Despite strict export controls, scientists like microbiologist Yoan Mboussou believe Iboga could be a transformative force. “There’s real potential to leverage Iboga for our economy , our society, and the nation,” he says.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will take steps to get boats, along with Jamdani sarees and Tangail sarees, recognised as cultural heritage by UNESCO.

These boats have been an important part of Bangladesh’s history , serving as a key mode of river transport for centuries.

The boat was also the election symbol of the Awami League, the ruling party that was recently removed from power following mass protests. During its time in government, the party displayed the boat symbol at many events, linking it to its political identity.

The interim government has now taken down the boat symbol from the logos of the Prisons Department, the police, and Chittagong City Corporation.

The advisory council also decided to merge two youth celebrations to cut government costs.

National Youth Day, which is celebrated on November 1, will now be observed together with International Youth Day on August 12.

The United Nations introduced International Youth Day in 1999, and both events focus on similar themes.

The government believes celebrating them together will save resources while still highlighting youth issues.