Tag: BANGLADESH

  • Growing Calls For Democratic Reset In Bangladesh

    Growing Calls For Democratic Reset In Bangladesh

    The top leadership of various political parties slammed the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus for its failure to control commodity prices and law and order.

    Leaders of various political parties in Bangladesh on Saturday expressed grave concerns over the complete collapse of law and order in the country along with rising taxes, commodity prices, gas and electricity bills.

    Addressing the first national council of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) in Dhaka, the top leadership of various political parties slammed the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus for its failure to control commodity prices and law and order.

    “Commodity prices are now skyrocketing. Even in such a big crisis, those who can suddenly increase tax and VAT on 100 products on a government order, those who can close TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) truck sales and stop the system of providing food to the hungry and needy, must understand that they are very theoretical. They do not understand daily life, which is bigger than theory,” Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, was quoted as saying at the event by the country’s leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo.

    Severely criticising the Yunus-led regime, the Bangladeshi politician – a former Secretary of the Awami League – stated that the interim government’s inexperience and lack of understanding about a common man’ struggle is now quite visible.

    “They understand the definition of economy well, but they do not understand that economy is the calculation of people’s daily lives. People are in great trouble in their daily lives. In this situation, people will no longer trust reforms. We want reforms, and at the same time we want elections. It is necessary to organise elections by carrying out reforms as soon as possible and with competence,” Manna mentioned.

    In his address at the event, Rashed Khan, General Secretary of the People’s Rights Council, emphasised that the people do not want to see an “unlimited government without a plan”.

    Bangladesh’s National Citizens’ Committee also demanded on Saturday the immediate withdrawal of the two ordinances issued by the interim government which increased duties, taxes, and Value Added Tax on over a 100 essential products and services.

    “This will lead to inflation and higher business costs, adversely affecting people’s living standards,” committee’s Secretary Akhtar Hossain told local media on Saturday, reported Bdnews24.

    Bangladeshi economist Yunus took oath as the head of the interim government on August 8, last year – three days after the fall of the government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who was forced to leave the country immediately.

    Last month, during a televised speech, Yunus said that it may be possible to hold the next national elections at the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026 after “completing all the necessary major reforms”.

    Police report on communal attacks

    Police in Bangladesh have reported on communal attacks and claims since August 2024, Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said in a statement on Saturday.

    “The Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council has claimed that a total of 1,769 communal attacks and acts of vandalism took place against minorities in Bangladesh. The Council said those attacks, acts of vandalism, and incidents of looting included 2,010 incidents on the lives, properties, and places of worship of the minority community,” the statement said.

    “Bangladesh police have collected the list of allegations prepared by the Council. Police have communicated with the persons and authorities claimed to have been the targets of the violence. The police have also visited all and every place, establishment, and person mentioned in the report of the Council”, it added.

    “All aggrieved persons have been requested to lodge complaints with the police. Proper security of the aggrieved people has been ensured. Regular cases, general diaries, and other appropriate lawful measures have been taken according to the findings of the investigations”, it said.

    “Of the 1,769 allegations, police have so far registered 62 cases on the merits of the claims. At least 35 culprits have been arrested based on the findings of the investigations”, the statement said.

    “It was found that in the majority of the cases, the attacks were not communally motivated–rather, those were political in nature”, it said.

    “The police investigation revealed that 1,234 incidents were political in nature and 20 incidents were communal. At least 161 claims were found to be false or untrue”, it said.

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  • U.S.-Wanted Terrorist May Walk Free in Bangladesh

    U.S.-Wanted Terrorist May Walk Free in Bangladesh

    As Bangladesh plunges deeper into crisis since Sheikh Hasina’s government fell last August, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus continues to empower Islamist forces….reports Asian Lite News

    In yet another controversial move to embolden radical elements in the country, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh has reportedly set in motion the process to acquit Syed Zia-ul Haque, a sacked Major of the Bangladesh Army who is linked to Al Qaeda and is desperately wanted by the United States.

