United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Sunday urged India to act expeditiously on its request and help create a “propitious environment” for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to make a bilateral visit to India. "We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit," said A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said officials of Bangladesh and India have been in touch with each other for several weeks on the possibility of a bilateral visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India. However, spokesperson Karim said, this process was “vitiated” by the open press interaction in New Delhi on 5th August by Sheikh Hasina who has been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for committing crimes against humanity. "We have made our position clear on this matter," he said while reading out a written statement. The spokesperson, however, did not take any question.   To this end, Bangladesh requested the Indian authorities to expeditiously act on its request to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive criminals, and to hand over to Bangladesh the accused killers of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi in compliance with their bilateral extradition treaty. "We are awaiting their response," said the spokesperson. Bangladesh reiterated that they will continue to pursue their "Bangladesh First" policy to promote friendly bilateral relations with other countries, including their neighbours, on the basis of sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and mutual benefit. On Hasina’s extradition request, the Indian government has recently said that the matter is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi on Friday evening that they have extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a bilateral visit. “We've also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a visit to India for the outreach session of the BRICS Summit. So, these invitations have been extended, and I shall keep you updated if there is any progress in this regard,” he added. On Thursday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Tarique Rahman’s visits to India and Japan had not yet been finalised, stressing that the timing would depend on the prime minister’s schedule and the progress of discussions between the two countries. “The government is busy, the Prime Minister is busy,” she told reporters, referring to the government’s ongoing domestic programmes and upcoming constitutional activities. Asked whether the prime minister would attend the BRICS Summit’s outreach session or undertake a bilateral visit to India, the state minister said there was still sufficient time to make a decision. “A lot can happen in a month,” she said. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Saturday highlighted the importance of working together to advance the partnership in key sectors and nurture the exceptional bond of friendship between Bangladesh and India. “We recognise that it is the people-to-people connection, rooted in shared aspiration and mutual goodwill, that remains the true beating heart of this enduring friendship,” he said while celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Trivedi urged the two countries to work together towards shared prosperity, noting that Bangladesh and India are advancing their partnership across vital sectors, ranging from trade and connectivity to security and healthcare. “Let us also continue to nurture the exceptional bonds of friendship between India and Bangladesh, working hand in hand toward shared prosperity,” he said. The High Commissioner reflected on the foundations of the relationship and said the two countries are bound by a shared history of the freedom struggle and had built their ties on mutual respect and partnership. “With the history of the freedom struggle, our bond is deeply entwined. On this solid bedrock of shared history, mutual respect, and partnership, our relationship continues to flourish,” Trivedi said.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India is emerging as a key test of efforts to move Dhaka-Delhi relationship onto a more constructive footing, with the two sides stepping up consultations but yet to finalise the timing of the visit. “Everything, I’m reading - not only here in India, but also in Bangladesh - they are all saying possibilities. So I think these are all speculation in the absence of an official confirmation. Nobody clearly knows yet. However, there appeared to be interest on both sides in making the visit happen,” a diplomatic source told UNB, stressing that India is ready to host the Bangladesh Prime Minister anytime. If the visit takes place, it would be Tarique Rahman's first trip to India as Bangladesh's Prime Minister who visited Malaysia and China in June this year. “We have extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a bilateral visit. We've also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a visit to India for the outreach session of the BRICS Summit,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi on Friday evening. “So, these invitations have been extended, and I shall keep you updated if there is any progress in this regard,” he added. On Thursday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visits to India and Japan have not yet been finalised, saying the timing will depend on the Prime Minister's schedule and the progress of discussions between the countries. "The government is busy, the Prime Minister is busy," she told reporters, referring to the government's ongoing domestic programmes and upcoming constitutional activities. Asked whether the Prime Minister would attend the upcoming BRICS Summit's outreach session or make a bilateral visit, the State Minister said there is still sufficient time to make a decision. "A lot can happen in a month," she said. Multifaceted Relations Responding to a question on energy cooperation with Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said they have an ongoing arrangement with Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, and this continues. Regarding the additional request, Jaiswal said this will be examined keeping in mind their own requirements, refining capacity, as well as the availability of diesel in their country. "We import diesel from India through the pipeline, and we have requested them to supply more," Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said August 6. