A Dhaka court on Thursday issued a travel ban on former head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit of Bangladesh Bank ( BFIU) Masud Biswas. The commission decided to initiate investigation on September 26 and formed four committees to probbe alleged corruption of former BFIU chief Masud Biswas According to the ACC's primary investigations, Biswas allegedly amassed huge wealth within a short time. He adopted unfair means regarding the aircraft purchase of Sky Capital Airlines Limited, according to the primary investigation. Read: Travel ban imposed on former fisheries minister SM Rezaul Karim By taking a bribe from the company,Biswas concluded an investigation of the company without sending a report to the law enforcement agency. Biswas also approved a report as a general monitoring report instead of an intelligence report under the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations. The report was related to the embezzlement of Tk 50 billion by NRB Commercial Bank Chairman Tamal Parvez. Read more: Travel ban imposed on 8 former AL ministers, 6 MPs As an accomplice of Saiful Alam Masud, chairman of S Alam Group, the ex-BFIU officialsiphoned off billions of taka taking loans from Islami Bank.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday (August 12, 2023) expressed concern over the worsening physical condition of their party chairperson Khaleda Zia as doctors again advised her to be sent abroad immediately for treatment at an advanced centre. “I was there in the hospital (Evercare) yesterday (Friday). The doctors of the medical board are very worried. They’re not sure whether her treatment will eventually be possible if she’s not immediately sent abroad for advanced treatment,” he said. Talking to reporters after offering fateha at the grave of the BNP chief’s late son Arafat Rahman Koko, Fakhrul said the doctors told him that it is urgent to send Khaleda abroad for her proper treatment. “I would like to clearly tell the authorities concerned to immediately release our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and take steps for her proper treatment overseas," he said. Read: Khaleda Zia returns home from hospital after 5 days Otherwise, the BNP leader warned that people will create a mass upsurge intensifying the ongoing one-point movement for ensuring the unconditional release of Khaleda. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in the capital on Wednesday night on the advice of a medical board formed for her treatment as she fell sick again. She has now been receiving treatment at the hospital under a medical board headed by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. Her personal doctor A ZM Zahid Hossain said Khaleda’s liver problems worsened and she was suffering from fever. Fakhrul visited the BNP chief on Friday evening and talked to the doctors about her physical condition. Earlier on June 13, the BNP chairperson was admitted to the same hospital and received treatment for a few days after she suddenly fell sick with a fever and stomachache. Khaleda, a 78-year-old former prime minister, has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart, and eye problems. Read: Khaleda Zia under close observation at Evercare, says her physician Zahid Fakhrul along with BNP leaders and activists went to Koko’s grave at Banani in the morning and offered fateha there, marking the 54th birthday of the late younger son of Khaleda and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. On January 24, 2015, Koko died of cardiac arrest at the age of 45 at a rented house in Malaysia. After visiting the grave premises, Fakhrul alleged that Koko lost his life prematurely due to direct and indirect torture and torture by the interim regime of Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin after the 1/11 political changeover in 2007. “It’s very unfortunate that the Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin regime shamelessly and brutally tortured our extraordinary sports organiser. He fell ill due to physical torture and died while undergoing treatment in Malaysia,” he said. Read more: Khaleda Zia taken to Evercare Hospital for health check-ups On Koko’s birthday, Fakhrul said they offered his grave and prayed for the salvation of his departed soul.

