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Tag: Sheikh Hasina

  • ‘Who Will Process Your Visa, Bro?’: One Kilometer Long Line At Indian Visa Center In Bangladesh; Video Goes Viral |

    A video capturing an extensive queue stretching over a kilometer at an Indian visa center in Bangladesh has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread attention. The footage, shared by a social media user, shows the seemingly endless line outside Asia’s largest mall, Jamuna Future Park, where one of the few remaining Indian visa centers is located.

    The user captioned the video, “1 Kilometer Long Line Outside Indian Visa Center At Asia’s Largest Mall Jamuna. The line started inside, involved many corridors, then came outside, and went to the main road. It kept going, going, and going. Who will process your visa, and the embassy is running with limited capacity.

    1 Kilometers Long Line Outside Indian Visa Center At Asia’s Largest Mall Jamuna.

    The Line Started Inside, Involved Many Corridors, Then Came Out side, Went To Main Road, It Kept Going, Going And Going

    Who will process your visa bro?

    Majority Of Staff Went Back To India, The… pic.twitter.com/PkXAcbCoOC — Bengali Boys (@iSoumikSaheb) August 26, 2024

    This situation arose after India shut down most of its visa centers in Bangladesh following a wave of violent protests that culminated in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protests, initially sparked by political and economic discontent, escalated into widespread unrest, leading to Hasina’s government being overthrown.

    In the wake of the unrest, Bangladesh has seen continued incidents of violence, including targeted attacks on the Hindu minority community. The closure of Indian visa centers has added to the chaos, leaving thousands of Bangladeshi citizens struggling to secure travel permits. The Indian Visa Center was closed on August 5th, leaving many passports already in process. Today, the High Commission announced that passports currently at the visa center will be delivered soon while no new application is being taken.

    Many Bangladeshi people have been waiting at the Indian border or trying to sneak inside the Indian territory following the violence. India has deployed a strong line of patrol by the Border Security Force to deter the entry of illegal immigrants.

  • ‘Monster Is Gone’: Bangladesh Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus Hails Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster |

    Bangladesh Leader Of Interim Government, Muhammad Yunus has commended the students who led the protests that resulted in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “No doubt… the student-led revolution brought down the entire government,” Yunus asserted in a media briefing on Sunday after meeting with the students.

    Highlighting the conversation he had with the students, Yunus said, “I told the students, ‘I respect and admire you… What you’ve accomplished is truly unmatched… and because you asked me to take charge of the interim administration. “I accept.”

    Two of the student protesters, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, are among the 16-member advisory council that was inaugurated alongside Yunus.

    The 84-year-old Nobel laureate further declared, “Finally, the moment has come—the monster is gone,” in reference to Hasina’s departure, marking the end of what critics had labeled as an autocratic regime that suppressed all dissent.

    However, Yunus warned the interim government that public support is limited, and they will soon face numerous tough decisions.

    He also highlighted that the recent wave of resignations among top public officials, including the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the head of Bangladesh’s central bank, was carried out “legally.”

    The interim government was established after weeks of violence and clashes in Bangladesh, sparked by protests over a jobs quota, which led to Hasina, a five-time Prime Minister, resigning and fleeing. Seen as a key ally of New Delhi, Hasina is currently in an undisclosed location and is reportedly seeking political asylum, possibly in the United Kingdom.

    After Hasina’s departure, Yunus, who faced multiple corruption charges under the previous administration and was in Europe during Hasina’s tenure, was chosen by the protesters to oversee democratic reforms.

  • DNA Exclusive: Exposing Western Media’s Double Standards On Hindu Persecution In Bangladesh |

    In a shocking display of bias, the New York Times has downplayed the genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh, labeling it as “Revenge Attacks” in a recent headline. This blatant attempt to justify the violence against Hindus has exposed the double standards of Western media.

    The violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has been escalating since the resignation of Prime Minister Hasi Sheikhna, with reports of temples being vandalized, homes being set on fire, and individuals being targeted based on their religion. However, the New York Times has chosen to frame this as a “Revenge Attack” against Hindus, implying that they are somehow responsible for the violence.

    In today’s episode of DNA, we’re exposing the hypocrisy of Western media and human rights organizations when it comes to the genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh.

    DNA: Gaza Vs Bangladesh..Double Standards of Western Media. DNA test of NYT’s selective thinking on Bangladeshi Hindus #DNA #Bangladesh #BangladeshCrisis #BangladeshiHindus @Anant_Tyagii pic.twitter.com/rWamS8aiej — Zee News (@ZeeNews) August 8, 2024

    In Bangladesh, Hindus are being targeted: temples are being vandalized, homes are being set ablaze, and people are being beaten based on their identity. Hindu-owned shops are being looted. Videos and reports are flooding in from media and social media platforms, showing the escalation from protests against reservations to targeted communal violence.

    But what is The New York Times saying? Their coverage has labeled these attacks as “Revenge Attacks” following the exit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Their headline reads: “Hindus In Bangladesh Face Revenge Attacks after Prime Minister’s Exit.”

