Observer Online Desk

An unedited contents of news agencies uploaded by general desk members’ of the Daily Observer Online edition.

500 foreign observers, journalists to oversee upcoming polls: EC

Observer Online Desk

Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed has said nearly 500 foreign observers and journalists are expected to come to Bangladesh to observe the 13th National Parliament Election and the referendum scheduled for February 12.“We expect nearly 500 foreign observers and journalists will arrive here to oversee the election,” he said at a press briefing ...

US officially leaves World Health Organization

Observer Online Desk

The US has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), leaving the UN agency without one of its biggest donors, reports BBC.US President Donald Trump signed an executive order signalling the withdrawal a year ago, having criticised the organisation for being too "China-centric" during the Covid pandemic.The US Department of Health and Human Services ...

US 'armada' heading toward Iran: Trump

Observer Online Desk

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an "armada" heading toward Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program.US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile ...

Venezuela moves to open up oil sector

Observer Online Desk

Venezuelan lawmakers on Thursday gave their initial backing to plans to throw open the oil sector to private investors, paving the way for the return of US energy majors, a key demand of President Donald Trump.Less than three weeks after the US ouster of Nicolas Maduro, MPs endorsed on first reading a bill allowing private ...

EU leaders to reassess US ties despite Trump U-turn on Greenland

Observer Online Desk

EU leaders will rethink their ties with the US at an emergency summit on Thursday after Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs and even military action to acquire Greenland badly shook confidence in the transatlantic relationship, diplomats said, reports Reuters.Trump abruptly stepped back on Wednesday from his threat of tariffs on eight European nations, ruled out ...

Trump signs charter of ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos

Observer Online Desk

US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched his Board of Peace, initially focused on cementing Gaza’s ceasefire but which he said could take a wider role that may worry other global powers, although he said it would work with the United Nations, reports Reuters.“Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever ...

Feb 12 elections will set a standard for future polls: CA

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Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today stressed on holding the forthcoming general elections slated for February 12 in a manner that it can set a standard for polls in the country in future."The 2026 polls should be such an election that will set a standard for future elections," he said. The Chief Adviser made the remarks ...

8 Muslim countries agree to join Trump’s Board of Peace

Observer Online Desk

Saudi Arabia and eight Muslim-majority countries including Gaza mediators Qatar and Turkey have agreed to join US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace", the Saudi foreign ministry said on Wednesday.In a joint statement, Riyadh announced the "shared decision" of the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the United Arab ...

Rice sale begins under additional OMS

Observer Online Desk

The government on Thursday started selling rice at subsidised prices under an additional Open Market Sale (OMS) programme in 419 upazilas across the country to help stabilise the rice market and provide price support to local people.Under the programme, one metric tonne of rice per upazila is being sold daily at Tk 30 per kilogram ...

Germany considering US World Cup boycott

Observer Online Desk

The German Football Association (DFB) is to decide whether the German national team will boycott the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in 11 US cities, Mexico and Canada.DFB mulls 2026 FIFA World Cup boycottThe German government has said that the country’s football association can decide on whether Germany’s national team will boycott the ...