Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has stressed on some key issues with India like stopping “border killing, conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement, and ensuring supply of essential commodities.” High Commissioner of India in Dhaka Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the interim Government of Bangladesh at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday and discussed the issue. The Adviser said Bangladesh wants to work closely with India for promoting bilateral relations and stressed on more ‘people centric engagement’ in the upcoming days. The interim government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections, said the Adviser. Bangladeshi killed by BSF gunfire near Chapainawabganj border He thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes extended to the Chief Adviser on his assumption of his new responsibilities. The Foreign Affairs Adviser also mentioned a highly exaggerated media campaign about happenings in Bangladesh. About former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements, he mentioned that such statements emanating from India are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations. The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the Adviser for Foreign Affairs on his new responsibilities. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes to the Chief Adviser and expressed the keen willingness of the Government of India to work with the interim government in the coming days to fulfill the shared aspirations of peoples from both countries. The Adviser for Foreign Affairs affirmed the Interim government’s commitment to ensure peaceful coexistence of different communities in Bangladesh including the minorities. He mentioned that the government is pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups and will not tolerate any violence or intimidation against them. He added that all religious groups and other political parties are also working to ensure safety and security of the minorities. 35-year-old man injured in BSF firing at Feni border During the meeting, the Adviser for Foreign Affairs briefed the High Commissioner about the current situation in Bangladesh. He mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students. The combined forces of the students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of authoritarianism and repression in their quest for ending discriminations and inequities. The fearless student movement against a discriminatory public service recruitment system soon morphed into a nation-wide revolutionary struggle to establish a rules-based, just, fair and inclusive society. Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus agreed to take the helm of the interim government at the request of the students and people. The Adviser for Foreign Affairs mentioned that the most pressing task before this interim government is to bring normalcy to the overall law and order situation and bring the economy on track. India’s BSF returns body of Bangladeshi man killed in its firing The government is working on meaningful reforms and a lasting transformation to fulfill the aspiration of the people, especially the youth.

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has protested a news article with false information, titled “Indian students flee Dhaka amid violent clashes, PM Sheikh Hasina airlifted,” published online as well as a related post on the X handle of India Today NE on July 21, 2024. "We request all the news outlets, including the India Today NE, to remain vigil and ensure objective and balanced reporting taking account of the sensitivity of the issue," reads a rejoinder sent by the Bangladesh High Commission.  Shaban Mahmood, Minister (Press) sent the rejoinder to the media outlet on behalf of the High Commission on July 22.  While the article was premised on misleading information in more detail, the X post reads: “Amidst this chaos, reports confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was airlifted from her residence in Dhaka. Her current whereabouts remain unknown.” Read more: It's your internal affair but we are with you: Diplomats to govt Although both the article and the post were subsequently taken down within a few hours, the misinformation on the status of the Government of Bangladesh went viral within a short span of time, and triggered huge confusion and anxiety among people at home and abroad, the rejoinder reads. "On behalf of the High Commission of Bangladesh, I express my sheer disappointment at the aforesaid erroneous article and post. As you are well aware, our country is going through a challenging time due to the ongoing student protests," reads the rejoinder.  “This kind of misinformation and reporting based on rumour at the time of such critical moment of any country may misguide the people and even add fuel to the crisis and turn the situation into more chaotic,” said the High Commission.  Moreover, such kind of reporting, without gauging the sensitivity, does not only negatively affect the people and the society at large, but also puts the credibility of any news outlet in question.  On July 21, 2024, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh delivered a historic verdict on reforming the quota system in the public service employment.  Read more: Diplomats witnessing destruction in Dhaka were stunned: Foreign Minister The court ordered 93% of the government jobs to be allocated on a merit-based system, which has been the demand of the students.  While welcoming the order of the apex court of the country, the Government of Bangladesh has also taken a slew of measures to ensure safety and security of the people and property, said the High Commission.  With this, the situation has significantly improved, and it is expected that normalcy will return soon, it said.

