Delhi
Dhaka, Delhi eye positive results during PM's visit
Former Indian Foreign Secretary and G20 Chief Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday said Bangladesh is a remarkable story in terms of growth and development.
He highlighted the achievements and accomplishments made by the two countries over the last decade and shed light on future cooperation between the two countries as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit New Delhi September first week at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
"Bangladesh's relations with India are very special and eternal," said former Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, adding the PM Modi and PM Hasina share an excellent relationship.
Haque also said, "I have no doubt that forthcoming visit of PM Sheikh Hasina to India will yield very positive results."
The two former Foreign Secretaries were addressing at a programme "Special Lecture on Bangladesh's Foreign Policy" organised by Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), at Sapru House.
Vijay Thakur Singh, DG, ICWA, delivered opening remarks on the occasion.
Shringla appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism which sent a signal that both the countries needed peace and stability.
He said that was very important for the two countries' progress and development.
Shringla said both India and Bangladesh enjoy a very close and unique relations.
He noted growing trade relations between the two countries with sound economic policies in both the countries.
The much-awaited Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) meeting between Bangladesh and India would be held on August 25 to discuss water sharing issues as the two countries share 54 rivers.
“We are thankful to the Indian side as they agreed to my proposal (to resume JRC meeting before PM’s visit). We have agreed on a number of issues in principle. We hope some development will happen,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters recently.
Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed to visit New Delhi on September 5-6 at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
“We want to build a stronger relationship with India,” he said, adding that bilateral issues and relevant issues in the context of the current global scenario are likely to be discussed during PM Hasina’s forthcoming visit.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Hasina, her Indian counterpart Modi paid a state visit to Bangladesh from March 26 to 27 last year to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India.
The visit symbolised the partnership of half-a-century between India and Bangladesh that has “strengthened, matured and evolved” as a model for bilateral relations for the entire region.
Common Rivers: Dhaka, Delhi to hold JRC meeting ahead of PM’s visit
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said the much-awaited Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) meeting between Bangladesh and India would be held later this month to discuss water sharing issues as the two countries share 54 rivers.
“We are thankful to the Indian side as they agreed to my proposal (to resume JRC meeting before PM’s visit). We have agreed on a number of issues in principle. We hope some development will happen,” he told reporters in Sylhet, hinting that the JRC meeting will be held in August last week.
Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed to visit New Delhi on September 5-6 at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
“We want to build a stronger relationship with India,” he said, adding that bilateral issues and relevant issues in the context of the current global scenario are likely to be discussed during PM Hasina’s forthcoming visit.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Hasina, her Indian counterpart Modi paid a state visit to Bangladesh from March 26 to 27 last year to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India.
Read: Momen explains what he meant by 'heaven'
The visit symbolised the partnership of half-a-century between India and Bangladesh that has “strengthened, matured and evolved” as a model for bilateral relations for the entire region.
Recalling earlier discussions, PM Hasina at the meeting with Modi reiterated Bangladesh’s long-pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta river.
She underscored that to alleviate the sufferings and save the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Teesta river basin, it is necessary that Bangladesh receives its fair share of the Teesta waters, the draft agreement of which has already been agreed upon by both governments in January 2011.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts to conclude this agreement, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
During the meeting last year, the two leaders directed their respective Ministries of Water Resources to work towards an early conclusion of the Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six common rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
The Bangladesh side reiterated the urgency for India to allow excavation of the remaining portion of Rahimpur Khal for utilization of Kushiyara River waters for irrigation of the Upper Surma Kushiyara project, as the matter is directly linked with the food security of Bangladesh.
At the seventh round of the Bangladesh-India Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting held in New Delhi this year, Bangladesh and India agreed to work closely together to further deepen and strengthen cooperation in the areas of common rivers and water resources management.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of IT and cyber security, renewable energy, agriculture and food security, sustainable trade, climate change and disaster management.
Sonia Gandhi in hospital due to Covid issues, party says condition stable
Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to a hospital in Delhi because of Covid-related issues, the party announced on Sunday, adding that she was stable and under observation, reports NDTV.
"Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital today owing to Covid related issues. She is stable and will be kept at the hospital for observation. We thank all the Congress men & women as also all well-wishers for their concern and good wishes," party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a tweet.
Also read: Priyanka Gandhi tests positive for Covid
Sonia Gandhi had tested positive for the coronavirus on June 2 and had sought more time from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to appear before it for questioning in a money-laundering case.
Officials at the agency, which investigates financial crimes, said they had issued a fresh summons to the Congress president to appear before it for questioning on June 23. Ms Gandhi, 75, was earlier asked to depose on June 8.
The ED had also summoned her son and former party chief Rahul Gandhi on June 13 for questioning in the case.
He was earlier asked by the agency to depose on June 2 but the Lok Sabha member from Wayanad constituency in Kerala sought a fresh date as he was out of country. The federal agency later asked Rahul Gandhi to appear on June 13 at its headquarters in central Delhi.
Congress leaders had earlier claimed that Sonia Gandhi is determined to appear before the ED once she recovers from the virus.
Also read:India's top court orders release of ex-PM Rajiv Gandhi's assassin
The Congress, which alleges the case is an exercise in settling political scores by the ruling BJP, is likely to hold a big protest event on Monday when Rahul Gandhi appears for questioning.
The case pertains to the probe into the alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian that owns the National Herald newspaper.
The paper is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian Pvt Limited.
Dhaka-Delhi JCC likely to be held in June 19
The next round of Joint Consultation Commission (JCC) meeting between Bangladesh and India is likely to be held on June 19 which will help both the countries to prepare grounds for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned visit to New Delhi this year.
The JCC meeting was originally scheduled to be held in New Delhi on May 30 but it has been deferred as some preparatory works remain pending.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, now attending the third edition of Asian Confluence River Conclave-2022 (NADI) in Guwahati, confirmed the deferral of the meeting while talking to reporters on Saturday.
Momen also hinted that the JCC meeting is likely to be held on June 19.
He had a meeting with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar in Guwahati on Friday evening and discussed issues of mutual interest. Later, they decided to defer the meeting of the JCC.
The JCC will be co-chaired by Momen and Jaishankar.
The two foreign ministers met in Dhaka last month and stressed on following up the decisions taken at the highest level for their effective implementation for mutual benefit.
The sixth meeting of the JCC was held on September 29, 2020. Although Dhaka was scheduled to host the meeting, the meeting was held on a virtual platform due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Bangladesh and India noted that 2021 was a landmark year for their relationship as the president and the prime minister of India visited Bangladesh in a single year. The countries celebrated the 50th years of diplomatic ties through the joint celebration of a number of landmark events across the world.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit India this year.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her government’s “zero tolerance policy” to terrorism and insurgency.
He made the remarks on Friday during his meeting with Foreign Minister Momen in Guwahati, capital of Assam.
Momen, in response, said the development of Bangladesh and India are complementing each other and many Indians are working in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is the fourth largest remittance sending country to India, he said.
READ: Growing Dhaka-Delhi interactions good reflection of trust: Jaishankar
He mentioned the traditional linkage between the people of Assam and Sylhet.
He noted Bangladesh and India are enjoying the best of their relations under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Momen underscored that Assam could take advantage of Bangladesh’s dynamic socio-economic growth, both as a market for their products and also as a source of quality products at a competitive price, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He emphasized enhancing trade and commerce between the two countries and promoting tourism. Further, he suggested that river transportation could be an effective means for amplifying bilateral trade.
Foreign Minister Momen had the meeting with the Chief Minister of Assam at Koinadhara State Guest House, Khanapara.
During the meeting, Momen gratefully acknowledged that Assam and India occupy a special place in his heart, as he took shelter in Assam in 1971 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
He informed that Bangladesh is in the process of extending 200 scholarships for the family members of the war veterans from India who fought for the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.
Momen recalled the visit of the President and Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh in 2021 to join the epochal events Bangladesh celebrated; Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh and Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On 06 December 2021, Bangladesh and India jointly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as “Maitri Diwas” in 18 selected capitals across the globe in addition to Dhaka and New Delhi.
