United News of Bangladesh

Italian authorities on Friday transferred 40 migrants with no permission to remain in the country to Italian-run migration detention centres in Albania. It was the first time a European Union country sent rejected migrants to a nation outside the EU that is neither their own nor a country they had transited on their journey, migration experts said, AP reports. A military ship with the migrants departed the Italian port of Brindisi and arrived hours later in the Albanian port of Shengjin, about 65 kilometres (40 miles) northeast of the capital, Tirana. The migrants were seen being transferred in buses and minivans under heavy security to an Italian-run centre in Shengjin, where they will be processed before being transferred to a second centre in Gjader, also run by Italian authorities. The Italian government has not released their nationalities or further details. China, ASEAN media and think tanks urged to embrace AI, address its challenges Both facilities in Shengjin and in Gjader were originally built to process asylum requests of people intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea by Italy. But since their inauguration in October, Italian courts have stopped authorities from using them and small groups of migrants sent there have returned to Italy. Italy’s far-right-led government of Premier Giorgia Meloni approved a decree last month that expanded the use of the Albanian fast-track asylum processing centers to include the detention of rejected asylum-seekers with deportation orders. It is not clear how long the migrants may be held in Albania. In Italy they can be detained for up to 18 months pending deportation. Meloni's novel approach to expel the migrants echoes US President Donald Trump’s recent deportations of migrants of various nationalities to Panama. It's also in line with a recent EU Commission proposal that, if passed, would allow EU members to set up so-called “return hubs” abroad.

The Italian government has approved a draft law that officially recognises femicide as a distinct crime within the country's criminal law, with penalties of up to life imprisonment, reports AP. This decision, announced just before International Women's Day on Saturday, aims to address the alarming rate of homicides and violence against women in Italy. The law proposes stronger measures against gender-based crimes such as stalking and revenge porn. Italy Embassy in Dhaka reaffirms commitment to combating visa corruption The proposal, agreed upon late Friday, still requires approval by both houses of parliament to become law. “This is a highly significant bill, which introduces femicide as an independent crime in our legal framework, with a life sentence as the penalty,” said conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a strong supporter of the measure. “It also includes aggravating factors and harsher sentences for crimes like personal abuse, stalking, sexual violence, and revenge porn,” she added. While the centre-left opposition welcomed the initiative, they noted that the law focuses only on the criminal aspect, leaving economic and cultural disparities unaddressed. Femicide has become a systemic issue deeply rooted in Italy’s patriarchal culture, with some violent incidents sparking renewed discussions on gender-based violence. A notable case was the murder of Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old university student fatally stabbed by her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta in November 2023. In December, Turetta was sentenced to life imprisonment. Italy contributes €3 million to support Rohingyas in Bangladesh Recent studies show that, although homicides are decreasing in Italy, femicides remain stable or decline only slightly, with the majority linked to domestic or emotional relationships. According to the Italian Interior Ministry, 113 femicides were recorded in 2024, 99 of which were committed by family members, partners, or ex-partners.

Highlighting that Bangladesh wants to diversify its sourcing for defence materials, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday welcomed Italian interest in contributing to the modernisation of the defence sector of Bangladesh. Vice Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Maria Tripodi, met with the Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues of mutual interest. On the issue of migration, both sides commended contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy to both the economies. They prioritised the need for expanding legal migration pathways while affirming joint efforts to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking and migrant exploitation. As raised by the foreign adviser with deep concern, the vice-minister assured expedited decisions on long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. Referring to the warm bilateral relations since 1972, Vice Minister Tripodi conveyed firm support of the Italian government to the interim government of Bangladesh and appreciated its ongoing reform initiatives towards building a peaceful Bangladesh. BGMEA president seeks embassy’s support in attracting Italy’s investment She expressed satisfaction over the trade relations between the two countries, further desired to expand cooperation, particularly in textile and defence sectors. Based on the dynamic economic relations between Bangladesh and Italy, he opted for more Italian investment, especially in the greenfield sectors. He also apprised that the present government, particularly, BIDA, is working relentlessly to create better business environment in Bangladesh with simplifying the processes for foreign investors. Tripodi lauded Bangladesh’s generous hosting of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and reiterated continued humanitarian and political support of Italy. Pointing to the present political situation in Myanmar with control of non-state actors in the bordering area, the foreign adviser expressed concern over the complex challenges Bangladesh is facing. Sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar, is