United News of Bangladesh

If Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visits Japan, it could open new investment opportunities for Bangladesh, with Japanese companies preparing to reaffirm their long-term commitment to the country amid renewed confidence in its political stability, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Country Representative Kazuiki Kataoka has said. There has been no official announcement from either Bangladesh or Japan regarding the visit so far, although Bangladeshi media are reporting that it is expected to take place soon. In an exclusive interview with UNB, Kataoka said the formation of a new government in February has improved the investment climate, encouraging major Japanese companies and senior executives to visit Bangladesh, assess the market and conduct feasibility studies for potential investments. “In comparison with the last interim government, we can say that there is one big improvement. That is political and social stability. So, we couldn't invest in this country actively last year,” he said. Kataoka, who was recently elected president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI), said investors remained cautious during the interim government because of uncertainty over political stability and the possible changes in investment policies, regulations and incentives. Renewed investor confidence Kataoka said the interim government of Bangladesh “successfully” focused on holding the national election, but uncertainty over the policies and incentives of the incoming administration made it difficult for investors to assess long-term business prospects. The formation of the new government, however, has helped restore confidence, with large Japanese companies and senior officials increasingly exploring business opportunities in Bangladesh. Citing a recent development, he said Toyota Tsusho Corporation, the trading arm of the Toyota Group, has expressed interest in exploring the possibility of assembling cars in Bangladesh. He described the interest as a positive development for bilateral economic relations, reflecting the growing attention of major Japanese businesses to Bangladesh’s manufacturing potential. Around 340 to 350 Japanese companies are currently operating in Bangladesh, and interest in trade and investment is increasing, he said. Bangladesh remains attractive both as an export-oriented manufacturing base and as a consumer market, given its large population and growing economic potential. Some Japanese companies are also considering shifting production from other countries, including China, to Bangladesh, Kataoka said, highlighting the country's potential to become a more important manufacturing hub. “Bangladesh is still a very good and popular destination for manufacturers looking to produce goods for export. At the same time, the country has an attractive domestic market that Japanese investors are increasingly interested in exploring,” he said. More needs to be done Despite the improved political environment, Japanese investors continue to face challenges involving customs clearance, taxation, payments and visa processing, Kataoka said. JETRO has been raising these concerns with relevant government agencies, including Invest Bangladesh, and advocating reforms to make the country more attractive to foreign direct investment (FDI). He said the government appeared serious about attracting foreign investment, recognising its role in expanding the economy, introducing new technologies, facilitating technology transfer and promoting innovation. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has also emphasised the importance of FDI in developing the domestic economy, he noted. However, a gap between policymakers and officials responsible for implementing decisions, alongside slow implementation, remains a concern for investors. “We have to work together to improve the investment environment. If existing investors are satisfied, they will become ambassadors for new investors, helping us bring more investment from Japan,” Kataoka said. He stressed that improving the experience of companies already operating in Bangladesh would be crucial to attracting further investment. Upstream industries key to manufacturing growth Kataoka urged Bangladesh to give greater priority to developing upstream industries, particularly steel and chemicals, to support investment in electronics, automobiles and other advanced manufacturing sectors. While the country has focused heavily on the ready-made garment (RMG) industry and is seeking to attract investment in sectors such as electronics and automobiles, the development of supporting industries is essential to make such investments commercially viable, he said. “Without upstream industries, it will be difficult to develop downstream industries,” he said. Bangladesh remains dependent on imports for several industrial materials, including high-quality steel and chemicals, increasing production costs through tariffs and other expenses. Although local steel manufacturers have made progress, the industry continues to rely on imported scrap steel, while advanced manufacturing requires access to higher-quality materials and industrial inputs. These materials are essential for producing components used in automobiles, electronics and other manufactured goods, he said. Kataoka warned that persistently high production costs could weaken Bangladesh’s competitiveness against countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia in attracting foreign investors. Developing upstream industries would require substantial capital investment and coordinated government support, as individual companies might not be able to overcome the challenges independently, he said. Once these industries are established, he said, Bangladesh would be better positioned to expand into higher-value manufacturing and attract investment in more sophisticated sectors. EPA offers wider economic benefits Kataoka also highlighted the importance of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between Bangladesh and Japan in February, expressing hope that it would enter into force as soon as possible. While tariff reductions are an important part of the agreement, its benefits extend to customs procedures and intellectual property protection, he said. More efficient customs clearance could facilitate trade, while stronger intellectual property protection could help curb counterfeit products and protect legitimate businesses. Kataoka cited counterfeit automotive parts, motorcycle-related products and soy sauce as examples of goods that could undermine original manufacturers and prevent them from receiving fair returns on their investments. Effective implementation of the EPA would help establish a more transparent and rules-based market, benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries, he said. Bangladesh and Japan would also need to monitor the implementation of the agreement's provisions after it enters into force to ensure that businesses can realise its intended benefits. People-to-people ties remain important On the future of bilateral relations, the representative said Japan would continue to regard Bangladesh as an important partner, regardless of changes in government. The two countries should strengthen not only government-to-government relations but also people-to-people connections, Kataoka said. Japan has maintained friendly relations with Bangladesh over the years, and he expressed confidence that the relationship would remain strong over the next five years. The representative said the priority would be to build on the existing friendship and deepen cooperation with the current government while maintaining strong ties with the people of Bangladesh. JBCCI to strengthen business ties As the newly elected JBCCI president, Kataoka said the chamber would work to deepen business links between Japanese and Bangladeshi companies and create opportunities for new partnerships. The chamber plans to organise seminars, workshops and roundtable discussions highlighting Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors. It will also seek to expand networking opportunities for Bangladeshi businesses interested in working with Japanese companies. Joint events involving the JBCCI and other Japanese business organisations could help companies identify potential partners and explore opportunities beyond their existing business relationships, he said. Kataoka said stronger business connections would complement the two countries’ longstanding diplomatic relationship.

