China
Where does Bangladesh stand amidst US's global retaliatory tariffs?
After much negotiation, the United States has agreed to reduce the imposed tariff rate on Bangladeshi goods exported to the US from 35% to 20% during the third round of discussions. On April 2, then-US President Donald Trump imposed 'retaliatory' tariffs on goods from 57 countries—a list that expanded to over 90 by July. Before the new policy was implemented, Bangladeshi exports faced an average tariff of 15.5%. The new 35% hike brought the total to 50%. However, as global economic uncertainty followed the announcement, Trump suspended the new tariffs for three months and allowed countries to negotiate fairer rates.
Why participants of mass uprising turning into extortionists
In Bangladesh, the story of state development nowadays is heard in newspaper pages, television announcements or from the mouths of leaders—“The country has changed,” “Development is visible,” “The dream Padma Bridge has been built,” or “Digital Bangladesh is a reality.” While these words sound striking, in reality, a cruel question also arises—who are the beneficiaries of this development? And by development, do we only mean buildings, bridges, or GDP, or is there any standard for people and humanity as well?
Rise of global chip industry and low-wage transistor girls
Female workers in Asia played an extraordinary role in the chip-making revolution from the beginning of the modern semiconductor industry. Although mainly men were working on the design of transistors, a group of skilled hands was needed to transform the designed chips into real products that would be fast, accurate, and low-budget. Women filled this gap, especially women workers on assembly lines.
China-India relations in new world order
Everyone knows that a new world order has been formed. In this new system, the position of each country—who is forming new friendships with whom, who is supporting whom militarily and economically—is being re-shaped. For instance, the long-standing bond between Europe and the United States saw a crack, particularly after Donald Trump became President. Their relationship is now more commercial and win-win rather than cordial. Their common interest is in standing against socialism and maintaining Western influence. Beyond that, the blind support the United States had previously given to Europe, and the various benefits extended, were withdrawn by the Trump administration. This has put Europe in a somewhat difficult position, and Europe is now busy rapidly increasing its military strength. That is, it no longer wants to be fully dependent on the United States as before. As a result, alongside the United States, Russia, and China, Europe is likely to emerge as a visible military power soon.
Politics in Bangladesh becoming increasingly complex
Politics in Bangladesh is becoming increasingly complex, confused and decaying. Leaderlessness, lack of ideology, and a decline in morality are now the inevitable features of the country’s political landscape.
What Bangladesh should do regarding US tariff
If any country imposes additional tariffs on imported goods, the first reaction is that the price of the concerned exported goods increases. The United States has imposed increased tariffs on imported goods from various countries. In order for Bangladeshi products to enter the US market in the future, an additional 35 percent tariff will have to be paid. Currently, an average of 15 percent tariff has to be paid for exporting Bangladeshi products to the US market. An additional 35 percent tariff will be added to that. That is, in order to enter the US market in the future, a total of 50 percent tariff will have to be paid on Bangladeshi products.
The global legal system and Bangladesh
Every country's legal system has its own specific dynamics. Each country, in its own form and independently, formulates its legal system based on its customs, culture, nature, and necessities. It is acknowledged that a country without a legal system is like a lifeless body, incapable of performing any functions. In the evolution of legal systems in different countries, various elements such as customs, religion, courts, etc., have had significant influence. This is why the expression of different laws varies from state to state, and similarities and differences exist among the elements of laws in different countries.
Favourable environment necessary to attract foreign investment
Economic development at the desired level is not possible in any way without investment. Even if a country is rich in natural resources, investment is needed to achieve prosperity through the use of those resources. Natural resources must be transformed and continuously modified to enhance economic utility. There are many countries in the world that are rich in natural resources, but due to lack of financial capacity to use those resources, they have to lease them to foreign companies. Foreign companies loot the natural resources of the country. Such situations have been observed in many African countries. Therefore, no dignified country wants to hand over its natural resources to the custody of another country.
Financial incentives for intermediaries cannot attract foreign investment
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has taken several initiatives to attract foreign investment. One such initiative is to offer financial incentives to expatriate Bangladeshis who act as intermediaries in attracting foreign investment. Any expatriate Bangladeshi who facilitates foreign investment will be provided with a financial incentive amounting to 1 percent of the investment they help secure. This investment must be new and amount to at least USD 5 million. Many expatriate Bangladeshis attempt to attract foreign investment by leveraging their personal image and relationships. The provision of financial incentives will undoubtedly encourage them.
Meeting between Professor Yunus, Tarique Rahman sends message of peace
King Charles’s Harmony Award is one of the most prestigious honours in the United Kingdom. It is awarded annually in recognition of outstanding contributions by individuals in the fields of environmental conservation, traditional craftsmanship, eco-friendly businesses, and raising awareness about nature. The philosophy behind the award is rooted in King Charles’s belief: “We should work with nature, not against it.” In other words, we must coexist with nature in harmony and protect it. The award is thus based on this vision.