A total of 10.74 lakh workers went abroad for employment till June of the current fiscal (2022-23), which is 15.59 percent more than the same period of the previous  fiscal year. Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Imran Ahmad told this in parliament replying to a tabled question from ruling Awami League MP elected from Bhola Ali Azam. The minister said that during the same period of last fiscal year (2021-22), a total of 9.7 lakh workers went abroad. MoU signed between ICT Division and ‘Ami Probashi Limited’ to assist migrant workers In response to a query of AL MP Habibar Rahman from Bogura, the Expatriates’ Welfare Minister said that there is a plan to sign agreements with new countries for manpower export. He also said that process is underway to sign agreements with Libya, Malta, Albania, Romania and Serbia in this regard. In response to the question of another AL MP Nurannabi Chowdhury from Bhola-4, the Minister said that since the establishment of Expatriate Welfare Bank, Tk 2081 crore have been distributed among around 1.14 lakh expatriate workers as loan for migration purposes. Responding to a query from AL MP AKM Rahmatullah from Dhaka, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said earlier the domestic demand of tea in the country was less than the production and that’s why more tea was exported. Keep markets of Bangladeshi migrant workers open for all recruiting agencies: BAIRA  At present the demand of tea in the country is about 100 million kg, he said adding that as people's purchasing power increases, all the tea produced in the country is used to meet domestic demand, leaving little surplus for export. In order to increase the export of tea, the government as well as the tea board has taken various steps to increase the production of quality tea. In reply to a query from AL MP Nizam Uddin Hazari of Feni, the commerce minister said that there are trade missions of Bangladesh in 23 cities of 21 countries of the world. Bangladeshi Migrant Workers: Destination countries “must act against perpetrators” of HR violations They are: Canberra, Brussels, Beijing, Kunming, Paris, Berlin, New Delhi, Kolkata, Tehran, Tokyo, Yangon, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow, Seoul, Singapore, Madrid, Geneva, Dubai, London, Washington DC and Los Angeles. He said that in the near future, there are plans to set up commercial wing in Brasilia, Turkey, Ankara, Mexico, Mexico City and Africa. Besides, there are plans to set up missions in Indonesia and Thailand. 4.43 lakh migrant workers return to country in one year until May, 2021: Minister     

With the Eid holidays approaching, many holidaymakers are looking for affordable and exciting travel destinations abroad. Fortunately, there are numerous options available that offer unique experiences without breaking the bank. There is something for everyone, from stunning beaches to ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. Let’s explore some of the best and most affordable travel destinations for Bangladeshi Eid holidaymakers. 10 affordable international travel destinations for Eid holidaymakers from Bangladesh During the long holiday of Eid, a considerable number of individuals opt to travel overseas. Airlines and tour companies provide diverse offers to entice travelers during this festive season. Here are some of the most affordable yet nicest destinations to explore during the Eid holiday. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Malaysia is a treasure trove of attractions that tourists would not want to miss. Depending on the date, a one-way air ticket starts from Tk 33,000, and depending on the area, the hotel price starts from Tk 5000 per night for two people. However, if you go with a tour package through different agencies, the price will be quite low. Read More: How to Obtain an International Automobile Driving License from Bangladesh? The country consists of a rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage that is simply breathtaking. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur alone is home to numerous architectural landmarks and historical sites that are worth exploring.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that late US Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy was Bangladesh’s voice abroad during the Liberation War, even as the then-administration in Washington was supporting the Pakistani military government to perpetrate a genocide in the then East Pakistan. “Your father stood against this. He was the largest voice. He became a friend of Bangladesh. We have a lot of respect for him. We are very much thankful to him,” said Momen, while welcoming the late Kennedy's son, Ted Jr, and his family members at the Foreign Service Academy for a reception on Tuesday. Ted Kennedy, Jr., and his family members joined a dinner hosted by foreign minister Momen and Selina Momen in honour of the visiting members of the Kennedy family at the Foreign Service Academy. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D Haas, editors, among others, joined the dinner. Sharing his experiences working with Senator Kennedy, the foreign minister said he learned two things from him.  “He (the late Kennedy) always said democracy is never perfect and it is an evolving process. I really liked that,” Momen recalled.  Yet democracy is the best form of governance till today, Momen said, quoting late US Senator Kennedy.  The foreign minister said another thing he learned from Kennedy was to help and work for the deprived people of the world. “These two things I keep in my heart.” Read more: Ted Kennedy Jr. meets PM Hasina along with his family

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said Bangladesh is ready to send more members to the UN peacekeeping missions as the country is committed to playing a stronger role in the establishment of world peace. “If needed further, we’re ready to send the required number of peacekeepers in response to the call of the United Nations,” she said. The prime minister was addressing a programme of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2022, held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) here, through a videoconference from her official residence Ganobhaban. “We are committed to playing a stronger role in the establishment of world peace, keeping in view ‘People Peace Progress: the Power of Partnership,’ the theme of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers-2022,” she said. Hasina called upon all Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including ones of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, to carry out their respective responsibilities with sincerity while maintaining professionalism and integrity in the global peacekeeping operations. She also asked them to try to keep their lives protected in the missions and brighten the image of the country on the world stage. “Keep it in mind always that self-confidence is the most important thing in performing any duty. So, you all should carry out your respective duty with confidence. If so, you will be successful,” she said. Noting that a war following the Coronavirus pandemic is now badly affecting the world economy, she said, “We don’t want any conflict or war. We want peace to be established throughout the world.” The premier said Bangladesh currently has 6,825 members in UN peacekeeping missions. They account for 9.2 per cent of a total of 75,516 peacekeepers from 121 countries deployed in establishing world peace. At present, 519 women peacekeepers from Bangladesh are engaged in world peacekeeping operations, she said, adding that the participation of women peacekeepers from Bangladesh armed forces and police is on a gradual rise. She said Bangladeshi peacekeepers have successfully completed 55 missions in different countries in the world. Now Bangladeshi peacekeepers are engaged in 13 missions around the world. READ: CAR landmine blast injures 3 Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers

The government is “thinking of” bringing changes in a number of important missions abroad, including Washington, New Delhi, Canberra and Geneva. This is according to a highly placed diplomatic source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, although they did add it may still take a "couple of" months at least to complete the necessary procedures for the planned changes, and that nothing is finalized yet. But they did disclose some very specific possibilities.  Bangladesh High Commissioner to New Delhi Muhammad Imran is likely to be the next ambassador to the USA if everything goes well, while current Ambassador M Shahidul Islam will return to Dhaka. The government appointed Shahidul Islam, who served as the Secretary General of BIMSTEC, as Ambassador to the USA in September 2020. Islam is a career foreign service officer belonging to 1985 batch of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Foreign Affairs cadre and served in Bangladesh Missions in Kolkata, Geneva and Washington DC. READ: Brand Bangladesh, tap opportunities: Momen to missions abroad He served as Ambassador of Bangladesh to South Korea and France. At the headquarters, he worked in various capacities including Director General (Americas) and Director General (Europe).  In January this year, the government extended contractual appointment of Muhammad Imran by three more years as Bangladesh High Commissioner to India. Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices and other International Organizations in Geneva Md. Mustafizur Rahman is likely to be appointed as Bangladesh High Commissioner to India. Meanwhile, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia Mohammad Sufiur Rahman is likely to become Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices and other International Organizations in Geneva.

