With a dense population, rising sea levels, and extreme weather, Bangladesh needs global support for climate adaptation and sustainable development, said the Embassy of France in Dhaka on Wednesday. France is eager, notably through its development agency, AFD, to contribute to adaptation to climate change, said the Embassy which is now equipped with an inflatable boat to ensure safety and support during floods. "Just got our new inflated boat!," the Embassy announced in a social media post from its verified Facebook page, noting that Bangladesh faces annual flooding, especially during the monsoon season, due to its low-lying topography and vulnerability to tropical cyclones and heavy rains. France reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Bangladesh to advance climate resilience and sustainable development goals. "Together, France and Bangladesh are building resilience for the future!" said the Embassy in a Facebook post that contains photos of the boat and Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy. Both Bangladesh and France are Indo-Pacific countries. Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface and play a vital role in regulating environmental balances, providing resources and biodiversity, enabling trade and connecting countries and communities. Read: France offers 3-way assistance to Bangladesh in implementing reform agenda The Embassy, however, said oceans are under threat from climate change, pollution and the overexploitation of marine resources. France and Costa Rica are jointly organising the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, from June 9 to 13 this year. Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, UNOC3 aims to bring together all United Nations Member States, specialised agencies, civil society, the private sector and international donors. The conference will build on the previous UN Ocean Conferences, hosted by Sweden and Fiji in 2017 in New York and by Portugal and Kenya in 2022 in Lisbon. Read more: France advocates for better opportunities for Rohingyas

Two trams collided in Strasbourg in eastern France on Saturday, causing dozens of injuries, though none critical, authorities said. The accident took place during the afternoon in a tunnel leading to the station near the city's central train station. An additional 100 people, though uninjured, were assessed for shock or stress, said René Cellier, director of the Bas-Rhin Fire and Rescue Service. Emergency services deployed 130 firefighters, 50 rescue vehicles and established a wide safety perimeter, reports AP. “Around 50 people are in a state of relative emergency, with injuries such as scalp wounds, clavicle fractures and knee sprains. But there are no critical injuries. It could have been much worse,” Cellier said. The exact cause of the collision was unclear but local media reported that one of the trams was reversing at the time. Student suspected in hammer attack arrested at Tokyo university Mayor Jeanne Barseghian, who visited the site, described the incident as a “brutal collision” and expressed her gratitude to emergency responders. “I am at the station with the injured and rescuers. Thank you for your mobilization,” she said on X. She urged the public not to obstruct rescue operations. Images shared on social media showed two severely damaged tram cars, one of which had derailed in the tunnel. Strasbourg, the first major French city to reinstate tram services in 1994, had not experienced a significant tram accident until now, according to French media. Authorities launched an investigation to determine what caused the collision. Cleanup operations continued Saturday evening, and residents were advised to avoid the area around the train station.

The European Union will not permit attacks on its sovereign territories, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared on Wednesday, following President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed insistence that the United States must bring Greenland under its control. Speaking in an interview with radio station France Inter, Barrot stressed the bloc’s commitment to defending its member states and territories, including Greenland, which is an autonomous Danish territory and an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) associated with the EU. Trump Jr to visit Greenland after father’s interest in Danish territory “There is no question that the European Union would allow any nation in the world — and I would even emphasise, starting with Russia — to assault its sovereign borders,” Barrot said, as reported by CNBC. “We are a strong continent, and we must continue to strengthen ourselves.” Barrot dismissed the likelihood of a direct U.S. military invasion of Greenland but cautioned about the evolving global power dynamics. “If you’re asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, the answer is no,” he explained. “But have we entered an era of survival of the fittest? The answer is yes.” Barrot’s remarks come ahead of a meeting between Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, and Denmark’s King Frederik in Copenhagen. While no official agenda has been released, the meeting coincides with updates to the royal coat of arms to include symbols representing Greenland, signalling a renewed emphasis on the territory’s ties with Denmark. Trump’s Greenland Pursuit Resurfaces The controversy reignited after Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform last month, reiterated that acquiring Greenland was vital for U.S. national and economic security. The proposal, first floated during his presidency in 2019, was dismissed outright by both Denmark and Greenland at the time. Trump reignites proposal for US-Canada 'merger' Trump’s comments have drawn fresh criticism from European leaders and Greenlandic officials. Prime Minister Egede reaffirmed Greenland’s stance, stating unequivocally last month, “We are not for sale.” Despite this, Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, with threats of economic pressure to achieve his goal. Adding fuel to the controversy, Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Greenland on Tuesday for what has been described as an “unofficial visit.” EU Reaffirms Territorial Integrity Barrot’s strong response highlights the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its associated territories. Greenland, though not an EU member, maintains close ties with the bloc through Denmark. Its strategic position and abundant natural resources have long made it a focal point of geopolitical interest. