The White House cautioned on Sunday that federal worker dismissals could commence if President Donald Trump determines talks with congressional Democrats have stalled. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated the administration hopes to avoid action but stands prepared to implement layoffs if negotiations fail. Trump labeled potential cuts as Democrat layoffs and blamed the opposing party for any job losses.
The shutdown entered its fifth day on Sunday with no substantive discussions since Trump last convened with congressional leaders on Oct. 1. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer insisted only renewed leadership meetings could resolve the standoff. Democrats seek a permanent extension of enhanced premium tax credits...
Bangladesh business leaders voice escalating alarm about the investment climate as gas shortages, dollar scarcity, elevated bank interest rates, political turbulence, and unclear labor law reforms undermine confidence. Entrepreneurs hesitate to launch ventures while existing investments face growing threats, and firms struggle to secure letters of credit for importing machinery.
Interest rates have climbed to 16 percent, a threshold entrepreneurs say makes sustainable operations impossible. Factories operate at reduced capacity or remain idle, resulting in thousands of job losses. Business groups assert that political instability compounds economic pressures, eroding investor trust.
Fazlul Hoque, former president of the Bangladesh...
Dhaka ranked 33rd among cities with poor air quality on Monday morning with an Air Quality Index score of 66. The capital's air received a moderate classification on the index, which signals a minor health risk for sensitive individuals. Tashkent in Uzbekistan topped the list with a score of 195, followed by Kolkata in India at 157, and Wuhan in China at 151.
The index measures five pollutants: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. Air quality typically worsens in winter, but improves when monsoons arrive. The World Health Organization reports air pollution causes approximately seven million deaths globally each year from stroke, heart disease, pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and respiratory...
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman pledged to participate in the upcoming elections alongside citizens. Rahman told a news outlet on Monday morning that his delayed return stems from valid reasons, but he plans to come back soon.
The political leader emphasized his commitment to remain present when anticipated elections occur. Rahman explained that politics inherently connects with party activists, and he views himself as one who cannot stay away from such significant events.
Rahman described restrictions imposed under the previous authoritarian government. A court order blocked his speaking rights, and the Press Club barred him after labeling him a fugitive.
The acting chairman said he communicated through social media and...
The Begum Para controversy emerged in 2020 when revelations showed government officials, businessmen, and politicians had transferred illegally acquired wealth to Canada. Former Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen stated on Nov. 18, 2020, that preliminary investigations found most offenders were government officials rather than politicians, and authorities would act against illegal money laundering.
The Anti-Corruption Commission requested a list of 28 individuals for prosecution. The High Court demanded detailed information about money launderers, but the case was quietly dropped after the ACC reported more than 100 people had transferred about 2,500 crore taka abroad.
The 28-person list obtained by Bangladesh Pratidin shows that...
Bangladesh and the Maldives pledged to strengthen bilateral relations as Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam presented his credentials as High Commissioner on Oct. 5. The Maldives National Defence Force accorded him a guard of honor at the Presidential Palace before he met President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the Ghazi Hall.
President Muizzu praised Bangladesh's support in human resource development, education, healthcare, and economic cooperation. High Commissioner Islam thanked the Maldivian government for employing Bangladeshi migrant workers who benefit both economies. Both nations discussed expanding trade cooperation and noted recent growth in transshipment through Maldivian ports.
The leaders explored Bangladesh's potential assistance in...
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that a court order under the previous authoritarian government stripped him of his speaking rights. Rahman explained that media outlets faced restrictions on publishing his statements, even when they wanted to do so.
He recalled speaking at the Press Club but said the committee later decided to bar him from the venue because authorities labeled him a fugitive. Rahman noted that officials attempted to silence him through such measures.
The BNP leader said he communicated through social media and other channels to reach people. Rahman emphasized that he continued speaking despite restrictions, but audiences could not receive or access his messages because of the prohibitions imposed on media...
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman stated that the people of Bangladesh masterminded last year's anti-fascist uprising, not any political party or individual. Rahman spoke to a news outlet on Monday morning as part of an interview series.
Political parties, the interim government, and other entities should support citizens who suffered under the Awami League regime rather than claiming leadership of the movement. Rahman emphasized the need to assist families of approximately 2,000 people killed in the uprising and 30,000 others who experienced various losses, such as missing limbs.
Forty-two activists detained by Israel after intercepting Global Sumud Flotilla vessels have begun a hunger strike in solidarity with Palestinians, according to a statement from the group. The strikers include four French lawmakers and Brazilian climate activist Thiago Avila. The flotilla, comprising 45 ships, attempted to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the territory.
France Unbowed member of the European Parliament, Manon Aubry, told French radio station Franceinfo on Sunday that detention conditions were difficult, with more than 10 people per cell and limited water access. Malaysian detainee Hazwani Helmi told the Associated Press that activists were forced to drink toilet water. France Unbowed...
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