Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports declined by 2.43 percent year-on-year to USD 22.98 billion during July–January of fiscal year 2025–26, according to the latest country-wise export data published by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The European Union (EU) remained the country’s largest export destination for RMG, accounting for 49.35 percent of total exports in the category. Export earnings from the EU ...

Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association (BIPPA) has urged the government to pay at least 60 per cent outstanding dues to private power plants before Ramadan, warning of severe electricity shortages in the looming summer if immediate action is not taken. “The payments against the bills of 8 to 10 months are pending to be cleared. We are in big trouble ...

King Charles has made his first intervention in the Epstein scandal, saying Buckingham Palace is ready to support the police as they consider allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct,” a Palace spokesman said. “While ...

Cabinet ministers have rallied around Sir Keir Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called on the prime minister to quit. In a dramatic press conference, Sarwar said the situation in Downing Street was “not good enough” and that “too many mistakes” had been made at the top of government. However, just as Sarwar began to speak, a flurry of ...

The London Assembly sent a “clear message” to Sir Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) as members unanimously called for a full investigation into the dismissal of a bus driver who chased down a thief to retrieve a passenger’s necklace. Mark Hehir, 62, was let go by bus firm Metroline after punching a thief who stole jewellery from a ...

For years under former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s opposition had little presence on the streets during elections, either boycotting polls or being sidelined by mass arrests of senior leaders. Now, ahead of Thursday’s vote, the roles have reversed. Hasina’s Awami League is banned, but many young people who helped oust her government in a 2024 uprising say the upcoming ...

BCB on Monday thanked PCB for backing it during a standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over its participation in the Men’s T20 World Cup, as pressure mounted to resolve a dispute that has left the team sidelined from the tournament schedule. In a statement issued in Dhaka, the BCB praised the PCB and its chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi ...

Next time you’re considering consulting Dr ChatGPT, perhaps think again. Despite now being able to ace most medical licensing exams, artificial intelligence chatbots do not give humans better health advice than they can find using more traditional methods, according to a study published on Monday. “Despite all the hype, AI just isn’t ready to take on the role of the ...

A community-based mental health initiative titled ‘Moner Shanti Camp’ provided psychological support and counselling to marginalised people at Burjan Tea Garden in Sylhet. The Psychological Review Foundation (PRF) organised the programme to assess mental well-being and offer professional guidance to underserved communities. Organisers also distributed winter clothing among participants. The event, held under the banner ‘Winter clothing distribution and mental ...

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday described the upcoming February 12 national election as a “historic moment” to restore the people’s ownership of the state, pledging sweeping political and economic reforms, including the creation of 10 million jobs, unemployment allowances, and a family welfare card for every household. In a nationally televised address to the nation, Tarique ...