    In December 2021, the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, through its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) office, offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Haque (aka Major Zia) and Akram Hussain, who along with four other individuals were found to be involved in a February 2015 terrorist attack in Dhaka that left US citizen Avijit Roy dead and his wife, Rafida Bonya Ahmed, seriously injured.

    Both Bangladesh-born US citizens were visiting Dhaka to attend a book fair when they were attacked by assailants with machetes. Roy was killed while Ahmed survived with critical injuries.

    According to the US State Department, Ansarullah Bangla Team, an Al Qaeda-inspired terrorist group based in Bangladesh, claimed responsibility for the attack through its team in Dhaka.

    Zia, who reportedly fled to Pakistan later, was also wanted by the Bangladeshi authorities, which declared Tk 2 million for tracing him in 2016, in the murder cases of Jagriti Prokashon’s Foysal Arefin Dipon and Kalabagan’s Julhas-Tonoy. Previously, in 2011, he had also played a major role in the organisation of a failed coup attempt.

    As Bangladesh slides into abyss following the fall of Sheikh Hasina government in August last year, the interim government formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus continues to give a free hand to the Islamist forces in the country. Recently, the policy of mandatory security clearance required for Pakistani citizens seeking visas was relaxed comprehensively, thus facilitating Zia’s return to Dhaka on a Pakistani passport a few weeks ago.

    Reports cited that, immediately after his return, Zia formally applied for acquittal from all charges and removal from the ‘most-wanted’ list on December 29, 2024 while seeking to nullify all the convictions and withdrawal of the bounty.

    Interestingly, local media reported that Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, the head of the disappearance committee of the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) that will look into the entire matter, is Zia’s father-in-law.

    “The Yunus administration has previously exonerated other Islamist figures, such as Jashimuddin Rahmani, leader of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). Following his release, Rahmani publicly called for jihad in India and implement ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’. These actions have raised concerns about Bangladesh’s commitment to counterterrorism and have sparked fears of the country becoming a hub for extremist activities,” noted Bangladesh journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury wrote in BLiTZ.

    According to Choudhury, the Yunus administration’s decision to entertain Zia’s request for acquittal has far-reaching implications that could turn Bangladesh into a terrorist launchpad and destablise the entire region. It could also severely harm the country’s sliding reputation internationally.

    “The Biden administration’s alleged support for Yunus has come under intense scrutiny. Critics claim that this backing was part of a strategy to counterbalance India’s influence in South Asia and empower Pakistan in using Bangladesh as a terrorist launchpad and epicentre of transnational drug trafficking. This support, it is argued, has emboldened Yunus to take actions that challenge international norms, such as lifting visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals and acquitting known terrorists,” wrote Choudhury, a renowned regional counterterrorism specialist.

    Analysts reckon that Yunus is plunging Bangladesh into deep anarchy and chaos with the country possibly staring at severe sanctions, especially after the new US administration takes charge in Washington under Donald Trump later this month.

    ALSO READ: Bangladesh Halts Judicial Training in India

  • Ex-Indian Envoy Questions Hasina Arrest Warrant

    Ex-Indian Envoy Questions Hasina Arrest Warrant

    The warrants pertain to two cases involving accusations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances….reports Asian Lite News

    After the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued a second arrest warrant against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over allegations of enforced disappearances, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, raised doubts about the credibility of the charges, citing a lack of concrete evidence and reliable data

    Sikri further highlighted that international body UN Human Rights Commission have found no substantial evidence 

    While speaking with ANI, Sikri said, “This is the second arrest warrant issued against Sheikh Hasina. This is on enforced disappearances… If you talk about the first arrest warrant, it was on the so-called genocide. But no facts and figures were presented. When the UN Human Rights Commission was asked to give a report on the people who lost their lives in July, August, they say we have not been given any evidence… Is there an FIR? What is written in the FIR? What is the evidence? There is nothing like that…” 

    She added, “When you make an extradition request, it is a long legal case. You have to give the evidence that has been presented… None of this has been done. Now the question of enforced disappearances, you just name it like that. The Rapid Action Battalion is responsible and is accused of these enforced disappearances. This was set up during Begum Khaleda Zia’s time, the Rapid Action Battalion. And since then there have been all these allegations against them that they take people, enforced disappearances. Since then it has become a political issue. But now suddenly making a case out of it and then accusing 12 people. I don’t think these cases carry any seriousness.” 

