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Asia News Bangladesh

Focus on economy ahead of polls

Hasina led Awami League has been in power in Bangladesh for the last 14 years. But the opposition is now regrouping itself ahead of the elections….reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces a tough election next year, said on Monday that the country has undergone a significant change in the last few years and it will continue to tread the path of development and prosperity.

Hasina led Awami League has been in power in Bangladesh for the last 14 years. But the opposition is now regrouping itself ahead of the elections.

“We have to advance more as the developing country and turn it into a developed one. And we have formulated that plan, Hasina said at the reception held to honour the gallantry award winning freedom fighters of the armed forces and their heirs.

“We are trying tirelessly. Now at least we can say that the people of the world will not undermine Bangladeshis,” she said, adding that the country has already formulated Vision 2041 and Delta Plan 2100 for the future generations.

Last year, the 75 years old Hasina told her cabinet, “We’ve got established ourselves as a developing country. We’ve reached here overcoming so many hurdles both from home and abroad.”

“Bangladesh is now independent, and it’ll remain independent. We’ll build it as Golden Bangladesh of the Father of the Nation,” she said.

The Asian Development Bank in its recently published outlook has projected a 7.2 per cent growth for Bangladesh, which was once called as a basket case by former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. The country is also gearing up to exit the list of Least Developed Countries.

A peaceful and developing Bangladesh is critical for India as well as South Asia.

ALSO READ: Dar in a bind as Pakistan-IMF talks hit roadblock again

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Hasina hopes to import oil from India by 2023

Hasina also mentioned the connectivity routes which were closed during the 1965 war, saying the routes were now being opened in phases…reports Sumi Khan

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed hope to import oil from India by 2023 through a proposed pipeline project.

She made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Biswajit Daimary at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka.

The Speaker led a four-member delegation which is part of a team of 32 MLAs from the northeast visiting Bangladesh.

The 130-km India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL) project aims to import oil products from the Siliguri Marketing Terminal in West Bengal.

Hasina also mentioned the connectivity routes which were closed during the 1965 war, saying the routes were now being opened in phases.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the contribution of the northeastern statesand West Bengal for sheltering the freedom fighters and refugees from Bangladesh in 1971.

Laying emphasis on regional cooperation, the premier said that Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states can use the Chittagong air and sea ports, as well as Syedpur airports for mutual benefits.

On his part, Daimary called his trip to Bangladesh fruitful, adding that the people of Assam will be benefited from cooperation from the neighboring country.

He said said Assam wants Bangladeshi experts’ cooperation in the agriculture sector as the country has huge experience in this regard.

The delegation also stressed the need for strengthening people-to-people contact as well as trade and commerce in the region.

ALSO READ-India seeks early free trade deal with Bangladesh

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Oil from India via proposed pipeline by 2023: Hasina

The 130-km India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL) project aims to import oil products from the Siliguri Marketing Terminal in West Bengal….reports Sumi Khan

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed hope to import oil from India by 2023 through a proposed pipeline project.

She made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Biswajit Daimary at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka.

The Speaker led a four-member delegation which is part of a team of 32 MLAs from the northeast visiting Bangladesh.

The 130-km India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL) project aims to import oil products from the Siliguri Marketing Terminal in West Bengal.

Hasina also mentioned the connectivity routes which were closed during the 1965 war, saying the routes were now being opened in phases.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the contribution of the northeastern statesand West Bengal for sheltering the freedom fighters and refugees from Bangladesh in 1971.

Laying emphasis on regional cooperation, the premier said that Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states can use the Chittagong air and sea ports, as well as Syedpur airports for mutual benefits.

On his part, Daimary called his trip to Bangladesh fruitful, adding that the people of Assam will be benefited from cooperation from the neighboring country.

He said said Assam wants Bangladeshi experts’ cooperation in the agriculture sector as the country has huge experience in this regard.

The delegation also stressed the need for strengthening people-to-people contact as well as trade and commerce in the region.

ALSO READ: India seeks early free trade deal with Bangladesh

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Asia News Bangladesh

B’desh intelligence officer shot dead in border drug bust

There was exchange of fire between law enforcement forces and Rohingya drug dealers at the zero line of the Tumbru border in Bandarban on Monday evening…reports Asian Lite News

An Bangladesh Air Force officer, working at the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), was killed in a gunfight with drug traffickers along the Myanmar border in Bandarban’s Naikkhyangchhari, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Tuesday.

