Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said India does not endorse ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s criticism of Bangladesh's interim government describing it a pinprick in India-Bangladesh relationship. Addressing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, Misri reaffirmed India’s focus on strengthening ties with Bangladeshi people rather than aligning with any specific political party or government, reports The Hindu. Misri said Hasina was using “private communication channels’ to air her views, and India had not provided her with any platform or facility to carry out political activities from its soil. He underscored India's longstanding policy of non-interference in the internal matters of other countries. The briefing came against the backdrop of Sheikh Hasina's recent video messages criticising Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. Japan reaffirms commitment to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda and economic growth Misri told the committee that during his visit to Dhaka earlier this week, he conveyed to the interim government that India’s relation with Bangladesh went beyond “a particular political party” or a particular government and that India prioritised relations with the people of Bangladesh and would engage with the government of the day. Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on Monday to hold several meetings in Dhaka, including Foreign Office Consultations, aiming to address mutual concerns. After Foreign Office Consultations with his Bangladesh counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin, and his courtesy meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain he expressed India’s desire to see a "positive, constructive and mutually beneficial" relationship with Bangladesh. He said there is no reason why this mutually beneficial relationship should not continue to deliver in the interest of people. During these meetings, Misri highlighted India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser calls for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh The Indian Foreign Secretary emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations, and noted that India’s development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy and capacity building, are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh.

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Sunday said deposed Awami League President Sheikh Hasina would not be able to reorganise her party's leaders and workers with her empty statements from India. “Sheikh Hasina has left (the country) but her ghosts are still plotting. I’ve heard they (AL leaders and workers) may take out a procession today (Sunday) You (Hasina) are not in the country. You’ll never be able to reorganise them with these rubbish assertions,” he said.  Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader also said Sheikh Hasina’s associates destroyed Bangladesh and its economy through widespread plundering. BNP leaders, activists stage protests at Noor Hossain square, AL office He also said those who had embezzled crores of taka through fraudulent business dealings and sent the money abroad also fled the country. “They too are no longer with you, having fled the country just like you. Those who remain in the country will never have the courage to take to the streets. So, don’t mislead the people with such false calls (over the phone),” the BNP leader observed. The Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party organised the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of all false cases against Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, called upon the interim government to swiftly hold a credible national election after completing the necessary state reforms. “Lay out an election roadmap in consultation with political parties, instead of buying time under the guise of reforms. Reforms will continue, and so will the preparations for the elections,” he said, directing his remarks at the government. The BNP leader also said it is crucial to establish a government formed by the elected representatives of the people and hold a national election to thwart all forms of conspiracies by the Awami League and its cohorts. “Where are those who ruled the country for 16 years… the Awami League has destroyed the constitution and ruined constitutional institutions…Sheikh Hasina has turned all these institutions into mere hangout clubs for her party,” Farroque said. He also said the leaders and activists of the BNP and its front organisations, alongside like-minded political parties and under the guidance of Tarique Rahman, put up a strong resistance against Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule. “Later, we, together with the students and the people, managed to oust Sheikh Hasina from power.”  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday alleged that India is supporting crimes and pampering killers by providing refuge to Sheikh Hasina. “Our neighbouring country yesterday (Thursday) clearly said Sheikh Hasina is there. Their statement seems like they behaved like a Big Brother,” he said. Talking to reporters at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Rizvi described Sheikh Hasina as the greatest terrorist and murderer. “Who could be a greater terrorist than one who can drink children’s blood? Sheltering her (Hasina) means supporting crime, injustice, and pampering murderers,” he said. Stating Bangladesh has signed the extradition treaty with India, the BNP leader said the interim government can take steps to bring Hasina back home through diplomatic efforts since a warrant for her arrest has been issued by a court. Read: Hasina continues to be in India for safety reasons: MEA Spokesperson “Such a matter can be resolved through diplomatic discussions for her extradition. If not, the top terrorists in Bangladesh will find opportunities to take shelter in India and other countries,” he said. On the occasion of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation's silver jubilee, Rizvi, together with members of the organisation, paid homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave. India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal at a press briefing on Thursday said they have seen reports about the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh issuing a warrant for the arrest of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising but declined to offer any comment. Read more: Bangladesh to take steps to bring Hasina back following arrest warrant: Foreign Adviser “She (Hasina) had come here on a short notice. No change in her status. She continues to stay here,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said they will take necessary steps and try to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back home as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today issued arrest warrant against her and top Awami League leaders. "We just have come to know this. We will try and take necessary preparations," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Warrant issued for arrest of Hasina, 45 others The adviser said they have one month time in hand. "I don't want to say anything further," he said when asked for further details. The International Crimes Tribunal also directed the authorities concerned to produce the 46 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, before it after arresting them by November 18.  