Photos of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina alongside her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have been prominently displayed across Delhi as part of India's grand preparations for Modi's swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Sunday (June 09, 2024) evening. “Welcome to India,” read the large banners featuring the two leaders. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the ceremony, marking her as the first "distinguished" guest. She was warmly received at the airport by a high-level Indian delegation and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Md. Mustafizur Rahman. "This visit of one of our most valued partners will further strengthen Bangladesh-India close and deep-rooted bonds of friendship," stated the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday. Modi’s oath-taking: PM Hasina warmly received by India as first “distinguished” guest During her stay in New Delhi, Prime Minister Hasina will have a private meeting with Modi following the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7:15 pm on Sunday. She will also attend a state dinner hosted by the Indian President. The visit by leaders to attend Modi's swearing-in for his third consecutive term underscores India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision. The ceremony, following the 2024 general elections, will see the oath-taking of Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers. Modi oath-taking: Foreign leaders' presence confirms India's Neighbourhood First policy, says MEA Distinguished guests from neighboring countries and the Indian Ocean region have been invited, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the leaders will attend a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Hasina is scheduled to depart New Delhi for Dhaka on Monday, expected to arrive at 8 pm. Cabinet expansion: 7 more junior ministers set to take oath Modi, 73, will be equalling the feat of the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who won in the 1952, 1957 and 1962 general elections.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday (January 20, 2024) said Bangladesh-India relations are growing from strength to strength. "Look forward to receiving him (Dr Hasan Mahmud) in Delhi soon," he said as he met his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud on the sidelines of the 19th NAM Summit. Jaishankar said he is glad to meet with his new Bangladesh counterpart, Hasan Mahmud in Kampala, Uganda. "Congratulated him on his appointment and wished him all success," said the Indian External Affairs Minister. Both the ministers discussed various issues of mutual interests and ways to carry forward the existing excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also discussed the upcoming visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister to New Delhi. Hasan Mahmud led the Bangladesh delegation to the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held on January 19-20. He will also lead the third South Summit of the G77 and China scheduled to be held on January 21-22. Read more: Every country should take its responsibilities towards refugees very seriously: David Cameron Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad A Muhith and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda, among others, are accompanying the Foreign Minister. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud is scheduled to leave for New Delhi, India on February 7 – the first bilateral visit by the minister after his appointment – to further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations. “It’s likely to be a three-day visit,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 18, noting that the agenda of the visit is yet to be finalised. The Foreign Minister said he will be visiting the country at the invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Asked whether he will have a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit, Mahmud said, “It is too early to say.” Jaishankar, earlier, invited his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud to visit New Delhi at a mutually convenient time. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma extended the invitation on behalf of the Indian External Affairs Minister on Monday. The Foreign Minister accepted the invitation and told him that he would visit Delhi soon. Read more: FM Hasan meets his Palestinian counterpart

Bangladesh has briefed heads of missions (around 90) based in New Delhi on the recent political scenario and preparations for the next general election in Bangladesh. Mentioning that election is a “festive occasion in Bangladesh as we see it in many democratic countries,” Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told ambassadors that people of Bangladesh have been eagerly waiting to take part in the democratic process to vote and elect the representatives of their choice. The Election Commission is committed to holding a free and fair election with participation of voters in a festive atmosphere, Masud told the diplomats in Delhi. Bangladesh-India FS-level talks held in New Delhi The foreign secretary briefed the diplomats concurrently accredited to Bangladesh on Friday evening. He was visiting New Delhi in connection with the Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and India, which was held in the Hyderabad House in the afternoon of November 24. In the evening, he briefed the concurrently accredited ambassadors to Bangladesh in a program organized by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi at the Bangabandhu Hall. Foreign Secretary Masud highlighted the foreign policy priorities and dynamics of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh-India FS-level talks in New Delhi on Friday He also briefed the ambassadors about Bangladesh’s position on various geopolitical contemporary issues. During the briefing, he highlighted the socio-economic development of Bangladesh over the last 15 years under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Masud solicited their support to resolve the Rohingya crisis through ensuring the refugees’ safe and sustainable repatriation to their place of origin in Myanmar for peace and stability of the region and beyond. During the briefing session, the ambassadors were requested for support of their respective governments for Bangladesh’s candidature for the membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under category ‘C’ for the term 2024-2025, elections to which be held in London on December 1 this year. Given Bangladesh’s recent socio-economic development, continued stability and growing importance in the regional and global platforms and engagement with the issues of global concern, Foreign Secretary Masud urged the ambassadors to request their respective governments to consider opening diplomatic missions in Dhaka. He assured them of the Bangladesh government’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating the process. The foreign secretary responded to questions raised by the concurrently accredited ambassadors. The foreign secretary is scheduled to return to Dhaka this afternoon. FOC: Bangladesh, India hold comprehensive discussions on trade, security, border issues

Enjoying the unparalleled beauty of nature cannot be measured by any monetary value. However, everything in the world comes with a price, tourism is no exception. Though travelling costs are getting higher day by day, Bangladeshi tourists can visit overseas within a tight budget with proper planning and right information. Let's explore some popular international tourist attractions to visit with 10,000 taka. 10 Overseas Places to Visit from Bangladesh with a Budget of BDT 10,000 Cherrapunji This city, which is also called Sohra, is situated in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Notable attractions here include Mawsynram, the Double Decker Root Bridge, Mosmai Cave, and Mokdok View Point. Foreign visitors are drawn to enchanting waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls, Thankharang Park, Mosmai Falls, Kalikai Falls, Rainbow Falls, Krangsuri Falls, and Seven Sisters Falls. To reach Sohra, travelers must take a train from Dhaka to Sylhet and then a bus to Tamabil. The minimum train fare from Dhaka to Sylhet is around BDT 400, and the bus journey from Sylhet to Tamabil costs BDT 35. Read more: 10 Most Affordable Destinations in Indonesia: Winter retreats on a budget Upon reaching Tamabil, complete Bangladesh immigration and cross-border checking at Indian customs. Subsequently, a taxi or minibus will leave for Shillong through Dauki Bazaar. Cherrapunji is a bit further, past the Wardslake gate of Shillong. For budget accommodation, homestays in Naingriat village can be arranged, with room rents for 4 people ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, approximately equal to BDT 1,330 to 2,000 (Rs 1 = BDT 1.33). The cost of food can range from Rs 160 to Rs 200 (approx. BDT 215 to BDT 266) per person per day. All in all, one can travel from Dhaka via Shillong to Cherrapunji and back to Dhaka in 3 days for around 8 to 9 thousand taka. Read more: Best Asian Alternatives to the Maldives: Affordable Island Getaways Delhi Delhi, the Indian capital on the banks of the river Yamuna, retains its popularity among travelers due to its historical significance. Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Red Fort, and Emperor Humayun's Tomb are among the city's prominent sightseeing spots. Dhaka residents can reach Delhi affordably by first taking a bus to Kolkata. A non-AC coach will cost around BDT 890 to BDT 900 per person. From Kolkata's Howrah, they need to take a train to Delhi, with a non-AC sleeper costing approximately Rs 650 to Rs 700 (close proximity to BDT 865 to BDT 931). Opting for a tour agency's sightseeing package, which typically costs Rs 300 to 500 per person (hovering near BDT 399 to BDT 665), is recommended. The average daily cost for food is Rs 390 (roughly BDT 519). Double-bed rooms in Paharganj can be found for Rs 500 to Rs 650 (approx. BDT 655 to BDT 865). Read more: Shopping in Malaysia: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Shimla The capital and largest city of Himachal Pradesh in North India is known as the Queen of Hill Stations. Places to visit in the picturesque city include Mall Road, The Ridge, Summer Hill, Viceroy Lodge, St. Michael's Cathedral, Himachal State Museum, and Jakhu. Budget visitors must first come to Kolkata from Dhaka by the ways mentioned earlier. A minimum of BDT 1,100 will be spent here along with the immigration process. After that, the explorers have to go to Howrah station in Kolkata as before. From there, the Kalka Mail train will take them to Kalka, for which the ticket price will be around Rs 710 (about BDT 945). Toy Train fare for Kalka to Shimla is Rs.50 (close to BDT 67). A room in Shimla can be rented for Rs 1,000 (near BDT 1,330), and food per day can cost Rs 194 (almost BDT 258) per person. Read more: Lawachara National Park Travel Guide: Evergreen forest in northeastern Bangladesh