    Notably, the ICT on Monday issued an arrest warrant against Hasina and 10 others, including her former Defence Adviser Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, according to a report by Daily Star. 

    The warrants relate to two cases involving allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. 

    The orders were issued by the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, following two petitions filed by the prosecution seeking the arrest of the 11 individuals. 

    In its directive, the tribunal has ordered the authorities to arrest and produce Sheikh Hasina and the others before it by February 12, The Daily Star reported. 

    Sheikh Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5, after fleeing Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her 16-year regime. Hasina is currently facing multiple court cases related to fatalities during her rule, including accusations of crimes against humanity. 

    India’s decision on the extradition request will depend on various factors, including legal obligations, diplomatic relations, and humanitarian concerns. The country has extradition treaties with several nations, including Bangladesh, which was signed in 2013 and amended in 2016.

    ALSO READ: Bangladesh Halts Judicial Training in India

    ALSO READ: Open letter urges Bangladesh to protect minorities

  • Bangladesh court revises ULFA leader’s verdict 

    Bangladesh court revises ULFA leader’s verdict 

    The ULFA is an outlawed organization which has been banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs. ..reports Asian Lite News

    The High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court on Wednesday commuted the sentence of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah, changing his sentence from the death penalty to life imprisonment in the 10-truck arms smuggling case, lawyers said. 

    Paresh Baruah, the head of the military wing of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) was previously sentenced to death by a lower court in Bangladesh for his involvement in the arms shipment of 10 trucks seized in Chittagong in 2004, they said. 

    The ULFA is an outlawed organization which has been banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

    The High Court also acquitted six people, including the former Minister of State for Home Affairs of Bangladesh, Lutfuzzaman Babar, who were sentenced to death in the case. The court reduced the sentence of six other accused people, who were sentenced to death in the case, to 10 years, lawyers added. 

    ULFA split into two factions in 2011 when the pro-talk faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, decided to return to Assam from “abroad” and participate in peace talks. Meanwhile, the other faction, ULFA (Independent), led by its commander Paresh Baruah, opposed negotiations. (ANI) 

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  • Open letter urges Bangladesh to protect minorities 

    Open letter urges Bangladesh to protect minorities 

    The initiative, coordinated by India’s former High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri and former ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee, points out that the worst brunt of the chaotic situation…reports Asian Lite News

    An ‘open letter’ signed by nearly 500 people – including dozens of former diplomats, public servants, senior government officials, armed personnel and members of the civil society – has urged all individuals and institutions in Bangladesh to work towards restoring democracy and secularism, including the rights of Hindus and other religious minorities in the country while emphasising that the current situation is “intolerable and unacceptable” to the people of India. 

    The initiative, coordinated by India’s former High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri and former ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee, points out that the worst brunt of the chaotic situation prevailing in Bangladesh is being borne by the 15 million strong minority communities of Bangladesh – including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, as well as the Shias, Ahmadiyyas and others. 

    “For over four months, fundamentalist Islamist groups have unleashed violent, terrorist attacks on religious minorities across the country in almost every district, involving desecration and vandalisation of places of worship, abductions and rape, lynchings, extra judicial executions, killings, forced conversions, along with wanton destruction of homes and business establishments. Even where there is irrefutable evidence, no action has been taken against the culprits,” the letter mentions. 

    It is to be recalled that Muhammad Yunus had taken over as the Chief Advisor of the Bangladeshi interim government on August 8 following the fall of the government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

    “The series of events in July and August 2024 had initially been described as the result of a spontaneous uprising by students across Bangladesh. However, September 24, 2024, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus publicly stated at a gathering of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York that the regime change operation, far from being spontaneous, was “meticulously designed”, planned well in advance and spearheaded by an Advisor in the Interim regime, who is also Special Assistant to Yunus,” the letter details. 