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau resigns in the face of internal, external pressure As global leaders convene in Copenhagen, the EU’s position remains steadfast: any attempt to compromise the sovereignty of its territories will be met with firm resistance. Whether Trump’s renewed claims over Greenland will escalate into a broader diplomatic standoff remains to be seen. Source: With inputs from CNBC

 France’s president and prime minister managed to form a new government just in time for the holidays. Now comes the hard part. Crushing debt, intensifying pressure from the nationalist far right, wars in Europe and the Mideast: Challenges abound for President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Francois Bayrou after an already tumultuous 2024. What's wrong with French finances? The most urgent order of business is passing a 2025 budget. Financial markets, ratings agencies and the European Commission are pushing France to bring down its deficit, to comply with EU rules limiting debt and keep France’s borrowing costs from spiraling. That would threaten the stability and prosperity of all countries that share the euro currency. France’s debt is currently estimated at a staggering 112% of gross domestic product. It grew further after the government gave aid payments to businesses and workers during COVID-19 lockdowns even as the pandemic depressed growth, and capped household energy prices after Russia invaded Ukraine. The bill is now coming due. But France’s previous government collapsed this month because Marine Le Pen’s far-right party and left-wing lawmakers opposed 60 billion euros in spending cuts and tax hikes in the original 2025 budget plan. Bayrou and new Finance Minister Eric Lombard are expected to scale back some of those promises, but the calculations are tough. “The political situation is difficult. The international situation is dangerous, and the economic context is fragile,” Lombard, a low-profile banker who advised a Socialist government in the 1990s, said upon taking office. “The environmental emergency, the social emergency, developing our businesses — these innumerable challenges require us to treat our endemic illness: the deficit,” he said. “The more we are indebted, the more the debt costs, and the more it suffocates the country.” How long will this government last? This is France’s fourth government in the past year. No party has a parliamentary majority and the new Cabinet can only survive with the support of lawmakers on the center-right and center-left. Le Pen — Macron’s fiercest rival — was instrumental in ousting the previous government by joining left-wing forces in a no-confidence vote. Bayrou consulted her when forming the new government and Le Pen remains a powerful force. That angers left-wing groups, who had expected more influence in the new Cabinet, and who say promised spending cuts will hurt working-class families and small businesses hardest. Left-wing voters, meanwhile, feel betrayed ever since a coalition from the left won the most seats in the summer's snap legislative elections but failed to secure a government. Read: Staying in office is the main challenge for troubled France's new government The possibility of a new no-confidence vote looms, though it's not clear how many parties would support it. What about Macron? Macron has repeatedly said he will remain president until his term expires in 2027. But France's constitution and current structure, dating from 1958 and called the Fifth Republic, were designed to ensure stability after a period of turmoil. If this new government collapses within months and the country remains in political paralysis, pressure will mount for Macron to step down and call early elections. Le Pen's ascendant National Rally is intent on bringing Macron down. But Le Pen faces her own headaches: A March court ruling over alleged illegal party financing could see her barred from running for office. What else is on the agenda? The National Rally and hard-right Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau want tougher immigration rules. But Bayrou wants to focus on making existing rules work. “There are plenty of (immigration) laws that exist. None is being applied," he said Monday on broadcaster BFM-TV, to criticism from conservatives. Military spending is a key issue amid fears about European security and pressure from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for Europe to spend more on its own defense. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who champions military aid for Ukraine and ramping up weapons production, kept his job and stressed in a statement Tuesday the need to face down ‘’accumulating threats'' against France. Read more: Macron to address France after no-confidence vote ousts govt More immediately, Macron wants an emergency law in early January to allow sped-up reconstruction of the cyclone-ravaged French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean off Africa. Thousands of people are in emergency shelters and authorities are still counting the dead more than a week after the devastation. Meanwhile the government in the restive French South Pacific territory of New Caledonia collapsed Tuesday in a wave of resignations by pro-independence figures — another challenge for the new overseas affairs minister, Manuel Valls, and the incoming Cabinet.

Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, is actively pursuing his policy objectives and engaging in international diplomacy even before his inauguration. With over a month left until he officially takes office, Trump has issued strong warnings, such as threatening a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, prompting high-level discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His bold stance extends to global crises, warning Hamas of severe consequences if hostages in Gaza are not released before his inauguration. This weekend, Trump attended the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where he was treated as a key dignitary alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, overshadowing outgoing President Joe Biden, who was represented by First Lady Jill Biden. Read: Donald Trump wins US presidency for the second time Trump’s approach is seen as highly unconventional, blurring the lines of transition by engaging directly with foreign leaders and influencing policy. Meetings with leaders from Canada, Argentina, and Ukraine, as well as discussions about the Middle East, highlight his active involvement. While Trump’s team asserts these efforts are aligned with legal protocols, critics argue that such dual messaging can complicate U.S. foreign relations during the transitional period. Trump’s proactive measures, including credit for recent policy moves, demonstrate his readiness to reassert his leadership style, though the long-term success of these initiatives remains uncertain. Source: With inputs from agencies

French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a national address on Thursday, following a historic no-confidence vote in the National Assembly that ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier and left France without a functioning government, reports AP. Macron is expected to focus on addressing the political crisis and may announce a new prime minister to lead the fractured parliament. Barnier, whose tenure lasted just three months—the shortest of any modern French prime minister—resigned Thursday morning at the Elysée Palace, as required by the constitution. The no-confidence motion passed with 331 votes in the National Assembly. For the first time Macron recognizes 1944 Thiaroye killings as massacre Urgency to Act Macron now faces the challenge of appointing a leader capable of managing a minority government in a divided parliament. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly and a member of Macron’s party, urged swift action, emphasising the need for a leader who can unify and prioritise passing a new budget bill. French media reports suggest a shortlist of centrist candidates, though no names have been confirmed. The president’s delay in appointing Barnier after June’s legislative elections—over two months—has raised concerns about potential setbacks in selecting a replacement. Calls for Macron’s Resignation The no-confidence vote has emboldened opposition leaders, with some demanding Macron’s resignation. Manuel Bompard, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, argued that stability requires Macron to step down. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen did not explicitly call for his resignation but warned of growing pressure on the president. Macron in Morocco after his Western Sahara change brings a 'new honeymoon' Macron has rejected these calls, stating his commitment to serve until 2027, as mandated by the constitution, which does not require a president to step down after their government is ousted. Legislative elections cannot be held until July, adding to the political uncertainty. Economic Concerns The political turmoil has raised fears over France’s economy, with its debt projected to reach 7% of GDP next year without reforms. Analysts warn that Barnier's ousting may increase French interest rates, exacerbating the country’s debt issues. Moody’s cautioned that the government’s fall diminishes the likelihood of addressing public finances and deepens political gridlock. Macron’s address, set for 8 p.m. local time, is expected to outline plans to tackle economic challenges and chart a path forward for the next government.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pledged his support for Ukraine’s plan for ending the 2 1/2-year war with Russia, telling reporters in Kyiv on Saturday that he will work with Ukrainian officials to secure other nations’ backing for the proposal. Unveiled by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this week, Kyiv’s so-called “victory plan” hopes to compel Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine through negotiations. The proposal is being considered by Ukraine’s Western partners, whose help is vital for Kyiv to resist its bigger neighbor. A key element would be a formal invitation into NATO, which Western backers have been reluctant to consider until after the war ends. “A Russian victory would be a consecration for the law of the strongest and would push the international order toward chaos,” Barrot said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha. “That is why our exchanges should allow us to make progress on President Zelenskyy’s victory plan and rally the greatest number possible of countries around it.” Barrot also said that France would deliver the first batch of Mirage 2000 combat jets to Ukraine in the first three months of 2025, with Ukrainian pilots and mechanics also trained to fly and maintain them. Since the 2022 invasion, France has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest military, diplomatic and economic supporters in Europe. It is currently training and equipping what will become a full new brigade of Ukrainian soldiers for front-line deployment. “By resisting against the invader with exceptional courage, you are not only fighting for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but you are also holding a front line that