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a letter to his Bangladesh counterpart in February said he looks forward to working closely with the Bangladesh Prime Minister to strengthen their “multifaceted” bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance their common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He invited the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman to pay a visit to India at a convenient time, noting that, “A warm welcome awaits you in India.” India Ready to Host PM Asked about preparations for a high-level visit, a senior official said the process would normally begin with the two sides agreeing on dates, followed by formal confirmation of the programme by the host government and confirmation of the Prime Minister’s availability by the visiting side. Media reports suggest different possible dates - August and September - while preparations are being made to accommodate the visit even at short notice. “Before any kind of high-level visit, there is a certain amount of time needed for preparation. You don’t have enough time if you want this visit to take place next week,” a source told UNB, adding that there is always an option for an exceptional approach. Officials need to establish what the leaders are actually going to discuss and whether there are issues that need to be resolved beforehand. Sources said the proposed visit would require adequate preparation on the Bangladeshi side, particularly if substantive issues are expected to be discussed. “Five days are not enough to negotiate even a simple agreement,” a diplomatic source told UNB. “From our side, we are ready to host him (PM) anytime,” a source in New Delhi told UNB, adding that it is unclear whether any conditions had been attached to the proposed visit. He expressed hope that the situation would become clearer soon and that the visit, if confirmed, could take place as planned. There are issues like former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition request; border management and killings; trade and transit; energy; people-to-people movement; water-sharing of common rivers; security cooperation; and regional and global issues. Regarding Hasina’s extradition request, the Indian government said the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. A bilateral visit by the Prime Minister to India would require the two sides to first settle the dates, agenda and political understandings on several sensitive issues, with recent high-level consultations suggesting that groundwork for such an engagement is already under way. Bangladesh and India appear to be moving fast toward renewed engagement despite fresh tensions over Hasina’s virtual activities in India and Dhaka’s demand for her extradition. The latest round of diplomatic engagement came after Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi held a series of meetings in Dhaka, including with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. The High Commissioner met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday and shared the message he carried from Dhaka after his three important meetings with the Bangladesh leadership. Trivedi sought guidance from the Indian Prime Minister on further strengthening the multifaceted and enduring relationship between the two neighbours in a constructive manner with a people-centric approach, the source said. The High Commissioner returned to Dhaka on Friday, a diplomatic source told UNB. On August 4, India confirmed that an invitation has been extended to the Prime Minister to attend the BRICS Summit as the BIMSTEC Chair, while a separate bilateral invitation has been in place since February this year. India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, focusing on global cooperation, trade and sustainable development. "You would be aware that a formal invitation to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India was extended when he assumed office in February 2026," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. As far as the BRICS Summit is concerned, he said India has separately extended an invitation to the Bangladesh Prime Minister in his capacity as the current Chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. "The invitation has been extended as per the standard practice being followed in BRICS for the outreach sessions. Other heads of regional groups have also been invited in a similar manner," the MEA spokesperson said. During the courtesy meeting with the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Trivedi conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman and the intent to work together with the government and the people of Bangladesh in a "positive, constructive and forward-looking" manner. They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and discussed avenues for further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh with a people-centric approach. During his meeting with Home Minister Salahuddin, they discussed areas of common interest, including security cooperation between the two countries and ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. The High Commissioner conveyed India’s willingness to strengthen people-centric cooperation in all domains, based on mutual interest, mutual benefit, and mutual sensitivities.

Bangladesh Railway is set to receive the first rake of 19 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches from India’s Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, the Indian government said. The first rake comprises 03 AC Sleeper Cars, 03 AC Chair Cars, 11 Non-AC Chair Cars and 02 Power Cars.  These coaches incorporate several unique design features and modifications, many of which have been developed for the first time in LHB-type coaches. The coaches have been specially customised to meet the operational and passenger requirements of Bangladesh Railway, according to the Press Information Bureau of India. 