    According to The New York Times, these attacks are retaliation because Hindus are believed to be supporters of Sheikh Hasina’s party. But on what basis does The New York Times claim that the 13 million Hindus in Bangladesh are aligned with her?

    Watch tonight’s episode of DNA for a detailed analysis here:


    Know what is special in DNA today

    Supporters of Sheikh Hasina.. that’s why Hindus are being massacred? Why is the opposition losing ground on the Waqf Bill? ‘Political wrestling’ on Vinesh #DNA @Anant_Tyagii pic.twitter.com/QkikRgVyZO — Zee News (@ZeeNews) August 8, 2024

  • As Sheikh Hasina Finds Refuge In India, Ex-Envoy To Bangladesh Sees Center Taking It ‘Very Favorably’

    Sheikh Hasina, described as a “good friend of India,” may receive favorable consideration from the central government if she chooses to stay, according to a former high commissioner of India to Bangladesh quoted by PTI on Tuesday. Hasina arrived at the Hindon airbase near Delhi on Monday, intending to travel to London, just hours after resigning as Bangladesh’s prime minister amid weeks of anti-government protests that resulted in nearly 300 deaths.

    Hasina’s travel plans to London have encountered obstacles due to some “uncertainties,” and it is unlikely she will leave India in the next few days, as stated by sources on Tuesday. Veena Sikri, the former envoy, mentioned that India has consistently assisted the people of Bangladesh with various challenges.

    Reflecting on historical ties, Sikri recalled the solidarity between Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League, and the forces of Liberation with India since 1971. The Awami League and India, along with the Muktijodha, fought together for Bangladesh’s liberation.

    Sikri said the deep empathy, friendship, respect, and understanding between the Awami League and India, as well as between the peoples of both nations, noting that India has always been supportive. With Sheikh Hasina now in India after being forced to leave her country, Sikri expressed confidence that the Indian government would likely view her wish to stay in India very favourably.

    Sikri also noted that Hasina had previously resided in India following the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a hero of Bangladesh’s independence who later became prime minister. Rahman was assassinated in August 1975.

    In conversation with PTI, Sikri said that Hasina had spent many years in India before returning to Bangladesh to lead the Awami League, leaving open the question of her continued stay in India. “Currently, Sheikh Hasina has been forced to leave her country and is now in India. If she desires to stay, I am confident our government will look upon it very favourably,” added Sikri.

    The seasoned diplomat mentioned that Hasina had previously stayed in India following the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a hero of Bangladesh’s independence, who later became the country’s prime minister. Rahman was assassinated in August 1975.

    Speaking to PTI, Sikri said, “She spent a considerable time in India, many years, before returning to Bangladesh to lead the Awami League. The decision whether she should stay or not should be deferred, allowing her to make the choice and the situation. to develop.”

    The former ambassador also noted, “Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been a close ally of India, working intimately with its people across various states, including West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya. I see no issue with that.”

    “It’s her decision whether to stay. There are reports she may wish to move to London to be with her sister, who resides there. Perhaps they are waiting for clearance from the UK government. The situation is highly volatile and complex,” she stated. .

    “In my opinion, if she continues her stay in India, it wouldn’t pose a significant problem,” she concluded. Hasina, aged 76, resigned as the prime minister of Bangladesh and departed amid mass protests against her administration. She then arrived in India en route to London, as diplomatic sources reported on Monday.

    When questioned about the potential impact of Hasina’s stay in India on future relations with the new government, Sikri mentioned that while the views of other political parties like the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) or Jamaat-i-Islami Bangladesh on India are well-known. , the dialogue remains open.

  • DNA Exclusive: Analyzing America’s Alleged Role In Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil |

    In the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power, Bangladesh is experiencing significant unrest. Dramatic footage and breaking news from the region illustrate the severity of the crisis. One particularly striking image shows enraged crowds toppling statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation. This act has become a symbol of the larger turmoil engulfing the country. The public’s anger, extending beyond Sheikh Hasina to the revered figure of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has not only shocked observers but also raised questions about the underlying causes of this unrest.

    The United States has expressed a surprising level of support for the recent changes in Bangladesh. Washington has welcomed the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, praised the actions of the Bangladeshi military, and shown approval for the new government.

    In today’s DNA, Zee News did an in-depth analysis of United States possible involvement in the uprising that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina and speculations surrounding American interests in Bangladesh.

    DNA: There was a coup in Bangladesh.. America was happy! Did America topple Sheikh Hasina’s government? #DNA #SheikhHasina #BangladeshViolence #BangladeshCrisis #UnitedStates @Anant_Tyagii pic.twitter.com/VQ5UXSLKay — Zee News (@ZeeNews) August 6, 2024

    This positive stance raises concerns about America’s true motivations. Critics argue that the US may be interested in destabilizing Bangladesh to align it with its own strategic objectives, drawing comparisons with its past interventions in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq.