RAB constable Sohail Barua, who was injured in the firing, has been admitted to the Neurosurgery Department of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital DMCH and has already undergone head surgery, he added.

According to the minister, there was exchange of fire between law enforcement forces and Rohingya drug dealers at the zero line of the Tumbru border in Bandarban on Monday evening.

In response to the questions of journalists here, Kamal said: “The anti-narcotics operation was being conducted based on the information of the intelligence agencies. An officer was accidentally shot dead there. We are working on how he was shot and which drug dealers shot him. We will reveal the truth of this incident later.”

Asaduzzaman Khan

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that an armed forces officer was killed and a RAB member was injured in a clash with “smugglers” at the Konarpara Line of Control on the Tumbru border in Naikhangchari hill area on Monday evening.

The incident occurred around 6.30 p.m., said Dil Mohammad Bhutto, a leader (Majhi) of the camp of the local Ghumdhum union council, and Ariful Islam, a community leader of the Rohingya camp set up on land between the borders of the two countries. Dil Mohammad said he heard several people were injured in the shootout.

Mohammad Ashikur Rahman, te resident medical officer of Cox’s Bazar General Hospital, said Barua, 30, of RAB-15 in the district was brought to the hospital around 9.45 p.m. with critical injuries, including head injuries, and was to be transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) or the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka for advanced treatment if his bleeding did not stop.

Police and RAB officials at the hospital declined to comment.

ALSO READ: Kolkata Port upbeat after trials through Bangladesh ports

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Hasina inaugurates construction of China-funded expressway

The project, estimated at cost of 175.53 billion taka (1.72 billion U.S. dollars) will enable quick entry and exit of vehicles to and from Dhaka…reports Asian Lite News

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday virtually inaugurated the construction of a China-funded elevated expressway project.

she opened the construction work virtually for the 24-km Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway from her official residence, Xinhua reported.

The project, estimated at cost of 175.53 billion taka (1.72 billion U.S. dollars) will enable quick entry and exit of vehicles to and from Dhaka and facilitate transit trade with regional countries.

“The project will improve the transportation infrastructure of Bangladesh and promote its vital role in regional connectivity,” Xinhua quoted Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming as saying.

It echoes the purpose of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote infrastructural connectivity, and stands as another example of how Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 plan and the BRI integrate and benefit the peoples of both countries.

According to the Xinhua reports, Bangladesh has already signed a deals with the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) to build the elevated expressway from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka to Ashuli.

The project will be implemented with Chinese financial assistance on a government-to-government basis.

The plans for improving 14.28 km of existing road and constructing toll stations, exit and entry ramps and other ancillary works have also been included in the elevated expressway project, which will be implemented in five years.

Upon completion, it will allow 40 million people from 30 districts in the country to enter and exit Dhaka quickly and easily, Xinhua reported.

ALSO READ: Kolkata Port upbeat after trials through Bangladesh ports

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Opposition targets Hasina, India must keep vigil

Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina on Thursday said in Parliament that the opposition parties are trying to stir up political instability in her country, a report by Mahua Venkatesh

India must up its ante as Bangladesh’s opposition parties including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are now gearing up to hold rallies and processions and even blockade the country in a bid to oust the current Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina on Thursday said in Parliament that the opposition parties are trying to stir up political instability in her country. “When the country is in a transition period (crisis), I’ve not seen such concern among those who are in our opposition. Rather I’ve seen that they are trying how to create a political instability, taking its advantage. Is it fair to do that?” she said.

Amanullah Aman, senior member of the BNP said on October 8 that his party is planning to launch a new programme across the country targeting the government.

“If necessary, we will be martyrs but no election under (Prime Minister) Sheikh Hasina will be allowed. We will return home after ensuring the removal of this government,” Aman said.

Earlier, a report by the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) noted that the “behind-the-scenes role” of the Pakistani agency the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has hugely boosted the BNP and other radical outfits.

Terrorist groups unleashed reign of terror in B’desh: Hasina



The Awami League has been in power in Bangladesh since January 2009.

“Bangladesh has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last 10 years. This is due because Hasina in a pragmatic way prioritised economy over ideology. Simply put, she has delivered,” geopolitical and security analyst Navita Srikant told India Narrative.

Now it is slated to exit UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list in 2026,

Bangladesh, which was considered a basket case at its birth in 1971, reached lower-middle income status in 2015, driven by Hasina’s economic policies.

But the recent economic crisis in the country has provided it with a solid issue around which to mobilize people, the Diplomat said.

