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BSF Apprehends 14 People Along Indo-Bangladesh Border

India -Bangladesh border

As per officials, five heavy trucks were seized in the joint operation…reports Asian Lite News

In a joint operation with West Bengal Police, troops of North Bengal Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) have apprehended 14 persons and rescued 240 cattle heads along the Indo-Bangladesh border, officials said on Tuesday.

As per officials, five heavy trucks were seized in the joint operation.

Taking to the social media platform, X, North Bengal Frontier BSF said, “In a commendable joint ops with West Bengal Police, valiant soldiers of 40 Bn @BSFNBFTR apprehended 14 Indian nationals involved in illegal activities with 05 heavy trucks and rescued 240 cattle from the possession of the apprehended persons.”

An investigation into this matter is underway. Further details are awaited.

Pak national apprehended

Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended a Pakistani national attempting to sneak into Indian Territory at the international border of Kutch District on Tuesday, said BSF in a statement.

The individual was intercepted by vigilant BSF personnel when they observed suspicious movement near the border.

The detained individual seems to be mentally unsound and is unable to reveal his identity. Nothing suspicious has been found in his possession, added the statement.

Notably, BSF is on high alert because of upcoming Republic Day celebrations.

Earlier, in a joint operation with the West Bengal Police, troops of North Bengal Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) have apprehended 14 persons and rescued 240 cattle heads along the Indo-Bangladesh border, officials said on Tuesday.

As per officials, five heavy trucks were seized in the joint operation. Taking to the social media platform, X, North Bengal Frontier BSF said, “In a commendable joint ops with West Bengal Police, valiant soldiers of 40 Bn @BSFNBFTR apprehended 14 Indian nationals involved in illegal activities with five heavy trucks and rescued 240 cattle from the possession of the apprehended persons.” (ANI)

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India, Bangladesh Discuss Issues to Boost Bilateral Ties

The two sides discussed issues to advance bilateral cooperation in the new term of the Bangladesh government….reports Asian Lite News

India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, called on Bangladesh’s new Foreign Minister, Hasan Mahmud. The two sides discussed issues to advance bilateral cooperation in the new term of the Bangladesh government.

During the meeting, Pranay Verma conveyed the greetings of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Hasan Mahmud. Notably, Hasan Mahmud has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new Foreign Minister, succeeding Abdul Momen.

In the previous term, Hasan Mahmud was given the responsibilities of Bangalesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

In a post shared on X, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh stated, “HC Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on the new FM of Bangladesh H.E Hasan Mahmud on 15 Jan 2024 & conveyed greetings on behalf of India’s EAM. They discussed wide ranging issues to advance India-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation in the new term of the Bangladesh Govt.”

On January 8, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During the meeting, he conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India to Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Sheikh Hasina for securing victory in the elections. Underscoring that India is committed to further strengthening the partnership with Bangladesh, PM Modi said, “We are committed to further strengthening our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh.”

In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, “Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of the elections. We are committed to further strengthening our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh.”

Sheikh Hasina registered a historic victory, clinching a fourth consecutive term as the Bangladesh Prime Minister. Her party, the Awami League secured 223 seats to form the government in the elections held on January 7.

She received 249,962 votes, while her nearest rival, Md Atiqur Rahman, got 6,999 votes. Meanwhile, another candidate, Mahabur Mollah, received 425 votes. Sheikh Hasina has won the fifth term, which is also her fourth consecutive term, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, Jatiya Party (JaPa-Ershad), received 11 seats, Bangladesh Kallyan party won in one constituency while independent candidates secured victory in 62 seats.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and Workers Party of Bangladesh won one seat each, according to the report.The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties observed a strike across the country as they boycotted the elections. (ANI)

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India, Bangladesh to Work ‘More Closely’

The Indian High commissioner said their discussions focused on the advancements and successes achieved in bilateral relationships during the last decade….reports Sumi Khan

During a meeting with Bangladesh’s newly-elected Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said a new chapter of bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations has opened, and would work “more closely” to take the ties forward.

