United News of Bangladesh

Seeking an accelerated  verification process, India has said they have a large number of Bangladeshi nationals - around over 2000 - who are required to be deported after a verification. "We have asked Bangladeshi side to verify their nationality. We have a pending list of 2360.....upwards of 2360 cases of people who are required to be deported," said official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal. During a regular briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, he also said many of them have actually completed their jail sentences. "And in many cases, the nationality verification is required to be done. It is pending since 2020. So, almost five years have passed," said the MEA Spokesperson. The Indian side urged the Bangladeshi side that they must expedite the verification process so that people who are required to be deported can be sent back to Bangladesh. HRW raises concerns over legislative actions by Bangladesh’s interim govt "They must expedite this process," Spokesperson Jaiswal said. The MEA Spokesperson said the people who are staying in India illegally or foreigners who are staying in India illegally, whether they happen to be Bangladeshi national or any other national, they will be dealt as per law. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh is in touch with India on the recent issues of push-ins. Regarding reported push-ins, Adviser Hossain said communication with New Delhi continues and Dhaka is trying that nothing happens beyond the set mechanisms. “They (India) have conveyed their position to some extent and we explained our position. We are trying to make them understand that this is not right,” he said, referring to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The Adviser said the Indian side has given Bangladesh a list and Dhaka is verifying it through the Home Ministry. Bangladesh’s position is that it will examine each case separately and will receive only if there is proof that they are Bangladeshi citizens.

Reacting to India's remarks on Bangladesh Affairs, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said eections are entirely Bangladesh's internal matter and urged all to respect the sovereign will of its people in matters relating to elections. "We urge all to respect the sovereign will of our people in matters relating to elections," he told UNB while responding to a question. Asked about his reaction to India's comments on banning Bangladesh Awami League, Alam said they have witnessed how Awami League completely destroyed the country’s democratic fabric, severely squeezed the political space and compromised sovereignty during its 15-year long tyrannical and kleptocratic rule. "The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh," the Press Secretary said.   Govt kept people in the dark about Rakhine corridor: BNP’s Hafiz He said, "I have already said that the ban on activities of this party is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal." As for elections, Alam said they recall how Awami League repeatedly resorted to grossly farcical elections and caused irreparable damages to our electoral processes and institutions. Delhi concerned over ban on AL activities; supports early election "We are engaged in a reform process to rebuild our democratic system," he said. Earlier, India expressed concerns over the ban imposed by the interim government on the activities of Bangladesh Awami League. "The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development," said Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal during a regular media briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday. As a democracy, he said, India is naturally concerned at the "curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space." Bangladesh urges India to take measures to stop push-ins "We strongly support the early holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh," said the MEA spokesperson. The government has issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) completes the trial of the party’s leaders and activists.

India on Tuesday expressed concerns over the ban imposed by the interim government on the activities of Bangladesh Awami League. "The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development," said Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal during a regular media briefing in New Delhi. Bangladesh urges India to take measures to stop push-ins As a democracy, he said, India is naturally concerned at the "curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space." "We strongly support the early holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh," said the MEA spokesperson. The government has issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) completes the trial of the party’s leaders and activists.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said Bangladesh wants peace in South Asia, noting that tensions between India and Pakistan can be eased through dialogue. He also said Bangladesh does not want to see any major conflict that might become a source of danger for the people in the region. "Our position is very clear. We want peace in South Asia. We do not want any major conflict to arise, which can become a source of danger for the people of this region," Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. There is an escalating tension between two South Asian countries- India and Pakistan - following the killing of 26 tourists in a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last week. Asked whether Bangladesh would consider mediating between India and Pakistan, Hossain said Bangladesh does not want to mediate at the moment. "We should not try to play any role of mediation at this moment. We do not want to do anything prematurely," he said. Hossain said Bangladesh wants to see tensions between India and Pakistan to ease through mediation or bilateral talks, in any way. As Bangladesh has good relations with both India and Pakistan, Hossain said they want peace in the region.. Uruguay's FM meets Prof Yunus, seeks stronger economic collaboration India and Pakistan have long been in conflictive relations on various issues, Hossain observed. Noting that Bangladesh has good relations with both India and Pakistan, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said Bangladesh would like them to resolve the problem through talks. He said they have seen that proposals for mediation have already come from one or two countries. "Mediation or bilateral talks, whatever the case, we want tensions to be defused and peace to be maintained." Regarding the reported arrests of over 1,000 Bangladeshis in Gujarat and elsewhere in India, the Adviser said Bangladesh has not yet officially received any report from the Indian authorities. "Whether those arrested are Bangladeshis is subject to verification," Hossain said. "If it is confirmed that they are Bangladeshis, Bangladesh will cooperate in addressing the matter accordingly," he added. If any letter is given officially, he said they will have to see whether they are citizens of Bangladesh or not. "If they are citizens of Bangladesh, then we will definitely take them back. But whether they are citizens of Bangladesh or not is also subject to proof," Hossain added. Following the attack, India suspended a key water-sharing agreement, closed the sole land crossing with Pakistan, and revoked visas for Pakistani citizens. Pakistan responded by cancelling Indian visas, shutting its airspace to Indian airlines, and halting trade. Citizens on both sides began returning home via the Wagah border crossing. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to respond forcefully to any Indian moves to block water flows and expressed willingness to join an impartial investigation into the attack. The United Nations wants to create a humanitarian channel through Bangladesh to send humanitarian aid to Rakhine, and the interim government has agreed in principle to this subject to meeting some conditions. "Bangladesh has agreed in principle to provide a humanitarian channel to Rakhine as per the UN proposal. It will be a humanitarian passage. But we have some conditions. I will not go into details. If the conditions are met, we will definitely help," said Adviser Hossain. Asked about the government’s position regarding contact with the Arakan Army, he said establishing contact with the Arakan Army becomes inevitable. Though they are non-state actor, they have to contact them due to reality, and as they cannot contact them formally, informal contact was made, Hossain explained.

