Page 26 - Bangladesh

Basic human rights must be respected: US State Department on Bangladesh

When asked about the USA's reaction to recent protests by thousands of Hindus around the US, India and Bangladesh, Patel said that this issue is vital to the US

US lawmaker seeks sanctions against Bangladesh over human rights violations

Expressing a sense of urgency on the escalating crisis of human rights violations in Bangladesh, an influential American Congressman called on the US Departments of Treasury and State on Wednesday to impose and enforce sanctions on those perpetrating these heinous acts against minorities in the South Asian country. "I call on the Departments of Treasury and State to impose and enforce sanctions on those perpetrating these heinous acts against minorities in Bangladesh," Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar said in front of the US Capitol on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of Hindu Americans who had come from various parts of the country. Since July, he said, Bangladesh has experienced a spike in political violence, leading to the resignation and departure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. "Since then, we have seen Bangladesh plunge into political turmoil, with its Hindu, Buddhist and Christian minorities bearing the brunt of violent acts towards their people and places

After Palestine storm, Priyanka Gandhi's tote turns focus to Bangladesh

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's symbolic protest in Parliament took another turn as her latest tote bag focused on atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh

Cong MPs show solidarity with Bangladesh minorities via handbag messages

Several Congress MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in Parliament premises on Tuesday, demanding justice for Hindus and Christians facing atrocities in Bangladesh. The MPs protested with handbags which had 'Stand with minorities of Bangladesh' written on it. They raised slogans urging the government to ensure justice for minorities in Bangladesh. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a cream-coloured handbag to Parliament on which it was written "Bangladesh ke Hindu aur Isaiyon ke saath khade ho" (stand with the Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh). This comes a day after she expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, carrying a handbag with 'Palestine' emblazoned on it. Several Congress MPs led by Priyanka Gandhi had staged a protest in Parliament premises on Monday also, demanding justice for Hindus and Christians facing atrocities in Bangladesh. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour on Monday, Priyanka Gandhi had sought the governmen

Decoding row over relocation of 1971 Surrender pic from Army Chief's lounge

The iconic painting depicting the surrender of the Pakistani Army chief after the 1971 war was relocated from the Indian Army Chief's lounge. Here's explaining the row over the issue

Centre must act on Bangladesh minority issues: Priyanka Gandhi in LS

As an expression of solidarity with the people of Palestine, Priyanka Gandhi on Monday carried a bag to Parliament that had "Palestine" emblazoned on it

Vijay Diwas 2024: Wishes, messages, and quotes to share on this day

Vijay Diwas is an occasion to honor national unity, patriotism, and the power of the Indian military. So on this special day, you may want to wish your near and dear ones with special messages

Bangladesh may hold next election in late 2025 or first half of 2026: Yunus

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the next general election in the country could take place by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026. He, however, said the timing of the election will largely depend upon the political consensus and the extent of the reforms that must be carried out prior to it. "Broadly speaking, the election can be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026," he said in a televised speech to the nation on Vijay Diwas. Vijay Diwas commemorates the Pakistan military's surrender to Indian forces. India's historic victory led to the liberation of Bangladesh. Yunus said he has repeatedly appealed to all to hold the polls after completing all the major reforms. "However, if, due to political consensus, we have to hold the election on the basis of a flawless preparation of the voter list with minor reforms, then it may be possible to hold the elections by the end of 2025," United News of Bangladesh quoted Yunus as saying. "A

Uttarakhand CM Dhami recalls sacrifices of war veterans on Vijay Diwas

Vijay Diwas for the 1971 Liberation War is celebrated nationwide on December 16 to commemorate India's victory against Pakistan in the 13-day war

Hasina accuses Yunus of leading 'undemocratic group' with no public duty

Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday mounted another attack on the country's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of leading an "undemocratic group" that has no responsibility towards the people. In a statement on the eve of the 'Bijoy Dibos', Hasina called Yunus a "fascist" and alleged that the main aim of the dispensation led by him is to suppress the spirit of the Liberation War and the pro-liberation forces. Bangladesh celebrates December 16 as 'Bijoy Dibosh' or Victory Day. On December 16, 1971, then Chief of Pakistani forces General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with 93,000 troops, surrendered to the joint forces of Indian Army and 'Mukti Bahini' after the 13-day war following which East Pakistan became Bangladesh. In a statement in Bengali, Hasina, who fled to India after resigning as the prime minister in August in the face of massive anti-government protests, said that "anti-national groups" had unconstitutionally captured power. "This ...

