Saarc Nations

Dhaka: Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, describing him as a close friend and a visionary leader. In his condolence message, Yunus highlighted Dr. Singh’s humility, statesmanship, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the Indian people, noting that he will be remembered for transforming India’s economy. Yunus emphasized Dr. Singh’s role in fostering strong ties and mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and India, praising his contributions…

Thailand is set to streamline travel for Bangladeshi citizens with the launch of its e-visa service on January 2, according to a statement by the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka. This digital initiative aims to make the visa application process more efficient and user-friendly. Starting December 19, 2024, Bangladeshi official passport holders—government employees, officials, and representatives on official business—will also be exempt from visa requirements. To apply for the e-visa, applicants can complete the application form and upload necessary documents…

Violence against minority Hindus continues to rise in Bangladesh, with the recent fatal attack on lawyer Raman Roy highlighting the ongoing tensions. Roy, who represents Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, a prominent Hindu religious leader and figure within the ISKCON movement, was brutally attacked at his home by Islamic fundamentalists. The lawyer sustained serious injuries and is currently fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The information was shared on social media by Radharaman Das, a spokesperson for…

A petition has been filed in the Bangladesh High Court seeking a ban on Indian television channels, citing concerns over their adverse impact on Bangladeshi culture and society. Filed by Supreme Court lawyer Ekhlas Uddin Bhuiyan, the petition invokes Section 29 of the Cable Television Network Operation Act 2006 and names the Information Ministry, Home Ministry, and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) as respondents. The petition targets Indian channels like Star Jalsha, Star Plus, Zee Bangla, and Republic Bangla, accusing…

Dhaka: A Bangladesh court on Tuesday denied bail to Chinmay Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent Hindu leader, who was arrested on charges of “sedition.” Following the court ruling, he was sent to jail. The arrest occurred amidst ongoing protests by the Hindu community in Dhaka and Chittagong. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, leader of the Hindu organization Samda Sanatani Jote, was apprehended on Monday by Bangladesh Police at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while en route to Chittagong. He was subsequently…

Twenty-four Bangladeshi nationals, including 11 women, have returned home after completing a two-year prison sentence in India. They were handed over to Bangladesh immigration authorities at the Benapole check post on Wednesday night, according to reports from UNB. The individuals, hailing from various districts such as Narail, Chattogram, Thakurgaon, Cumilla, Gopalganj, Tangail, Cox’s Bazar, and Patuakhali, had traveled to India illegally in search of work with the help of local brokers. They were arrested by Kolkata police, who charged them…

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has announced a temporary suspension of flight operations for three and a half hours each night from November 8 to 14 due to essential runway maintenance. The closure, scheduled from 1:00 am to 4:30 am daily, will impact both landings and takeoffs, potentially leading to adjustments in airline schedules. To keep travelers informed, airport authorities have issued notices to all airlines and relevant organizations. Passengers are encouraged to check with their respective airlines regarding…

Bangladesh is grappling with an escalating power crisis, compounded by overdue payments owed to Indian energy suppliers, primarily Adani Power. Adani Power, which operates a 1,600 MW Godda plant in Jharkhand, exports significant amounts of electricity to Bangladesh but has reduced supply over unpaid dues totaling nearly $850 million. Other Indian suppliers, including SEIL Energy India and PTC, are also affected. SEIL, for instance, awaits $180 million in outstanding payments despite receiving a partial payment of $30 million. Adani Power’s…

Bangladesh recently received a shipment of 2.31 lakh eggs from India through the Benapole land port on Saturday night, as part of ongoing efforts to address a sharp increase in egg prices. Over the past week, the cost of eggs surged to 200 taka per dozen in Dhaka and other regions, causing significant hardship for low- and middle-income households. As prices soared, many families were forced to reduce their consumption of this essential protein source. In response to the crisis,…

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, on Friday sought Malaysia’s assistance in engaging the Southeast Asia regional bloc, ASEAN, to address the issue of repatriating Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. Malaysia will take over the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, and Yunus is keen to leverage this position for support. The appeal came during the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Dhaka, marking the first visit by a foreign leader to Bangladesh…