In a surprising move to eliminate begging, authorities in an Indian city will begin registering police cases against individuals who give money to beggars, starting January 1, 2025, according to media reports. The initiative aims to make Indore the first city in India to be declared “beggar-free.” The district administration has announced that an awareness campaign will continue until the end of December. However, from January, legal action will be taken against those found giving alms, marking the enforcement of a city-wide ban on begging in Indore. This effort is part of a central government pilot project targeting the rehabilitation of beggars across ten cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. The initiative aims to reshape the lives of those who depend on begging while maintaining Indore’s reputation as a model urban center. India listed as 'uncooperative' country by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement The campaign is being supported by Madhya Pradesh’s Social Welfare Department and local organizations. According to officials, a local organization will provide six months of shelter to beggars while helping them secure employment opportunities. Indore authorities believe this dual approach—combining enforcement with rehabilitation—will not only eliminate begging but also create pathways for vulnerable individuals to reintegrate into society.

Victory Day symbolises strong bonds of friendship between Bangladesh and India, made eternal by shared sacrifices of the valiant Freedom Fighters and Indian soldiers, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. "Greetings from High Commission of India, Dhaka to the People of Bangladesh on the occasion of 54th Victory Day," the High Commission said. BGB pays homage to Bir Shrestha Nur Mohammad on Victory Day Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar conveyed greetings to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and the people of Bangladesh on Victory Day. In a reflection of shared history and long-standing friendship and harmony, Bangladesh and Indian Armed Forces came together to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the Liberation War of 1971 on the occasion of Victory Day on 16 December.

Amid intensified diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said they expect to establish a good relationship with India accepting the reality in the context of the post-August 5 changed situation. “We want to remain optimistic that we would be able to establish a good relationship with India making sure that both sides’ interests are protected,” he said, flagging issues of water sharing and border killings which remain unaddressed. The Adviser was speaking at a roundtable titled “Bangladesh-India Relations: Expectations, Barriers and Future.” The South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) and the Department of Political Science & Sociology (PSS), North South University hosted the event at the syndicate hall of NSU. Hossain said Bangladesh had some concerns and there are still some concerns that remain unaddressed while the previous government tried its best to address the concerns of India. He believes that India will proceed realising the changed situation but acknowledged that there are barriers which are normal in any relationship. “There is a change in the relations after August 5. This is reality.”    India closely monitoring situation related to minorities in Bangladesh: Jaishankar tells Lok Sabha Talking about water-sharing issues, Hossain said there has been no progress over the Teesta water-sharing treaty. “We would want to see progress there.” Regarding border killings, the adviser said they always spoke strongly about such incidents and he even talked about it face to face with the Indian officials. “This (border killing) is no way acceptable.” Hossain said this is the only border (Bangladesh-India border) in the world where people are shot to death despite the fact that the two countries are not involved in a war. “It’s not seen anywhere in the world." He said India has to fix it and if anyone commits crimes, they can be tried in court. “Why should they be killed?" Hossain said the Indian media dangerously and aggressively engaged against Bangladesh since August 5 and the role they have played is in no way conducive to maintaining a normal relationship between Bangladesh and India. “They (Indian media) know why they are doing this. Here, our media has a role to play,” said the adviser, highlighting the importance of fact-checking and bringing up the facts as well as proper coverage of the foreign ministry statements. India urges Bangladesh to ensure safety of Hindus, other minorities “It’s absolutely your decision (Bangladesh media’s coverage on MoFA statements). I am not saying that you have to do this but I am talking about people’s desire,” Hossain said. The adviser highlighted the importance of national consensus on foreign policy and noted that Bangladesh could not gain much due to lack of national consensus. He said India needs to address Bangladesh's concerns and would help improve the relations between the neighbours. Hossain said Bangladesh also needs to enhance its capacity both domestically and internationally with skilled human resources, and questioned the quality of education in some rural institutions from where many are getting degrees without learning anything. According to him, at least five percent of the GDP should go to the education sector consistently. "Bangladeshis working in the Middle East are paid much less than that of the other countries just because of the lack of adequate skills and English communication ability," he added. The panelists of the roundtable were Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad, joint member secretary, AB Party, Saquib Ali, former diplomat, Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, former Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Prof Dr Mohammad Abdur Rob, Vice-Chancellor, Manarat International University, and Dr SM Asaduzzaman Ripon, Vice Chairman, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The roundtable was chaired by Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor, North South University, and moderated by Dr M Jashim Uddin, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science & Sociology (PSS), North South University.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the third on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 195 at 8:50am this morning (November 22, 2024). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy’, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and Egypt’s Cairo occupied the first, second and fourth spots in the list, with AQI scores of 603, 452 and 191 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Read: Dhaka's air quality 4th worst in the world this morning The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

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