Sarma stressed that Assam is keen to engage with Bangladesh for the common benefit of the two peoples through promotion of trade, commerce, connectivity and cultural activities.
Read: Momen meets Assam chief minister
He appreciated the recent pace of economic development in Bangladesh under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He praised the success of the government of Bangladesh in dealing with Covid-19 pandemic.
Sarma recalled the significant role of railway connectivity with Chattogram port city in trade during the British period.
The chief minister informed that Assam is developing advanced medical and education institutions and can be a destination for the people of Bangladesh for medical treatment and study purposes.
Momen also attended a dinner hosted by the CM of Assam, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar where a number of Ministers from the Centre and States along with Ambassadors from ASEAN countries were present.
Momen arrived in Guwahati on Friday to attend the 3rd edition of Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence (NADI) to be held from 28-29 May 2022.
During his visit to Guwahati, he is also expected to call on the governor of Assam and hold an interactive session with the members of the business community.
Delhi suffers at 49C as heatwave sweeps India
An intense heatwave is sweeping through northern India with temperatures hitting a record 49.2C (120.5F) in parts of the India's capital, Delhi, reported BBC.
This is the fifth heatwave in the capital since March.
Officials in many parts of the country have asked people to take precautions as temperatures are set to remain high.
They warned the heat could cause health concerns for the vulnerable, including infants, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
The states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Bihar have particularly witnessed soaring temperatures in the past few days, India's weather department said.
It added that temperatures are likely to fall by 2-4C in some areas but there may not be any respite from intense heat.
Severe heatwaves have thrown millions of lives and livelihoods out of gear in northern India this summer.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked state chief ministers to draw up plans to mitigate the impact of extreme heat as temperatures rose faster than usual.
Also read: Extreme heatwave batters millions in India, Pakistan
While heatwaves are common in India, especially in May and June, summer began early this year with high temperatures from March, when the first heatwave arrived.
Average maximum temperatures for the month were the highest in 122 years.
The Centre for Science and Environment, a think-tank, says that early heatwaves this year have affected around 15 states, including the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, usually known for its pleasant temperatures.
Many experts say India is now recording more intense, frequent heatwaves that are also longer in duration
Naresh Kumar, a senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), attributes the current heatwave to local atmospheric factors.
The major one was weak western disturbances - storms originating in the Mediterranean region - which meant little pre-monsoon rainfall in north-western and central India. Anticyclones - an area of high atmospheric pressure where the air sinks - also led to hot, dry weather over parts of western India in March.
The effects are visible. Farmers say the unexpected temperature spikes have affected their wheat harvest, a development that could potentially have global consequences given supply disruptions due to the Ukraine war.
The heat has also triggered an increase in power demand, leading to outages in many states and fears of a coal shortage.
Mr Modi also flagged the increased risk of fires due to rising temperatures.
Also read: Heat wave: Temperature hits maximum 41°C in Chuadanga
Summers have always been gruelling in many parts of India - especially in the northern and central regions. Even before air-conditioners and water coolers started selling in the millions, people had devised their own ways of coping with the heat - from keeping water cool in earthen jugs to rubbing raw mangoes on their bodies to ward off heat strokes.
But many experts say India is now recording more intense, frequent heatwaves that are also longer in duration.
Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, agrees that several atmospheric factors have led to the current heatwave. But adding to all that, he says, is global warming.
"That's the root cause for the increase in heatwaves," he says, adding that more research is needed to link climate change to other, less extreme weather fluctuations.
D Sivananda Pai, director of the Institute for Climate Change Studies, points to other challenges apart from climate change - such as increasing population and the resulting strain on resources.
This, in turn, leads to factors that worsen the situation, such as deforestation and increasing use of transport.
"When you have more concrete roads and buildings, heat is trapped inside without being able to rise to the surface. This warms the air further," Mr Pai says.
And the cost of such extreme weather events is disproportionately borne by the poor.
