Germany plans to recruit 400,000 skilled foreign workers annually to address labor shortages and demographic imbalances, which Bangladesh could benefit from if a formal labor recruitment agreement is established. The Bangladesh embassy in Germany is working towards a government-to-government deal to facilitate this. The German Economic Institute estimates a growing labor force gap, posing challenges for the public pension system. The coalition government aims to attract workers with a points system and higher minimum wage. Meanwhile, the EU pressures Bangladesh to repatriate irregular migrants, with potential visa restrictions. Asylum applications from Bangladeshis in Germany have declined since an agreement with the EU. Migration experts criticize the EU for not opening legal channels for workers while allowing irregular migrants.

Bangladeshi researchers published over 11,000 scientific publications in 2021, ranking third in South Asia but still considered insufficient compared to neighboring countries. Despite a 2,000 publication increase from 2020, experts criticize the low research budget in universities. BRAC University notably spent more on research than 10 public universities combined in 2019. The Scopus database reveals that engineering, medicine, and computer science are the top areas of publication for Bangladeshis, with Dhaka University leading in publication numbers. Dr. Talha Bin Emran was the top Bangladeshi researcher in 2021 with 92 publications.

Comprehensive interventions addressing financial and logistical challenges, parental awareness, home and school environments, and institutional governance can significantly reduce school dropout rates in slum areas, according to a study by Plan International Bangladesh and Surovi. The project, covering 22 secondary schools in Dhaka's slum areas, saw a remarkable decline in dropout rates across various grades. The study highlights the importance of school management committees and community-based initiatives in sustaining educational engagement. The project also adapted to pandemic challenges by introducing home-based teaching and learning, ensuring continued education for marginalized children.

Around 22.8 million children in Pakistan are out of school due to socio-economic and geographical barriers. The concept of 'de-schooling,' which allows children to control their learning, is proposed as a solution. Despite the availability of online educational platforms like Khan Academy and Sabaq.pk, many children remain unaware or unable to access these resources due to language barriers and lack of technological assistance. The article suggests that awareness seminars, website translations, and financial incentives could help bridge this gap and make education more accessible.

The tourism sector in Bangladesh is experiencing a revival during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays with a potential nine-day break, which is expected to attract around 10 lakh local tourists and several lakh outbound travelers. Advance bookings have surged in hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, and aviation. The Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh is optimistic about domestic tourism, highlighting the country's attractive destinations. Cox's Bazar hotels report 80% room bookings, while resorts near Dhaka have seen 50-60% advance bookings. The reopening of land ports has increased visa applications for India, with over five lakh Bangladeshis expected to travel there during the holidays. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics notes India as the top travel destination for Bangladeshis.

The Keraniganj wholesale apparel hub in Bangladesh is experiencing a resurgence in business during the Eid-ul-Fitr season after suffering significant losses due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Despite a strong demand for locally made fabrics, traders face challenges such as limited bank support, pricier raw materials, and a lack of credit facilities. The hub, which comprises 5,000 factories and 10,000 shops, is crucial for the local garment industry, supplying 70%-80% of the country's garments. While sales are promising this year, traders are still grappling with the financial impact of the past two years. Workers are receiving their salaries and bonuses, marking a positive change from previous years.

The article discusses the importance of solitude in enhancing productivity and creativity, which are vital skills in the 21st-century job market. It differentiates solitude from loneliness, emphasizing that solitude is a positive, often chosen state that can lead to significant personal and professional achievements. The article cites examples of historical figures like Jane Austen and Carl Jung, who produced their best work in solitude, and references studies and literature, including Cal Newport's 'Deep Work' and an article by Hara Estroff Marano, to support the argument that solitude can be beneficial for creativity and productivity.

Illegal visa trading significantly increases migration costs for Bangladeshi workers, with middlemen profiting from the sale of work visas in countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Despite agreements to curb this practice, it remains widespread, leading to debt bondage and forced labor. The article highlights the involvement of powerful syndicates and the lack of effective negotiations to ensure compliance. Efforts by the Bangladesh government to address these issues include legal actions against unfair recruitment practices, but challenges persist due to entrenched systems and high demand for work permits.

The Bangladesh government's proposal to withdraw a 5% tax on plastic and polythene bags is seen as contradictory to the Department of Environment's goal to reduce plastic waste by 30% by 2030. The Bangladesh Nature Conservation Alliance and experts express concern that this move could increase plastic consumption and pollution, undermining environmental efforts. The previous finance minister had introduced the duty to encourage the use of jute bags. The Ministry of Environment, supported by the World Bank, has an action plan to manage plastic sustainably, but the proposed budget has raised questions about the government's commitment to these environmental objectives.

Malaysian firms are experiencing a severe labour shortage due to delays in recruiting foreign workers, particularly from Bangladesh and Indonesia. The shortage, affecting sectors from palm oil plantations to semiconductor manufacturing, threatens Malaysia's economic recovery. A recent joint working group meeting has resolved some issues, potentially allowing worker recruitment from Bangladesh to begin soon. Criticism is directed at Malaysian authorities for their slow recruitment process and lack of transparency. The Bangladesh Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) is facilitating the registration of migrant workers to prevent exploitation by brokers.