Bangladesh Social and Current Affairs

[ghazi52]

Bangladesh ex-PM Khaleda Zia makes first public appearance in 6 years​

AFP
November 21, 2024

Chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government Muhammad Yunus (R) with former premier and Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia (2L) at a reception in Dhaka, Bangladesh on November 21. — AFP
Bangladesh’s illness-stricken opposition leader Khaleda Zia made her first public appearance in six years on Thursday, months after her release from house arrest following the ouster of longtime foe Sheikh Hasina.

The ferocious rivalry between the two former premiers — born in blood and cemented in prison — has defined politics in the nation for decades.

Zia was jailed in 2018 for graft but was released in August, hours after Hasina fled to neighbouring India when a student-led national uprising brought an end to her 15 years of iron-fisted rule.

Her presence on Thursday at a reception to mark the country’s Armed Forces Day marked her first public appearance since her conviction.

She was welcomed by Muhummad Yunus, a Nobel laureate helming an interim government charged with restoring the country’s democracy, with the pair photographed sitting together and chatting amiably.

“We are particularly lucky and honoured today that Begum Khaleda Zia … has graced us with her presence,” Yunus said. “We are all delighted that she joined us today.”

Zia, 79, has been in declining health for years, is confined to a wheelchair with rheumatoid arthritis and also suffers from diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver.

Until Thursday, she had kept out of the spotlight despite her release, apart from briefly addressing a political rally in a video message from a hospital bed.

Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said that more than two dozen of its leaders were also in attendance.

Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir lost his composure and broke into tears when he saw Zia at the event, newspaper Prothom Alo reported.

Zia spent most of her sentence under house arrest after she was relocated from prison during the coronavirus pandemic, but she was denied repeated requests to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Alamgir told a Wednesday rally in the city of Feni that Zia was “very ill, having been kept in jail on false charges in a small, damp cell”.

Bangladeshi media outlets reported in October that Zia was expected to travel abroad for medical care in the near future, without giving a precise date.

 

[HaiderAfan]

The Arakan Army (AA), a powerful ethnic armed group in Myanmar, has claimed full control over the border region with Bangladesh, particularly in the Teknaf area. This development comes after the AA successfully captured the last military outpost in Maungdaw, a strategic town near the Naf River, which separates Myanmar from Bangladesh.

Key Developments​

1. Control of Territory: The AA announced that it has completely taken over the Maungdaw region, which is home to a significant population, including many members of the persecuted Rohingya minority. This marks a significant shift in power dynamics along the border.
2. Military Engagements: The capture of military positions followed intense fighting that ended a ceasefire that had been in place since the junta's coup in 2021. The AA's recent military campaigns have raised concerns about potential violence against Rohingya communities, reminiscent of past ethnic cleansing campaigns.
3. Impact on Local Communities: The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. Reports indicate that many Rohingya have fled their homes due to violence and threats from both the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups like the AA.
4. Political Context: The situation reflects broader tensions within Myanmar, where various ethnic armed groups are vying for autonomy and control amidst a backdrop of military rule. The AA is part of a larger coalition of ethnic insurgents seeking greater self-governance.
5. Criticism of Dhaka's Response: In light of these developments, there are criticisms directed at the new regime in Dhaka for its focus on internal issues, such as the persecution of its Hindu minority, rather than addressing security concerns related to territorial integrity and external threats from groups like the AA.
6. Future Implications: The increased control by the Arakan Army raises concerns about stability along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border and could lead to further displacement of populations, as well as complicate international humanitarian efforts in an already volatile region.

Conclusion​

The Arakan Army's assertion of control over territories along the Bangladesh border signifies a critical escalation in Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict. As they consolidate power, the implications for local communities, particularly the Rohingya, remain dire amidst fears of renewed violence and instability in the region.

 

[AbdulQadir7]

A significant fire broke out at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka on December 26, 2024, affecting several floors of Building 7, which houses multiple ministries. Here are the key details:

Incident Overview​

• Time and Location: The fire erupted around 1:52 AM in Building 7 of the Bangladesh Secretariat.
• Damage: The blaze severely damaged the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth floors, destroying a large number of official documents and office furniture.
• Firefighting Efforts: Firefighters battled the flames for nearly six hours before bringing the situation under control. A total of 19 fire engines were deployed to manage the fire.

Investigation​

• Government Response: The Bangladeshi government has launched a high-level investigation into the cause of the fire.
• Committees Formed: Two committees have been established:
  • A seven-member committee led by Additional Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim to determine the origin and cause of the fire and recommend preventive measures.
  • An additional committee comprising senior civil bureaucrats, police officers, and fire service officials tasked with submitting a preliminary report within three days.

