Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Moller on Tuesday said now the time has come to work on institutional strengthening, good governance and make the systems transparent and accountable for Bangladesh. "CPD is uniquely positioned to facilitate the transformation process of the country as a proven thought leaders on socio-economic transformation," said the Ambassador. Through the signing of a new project, Denmark and Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) are set to contribute to the existing interim government’s reform agenda. The Danish Ambassador and CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun formalided this four-year partnership on Tuesday. This partnership aims to emphasise the economic reform and green transition agenda specifically through research, dialogue and policy advocacy. "We believe this engagement will offer realistic recommendations for the policymakers to restore economic stability, bring trust to the foreign investors and potential ways to overcome the challenges of the middle- income trap," said Ambassador Moller. The envoy said they want to see Bangladesh’s strong presence in the global value chain with higher productivity, diversification of the income, entering into FTAs, and ease of doing business. "And CPD as a key player for policy advocacy can step up as key agents of transformation of the country." Read: Dr Yunus urges quick solution to KEPZ land rights issue Dr Fahmida said they are indebted to Denmark for its support for their institutionalization. Back in 2019, Denmark contributed to the institutional arrangement of CPD. "Danish government has been consistency promoting rule of law and good governance and CPD has same ambition," said the CPD ED. "This partnership is a timely one as we are passing a transitional period for the country and expecting to bring structural and institutional changes for the country. We are hopeful to create evidence and research appropriate for the existing reform agenda of the interim government," she said. Read more: Denmark, AUW to promote women´s climate leadership CPD said the new partnership will ensure stakeholder engagement, capacity development of students and duty bearers along with policy dialogue for the next four years to have long lasting changes into the country.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has reiterated its warning to foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh, urging them to regularise their status within the stipulated timeframe. It said that failure to comply will result in legal actions under the Foreigners Act, 1946. This announcement was made in a media release issued on Tuesday, signed by Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser. The warning states, "It is hereby brought to the notice of all concerned that numerous foreign nationals are residing and/or working illegally in Bangladesh. In this regard, those foreign nationals residing or working in Bangladesh without proper authorisation are hereby notified to regularise their status by obtaining the necessary documents by 31 January 2025, as per the previously issued warning. Failing to do so will result in actions being taken against them under the Foreigners Act, 1946." Appellate Division upholds HC's dismissal of 5 labour cases against Dr Yunus This is not the first time the government has issued such a notice. Over the years, the authorities have been striving to bring undocumented foreign nationals under legal purview to ensure compliance with immigration laws. The ministry has urged foreign nationals to act promptly to avoid punitive measures, emphasising the government's commitment to maintaining law and order.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has withdrawn its earlier approval granted to IT company Doer Services PLC to raise Tk 5 crore through the issuance of shares in the market. The decision was made during the commission’s 939th meeting held on Tuesday. According to a press release signed by BSEC’s Executive Director and Spokesperson Mohammad Rezaul Karim, the subscription for Doer Services’ Qualified Investor Offer (QIO) has been cancelled. BSEC to form committee for reducing time of maturating transaction in stock market The move follows allegations of irregularities involving the company. On December 5, the company was initially given a letter of consent to proceed with the share issuance. But BSEC has now decided to suspend this approval and has formed an investigation committee comprising officials from both BSEC and the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) to scrutinise the allegations against the company. Doer Services had applied to the commission in April last year for approval to raise funds from the market. Later, the then Shibli Commission had decided to issue a letter of intent (LoI) with certain conditions. The company later proposed to issue 50 lakh ordinary shares to raise Tk 5 crore, with the funds earmarked for improving services in several areas, including its Doer School Management Software, D-Courier, call centre and tracking system, and AI-based software. BSEC imposes penalties on directors of 9 companies Recent media reports highlighting concerns about Doer Services' service agreements and discrepancies in its reported revenue and profits, prompting the BSEC to initiate a closer examination. The BSEC in its press release said that the investigation aims to ensure the integrity of the market and protect the interests of investors.

Administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Anwar Hossain has emphasised the need for fair pricing to make the industry more sustainable, mentioning that worker welfare is directly impacted by pricing policies. Speaking to a delegation from the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) at the BGMEA complex on Monday, he pointed out that buyers’ offered prices do not reflect this reality as production costs have gone up for various international and domestic factors. ILO-BGMEA discuss workers’ rights, labour law reforms Anwar Hossain said Bangladesh has already gained recognition as a safe and ethical sourcing destination globally and urged the WRC leaders to press brands and buyers to pay fair prices. The delegation included Thulsi Narayanasamy, Director of International Advocacy at WRC; Manodeep Guha, Regional Director for South Asia; and Shaikat Mollik, WRC representative in Bangladesh. Sri Lankan envoy discusses trade opportunities with BGMEA During the meeting, the BGMEA Administrator briefed the WRC delegation on the current state of Bangladesh’s garment industry, including its challenges and opportunities. He highlighted the transformative progress made by the industry in recent years in ensuring workplace safety, improving labor standards, and promoting environmental sustainability.

The battle against misinformation is intensifying across Asia, including Bangladesh, as nations grapple with its damaging effects on societal harmony and public trust. From fabricated claims of communal violence to manipulated narratives on international conflicts, the region faces a growing crisis that demands robust fact-checking initiatives and greater public awareness. One alarming example emerged in Bangladesh on the night of 5 August last year, following the Awami League’s fall from power. Journalist Kamrul Islam received reports alleging that Indian intelligence forces were trapped in Bangladeshi police stations and were shooting civilians. These claims, fuelled by falsified videos, spread rapidly on Facebook, inciting widespread panic. By morning, Kamrul’s verification efforts exposed the narrative as entirely baseless. TikTok’s future at US Supreme Court: Free speech vs security This incident underscores the pressing issue of misinformation in Bangladesh. According to a 2024 survey conducted by Fact Watch, a Bangladeshi fact-checking organisation, social media platforms were responsible for 638 instances of misinformation in the country last year. August: A Peak in Misinformation The Fact Watch study identified August as the peak month for disinformation, with over 91 cases recorded. Many of these falsehoods centred around fabricated accounts of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. On the international front, misinformation during this period included false reports of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s death, alleged Iranian attacks on Israel, and fabricated updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp remain the primary conduits for spreading misinformation. Driven by emotional reactions, users often share unverified claims, amplifying their reach and impact. “Misinformation is crafted to provoke emotional responses,” explained Professor Suman Rahman, Guidance Editor at Fact Watch. “People seldom verify such claims, especially when they align with their existing beliefs, leading to a cascade of unverified information.” Meta tries letting Facebook Marketplace users view eBay listings Kamrul’s experience highlights the dangers of this phenomenon. “That night, I shared the unverified reports with colleagues, who then posted them on Facebook. The panic and disinformation spread like wildfire, dominating the night,” he recalled. Meta’s Decision and Its Implications In a controversial move, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, recently announced plans to cease fact-checking operations in the United States. Citing concerns about bias and excessive censorship, the decision has drawn sharp criticism. The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), a former partner of Meta, accused the tech giant of being politically influenced and lenient towards misinformation propagated by political leaders. Analysts warn that if Meta implements similar policies in Asia, it could worsen the spread of disinformation in countries like Bangladesh. “Discontinuing fact-checking in sensitive regions like South Asia could have devastating consequences,” said Kadruuddin Shishir, Fact-Check Editor for AFP in Bangladesh. “In Bangladesh, where misinformation has previously triggered communal violence, robust fact-checking is indispensable.” Shishir urged the Bangladeshi government to pressure Meta to expand its fact-checking initiatives. He also highlighted the lack of fact-checking mechanisms on platforms such as YouTube, making them fertile ground for disinformation. Challenges in Traditional Media Misinformation is not confined to social media. A Pew Research study