separates Europe from Vladimir Putin’s Russia, that separates freedom from oppression,” the French minister said in Kyiv. Russia and Ukraine exchange POWsBarrot’s visit coincided with a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine late Friday night that included 190 POWs traded by the two sides under a deal negotiated by the United Arab Emirates. Among the 95 Ukrainians were 34 Azov fighters who defended Mariupol and the Azovstal steelworks, the fortress-like plant in the now-occupied city of Mariupol where their last-ditch stand became a symbol of resistance against Moscow’s invasion. “Ninety-five of our people are home again. These are the warriors who defended Mariupol and ‘Azovstal,’ as well as the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Kherson regions,” Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X. The head of the Azov regiment, Denys Prokopenko, said on Facebook that 34 Azov fighters had been returned, but that another 900 remained in Russian captivity. A well-known Ukrainian human rights activist and service member, Maksym Butkevych, was also among the 95 exchanged. His release was announced by the ZMINA Human Rights Center, the organization that he co-founded. The swap follows the repatriation of 501 dead soldiers to Ukraine Friday in what appeared to be the biggest repatriation of war dead since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Most of the soldiers were killed in action in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, mostly around the city of Avdiivka that Russian forces captured in February after a long and grueling battle, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement. Russia also received the bodies of 89 of its soldiers, Russian lawmaker Shamsayil Saraliyev told reporters. Elsewhere, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that it shot down 16 Ukrainian drones over Russia’s Bryansk, Rostov, and Belgorod regions in the early hours of Saturday morning. Local social media channels shared images that appeared to show a blaze at a factory in the Bryansk region specializing in microelectronics. Russian authorities did not confirm the strike.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has called upon Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus to abolish the death penalty in all its forms. The statement from the France-based rights group came on the occasion of World Day Against the Death Penalty 2024 being observed on Thursday. The statement asserts that the death penalty is an irreversible and inhumane punishment that has no place in a just and civilized society. This stance aligns with national and international legal frameworks that prioritise human dignity, the right to life, and fairness. Article 32 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, yet the death penalty contradicts this fundamental right, it noted. “While justice and accountability are essential, capital punishment is neither a deterrent to crime nor a path to true justice,” JMBF emphasised. “It disproportionately affects the marginalized, the underprivileged, and those who lack access to proper legal representation.” According to JMBF, over 2,000 individuals are currently on death row in Bangladesh. The organisation calls for an urgent reconsideration of the practice as part of the global movement toward abolition. From 2013 to 2023, Bangladesh carried out at least 30 executions, mostly in cases involving murder, terrorism, and war crimes related to the 1971 Liberation War. Read: France-based group speaks out on state of lesbian rights in Bangladesh JMBF expressed concern about the fairness of trials, with reports of coerced confessions, inadequate legal defense, and the use of torture, which undermine the credibility of the justice system and increase the risk of wrongful executions. JMBF pointed to flaws in Bangladesh’s justice system, such as overcrowded courts, prolonged detention without trial, and the lack of legal aid. In some cases, death sentences were handed down without proper representation or fair trials, violating fundamental rights. JMBF highlighted global studies showing that the death penalty does not deter crime, citing over 85 nations that have abolished it since 1976. Robert Simon, a French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, “The death penalty is an irreversible punishment that reflects not justice, but the shortcomings of our legal system.” Advocate Shahanur Islam, founder president of JMBF, emphasised, “Our fight is not just for those on death row but for the integrity of our justice system and the future of human rights in Bangladesh. Abolishing the death penalty sends a clear message that justice should protect human dignity, not take human life.” Read more: France-based rights group voices concern over mob violence in Bangladesh

France, often dubbed the art capital of the world, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Beyond its beautiful sculptures and scenic monuments, France is one of the top cosmopolitan destinations, attracting thousands of students worldwide. Every year, many Bangladeshi students dream of pursuing bachelor's degrees in France due to the high quality of education and manageable expenses. Here’s a detailed guide on subjects, costs, scholarships, and opportunities for studying for a bachelor's in France. Why Study in France? There are tons of reasons why students consider studying in France. First and foremost is the high quality of education. For the 2025 QS World University Ranking, 35 French universities made it to the list with 4 of them securing spots in the top 100. Apart from excellence, France has been a destination of higher education in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. The celebrated Sorbonne University was founded in 1257 making it one of the oldest universities in Europe alongside Oxford and Cambridge University. Historically, France had a low tuition fee for both EU and non-EU