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen today (November 23, 2023) said he is not carrying any special message from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or there is "no hidden agenda" as he leaves for New Delhi tomorrow to hold talks with his Indian counterpart, scheduled for Friday. He, however, said the Bangladesh side will definitely inform the Indian side if they have queries regarding the next national election. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Masud said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is multifaceted. Read: AL’s main task is to prevent propaganda, sabotage ahead of polls: Obaidul Quader Efforts to keep the relationship unhindered and smooth before, during and after the election may come up for discussions, he said. The foreign secretary said he will brief diplomats from countries that do not have missions in Dhaka about the situation in Bangladesh and the government’s efforts to hold a free and fair election. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said no political issues will be discussed in the foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries. Read: Way towards green, sustainable businesses in Asia and the Pacific pointed at UN forum in Hong Kong "I don't think so. Political discussion has already been done. There will be no discussion about politics there," Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter wanted to know whether politics and the upcoming election will be discussed in the forthcoming meeting. The foreign minister said it is a routine meeting between the two countries where various issues of mutual interest will be discussed. "We do FOC (Foreign Office Consultations) with many countries. It is a routine matter," he added. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is scheduled to hold the regular bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Friday. This is the second foreign secretary-level meeting between the two countries this year. The first one was held in February in Dhaka. At the Foreign Office Consultations, the two countries usually discuss all the major issues of mutual interests to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors. Read: ‘Those threatening to foil polls had shown bias towards undemocratic change in power in the past’ Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the relationship between Bangladesh and India today stands out as a model in terms of shared benefits. In an interaction in London, he said the two countries have settled the land boundary and maritime border issues. Jaishankar highlighted connectivity cooperation, energy supply and use of ports and noted that Bangladesh-India ties stand as model ties.

With the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ICC World Cup 2023 match just hours away, the air quality in Delhi is perilous. According to the ICC’s guidelines, an AQI (air quality index) score under 200 is considered safe for cricket. Delhi’s AQI is well above 400 as the match approaches. In light of this situation, can the ICC ethically mandate players to participate in a World Cup match amidst such hazardous conditions? This question looms large, given the severe air pollution in Delhi. Players from both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were compelled to cancel their practice sessions due to the air quality issue. Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha mentioned that some of the players have asthma and are not willing to take unnecessary risks by practicing. Read: Bangladesh to face Sri Lanka amid pollution concerns in Delhi As players express their reluctance to practice, it raises critical questions about the ICC's stance on player participation in such conditions. The ICC and BCCI staff on the ground are set to closely monitor the air quality leading up to the match. Following their assessment, they will consult with the medical teams of both teams. If they determine that the match can proceed safely, the toss will take place on time. However, if the air quality poses a significant health risk, they will adopt a wait-and-see approach, similar to protocols followed in cases of rain or a wet outfield. ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC is seeking advice from a lung specialist to define safe air quality levels for cricket matches. However, establishing specific benchmarks for safe air quality proves challenging due to the varying cardiovascular demands of different cricketing positions on the field. Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Zaman ton leads Pakistan home vs New Zealand For instance, a fast bowler experiences higher cardiovascular stress compared to a spinner. This indicates that identical air quality conditions may not be equally safe for both fast bowlers and spinners. The assessment becomes considerably more intricate in this regard.

