Dhaka: Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, former adviser to the interim government and spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that a so-called “deep state” had devised a strategy to keep the interim government in power until 2029. He made these remarks at a discussion titled “From Blood-Stained Independence to Reforms and Referendum: The Political Duty of Implementation”, organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South NCP at the party’s central office in Banglamotor on Thursday afternoon, marking Independence Day.

Asif said that during the early days of their tenure in government, they were approached by powerful institutions—referred to as the “deep state”—with an offer. “They told us: ‘Sheikh Hasina’s tenure runs until 2029. You complete that term, and we will support you,’” he stated.

He added that the proposal came with specific conditions, including facilitating certain interests and following a roadmap designed to keep opposition figures—particularly from the BNP—out of elections.

According to him, the plan involved prolonging legal cases against BNP leaders so they would remain ineligible to contest elections. “If their sentences were not overturned, they would not be able to participate even if elections were held,” he said, mentioning Tarique Rahman as an example.

Asif claimed that a full strategy had been presented to them on how to remain in power through compromise, but emphasized, “We did not agree to it.”

He also accused large corporations of hoarding fuel, alleging that parts of the BNP were involved in such syndicates. Drawing from his experience in the previous government’s purchasing committee, he questioned how a crisis could emerge within a month when reserves were supposed to last two months, suggesting involvement of individuals close to the government.

Criticizing BNP further, he alleged that the party had appointed its loyalists as administrators in various institutions, undermining democracy. “If those appointed as administrators later contest elections, what fairness remains for others?” he asked.

Asif maintained that their government remained committed to democracy and ensured elections were held fairly. “To prevent any controversy, we voluntarily resigned before the election,” he said. However, he criticized the current government for appointing two key figures from the previous administration to ministerial positions, despite earlier demands for resignations to ensure a level playing field.

NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar also spoke at the event, criticizing how the study of history in Bangladesh remains confined to narrow debates—particularly over who declared independence first. He emphasized that true history encompasses the broader struggles, sacrifices, and contributions of the people. “Unfortunately, the narrative of history changes with every change in government,” he said.

Tushar expressed disappointment that despite hopes for reform following recent mass uprisings, political parties are still failing to honor their commitments to the public. He drew parallels with unimplemented reform proposals following the 1990 political transition, suggesting a similar pattern continues today.

Washington, D.C. — Dr. Zubaida Rahman, a prominent physician and social worker, held a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Charles J. Harder, according to a verified Facebook post by the BNP Media Cell.

The discussion focused on key issues related to the development of future generations, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for children, and advancing sustainable progress in education and public health sectors. Particular emphasis was placed on family-based support programs, child nutrition and mental development, and fostering inclusive societies through mutual cooperation.

Among those present at the meeting were Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Tarek Md. Ariful Islam, Dr. Shah Muhammad Aman Ullah, Mehnaz Mannan, and D. M. Salahuddin Mahmud.

Washington, D.C. — Dr. Zubaida Rahman delivered a speech at the “Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit,” held in Washington, D.C., at the invitation of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. The two-day summit was inaugurated on Tuesday at the U.S. State Department.

Dr. Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, addressed the opening session, emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. She called on developed nations to support Bangladesh in leveraging AI responsibly to bring meaningful reforms to its education system.

She highlighted that the government is working to deliver innovative technologies and healthcare services to children at their doorsteps. “It is a great honor for me to join you all at this historic ‘Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit,’” she said, expressing gratitude to the First Lady for bringing together global leaders to focus on children’s future and shared commitments.

“We believe that the future of every nation is written in the lives of its children,” Dr. Rahman stated. “The education we provide today and the values we instill will shape the nations of tomorrow.”

Speaking from her perspective as a physician, she reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for every child, with a strong emphasis not only on treatment but also on preventive care from early stages of life.

Dr. Rahman also stressed the role of technology, particularly ed-tech, in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. She underscored the importance of ensuring the safe and ethical use of these technologies so that children can grow up in a secure and supportive environment.