The meeting took place on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

“I came here to pay a courtesy call on the new Foreign Minister. I have congratulated him, and also on behalf of our External Affairs Minister. There were discussions on various bilateral issues. We would work more closely to take our relationship forward,” Verma told reporters.

The High Vommissioner further said their discussions focused on the advancements and successes achieved in bilateral relationships during the last decade.

“Our bilateral relationship reached a close state in the last 10 years,” he added.

He also noted that discussions took place over “issues that we can consider in future”.

“For instance, on the climate issue, we can cooperate in the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s plan in building a smart Bangladesh by 2041,” the envoy added.

Expressing India’s interest in working with the new Awami League government, he said: “We hope that our partnership will thrive under the new government, which would be conducive for the national interests of both sides. We have always been ready to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh.”

Referring to the previous three national elections in the country, Foreign Minister Mahmud said India has consistently extended its support to preserve democratic continuity in Bangladesh.

“India stood by our side in 2014 when many conspiracies were going on surrounding the election. In 2018, there were efforts to make the election controversial as well as to raise many questions about it; India was beside us then too. This time, you all know what was or is the stance of India over holding an election to maintain democratic continuity,” he stated.

The newly-appointed Foreign Minister also expressed his interest in making his first overseas trip to India.

Asked about the probable date, he said he had been invited from India, and both sides were working to find a time suitable for the two Foreign Ministers.

Regarding his discussions with Verma, Mahmud said: “We discussed different issues, though it was a courtesy call. We particularly discussed the issues of connectivity, border haats, and trade expansion, with great importance.”Besides, they discussed scopes of trade expansion through transactions in the Bangladeshi taka and Indian rupee, which have already started on a small scale.

“There were discussions between us on ways to expand it, make it popular, and known to all. If it is done, our dependency on the dollar will subside, and so will India’s. It will be conducive for trade expansion in both countries.”

ALSO READ: Observers From ECI Laud Peaceful Bangladesh Polls

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Decoding Hasina’s Cabinet Picks

After the sworn-in ceremony, the Prime Minister will distribute the portfolios among the ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers of the new cabinet….reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister-designate Sheikh Hasina has invited some 25 party MPs to become Cabinet Ministers and 11 as State Ministers in her new ministry, while dropping many of her old colleagues and bringing in several new faces, it was announced on Wednesday

The new cabinet of Sheikh Hasina, following her Awami League securing its fourth straight term in the January 7 elections, will be sworn-in by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban here on Thursday evening.

At a briefing on Wednesday, Cabinet Division Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain said the new cabinet will comprise of 25 ministers, and there will be 11 state ministers and deputy ministers.

After the sworn-in ceremony, the Prime Minister will distribute the portfolios among the ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers of the new cabinet.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is retaining some trusted associates, including some AL heavyweights, but may change their portfolios.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said he received a phone call from the Cabinet Division on Wednesday evening.

“I was told to take the oath on Thursday,without mentioning any ministry,” he said. Local Government Minister Tajul Islam also said he received a similar call without confirmation on which ministry he would get.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, Education Minister Dipu Moni, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, and Information Minister Hasan Mahmud also said that they received calls for the swearing in.

There were speculations that Salman F. Rahman, the Prime Minister’s advisor on private industry and investment, may get a berth in the new cabinet, but he told bdnews24.com that he was not invited to join Hasina’s new council of ministers.

Jahangir Kabir Nanak, who had worked as the State Minister for Local Government in the 2009-2014 government but did not get a berth in the next government, also said that he had also received a call.

Obaidul Quader, A.K.M Mozammel Huq, Muhammad Faruk Khan, and Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali are among the new cabinet members who will be assigned to key ministries.

Awami League General Secretary Quader told IANS that he retained his berth as Road Transport and Bridges Minister.

Others who have been selected as ministers in the new cabinet are Md Abdus Shahid, Sadhan Chandra Mazumder, R.A.M. Ubaidul Muktadir Chowdhury, Md Abdur Rahman, Narayan Chandra Chanda, Abdus Salam, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, Farhad Hossain, Md Faridul Huq Khan, Md Zillul Hakim, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Nazmul Hasan.

