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Posts published in “Bangladesh”

Bangladesh garment workers ‘sacked’ after wage protests

AFP report in Prothom Alo, Dec 20, 2023For a decade, the nimble fingers of Bangladeshi garment worker Naim Pramanik sewed shirts and trousers for top Western brands, to be worn by the wealthy across the world. Now the 28-year-old is unemployed, sacked after daring to take part in protests demanding a fair wage. “Some clothes we make are sold at $100 a piece in shops in America and Europe,” he said, showing the labels of…

Lopsided election would trigger ‘Bangla spring’: AB Party

report in Prothom Alo, Dec 20, 2023The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has demanded the resignation of the incumbent government and an election under a neutral government. The party held a protest rally Tuesday afternoon which crossed through the Shegun Bagicha, Bijaynagar and Kakrail area of the capital. AFM Sulaiman Chowdhury, convener of the AB Party urged the people of the country to boycott the forthcoming elections. “We do not support this lopsided election like everyone…

China now 4th largest source of foreign loans in Bangladesh

by Jahangir Shah inProthom Alo, December 20, 2023China has become the fourth largest source of foreign loans in Bangladesh thanks to the latter’s growing interest. Japan, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) now precede China in terms of loan disbursements. Currently, Bangladesh sources nearly 10 per cent of its total annual borrowings from China, with at least $1 billion disbursed annually over the last two years. Bangladesh has registered a surge in…

1,896 left to run for parliament after 347 drop out

by Shamima Rita in Dhaka Tribune, Dec 18, 2023Sunday was the last day for the withdrawal of nominations for the 12th general election. Many candidates withdrew their nominations on the day, including those from the ruling Awami League, Jatiya Party, Trinamool BNP and Zaker Party as well as independents. As many as 347 contenders had withdrawn of their own accord from contention in the next general election, the Election Commission said. Now the total number…

Maldives reopens its doors to Bangladeshi unskilled workers

report in Dhaka Tribune, Dec 18, 2023The Maldives government has lifted the ban on the recruitment of unskilled workers from Bangladesh. Now, unskilled workers from Bangladesh would have job opportunities in the country, said Maldives’ Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology in a statement on Sunday. In this regard, Counsellor (Labour) and Head of the Embassy of Bangladesh High Commission in Maldives Md Sohel Parvez said the decision to reopen the labour market for Bangladeshis…

King’s parties remain discontent over seat sharing

report in Prothom Alo, Dec 17, 2023The acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM), Shah Muhammad Abu Zafar, has said they joined the election with the assurance of a free and fair election. If the election does not seem free and fair or they do not see an electoral environment, the BNM will pull out of the electoral race. The BNM chief made the statement while talking to the media at Madhukhali of Faridpur…

Bangladesh Congress threatens to pull out

report in The Daily Star, Dec 17, 2023Bangladesh Congress has threatened to withdraw all its 121 candidates from the electoral race alleging that the ruling Awami League wants to extend its stay in power by holding an election through sharing seats. Speaking at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity, party Chairman Kazi Rezaul Hossen yesterday said they do not want to be used as the ladder for any party’s route to power. Today is…

US to resettle more Rohingyas from Bangladesh

report in The daily Star, Dec 17, 2023The United States has recognised the Rohingya situation as a “priority” and pledged to continue to increase the number of Rohingyas, including those from Bangladesh, resettled through the USRAP in fiscal 2024. The US also encouraged third countries to expand Rohingya resettlement, said the US Department of State yesterday. New pledges from the United States were announced at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. The country pledged to continue…

AL likely to share 30 seats with JP

by Rashidul Hasan in The Daily Star, Dec 16, 2023The ruling Awami League yesterday agreed in principle to withdraw its nominees in 30 constituencies, so that Jatiya Party candidates do not have to compete against AL picks. However, the Jatiya Party, the main opposition in parliament, demands easy victories in 40 constituencies, according to sources present at a meeting between delegations of the two parties last night. AL leaders will sit with their party president…

Awami League partners get seats, allies get assurance

report in Prothom Alo, Dec 16, 2023Ruling Awami League has almost finalised its seat sharing with its partners and allies. Partners of the 14-party alliance have been given seven seats. Awami League has no intention of giving them any more seats. Outside of that, leaders of the so-called “king’s parties” –Supreme Party, Trinomool BNP, BNM, and the party leaving the BNP alliance – Kalyan Party, have been given assurance of victory in the election. But…

Nanak: Sheikh Hasina to begin her election campaign from Sylhet on Dec 20

By Ali Asif Shawon in Dhaka Tribune,Dec 14, 2023Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will begin her election campaign in Sylhet by visiting the Shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran on December 20. Subsequently, an electoral rally will take place at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa field, Awami League Presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak said during his inspection of the madrasa field in Sylhet on Wednesday. “The country is moving…