    Accusations of American interference are not new. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the US played a role in Sheikh Hasina’s removal. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has publicly accused the US of undermining Bangladesh’s stability and seeking to control its government. This claim is bolstered by previous instances where the US has been implicated in orchestrating regime changes for strategic gain.

    In a recent meeting, Sheikh Hasina hinted at external pressures, alleging that a foreign power offered her an advantageous deal in exchange for granting permission to build a military base in Bangladesh. While she did not name the country, her description has fueled speculation about American involvement. The timing of her removal, shortly after these allegations, has intensified suspicions.

    Historically, the US has been linked to several regime changes. Notable examples include the 1953 coup in Iran, the 1960 intervention in Congo, and the 1973 overthrow in Chile. A 2016 Washington Post report suggested that during the Cold War, the US attempted to influence or topple governments in up to 72 countries. More recently, accusations against the US have included claims by former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan that his government was destabilized with American assistance.

    Watch today’s episode of DNA for a detailed analysis on America’s alleged involvement in Bangladesh political turmoil:

    Why is America so happy with the coup in Bangladesh? The cries of 1.3 crore Hindus…will shake your heart

    Watch #DNA LIVE with @Anant_Tyagii #ZeeLive #SheikhHasina #BangladeshViolence #BangladeshCrisis https://t.co/hhai5LBqNg — Zee News (@ZeeNews) August 6, 2024

  • 91 Killed Including 14 Policemen As Anti-Government Protests Rock Bangladesh, Curfew Imposed |

    At least 91 individuals, including 14 police officers, were killed and many were injured in severe clashes across Bangladesh on Sunday. Protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina clashed with supporters of the ruling party, leading to the suspension of mobile internet services and the imposition of an indefinite nationwide curfew.

    The violence began in the morning when demonstrators, under the banner of Students Against Discrimination, rallied against the government’s job quota system. They were met with resistance from activists of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League.

    The leading Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo reported that the confrontations, shootings, and pursuits related to the non-cooperation movement resulted in at least 91 fatalities. The police headquarters disclosed that 14 officers died nationwide, with 13 at Sirajganj’s Enayetpur police station and one at Comilla’s Elliotganj. Additionally, over 300 officers sustained injuries.

    This recent outbreak of violence follows the deaths of over 200 individuals in earlier clashes between police and protesters, mainly students, who opposed the quota system that allocated 30% of government positions to relatives of 1971 war veterans. Subsequently, authorities have detained more than 11,000 individuals.

    Officials reported that today’s protests saw the participation of unidentified individuals and members of the right-wing Islami Shashontantra Andolon. They set up roadblocks on key highways and in the capital, attacked police stations, party offices, and the homes of ruling party leaders, and set numerous vehicles ablaze.

    The situation prompted authorities to order a curfew in major cities and small towns across Bangladesh for an indefinite period from 6 PM Sunday, mobilizing troops, paramilitary border guards BGB, and the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion alongside police.

    The government ordered the shutdown of Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram. The mobile operators were ordered to shut down 4G mobile internet, the paper added.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hasina said that those engaging in “sabotage” across the country in the name of protest are not students but terrorists and asked people to suppress them with a firm hand.

    “I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand,” she said.

    Hasina called a meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs – the highest policy-making authority of national security – at Ganabhaban, the paper reported citing sources from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The meeting was attended by the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, RAB, BGB, and other top security officers. The meeting came as renewed violence spread to several parts of the country.

    The government has announced a three-day general holiday on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure public safety amid the ongoing violent protests across the country.

    Giving details of casualties, the paper said eight people were killed in Feni, 22 including 13 policemen in Sirajganj, five in Kishoreganj, eight in Dhaka, five in Bogura, three in Munshiganj, four in Magura, three in Bhola, four in Rangpur, three in Pabna, five in Sylhet, three in Cumilla, two in Sherpur and two in Joypurhat. One person was killed in Keraniganj, one in Savar and one in Barisal.

    Six Awami League leaders and activists were beaten to death and several others injured in a clash between the ruling party supporters and protesters in Narsingdi, the paper reported.

    Citing Dhaka Medical College Hospital sources, the paper said 56 people were brought to the hospital with bullet injuries from Shahbagh, Shanir Akhra, Nayabazar, Dhanmondi, Science Laboratory, Paltan, Press Club and Munshiganj.

    In a related development, a group of former senior military generals Sunday asked the government to withdraw the armed forces from the streets and send them back to barracks.

    “We urge the government to undertake political initiatives to resolve the ongoing crisis. Do not destroy the good standing of our armed forces by keeping them engaged in a disgraceful campaign,” said former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, who served as the army chief under Prime Minister Hasina’s government.

    Reading out a statement at a media briefing here, he said, “The Bangladeshi armed forces have never faced off with the masses or trained their guns at the chests of their fellow citizens.” Another former army chief, octogenarian general Nuruddin Khan, who also served as the energy minister in Hasina’s past 1996-2001 tenure, was one of those who joined the briefing along with fellow officers, some of them being 1971 Liberation War veterans.