On women’s empowerment, she noted Bangladesh’s strong legacy, referencing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for her contributions to human rights and for introducing free education for girls up to the 12th grade. She added that the current government is committed to extending free education for women up to the postgraduate level.

The United States Department of State has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas for citizens of Bangladesh. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka announced this in a statement on Monday (March 23). According to the embassy, it is the responsibility of the U.S. government to protect taxpayers’ interests and ensure that immigrants do not misuse public welfare benefits after entering the country. A recent review found that the usage rate of such benefits is comparatively higher among citizens of certain countries, and Bangladesh is included in that list.

The objectives behind this decision include reducing pressure on public welfare programs, safeguarding taxpayer funds, and reassessing immigration policies. This suspension is not limited to immigrant visas only. It also includes Tourist visas, Student visas and other non-immigrant visas

The statement further mentioned that this temporary suspension will allow for a comprehensive review of the visa screening and selection process. The goal is to ensure that future policies prioritize the interests of U.S. citizens. It is worth noting that no specific timeline has yet been announced regarding how long this suspension will remain in effect or when normal visa services will resume.

DHAKA – Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has arrived in Tokyo to participate in the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum being held on March 14-15.

The forum is jointly hosted by the chair and vice chair of the US National Energy Dominance Council, US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei.

Energy ministers and senior representatives from several Indo-Pacific countries including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam are also attending the two-day forum.

During the meeting, participating ministers will discuss ways to strengthen energy security across the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on ensuring the supply of abundant, reliable, affordable, secure and dispatchable energy.

On the sidelines of the forum, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood is expected to hold bilateral meetings with ministers and other delegations from participating countries, including the United States, Japan and Brunei. He is also scheduled to meet representatives of private sector companies to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh in the energy sector and related sectors.

DHAKA – Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma today said Bangladesh and India can really transform their geographical proximity into new economic opportunities through setting a forward-looking and people-centric agenda. Pranay made the remarks while talking to reporters at Bangladesh Secretariat after meeting Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.

Their discussion centered on cooperation in financial sector, emerging areas such as digital economy and artificial intelligence, as well as improving the ease of doing business to promote greater investment and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries. They discussed ways to enhance trade and economic ties between the two friendly neighbours and make economic engagement more convenient for both sides.

“The whole idea is how we can enhance our trade and economic ties, how we can strengthen our economic connectivity and how we can promote our economic cooperation,” he said.

The Indian High Commissioner said trade is already taking place through various channels and stressed the need to make it more convenient as part of improving the ease of doing business. He said they also discussed cooperation in the financial sector and taxation reforms, as well as greater use of technology to make economic participation more inclusive.

The High Commissioner shared India’s successful experience in financial inclusion, describing the discussion as a very forward-looking conversation. The Indian envoy said the meeting was overall very positive, noting that both countries have large economies and forward-looking societies with significant potential to work together.

DHAKA – Despite an overall contraction in the United States apparel import market in 2025, Bangladesh registered strong growth, reinforcing its position as a key supplier to the world’s largest consumer market. According to data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), total US apparel imports stood at $77.88 billion during January–December 2025, marking a 1.74 percent decline compared to the same period in 2024.

In terms of volume, measured in square meter equivalent (SME), US apparel imports fell by 3.70 percent, while the average unit price increased by 2.03 percent, indicating continued pricing pressure amid softer demand. In contrast to the overall downturn, US apparel imports from Bangladesh rose to $8.20 billion in 2025 — the second-highest annual figure on record — registering an impressive 11.71 percent growth over January–December 2024.

For December 2025 alone, imports from Bangladesh increased by 3.33 percent compared to December 2024. Bangladesh’s share in total US apparel imports reached 10.53 percent in 2025, consolidating its position as one of the top sourcing destinations for American buyers.