    Noted Indian scholars, former diplomats and retired Army Generals, who signed the ‘open letter’ have jointly voiced their alarm and concern at the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh. 

    “The agenda of the Islamists appears to be to terrorize and drive the religious minority population out of Bangladesh. It is noteworthy that Hindus and other minority communities across Bangladesh are stoutly resisting such attempts by Islamist groups. They are seeking protection of their rights as citizens of Bangladesh, as assured through the nation’s Constitution,” the letter states. 

    It adds that an “atmosphere of anarchy” prevails in Bangladesh, with “mobocracy the preferred method” of decision making. 

    The letter also refers to the arrest and jailing of Chinmoy Krishna Das, formerly with the globally renowned ISKCON spiritual organisation, together with his colleagues in the Sanatani Jagran Jote who had put together an eight-point demand on behalf of the religious minorities of Bangladesh, including seeking the enactment of a minority protection law in Bangladesh and formation of a ministry for the protection of minorities. 

    “There is no response from the Yunus administration on these demands. Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on charges of sedition, denied bail without a hearing and his lawyers are facing organised intimidation in their efforts to defend him in court and obtain bail. He is being denied a free and fair trial,” says the ‘open letter’. 

    It adds that the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh have aroused deep concern in India, which has a long border with Bangladesh. It states that, apart from the purely humanitarian aspects, there is the danger that the volatile situation in Bangladesh could spill across borders, disrupt communal harmony and create serious law and order problems in India. 

    The signatories to the letter also urged the people of Bangladesh not to be swayed by “malicious anti-India campaigns” that seek to weaken the bedrock of mutually beneficial cooperation that has been steadily developed over the last five decades and more. 

    “There is concern that the representatives of Islamist political parties and organisations, several of whom have joined the interim administration, are enforcing decisions that go against the very essence of Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution. Since such groups have seldom received any electoral support from the people of Bangladesh, the present situation is against the larger interest of the public. This crisis facing Bangladesh can only be overcome through early free, fair and inclusive elections,” the letter concludes while calling for an “immediate end” to attacks on minorities, their properties, business establishments and coercion to force them to leave. 

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  • Bangladesh plans polls by late 2025 or mid-2026 

    Bangladesh plans polls by late 2025 or mid-2026 

    Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammed Yunus emphasised the importance of political consensus to move forward with elections….reports Asian Lite News

    Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced on Monday that Bangladesh’s next general elections could be scheduled between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. Yunus made the statement during his address to the nation on Victory Day, marking Bangladesh’s victory in the 1971 Liberation War. 

    Victory Day commemorates the moment on December 16, 1971, when General Amir Abdullah Niazi of Pakistan’s armed forces and 93,000 soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini, marking the end of Bangladesh’s nine-month war for independence. 

    In his address, Yunus emphasised the importance of political consensus to move forward with elections. He said, “If political consensus allows us, again, to conduct elections based on accurate electoral rolls with a few reforms, it may be possible to hold elections by the end of 2025.” Yunus acknowledged, however, that additional time might be needed to implement the necessary reforms. 

    “And if we add to this the extent of reforms expected in terms of the electoral process and the Electoral Reforms Commission’s recommendations and on the basis another six months may be required,” he added. 

    Yunus clarified that the timeline for the elections could be fixed between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. “Roughly speaking, the timing of elections can be fixed between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026,” he stated. 

    His comments came amid political instability in Bangladesh. On August 5, a student-led movement ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of protests and violence that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Yunus took charge. 

    Meanwhile, Vijay Diwas celebrations in Bangladesh’s capital began with a 31 gun salute at sunrise. Six guns of an artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army saluted the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War by firing 31 rounds of cannon. 

    India and Bangladesh will jointly commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas of the 1971 India-Pakistan war today, with the annual exchange of war veterans and serving officers. 

    Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces have arrived in Dhaka to commemorate Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations. Similarly, eight distinguished Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces also reached India to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata. (ANI) 

    Yunus makes no mention of Bangabandhu 

    Bangladesh marked its 54th Victory Day on Monday under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who made a pointed departure from tradition by omitting any mention of founding leader Mujibur Rahman in his speech. Instead, Yunus criticized the previous administration led by Sheikh Hasina, calling it the “world’s worst autocratic government” and emphasizing the significance of its recent ouster. 

    Victory Day, or Bijoy Dibosh, commemorates Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, following the Pakistan military’s surrender to Indian forces. While Rahman, known as “Bangabandhu,” is widely regarded as the independence movement’s iconic figure, Yunus’s interim government has faced criticism for sidelining his legacy. This includes plans to replace currency notes bearing Rahman’s image. 

    In his televised address, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices of millions during the Liberation War, including children, youth, and the elderly, but made no reference to the political leadership of 1971. Critics argue this is part of a broader effort to diminish Rahman’s contributions. 

    For the first time, the Victory Day Parade in Dhaka was canceled, attributed to logistical challenges with the army engaged in other activities. Instead, celebrations included Victory Fairs nationwide, showcasing art, crafts, agricultural products, and domestic goods, along with cultural programs involving schools, children, and communities. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farook-e-Azam said the new format aimed to foster public involvement and a festive atmosphere across the country. 

    East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta joined Yunus at the National Memorial to honor Liberation War martyrs, while Indian and Bangladeshi military veterans participated in cross-border commemorations. 

    Victory Day this year also highlighted the ongoing transition in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with Yunus’s interim government pledging electoral reforms and a fresh start for the country’s democratic processes. 

    ALSO READ: ‘Joy Bangla’ no longer Bangladesh’s national slogan   

  • ‘Joy Bangla’ no longer Bangladesh’s national slogan   

    ‘Joy Bangla’ no longer Bangladesh’s national slogan   

    Yunus govt had appealed against 2020 HC ruling declaring ‘Joy Bangla’ national slogan. Bangladesh SC stays HC judgment, says it’s govt’s policy decision and judiciary can’t interfere…reports Asian Lite News

    Bangladesh Supreme Court has stayed a High Court verdict that declared ‘Joy Bangla’ — popularised by Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — as the country’s national slogan. 

    Rahman’s daughter Sheikh Hasina was ousted as prime minister on August 5. Recently, the country’s central bank decided to remove Rahman’s image from currency notes. 

    Following the change of government, the state moved to suspend the High Court’s ruling and on December 2 filed the leave to appeal petition with the SC seeking stay on the High Court verdict of March 10, 2020. 

    A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Tuesday passed the order on the ground that the national slogan is a matter of the government’s policy decision and the judiciary cannot interfere in this issue. 

    The full bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order following a leave to appeal petition filed by the government challenging the High Court judgement, newspaper Daily Star said on Wednesday. 

    “’Joy Bangla’ will not be considered as the national slogan following this Appellate Division order,” said Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque, who appeared for the government during the hearing. 

    After ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled th e country following a students’ protest on August 5, an interim government headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus took over on August 8. 

    Following the change of government, the state moved to suspend the High Court’s ruling and on December 2 filed the leave to appeal petition with the SC seeking stay on the High Court verdict of March 10, 2020. 

    It had declared ‘Joy Bangla’ as the country’s national slogan and ordered the government to take necessary steps so that the slogan is used at all state functions and academic institutions’ assemblies. 

    Later, on February 20, 2022, the cabinet led by Hasina issued a notice recognising it as the national slogan and the Awami League government issued a gazette notification on March 2, 2022, news portal RisingBD.com said. 

    On December 1 this year, the apex court stayed another High Court verdict that justified August 15 as the national mourning day and public holiday. 

    Earlier on August 13, the advisory council of the interim government took the decision that there would be no national holiday on August 15. 

    Media reports said last week that Bangladesh Bank is printing new notes, including in them features of the July uprising, referring to the student-led protests that forced Hasina to flee to India on August 5, and not include the image of ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

    Rights lawyer to move plea for Das’ bail  

    Meanwhile, a Bangladeshi lawyer and human rights activist will move again for the bail of detained priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, later today (Thursday) at a court in Chittagong. 