the only solution to this problem, he emphasised. The Italian vice minister is paying a two-day-long official visit to Bangladesh. This is the first ministerial visit from any EU country since the formation of the interim government, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Biman seeks Italy’s support for inaugural Dhaka-Rome flight After arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, she was warmly received by Abul Hasan Mridha, Director General (West Europe and EU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Italy has sent 49 more migrants to Albania for processing following earlier court rejections, in a continuation of efforts to handle asylum applications, reports AP. An Italian navy vessel arrived in Albania on Tuesday with the migrants, who were intercepted in international waters, to have their asylum claims processed at designated centres in Albania. This marks the third attempt after previous setbacks in October and November, when Italian courts rejected the detention of two groups at the Albanian centres, which were established under a controversial agreement between Italy and Albania. The courts ruled that the migrants’ home countries were not deemed safe enough for them to face potential repatriation from these centres. Colombia agrees to take deported migrants after Trump tariff showdown: White House The cases are now being handled by the European Court of Justice, which has ruled that asylum seekers cannot undergo fast-track procedures leading to deportation if their home countries are not considered entirely safe. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for February 25. Italy’s government, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, remains determined to reactivate the centres in Albania despite the court decisions. In late December, Italy’s highest court ruled that Italian judges could not override government policy in determining which countries are safe for migrant repatriation, though lower courts may still make case-by-case decisions. The migrants will be processed at a reception centre in Shengjin, a port city 66 kilometres northwest of Tirana, before being transferred to the Gjader accommodation centre, about 22 kilometres east. The agreement between Italy and Albania, which was signed in November 2023, permits up to 3,000 migrants intercepted by Italy's coast guard each month to be sheltered in Albania while their asylum claims are assessed. 71 Bangladeshis among 176 illegal immigrants held in Malaysia Under the deal, Italy will take in those granted asylum, while migrants whose claims are rejected will be deported directly from Albania. While the agreement has been praised by some countries facing high migrant arrivals, human rights advocates have voiced concerns about the potential implications of outsourcing the accommodation of asylum seekers to a non-EU country. So far this year, 3,704 migrants have arrived in Italy, more than double the number compared to the same period last year, which saw 1,305 arrivals. In total, 66,317 migrants reached Italy last year, a 58% decrease from the previous year. The majority came from Bangladesh, followed by Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt, according to Italy’s Interior Ministry.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran for three weeks, was released on Wednesday and is returning to Italy, as confirmed by Italian officials, reports AP. Sala's case had become linked to that of Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian engineer wanted by the U.S. The Italian government reported that a plane carrying Sala, 29, departed Tehran after extensive diplomatic and intelligence negotiations, with Premier Giorgia Meloni personally informing her parents of the news. Italy summons Iran's ambassador to release arrested Italian journalist Iranian media acknowledged the release, though no official comment was given by Iranian authorities. Sala, a reporter for Il Foglio, was arrested in Tehran on December 19, three days after arriving on a journalist visa, accused of violating Iranian laws. There was speculation in Italy that Sala’s detention was a bargaining tactic to secure the release of Abedini, arrested in Milan on December 16 at the request of the U.S. government. The U.S. Justice Department charged Abedini, along with another Iranian, with supplying drone technology to Iran, which was used in a January 2024 attack that killed three American soldiers in Jordan. Abedini remains in detention in Italy. The release of Sala was celebrated in Italy, where her case had captured significant media attention. Lawmakers praised the diplomatic success in securing her release. It followed a surprise trip by Premier Meloni to Florida last weekend to meet U.S. US restricts Russian and Iranian groups over disinformation targeting American voters President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Meloni shared the news of Sala's return on social media, expressing gratitude to those who helped bring her home, allowing her to reunite with her family and colleagues. The fates of Sala and Abedini had become entangled, with both countries' foreign ministries summoning each other's ambassadors to demand the release of the detainees and fair treatment in custody. The diplomatic challenge was particularly sensitive for Italy, which is a historical ally of the U.S. but maintains traditionally cordial relations with Iran. Cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, took a hands-on approach to the case, emphasizing the importance of the successful diplomatic negotiations, marking a significant victory for Meloni. Iran restores access to WhatsApp and Google Play after they were banned amid protests Iran has a history of using individuals with Western ties as bargaining tools in international negotiations, dating back to the 1979 U.S. Embassy crisis. Other Western journalists, including American Roxana Saberi and Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, have also been detained by Iran in the past.

Italy’s data protection watchdog said Friday it has fined OpenAI 15 million euros ($15.6 million) after wrapping up a probe into the collection of personal data by the U.S. artificial intelligence company's popular chatbot ChatGPT. The country’s privacy watchdog, known as Garante, said its investigation showed that OpenAI processed users’ personal data to train ChatGPT “without having an adequate legal basis and violated the principle of transparency and the related information obligations towards users”. OpenAI dubbed the decision “disproportionate” and said it will appeal. “When the Garante ordered us to stop offering ChatGPT in Italy in 2023, we worked with them to reinstate it a month later,” an OpenAI spokesperson said Friday in an emailed statement. “They’ve since recognized our industry-leading approach to protecting privacy in AI, yet this fine is nearly 20 times the revenue we made in Italy during the relevant period.” Amazon workers strike at multiple facilities as Teamsters seek labor contract OpenAI added, however, it remained “committed to working with privacy authorities worldwide to offer beneficial AI that respects privacy rights.” The investigation, launched last year, also found that OpenAI didn’t provide an “adequate age verification system” to prevent users under 13 years of age from being exposed to inappropriate AI-generated content, the watchdog said. The Italian authority also ordered OpenAI to launch a six-month campaign on different Italian media to raise public awareness about ChatGPT, specifically in regard to data collection. The booming popularity of generative artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT has drawn scrutiny from regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. Regulators in the U.S. and Europe have been examining OpenAI and other companies that have played a key part in the AI boom, while governments around the world have been drawing up rules to protect against risks posed by AI systems, led by the European Union's AI Act, a comprehensive rulebook for artificial intelligence.

Thousands of workers, including teachers, healthcare professionals, and sanitation staff, staged an eight-hour general strike across Italy on Friday, protesting against stagnant wages, rising living costs, and declining public services.  The strike, organized by Italy’s largest trade unions, targeted Premier Giorgia Meloni’s budget policies, which unions claim underfund crucial sectors such as education and healthcare. Protesters also called for a fairer distribution of private sector profits to workers.  “These demonstrations are not just a message for the government,” said Maurizio Landini, leader of the CGIL trade union, during a rally in Bologna. “They are directed at business leaders and managers who have enjoyed unprecedented profits in recent years.”  The industrial action disrupted various services, including education, healthcare, and transportation. ITA Airways canceled several domestic and international flights, while schools and hospitals faced significant slowdowns. Although unions planned an eight-hour strike, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini restricted it to four hours in the transportation sector.  This marks Italy’s first general strike since November last year. However, unions risk penalties for involving sectors like healthcare and justice, which have already faced strikes. Italy’s railway sector, which has seen recent labor actions, was exempted from Friday’s strike.  Italy’s healthcare system, particularly in the under-resourced southern regions, has been grappling with severe staffing shortages. Many healthcare workers have sought jobs abroad due to inadequate salaries, leaving existing staff to manage increased workloads. “Low wages are driving people away. We often have to work double shifts just to maintain basic care levels,” said Anna Salsa, a member of the UIL healthcare union, during a protest in Rome.  Amazon India workers strike on Black Friday for better pay Rising grocery prices have further strained households, with consumer group Codacons reporting an additional annual cost of €238 ($251) for a family of four in 2024.  Despite starting salaries comparable to other European nations, Italy’s wage growth lags, resulting in a median annual salary of €35,000 ($37,000), one of the lowest among G7 countries, noted labor expert Maurizio Del Conte.   

