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Tag: Bangladesh Crisis

  • Bangladesh Crisis: India Expresses ‘Serious Concern’ Over Attacks On Durga Puja Mandap, Calls For Safety Of Hindus |

    India has expressed deep concern over recent attacks on religious sites in Bangladesh, specifically the attack on a Puja mandap in Dhaka and the theft of a religious artifact from the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira. India has termed these events as ‘deplorable acts,’ and has called upon the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of minorities, especially Hindus, and protect their places of worship.

    Attack on Puja Mandap in Dhaka

    A crude bomb was reportedly thrown at a Durga Puja mandap in the Tantibazar area of Old Dhaka. The incident, which occurred around 7 pm local time on Friday, did not result in any major injuries, but it caused a minor fire. According to local reports, a group of youths threw a petrol-filled glass bottle aimed at the altar, sparking panic among devotees.

    Five people were injured as volunteers chased after the attackers, who retaliated with knives.

    Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch officers visited the site, with Commissioner Rezaul Karim Mallik stating that three individuals had been detained in connection with the attack. While initial investigations suggest the attack may have been related to a mugging incident, authorities are continuing to probe for further details.

    Theft at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira

    On the same day, a religious artifact was stolen from the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira. The stolen item, a crown placed on the deity by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2021 visit to the temple, holds significant religious and cultural value.

    The theft occurred in broad daylight, between 2:00 and 2:30 pm, shortly after the temple priest had left for the day.

    The temple’s CCTV footage is currently being reviewed to identify the perpetrator. Inspector Taizul Islam of Shyamnagar Police Station confirmed that the missing crown, made of silver and gold-plated, is a highly revered item within the community.

    India Urges Bangladesh to Ensure Safety of Minorities

    In response to these incidents, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement, urging the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities in the country. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attacks as part of a troubling pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that has occurred over several days.

    India’s High Commission in Bangladesh also expressed deep concern and called for swift action by Bangladeshi authorities.The commission urged law enforcement to thoroughly investigate both the attack on the Puja mandap and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari temple, stressing the need to recover the stolen crown and bring those responsible to justice.

  • Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan Resigns Amidst Supreme Court Protests: Reports | world news

    Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Obaidul Hassan, has resigned after a significant protest at the Supreme Court premises in Dhaka on Saturday. Hundreds of demonstrators, including students and lawyers, gathered at the court, demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice and other judges of the Appellate Division.

    The protests, which began around 10:30 am local time, saw demonstrators issuing an ultimatum for the resignation of the Chief Justice and the Appellate Division judges by 1:00 pm The protesters warned that if their demands were not met, they would lay siege to the judges’ residences.

    In response to the escalating situation, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan is expected to consult with President Mohammed Shahabuddin before tendering his resignation later in the evening, as reported by ‘The Dhaka Tribune’. The decision to step down was reportedly made public by the Chief Justice on Saturday afternoon, as protesters continued to gather outside the Supreme Court.

    The demonstration prompted the postponement of a full court meeting, which had been convened to discuss whether the court’s functions would continue virtually. The meeting was put on hold as tensions mounted.

    Earlier in the day, Asif Mahmud, an adviser to the Youth and Sports Ministry of the interim government, took to social media to demand the unconditional resignation of Chief Justice Hassan and the cessation of the full court meeting. This call for resignation has intensified the pressure on the judiciary amid the ongoing protests.

    Obaidul Hassan was appointed as Chief Justice last year and has been perceived as a loyalist to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted earlier this week. Sheikh Hasina, 76, fled to neighboring India on Monday following mass protests in Dhaka, marking the end of her authoritarian rule. Her government had been widely criticized for alleged human rights violations, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of political opponents.

  • Bangladesh’s Interim Government Sworn In, Muhammad Yunus Leads 17-Member Team Amid Political Transition – Check List | world news

    Bangladesh Crisis: On Thursday, seventeen members of Bangladesh’s interim government took their oaths in a ceremony held in Dhaka. Leading the newly formed government is Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus, 84, who was sworn in as the country’s chief advisor.

    This development comes after Sheikh Hasina resigned as the Prime Minister and left the country amid widespread unrest. Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Yunus in a ceremony attended by foreign diplomats, civil society members, top businessmen, and former opposition party members at the presidential palace in Dhaka. Interestingly, no representatives from Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, were present.

    The members of the interim government include:

    – Muhammad Yunus: Chief Advisor – Salehuddin Ahmed: Economist and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank – Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain: Former Election Commissioner – Md Nazrul Islam (Asif Nazrul): Academic and legal expert – Adilur Rahman Khan: Human rights activist – AF Hassan Ariff: Legal expert and former Attorney General – Md Touhid Hossain: Diplomat and former Foreign Secretary – Syeda Rizwana Hasan: Environmental lawyer and activist – Supradip Chakma: Advocate for indigenous rights – Farida Akhter: Women’s rights activist – Bidhan Ranjan Roy : Educator – Sharmeen Murshid: Civil society leader – AFM Khalid Hossain: Cultural activist – Farooq-e-Azam: Business leader – Nurjahan Begum: Advocate for gender equality – Nahid Islam: Social worker – Asif Mahmud: Youth leader

    The United States expressed hope that the interim government will lead the nation toward a democratic future. US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Thursday that the US has been in communication with the interim government. “Our charge d’affaires attended the swearing-in of Yunus today. We have made it clear that we want to see the interim government chart a democratic future for the people of Bangladesh,” Miller said during a press briefing.