    Advocate Rabindra Ghosh, a senior lawyer of Bangladesh Supreme Court and human rights activist, on Wednesday, made a prayer to a court in Chittagong to change the date of the bail hearing of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. 

    The court dismissed the petition as Chinmoy Krishna Das did not authorize power to the lawyer Ghosh who submitted the plea. 

    “After rejecting my plea, I went to the jail and collected the power from Chinmoy to move his case. The jail superintendent has confirmed on the copy of the power. I will apply to the court again on Thursday”, Ghosh said. 

    Ghosh went to Chittagong from Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka and submitted a plea to the court for Chinmoy Krishna Das on Wednesday. 

    “I moved an application to Chittagong court to fix an early date for bail hearing of Chinmoy Krishna Das but at that time about 30 lawyers entered the courtroom without the permission of the court and tried to assault me,” Ghosh said late on Wednesday. 

    “They taunt me as ISKCON agent, Chinmoy’s agent. They wanted to know why I came here. They say a lawyer was killed. They call me a murderer. I came as an advocate. How am I a murderer !” he added. 

    “The judge scolded them. They could not attack me because the police were there”, Ghosh said. 

    Ghosh argued that Chinmoy’s lawyer could not attend the hearing as the murder case was filed against him. Ghosh applied on his behalf but the court rejected. 

    Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former priest of ISKCON, was arrested by police from Dhaka Airport on November 25 on the charge of sedition. 

    On November 26, a court in Bangladesh’s port city of Chittagong rejected his bail prayer and ordered him to be sent to prison. 

    His followers lay in front of his prison van and blocked it. Police cleared after clashes with the protesters. A lawyer named Saiful Islam Alif was killed during the clashes. 

    On December 3, the Chittagong court had fixed January 2 for a bail hearing as the prosecution submitted a time petition and there was no lawyer to represent Chinmoy.   

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  • Yunus ‘Mastermind’ of Protests, Says Hasina 

    Yunus ‘Mastermind’ of Protests, Says Hasina 

    Sheikh Hasina criticised the interim government for its handling of the situation in the country, calling it “fascist” and saying that the people of Bangladesh were being “deprived” of their rights…reports Asian Lite News 

    Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday accused Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, of being the “mastermind” behind the student protests that resulted in her removal, claiming the protest was “carefully orchestrated” to topple her government 

    While addressing a virtual meeting of the United Kingdom Awami League, Hasina claimed that despite all the demands of the protesters being met, the unrest continued across the nation, suggesting that it was a planned conspiracy. 

    “Yunus himself said that the student protest that started on July 7, 2024, was not a student-initiated protest but a meticulously designed protest to overthrow me…He was the mastermind who started this conspiracy because all the demands were met, and there was no scope for protest, despite there being a protest across the nation…It was a meticulous conspiracy,” Hasina claimed. 

    She further criticised the interim government for its handling of the situation in the country, calling it “fascist” and saying that the people of Bangladesh were being “deprived” of their rights. 

    “Today Bangladesh is going through a tough time. Under a fascist government, the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of their rights. The whole of Bangladesh is burning…Today, Bangladesh is being destroyed,” she added. 

    The ousted Prime Minister further noted the recent arrest of former ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das over the alleged charges of sedition by the Bangladeshi government, stating that he couldn’t have any lawyer to defend Das against the charges and claimed that this was the proof that Bangladesh does not have any law and order. 

    “They arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das and said there couldn’t be any kind of lawyer defending him. What kind of justice is this?…This proves that Bangladesh doesn’t have law and order,” she added. 

    Earlier, Hasina also condemned the ‘unjust’ arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and demanded his ‘immediate release.’ 

    She also expressed concerns over the attacks against minorities and their places of worship and called for ensuring the safety of the religious freedom of all communities. 

    Meanwhile, Hindus in Purulia held a protest rally against the attack on minorities in Bangladesh. Udayananda Das Brahmachari from ISKCON who was also present in the protest rally said that it was everyone’s right in the country to follow their religion. 