BNP will stage rallies in all divisional cities, including the capital, of the country on Tuesday demanding medical care of its ailing Chairperson Khaleda Zia abroad. In Dhaka, the rally will begin in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office at 1pm, said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Speaking at a press briefing, he said they have received verbal permission from police to arrange the rally at Nayapaltan. “Khaleda Zia is now at the crossroads of life and death. What her medical board said yesterday (Sunday) about her physical illness is worrying. Her life is now in great danger,” the BNP leader said. Rizvi said it is now urgent to send the BNP chief abroad for advanced treatment in a bid to save her life. READ: Journalists want apex court to pave way for Khaleda’s treatment abroad He said there is nothing left to treat the BNP chairperson in the country for lack of necessary equipment and technology. He said the government is not allowing Khaleda to go outside the country for treatment out of its political vengeance. “The government is dragging Khaleda Zia towards death. Her human rights have been snatched instead of showing sympathy to her.” The BNP leader renewed their party’s demand for letting Khaleda go abroad for treatment considering her critical physical condition. Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13. Her medical board members on Sunday said Khaleda immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. READ: Khaleda can fly in any foreign doctor for treatment: FM On behalf of the family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment. However, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government will consider Khaleda Zia’s appeal if she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia needs to be taken aboard immediately to stop bleeding from her liver. “Khaleda Zia has been suffering from many diseases, but now the main problem is in her liver. The bleeding from her liver has put her life at stake. It has to be stopped immediately,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said the best doctors of Bangladesh have been working in many ways for a few days to identify the source of bleeding in her liver, but they cannot make any headway for lack of necessary technology and equipment. READ: Khaleda needs to go abroad for immediate treatment: Fakhrul  “That’s why doctors are repeatedly saying she needs to be taken to an advanced centre that is equipped with the required technology and devices to identify her problems and the source of bleeding,” the BNP leader said. Pro-BNP student leaders of Dhaka University Central Students Union (Ducsu) and All- Party Students Unity (Apsu) of the 90s arranged the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU, marking the Shaheed Dr Milon Day. Fakhrul slammed the ruling party leaders for what he said were their various ‘derogatory’ comments on Khaleda Zia’s illness. “It’s unfortunate that the ruling party leaders neither have any sense of political etiquette, nor humanitarian values.” He said Awami League leaders are so “arrogant” that they do not hesitate to make “indecent” remarks against anybody, including Khaleda Zia. Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, was readmitted to Evercare Hospital on 13 November, six days after she had returned home from the hospital. The BNP chief's physicians said she has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ophthalmological and dental complications. They said Khaleda needs advanced treatment abroad immediately as she is also suffering from critical cardiac, kidney and liver problems, high blood sugar and low hemoglobin level. On behalf of the family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment. READ: BNP fails to appreciate PM’s generosity to Khaleda: Info Minister However, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government will consider Khaleda Zia’s appeal if she submits a fresh petition after returning to jail.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has to first confess her corruption offense and seek pardon from the president before she can be allowed to go abroad for medical treatment, Law Minister Anisul Haq said on Wednesday. Khaleda has no other alternative but to confess her guilt and seek mercy to the president if she wants to go abroad, the minister said in parliament. This is the only legal way open to her, the lawyer-turned-politician said throwing a challenge that he will quit his profession if anyone can show another legal means. READ: BNP’s efforts on to send Khaleda abroad: Fakhrul Anisul was responding to allegations from two BNP legislators that the government is not allowing the former prime minister to leave the country for receiving better medical treatment because of political reason. Speaking on the cut motion during the passage of the budget for 2021-22 fiscal, BNP lawmakers Harunur Rashid and Mosharof Hosen demanded that the government allows Khaleda  to get treatment abroad. The law minister said Khaleda’s family members had applied for her release to take her abroad for treatment. “But in their application, they did not mention any provision of the law,” he said. In this connection, he mentioned that the government considered an earlier appeal under 401 of penal code and suspended her corruption sentences and released her on two conditions. The two conditions were that she will receive treatment at home staying in the country. “They (Khaleda Zia's family) accepted it. They took Begum Zia home from jail,” he added. Pointing to BNP leaders’ repeated appeal to send Khaleda  abroad, the law minister said that once an application is disposed of, it cannot be reconsidered. “They have applied and got her released abiding by certain conditions. Now they are saying that she has to go abroad and applied accordingly. That application is final (disposed of). No one else can do anything about it. That application has been disposed of under section 401,” the law minister said. He also said that there are six sub-sections in the law. “If you [BNP MPs] can show under those sub-sections that you will be able to apply again [to take Khaleda abroad], then I will not be in the legal profession anymore,” he challenged. Pointing to provisions of the law to free Khaleda, the law minister said that any convicted person has to be released through the law. READ: Send Khaleda abroad for treatment: Pro-BNP journos “There is a way--they can apologise to the President or to the government admitting the guilt under section 401. If they ask for forgiveness, they can consider forgiving.” Referring to Khaleda’s treatment, he said she was at Evercare Hospital where she received proper care. The law minister urged the BNP to stop doing meaningless political stunt regarding Khaleda’s treatment.