students. However, there has been a recent tuition fee hike in 2019. But it is still much lower compared to other European destinations. The low crime rate can be another reason to explore France as your study-abroad destination. The criminality index of 5.82 puts France in 9th among 44 European countries and 1st among 11 countries in Western Europe. Read more: Study in Australia: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students France offers high-quality education in all the leading disciplines including Arts, Humanities, Law, Management, and Engineering. The cultural heritage, global perspective, wide networking opportunities, and a strong economy make France an easy choice for studying abroad. Some of the popular programs for non-EU students include Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Business Administration, Law, Film Studies, Computer Science, and Social Sciences.  How Can Non-EU Students Apply for a Bachelor's Degree in France? The application process for bachelors in France is divided into two options. Students who belong to EU countries are required to apply for bachelors via Parcoursup. It is the national application system for undergraduate programs in France. Students from non-EU countries like Bangladesh, are required to apply through Etudes en France. The “Study in France” option is part of the Campus France portal which deals with all international admissions from non-EU students. Some universities offer admission directly through their platform. Read more: Study in the Netherlands: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting admitted to a French university as a non-EU student. Step 1: Choose a Program and University The first step is to choose a program and university. Thankfully, Campus France offers a comprehensive list of programs and universities (every university that uses the Campus France admission system). The first thing to do is to navigate to the Taught in English (https://taughtie.campusfrance.org/tiesearch/#/catalog) section of the Campus France website. From there, students can choose the level of study (L3/Bachelors), and field of study. Now, a prospective student can choose a specific region from the filter menu. Step 2: Creating an Account in Campus France  The next step is to open an account on the Campus France portal (https://www.campusfrance.org/en/user/register). This account will be used for all application-related procedures hereon. Read more: Higher Study in Germany: Scholarship Opportunities for Bangladeshi and Other International Students Step 3: Filling Out Application Forms and Documents The next step is to fill out the application form and provide the necessary information. Here the applicant will be required to provide documents like a high school diploma, transcripts, passport copy, and language proficiency test scores (e.g., DELF/DALF for French or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs). A prospective student will also need to submit a motivation letter stating why he or she wants to study in France and choose that specific program. Step 4: Attend Interview Some students may need to sit for an online interview depending on the university. Note that the procedure applies to non-EU students belonging to a country where the Etudes en France program is applicable. Unfortunately, Etudes en France isn’t available in Bangladesh. In that case, students would need to apply through Demande d'Admission Préalable - DAP" (preliminary request for admission) (https://www.campusfrance.org/en/application-non-EU-student-living-outside-EU-without-etudes-en-France-procedure). Read more: Top 10 International Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad Students would need to fill up the White Folder (https://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2022-09/dossier-blanc-24403.pdf) along with other required documents and send it to the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action at the French Embassy. The specific steps of application and required documents may differ depending on the applicant's country. So make sure to contact the French Embassy in Bangladesh beforehand. The application deadlines for each year are announced in the Campus France portal.

France and Germany have agreed to individually widen their bilateral relations with Bangladesh and assured of standing beside the country on its development journey. Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said this after holding separate meetings with German Ambassador Achim Tröster and French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy at his office in Segunbagicha on Thursday (January 25, 2024). Read: ‘Lobbyist-backed’ statement on Dr Yunus won’t impact FDI, Hasan Mahmud says The two most important European ambassadors discussed issues related to trade and investment, climate change, security cooperation and cooperation in the aviation and education sector. Responding to a question on Bangabandhu Satellite-2, the foreign minister said this is definitely a priority for the government of Bangladesh and hoped that the discussions with France in this regard will see further progress. On purchasing aircraft from the European aviation giants Airbus, the foreign minister said Bangladesh will buy when the country's economy permits. Asked if the decision to buy the planes was final, Hasan Mahmud said such 'final decisions' on purchase are not taken at the Foreign Ministry. The two ambassadors also handed over congratulatory letters from their respective heads of government. Read: BD, UK vow to deepen ties at FM Hasan’s meet with HC Cooke  Both these countries are major development and trade partners of Bangladesh and the ambassadors discussed widening the relations in the coming days, Hasan Mahmud said. Talking to reporters, French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy said France wants to start a new exchange programme for young teachers and students with Bangladesh.