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Thursday alleged that the associates of deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina are attempting to create chaos in the country by spreading various rumours. “The conspirators have not ceased their activities. Just because Sheikh Hasina has fled, do not assume that all the cohorts of the autocrat and fascist have disappeared... they are still present. Various attempts are being made to spread rumours and create confusion,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting, he urged the pro-democratic parties and politicians to remain vigilant and not to be misled by any kind of rumours or confusion. “We must stay alert.” Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said everyone must remember that the ousted Awami League is still backed by various forces and powers at home and abroad. “They amassed huge wealth and money during their time in power and may attempt to create chaos among us. We must not allow this to happen again,” he warned. Rizvi questions speed of Saber Hossain’s bail He emphasised that it is essential to remember that the nation owes a debt to the blood and memories of all those who embraced martyrdom or fell victim to enforced disappearance for the cause of democracy, including Shaheed Jihad. “Those of us who are alive have a responsibility to honour the memory of the martyrs and to achieve the goals for which they sacrificed their lives. We must overcome any obstacles in our path to achieving this and it should be done in unity with the people through the democratic process,” the BNP leader observed. A group of student leaders from the 90s and the Jihad Smriti Parishad organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark the 34th death anniversary of Nazir Uddin Ahmed Jihad. BNP promises justice for persecution of Hindus Jihad, an activist of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) from Ullapara Upazila in Sirajganj, was shot dead in Dhaka on October 10, 1990, during the anti-Ershad movement. Nazrul warned everyone to remain vigilant against those attempting to create division among the democratic forces. “There are some individuals whom we may be mistakenly identifying as our allies...It seems they are on our side. However, these people raise slogans and speak in ways that create disunity among us, leading to division within the forces that have fought against authoritarianism and fascism.” He said there are some parties and individuals who, aware that they have no chance of succeeding in a credible election, are making sinister efforts to undermine the BNP, tarnish its popularity, and defame it through various conspiracies. Without mentioning any specific party or coalition, Nazrul said, "I urge everyone to remember that we are not enemies of each other. Let’s be competitors instead. The people are aware of your past, just as they are aware of mine. In the coming days, when a fair election is held, the people will decide whom they trust to lead the government for their welfare.” Rehabilitation of fallen dictator will make country unlivable: Rizvi Stating that the Durga Puja festival of the Hindu community is being celebrated in the country, he said it is the responsibility of the democratic forces to ensure that no disturbances occur during this time. “There are individuals who may conspire to create chaos and tarnish the reputation of our country. They will also attempt to undermine this government or those who brought it to power. We must remain cautious to prevent this,” he said.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said that necessary initiatives have been taken regarding the signing of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Treaty/Agreement with 10 countries in order to receive necessary information, evidence and other necessary assistance in a bid to recover the money smuggled from Bangladesh. Govt measures to tame inflation soon: PM tells Parliament The prime minister said this in Parliament while replying to a tabled question of opposition Jatiya Party MP Mujibul Haque Chunnu during the question-answer session. She also said that a strategic paper on the recovery of laundered money has been prepared, which after approval by the National Coordinating Committee formed to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorist activities has been sent to all relevant ministries, departments and agencies to implement the recommendations of the said strategy paper. Women now empowered in Bangladesh: PM Sheikh Hasina said that money laundering through hundi or any other means is investigated by the CID of Bangladesh Police. “In this regard, the law enforcement authorities of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) are increasingly communicating with their foreign counterparts for the purpose of mutual cooperation in order to recover money in cases of money laundering detected abroad,” she added. Bangladesh and BIMSTEC to work together: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent a message to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi congratulating him and the people of India on the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3. In her message to Prime Minister Modi on August 23, she conveyed her felicitations to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and its scientists for making India the fourth nation globally to land a spacecraft on the moon's surface. Read: Hasina-Xi meeting underway in Johannesburg Hasina also conveyed that Bangladesh rejoices with India on this momentous occasion and on this historic achievement, which is a matter of immense pride and inspiration to all the South Asian countries in advancing the science and space technology sector. India has made history as its Moon mission becomes the first to land in the lunar south pole region. Read: Possibility of courtesy meeting between Hasina and Modi on the sidelines of BRICS Summit: Foreign Ministry With this, India joins an elite club of countries to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, after the US, the former Soviet Union and China. The Vikram lander from Chandrayaan-3 successfully touched down as planned at 18:04 local time (12:34 GMT).