    “Time is ripe to immediately take the soldiers to barracks to prepare themselves for any eventuality as the time taken to transition from internal security mode to operational mode takes quite some time,” the statement read.

    Most of the shops and malls in Dhaka were closed amid the protest. Hundreds of students and professionals had gathered at Dhaka’s Shahbagh, blocking traffic on all sides.

    Protesters had also gathered at the Science Lab intersection of the capital on the first day of the non-cooperation movement. They chanted anti-government slogans.

    According to the Daily Star newspaper, several vehicles at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) were torched on Sunday by unidentified people.

    People carrying sticks were seen vandalizing private cars, ambulances, motorcycles, and buses on the hospital premises, triggering fear among the patients, their attendants, doctors and staff, the paper said.

    Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the anti-government protests, announced said they will stage a demonstration and mass sit-in on Monday to press home their one-point demand.

    On Monday, he will unveil Martyrs’ Memorial plaques across the country in memory of people killed recently centering the quota reform movement, he said in a statement.

    There have been reports of vandalism and arson attacks on police vehicles and government buildings in multiple locations.

    In Chattogram, the residences of Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, as well as the office of AL MP Md Mohiuddin Bachchu were attacked.

    In an apparent retaliation, the homes of several Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, including Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, were targeted.

    The BNP and its allies, along with numerous political, professional, and cultural groups have thrown their support behind the student-led movement that had been launched to demand reforms to quotas reserved for government jobs.

    Prime Minister Hasina offered to sit for talks on Saturday with the coordinators of the movement. However, they rejected her proposal.

    The government leaders earlier claimed that the “peaceful campaign” was hijacked by fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and their student front Islami Chhatra Shibir being backed by ex-premier Khaleda Zia’s BNP.

  • BNP-Jamaat govt will trigger harm to Bangladesh, India: Awami League chief Muzammel Haque

    By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: The Organizing Secretary of the ruling Awami League in Bangladesh, BM Muzammel Haque, believes that if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-Jamaat-e-Islami comes again to energy, management of Bangladesh will go into the palms of the Pakistani intelligence company Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

    Bangladesh will elect its subsequent authorities in elections that might be held in December this yr or early January 2024.

    Claiming that the BNP was created by the ISI, the veteran politician stated that if BNP-Jamaat involves energy, the event of Bangladesh shall be hindered and it’ll additionally trigger harm to India.

    In an interview with India Today, Muzammel stated that after the defeat of the 1971 struggle of independence, the ISI killed the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, as a part of a world conspiracy. “Basically, through this, they took control of Bangladesh at that time. They destroy our spirit of freedom, our constitution and halt the march of secular Bangladesh,” he stated.

    Claiming that Bangladesh was managed by the ISI for 21 years from 1975 to 1996, the highest native chief of the Awami League stated that for a very long time, the nation had been following the sample of the Pakistani regime. “Militancy was cultivated here in the name of anti-India. This is what BNP-Jamaat has implemented for ISI,” Muzammel stated.

    BM Muzammel additionally stated that General Zia fashioned the BNP on the prescription of ISI and rehabilitated the opponents of the independence struggle. “During this period, General Zia killed thousands of freedom fighters and people with the spirit of the liberation war. Besides rehabilitating the anti-independence party in his own party, the general made the Jamaat a political path,” he informed India Today.

    ALSO READ | Jamaat-Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s secret alliance out in open once more

    “The Jamaat, which organized millions of massacres, rapes, arson and other crimes against humanity in the liberation war, got political asylum and turned Bangladesh towards Pakistan again just 4 years after the liberation war,” Muzammel alleged.

    Terming the BNP as India’s enemy, this Awami League chief stated that from 1975 to 1995, opposition to India reached its peak in Bangladesh.

    “We saw the anti-India card being used a lot in politics in the 90s. At that time, voters heard BNP-Jamaat saying that ‘boats are shown in different parts of India’, ‘Delhi will be Dhaka if Sheikh Hasina comes to power’ or ‘Masjids will become Hindu shelters’. Through such propaganda, an attempt was made to sow a kind of anti-India and anti-Awami League seed among the people. The BNP’s anti-India sentiments became evident during their rule. During that period, very few agreements in Bangladesh were executed with India,” the Awami League chief stated.

    ELECTION CONSPIRACY

    BM Muzammel Haque termed the BNP-Jamaat as an anti-independence, power-hungry, plunderer of individuals’s wealth, and stated that their purpose is to seize state energy by way of the again door by making a chaotic scenario. He stated, “Anti-independence activists are being vocal once again about the elections. Their target is to disrupt the progress of democracy. They hired mercenary intellectuals and commentators at home and abroad with looted money.”