India is home to more than 200 million Muslims and unrest in Bangladesh has a direct impact on Indian polity, especially its northeastern states, which border the South Asian nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Bangladesh as a joho jatri or a co-passenger in India’s economic and social journey.

“India and Bangladesh enjoy a strong relationship, we need to grow together and we need greater collaboration to weed out extremism in the region. Peace has to prevail for both economies to grow and enhance economic cooperation,” Srikant said.

From time to time, Bangladesh has witnessed anti India activities.

Despite Hasina’s repeated urge to maintain peace and uphold the principles of secularism, a Kali temple in Dautiya village in Jhenaidah district was vandalised just last month.

In 2021, the Durga Puja festival was marred by violence leaving at least seven people dead.

“Since a long time, radical elements have been part of the society, which otherwise has been driven by its culture where both Nazrul Geeti and Rabindra Sangeet have been prevalent. These radical forces have been playing a part from time to time,” Anil Trigunayat, former diplomat, told India Narrative earlier.

The Hefazat-e-Islam, which launched violent protests last year during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka, continues to pose challenges to the Hasina government, though sources said that Dhaka has tried to make peace with the radical outfit in a bid to maintain overall peace.

Just a few days ago the HeI said it will write a letter to Hasina seeking withdrawal of all cases filed against the organisation’s leaders and activists since 2013. It will also demand the release of their leaders who are in prison.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Hasina Slams ‘Wage Theft’ of Migrant Workers

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BSF foils bid to smuggle cattle to Bangladesh

Illegal cattle trade is rampant in the state and Assam Police has been going hard against cattle smugglers and has strengthened its vigilance mechanism…reports Asian Lite News

Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya on Thursday rescued 25 cattle from the International border of West Jaintia Hills which were meant to be smuggled to Bangladesh.

The BSF also confiscated three vehicles in which these cattle were found crammed.

“In a joint operation with Meghalaya Police, the Mobile Check Post (MCP) of BSF Meghalaya confiscated three vehicles crammed with 25 cattle meant to be smuggled to Bangladesh from the International border of West Jaintia Hills,” said BSF in a statement.

Further investigation is underway.

Last month, police in Assam’s Nagaon district seized two dozen cattle from smugglers.

“On the basis of source information today, SI Simanta Ray, O/C, Jakhalabandha PS, along with PS staff, detained one truck bearing Reg. No. AS 25EC 9833 which was illegally transporting 24 cattle heads from Jorhat side towards Meghalaya,” Nagaon Police tweeted.

“Accordingly the vehicle and the cattle heads were recovered and seized. The following cattle smugglers were apprehended namely – 1. Rabul Islam, 27 years, S/O Akash Ali 2. Ekdil Hussain, 21 years, S/O Muslim Uddin Both of Vill Datialguri, PS Beloguri, Dist Morigaon,” another tweet said.

Back in October, the district police seized over four dozen cattle heads. In three separate operations at three locations, Nagaon Police recovered 50 cattle — 4, 23, and 23 — respectively.

Illegal cattle trade is rampant in the state and Assam Police has been going hard against cattle smugglers and has strengthened its vigilance mechanism.

India -Bangladesh border

BSF-BGB commander level talks

A Sector Commander level meeting between Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) was held on Tuesday at BOP Kilapara in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district.

The BSF delegation was led by Harmeet Singh, DIG, Sector HQ BSF, Tura and the BGB delegation was led by Md. Mahmudur Rahman, Deputy Director General, Sector Commander BGB, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Before the meeting began Sector Commander BGB, Mymensingh (Bangladesh), Md Mahmudur Rahman and Harmeet Singh, Deputy Inspector General, HQ Tura Sector, BSF laid wreaths at War Memorial, Kilapara.

During the meeting commanders of both the border guarding forces discussed various border related issues i.e trans-border crimes, illegal sand mining, illegal cattle grazing, etc.

Both the sides agreed to strengthen existing cordial and good relations further to ensure peace and tranquility on both sides of the border. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Bangladesh sees spike in dengue deaths

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Asia News Bangladesh

Bangladesh sees spike in dengue deaths

While 20 deaths were reported so far in November, there were 86 deaths in October, 34 in September, 11 in August, nine in July and one in June…reports Asian Lite News

In the last 24 hours, nine people died due to dengue in Bangladesh, the highest number since January, which raised the official death toll from the mosquito-borne disease to 161 this year.

The South Asian country has witnessed a significant spike in dengue cases, with 2,959 cases reported in the first three days of this month, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health.

