ASEAN the way to go: Experts urge Bangladesh to join free trade bloc

Experts, including economists and business leaders, have suggested that Bangladesh sign free trade agreements with ASEAN countries to boost exports to the bloc.
22 November 2020

Dhaka invites Saudi Crown Prince Salman to join Mujib Year celebration

Dhaka has invited Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman to attend the final celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in next March or join the celebration of Bangladesh’s 50 years of independence.
22 November 2020

Rockets hit Afghan capital Kabul, at least eight killed

Several rockets have hit residential areas in the Afghan capital Kabul, killing at least eight civilians and wounding 31, police officials say.
21 November 2020

Thai school students protest against government, demand reform

Thousands of people have joined a protest led by high school students in Bangkok to call for education reforms as well as the demands of a broader movement pushing to remove the government and curb the powers of the monarchy.
21 November 2020

Trump, Xi to meet at virtual Apec forum as trade spat endures

US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will attend a virtual summit of Asia Pacific leaders on Friday to discuss the coronavirus and global economic recovery, with lingering trade differences likely to cloud the meeting.
20 November 2020

Asia-Pacific leaders push for freer trade after Trump

Asia-Pacific leaders have called for open and multilateral trade to support a global economy battered by the novel coronavirus, and some hoped for more engagement with the United States under a Joe Biden administration.
19 November 2020

Thai PM threatens to use all laws against protesters

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has threatened to use all laws possible against protesters, as demonstrations escalate for his removal and for reforms to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
19 November 2020

Thai protesters mass again despite violence

Thousands of Thai protesters take to the streets of Bangkok despite the worst violence in months of demonstrations a day before, when police fired water cannon and tear gas and at least 55 people were hurt.
18 November 2020

Iran says US move against it would face ‘crushing’ response

Any US attack on Iran would face a “crushing” response, an Iranian government spokesman has said, following reports US President Donald Trump asked for options for a strike on Iran’s main nuclear site but decided against doing so.
17 November 2020

At least 41 hurt in Thailand’s most violent protests since movement began

At least 41 people were hurt during protests in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, including five with gunshot wounds, the city's Erawan Emergency Medical Centre has said.
17 November 2020

Rohingya repatriation talks after full formation of Myanmar govt: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said Bangladesh will approach for resuming the Rohingya repatriation talks after the full formation of a new government in Myanmar, saying Bangladesh stands ready to send back Rohingyas.
17 November 2020

Pakistan’s capital blocked off over anti-France protest

Pakistan authorities sealed off a major road into the capital Islamabad for a second day yesterday as a far-right religious party held fresh anti-France protests.
16 November 2020

Will Covid-19 create a ‘lost generation’ in Asia?

Job offers have been rescinded, life plans are disrupted. The economic fallout from Covid-19 has raised the prospect of a lost generation in Asia. Will the young people of the region find new paths to achieve their dreams?
16 November 2020

Fire in Hong Kong apartment building kills 7, injures 11

Authorities in Hong Kong said at least seven people were killed and 11 inured in a fire at an apartment building that may have started at a Hindu religious gathering.
16 November 2020

Foreign minister hopeful of signing Teesta deal

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today expressed his optimism over signing of Teesta water sharing deal with India, saying it remains ready for signing since 2011.
15 November 2020

Malaysian police bust drug syndicate, arrest 12 including 3 Bangladeshis

Police have busted a drug syndicate, which had been active in the northern part of Malaysia, with the arrest of its members with drugs worth about RM2.164 million.
15 November 2020

Thousands of Thai protesters call for removal of prime minister

Thousands of people protested in Bangkok today in the latest in months of anti-government demonstrations that have also called for reforms to Thailand’s powerful monarchy.
14 November 2020

Thousands flee as Typhoon Vamco nears Vietnam

Thousands of people fled their homes in Vietnam Saturday as Typhoon Vamco barrelled towards central regions already pummelled by weeks of successive storms.
14 November 2020

Suu Kyi’s party wins absolute majority in Myanmar polls

Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling party secured an absolute majority in Myanmar’s election, official results showed yesterday, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticised by rights groups.
13 November 2020

39 dead after typhoon leaves high water, mud in Philippines

Thick mud and debris coated many villages around the Philippine capital Friday after a typhoon caused extensive flooding that sent people fleeing to their roofs and killed at least 39 people.
13 November 2020