    ALSO READ | China says Indian troops ‘illegally’ crossed border in Arunachal’s Tawang: Report

    He stated, “We are expecting a free, fair, impartial and competitive election. This is the first time a law has been passed in Bangladesh to form the Election Commission. The Election Commission has been given financial independence. The commission is working independently and will continue to do so in the future. The government will provide all assistance to the Election Commission for fair and peaceful elections.”

    Muzammel Haque informed India Today, “The Awami League is a party of the people, believes in the peace of the people, and believes in the power of the people. If the Awami League wins, it will continue to fulfil the national responsibility of building the country.”

    AWAMI LEAGUE’S CONFIDENCE IN PUBLIC

    Muzammel Haque stated that after constructing a digital Bangladesh, the following purpose of our authorities is to construct a sensible Bangladesh. Our staff has taken the initiative to coach the youth by taking numerous elements of the fourth industrial revolution, he stated.

    “The use of robotics, artificial intelligence, nano technology, genetic engineering, biotechnology i.e. digital devices will be ensured in all fields including smart Bangladesh, smart government, smart population, smart industrial factories and trade, health, education, trade, agriculture. Emphasis is placed on research in all areas,” Muzammel stated.

    ALSO READ | As India, China struggle once more on the border, this is a glance again at previous clashes

    He stated, “Since 2009, the Bangladesh Awami League government has been in charge of running the country after being elected by the people. People will judge and analyze what the Awami League has been able to give to the country in the last 14 years. I believe the people will not take the country back, they will re-elect the Awami League and continue the country’s progress.”

    Claiming that Bangladesh is shifting in direction of the specified purpose, the highest native chief of the Awami League stated, “When we assumed the responsibility of running the government in 2009, the global recession was still going on. The prices of daily necessities, including rice, were skyrocketing. On the other hand, people’s purchasing power went downward. We took the responsibility of running the government in such an economic crisis.”

    “Now after ‘Rupkalpo 2021’, we have formulated ‘Rupkalpo 2041’ and ‘Delta Plan 2100’. In Vision 2021, we wanted to build Digital Bangladesh besides achieving other goals. Today, we can say with satisfaction that we have been able to fulfill that promise,” Muzammel said.

    ‘Vision 2041’ aims to establish Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous country on the world map by 2041. The goal of ‘Delta Plan 2100’ is to make Bangladesh a sustainably developed and prosperous country.

    He also said, “Our authorities has accomplished the development of Padma Bridge with its personal funding, ignoring numerous obstacles. This bridge straight connects 21 districts of the south and south-western areas with Dhaka and different districts by highway. With the inauguration of Metrorail on December 28, we have now touched one other milestone in connectivity.”

    ALSO READ | Bangladesh opposition’s recreation plan: More violence, no polls

    He claimed, “The nice achievements, together with the institution of an impartial sovereign Bangladesh, have been achieved by the palms of the Awami League authorities. And the individuals will convey it again to energy.”

    2001 to 2006 – BNP-JAMAAT ALLIANCE MISRULE

    Referring to the darkish chapter of the BNP-Jamaat alliance’s 5-year rule, BM Muzammel Haque stated that the Jamaat-BNP alliance got here again to energy in 2001 by way of farcical elections. “Those 5 years of BNP-Jamaat coalition government was a scandalous chapter in the history of Bangladesh. People of this country have never seen the milestones that the coalition government set in misrule, including killings, disappearances, rapes, looting, terrorism, spreading the poison of communalism and fostering militancy.”

    “Thousands of Awami League leaders and activists were killed at that time. The wheels of the economy came to a standstill. Inflation, rise in commodity prices, decline in power generation, decline in literacy made people’s lives miserable. At the end of the term, by resorting to various tactics, it created obstacles in the normal transfer of power. 1 crore 23 lakh fake voters were included in the voter list as they conspired to bypass the electoral process,” Muzammel informed India Today.

    In the face of such an anarchic scenario, the military-backed caretaker authorities declared a state of emergency and took over the duty of operating the nation. Not solely did they fail to fulfill the expectations of the individuals, however they tarnished numerous establishments, together with the military.

    ALSO READ | Bangladesh opposition get together planning ‘fight-to-finish’ agitation to overthrow Sheikh Hasina govt

    Then, a suitable election was held on December 29, 2008. The Awami League received greater than two-thirds of the seats in that election and fashioned the federal government.

    REVOLUTIONARY DEVELOPMENT IN COMMUNICATION SECTOR

    BM Muzammel Haque stated revolutionary growth has been achieved within the final 14 years within the communication sector. “The construction of bridges over major rivers was necessary to establish uninterrupted road and rail connectivity in riverine Bangladesh. In the last 14 years, our government has constructed and reconstructed hundreds of bridges, roads, highways including Padma Bridge, Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge, Teesta Bridge, Payra Bridge, II Kanchpur Bridge, II Meghna, II Gomti Bridge,” the chief stated.