Despite brief tensions that surfaced between Dhaka and New Delhi following former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent speech in New Delhi, Bangladesh and India are heading toward renewed engagement, signaling their intent to take bilateral relations forward constructively. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, who submitted his credentials to the President on June 25, is set to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the first time on Monday. Issues of mutual interest are likely to be discussed at the meeting. Ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister, the High Commissioner met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at state guesthouse Padma on Sunday afternoon as both sides continue efforts to engage constructively. Neither side briefed reporters on the outcome of the meeting. "I can only tell you it's a pre-arranged meeting, and I don't know what they discussed," a senior official aware of the meeting told UNB, adding that the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Indian envoy will be held in the first half of the day.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said India needs to decide whether it will continue to allow convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders to carry out what she described as conspiratorial activities from Indian territory. "If the autocratic, fascist, convicted Awami League leaders and the head of the Awami League, sitting on Indian soil, continue to carry out such conspiratorial activities, and if the Indian government does not stop it right now, then it will certainly create a cause for concern for the people of Bangladesh," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the evening. The State Minister said discussions between the two countries would continue while urging India to be more sensitive to the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh. "India needs to be more sensitive in that area and take a very intelligent decision about what it wants to do in the future," she said. The State Minister accused the Awami League (whose activities are currently banned) of attempting to revive what she described as an old political narrative linking Bangladesh to extremism. "This theory of militancy is the old dirty politics of the Awami League. They are now trying to do it again on foreign soil. Whether India will allow it or not... it is up to the Indian government to decide," she said, stressing that the AL is doing this to gain international attention. Shama expressed hope for healthy bilateral ties based on equality and mutual respect. "India is a democratic country. India itself has to decide what its foreign policy regarding Bangladesh will be. We want good relations, in the interest of the people of both countries. But the relationship has to be based on equality, with mutual respect and dignity. If India understands that, it will be good for everyone," Shama Obaed said. Rejecting allegations of militancy in Bangladesh, she said the country has an elected government supported by the people and that such claims have no credibility either domestically or internationally. She also criticised the Awami League's record on democracy and human rights. Shama Obaed said Bangladesh wants stronger relations with India but urged New Delhi to make its position clear over the activities of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders from Indian soil, warning that the issue could affect bilateral ties. She said Bangladesh has already conveyed its concerns through an official statement and stressed that India now needs to decide what kind of relationship it seeks with Bangladesh. "You have seen our statement. In the statement, we have said and tried to convey as much as a country can in diplomatic language. And before that, we have repeatedly said that India's position should be clear about what kind of relationship it wants with Bangladesh," the State Minister said. Referring to Sheikh Hasina, Shama Obaed said, "When a convicted criminal sits on Indian soil and says such things, and the Indian government allows it, then, of course, there is concern for Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh about where our relationship will stand in the future." "Now, when we hear democracy from the mouth of the Awami League, when we hear human rights from the mouth of the Awami League, it becomes a very ridiculous thing," she said, referring to allegations of enforced disappearances and killings during the party's rule. Shama Obaed said the people of Bangladesh remain united against any return of what she termed fascism. Despite the concerns, the State Minister reiterated that Dhaka wants constructive engagement with New Delhi, noting that the two neighbours have a wide range of bilateral issues requiring continued dialogue. "We want our relations... because we have many issues with India, many bilateral issues—water, energy, and the border—that need to be resolved through discussion and dialogue," she said. Shama Obaed, however, emphasised that Bangladesh's relationship with India extends far beyond the current dispute. "A country has many aspects to its relationship with another country. We need to have a lot of dialogue with them, and we need to hold discussions. We have cooperation on energy, we have a major issue with them over water, and there are issues on the border - these have to be resolved through discussions," she said. On Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's possible participation in the BRICS Summit, the State Minister said the country remains interested in the grouping while noting that any decision on the Prime Minister's attendance at a future summit would depend on his schedule. "Bangladesh is currently chairing BIMSTEC. BRICS is a multilateral organisation in which Bangladesh is definitely interested in participating. Whether the Prime Minister will participate in it or not... that decision will have to be taken by him according to his schedule," she said.