US envoy Garcetti reaffirms commitment to safeguard religious minorities

He added that religious minorities must be safeguarded regardless of their country of residence

Ousted PM Hasina involved in enforced disappearance: Bangladesh commission

An inquiry commission set up by the interim government in Bangladesh said in a provisional report that it has found ex-premier Sheikh Hasina's involvement in alleged incidents of enforced disappearance. The Commission for Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance estimated that the number of enforced disappearances would be over 3,500. The commission has found evidence of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's involvement as the instructor in the incidents of enforced disappearance, the press wing of the office of Chief Adviser (CA) of de facto Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus said in a statement on Saturday night. It said the deposed premier's defence adviser, Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre and sacked Major General Ziaul Ahsan, and senior police officers Monirul Islam and Mohammad Harun-Or-Rashid and several other senior officials were found to be involved in those incidents. The ex-military and police .

Time has come for US Congress to act on Bangladesh: Congressman Thanedar

Raising the issue of attacks over minority Hindus in Bangladesh, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has said that the time has come for the US Congress to act. "The crowds of the majority have destroyed Hindu temples, Hindu deities and Hindus who are practising their religion in peace," Thanedar said on the floor of the US House of Representatives on Wednesday. "The time has now come for the United States Congress to act and the US government to act ... every possible tool in our hands needs to be used to ensure that such atrocities in Bangladesh against Hindus stop right away," he said. Thanedar has consistently raised the issue of alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. "Since 1971, when Bangladesh got its freedom from Pakistan, there have been numerous occasions where minority Hindus have been attacked. More recently, we have seen a Hindu priest being arrested and his lawyer was murdered," he alleged. On Thursday, the

Treatment of minorities in Bangladesh matter of concern, says Jaishankar

The treatment of minorities in Bangladesh is a matter of concern for India and New Delhi hopes that Dhaka will take action for their safety, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The minister said India hopes that the new dispensation in Bangladesh will settle down to a mutually beneficial stable relationship with India. Jaishankar said treatment of minorities in Bangladesh has been a source of concern as there have been multiple incidents of attacks on them. "We have drawn their attention to our concerns. Recently foreign secretary visited Dhaka. This subject came up in his meetings. And it is our expectation that in its own interests, Bangladesh will take action for the safety of minorities," he said during the Question Hour. The minister said India has a good history of development projects in Bangladesh. "In fact when we speak about the neighbourhood first policy, almost every neighbouring country with the exception of Pakistan and China, we h

Bangladesh court keeps bail plea, denies early hearing for Chinmoy Das

Chinmoy's lawyer Rabindra Ghosh expressed disappointment and said that he is considering to move the bail prayer to the High Court

President Biden watching situation in Bangladesh very closely: White House

President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh and the United States will hold the Bangladeshi interim government accountable for ensuring the protection of religious and ethnic minorities in the country, the White House has said. "The security situation in Bangladesh has been difficult following the ouster of the former prime minister. And we have been working closely with the interim government to enhance the capability of their law enforcement and security services to deal with the challenge," White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said at a news conference on Thursday. "We have been very clear in our engagement with all Bangladeshi leaders that protection of religious and ethnic minorities security to all Bangladeshis regardless of religion or ethnicity. We want to hold them to that," Kirby said in response to a question. Over the past few weeks, Indian Americans have held peaceful protests and marches in several cities, including

TMC raises Bangladesh issue in Parliament, demands statement from PM

Trinamool Congress on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak in Parliament on situation in neighbouring Bangladesh. The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha in the post-lunch sitting by TMC's Parliamentary Party leader Derek O'Brien, who sought permission to raise a point of order. He quoted Rule 251, and said he wanted the Prime Minister to come and give a statement on Bangladesh issue. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar however said it is not a point of order, and did not allow O'Brien to continue. The refusal was followed by TMC MPs breaking out into sloganeering in the House. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, TMC's deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Sagarika Ghose said a statement on the issue should be given in Parliament by the Prime Minister. "The Parliament is in session, it is a very sensitive matter on the situation in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister must come to Parliament and give a full statement on Bangladesh in Parliament," Ghose said. "Our party leader D

Bangladesh top court stays decision on making 'Joy Bangla' national slogan

Following the change of government, the state moved to suspend the High Court's ruling and on December 2 filed the leave to appeal petition with the SC seeking stay on the High Court verdict of March

Bangladesh lawyer to seek bail for spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das

The court dismissed the petition as Chinmoy Krishna Das did not authorize power to the lawyer Ghosh who submitted the plea

Must save minorities in Bangladesh, bring them back: Mamata to Centre

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the Centre must give protection to minorities in violence-hit Bangladesh, and bring back those willing to return. Banerjee also claimed that fake videos were being purposefully circulated, as certain sections were trying to foment communal tension. "We want protection for minorities in Bangladesh. The Union government must act. It should also bring back those who want to return to India," she told reporters here. The CM is on a two-day trip to Digha to review the construction of the Jagannath temple. Bangladesh's minority Hindus, who constitute about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, have faced attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5.