    Published On:

    Apr 1, 2023

  • Sheikh Hasina’s China coverage dangerous for India and Bangladesh: Opposition chief Nitai Roy Chowdhury

    By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Vice Chairman of Bangladesh’s largest political get together, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), underlined that China’s financing of varied tasks within the identify of loans or grants was neither good for the Sheikh Hasina authorities nor India. He acknowledged that by way of this financing, China needed to broaden its political dominance in Bangladesh and the area. “Chinese debt in mega projects is becoming a bigger burden for the people of the country day by day. China will take over Bangladesh like Sri Lanka if there is any kind of misunderstanding,” he warned.

    Chowdhury expressed these considerations in an unique interview to India Today. He spoke about Bangladesh’s modern politics, economic system, upcoming parliamentary elections and persecution of minority communities. Chowdhury admitted that after the BNP-led coalition got here to energy in 2001, there have been remoted incidents of assaults on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. However, he believed that the communal assaults in Bangladesh had been primarily because of financial causes. He alleged that Sheikh Hasina’s get together, Awami League, was concerned in all of the incidents of communal violence in Bangladesh.

    Excerpts from the interview:

    On Chinese debt to Bangladesh and Hasina govt coverage

    BNP’s prime chief Chowdhury stated that taking Chinese loans was an anachronistic pondering of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina stated that Bangladesh’s relationship with China was financial. With India, it was political. But Chowdhury felt there was no purpose to suppose that China was serving to Bangladesh unconditionally. According to him, financial help or commerce will not be assured with out political hegemony. “Countries that help economically underdeveloped or developing countries aim to gain political hegemony. China is lending to Bangladesh to expand its market. Hasina government accepts it and says it is developing. But the basis of this development is foreign debt. The burden of this debt is weighing heavy on the shoulders of the people. There is no benefit to the people in this development.”

    Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury stated that BNP by no means thought-about India an enemy.

    Chowdhury added that totally different nations of the world had been growing with their very own financing. But Bangladesh was taking the burden of debt within the identify of varied mega tasks, which it could not afford in the intervening time, he stated. “If there is any misunderstanding, our situation will be like Sri Lanka. As China has taken over Sri Lankan ports, the same will happen here,” he warned.

    Chowdhury stated that they are going to bleed Bangladesh if the nation was unable to repay the debt.

    On minority points

    “By doing a case study, you will see that Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League is involved in all the communal violence that has happened in the country. Awami League is the biggest enemy of Hindus,” Chowdhury claimed. “When the state was divided on the basis of two-nation theory, Hindus were one nation, Muslims were one nation. Hindus have separate homes, Muslims have separate homes. So, Hindus thought that our homeland is India, Muslims’ homeland is here. Then the Hindu zamindars left for India overnight. Most of them left except a few families. Then came the liberation war. During the war of liberation, the Razakars started looting Hindus. Then they became refugees and took refuge in India. When they left for India, they came back and saw that the Awami League leaders had seized all their land deposits. Large tea plantations, mills, land deposits.”

    He added BNP was not created then. “Awami League leaders have occupied the houses of Hindus. BNP leaders did not occupy the houses of Hindus. Even against Jamaat-e-Islami, there was no complaint of encroaching on Hindu houses.”

    On BNP’s India stand

    Chowdhury stated that BNP by no means thought-about India an enemy. “Bangladesh is at the belly of India. That is why India wants the well-being of Bangladesh in its interest. BNP understands this.” He stated he believed in good relations with the federal government and folks of India. “BNP realizes that the relationship should go deeper,” he identified.

    He added that Bangladesh wanted India’s cooperation for growth and prosperity. “Ziaur Rahman’s declared policy is friendship with all, enmity with none. We don’t want enmity with anyone, we want friendship. India has some national interests here, Bangladesh also has some national interests. BNP is a responsible political party. The responsibility of the party is to protect the national interest, to protect the national economy.”

    On subsequent election in Bangladesh

    The most mentioned challenge in Bangladesh presently is the subsequent parliamentary election. Chowdhury stated, “We want a free, fair, participatory election. Now, the BNP is a big political party in Bangladesh. The BNP was in power five times. Now the vast majority of people in this country support this party.”

    “No major political party participated in the 2014 election and MPs were elected unopposed in 154 seats. People didn’t vote in 154 constituencies. Our Constitution states that Members of Parliament will be elected by direct vote of the people. Now, if the people do not vote, then the state loses its sovereign power. Article 1 of our Constitution states that the Unitary Independence Sovereign Republic of Bangladesh shall be known as the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The People’s Republic is the people’s republic. Where is the sovereignty of this country?”

    “Article 7 states that all the powers of the state are vested in the people. The people exercise sovereign power by voting alone. So a government cannot be called a government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh where people are unable to exercise their franchise. Half of the votes were cast the night before the election in 2018. The next day, they rigged the rest and occupied all the seats. A big political party like the BNP got only 5 seats. It’s not believable. However, we now want elections where people can vote, elections that are truly competitive and transparent. This is not only the BNP’s demand but that of all opposition parties. Everyone is saying that elections should be held under a neutral government,” he identified.