Studying abroad offers more than academic growth; it immerses students in diverse cultures, broadening their worldview. They meet people from different backgrounds, forming friendships and professional networks. Italy stands out as a destination that embodies these experiences, with its vibrant history, culture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Students go to Italy not only for its world-class education, but also for the chance to live in a culturally rich environment. This article provides a detailed guide on applying in Italy for bachelor's, master's, and PhD, covering key aspects such as study costs, student visas, scholarships, and benefits. What Makes Italy a Top Destination for International Students? Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest universities, renowned for centuries of academic tradition and continuous development of their educational systems. These institutions are highly respected in global academic forums, with several ranked in the prestigious QS World Rankings: Politecnico di Milano (123), Sapienza University of Rome (134), and the University of Bologna (154). According to Global PEO (Professional Employer Organization) Services and Forbes, the country, a member of the EU (European Union) also boasts the third-largest economy in Europe and ranks ninth globally. This economic strength provides abundant opportunities for internships, on-the-job training, and industrial placements in various sectors. While Italian is the primary language, the growing importance of English in academic settings has contributed to the increasing number of international students. Cities like Milan, Rome, and Turin are among the most student-friendly in Europe, offering an ideal environment for higher education. Beyond academics, Italy’s appeal extends to its rich cultural heritage and tourism. As ranked by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Italy holds the 4th position in global tourism. The country thrives with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites (59), including 53 culturally significant sites and 6 of outstanding natural beauty. Read more: Higher Studies in England: Application, Study Cost, Scholarship, and Other Scopes Top Universities and Popular Courses in Italy Top 10 Italian Universities - Politecnico di Milano- Sapienza University of Rome- University of Bologna- University of Padua- Politecnico di Torino- University of Milan- University of Naples Federico-II- University of Pisa- University of Florence- University of Turin Popular Courses Fine Arts, Fashion Design, Business and Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, Hospitality and Tourism, Medicine, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Political Science, etc. Read more: How to Register for TOEFL Exam in Bangladesh? How to Apply for Admission in Italian Universities Like other Schengen countries, Italy follows a two-semester education system. The first admission season, Fall, begins its application process between November and April. Courses typically start in late September or early October, after all applications are received from April to July. During this period, leading universities admit the maximum number of students across various courses. The Spring admission season accepts applications between July and September, with courses beginning between October and December. Admissions are finalized between February and March, and the courses commence afterward. In Italy, each educational institution requires separate applications through its own web portal. Specific deadlines, required documents, and application costs are detailed on the university websites. It’s important to note that only one course can be applied for at each university. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s in Romania: Application Process, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Pre-enrolment Pre-enrolment is a crucial step in the admission process for Italian educational institutions. It is a prerequisite for applying to any course. Students must apply by registering on the Universitaly portal (https://universitaly-private.cineca.it/index.php/registration/firststep). At this stage, students should research the website of their preferred university and contact admission officers to gather all relevant information and instructions. After that, all required documents must be uploaded to the Universitaly portal for the chosen study program. Once the pre-enrollment online application is completed, the university will begin preparing the offer letter. During this time, students will be instructed to pay the study fee. Typically, this fee is charged in three installments throughout the academic year. The first installment is paid at the time of admission, and subsequent installment dates are notified by the respective universities. Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh Documents Required for Admission Application - Completed online application form- A valid passport- Documents of Previous Educational Qualifications:- High school diploma or equivalent certificate and academic transcript for undergraduate programs- Graduation certificate and academic transcript for postgraduate programs- Postgraduate certificate and academic transcript for doctoral programs- A minimum score on the language proficiency test:IELTS: 6 or TOEFL iBT: 59 for undergraduate programsIELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 79 for master’s programsIELTS: 7 or TOEFL iBT: 96 for Ph.D. programs- Study Fee Payment Receipt: A minimum of 1 installment out of three. In most cases, the amount is between 120 and 180 Euros, equivalent to BDT 15,862 to 23,793 (1 Euro = BDT 132.18).- CV- Statement of Purpose- Multiple motivation letters- Medical Certificate and Health Insurance- GMAT or GRE test results (for master’s programs)- Portfolio (for applicants in creative fields)- Research Proposal (for Ph.D. programs)- Contact information for the supervising professor and a consent form for supervision of the - student’s research- Summary of relevant publications (if applicable)- Evidence of work experience – for some selected programs- Additional documents may be required depending on the university, course, and program. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s Degree in Hungary: Cost, Scholarships, Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students How to Apply for a Student Visa in Italy Students wishing to study long-term in Italy must apply for a Type-D visa, also known as a national visa, which allows for stays exceeding 90 days. This visa is valid for the entire duration of the selected full-time study program. Bangladeshi students can apply for a Type-D visa through VFS (Visa Facilitation Services), the global partner of Italian immigration. Access the application form via the following link for download: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/italy/bangladesh/english/pdf/visa-d-long-term.pdf After filling out the form, it must be printed, signed manually, and submitted to the VFS center along with the relevant documents. Read more: Study in France: Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Documents Required for Visa Application - Fully completed and manually signed National (Type-D) Visa Application Form- Two recent color photographs:Photographs must be in ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) format (size 4 x 3.5 cm), taken on a white background, and no older than 6 months.- Original valid passport and photocopy of each page:The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of arrival in any Schengen country and must have at least two blank pages.- Proof of pre-enrollment at an Italian university or AFAM Institute (Institute of Fine Arts, Music, and Dance) (only for pre-enrollment): Admission and study costs must be mentioned.- Admission offer letter from the Italian university.- Proof of applicant's financial solvency:- The student’s personal bank statement from any bank in Bangladesh for the last 6 months.- Proof of financial resources if sponsored:The sponsor’s bank statement from any bank in Bangladesh for the last 6 months.Proof of family relationship with the sponsor (the sponsor must be related by blood or marriage).Proof of financial resources is required even if the student has been awarded a scholarship.- IELTS Certificate (minimum score 6) as proof of English language proficiency. The certificate must be issued no more than two years before the visa application date.- Proof of student residence in Italy:Apartment purchase or rental agreement, orResident statement from an Italian citizen or a foreign citizen with a permanent residence permit in this country. The identity card of the person signing the statement must be attached.- Advance air ticket booking details.- Travel Insurance: Coverage of EUR 30,000 (BDT 39,65,486), including medical fees, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.- Marriage certificate (if married), divorce certificate (if divorced), or death certificate of spouse (if widowed or surviving spouse). Read more: Staying Safe When Studying Abroad: Essential Considerations Visa Application Submission and Biometric Registration An online appointment does not require submitting visa-related documents at VFS. However, the application process must be initiated by completing the link form at https://vfsforms.mioot.com/forms/CFNC/.  The appointment date will be sent to the candidate’s email address provided in the form. A printout of this email must be brought when visiting the VFS center. Italy VFS Center Addresses in Bangladesh: Dhaka: Nafi Tower (4th & 5th Floor), 53, South Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212.Chattogram: World Trade Center Chattogram, (5th Floor), 102/103 Agrabad C/A, Commerce College Road, Chattogram-4100.Sylhet: 4th Floor, Nirvana Inn Complex, Ramer Dighir Par, Mirzajungal Road, Sylhet-3100. Applicants must attend the VFS center between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for submission. On the appointment day, biometric registration will be completed, which involves taking a photograph and scanning all ten fingerprints. In some cases, an interview may be conducted. Once the process is completed, the candidate will receive an acknowledgment letter or receipt upon payment of any incidental expenses, including the visa fee. Read more: Where to Learn the French Language in Dhaka Visa Processing Time and Incidental Costs A study visa typically takes a minimum of 21 calendar days to process. However, delays may occur due to document verification or other reasons. As per Italy's VFS website, the Type-D visa fee is EUR 50 (BDT 5,750). The VFS global service charge is EUR 38 (BDT 4,370), and an additional bank draft charge of BDT 270 applies. Visa Processing Status and Collection The status of the visa application can be tracked via the VFS web portal during the verification process. To track the application, visit this link:https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/Index?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/IzcvBCb/70NmWcryI2n01dau+KWr9vOycRn8+9h+u8XIqecwY3I+ZSwJbdFTpO9OZlVSATCCz354s5WEZMMYrE=Applicants must enter their last name and reference number, which can be found on the receipt issued by VFS. You can also inquire about the visa status by calling +8809606777666. Once the visa is approved, the candidate will be notified via phone. After receiving confirmation, the passport with the visa can be collected from the VFS center. The original receipt or acknowledgment letter and a national identity card must be presented during collection. Read more: Free Websites for Online IELTS Mock Tests

The validity of applicants’ Nulla Osta on the day of receiving their appointment booking email will be frozen and will not expire if the email was sent during its validity, according to an update for Italy work visa applicants in Bangladesh. Applicants who submitted incomplete or incorrect Nulla Osta will not receive an appointment, but an email suggesting they contact their employers for clarification," said VFS Global on May 20. Measures on long-term visas to be taken after Indian elections: Nanak No other means of booking appointments is in place. "The process is absolutely free of cost, and applicants receiving any contrary information are requested to report it to VFS Global and the Embassy of Italy," said the VFS Global.

For the first time, a consignment of bean produced in Chattogram’s Sitakunda upazila has been exported to Italy, raising hope among farmers of the upazila which is already famous for vegetable production. Farmers and agriculture officials said Sitakunda upazila is known for production of variety of vegetables including beans. Beans are seen on vast lands on both sides of the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, on cropland, land alley, on both sides of the railway tracks, fallow land, embankments and even in hill slopes, they said. Read more: Prospects of Safe Broiler Chicken Farming The beans produced here are usually supplied to different parts of the country and this is the first time that this bean has been exported to Italy. Farmers said that although raw beans are sold in winter, dry bean seeds are sold throughout the year. Upazila Agriculture Officer said Md Habibullah said the soil of Sitakunda is suitable for bean cultivation and bean cultivation is more profitable than Boro paddy. “As a result, bean has been cultivated on 2,650 hectares of land in this upazila. This year, 47,000 metric tons of beans worth over Tk 100 crore will be produced.” Read more: Youth's success in orange farming sparks an agricultural trend in Kurigram