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday alleged that India is once again using deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a “tool” to influence Bangladesh. He made the remarks while addressing a programme organised by the Shaheed July Smriti Sangsad at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 2nd anniversary of the July uprising. The event included financial assistance for families of those killed in the movement and a remembrance session. Rizvi, also BNP senior joint secretary general, said allowing Hasina to address a press conference on Wednesday was a “planned” move. “The country that claims to be the world's largest democracy has patronised this. Through this, Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence have been insulted. Permission was deliberately granted to disrespect Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader alleged that India previously sought to control Bangladesh through Hasina but is no longer able to do so. “That is why Hasina is once again being used as a tool. The bloodthirsty monster has been driven out of Bangladesh. Now, a question has arisen can a fugitive convict engage in politics from the country where she has taken refuge? India has given her shelter, let her stay there. But from there, audio messages and statements are continuously being sent to create instability inside Bangladesh,” he said. Rizvi further alleged that Hasina was formally allowed to speak on the very date marking her ouster from power. “The Bangladesh government protested this. But the Indian government said it had no connection with the event. However, such a programme cannot be held without government approval. Without a government green signal, how could a fugitive convict and her son hold a press conference?” he said. The BNP leader also claimed that if Hasina returns to Bangladesh, the country will once again witness “bloodshed and she will spare no one.” Referring to the Awami League government, he alleged that there had been no fair justice during Hasina’s tenure. Rizvi claimed that judges who attempted to deliver impartial verdicts risked enforced disappearance or had to flee the country to save their lives.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh is pursuing a forward-looking approach in its engagement with New Delhi and that the Indian government will have to clear whether it supports the planned online meeting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don't want it to be damaged, and I firmly believe that India doesn't want it either. So, India has to clear whether it is supporting it or not,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter wanted to know about Hasina’s planned virtual programme in New Delhi, scheduled for August 5. Hasina will be arrested whenever she comes to Bangladesh: Shama Obaed The State Minister referred to the recent meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi and said they want the Bangladesh-India relationship to improve. “You saw that we had a very cordial meeting with the new High Commissioner who came here. We had a lot of good discussions.” Indian media reported that Hasina is set to make her first public appearance in India exactly two years after she fled the country following a massive student-led protest. According to multiple media reports, Hasina will attend a virtual event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) in New Delhi. “We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that," said the State Minister. Responding to a separate question, she said Bangladesh could communicate with the Indian government if it considers it necessary over the reported event in India on August 5 involving Hasina, while stressing that Dhaka does not want the issue to undermine bilateral relations. The State Minister, however, said the reported programme is not being organised by the Indian government and Dhaka would decide on any diplomatic communication if circumstances required. "If we think it is necessary, the government will contact the relevant foreign ministry," she said. Asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation from New Delhi before the reported event, Shama Obaed said the Indian government is not organising the programme. Referring to Hasina and other Awami League leaders staying abroad, the State Minister said Bangladesh has repeatedly conveyed its position to India that fugitives or convicted individuals should not use Indian soil for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh. She said the issue has been raised both verbally and in writing during bilateral engagements. Shama Obaed also referred to recent remarks by the Indian government, saying New Delhi had indicated it did not expect a fugitive accused to make political statements from Indian territory. She said political activities by fugitives from India that sought to create instability in Bangladesh could negatively affect bilateral relations. "It can. But we don't want that," she said when asked whether such programmes could damage ties between the two neighbours. On Bangladesh's broader foreign policy, Shama Obaed said the country would maintain balanced relations with all partners based on its national interests. "Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country," she said. "We will maintain relations with everyone while protecting Bangladesh's interests." Shama Obaed said Dhaka would continue to engage with India, China and other countries in areas including trade, investment and bilateral cooperation. Asked about an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the BRICS Summit in September, she indicated that no decision had yet been made. "Time will tell.... I can’t tell you now," she said, adding that the Prime Minister would decide on overseas visits at an appropriate time. The State Minister mentioned two separate invitations extended to the Prime Minister in February and the recent one, and said the Prime Minister is spending 24 hours a day on Bangladesh's affairs. “So, time will tell when, how and in which country he will take a decision.” India, which is going to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, last month invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the important event, which will focus on global cooperation, trade and sustainable development. Inviting his Bangladesh counterpart and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security, and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. “I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique in February this year.

