Foreign Missions in London Pay Tribute to Victims of Bangladesh Aircraft Crash

Diplomatic missions in London have extended heartfelt condolences following the tragic crash of a training aircraft at Milestone School and College in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which claimed numerous lives, including those of many children.

The Bangladesh High Commission in London opened a condolence book on July 23 and 24 to honor the victims and express solidarity with their families. Representatives from numerous countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Spain, Sri Lanka, Malta, Honduras, Poland, Hungary, Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemala, Greece, Mexico, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Ghana, Bahrain, Maldives, Togo, and Algeria, visited the High Commission to sign the condolence book, according to a statement released by the High Commission on Friday.

The deputy secretary-general of the Commonwealth and the International Crisis Group also conveyed their sympathies, joining the global outpouring of support.

Diplomats expressed their deepest condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed their solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh during this time of profound grief.

The Bangladesh High Commission expressed its gratitude to all who offered condolences and support, noting the comfort provided by these gestures amid the nation’s mourning.

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Bangladesh Embassy in Algiers Opens Condolence Book for Victims of Tragic Plane Crash

The Bangladesh Embassy in Algiers has opened a condolence book to honor the victims of a devastating aircraft crash that occurred on July 21, 2025, at the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara, Dhaka. The tragic incident, involving a training aircraft, has claimed 32 lives, including schoolchildren, plunging Bangladesh into mourning.

On Thursday, Laïd Rebiga, Algeria’s Minister of Mujahideen and Rights Holders, visited the embassy to sign the condolence book on behalf of the Algerian government. He expressed deep condolences to the people and government of Bangladesh, reaffirming Algeria’s solidarity during this time of grief. Minister Rebiga noted that the Algerian people are praying for the victims and their bereaved families.

Representing the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abdelmalek Bouheddou, Director General for Asia-Oceania, also paid his respects at the embassy. Throughout the day, diplomats from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, including ambassadors and chargés d’affaires, visited to sign the condolence book and offer their sympathies. Representatives from various political parties in Algeria also expressed solidarity.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Algeria, Md Najmul Huda, thanked the Algerian government and diplomatic community for their support. “We are deeply moved by the presence of so many friends offering their condolences,” he said. “Their heartfelt gestures provide immense comfort to the people of Bangladesh during this challenging time.”

On July 22, the embassy observed a day of state mourning, holding special prayers for the eternal peace of the deceased and the swift recovery of the injured.

The condolence book remains open at the embassy for those wishing to pay their respects.

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AI Technology Misuse in Bangladesh: A Deepening Crisis and Administrative Failures

 

The rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh has brought both innovation and a surge in misuse, fueling social, political, and ethical crises. Fake images, videos, and misinformation created by AI are targeting political figures, women, and ordinary citizens, raising alarm as the 13th National Election approaches. The lack of digital literacy and robust legal frameworks has left this issue unchecked, threatening to destabilize the nation further.

#### Digital Aggression Against Women

Women, particularly political leaders, are the primary victims of AI misuse. AI-generated explicit and misleading content is disrupting their political and social activities. A recent study by Empowerment Network Bangladesh found that 72% of women have faced online harassment, with 82% of cases involving AI-generated offensive images or videos. This not only jeopardizes personal safety but also deepens societal divisions and political unrest.

#### Misinformation During National Crises

On July 10, a tragic bus accident in Savar claimed numerous lives, plunging the nation into grief. However, AI-generated fake videos spread rapidly on social media, exacerbating public distress. Fact-checking group TruthGuard identified these videos as fabricated using AI tools, noting inaccuracies in location details and visuals. This incident underscores the dangerous potential of AI misuse during national emergencies.

#### Administrative and Legal Gaps

The government has yet to implement effective measures to curb AI misuse. Rezaul Karim, an advisor at the Ministry of ICT, stated, “While the Cyber Security Act addresses AI misuse, enforcement remains weak due to limited digital awareness among the public.” 

Dr. Farzana Akter, Professor of Computer Science at Jahangirnagar University, emphasized, “Developed nations are deploying advanced technologies and policies to combat AI misuse. Bangladesh must establish monitoring units and educate the public urgently.” 

UK-based tech analyst Ayesha Siddique warned, “The spread of AI-driven misinformation on social media is spiraling out of control. Without stringent laws, fact-checking platforms, and media literacy programs, digital violence, especially against women, will escalate.”

#### Spread of AI-Driven Misinformation

Recent data indicates that 92% of posts on platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube are influenced by AI recommendations. Over the past six months, misinformation has surged by 350 times, intensifying political propaganda and social polarization. The accessibility of deepfake, synthetic video, and voice cloning technologies allows even ordinary individuals to create convincing fake content, raising fears of a massive spike in digital violence before the election.