Among other major suppliers to the US market in 2025, Vietnam accounted for 21.50 percent of total apparel imports, followed by China with 13.66 percent. India held 6.35 percent, Cambodia 6.20 percent, and Indonesia 5.98 percent.

While China continues to lose ground in the US apparel market, Bangladesh and Vietnam displayed similar trends in terms of value growth, unit price movement and volume performance. However, Vietnam still maintains a significantly larger overall market share.

The data also show that growth in the second half of 2025 was weaker than in the first half for the overall US apparel market. Imports during the final three months of the year were lower than expected, amid uncertainty surrounding reciprocal tariffs and subdued consumer demand.

Even in this challenging environment, Bangladesh’s strong export performance underscores its competitiveness, product diversification, and growing compliance strength in the global apparel supply chain.

Talking to BSS, Mohiuddin Rubel, former Director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Additional Managing Director of Denim Expert Ltd., said even in the uncertain environment with reciprocal tariffs and declining overall demand, Bangladesh performed quite well overall.

“China is clearly losing ground in the US apparel market, while Bangladesh and Vietnam are showing similar trends in value, unit price, and volume growth, although Vietnam still holds a much larger overall share.” he added. Rubel also said Bangladesh’s sustained growth in the US market reflects buyers’ confidence and the industry’s ability to adapt to shifting global dynamics.

DHAKA – Dhaka and Washington expressed optimism that Bangladesh–United States relations will reach new heights in the coming years through enhanced collaboration across all sectors, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the longstanding bilateral partnership. It was reflected when The U.S. Ambassador in Dhaka, Brent Christensen, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the Foreign Ministry today, said a foreign ministry press release.

During the meeting, the two sides underscored the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and the United States, founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to peace and development.

They reviewed key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, defence and security, development partnership, immigration and people-to-people exchanges. The upcoming visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur to Bangladesh in early March also featured in the discussion, reflecting the continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

The Rohingya issue was discussed at length. The foreign minister conveyed Bangladesh’s appreciation for continued U.S. humanitarian assistance and sought sustained political support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Prior to the meeting with the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Christensen also paid a maiden courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest.

DHAKA – Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit China and conveyed warm congratulations and greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The Chinese envoy extended the invitation when he paid a call on the premier at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here at 12.30pm today.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir disclosed this while briefing the journalists at the Secretariat after the meeting. Replying to a question, he said that the tour schedule was not discussed during the meeting.

“The Prime Minister currently has many important domestic priority tasks. When he will begins his foreign tour after completing the domestic affairs, this invitation from China will be considered with great importance,” Humayun added.

The foreign affairs adviser said that the Chinese government has recognized the huge mandate that newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman got with a two-thirds majority. The Chinese Ambassador mainly came to congratulate the new government formed through the spontaneous participation of the people of Bangladesh in the election, Humayun added.

Stating that “the relationship between Bangladesh and China is historical”, he said, “This strong relationship began during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Over the years, China has been a very important and strong development partner of Bangladesh”.

The development work that has taken place between Bangladesh and China in recent years, Humayun said, the current government wants to move it further forward. Noting that today’s meeting between the Prime Minister and Chinese Ambassador was just a courtesy call, he said there was no discussion on any specific issues.

But the both sides made courteous commitments on how to take bilateral relations to a new height and how to further strengthen development activities while protecting the interests of the people of both countries, Humayun added.

Reaffirming deeper bilateral engagement British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his election victory, pledging to further strengthen the longstanding UK–Bangladesh partnership across key sectors. In a congratulatory letter, Keir Starmer conveyed his warm wishes to Tarique Rahman on his election victory and assumption of office.

The British premier reiterated that the United Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Bangladesh in different areas including trade and investment, climate action, migration, defence collaboration and humanitarian assistance.

He also underscored continued support for Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting and assisting displaced members of the Rohingya community on humanitarian grounds.  The UK premier hoped enduring ties between the two friendly nations and shared resolve to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in the years ahead.