Canada-Bangladesh Joint Working Group has planned to form a joint working committee of the two countries to brand Bangladesh in Canada for boosting both investment and trade. The Group has decided to form the committee at a virtual meeting where nominated members of the governments of the two countries discussed the issue on Tuesday. FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin and Cofounder and Vice Chairman of Consumer Health Nuzhat Tam-Zaman cochaired the meeting. Read:FBCCI calls for extension of loan moratorium till June The meeting discussed that with the development of the economy, new potentials for foreign investment have been created in Bangladesh. It said Bangladesh is now one of the best investment destinations in the region due to its infrastructural facilities, huge domestic market and duty-free facilities in the major markets of the world. “But Canadian investors are not yet aware of this advantage.” So, they decided to form a  joint working committee. The previous meeting of the Canada-Bangladesh Joint Working Group identified tourism, ICT, agriculture, agri-food, education, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy as potential sectors for collaboration. FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin called for a new inclusion of the blue economy and plastics sector. He said Canada is one of the best countries in the world in terms of ocean economy. The country has the expertise and knowledge to use its marine resources in a sustainable manner. On the other hand, the FBCCI chief said Bangladesh has a 710-km long coastline with an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles inside the Bay of Bengal. But most of the resources are untapped. “With Canadian investment, technical knowledge and assistance, Bangladesh's economy will move forward by utilizing its marine resources.” He said the FBCCI would soon submit a sector-wise report on the blue economy, plastics and tourism to the working committee. FBCCI Director Syed Almas Kabir will also submit a report on skills development and information technology at the next meeting. The two sides agreed to strengthen interactions between industry associations to remove trade barriers and increase import-export between two countries. At the meeting, the entrepreneurs talked about making Canada's Rules of Origin easier to increase exports of Bangladeshi products, while Canada has demanded an on-arrival visa facility in Bangladesh to facilitate trade and investment. Read: FBCCI concerned over move to hike gas price During the meeting, a study report on the prospects of Bangladesh’s leather, leather products, and footwear export sector in Canada was presented by Md Saiful Islam, Director of FBCCI and President of MCCI, Dhaka. Chris Dekker, President, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) presented another report on Bilateral Trade Enhancement. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled to be held on February 7 this year.

The United Kingdom (UK) will remain open for travel with all the restrictions removed for eligible vaccinated arrivals effective from February 11. From 4am on February 11, all the testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals, with only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required. Read:France eases entry rules for vaccinated travelers from U.K. Arrivals who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK. Children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass from 3 February for outbound travel. Travel changes come in ahead of February half term, and follow the success of the booster programme. All testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK will be removed, as the UK government goes one step further to reopen the travel sector. The changes announced on January 24 mean that the UK has one of the most free-flowing borders across Europe in addition to having the most open economy and society. The simplification of travel rules comes just before half term, providing welcome news for families looking to travel abroad during the school holidays, as well as an extra boost for the tourism industry. UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said they made the right calls at the right time and thanked their vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off – allowing them to safely remove nearly all Covid-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers. Read: Omicron surge in India slams travel through Benapole land port "We already have one of the most open economies in Europe with the least restrictions, and because of the changes today we now have a travel sector to match it." UK Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said they have entered a new chapter in their fight against Covid-19 and they are taking a balanced approach as they learn to live with the virus.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told parliament that Bangladesh is progressing at an irresistible development pace, belying all the misconceptions of the pessimists about the future of independent Bangladesh.“In the year of the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's Independence and Bangabandhu’s birth centenary celebration, the UNDP recommended the graduation of Bangladesh as a developing country in 2026. It’s a matter of pride for us,” she said.The Prime Minister said this replying to a tabled question from ruling Awami League MP Momotaz Begom (Manikganj-2).“The development of Bangladesh is advancing at an irresistible pace, removing all the misconceptions of the pessimists about the future of independent Bangladesh,” Hasina said. Read: Looking forward to working together with India for 50 years and beyond: Hasina to ModiShe said her government has already taken different steps for taking and implementing plans to face the global trade challenges following the graduation of Bangladesh from a least developed country (LDC).Detailing the steps, the PM said, “The government has taken measures to formulate a strategy and action plan over Preferential Market Access and Trade Agreement in a bid to expand the export market in facing the global trade challenges after the graduation of Bangladesh from an LDC.”Bangladesh has taken initiatives to sign Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with different commercially important countries, she added.Initially, the government has taken a step to sign trade agreements with 10 countries and three alliances on priority basis, the PM said Bangladesh signed a PTA with Bhutan on December 6, 2020.The 10 countries are India, Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, the USA, Canada, China and Malaysia, she said.Besides, a process continues to conduct negotiations with Turkey, South Africa, Morocco, Mauritius, Senegal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya and GCC countries over PTA, FTA or CEPA, she said.