Yafesh Osman and Dr Samanta Lal Sen will be under the technocrat quota.

Those have been invited to take oath as state ministers are Simin Hossain Rimi, daughter of Tajuddin Ahmedm a close associate of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Nasrul Hamid, Junayed Ahmed Palak, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Md Mohibbur Rahman, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Zahid Faruque, Kujendra Lal Tripura, Begum Rumana Ali, Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury, and Ahsanul Islam Tito.

ALSO READ: Observers From ECI Laud Peaceful Bangladesh Polls

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Hasina Begins Fourth Term as PM

Sheikh Hasina is officially the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh’s history….reports Asian Lite News

Following the ruling Awami League’s (AL) win in the January 7 Bangladesh general elections, incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took the oath of office on Wednesday for her historic fourth-consecutive term.

The oath to Hasina and other newly-elected MPs was administered by Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, reports Xinhua news agency.

Apart from this, independent MPs-elect and newly-elected legislators were also sworn in at the ceremony.

According to a gazette notification published by the Election Commission on Tuesday, the ruling AL won 223 out of 298 seats in the polls conducted on Sunday, more than enough for her party to form a straight fourth five-year term government since January 2009 after running the country from 1996-2001.

Sheikh Hasina is officially the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh’s history.

The result showed that independent candidates won 61 seats while the Jatiya Party bagged 11 seats and other AL allies got two seats.

Apart from this, another political group the Bangladesh Kalyan Party secured one seat.

Voter turnout was recorded at 41.8 per cent.

The party-led alliance bagged a landslide win with 225 seats.

The AL will form its new cabinet on Thursday, a senior Cabinet Division official told Xinhua news agency.

Sunday’s elections were held amid mass violence and arrests of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders and supporters.

The BNP boycotted the polls after the AL rejected their demands for an independent caretaker government to preside over the elections.

The opposition party had also called on people to not cast their votes.

According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW), nearly 10,000 activists were arrested after an opposition rally on October 28, 2023 turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 people and injuring more than 5,500, reports the BBC.

It accused the government of “filling prisons with the ruling AL’s political opponents”.

The AL has however, denied these accusations.

ALSO READ: Observers From ECI Laud Peaceful Bangladesh Polls

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BSF Foils Cross-Border Cattle Smuggling in Jalpaiguri

The operation was carried out on Monday after the BSF got a tip-off….reports Asian Lite News

In a joint operation with West Bengal police, the Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended four people and seized a heavy truck carrying 43 buffalos along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. According to BSF, the persons were apprehended after they were not able to produce any legal documents and did not provide a satisfactory reply to the joint operations party.

The operation was carried out on Monday after the BSF got a tip-off. The arrested persons were identified as Rijwan, a resident of Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh; Sekh Miraj Hasan, a resident of Murshidabad district of West Bengal; Sheikh Ramjan, a resident of Birbhum district of West Bengal; and Naimuddin, a resident of Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal. The truck was intercepted at Fulbari Toll Plaza while it was going to Meghalaya, said BSF.

“On search, the party recovered 43 buffalos from the truck, three mobile phones and Indian currency (Rs. 28,900) from the possession of the apprehended persons,” said BSF in a statement.

“Further, the apprehended persons, along with the seized truck, buffalos, mobiles and Indian currency, were handed over to Police Station New Jalpaiguri for further legal formalities,” the statement added.

Besides the above-mentioned operation, from January 8 to January 9, troops of under-command battalions of the North Bengal Frontier BSF carried out an anti-smuggling drive in their respective border areas in order to thwart any attempt by anti-national elements to execute their nefarious design of smuggling and seized 73 cattle, 175 bottles of phenedyl, and other contraband items from different border areas, said the BSF.