India on Friday rejected the remarks made by the Bangladesh side in regard to the incidents in West Bengal and encouraged Bangladesh to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities. "We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal," said the official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The Spokesperson shared the statement through his social media handle X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to media queries on the comments made by Bangladesh on the developments in West Bengal. Jaiswal said this is a "barely disguised and disingenuous attempt" to draw a parallel with India’s concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh where the "criminal perpetrators" of such acts continue to roam free. Instead of making "unwarranted comments" and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities, Jaiswal said. The interim government on Thursday strongly refuted any attempts to implicate Bangladesh in the communal violence in Murshidabad. "We strongly refute any attempts to implicate Bangladesh in the communal violence in Murshidabad," said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Dhaka, Washington discuss election, tariff, Rohingya issues He said they condemn attacks on Muslims causing loss of lives and properties. "We urge the government of India and West Bengal to take all steps to fully protect the minority Muslim population," Alam said. The Indian Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been apprised of an initial probe into West Bengal's Murshidabad violence, which indicates the involvement of alleged Bangladeshi miscreants, the Indian media reported on Tuesday quoting sources.  

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) celebrated its 75th anniversary on Wednesday, marking a milestone in cultural diplomacy and its enduring role in strengthening the India-Bangladesh relationship through vibrant cultural exchange. To commemorate the occasion, the Indian Cultural Centre, under the High Commission of India in Dhaka, hosted a celebratory event featuring traditional performances and reflections on the legacy of the ICCR. Speaking at the event, Deputy High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, Shri Pawan Badhe, said the anniversary not only celebrates ICCR’s journey since its inception in 1950 but also highlights the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Bangladesh. “The occasion not only celebrates ICCR’s legacy but also reflects the shared cultural heritage and enduring people-to-people ties between India and Bangladesh,” he said. Since its foundation, ICCR has played a key role in promoting India’s cultural heritage abroad through a wide range of artistic, educational, and cultural initiatives. In Bangladesh, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) was established in Dhanmondi in 2011, followed by the Indian Cultural Centre in Gulshan in 2021. Over the years, these centres have hosted numerous programs including classical dance and music performances, literary events, film screenings, exhibitions, and workshops, contributing to deeper artistic collaboration between the two nations. Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki Wednesday’s event featured a special performance of 'Lai Haraoba' by members of the Manipuri community from Sylhet, trained by Indian experts. The performance was presented as a symbol of shared heritage and ICCR’s commitment to preserving traditional art forms and empowering local communities. IGCC students also presented captivating performances in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Hindustani Classical Music, showcasing the cultural vibrancy nurtured through the Centre’s programs. Beyond cultural engagement, ICCR also fosters educational ties by offering over 500 scholarships annually to Bangladeshi students pursuing higher studies in India—further strengthening the academic and people-to-people connections between the neighbouring countries. Dignitaries, artistes, students and cultural enthusiasts attended the event.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Friday enquired about the status of Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina which remains pending with the Indian government. Dr Yunus discussed the issue during the much-talked-about bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit. He noted that the former Prime Minister had been making inflammatory remarks in various media outlets and attempting to destabilise the situation in Bangladesh, which seemed to be an abuse of the hospitality India has extended to her. "She has consistently made false and inflammatory accusations against the interim government of Bangladesh," Prof Yunus stated. "We request that the Government of India take appropriate measures to restrain her from continuing to make such incendiary statements while she remains in your country," said the Chief Adviser. Addressing the challenges facing the relationship between the two countries, Prof Yunus said, "Excellency, we seek to work together with you to set the relationship on the right track for the benefit of both our peoples." Dr Yunus called for discussions to renew the Ganges Water Treaty and conclude the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. "All issues of mutual interests were discussed. The meeting was very constructive, productive and fruitful," Alam said about the 40-minute exchange between the two leaders. The bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit is viewed as the most significant development in Dhaka-Delhi relations since the July Uprising in Bangladesh. This was the first-ever in-person meeting between the two South Asian leaders since the formation of Bangladesh's interim government last August 8, following the fall of the previous government three days earlier. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus presented a photograph to Prime Minister Modi during their bilateral meeting. The photo is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a gold medal to Dr Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress that took place in Mumbai on January 3, 2015. Prof Yunus also referenced the OHCHR’s Fact-Finding Report, which confirmed serious human rights violations and abuses committed by security forces and armed Awami League activists between July 15 and August 5, 2024.