India on Wednesday celebrated its 73rd Republic Day with a pompous parade displaying its military might and cultural diversity on the ceremonial Rajpath in the heart of Delhi. January 26, a national holiday, marks the anniversary of India officially adopting its Constitution in 1950, replacing the 1935 Government of India Act, over two years after gaining independence from Britain. However, this year, only 5,000 people were allowed to gather on an iconic boulevard at Rajpath to witness the grand parade amid tight Covid-safety protocols. As many as 75 military planes and choppers flew over Rajpath in an aerial display, which was the highlight of the parade this year -- the 75th anniversary of India's Independence. While the country's military displayed its weaponry, missiles and uniforms, police personnel performed motorcycle stunts in the parade that began at 10.30am.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said they look forward to working together with India in the next 50 years and beyond towards realising the shared vision of building a peaceful and prosperous region. "The year 2021 was a historic one for the Bangladesh-India relationship, marked by celebrations of epochal events and engagements at the highest levels," she said in a message to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the occasion of the Republic Day of India. On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh and on her own behalf, Sheikh Hasina extended her warmest wishes and heartiest felicitations to Modi and the people of India on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India. Read: India’s 73rd Republic Day celebrated in city The Prime Minister thankfully recalled Modi's visit to Dhaka in March 2021 to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India.  "Your gracious presence on these occasions had added extra enthusiasm to the celebrations and allowed us to further consolidate our excellent bilateral relations, which so happily exist between our two countries," she said.  Hasina recalled with gratitude the support rendered by the government and the people of India during the Liberation War in 1971 that set the foundation of a unique relationship.  The joint celebration of 'Moitri Dibosh,' across the globe, held on 6th December, the day when India recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent State in 1971, projected this special relationship, she said. Read: Hasina calls for strong vigilance on forces active against Bangladesh "The unique ties of close friendship, cooperation, and trust between our two countries have flourished and grown from strength to strength in recent years. Many new frontiers of cooperation alongside all traditional areas have been identified, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic," Hasina mentioned.  She said, "Let this joyous occasion be a special one, as India is also celebrating 'Azadika Amrit Mahotsav' to mark 75 years of her independence."

The High Commission of India, Dhaka on Wednesday celebrated the 73rd Republic Day of India at its Chancery premises. High Commissioner Vikram K Dioraiswami unfurled the national flag and read out the President’s address to the Nation.

Four women were killed and four others injured when a train hit an auto-rickshaw carrying them at an unauthorised level crossing in the district's Sadar upazila on Wednesday. The deceased were identified as Shefali Begum, 35, wife of Ashraf Ali, Chaya Banu, 26, wife of Belal Hossain, Ruma Akter, 25, wife of Mosharraf Hossain and Minara Akter, 22, wife of Arman Hossain. They all were workers of Uttara EPZ. The victims were residents of Daroani Dhanipara village in Sadar upazila. Read: 25-yr-old fisherman dies in clash in Bhola Abdur Rahman Biswas, officer-in-charge of Saidpur Railway police station, said the Chilahati-bound Simanta Express from Khulna crashed into the battery-run three wheeler in Daroani area around 7 am, leaving one dead on the spot and seven others injured. The injured were taken to a local hospital where doctors declared two of them dead. The hospital authorities later referred three of the injured people to Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, and another victim died on the way to the medical facility. Police suspected that the accident occurred due to poor visibility caused by fog while crossing the unauthorised level-crossing. Train accidents in Bangladesh Train accidents are common in Bangladesh, many at unmanned level crossings and some due to the poor condition of tracks. Read: Report on EC formation Bill placed in parliament According to data provided by the Bangladesh Railway, in August 2019, only 466 gates of its 1,412 level crossings have gatemen. In November 2019, a deadly collision occurred between Dhaka-bound Turna Nishita Express and Chattogram-bound Udayan Express on the Dhaka-Chattogram route near the Mandbagh railway station in Kasba upazila of Brahmanbaria. The train crash had left at least 16 people dead and over 100 others injured. At least 113 people, including 26 women and 11 children, were killed in railway accidents between January 1 and June 30 last year, according to a report, jointly prepared by the Green Club of Bangladesh (GCB) and the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced that it will launch new direct flights to UAE's Sharjah, one of the popular destinations in the Gulf, on January 30. US-Bangla will initially operate flights on the Dhaka-Sharjah-Dhaka route six days a week as the 11th international route, the private airline said in a statement on Wednesday. Read: US-Bangla Airlines inks deal with Chattogram Challengers in BPL "US-Bangla Airlines is going to fulfill the long-standing expectations of the expatriate Bangladeshis staying in Sharjah. The decision to start a US-Bangla flight in Sharjah will further strengthen the ties between Bangladesh and the UAE." US-Bangla flights will leave Dhaka at 9pm daily, except Saturday, and reach Sharjah at 12.30am (local time). On the other hand, the return flights will leave Sharjah for Dhaka on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1.30am (local time) and reach Dhaka at 8am. The flights will also leave Sharjah for Chattogram at 1.30am on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and land in the port city at 8am, according to the statement. Read: Launch of US-Bangla flights strengthened Dhaka-Male air connectivity: PM US-Bangla currently operates flights to Dubai, Muscat and Doha, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It also operates flights to Bangladeshis, Chennai, Kolkata and Guangzhou, on in China. Flight operations on the Bangkok route have been temporarily suspended due to the corona pandemic.

