Bangladesh Dock Workers Strike Over Foreign Takeover Plans at Chattogram Port

Dock workers in Bangladesh have intensified their strike at the country’s largest port, Chattogram, in protest against the interim government’s plan to lease key port terminals to foreign companies.

Saudi Arabia Cuts Umrah Visa Validity to 30 Days Before Entry

Saudi Arabia has shortened the validity of Umrah visas before entry from three months to 30 days. The new rule, set to take effect next week, aims to improve crowd management as the number of international pilgrims rises ahead of the cooler season.

1.6 Crore People in Bangladesh Likely to Face Food Crisis by December: UN-Backed Report

Nearly 16 million people across Bangladesh’s disaster-prone districts are likely to face a major food crisis by December, while around 1.6 million children may suffer from severe malnutrition, according to a new joint analysis report conducted by the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) under the Food Ministry and three UN agencies.

New Ordinance Approves Restructured National Human Rights Commission

Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, approves a new National Human Rights Commission Ordinance to strengthen the body’s power, transparency, and jurisdiction, ensuring accountability and protection of human rights.

Sheikh Hasina Slams Her War Crimes Trial, Says Bangladesh Election ‘Cannot Be Credible’ Without Awami League

Ex-Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, says that upcoming elections risk deepening the country’s political divide. In written responses to AFP—her first interview since being toppled—she condemned her trial for crimes against humanity as a “jurisprudential joke,” insisting a guilty verdict was “preordained.”

Malaysia’s New Hiring Rules Leave Bangladeshi Agencies Struggling

The recruitment of foreign workers from Bangladesh and several other countries to Malaysia has remained suspended since May 31 last year. Despite multiple rounds of discussions to reopen the labor market, no concrete progress has been made. However, under the existing memorandum of understanding, Malaysia has introduced new conditions for determining the number of recruiting agencies allowed to participate in the hiring process.

Sheikh Hasina in rare interview: I’m not to blame for the bloodshed — my trial is a sham

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has denied allegations that she ordered security forces to open fire during last year’s deadly crackdown on street protests — a move that ultimately led to her downfall. She made the remarks in a rare and wide-ranging interview.

Dhaka Hosts Defense Talks as Pakistan, Bangladesh Move Toward Thaw in Relations

Pakistan and Bangladesh have signaled a gradual thaw in their long-strained relations as Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza held a series of meetings in Dhaka with senior civilian and military leaders to discuss defense and security cooperation, Pakistan’s military confirmed on Monday.

Uncertainty Persists Over Implementation of July National Charter, Say Political Groups

The National Consensus Commission has submitted its recommendations on implementing the July National Charter, including forming a Constitutional Reform Council, but political divisions and procedural ambiguity have cast doubt on its execution.

BGMEA Urges Government to Reconsider ‘Impractical’ Labour Ordinance

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan criticizes the new Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, calling the revised union formation rules “imbalanced and unrealistic,” warning of investor uncertainty and industrial unrest.