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are likely to hold a meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Both South Asian leaders are traveling to the African country this week. They will be visiting Johannesburg, South Africa from August 22 to 24 to attend the 15th BRICS Summit at the invitation of Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa. During his visit, Indian Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral meetings with some of the leaders present in Johannesburg, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs without mentioning names. Bangladesh's inclusion in BRICS depends on members: Foreign Minister Prime Minister Hasina will also attend the G20 Summit in India in September. The 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10 will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies. A G20 Leaders’ Declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the New Delhi Summit, stating leaders’ commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings. BRICS Summit 2023 unveils potential geopolitical paradigm shift: Modern Diplomacy Talking to reporters, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen had earlier said that New Delhi will be better than Johannesburg for a bilateral meeting with Indian PM Modi. The two countries are already in touch regarding the meeting. Momen also said that Africa is a “rising star”, and Bangladesh wants to make stronger connections with countries in the continent. “Our relations with African countries are not that strong. We have opened two missions there. The prime minister will give them instructions (to make greater efforts),” he remarked. This will be the first in-person BRICS Summit since 2019. The Summit will provide an opportunity to review progress of the initiatives launched by the grouping, and identify future areas of activity. 2023 BRICS Summit: Lot of interest in how new members are chosen and which countries would be eligible Prime Minister Modi will also participate in a special event “BRICS – Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue” being organised after the BRICS Summit, which will include other countries invited by South Africa.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that  denocracy in Bangladesh is practiced  only by her pary Awami League which has a history of holding free elections. “Awami League practices the democratic system and fair democratic practices prevail during Awami League regime,” she said. The prime minister, now on a four-day official visit to Japan, said this while speaking at a civic reception at Westin Hotel here. She said all elections under the Awami League regime were held fairly. In this connection, Hasina said the President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid made history by completing his two terms peacefully. “This has been the first time in the history of the country where the outgoing president and the new president could complete all related procedure peacefully. This is a democratic process,” she said. The Awami League chief said that former military dictator Ziaur Rahman destroyed the election process during his military regime. The process continued by another military ruler HM Ershad and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. She mentioned that there was no political stability in 29 years out of 50 years of Bangladesh after the assassinations of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975. “There was no democratic process and there was no democratic rule of law in those days” she stated. She slammed those who fail to see democracy and development in the country. Hasina said that opposition BNP's history is so tarnished that it has no face to take part in elections. She said that in 2008 election BNP-Jamaat alliance got only 30 seats while AL-led grand alliance bagged all other seats. “For that reason they (BNP-Jamaat) did not take part in 2014 election,” she said. Referring the arson terrorism by BNP-Jamaat nexus in 2013-15, she said that they killed at least 500 people and destroyed many government and private establishments. “Now how could they participate in the election and seek votes from the people?,” she questioned. She urged all to remain alert so the country remain s free from militancy, terrorism and drugs. The PM said there are some people who do not see democracy in the country and they have been favouring those who violated human rights and concealed bodies after killing people. She said they could not even file a case after the assassination of her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with her mother and brothers as the killers were indemnified from charges and trial. “The killers had got a gift instead of punishment,” she said. The prime minister said two killers of Bangabandhu are now staying in the USA and Canada, adding that they have repeatedly requested the governments of the two countries to send back the killers to Bangladesh. “But, they do not pay heed to the request,” she said. Pointing