    Speaking to ANI, Brahmachari said “We have come here from ISKCON Mayapur. Bajrang Dal, RSS and many other organisations have come together in this rally. In India, Muslims and Christians are a minority. Today, Muslims and Christians celebrate Eid and Christmas.. there is no problem.. In Bangladesh, it is everyone’s right to follow their religion. There, our Hindu brothers and sisters are being tortured. They are not allowed to come to school. Is this brotherhood? Is this the teaching of the Quran?… You follow your religion and let us follow our religion… We want them to let our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh follow their religion..” 

    Meanwhile, in Tripura the All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association (ATHROA) has decided to deny hotel and restaurant services’ to Bangladeshi citizens. In a statement, Bhaskar Chakraborty, Office Secretary, All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association said, “On 2nd December we took a decision in the presence of all our members that starting 2nd December, no hotel will be available for Bangladeshi citizens.”The decision comes as a strong response to the growing unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh. 

    These protests come in the wake of reports of multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There also have been cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples. The arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on October 25 on sedition charges led to heavy protests. 

    Another Hindu temple was allegedly set on fire in the outskirts of Dhaka. The Mahabhagya Lakshminarayan Mandir, at Dhor village, in the north of Dhaka, came under attack on late Friday night. 

    India had on November 26 noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. 

    India had urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. (ANI) 

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  • India Seeks Better Ties With Bangladesh 

    India Seeks Better Ties With Bangladesh 

    Misri reaffirmed India’s support for a “democratic, stable, and inclusive” Bangladesh and its commitment to a “positive and constructive” relationship based on mutual trust and respect…reports Asian Lite News 

    During his Bangladesh visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India’s support for Dhaka while voicing concerns over attacks on religious minorities and their places of worship. 

    FS Misri called on the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus and the Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain. He also held Foreign Office Consultations with the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Jashim Uddin. 

    Notably, there have been multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There also have been cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples. 

    A Hindu temple was allegedly set on fire in the outskirts of Dhaka. The Mahabhagya Lakshminarayan Mandir, at Dhor village, in North of Dhaka came under attack on late Friday night. 

    Earlier, the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on October 25 on sedition charges led to heavy protests. 

    Meanwhile, Bangladesh FS Jashim Uddin, during the meeting his with Indian counterpart, reaffirmed that the safety and security of the minorities in Bangladesh, regardless of their faith, religion, or ethnicity, was the “priority” of the interim government. 

    Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin, on Monday reaffirmed that the safety and security of the minorities in Bangladesh, regardless of their faith, religion, or ethnicity, was the interim government’s “priority.” 

    He also conveyed Dhaka’s concern over the recent incident at the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

    “Ambassador Jashim Uddin conveyed Bangladesh’s concern on recent violent incident on the premises of Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala. On the issues of minorities, he emphasized that Bangladesh Government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people of Bangladesh, irrespective of their faiths, religions and ethnicities and that it is an internal matter of Bangladesh,” the statement read. 

    Misri noted India’s strong support for a “democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive” Bangladesh and emphasized India’s commitment to building a “positive and constructive relationship” with Bangladesh, based on “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity to each other’s concerns and interests.” 

    “Foreign Secretary also discussed certain recent developments and issues and conveyed India’s concerns, especially those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. He also raised some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties,” the MEA statement read. 

    During the FOC, both Foreign Secretaries highlighted the importance of expanding collaboration in sectors such as border security, water resources, trade, commerce, and consular matters and discussed regional and multilateral cooperation. 

    Dhaka, Dec 09 (ANI): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Jashim Uddin, in Dhaka on Monday. (ANI Photo)

    The Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary reiterated that Bangladesh seeks a constructive relationship with India based on fairness, mutual respect, and equity and stressed that both countries should focus on advancing a people-centric approach that prioritises the welfare of their citizens. 

    “The FOC provides a crucial platform for engaging in discussions to review various bilateral issues and explore new areas of mutual interest for the benefits of the two countries. The two Foreign Secretaries discussed to enhance cooperation in various important areas including border and security, water sector, trade and commerce, and consular issues. The two sides also discussed on issues related to regional and multilateral cooperation,” the statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs read. 