A 25-year-old fisherman was killed and five others were injured in a clash between two groups of fishermen over netting fish in the Meghna river in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola district on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Asgar Ali, son of Khorshed of the upazila. Read: 1 killed, 50 hurt in Sirajganj clash Maksudur Rahman Murad, officer-in-charge of Lalmohan Police Station, said a group of fishermen, led by Matin Majhi, went to the eastern side of the Meghna river under Dhaligournagar union for netting fish. Minutes later, the other group of fishermen, led by Nayan Majhi, appeared in the same area for catching fish, triggering an altercation in the afternoon. Read: 12 injured in clash between two rival BCL factions at CU Later, both the groups attacked each other, leaving at least six people injured. The injured were taken to Lalmohan Upazila Health Complex, where Asgar died of his injuries. "Efforts are on to nab the attackers,” said the OC.

The report on “Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners Bill-2022" was placed in parliament on Wednesday with some changes in eligibility and ineligibility criteria for the appointment of CEC and ECs.Chairman of the Parliamentary Scrutiny Committee on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry M Shahiduzzaman Sarker placed the report.The committee changed section 6 (gha) of the Bill where it was mentioned that anyone convicted of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to at least two years’ imprisonment would not be eligible for the post of CEC and election commissioners.It removed the two-year term of imprisonment and kept only the term 'imprisonment' saying that one convicted in a criminal offence of moral turpitude for any term shall not be eligible to be appointed as CEC or Election Commissioner.For becoming CEC and EC, one should have at least 20 years of working experience in any important government, judicial, semi-government or private posts. Read: Law on EC formation just a ‘blueprint’ to prolong power: BNPThe parliamentary committee has recommended bringing an amendment to this section and adding 'autonomous and other professions' besides government, judicial, semi-government or private posts.If the law is passed with this amendment, people from different professional bodies—autonomous and other professions—will be eligible for the post of CEC and ECs.Law Minister Anisul Huq placed the bill in parliament on January 23 seeking to give a legal shield to the current and previous Election Commissions formed through search committees.The bill was later sent to the parliamentary standing committee on the law ministry for scrutiny.Once passed, the law will provide legal cover to all the activities of the search committees.The tenure of the incumbent commission, led by CEC KM Nurul Huda, expires next month.Ahead of the general elections in 2014 and 2018, the president picked CECs and other commissioners in 2012 and 2017 following recommendations by search committees.The government move came nearly 50 years after the constitution prescribed enacting a specific law for forming the EC.The bill says the previous search committees, their functions and the appointments of the CECs and other commissioners made following their recommendations will be deemed valid, and no question can be raised in any court over the matter.It will be considered that the incumbent and previous ECs were constituted as per the law.As per the proposed law, a six-member search committee will be formed following the president's approval for forming the EC."The search committee will recommend the names of candidates for the chief election commissioner and other commissioners to the president…" it said.The Bill gives legal validity to the previous two search committees. Eligibility The qualification of CEC and election commissioners, after the recommendation from the Parliamentary Committee, are: They must be Bangladeshi citizens with minimum 50 years of age, and have at least 20 years of work experience in important government, semi-government, private or judicial posts, autonomous and other professions. IneligibilityIf one is declared ‘insane’ by any court; has not been released from the jail after being declared as ‘bankruptcy’; acquires the citizenship of or affirms the allegiance to, a foreign country surrendering Bangladeshi citizenship; has been convicted for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced imprisonment; convicted by international crime tribunal; and is disqualified for such posts by or under any law, he or she would not be eligible for the post of CEC and election commissioners. Read: New bill a plot to form another EC with loyal people: BNPA person once held the post of CEC or the Chief Justice, he or she would not be eligible for the post of the CEC. But if a person held the post of election commissioner, he or she might be considered for appointment to the CEC.In order to give legal protection to the constitution of previous election commissions, it would be considered that these were made under this law, the Bill said. Search Committee  A justice of the Appellate Division, nominated by the Chief Justice, will be the head of the six-member search committee.The five other members will be a justice of the High Court Division nominated by the Chief Justice, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, two other eminent personalities nominated by the President. What Constitution saysThough the Constitution suggests the appointment of the CEC and other election commissioners under a law, the law was not formulated in the past.The Article 118 (1) of the Constitution states, “There shall be an Election Commission for Bangladesh consisting of 1[the Chief Election Commissioner and not more than four Election Commissioners] and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (if any) shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf, be made by the President.” Past PracticeIn the past, the President appointed the CEC and commissioners in absence of the law.The last two election commissions, headed by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed and KM Nurul Huda, were constituted through search committees formed by the President following his dialogues with political parties.The President picked the CEC and four election commissioners in 2012 and 2017 from the names suggested by the search committees.This time, President Abdul Hamid also held a dialogue with registered political parties  to discuss the issues related to the constitution of the Election Commission ahead of the 12th general election to be held at the end of 2023 or the early 2024.The tenure of the incumbent KM Nurul Huda-led election commission expires on February 14.The cabinet approved the draft of appointing CEC and other election commissioners on January 17.