United News of Bangladesh

India on Wednesday (November 26) said it has received a request from Bangladesh for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that the request is being examined. “Yes, we have received the request and this request is being examined,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters while responding to a question at a regular briefing in New Delhi. He said they, as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes, remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in ‘peace, democracy, inclusion and stability’ in that country. Read more: ICT releases full verdict on Hasina, Kamal’s death penalty The MEA spokesperson reiterated that they will always engage ‘constructively’ with all stakeholders to that end. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh expects an answer from India on its latest request for extradition of convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “I do not expect that they will answer within a week of Dhaka’s request but we expect we will get an answer,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday when a journalist wanted to know about the update on Hasina’s extradition request. When pressed further, Hossain said he is not saying that Dhaka is not going to get an answer but the fact is that they are not expecting a reply within seven days. Bangladesh wrote to India afresh seeking Hasina’s extradition following the recent verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 against her. Adviser Hossain said the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to the Ministry of External Affairs, India through Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. He also acknowledged that Bangladesh did not receive a reply from India on its first request for extradition last year. On November 17, the ICT sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison. Read more: Dhaka expects answer from Delhi on Hasina's extradition: Foreign Adviser The Foreign Affairs Adviser on Sunday (November 23) disclosed the fresh diplomatic communication with New Delhi A diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB that the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to New Delhi soon after National Security Adviser (NSA) and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Dr Khalilur Rahman’s returns home from New Delhi. Dr Rahman attended the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi on November 20 at the invitation of Indian NSA Ajit Doval. After the verdict, Bangladesh urged the government of India to immediately hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted already, to its authorities. This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. "It would be a grave act of unfriendly conduct and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant shelter to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity," it said. Read more: India’s Lt Gen Manish Luthra highlights Bangladesh-India friendship

Lieutenant General Manish Luthra, Director General Military Operations of Indian Army, has reflected upon the deep-rooted historical relations between Bangladesh and India. While speaking at a reception in New Delhi as the chief guest, he highlighted how the two nations have stood by each other in times of need and how their shared sacrifices and cultural ties have laid the foundation of a unique friendship. Describing the bilateral relationship as truly remarkable and exemplary, he emphasised that the cooperation between the two countries extends beyond the present spectrum, said a media release issued by the Bangladesh High Commission. Luthra expressed his strong conviction that this partnership, built on mutual trust and respect, will continue to grow stronger in the days ahead. Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Monday (November 24) celebrated the Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh with a view to brightening the country's positive image across the world and upholding the image of Bangladesh Armed Forces. To celebrate this special occasion, the Defence Wing of Bangladesh High Commission hosted the reception at Bangladesh High Commission Auditorium. Defence Advisers/Attaches and diplomats of different countries based in New Delhi, senior officers from the Indian armed forces, journalists, members from Bangladeshi community and few Indian war veterans of 1971 attended the event. The programme began with the national anthem of Bangladesh and India respectively. BNP leader Zainul Abedin urges India to return Hasina Thereafter the Defence adviser of Bangladesh high Commission, High Commissioner and the chief guest delivered their speech. Defence Adviser, Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman specially mentioned the great sacrifice of the War Heroes of India besides the Mukti-Bahini of Bangladesh in achieving the glorious victory in 1971. Appreciating the presence of the esteemed guests, he highlighted on the progress of defence cooperation between Bangladesh and India, as well as the advancement of Bangladesh Armed Forces at home and international arena. The High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Riaz Hamidullah, in his remarks stated that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is multidimensional. He emphasised that the two nations are bound by shared history, culture and geography, and that the ties between their peoples rest on a strong foundation. The High Commissioner further noted that the basis of this relationship must not be deception, but rather mutual respect and trust. Recalling India’s contribution to Bangladesh’s War of Independence, the High Commissioner highlighted that during the challenging period of 1971, India played a crucial role for Bangladesh. He acknowledged that there remain several challenges and sensitive issues in the bilateral relationship. To build a brighter future for the peoples of both countries, he stressed the need for wisdom and cooperation in the days ahead. He underscored that in order to ensure peace, stability, and a prosperous future for the peoples of Bangladesh and India, both nations must not only address existing challenges but also seize opportunities for mutual collaboration. In his speech, the High Commissioner paid solemn tribute to the women who endured suffering during the Liberation War of 1971, as well as to the 1,668 members of the Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in that struggle. Afterwards, Indian war veterans who had contributed to Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 were felicitated by the chief guest and the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India. A short clip containing the contribution of Bangladesh Armed Forces in nation-building and for international peace was screened, followed by cutting of the cake and photo sessions. Read more: Dhaka voices displeasure over Hasina’s interviews with Indian media 