The total value of the seized items is Rs. 23,96,645. The above items were seized by BSF troops while smugglers were trying to smuggle them from India to Bangladesh, the BSF said. (ANI)

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Observers From ECI Laud Peaceful Bangladesh Polls


International Observers’ delegation in Bangladesh for elections thanked the Election Commission for the invitation and appreciated their efforts….reports Asian Lite News

A three-member delegation from the Election Commission of India on Monday applauded Bangladesh’s top electoral body for its meticulous planning and the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded polls.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Election Commission of Bangladesh and its meticulous planning and arrangements made for the conduct of the election process and facilitating this visit,” it added.

The three-member International Observers’ delegation who visited Bangladesh to observe the general elections, thanked and appreciated the efforts of the Bangladesh Election Commission for inviting them.

A three-member delegation from the Election Commission of India, led by Dharmendra Sharma, senior Deputy Election Commissioner, along with B Narayanan, Director General and Mohammed Umar, Principal Secretary, visited Bangladesh as observers for the 12th Parliamentary elections.

“We thank the Bangladesh Election Commission for extending an invitation to the Election Commission of India as observers to the 12th Parliamentary elections,” the Election Commission of India said in an official statement.

It further highlighted that the delegation visited a number of polling stations and witnessed the polling process firsthand.

“We saw citizens of Bangladesh exercising their electoral rights at these stations peacefully,” it said.

They further noted that India shares a cordial relationship with the Election Commission of Bangladesh, adding that “we look forward to continuing our cooperation.”

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured her fourth straight term in a controversial election after her Awami League party swept more than half of the parliament seats in an election boycotted by her opponents.

Notably, the Awami League won in five constituencies amid a boycott by the opposition BNP and 15 other parties.

Following her victory, Hasina further expressed her commitment to serving the people of Bangladesh, emphasising the responsibility she feels towards the citizens who have repeatedly voted for her. (ANI)

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Hasina Vows Unwavering Commitment to Bangladesh’s Development

She expressed gratitude towards India, emphasising its pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh during critical moments in history…reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who secured her fifth term in the recent general elections, outlined her plans for the country’s international relations and highlighted the strong bond between Bangladesh and India.

She expressed gratitude towards India, emphasising its pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh during critical moments in history.

Hasina Highlights India Ties in Post-Election Plans

In a press conference at her residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka, she responded to a question from ANI about her plans for Bangladesh’s international engagement over the next five years and the ties with India, saying, “India is a great friend of Bangladesh. They supported us in 1971 and 1975. We consider India our next-door neighbour. I really appreciate that we have a wonderful relationship with India.”

The Prime Minister stressed the historical significance of India’s support during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 and the subsequent challenges faced by the nation in 1975. She hailed the enduring friendship between the two countries and reiterated the importance of India as a key ally.

“In the next 5 years, our main focus will be on economic progress and fulfilling all the work that we have started. We have already declared our manifesto, and we follow our election manifesto whenever we prepare our budget and try to fulfil our promises. The development of the people and our country is our main aim,” Sheikh Hasina added.

She further expressed her commitment to serving the people of Bangladesh, emphasising the responsibility she feels towards the citizens who have repeatedly voted for her.

“I try to work for my people. With motherly affection, I look after my people. Our people gave me this opportunity. Time and again, people have voted for me, and that is why I am here…I am just a common person but I always feel responsible for my people. I feel this is the opportunity to serve my people and ensure them a better life,” she also said.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s aspirations for the future, Sheikh Hasina outlined the country’s goal to develop a smart population, smart government, smart economy, and smart society by 2041. She emphasised the importance of training the younger generation for the challenges of the future.

“By nature, our people are very smart, and as I mentioned, we want to train our younger generation for the future. It is our target to develop the country by 2041. Smart population, smart government, smart economy, and smart society are our main aims,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

Hasina also addressed concerns about individuals with ties to terrorist organisations or engaged in illegal activities refraining from contesting elections. She asserted that the victory in elections is a result of the people’s choices and is not influenced by those avoiding participation due to such affiliations.