Speculations and Concerns​

• Possible Sabotage: There are suspicions that the fire may not have been accidental, with some officials hinting at potential sabotage. Local government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan suggested that the destroyed documents contained evidence of financial misconduct during previous administrations.
• CCTV Footage: Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from various departments within Building 7 to aid in the investigation.

Impact​

• No Injuries Reported: Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the incident.
• Operational Disruption: The fire caused a power outage that disrupted operations across multiple ministries, restricting access to the complex.

This incident has raised significant concerns regarding security and operational integrity within one of Bangladesh's key administrative hubs. The investigation aims to uncover the truth behind this damaging event.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1872274445248709012

 

[JeremyVickers]

Tensions between Bangladeshi and Indian forces have been escalating daily along the border, particularly following recent incidents involving clashes between farmers and disputes over land use. The situation has drawn significant attention from both governments, with diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the underlying issues.

Key Developments​

1. Recent Clashes:
   • On January 18, 2025, a confrontation occurred near a Border Security Force (BSF) outpost in Malda, India, where farmers from both countries clashed over alleged crop theft. The situation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical altercation, prompting intervention from both the BSF and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to restore order. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this incident.
2. Diplomatic Responses:
   • Following these tensions, Bangladesh summoned India's High Commissioner to express concerns about ongoing border security measures, particularly regarding India's attempts to construct barbed wire fencing along disputed areas. Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry has emphasized the importance of resolving these issues through constructive dialogue based on existing bilateral agreements.
3. Border Security Measures:
   • The Indian government has been reinforcing its border security in light of perceived threats, leading to increased fencing activities which have been met with resistance from Bangladeshi officials. Both sides have engaged in discussions to manage these tensions, but incidents of conflict continue to arise.
4. Historical Context:
   • The India-Bangladesh border spans approximately 4,156 kilometers, making it one of the longest land borders in the world. Historical disputes over land and resources have contributed to ongoing friction between the two nations.
5. Call for Dialogue:
   • Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to resolving border-related issues through dialogue, seeking to maintain peace and stability along the border. This sentiment was echoed by various officials who recognize the need for cooperative approaches to address agricultural disputes and security concerns.

Conclusion​

The daily confrontations between Bangladeshi and Indian forces underscore the complexities of managing a long and contentious border. As both nations navigate these challenges, diplomatic efforts will be crucial in preventing escalation and fostering cooperation to resolve underlying disputes effectively. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing dialogues aimed at mitigating tensions and ensuring security for communities on both sides of the border.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1881351327147868248

 

[HamzaWaseem]

Tensions between Bangladeshi and Indian forces have been escalating daily along the border, particularly following recent incidents involving clashes between farmers and disputes over land use. The situation has drawn significant attention from both governments, with diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the underlying issues.

Key Developments​

1. Recent Clashes:
   • On January 18, 2025, a confrontation occurred near a Border Security Force (BSF) outpost in Malda, India, where farmers from both countries clashed over alleged crop theft. The situation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical altercation, prompting intervention from both the BSF and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to restore order. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this incident.
2. Diplomatic Responses:
   • Following these tensions, Bangladesh summoned India's High Commissioner to express concerns about ongoing border security measures, particularly regarding India's attempts to construct barbed wire fencing along disputed areas. Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry has emphasized the importance of resolving these issues through constructive dialogue based on existing bilateral agreements.
3. Border Security Measures:
   • The Indian government has been reinforcing its border security in light of perceived threats, leading to increased fencing activities which have been met with resistance from Bangladeshi officials. Both sides have engaged in discussions to manage these tensions, but incidents of conflict continue to arise.
4. Historical Context:
   • The India-Bangladesh border spans approximately 4,156 kilometers, making it one of the longest land borders in the world. Historical disputes over land and resources have contributed to ongoing friction between the two nations.
5. Call for Dialogue:
   • Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to resolving border-related issues through dialogue, seeking to maintain peace and stability along the border. This sentiment was echoed by various officials who recognize the need for cooperative approaches to address agricultural disputes and security concerns.

Conclusion​

The daily confrontations between Bangladeshi and Indian forces underscore the complexities of managing a long and contentious border. As both nations navigate these challenges, diplomatic efforts will be crucial in preventing escalation and fostering cooperation to resolve underlying disputes effectively. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing dialogues aimed at mitigating tensions and ensuring security for communities on both sides of the border.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1881351327147868248

BGB exchanges heated words with BSF, drives away Indians.Bangladesh 2.0

https://twitter.com/x/status/1881313980796576216