    Discussions between the two Foreign Secretaries further covered sub-regional, regional, and multilateral issues, with both sides agreeing to enhance consultations to promote regional integration, particularly under the BIMSTEC framework. 

    Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary also highlighted the need to initiate discussions for the renewal of the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, along with the early conclusion of the Teesta water-sharing agreement and other water-sharing accords for common rivers. 

    Jashim Uddin.also emphasised the importance of normalising Indian visa services to enhance people-to-people connectivity. 

    According to MEA, India and Bangladesh, also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral issues and agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework 

    “During the Foreign Office Consultations, both sides held comprehensive discussions on a wide range of issues covering political and security matters, border management, trade, commerce and connectivity, cooperation in water, power and energy sectors, development cooperation, consular, cultural, and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral issues and agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework,” the statement read. 

    Meanwhile, on regional cooperation, the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary called for the revitalisation of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and further regional cooperation within the frameworks of both SAARC and BIMSTEC. 

    “Bangladesh looks forward to support from India on the issue of the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. Ambassador Jashim Uddin called for the revitalisation of SAARC and regional cooperation within the provisions of SAARC and BIMSTEC,” the Bangladesh MFA said. 

    India had on November 26 noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. 

    India had urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. (ANI) 

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  • India Raises Minority Safety in Dhaka Talks

    India Raises Minority Safety in Dhaka Talks

    During his meetings, the top Indian diplomat emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News

    Alarmed by the surge in extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocations — especially against the Hindu community — in Bangladesh, India on Monday once again raised its concerns about the safety and welfare of minorities in the neighbouring country.

    Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is on a day-long visit to Dhaka, conveyed New Delhi’s concerns during his meetings with the Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin.

    “We had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities,” Misri told local reporters after his meeting with Hossain.

    “We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious and diplomatic properties. We expect overall a constructive approach on all these issues by the Bangladesh authorities and we look forward to moving the relationship forward in a positive, forward-looking and constructive direction,” he added.

    During his meetings, the top Indian diplomat emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh.

    “We have always seen in the past, and we continue to see in the future, this relationship as a people-centric and people-oriented relationship, one that has the benefit of all the people as its central motivational force. This is reflected on a daily basis in the development projects that have been executed on the ground in Bangladesh and that continue to be developed.

    “It is also reflected in the mutually-beneficial engagements we have on a whole set of issues ranging from trade, commerce, connectivity, power, water and energy and development cooperation, consular cooperation and cultural cooperation. There is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to deliver in the interests of both our peoples and to that, and therefore I have underlined today India’s desire to work closely with the interim Government of Bangladesh authorities,” Misri stated.

    Referring to it as an “extremely important” bilateral relationship, the Indian Foreign Secretary mentioned that during the Foreign Office Consultations held earlier in the day, discussions and consultations were held on an entire gamut of issues between the two countries.

    “Since the political changes in Bangladesh in August this year, there has, of course, been contact between our leaderships. The Prime Minister was the first world leader to greet the Chief Advisor on his assumption of office. The two of them had a very cordial telephone conversation thereafter and the Chief Advisor also accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to speak at the third voice of the Global South Summit that was held in August.

    He also highlighted the meeting between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Touhid Hossain in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York which was the first high-level engagement between the two countries after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024.

    “My visit follows those interactions and is the first Foreign Secretary level structured engagement between the two sides. Following those developments, today’s discussions have given both of us the opportunity to take stock of our relations, and I appreciate the opportunity today to have had a frank, candid and constructive exchange of views with all my interlocutors,” Misri said.

    India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities.

    “Our position on the matter is very clear. The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated last month after the arrest and jailing of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote who is also associated with Iskcon Bangladesh.

    Hindus all over the world have also been shocked by multiple attacks on the community and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.

    “We are concerned about the surge in extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocations. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for protection of all minorities,” the MEA has stated previously.

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