Hasina was re-elected for a fifth term in the national election that was conducted on Sunday amidst the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former PM Khaleda Zia, who is currently in jail. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Hasina Highlights India Ties in Post-Election Plans

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US Labels Bangladesh Elections as ‘Not Free and Fair’

The country further supported Bangladesh people and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression…reports Asian Lite News

The United States shared its view on the Bangladesh general elections held on Sunday, emphasising that these “elections were not free and fair” while expressing concerns over the arrests of thousands of political opposition members.

The US further expressed regret that not all parties participated in the elections.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has secured her fourth straight term in a controversial election after her Awami League party swept more than half of the parliament seats in an election boycotted by her opponents.

“The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated,” the US Department of State said in a statement.

The country further supported Bangladesh people and their aspirations for democracy, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.

“The United States notes the Awami League party won a majority of seats in the January 7, 2024 parliamentary elections,” the statement said.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won the re-election for a fifth term in the national election, conducted on Sunday amidst the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former PM Khaleda Zia, who is currently in jail.

Moreover, the US stated that it is concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members.

“The United States remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on election day,” it said.

It further condemned the violence that was happening during the elections and in the months leading up to it.

It further encouraged the Bangladesh government to investigate reports of violence.

“We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to credibly investigate reports of violence and to hold perpetrators accountable. We also urge all political parties to reject violence,” the statement added.

Furthermore, the US remained committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties,” it added.

Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League has won a fourth consecutive term in the 12th parliamentary election, marking the second lowest voter turnout since the reinstatement of democracy in 1991, according to the Daily Star.

Notably, the Awami League won in five constituencies amid a boycott by the opposition BNP and 15 other parties.

Following her victory, Hasina further expressed her commitment to serving the people of Bangladesh, emphasising the responsibility she feels towards the citizens who have repeatedly voted for her. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Hasina Highlights India Ties in Post-Election Plans

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Hasina Highlights India Ties in Post-Election Plans

How Hasina, with India's support, broke the back of Pak-sponsored terror in Bangladesh.(photo:IN)

Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude towards India, emphasising its pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh during critical moments in history…reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who secured her fifth term in the recent general elections, outlined her plans for the country’s international relations and highlighted the strong bond between Bangladesh and India.

She expressed gratitude towards India, emphasising its pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh during critical moments in history.

In a press conference at her residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka, she responded to a question from ANI about her plans for Bangladesh’s international engagement over the next five years and the ties with India, saying, “India is a great friend of Bangladesh. They supported us in 1971 and 1975. We consider India our next-door neighbour. I really appreciate that we have a wonderful relationship with India.”

The Prime Minister stressed the historical significance of India’s support during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 and the subsequent challenges faced by the nation in 1975. She hailed the enduring friendship between the two countries and reiterated the importance of India as a key ally.

“In the next 5 years, our main focus will be on economic progress and fulfilling all the work that we have started. We have already declared our manifesto, and we follow our election manifesto whenever we prepare our budget and try to fulfil our promises. The development of the people and our country is our main aim,” Sheikh Hasina added.

She further expressed her commitment to serving the people of Bangladesh, emphasising the responsibility she feels towards the citizens who have repeatedly voted for her.

“I try to work for my people. With motherly affection, I look after my people. Our people gave me this opportunity. Time and again, people have voted for me, and that is why I am here…I am just a common person but I always feel responsible for my people. I feel this is the opportunity to serve my people and ensure them a better life,” she also said.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s aspirations for the future, Sheikh Hasina outlined the country’s goal to develop a smart population, smart government, smart economy, and smart society by 2041. She emphasised the importance of training the younger generation for the challenges of the future.

“By nature, our people are very smart, and as I mentioned, we want to train our younger generation for the future. It is our target to develop the country by 2041. Smart population, smart government, smart economy, and smart society are our main aims,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

Hasina also addressed concerns about individuals with ties to terrorist organisations or engaged in illegal activities refraining from contesting elections. She asserted that the victory in elections is a result of the people’s choices and is not influenced by those avoiding participation due to such affiliations.

Hasina was re-elected for a fifth term in the national election that was conducted on Sunday amidst the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former PM Khaleda Zia, who is currently in jail. (ANI)

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