at the USA, she said, “Giving killers (of Bangabandhu) shelters in their own country, they are talking of humanity in Bangladesh.” Hasina said her government has done everything possible to stop the culture of impunity in Bangladesh. She called upon the expatriate Bangladeshis to invest in Bangladesh saying that they have taken measures for attracting foreign investments to the country. Referring to establishing 100 economic zones across the country, she said those who have interest can invest in the economic zones. She also suggested Bangladeshis also invest in Bangladesh as It will be better to invest with a Japanese partner. Referring to the suffering of the people across the globe due to global economic recession because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the prime minister said her government has taken every possible measure so that the citizens won't have to suffer at least for food. She asked all to bring every inch of land under cultivation as Bangladesh needs not depend on any country for food. The PM said her government has been working to bring every person under the housing scheme following the footprints of Bangabandhu to make sure that none will remain homeless and landless across the country. “No one in the country will remain homeless and landless in the country,” she said. Spelling out her government’s measures for the overall development of Bangladesh, the premier said Bangladesh has completely changed in the last 14 years in terms of socio-economic uplift. The PM vowed to transform Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was present on the dais while Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed gave welcome address at the function.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Bangladesh and Japan have successfully elevated the bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership” from the existing “Comprehensive Partnership”. “We are happy that Bangladesh and Japan have successfully elevated the bilateral relations to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ from the existing ‘Comprehensive Partnership’,” she said. The prime minister said this while delivering her joint statement after holding the summit meeting with her Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio at his office here. Hasina said Kishida and she have discussed the entire gamut of their bilateral relations in the meeting. “Our two sides have signed 8 agreements and memorandums of cooperation (MoCs) which will further institutionalise our future cooperation in the areas of agriculture, customs matters, defence, ICT and cyber-security, Industrial upgrading, intellectual property, ship recycling and metro rail,” she said. Hasina said they both also discussed about Rohingya crisis as the overdue presence of the Rohingyas has seriously been affecting the lives and livelihoods of the local communities in Bangladesh. “We requested Japan to help finding a durable solution to the crisis by using its channel of communication with Myanmar,” she said. Read more: Summit talks between Bangladesh and Japanese PMs underway in Tokyo She also announced the Dhaka-Narita direct flight is going to operate within this year. She mentioned that they have also discussed about the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI) and BIG-B Initiative for development of Southern Bangladesh for connecting the Bay of Bengal and the neighbouring regions. The BIG-B initiative is to accelerate industrial agglomeration along the Dhaka-Chattogram-Cox's Bazar belt area and beyond, encompassing developing economic infrastructure, improving investment environment and fostering connectivity. The two prime ministers also expected the initiative, with maximum use of Japan's advanced technologies and socioeconomic development experiences, to yield mutual benefits and prosperity to both countries. She thanked the Government of Japan for being one of the largest development partners of Bangladesh. “We are looking forward to concluding an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in the days ahead," she said. She expressed her confidence that the excellent understanding, friendship and cooperation that exist between the peoples and governments of the two countries would grow even stronger in the years ahead. PM Hasina said Japan occupies a very special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. She recalled that Japan was among those few countries that gave early recognition to Bangladesh on 10 February 1972. “The historic visit of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in October 1973 laid the foundation of our lasting friendship, " she added. Earlier on her arrival here, Bangladesh prime minister was received by Kishida Fumio at the entrance hall of the Japanese Prime Minister Office. She was given ceremonial guard of honour. After the summit meeting, both the prime ministers signed the joint statement. They also witnessed the exchange of bilateral agreements or memorandums of understanding (MoUs).