"Poor people have fewer resources to cool down as well as fewer options to stay inside, away from the heat," says Dr Chandni Singh, senior researcher at Indian Institute for Human Settlements and a lead author at Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
While more attention is paid to mortality due to heatwaves, Ms Singh says policymakers should also focus on how extreme weather affects the quality of people's lives.
"Heatwaves can have serious health consequences. If temperatures are high even at night, the body doesn't get a chance to recuperate, increasing the possibility of illnesses and higher medical bills," she says.
A "long-term vision", Mr Koll says, is essential when planning for the future.
"There are places in India where the temperature itself may not be that high, but when combined with high humidity, life can be very difficult," he says, referring to the need to take into account the wet-bulb temperature - a scientific measure of when heat and humidity combine.
He also emphasises on paying attention to areas away from the spotlight.
"Many children in rural areas attend schools in sheds with tin roofs, which would be unbearable in the heat," he says.
Since 2015, both the federal and state governments have issued a number of measures to mitigate the effects of heatwaves, such as banning working outside during the hottest hours and issuing timely advisories.
But these can only be completely effective if accompanied by big-picture changes such as an overhaul of labour laws and greening cities, Ms Singh says.
"Our buildings are made in such a way that they trap heat instead of ensuring ventilation. There is so much innovation internationally that we can learn from," she says.
"We are doing some things right but it's time to up our game - because we have to live with the heat."
Growing Dhaka-Delhi interactions good reflection of trust: Jaishankar
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the “regularity, informality and cordiality” of interactions between Dhaka and Delhi is a very good reflection of the trust and confidence, noting that leaders of the two countries remain in touch.
“My visit today is aimed at continuing the progress and deepening our engagement and it is in keeping with the strength and spirit of our bilateral ties,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy at a j media briefing jointly with his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen.
Despite the challenges of Covid pandemic, Jaishankar said they have remained regularly in touch and made good progress in bilateral relations with Bangladesh.
Read: Momen hopeful of early signing of Teesta; India looks forward to Hasina’s visit
“Our connectivity today is back to pre-Covid levels and we are looking at resuming cross border busses and train services shortly after Eid,” said Jaishankar who last visited Bangladesh in March 2021.
Foreign Minister Momen said in working together the two countries resolved some major problems.
He said both sides renewed commitments to resolve the pending issues as they have the spirit to work together.
Jaishankar said he conveyed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the personal greetings and good wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We look forward to her visit to India at a time of her convenience”
At the invitation of Hasina, the Indian PM paid a state visit to Bangladesh in March last year to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.
Read: Info minister considers legal action against TIB for lies
At the invitation of President Abdul Hamid, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind also paid a state visit to Bangladesh from December 15 to 17 last year to attend the 50th Victory Day celebrations here as the guest of honour.
Next JCC Meet in Delhi
Before PM Hasina’s planned India visit, the next round of Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting will be held in New Delhi, most likely next month. The JCC will be co-chaired by Momen and Jaishankar.
Delhi lauds Dhaka’s “outstanding achievements” in ICT sector
Indian Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday appreciated Bangladesh’s “outstanding achievements” in ICT sector made under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He said both the neighbouring countries can further bolster cooperation and collaboration in reaping mutual gains of emerging technologies and digital economy.
Also read: Palak visits Indian Institute of Technology, NASSCOM in New Delhi
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak held a meeting with the Indian minister at the latter’s office in New Delhi and discussed issues of mutual interest.
Palak shared with the Indian IT minister four priority areas of Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy towards building a developed and tech-savvy Bangladesh, according to a message received here from Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi.
Delhi’s support sought after US sanctions on Rab, says FM
Foreign Minister DR AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh sought India’s support to withdraw the US sanctions imposed on elite force Rab and individuals.
“We sought their help after the US imposed sanctions on Rab. They’ve been very nice to us. They (Indian side) said they would raise it,” Momen told reporters at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also read:Rab is a brand name for peace, don’t malign it: Shahriar
The Foreign Minister said the Indian community of around 45 lakh members in the United States also requested the government. “They (Indian community in US) are very influential.”
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is scheduled arrive here on Thursday, visited Washington DC earlier this month.