Bangladesh has written afresh to India seeking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition following the recent verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal-1. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday (November 23) disclosed the fresh diplomatic communication with New Delhi but did not elaborate further. A diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB that the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to New Delhi soon after National Security Adviser (NSA) and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Dr Khalilur Rahman’s returns home from New Delhi. Dr Rahman attended the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi on November 20 at the invitation of Indian NSA Ajit Doval. On November 17, the ICT sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison. Dhaka may approach ICC to bring back Hasina, Kamal: Law Adviser After the verdict, Bangladesh urged the government of India to immediately hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted already, to its authorities. “I understand they need to be brought back. We will let India know our position officially. Certainly, an official letter will be sent,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 17. Acknowledging that India did not reply to Bangladesh’s extradition request for Hasina, Hossain said the situation is different now as the trial is completed and they are punished. "This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. "It would be a grave act of unfriendly conduct and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant shelter to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement. July Martyrs’ families demand swift execution of Hasina’s sentence Meanwhile, India said it noted the verdict announced by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh concerning Hasina and said they will always engage constructively with all stakeholders. “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country,” said India’s Ministry of External Affairs in a statement. The India ministry said they will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end. President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) Maj Gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman on Saturday said India, as a friendly neighbour, should respect Bangladesh’s legal systems and return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. "If India respects international norms and rules, and international order, then India as a friendly neighbour, should respect Bangladesh’s legal systems," he said while responding to a question during a session at the Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka. UN rights body regrets Hasina’s death sentence, calls verdict important for victims Muniruzzaman said Hasina's trial has gone through all international standards legal systems under which she was convicted.  "And that's a legal system that should be respected by all our neighbours," he added. If that respect is there, Muniruzzaman said, by all accounts she should be returned to Bangladesh. The security analyst said Bangladesh and India have an extradition treaty and India is almost legally bound to send Hasina back to Bangladesh under the treaty. He wanted to know what would be India's reaction if Bangladesh was housing a number of Indians and did not return them after a request made by New Delhi to Dhaka. If that is the case, Muniruzzaman said, anybody convinced under Bangladesh's law by international standards, India is legally bound to send him or her bank to Bangladesh.  "And by all those accounts, we demand that New Delhi sends her (Hasina) back to Bangladesh," he said. Verdict in Rajuk plot graft case against Hasina, Putul on Nov 27

Bangladesh have climbed three places in the latest FIFA rankings, following a spirited draw against Nepal and a statement victory over regional rivals India. The year-ending rankings, released by FIFA within 24 hours of the close of the men’s international break, kept Spain firmly at the top. Bangladesh played two matches during the November FIFA window. Javier Cabrera’s side began with a 2–2 draw in last Thursday’s friendly against Nepal, before sealing a memorable 1–0 victory over India on Tuesday in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The results propelled Bangladesh to 180th position, a three-step rise from their previous ranking. India, by contrast, slid six places and now sit 142nd after the defeat. Spain, meanwhile, confirmed their place in next year’s World Cup with one win and one draw across two fixtures. Although they dropped a few points, the 2010 world champions remain atop the global standings. Argentina also held their ground, staying second after a 2–0 victory over Angola in their only match this month. There was no movement in the next two spots either, with France retaining third place and England anchored in fourth. Both sides enjoyed flawless campaigns in this month’s World Cup qualifiers, winning two matches each. Brazil had a mixed outing with a 2–0 win over Senegal followed by a 1–1 draw against Tunisia. The five-time world champions nonetheless climbed two places to fifth. Portugal and the Netherlands each slipped one spot, moving down to sixth and seventh respectively. Belgium remain eighth, while Germany and Croatia rose one position each to ninth and tenth. Italy endured another setback, falling three places to 12th. The four-time world champions, absent from the past two World Cups, now face renewed pressure as they look toward the playoffs to keep their 2026 hopes alive.    