revealed that 73% of Americans believe mainstream media frequently spreads false information. Similar challenges afflict Bangladeshi media, where fact-checking is often neglected. “While leading international outlets have dedicated fact-checking desks, Bangladeshi newsrooms largely lack such resources,” Shishir noted. “Without proper training, journalists struggle to differentiate between verified and unverified information, undermining their credibility.” Meta ending fact-checking program, Zuckerberg announces The Need for an Independent Fact-Checking Commission Experts argue that reliance on corporate entities like Meta for fact-checking is unsustainable. Professor Mofizur Rahman of Dhaka University proposed the establishment of an independent fact-checking commission in Bangladesh. “If fact-checking organisations are influenced by corporate or government interests, impartiality is compromised. An independent commission would ensure unbiased verification,” he asserted. Professor Suman echoed this view, emphasising the importance of media literacy among the public. “Educating people to critically evaluate information is just as important as fact-checking itself,” he said. The Way Forward As misinformation continues to evolve, so too must efforts to combat it. Strengthening fact-checking initiatives, fostering public awareness, and ensuring the accountability of media platforms are critical steps in safeguarding the truth. For Asia and Bangladesh, where misinformation has had tangible and often dangerous consequences, the fight against falsehoods is more urgent than ever.

Bangladesh is keen to enhance bilateral trade relations with Malaysia and ensure balanced trade between the two countries, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Monday. He came up with the information during a meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman at the Secretariat. The discussion focused on bilateral trade and potential future investments. Highlighting the significance of free trade agreements (FTAs) in boosting trade and investment, the commerce adviser said that Bangladesh has already initiated talks with South Korea, Japan, and Singapore for FTAs.  South Korean special envoy to pay “goodwill” visit to Bangladesh Jan 22-23 He stressed the need for immediate discussions between Malaysia and Bangladesh to expand trade, which would benefit both nations.  Noting that Malaysia's labor market is vital for Bangladesh, the adviser said "A significant portion of our foreign reserves comes from remittances sent by Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia. We aim to establish a strong presence there through the export of skilled manpower," he said.  The adviser also urged Malaysian investors to take advantage of Bangladesh's special economic zones. He also urged the traders to increase palm oil exports to Bangladesh, particularly during Ramadan when the demand for edible oil surges. During the meeting, Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman said Malaysia has made substantial investments in the electric chips and semiconductor sectors, which require a large number of skilled professionals, including semiconductor designers. He expressed Malaysia’s willingness to train and educate Bangladeshi students to create opportunities for them in these industries. No decision to acquire Turkish tanks : CA’s press wing He also pledged to strengthen cooperation in developing skilled human resources. Mentioning the growing global demand for halal food, Othman said Malaysia’s halal food market is currently valued at 113 billion dollars and it would reach 6 trillion dollars by 2031. As a Muslim-majority country, Bangladesh should prepare for this lucrative market, he said adding the Malaysian government will provide full support in halal food production and certification. In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Malaysia amounted to 2,878.20 million dollars. Dr Yunus urges Malysia to issue multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers Bangladesh imported goods worth 2,583.70 million dollars from Malaysia and exported products worth 294.50 million dollars to the Southeast Asian nation.

The Department of National Savings (DNS) has temporarily suspended the sale of savings certificates due to an ongoing server upgrade, leaving customers frustrated by a lack of prior notice about the disruption. DNS officials announced that the server upgrade is essential and assured that normal services would resume by noon today. However, as of the afternoon, many customers were still unable to access services. No decision to acquire Turkish tanks : CA’s press wing The unexpected suspension has caused significant inconvenience to savings certificate customers, including both men and women, many of whom expressed their annoyance at the lack of timely communication. Visitors reported being informed only upon arrival that services were unavailable, despite receiving assistance at the helpdesk with filling out forms.