Regarding law enforcement, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas recently said there is no scope for repeal of sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion without concrete action and accountability.
“We want to see a RAB that remains effective at combatting terrorism, but that does so while respecting basic human rights,” he said while addressing a seminar in which Minister Momen spoke as the chief guest.
Responding to a question Momen said the US talks about accountability but there is in-built accountability in the Rab. “We do have accountability. That might not reach to them (US).”
Asked whether the US side is convinced on what the Bangladesh side says, he said may be they are not satisfied yet but in the future they will be satisfied.
Also read: RAB's importance to counterterrorism recognised but lifting sanctions to take time: Blinken
Ambassador Haas said RAB sanctions do not mean they cannot enhance the strong law enforcement security cooperation between the two countries.
“We will continue to work with Bangladesh to combat transnational crime and terrorism, enhance border security, and prevent violent extremism,” he said.
The US envoy said the continue our support to Counterterrorism and Transnational Crime police, the Anti-Terrorism Unit, and the specialized units of the Metropolitan Police in Chattogram, Sylhet, and Rajshahi.
IPL : Delhi Capitals pummels Punjab kings to win one sided match
The match was no great shakes with very little competition let alone a cricket duel. Punjab Kings put to bat first lost wickets regularly but seemed allergic to making runs. They stopped at 111 in a bizarre run out as Mustafiz bowled an excellent final giving only 4/5. In the last ball , Arshadeep moved to get a run but the batter wasn’t interested and so he was marooned and was run out casually by the keeper. Everyone seemed perplexed by it all including the Delhi Capitals who were playing under the shadow of a Covid scare. It summed up Punjab kings well on the day, lost and ran out.
The Fizz was back and many Bangladeshis watched the match with some degree of anxiety, hoping that nobody would do a 28 in a single over to Fizz like the last game. Thank heavens no one did and Fizz had a decent figure of 1 for 28 runs with 7 rpo.
PK was hardly in a murderous mood and all the bowlers were spared the agony of being bashed to the boundaries. Confidence in the Fizz is still there and he looked fine in the field . Khaleel,Llatif, Axar and Kuldeep all got 2 wickets and basically the bowlers did their job so well that the match was basically over once Punjab folded their innings.
In the chase, Delhi barely crossed the 10th over taking only 63 runs to reach their target. Warner was fantastic in his 60 and had a strike rate of 200%. He was partnered by Prithvi Shaw who was out on 41 with a strike rate of 205 %. It was a great match for watching boundaries and both hit at will. Shaw was the only wicket Delhi lost and Sarfaraz coming in next didn’t have to do much before victory was won.
READ: IPL Nights: RCB complete comfortable win over tame Lucknow
It was awfully one sided. As the Punjab captain Mayank Agarwal said, “We didn't bat and bowl well, we just need to move on from today.” That spirit was on display sadly for their fans.
So how does one rate a match that was predictable as soon as just one innings was over? Not much fun. IPL T20 is an adrenalin fix and that means the dose has to be increased regularly to keep the viewer hooked. After 2 sort of not very exciting matches in a row, even the Fizz being taken to the dhobi seems worth watching again. Oh, the dangerous pleasures of T20 cricket cocaine.
IGP addresses conference in Delhi on cyber-crime
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed on Monday said that cooperation between law enforcement agencies across countries will have to increase in order to curb the growth of cyber-crime in the international arena.
The IGP made the point while addressing the 2nd National Conference on Cyber Crime & Digital Forensics organized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, says a press release of Police headquarters here on Monday afternoon.
The Chief of Bangladesh Police spoke on "Strengthening International Cooperation for Combating Cyber Crime."
Also read: IGP urges police members to stay away from crime
In his speech, he presented background information and various incidents to depict how cyber-crime manifests from the regional to individual level.
The IGP called for increasing regional cooperation in cyber-crime prevention.
The conference was attended by Interpol representatives, police representatives from Japan, Australia and the Maldives, as well as technical experts.
Also read: Police aviation wing will boost the agency’s capability: IGP