Sheikh Morsalin scripted a night to remember in Dhaka as Bangladesh defeated India 1–0 on Tuesday, ending a 22-year wait for a competitive victory over their regional rivals and securing their first win of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.  It also marked the team's first victory in what may come to be known as the 'Hamza Era', and may have ensured that they end their campaign as third in the group, above their much larger neighbours. Even if qualification was never a realistic target.   What turned out to be the winning goal came fairly early, capping what was probably the home team's best passage of play on the night, working some openings in the Indian backline and testing Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the Indian goal. From well inside his own half, Morsalin started a counter attack by releasing Rakib Hossain into wide open spaces on the left, then ran almost the length of the pitch to arrive in the opposition box just in time to meet the return pass from Rakib, who did brilliantly. Morsalin pounced on a moment's hesitation between the Indian goalie and defender to execute a deft finish that ended up nutmegging Gurpreet.  Cue bedlam in the arena, as over 23,000 football-lovers packed into the National Stadium on this wintry evening sensed something special was in the offing. Only the footballers seemed to have other ideas.  From that moment, Bangladesh fought to protect the lead with grit and discipline, trading in the zeal and enterprise that leads to chances and most notably handed over possession of the ball to a struggling India side that ended the night bottom in their group.

At least seven people were killed and 27 others injured when a cache of seized explosives blew up inside a police station in Srinagar, the main city of Indian-administered Kashmir. The explosion occurred late Friday (November 14) at the Nowgam police station in southern Srinagar. Most of the victims were police personnel and forensic experts who were examining the materials when they detonated, according to unnamed sources cited by Indian broadcaster NDTV. Two officials from the Srinagar administration were also among the dead. With five of the injured in critical condition, the death toll may rise, NDTV reported. “This was not a terror attack. Police say it was a tragic accident,” NDTV senior executive editor Aditya Raj Kaul wrote on social media. He added that the blast occurred while officers and forensic teams were inspecting the stored explosives. The incident comes just days after a deadly car explosion in New Delhi on Monday that killed at least 12 people near the historic Red Fort. Authorities have labelled that explosion a “terror” attack. Read more: Bangladesh stands by India at this distressful hour Hours before the New Delhi blast, police had arrested several suspects and seized explosives and assault rifles. Officials said the suspects were linked to Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), a Pakistan-based group fighting Indian rule in Kashmir, and its local affiliate Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. In connection with the New Delhi incident, authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have detained more than 650 people. Reports say the Nowgam police station had been investigating JeM posters displayed in the area warning of attacks on security forces and non-locals. Police said the probe exposed a “white-collar terror network” involving radicalised professionals and students connected to handlers in Pakistan and elsewhere. Investigators also seized nearly 3,000kg of ammonium nitrate—commonly used in bomb-making—believing the armed group was amassing materials for a major attack. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, with both countries claiming the region. The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought three wars over Kashmir, and tensions over the contested territory continue to run high. Read more: Touhid dismisses Indian media reports Source: AL Jazeera

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday (11th November 2025) dismissed as "baseless and unbelievable" the Indian media reports claiming that Hafiz Saeed, chief of Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, had plotted attacks in India using Bangladesh territory. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain said there was no reason to give credence to such reports published by Indian media outlets. “Whatever happens, the media will try to put the blame on us,” he said. “But there is no reason to believe this. No sensible person would believe it.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi and all members of the High Commission on Monday deeply condoled the tragic death of at least 13 Indians and many injured in the car blast in Red Fort in Delhi. "Our earnest thoughts | prayers remain with all those impacted, including their families," said the High Commission in a message. The High Commission said Bangladesh stands by India at this distressful hour. Govt welcomes only genuine foreign election observers: Touhid Thousands of tourists visit the 17th Century Red Fort every day, which lies just a few metres from a busy trading hub. Delhi's police commissioner says it happened 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT), when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light before it exploded. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares his condolences "to those who have lost their loved ones" and says he is reviewing the situation. Police say they have not yet found what caused the blast. Bangladesh stands by India at this distressful hour

Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi and all members of the High Commission on Monday (10th November 2025) deeply condoled the tragic death of at least 10 Indians and many injured in the car blast in Red Fort, Delhi. "Our earnest thoughts | prayers remain with all those impacted, including their families," said the High Commission in a message. The High Commission said Bangladesh stands by India at this distressful hour. Car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort kills 8: Police Thousands of tourists visit the 17th Century Red Fort every day, which lies just a few metres from a busy trading hub Delhi's police commissioner says it happened 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT), when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light before it exploded India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares his condolences "to those who have lost their loved ones" and says he is reviewing the situation Police say they have not yet found what caused the blast Read more: Car explosion near New Delhi’s iconic Red Fort leaves at least 8 dead, according to police

