The Financial Express reported on the February 5 that Bangladesh had become a new destination for ship-building companies who were into construction of small ocean-going vessels. This was because of the fact that traditional ship-building nations such as South Korea, China and even Vietnam were now focusing on building large ships1.

In domestic developments, the High Court of Bangladesh dismissed the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in an extortion case. The Court concluded that it was "illegal" to prosecute her under the emergency power rules as the offence was committed at an earlier date2.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband urged the Bangladeshi government to lift the state of emergency in the country and to hold elections before the end of 20083.

• 1. “Bangladesh set to emerge as new shipbuilding hub” The Financial Express, February 5, 2008, at http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&...
• 2. “Extortion case against Hasina: HC declares trial under EPR illegal: Entire trial proceedings quashed: Govt plea to stay the verdict brushed aside: Appellate Division hears appeal t” The Daily Star, February 7, 2008, at http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/02/07/news0987.htm
• 3. “Britain calls for democracy in Bangladesh” The Associated Foreign Press, February 9, 2008 at http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gs26bYOe4jg4rzrRPtzzfyyowKDQ