    On convicted Khaleda-Tareq and the way forward for BNP management

    Recently, the BNP floated a proposal concerning the election construction, political construction and constitutional reform of the nation. It has been stated that the BNP wouldn’t convey any corrupt or convicted individual to political workplace or authorities. Khaleda Zia and Tariq Rahman, who are actually chairperson and performing chairman of the BNP, respectively, had been each convicted by court docket. When requested if the BNP would take a choice of their case, Chowdhury stated the BNP was a corruption-free political get together. He added that the founding father of the get together, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, was utterly trustworthy. “Khaleda Zia and Tareq Rahman have been framed to exact political revenge. The people of Bangladesh don’t believe it.” He added that the BNP wouldn’t compromise with corruption and no convicted or corrupt individual could be within the BNP management.

    “The BNP has no leadership crisis. There will never be a crisis. The BNP is a democratic political party and believes in participatory elections. If the BNP gets a majority in the election, Tarek Rahman will decide how the leader will be elected,” Chowdhury stated.

    Jamaat-BNP equation

    Although not in an alliance, Jamaat is with the BNP on varied points; they agree with the calls for of the BNP. What is Jamaat’s relation with BNP now? How was Jamaat Awami League associated?

    Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh turned unbiased on the premise of 4 rules of a secular state: socialism, democracy, secularism and Bangladeshi nationalism. “The state of Bangladesh was run on the basis of these four fundamental principles. Islamic conference was held in Waisi, Pakistan after Independence. Sheikh went there as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. After he came back, Jamaat gave amnesty to all those who collaborated with Pakistanis. In recent years, when the BNP was in power, the Awami League, Jamaat and the Jatiya Party moved together. Also when the Awami League was in power, the BNP, Jamaat and the Jatiya Party were together.”

    “A list of freedom fighters has been compiled many times. It is difficult to say how many on the list are genuine freedom fighters. But there was no list of Razakar. There are many Razakars who have become freedom fighters. For example, we have a friend who was once the leader of the Awami League and the leader of the Chhatra League. He is now the leader of the BNP, Fazlur Rahman. He said in a meeting that there are five freedom fighters in this Cabinet who are not genuine freedom fighters. And many of them came from the Razakar family and the Jamaat family. So this is how mixed it has been, and it is more so in the Awami League. There is no question of ideology match with Jamaat,” he stated.

    On anti-India politics

    On a number of anti-Indian political events in Bangladesh, Chowdhury stated that they might all the time exist in Bangladesh. “India has no reason to worry. Ever since the Second World War, a large part of the world has spoken against the US. It did not hinder the development of America. All developed countries, including the US, have spoken a lot against China. It did not hinder China’s development, he explained.

    “It doesn’t matter if some parties speak against India. India also understands this. Indian politicians are very refined. Their intellectuals are very mature. They don’t care so much about what a group says or doesn’t say. What matters is who India wants to have relations with. With the people of Bangladesh or with a party? India should associate with the party that enjoys the support of more people. India should maintain people-to-people relations. Doing things that benefit the people of India and the people of Bangladesh,” he added.

    Edited By:

    Tirtho Banerjee

    Published On:

    Feb 1, 2023

  • Illegal immigrants are financial refugees, says Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s business advisor | Exclusive

    Salman Fazlur Rahman, advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in an unique interview with India Today, spoke in regards to the India-Bangladesh financial partnership, China, refugees, and the state of the nation’s economic system. Illegal immigrants are financial refugees, and can return as soon as the economic system improves, he stated.

    #IndiaTodayExclusive | Salman Fazlur Rahman, Advisor to PM Sheikh Hasina speaks on Industry and funding. Says, “Illegal immigrants are economic refugees. Will return when Bangladesh economy improves” #ReporterDiray | (@geeta_mohan) pic.twitter.com/o9gJgJqy1l

    — IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) September 7, 2022
    Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

    India and Bangladesh will quickly start negotiations on CEPA, which is a bilateral commerce settlement. In 2021-22, Bangladesh emerged as the biggest commerce associate for India in South Asia and CEPA will present a lift to the already flourishing commerce.

    “There is no timeframe to conclude CEPA, but we hope it happens as soon as possible. In principle, we agreed to do a CEPA,” Salman Rahman advised India Today.

    “We have to do scoping and a lot of work before proper negotiations begin. Well, the timeframe that we would like is as soon as possible, but there is a lot of work to do,” he added.

    The personal business and funding advisor to the Bangladesh PM additionally spoke in regards to the particular relationship between India and Bangladesh.

    “This is the beginning. I am very confident, taking into consideration the very close and brotherly relations we have. And also the special relationship that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have. They’ve already met a number of times. PM Modi came to Bangladesh even during Covid times to celebrate our 50th anniversary and 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We followed up with this visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India,” Salman Rahman stated.

