The White House has once again attracted criticism for employing a clip of singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter to promote U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite the performer’s explicit objections. The controversy reignites long-standing debates over consent, artistic control, and the politicisation of creative work. Earlier this week, Carpenter publicly denounced what she described […]

Australia is confronting an escalating threat from natural disasters, driven largely by climate change, yet current investments in adaptation measures remain inadequate, warns a recent report from the Actuaries Institute. The analysis cautions that if this investment gap persists, climate-related economic losses could more than double over the coming decades, posing a significant risk to […]

Health insurance remains an indispensable component of contemporary healthcare systems, yet navigating the claims process has become an increasingly perplexing task for many patients. A growing number of individuals remain uncertain about how to submit claims after treatment, which medical expenses are covered, which are excluded, and the proportion of costs they must personally bear. […]

Five troubled Islamic banks are in the process of merging. First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, and Union Bank are being consolidated into a new bank, ‘Sammlito Islami Bank PLC’. According to Bangladesh Bank sources, repayments to depositors could begin this week. Each depositor will be able to reclaim […]

A working committee formed under the directives of Bangladesh Bank has recommended extending the maturity of Beximco Ltd’s Shariah-compliant green Sukuk by six years. The company has informed that it will be unable to repay investors’ principal when the bond matures in December 2026. The 21-member committee, led by the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), […]

EXIM Bank recently held a special meeting at its head office with ten major branches of the Dhaka Division, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and pace of investment recovery activities. The meeting took place on Saturday and was attended by the Administrator of EXIM Bank and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, Md. Sawkatul Alam, who […]

After the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong insurers are expanding financial assistance and accelerating claims processes for affected residents. Regulators, industry associations, and major insurers are actively reaching out to injured individuals and bereaved families to ensure prompt compensation. The Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) reported that as of […]

The government of Thailand has instructed insurers to simplify and expedite claims for those affected by severe flooding in the southern provinces. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that home and vehicle claims must be processed quickly. If original documents are destroyed or unavailable, policyholders can submit photographic evidence via Line and other designated digital channels […]

In recent months, currency held outside banks has been returning to bank vaults in significant volumes, offering some relief to commercial banks facing persistent liquidity constraints. Central bank data shows that approximately 260 billion taka flowed back into the banking sector over the four months leading up to October. Central bankers and money market analysts […]

Islamic banking in Bangladesh is entering a transformative phase, driven by evolving customer expectations, rapid technological advancements, and the growth of a digital financial ecosystem. Rising demand for accessible, transparent, and value-driven financial solutions is prompting institutions to prioritise innovation and modernisation, positioning technology as a cornerstone for enhancing trust and efficiency in Shariah-compliant services. […]