The body of one of the two Bangladeshi doctoral students missing from the University of South Florida was found on a bridge over Tampa Bay, and his roommate has been taken into custody, law enforcement authorities said Friday. Zamil Limon’s remains were found on the Howard Frankland bridge Friday morning, but Nahida Bristy is still missing, Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said. Limon’s roommate in an off-campus apartment, Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, 26, was taken into custody at his family’s home nearby on preliminary charges that include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment and battery. “We are still actively searching for Nahida,” Maurer said, appealing to the public to share any useful information. Officers encountered Abugharbeih as they responded to a report of domestic violence at his family’s home, just north of the campus, and were able to remove his relatives to safety. But then he barricaded himself inside and refused to come out. A SWAT team responded, along with a drone, a robot and crisis negotiators, before Abugarbeih came out with his hands up, apparently wearing nothing but a blue towel. “This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth.” Limon and Bristy, both 27, were a couple, considering marriage, a relative said. They disappeared from campus on April 16. Limon, who was studying geography, environmental science and policy, was last seen at his home in an apartment complex where he lived with Abugharbeih. Bristy, who was studying chemical engineering and lived on campus, was last seen an hour later at a campus science building. A family friend contacted authorities last Friday after being unable to contact either one, USF police said. Investigators interviewed Abugharbeih, who is a native-born U.S. citizen, on Thursday, Maurer said, but Abugharbeih ended the interview after a bit. He said Abugharbeih was speaking with detectives again after his arrest Friday morning. There are no other suspects in the investigation at this time, Maurer said. An autopsy is being done on the remains to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death, and those results are expected Saturday morning, he said. Abugharbeih had been a USF student but was not currently enrolled. University records showed he had attended the school from Spring 2021 through Spring 2023, and had pursued a BS in Management, a university spokeswoman said. Abugharbeih also had several previous arrests, the sheriff’s office said. He was charged with battery and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling in September 2023, and with battery that May — both classified in court records as misdemeanors. Court records show Abugharbeih may have entered into a diversion program. A phone call to his lawyer in that case was not immediately returned. Hillsborough County Court records also showed two domestic violence petitions filed by a family member in 2023. A judge granted an injunction in one case and denied the other petition. He also was accused of traffic violations. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth,” Chronister said in the sheriff’s office statement. “We will continue to follow every fact, pursue every lead, and use every tool available to hold those responsible fully accountable. Our thoughts remain with the families of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy during this time.”

“Food coma” can occur in both people and animals. After having a large meal, you may feel the urgency to rest and find a corner or bed to relax. This is referred to as a “food coma”. The experience feels lethargic, and people struggle to get the necessary energy. However, by being aware of a few steps, food coma can be prevented. What is a Food Coma? A food coma is when you feel sleepy and tired after having a heavy meal. It's not like being in a deep sleep or a medical coma. After a large meal, your body sends a lot of blood to your stomach to digest the food, which can make you feel tired because it takes blood away from other parts of your body, like your brain.  Foods high in carbohydrates and fats can also make your blood sugar spike and then crash, leaving you feeling super tired. Additionally, hormones released after eating fatty foods can slow down digestion and make you feel sluggish. When you eat carbs and fats together, it can lead to a release of insulin, which increases the production of a chemical called tryptophan in your brain. Tryptophan boosts serotonin levels, making you feel relaxed and sleepy, leading to what's known as a food coma. Read more: Reasons Why Ramadan Fasting is More Beneficial Than Dieting Causes of Food Coma The reasons for a food coma lie in the intake of certain kinds and amounts of ingredients and the workload the stomach feels while metabolizing foods. To understand more deeply, reading a little explanation will help. Foods Containing Tryptophan People often get sleepy after eating certain types of foods. Some experts say it's because foods like whole grain, beef, lamb, poultry, dairy, nuts, seeds, legumes, etc contain a lot of a substance called tryptophan. When someone eats such foods, along with foods high in carbs, like rice or mashed potatoes, it can make them feel even sleepier.  It happens because tryptophan helps the brain make serotonin which makes a person feel calm and relaxed. Serotonin also helps the body produce melatonin, which is a hormone that gets people ready for sleep. So, eating tryptophan-enriched foods and carb-heavy foods can make people feel exhausted after a big meal. Read more: Colon Cancer: Everything You Need to Know Anomaly in Blood Supply to Brain Away from the brain to the digestive organs, a slight shift in blood flow can cause postprandial somnolence. Again, eating pumps up the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is liable to regulate different body functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion. When the stomach fills with enough food, the PNS gets triggered, causing more blood flow to the digestive organs and less to the brain. This lack of blood flow to the brain will cause a person to feel tired and sleepy. High-Calorie Meals Some experts propose that high-fat meals like dairy products, eggs, fatty fish, meat, nuts, seeds, etc which are low in carbohydrates can also create drowsiness.  Scientists also propose the idea of satiety signals, a rather complex combination sent to crucial sleep centers in the brain when such a meal with high fat or high calories is taken. The signal theoretically decreases hunger and arousal signals in the brain and increases sleepiness. Read more: How Does Physical Activity and Exercise Affect Testosterone Levels? Cytokines Increase Cytokines, a molecule from the Interlekin-1 family, is a signaling substance, involved in processes like inflammatory response, and is believed by experts to be responsible for augmented post-meal fatigue.  To draw an example of the use case, experts refer to any incident that involves a person taking medications to reduce inflammatory responses when the postprandial somnolence effect gets less intense and less common. Cytokines can affect the central nervous system and increase one’s perception of fatigue.