While 20 deaths were reported so far in November, there were 86 deaths in October, 34 in September, 11 in August, nine in July and one in June, Xinhua news agency quoted the DGHS as saying.

In severe cases, dengue can cause joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rashes, breathing problems, haemorrhaging and organ failure.

The June-September monsoon period is the season of dengue fever in Bangladesh, which is considered a high-risk nation for the disease.

The majority of the reported cases occurred in the capital Dhaka.

A total of 882 fresh dengue cases, including 498 in Dhaka, were reported in last 24 hours.

In October, 21,932 dengue cases were recorded, after 9,911 people were infected with the mosquito-borne disease in September, according to the DGHS.

It has recorded 40,983 dengue cases and 37,146 recoveries so far this year.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Thursday stressed the need for strengthening preventive measures, saying controlling dengue is difficult without public awareness.

As the weather is different than before due to climate change, he said, dengue outbreak is still rampant amid intermittent rains in the country, making things more difficult.

Apart from Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam have also been affected by dengue because of climate change, he said.

The Minister added that the government is working sincerely to deal with the current dengue situation in the country.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh boost economic cooperation

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People will make Awami League triumph again: B’desh Minister

Asaduzzaman exuded confidence that people of the country will not make any mistake and will make Awami League triumph again by voting for them…reports Sumi Khan

The ruling Awami League has heard that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formed a “cabinet” as a part of conspiracy to oust it from power, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal said.

During seventh triennial council of Dhaka district Awami League here on Saturday, the minister said, “For some days, I have been hearing that on 10 December they (BNP) will occupy Dhaka and oust us. We have been hearing that, though they did not declare it. We heard, they have also formed a (shadow) cabinet.”

Awami League leader Asaduzzaman said: “We all will move together. We want to see the honourable prime minister as prime minister again.”

Asaduzzaman exuded confidence that people of the country will not make any mistake and will make Awami League triumph again by voting for them.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal(twitter)

He said, “There is no place in Bangladesh where Awami League fails to be established strongly. The whole of Bangladesh thinks as long as the country is led by the people’s leader Sheikh Hasina, the country will remain illuminated.”

Meanwhile, militants of ‘pro-Pakistan’ Jamaat-Shibir leaders and activists participated in BNP’s divisional mass meeting at Collectorate Eidgah ground in Rangpur on Saturday, police said.

The BNP along with its ally Jamaat-Shibir is planning to create chaos in Rangpur, the detective officers of police told media.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had said: “There will be no elections in the country without a caretaker government.”

Addressing the party’s divisional mass rally in Rangpur city, Fakhrul, the BNP Secretary General, said Sheikh Hasina and her government will have to shoulder the responsibility if any famine occurs in Bangladesh again.

The BNP is going to take some important decisions before its grand rally in Dhaka on December 10, said the leaders.

“One of the decisions is the resignation of seven lawmakers from Parliament,” the BNP claimed.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh boost economic cooperation

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Bangladesh

100-member B’desh delegation completes India tour

According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the visit encouraged cultural, political, and economic exchanges between the two nations and improved regional cooperation and global peace…reports Asian Lite News

A Bangladeshi Youth Delegation has completed a week-long familiarisation visit to India as part of a bilateral exchange programme between the two countries.

On Wednesday – the last day of the visit – Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Singh Thakur hosted a dinner in honor of the the delegation which was the eighth such group to visit India.

According to an official release, Thakur interacted with various delegation members and also listened to their stories about their one-week stay in India.

The Bangladesh delegation members also stated their great appreciation for this programme. The delegation also presented a number of Bangladeshi cultural acts and an impressive Yogasana performance. The gala evening featured performances by Indian artists as well. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik also attended the event.

According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the visit encouraged cultural, political, and economic exchanges between the two nations and improved regional cooperation and global peace.

The ministry stated that Bangladesh and India have a shared cultural, economic, and political past. It was also mentioned that a sizable portion of India’s population speaks Bangla, the same language spoken in Bangladesh.

The ministry added, “Both the countries share a significant boundary with each other. We also have old, deep, friendly relations with each other and share common interests.”

The Bangladesh Youth Delegation called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 14 as part of the programme.

The team also went to other industrial, educational, and cultural locations, including the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Indian Institute of Management in Bengaluru, and Infosys in Mysore, where they had discussions with experts in their fields.

The 100-member delegation was made up of young people from various backgrounds, including students, aspiring journalists, business owners, social workers, and physicians, among others.

ALSO READ-Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh boost economic cooperation