Road to regional integration amid Dhaka-Tokyo trade imbalance
Trade relations between Japan and Bangladesh have grown steadily over the years, but several challenges persist. Bilateral trade increased from US$ 1 billion in 2010 to approximately US$ 3 billion in 2023, with ready-made garments (RMG) dominating Bangladesh’s exports. Other significant exports include leather goods and home textiles, while Bangladesh imports essential industrial products such as iron and steel, vehicles, and machinery from Japan. However, trade imbalances remain a concern, with Bangladesh facing a merchandise trade deficit with Japan. Additionally, anti-dumping duties (ADD) imposed by Japan on select Bangladeshi exports, such as jute, have further complicated trade relations.
UN to rent property owned by fascist ally Bashundhara
The UN is relocating its agencies in Dhaka to a building complex owned by one of the families accused by Bangladesh's interim government of illegally funneling millions of dollars out of the country, the Financial Times (FT) has learned.
The UN Resident Coordinator's office in Dhaka told the FT that the world body was "very aware" of the allegations against Bashundhara, Sobhan and his family members.
Chief adviser of the interim government, Prof. Dr. Yunus, has described the alleged looting by elites as “highway robbery” and is demanding that the money “be returned.”
Matarbari DSP to boost connectivity in Bay of Bengal
A deep-sea port (DSP) at Matarbari, developed with Japanese assistance, is expected to become operational in 2026. Designed to handle both containers and bulk cargo, this high-capacity port aims to enhance regional connectivity and trade, particularly benefiting Bangladesh, Northeast India, Bhutan, and Nepal.
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Jaflong’s wealth plundered by political mafias
The political landscape in East Sylhet has long been dictated by a ‘Permanent Power Party,’ a group that remains influential regardless of government changes. These individuals, akin to professional gamblers in casinos, do not invest their capital but manipulate political newcomers for financial gain. The region, rich in natural resources such as gas, sand, and stone, has become a hub for smuggling and illegal extraction, primarily in areas like Jaflong.
Financial ...
Hasina, family members including Tulip banned from leaving B’desh
A Dhaka court on Tuesday imposed a travel ban on Sheikh Hasina and her family members, i...
Bank accounts to be attached for tax non-compliance
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has reported that 65 per cent of Tax Identification Number (TIN) holders have failed to file their tax returns on time, warning that strict measures, including the attachment of bank accounts, will be implemented to ensure compliance.
During a pre-budget discussion held at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon on 11 March, he stated, "We have already 
instructed our tax offices to issue notices to non-filers, gather bank and other relevant inform...