India's "Cockroach" movement on Saturday announced an end to its weeks-long nationwide protests after the government accepted its key demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks and irregularities in the country's education system. Pradhan confirmed his resignation in a post on X, delivering a major victory to the youth-led movement that organized demonstrations, sit-ins and hunger strikes across India. The resignation marks one of the most significant concessions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in response to sustained public protests during his more than 12 years in office. The movement began over a month ago following allegations of paper leaks in several major entrance examinations. Initially focused on education reforms, it soon expanded into a broader campaign demanding greater government accountability, more employment opportunities and improved economic prospects. Students, professionals, parents and activists participated in protests in New Delhi and several other cities. Following the minister's resignation, organizers said the government had also agreed to implement wider education reforms, compensate the families of students who died by suicide in connection with the exam leak controversy, and refrain from taking legal action against those who took part in the demonstrations. "We urge everyone to peacefully withdraw from protest sites," Ashutosh Ranka, spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party, which launched the movement, told reporters in New Delhi.  

India on Friday launched its first domestically built hydrogen-powered train, marking a major step in the country's efforts to promote clean energy across its railway network. The new train, consisting of two hydrogen-powered driving cars and eight passenger coaches, will operate in the northern state of Haryana. Railway officials said it can reach a top speed of 75 kilometres per hour and carry up to 2,600 passengers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the "NaMo Green Rail" service at Jind railway station in Haryana. "NaMo" is a commonly used abbreviation of Modi's name. Calling it an important milestone, Modi said in a post on X that the launch reflects India's progress towards self-reliance and sustainable development. The pilot project also includes hydrogen storage and refuelling facilities to test the technology for wider use on the country's railway network, officials said. Hydrogen fuel cell technology produces electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour being the only direct emission. Several countries have already introduced hydrogen-powered trains as a cleaner alternative to diesel on railway routes that are not fully electrified. The launch is part of India's wider plan to expand the use of green hydrogen and reduce carbon emissions. The country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, and Indian Railways is exploring hydrogen-powered trains as an environmentally friendly replacement for diesel services on selected routes.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said the issue related to the renewal of the Bangladesh-India Ganges Water Treaty is moving in a positive direction. "I think it is moving in a positive direction. I hope India will understand its importance and come forward accordingly," she told reporters when her attention was drawn to the renewal of the treaty. The Bangladesh-India Ganges Water Treaty, which is expiring in December this year, needs to be "reviewed and reformed comprehensively" before going for a renewed treaty by engaging economists, urban planners, sociologists, and environmentalists in the planning, as Dhaka shares the "risk" of not sharing it appropriately, experts said. Officials said Bangladesh's agriculture and food availability will be badly affected, while climate vulnerability will increase substantially if the treaty is allowed to expire with no new sharing agreement in place. The Ganges Water Treaty was signed on December 12, 1996, for a period of 30 years, which makes this the last year covered by it. Bangladesh and India share 54 rivers including the Ganges. To discuss all relevant issues that form part of this cooperation, the two countries have a bilateral mechanism in place, the Joint Rivers Commission. Given the willingness and interest of both sides to reset the relationship, an arrangement for sharing the Ganges waters in an "equitable and climate-proof manner" will be one of the first tests of the reset. Former Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Tariq A. Karim said the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India showed that cooperation is possible even on sensitive issues. "But the treaty is due to expire in December 2026, and its renewal will test whether the region can adapt old agreements to new hydrological and climatic realities," he said while speaking at a seminar recently. The former diplomat, who also served as Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, said, "Across the wider region, water, food, energy, health, disaster management, and climate resilience are regional public goods. No country can secure them alone." The former diplomat said the compulsions of ecological integrity may therefore be South Asia's strongest argument for renewed cooperation. He said the region should consider shared river-basin management, early-warning systems, climate adaptation financing, joint research, and a regional ecological security dialogue. "Such cooperation would not require states to surrender sovereignty. It would require them to recognise that sovereignty in an age of climate stress is strengthened - not weakened - by cooperation achieved through its pooling," said the foreign affairs expert. "MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) has to do a lot of homework, and data sharing is key. We need to keep in mind that the situation in 1996 and 2026 is not the same. This can't be seen only from engineering or diplomatic prisms; they should include economists, urban planners, and sociologists in the planning," international affairs expert Prof. Shahab Enam Khan told UNB recently.