President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended felicitations on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh with India reiterating its commitment to advancing partnership for peace, stability and prosperity. "We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," Modi said in a message to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Modi extended his felicitations to Dr Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh. "This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership," said the Indian Prime Minister. He said the spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for the relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples. President Droupadi Murmu, in her message to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day." Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 She said Bangladesh-India relations are multi-faceted with our cooperation encompassing diverse areas such as trade, multimodal connectivity, development partnership, power and energy, education, capacity building, cultural cooperation and people-to people exchanges. The Indian President said Bangladesh is at the focus of India's "Neighborhood First" and "Act East" policies. "Our SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Vision. India reiterates its support for a democratic, stable, inclusive, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh," she said.

India has not responded yet on Dhaka's request, seeking a meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand early next month. "No, there has been no response," said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday when a journalist asked whether there was any response from Delhi regarding the possible meeting of the two leaders. On Wednesday, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. On March 21, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they have no update to share regarding a likely bilateral meeting between the two leaders. “On the meeting that you asked, a bilateral meeting, I don't have any update to share at this point in time,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly briefing in New Delhi when a journalist wanted to know whether there was a likelihood of Prime Minister Modi meeting Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the Summit. The MEA Spokesperson also said Bangladesh-India relationship is a wide canvas and they have been engaged with Bangladesh on several issues - development cooperation, economic matters and on issues of connectivity. Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements Dr Yunus is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Thailand to attend the BIMSTEC Summit, to be held on April 2-4 in Bangkok. Thailand will host the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of Bimstec there, officials said. Thailand has taken over the Bimstec Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. BIMSTEC consists of seven member countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey recently said the Summit will have some significant outcomes. "It will set a direction for the future of Bimstec," he said. Dr Yunus said Dhaka has always insisted that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will be the best relationship ever. Because, he explained, the fate of Bangladesh and India is tied together and they cannot be isolated from each other. “So, we are always encouraging everything to happen in the best possible way,” Dr Yunus told BBC in a most recent interview, adding that the clouds due to some fake news are not part of the relationship that the two countries enjoy. The Chief Adviser thinks Bangladesh and India have an excellent relationship. “We will continue to do it,” he said, describing India as a good business partner of Bangladesh.

India has laid emphasis on resolving all issues in Bangladesh through democratic means and by holding “inclusive and participatory” elections. At a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said they support a “stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive” Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding “inclusive and participatory” elections. He expressed concerns over "deteriorating law and order situation" in Bangladesh which has been further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes. Toby Cadman asks Bangladesh to refer July massacres case to ICC, change ICT’s name Officials of Bangladesh and India held the 86th meeting of the Joint River Commission in Kolkata where they discussed the pros and cons of renewing the 30-year-old Ganges water-sharing treaty which comes up for renewal next year. Spokesperson Jaiswal said the two sides discussed technical issues pertaining to the Ganga Water Treaty, measurement of water flows and other issues of mutual interest. On violence against minorities, including Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said they expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson and violence to justice without making such distinctions.