Envisioning to democratise fashion in Bangladesh, the third edition of Arka Fashion Week will return at its iconic venue Aloki in the capital’s Tejgaon, all set to be held from January 16 to 19. Last year, Arka Fashion Week, held from June 13 to 16, 2024, made a significant impact and captivated the city with unparalleled energy and creativity. Drawing a remarkable footfall of over 20,000 attendees, it became a magnet for the youth and celebrated fashion's transformative power. Vandalism halts Hanif Sanket’s ‘Ityadi’ filming in Thakurgaon Reaffirming its commitment to equitable opportunities for designers and brands of all kinds, Arka Collective and Arka Studio are once again gearing up for the third edition of this mega rendezvous of fashion, and a press conference held on Sunday provided details about the upcoming fashion week.  Asad Sattar, the founder of Arka Fashion Week; and organising committee members including the country’s renowned model-choreographer Azra Mahmud and senior fashion journalist Sheikh Saifur Rahman briefed the journalists about the upcoming edition. In his welcoming remarks, Sheikh Saifur Rahman shared insights into the continuity of Arka Fashion Week and the specifics of this year's event. Asad Sattar elaborated on the details of the event, emphasizing its tradition of introducing new elements each year. ‘Masterclass’ on different topics is one such new feature this year, and over the four days, each day will feature a unique theme, except for the first day, which will not host any shows. Azra Mahmud provided details about the fashion shows and other key aspects of the event. During the Q&A session, she addressed this year’s model selection process, explaining that over 600 applications had been received from which 100 candidates were shortlisted for auditions, and 25 models were ultimately selected. She noted that this year’s lineup includes not only new faces but also returning models from last year and some of the country’s top models. National Board of Review Awards hold space for ‘Wicked’ She added that many of the models have already been doing exceptional work and Asad Sattar echoed this sentiment, pointing out that several models from last year have progressed significantly in their careers, working with major brands like Aarong and others. Regarding the financial aspects of the event, Asad Sattar said the event relies on funding from sponsors. However, these funds are not always sufficient, and the organizers often have to cover expenses on their own. He added that if additional funds become available in the future, they would be used for initiatives to develop the fashion industry further, as Arka is a not-intended-for-profit initiative. Sheikh Saifur Rahman acknowledged the role of the media in helping Arka Fashion Week establish its position within just a year and a half. He expressed gratitude to journalists and assured them that timely and accurate information would be provided during the event. He also invited journalists to attend the masterclasses, requesting advance notice to make necessary arrangements. For others interested in attending the masterclasses, registration and a specific fee will be required. Fashion entrepreneurs and fashion design students in the country are encouraged to participate in the masterclasses. Tahsan finally confirms his marriage to Roza Ahmed This year, Arka Fashion Week 2025 is themed across four days, each day highlighting a unique focus: Day 1 is themed as ‘Denim’, Day 2 as ‘Modern Contemporary’, Day 3 will be celebrating ‘Fusion’ and Day 4 is themed for ‘Sustainability’. These themes not only reflect the diversity of the event but also underscore its dedication to blending heritage, innovation, and eco-consciousness, making Arka Fashion Week a dynamic space for inspiration and growth, the organizers stated. With a total of 12 runway shows, the Runway segment is once again all set to become the centrepiece of Arka Fashion Week, offering a stage for designers to connect with audiences and showcase the future of Bangladeshi fashion. Carefully curated, the runway brings together emerging talent, established brands, and leading names in Bangladesh’s fashion scene, offering a diverse and engaging experience. The first day will not host any Runway show. Day 2 (Modern Contemporary, January 17th) will highlight bold, innovative designs by Daania, Royal Bengal Couture, DHEU by SaRa, and AMI Dhaka, Kathal among others; Day 3 (Fusion, January 18th) will celebrate creativity and diversity, featuring collections by fashion design students featured on the Student Runway, as well as brands GLEE and AMIRÁ, and Day 4 (Sustainability, January 19th) will emphasise on eco-conscious design with collections by Dhong, Tasha, Friendship, Grissho, Bliss, Urukku.Bangladesh, Taan, Aranya, and Kuhu. The brand new ‘Masterclass’ segment this year will host 26 Masterclasses, led by some of the most prominent names and brands in the fashion and creative industries. Attendees will have the unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from pioneers through sessions such as the Kantha Stitch Masterclass by Afsana Ferdousi, Karchupi & Zardozi Masterclass by Ahmed Tuhin Reza of House of Ahmed, Natural Dyeing with Marigold and Catechu Dyebath by Nawshin Khair of Aranya, Modelling Masterclass by Tangia Zaman Methila, and Fashioning Influence: Community & Identity by Sobia Ameen and Rahemur Rahman, among many others. Besides, other attractions including concerts featuring prominent artists and bands such as Joler Gaan and Indalo among others will enthral the eventgoers, and a dedicated food zone will feature a diverse lineup of brands offering everything from comfort food to artisanal snacks and refreshing beverages. Launched in 2023, the maiden edition of Arka Fashion Week took place from October 26-28 that year, which was followed by its second edition between June 13-17.

India on Monday conveyed to Bangladesh that it observed all “protocols and agreements” between the two governments and border forces with regard to security measures along the borders, including on fencing. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh acting High Commissioner Md Nural Islam to the South Block and conveyed the message. The development came a day after Bangladesh ‘summoned’ Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma and conveyed deep concern during a meeting at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday over the recent activities of the BSF of India along the Bangladesh-India border. India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking. Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures for securing the border, according to the MEA. India conveyed its expectation that Bangladesh will implement all earlier understandings and that there will a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes. On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin called upon the government of India to advise all the authorities concerned in India to refrain from “any provocative actions” that could escalate tensions along the shared border. “We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border guard enforcements - BSF and BGB - have been in communication in this regard,” the High Commissioner told reporters in his statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour. Read more: Bangladesh urges India to avoid border provocations Verma expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border. The High Commissioner said he met the Foreign Secretary to discuss India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling and trafficking. The Foreign Secretary stressed that such activities particularly the unauthorised attempt to construct barbed wire fencing and the related operational actions by BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border. He said that the construction of barbed-wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries. The Foreign Secretary hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG level talks would be able to discuss the matter at length. The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.

Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin on Sunday called upon the government of India to advise all the authorities concerned in India to refrain from “any provocative actions” that could escalate tensions along the shared border. He conveyed Bangladesh's deep concern to High Commissioner of India Pranay Verma during a meeting at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the recent activities of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India along the Bangladesh-India border. Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury indicated that the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka might be summoned to discuss the border issues. High Commissioner Verma was seen entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at around 3pm on Sunday, following reports of heightened tensions along the shared border of the two neighbouring countries. India’s envoy Verma calls for joint efforts to combat border crimes “We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border guard enforcements - BSF and BGB - have been in communication in this regard,” the High Commissioner told reporters in his brief statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour. Verma expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border. The High Commissioner said he met the Foreign Secretary to discuss India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling and trafficking. The Foreign Secretary stressed that such activities particularly the unauthorised attempt to construct barbed wire fencing and the related operational actions by BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border. Make Bangladesh a distribution hub for Asia: CA urges Norway He said that the construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighboring countries. The Foreign Secretary hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG level talks would be able to discuss the matter at length. Referring to the recent killing of a Bangladesh citizen at Sunamganj by BSF, the Foreign Secretary expressed deep concern and disappointment over such repetition of border killings. He strongly resented these acts of killing and called for urgent action by the Indian authorities to stop recurrence of such incidents and conduct enquiries into all these border killings and take actions against those responsible. Jashim Uddin mentioned that it is also a matter of grave concern that despite repeated firm commitments from the Indian authorities to pursue non-lethal strategy and to stop killings such incidents of killing have been continuing. The Foreign Secretary also mentioned that Bangladesh believes that such issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements, and in a way that upholds peace and tranquility along the border. Ensure inclusive regional participation in rebuilding Bangladesh: Seminar The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.