    Read | Sheikh Hasina meets PM Modi, recollects India’s contribution in Bangladesh liberation struggle

    Investments in Bangladesh

    “There is a huge scope [for investments]. Indian investors, when they invest in Bangladesh, should not look at Bangladesh’s market alone. They should combine it with the North East. The reason for that is because we are now working closely on communication and connectivity—road, rail, and waterways. Bangladesh would become a huge market for Indian companies,” Salman Rahman advised India Today.

    Read | Sheikh Hasina’s go to: Challenges and alternatives for Bangladesh, India

    On China and debt lure

    Speaking on Chinese investments in Bangladesh and a attainable debt lure, Salman Rahman stated one of many success tales of Bangladesh is that the nation’s exterior debt to GDP ratio is likely one of the lowest on the earth.

    “Similarly, the commercial debt of Bangladesh government is minimal. All our debt is bilateral debt at concessional rates. In the case of Sri Lanka, the biggest problem was that the government had taken on a huge amount of commercial debt. We haven’t done that. In fact, we don’t even have a sovereign bond,” he stated.

    Speaking about India’s considerations concerning Chinese investments in Bangladesh, Rahman stated Indian corporations shouldn’t be frightened.

    “Our relationship with China is that they have given us concessional loans for some projects and we have used them for the projects. For example, the Padma Bridge, which is a marvel of engineering, many believed was a Chinese government project. That is not true. It is financed by Bangladesh completely, but through an international tender the project was constructed by a Chinese company. It was a commercial thing. That does not mean we are dependent on China for such development projects. There are some infrastructure projects that China has financed too,” he added.

    On unlawful immigrants

    Salman Rahman stated that unlawful immigrants are financial refugees, and as soon as their [illegal immigrants’] financial state of affairs improves, they won’t depart the nation. Illegal immigrants will return to Bangladesh if the financial state of affairs improves, he stated.

    “We are seeing that Bangladeshis are now looking for higher-paying jobs in the Middle East (the Gulf) because, for lower-paid jobs, they are getting better salaries in Bangladesh itself. They are getting skilled and then going abroad. So, we are focusing on skill training, upskilling, and reskilling,” he added.

    Read | Rohingyas large burden, India can play large position of their return to Myanmar: Sheikh Hasina

    Teesta river dispute

    Salman Rahman stated Bangladesh hopes that the dispute can be resolved throughout Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. We have had many rounds of negotiations already and I feel that, from the Indian aspect, that realisation is there, he stated.

    “Negotiations on both sides will have to be concluded. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also has very good relations with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,” he added.

    Read | With PM Modi at helm, India & Bangladesh will resolve all points: Sheikh Hasina

    — ENDS —

  • Rohingyas massive burden, India can play massive function of their return to Myanmar: Sheikh Hasina forward of India go to

    Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday mentioned that Rohingya refugees are a “big burden” on Bangladesh and the nation is reaching out to the worldwide group to make sure they return to their homeland.

    Confessing that the presence of lakhs of refugees within the nation had created challenges, the Prime Minister mentioned she believes India might play a serious function in resolving the problem, in an interview with information company ANI.

    “Well, you know… for us, it’s a big burden. India is a vast country. You can accommodate, but you don’t have much. But in our country, we have 1.1 million Rohingya. So, we are consulting with the international community and also our neighbouring countries. They should also take some steps so that they can go back home,” she mentioned.

    ‘HOW LONG WILL ROHINGYAS STAY IN BANGLADESH?’

    Hasina added that her authorities had tried to handle the displaced group on humanitarian grounds.

    “On humanitarian grounds, we give them shelter and provide everything… During Covid, we vaccinated all the Rohingya community. But how long will they stay here? In the camp where they are staying, our environmental hazard is there. Then some people engage in drug trafficking, some arms conflict, or women’s trafficking. Day by day, it is increasing.”

    “So as quickly as they return home, it is good for our country and also for Myanmar. We have been trying our best to pursue them. We’re discussing with them and also with the international community, like ASEAN or UN, and then other countries,” she instructed ANI.

    “But India, as a neighbouring country, can play a big role in it. I feel that,” Hasina added.

    ‘INDIA SHOULD SHOW MORE GENEROSITY’

    During the interview, she was additionally requested about her nation’s cooperation with India on sharing the Teesta River territory, to which she replied that whereas there have been challenges, they could possibly be resolved mutually.

    “It is very sad that we are in a… you know… downstream. So water is coming from India, so India should show more generosity. Because both countries will be beneficiaries. Sometimes our people suffer a lot because of this need for water. Especially Teesta, we could not go for harvest and so many problems took place,” she mentioned.

    “I think it should be solved but, yes, we found that the Prime Minister is very… you know… eager to solve this problem, but the problem is in your country. So… we hope that it should, you know… it should be solved,” Hasina mentioned.

    She added that the 2 international locations shared the water of the river Ganges. “Only Ganges water we share. The water, we signed the treaty. But we have another 54 rivers. Yes… It’s a long standing problem, so it should be solved,” she mentioned.

    READ | You have the identical rights as I’ve, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina tells Hindu group

    — ENDS —