Standing on the bank of the Yamuna River, Delhi, India's capital territory, presents a captivating mix of history, culture, and modernity. Its strategic location, at the centre of the Indian subcontinent, has made it a bustling hub of diverse influences. And, this year, this city is one of the venues of the ICC World Cup. Delhi promises a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient monuments to savouring delicious cuisine, along with sports excitement. Let’s take a look at this Delhi travel guide and explore the numerous facets of this fascinating metropolis. Top 10 Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi, India Arun Jaitley Stadium Formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, this cricket venue was established in 1883. Five matches of the Cricket World Cup 2023 are going to be held at this stadium located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in New Delhi. Among them, the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is set for November 6, 2023. India Gate Also known as the All India War Memorial, it stands on the side of the Rajpath in New Delhi. The 138-foot-tall historic structure was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. A Republic Day parade is held annually around this war memorial. Read more: Shopping in Kolkata: What to Buy and Where to Buy from This structure is dedicated mainly to the 84,000 Indian and British soldiers who perished during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Engravings on the monument surface display the names of 13,300 soldiers. Local food hawkers often gather here, offering various delicacies for picnicking groups. A charming children's park is also nearby. Qutub Minar   Known as Victory Tower, this minaret is part of the Qutub Complex in Lal Kot, Delhi. Qutub Minar's construction began in 1199 under Qutub-ud-Din Aibak. Shamsuddin Iltutmish completed the upper sections between 1199 and 1503. Qutub Minar brilliantly merges Islamic architecture with Southwest Asian design. In 1993, UNESCO bestowed upon it the prestigious title of a World Heritage Site. Read more: Spain Travel Guide: Top 10 Must-Visit Places

Bangladesh will raise the Teesta water sharing issue along with other issues of mutual interest during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi next week.    “We have the issue of Teesta water sharing that the Prime Minister will certainly raise. We have other issues. We have 54 common rivers,” Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters on Sunday, adding that the Ganges water treaty is another issue which will expire soon. Read: Dhaka keen to avail regional opportunities for security, connectivity The Bangladesh-India Ganges water-sharing deal was signed in 1996 after long negotiations. The 30-year deal will expire by 2026. Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh and India had always discussed the Teesta issue at the highest political level. “We always kept it on the discussion agenda. This time too, we expect the Prime Minister will talk about it.” Bangladesh thinks the water-sharing issues between the two countries would be resolved through discussions as the two countries are “mentally agreed” to work on the basis of mutual understanding. Read: FM Momen discusses trade, investment issues with US Bangladesh Business Council leaders Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s long pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalized in 2011. During PM Hasina’s state visit to India in September last year, both leaders also directed the officials to work together to address issues such as pollution in rivers and to improve riverine environment and river navigability in respect of common rivers. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation at the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10 will add yet another feather to the ‘Golden Chapter’ in Dhaka-Delhi ties. Read: Positive momentum, energy fueling Bangladesh economy: USBBC President  The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Modi is likely to be held on September 8. Follow-up Discussion on Water Issues Earlier, the Foreign Secretary attended a follow-up discussion on Bangladesh’s 10 commitments made at the 2023 UN water Conference. Talking to reporters, he said they mainly discussed how to implement those commitments and how the development partners can help Bangladesh in this process. The Foreign Secretary said most of the commitments will be fulfilled by 2030 and many countries of the world made their commitments separately.  The UN 2023 Water Conference saw the adoption of the Water Action Agenda, representing voluntary commitments of nations and stakeholders to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets connected to water. The event brought together over 6,500 participants. By the close of the meeting, the Water Action Agenda had received approximately 700 commitments in the form of financial pledges, collaborative projects, and actions to protect the world’s most precious and irreplaceable resource. The Foreign Secretary said water is an important factor for livelihood and sustainability and they discussed issues related to coastal area, salinity problems, ground water level declining, plastic pollution, agriculture water wastages, rain water harvesting and ways to boost efficiency in water management. He said there are reasons to be worried after a few years and laid emphasis on international cooperation and resource mobilization. The UN says water is a dealmaker for the Sustainable Development Goals, and for the health and prosperity of people and the planet. But, the UN added, progress on water related goals and targets remains alarmingly off track, jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda.