many attending year-end celebrations when the announcement was made. Senior Republican appropriator Rep. Steve Womack commented, “Nothing surprises me anymore.” The Biden administration criticized Republicans for jeopardizing the bipartisan deal, warning of the potential harm to Americans. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged Republicans to prioritize stability over politics. Biden grants clemency to over 1,500 individuals in historic single-day action While Musk’s involvement thrilled some, like Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina, others expressed concern about his lack of political experience. Grover Norquist, a veteran of budget battles, praised Musk’s influence but questioned his expertise in legislative matters, saying, “He doesn’t know politics like he knows physics.” Despite Musk amplifying some false claims about the bill, such as an alleged $3 billion allocation for a football stadium, he declared victory after the budget deal’s rejection, calling it “a good day for America.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned Republicans of the consequences of abandoning the agreement, stating, “You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences.”

Bangladesh celebrated its 54th Victory Day on Monday, marking the nation's birth through the sacrifices of three million martyrs and the resilience of countless mothers and sisters, with various commemorative programmes. President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, located on the outskirts of the capital, with the sun rising. After placing the wreath, President Shahabuddin stood in solemn silence for a while to pay respects to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force saluted the president and presented a guard of honour. Besides, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception at Bangabhaban today, marking the Victory Day. The event was attended by a diverse gathering of distinguished guests, including Chief Justice Syed Rafaat Hassan, members of the council of advisers, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries. In addition, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta placed wreaths at the Jatiya Smritisoudho to honour the country's Freedom Fighters to mark the Victory Day celebrations. Dr Yunus said Victory Day is not only a source of pride but also an “oath day.” President Shahabuddin hosts Victory Day reception at Bangabhaban "The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country, and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War," he said in a message on the occasion of Victory Day. Dr Yunus remembered the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle with respect and honoured their sacrifices.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr. Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception at Bangabhaban today, marking Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day. The event was attended by a diverse gathering of distinguished guests, including Chief Justice Syed Rafaat Hassan, members of the council of advisers, ambassadors, and high commissioners from various countries. A special highlight of the reception was the presence of East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta, who cut a ceremonial cake in the VVIP Enclosure. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Liberation War martyrs on Victory Day The reception brought together Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three armed services, senior political leaders, academics, business leaders, and renowned cultural figures. Valiant freedom fighters, families of Bir Shreshtha gallantry award recipients, and Indian war veterans also graced the event, underscoring the significance of the day. Top civil and military officials, newspaper editors, and journalist leaders added to the vibrant gathering, which served as a reflection of national unity and pride. President Shahabuddin took the opportunity to exchange greetings with war-wounded freedom fighters, student representatives, dignitaries, and other guests during the festivities. Earlier in the day, President Shahabuddin paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. Arriving at the site around 6:30 am, he laid a wreath at the memorial and observed a moment of silence in honor of the sacrifices made during the 1971 war. A ceremonial guard of honor was presented by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force. The president also signed the visitor’s book at the memorial, leaving a message of respect and remembrance.  

President Mohammad Shahabuddin on Monday paid tribute to the martyrs at the National Memorial on the occasion of Victory Day in Savar. The president laid a wreath at the memorial to honour the martyrs at around 6:30 am. Judicial Service Commission presents 2023 Annual Report to President Shahabuddin After placing the wreath, President Shahabuddin stood in solemn silence for a while to pay respects to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of of Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force saluted the president and presented a guard of honour. Chief Justice presents Supreme Court Annual Report 2023 to President The president also signed the visitor’s book at the memorial site.