#### Legal and Policy Void

Bangladesh lacks specific legislation to regulate AI misuse. The Ministry of ICT and Election Commission have failed to take proactive steps. Experts recommend criminalizing AI-generated false content, deploying advanced deepfake detection tools, and forming dedicated monitoring teams for social media oversight.

Dr. Farzana Akter added, “Without robust monitoring, misinformation will continue unchecked. The Election Commission must deploy specialized teams to safeguard the digital space.” 

Ayesha Siddique noted, “Platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube need stronger content moderation. The government must collaborate with them to enforce stricter regulations.”

#### Recommendations for the Future

Experts call for a multi-pronged approach to address AI misuse:

- Enact and enforce stringent laws

- Deploy advanced fact-checking and deepfake detection technologies

- Establish monitoring teams with tech experts

- Promote digital and media literacy among the public

- Strengthen coordination with social media platforms

A Jahangirnagar University professor warned, “The rise of AI-driven misinformation could push Bangladesh into chaos before the election. Immediate and coordinated action is critical to prevent a digital disaster.”

#### Conclusion

The misuse of AI technology in Bangladesh is escalating into a profound threat to social stability, political integrity, and human rights. Without swift government intervention and widespread public awareness, the upcoming election and the nation’s future could be severely undermined, paving the way for a catastrophic digital crisis.

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Germany Bolsters Support for Bangladesh’s Leather Industry to Enhance Sustainability

Dhaka, July 25, 2025 – Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s struggling yet promising leather industry, emphasizing the need for improved environmental compliance and labor standards to unlock its full potential. Speaking at the workshop titled “Shaping the Future of Tanneries in Bangladesh” held on July 17 at the Tannery Industrial Estate in Savar, Ulrich Kleppmann, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and private sector to foster a sustainable business environment.

The event, co-organized by the German development agency GIZ and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), brought together key stakeholders, including A H M Shafiquzzaman, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as representatives from government, private sector, labor organizations, and international development partners.

Despite the leather industry’s potential for nearly 90% value addition in manufacturing, Bangladesh’s leather exports have plummeted from $397 million in FY 2013–14 to just $142.5 million in FY 2023–24, far below the projected $5 billion export potential. Kleppmann stressed that aligning with international labor and environmental standards through domestic and international cooperation is critical to reversing this decline.

Germany’s ongoing support aims to make the sector safer, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable, paving the way for economic growth. For more details on German Development Cooperation, visit https://dhaka.diplo.de/bd-en/topics/weitere-themen.

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Chinese Ambassador and FAO Official Discuss Agricultural Cooperation in Bangladesh

Dhaka, July 25, 2025 – On July 24, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Ye Anping, Director of the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to explore avenues for enhanced trilateral cooperation in agriculture and food security. The meeting, held in Dhaka, focused on fostering practical collaboration between China, the FAO, and Bangladesh to address pressing agricultural challenges.

The discussions underscored the commitment of both parties to bolster food security and agricultural development in Bangladesh through joint initiatives. Dr. Shi Jiaqun, FAO Country Representative in Bangladesh, also participated in the meeting, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts in advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

This meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening partnerships aimed at improving food security and agricultural productivity in the region.

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Denmark Embassy in Dhaka Issues Warning on Fraudulent Visas

Dhaka, July 25, 2025 — The Denmark Embassy in Dhaka has issued an urgent alert regarding fraudulent visas in circulation. Authorities warn that individuals applying for work permits or visas through agents or visa facilitating companies risk receiving fake documents or having their applications rejected.

The embassy emphasizes that only applications submitted directly through the official online portal, with fees paid online and biometrics processed at VFS Global, are legitimate. Applicants are advised to ensure their personal phone number is listed as the contact in their application.

The Denmark Embassy clarifies that it has no agreements with any agents or visa facilitating companies and exclusively accepts applications through VFS Global. Travelers are urged to follow the correct procedures to avoid falling victim to fraud.

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Chinese Medical Team Arrives in Dhaka to Aid Burn Victims

A team of five burn-specialist doctors and nurses from Wuhan Third Hospital in Hubei Province, China, arrived in Dhaka on Thursday evening. The Chinese Emergency Medical Team was warmly received at the airport by H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Ms. Sayeda Jasmin Sultana Milky, Director General of the Global Health Emergency Response Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The team is set to begin assisting with the treatment of burn patients at the National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery starting early Friday morning, July 25. Their expertise is expected to provide critical support to the institute’s efforts in treating severe burn cases.

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