Bangladesh on Sunday (9th November 2025) described the recent comments made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus as ‘incorrect’ and ‘not respectful of propriety and diplomatic nicety’ and stressed that Bangladesh remains committed to a mutually beneficial relationship with India. "We consider that Singh's comments are incorrect and unhelpful and not respectful of propriety and diplomatic nicety," said spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs SM Mahbubul Alam as UNB sought Dhaka's reaction to Singh's remarks. In an exclusive conversation with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Indian Minister Singh had urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to ‘watch his words’. "We do not seek tense relations with Bangladesh, but Yunus should be cautious with his statements," Singh told Joshi. Read more: India wants free, fair and inclusive election in Bangladesh: Misri The interview was published on Friday (7th November 2025) in a report by Firstpost, a media outlet of the group. Responding to the issue, Alam said the recent remarks made by the Indian Defence Minister regarding Chief Adviser Prof Yunus have come to their attention. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh remains committed to a mutually beneficial relationship with India based on ‘sovereign equality, non-interference in each other's affairs, and mutual respect.’ "Bangladesh also believes that differences in perspectives are best addressed through constructive and respectful engagement," Alam added. During the interview, the Indian Defence Minister also said India does not want a rift with Bangladesh. Read more: Why India’s passport is slipping in global rankings

Earlier this year, a video by an Indian travel influencer criticizing the weak power of the Indian passport went viral. He pointed out that while countries like Bhutan and Sri Lanka are welcoming to Indian tourists, getting visas to most Western and European destinations remains difficult. His frustration mirrors the findings of the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on visa-free travel access. India slipped five places this year to the 85th spot out of 199 countries, marking another decline in global mobility. The Indian government has yet to comment on the report. The BBC has reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs for clarification. Countries with smaller economies—such as Rwanda (78th), Ghana (74th), and Azerbaijan (72nd)—rank higher than India, despite India being the world’s fifth-largest economy. Over the past decade, India’s passport ranking has generally stayed in the 80s, even falling to 90th in 2021. This contrasts sharply with Asian nations like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, which have consistently dominated the top positions. Read more: Getting e-passport without police verification in Bangladesh: Documents, fees, and online application process For the second consecutive year, Singapore topped the list, offering visa-free access to 193 countries, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189). In comparison, Indian passport holders can visit 57 countries visa-free, sharing the 85th position with Mauritania. A Reflection of Soft Power and Global Influence Passport rankings reflect not only travel convenience but also a nation’s soft power, diplomatic ties, and global reputation. A weak passport means more paperwork, higher visa costs, fewer privileges, and longer approval times. However, despite the drop in rank, the number of countries granting visa-free access to Indian citizens has increased over the years. In 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP came to power, Indians had visa-free access to 52 countries, and the passport ranked 76th. By 2024, that number rose to 62 countries, though India’s rank still slipped to 85th in 2025. Experts say this decline is mainly due to growing global competition. More countries are signing reciprocal visa-free agreements to boost tourism and trade. According to Henley & Partners’ 2025 report, the average number of visa-free destinations worldwide has nearly doubled—from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025. Read more: Digital Nomad Visas in Europe in 2026: Top 10 European Countries China, for instance, has expanded its visa-free access from 50 to 82 countries in the past decade, improving its rank from 94th to 60th. India’s ranking, meanwhile, dropped from 77th in July 2025 to 85th in October, after losing visa-free access to two countries. Beyond Diplomacy: Other Factors at Play Former Indian ambassador Achal Malhotra says that factors such as political stability, security, and openness to foreign citizens also influence a country’s passport strength. For example, the U.S. passport, once among the most powerful, has fallen to 12th place, partly due to its inward-looking foreign policy. Mr Malhotra notes that in the 1970s, Indians could travel visa-free to many Western nations, but that changed after the Khalistan movement in the 1980s, which raised concerns about India’s internal stability. Read more: 7 Most Affordable Countries for Citizenship by Investment in 2026 He adds that high emigration rates and cases of visa overstays have made some nations more cautious about granting Indians visa-free access. Moreover, issues such as passport fraud and slow immigration processes also affect India’s standing. In 2024, Delhi Police arrested 203 individuals for alleged passport and visa fraud. A Path Forward Technological advances like India’s new e-passport, which stores biometric data on a secure chip, could help strengthen document security and streamline border checks. But experts agree that diplomatic outreach and bilateral travel agreements will be crucial for improving the global mobility of Indian citizens—and restoring the strength of the Indian passport on the world stage. Source: BBC Read more: Bangladesh moves up one step in global passport strength index