  • ‘Discussed Bangladesh, West Asia’: S Jaishankar Meets UK Counterpart As Hasina’s Future Hangs In Balance |

    Amidst speculations of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking asylum in the UK, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received a call from his British counterpart, David Lammy. They discussed the unfolding events in Bangladesh and West Asia. “Received a call from UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today. Discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia,”wrote EAM Jaishankar in a X post

    The Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, mentioned in the weekly press briefing that the ministers’ discussion covered the recent events in Bangladesh and West Asia. The political climate in Bangladesh remains volatile following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5 amidst escalating student-led protests.

     

    Received a call from UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today.

    Discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia.
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 8, 2024

    The protests, initially focused on ending the quota system in government employment, have now expanded into wider anti-government demonstrations. Sheikh Hasina’s next steps remain uncertain, with no clarity on whether she will stay in Delhi or relocate.

    Contradicting reports of her asylum plans, Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, dismissed them as “rumours,” according to The Daily Star. He confirmed that his mother would remain in Delhi for the time being. “Sheikh Hasina is currently in Delhi, accompanied by my aunt who resides there. She’s in good health but understandably distressed,” he shared.

    Meanwhile, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn-in as the Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh’s interim government on Thursday, as announced by Bangladesh’s Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Wednesday.

    On Thursday, Yunus pledged to establish a government committed to the safety of its citizens and called for their support in reconstructing Bangladesh. This came as the Nobel laureate arrived back from Paris to lead an interim government in the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s removal.

    At 84, Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2006 for his groundbreaking efforts in microfinance, was appointed to head the interim government. This followed the dissolution of parliament by President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday, subsequent to Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister and her departure to India amidst extensive protests against her administration.

  • India Finally Breaks Silence On Bangladesh Crisis, Hasina’s Sudden Arrival; Every Word From Jaishankar’s Parliament Address |

    India is closely monitoring the situation of minorities in Bangladesh and maintains “close and continuous” contact with the Indian community there via its diplomatic missions, the government announced on Tuesday. In statements made in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India’s deep concern for the restoration of law and order in the neighboring country and mentioned that India’s border forces have been instructed to stay exceptionally vigilant due to the complex and evolving situation.

    Here’s what Jaishankar Said On Bangladesh Crisis, Hasina’s Sudden Arrival:

    Jaishankar addressed the MPs regarding the sudden request by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit India “for the moment.” Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening aboard a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft, likely en route to London or another European destination, following her resignation as prime minister amid the country descending into uncertainty after violent protests over job quotas.

    “On August 5, despite a curfew, demonstrators gathered in Dhaka. It is understood that following a meeting with security establishment leaders, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to resign. She then requested, at very short notice, to come to India temporarily,” Jaishankar explained. “The request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities was received concurrently. She arrived in Delhi last evening. The situation in Bangladesh continues to develop,” he added.

    Jaishankar also noted that on August 5, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman addressed the nation, discussing the assumption of responsibility and the formation of an interim government.

    “The Indian community in Bangladesh, estimated at 19,000, of which approximately 9,000 are students, is being closely monitored through our diplomatic missions. However, the majority of these students returned to India in July,” the external affairs minister informed.

    In terms of India’s diplomatic presence, in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, it has assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet, he informed both the Houses. “It is our expectation that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes,” Jaishankar said.

    Jaishankar Says India Monitoring Minorities’ Situation In Bangladesh

    He said India is also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being, he said. “We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. Our border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation,” Jaishankar said.

    Over the past day, India has maintained regular communication with Dhaka authorities. The External Affairs Minister sought the House’s understanding and support on sensitive matters concerning a key neighbor, emphasizing the longstanding national consensus on this issue.

    Minister Jaishankar highlighted the enduring closeness of India-Bangladesh relations, spanning many governments and decades. He expressed shared concerns over the recent unrest and instability in Bangladesh, cutting across political lines.

    He detailed the tensions, divisions, and polarization in Bangladesh’s politics post the January 2024 elections, which fueled student protests beginning in June. The escalating violence, targeting public infrastructure and disrupting transport, persisted into July.

    The minister reported ongoing efforts to promote restraint and resolve the situation through dialogue, engaging with various political entities.

    Despite a Supreme Court ruling on July 21 to modify the government job quota system, public dissent continued. The minister noted that subsequent decisions further inflamed the situation, culminating in demands for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

    On August 4, the situation escalated dramatically with intensified attacks on police and state infrastructure, leading to heightened violence nationwide. He raised particular concern over the targeting of properties linked to the ruling regime and the worrying impact on minorities.