Delhi
Dhaka, Delhi ties growing from strength to strength: Jaishankar
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday (January 20, 2024) said Bangladesh-India relations are growing from strength to strength.
"Look forward to receiving him (Dr Hasan Mahmud) in Delhi soon," he said as he met his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud on the sidelines of the 19th NAM Summit.
Jaishankar said he is glad to meet with his new Bangladesh counterpart, Hasan Mahmud in Kampala, Uganda.
"Congratulated him on his appointment and wished him all success," said the Indian External Affairs Minister.
Both the ministers discussed various issues of mutual interests and ways to carry forward the existing excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They also discussed the upcoming visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister to New Delhi.
Hasan Mahmud led the Bangladesh delegation to the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held on January 19-20.
He will also lead the third South Summit of the G77 and China scheduled to be held on January 21-22.
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Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad A Muhith and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda, among others, are accompanying the Foreign Minister.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud is scheduled to leave for New Delhi, India on February 7 – the first bilateral visit by the minister after his appointment – to further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations.
“It’s likely to be a three-day visit,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 18, noting that the agenda of the visit is yet to be finalised.
The Foreign Minister said he will be visiting the country at the invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
Asked whether he will have a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit, Mahmud said, “It is too early to say.”
Jaishankar, earlier, invited his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud to visit New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma extended the invitation on behalf of the Indian External Affairs Minister on Monday.
The Foreign Minister accepted the invitation and told him that he would visit Delhi soon.
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Bangladesh briefs Delhi-based diplomats on political situation, preparations for polls
Bangladesh has briefed heads of missions (around 90) based in New Delhi on the recent political scenario and preparations for the next general election in Bangladesh.
Mentioning that election is a “festive occasion in Bangladesh as we see it in many democratic countries,” Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told ambassadors that people of Bangladesh have been eagerly waiting to take part in the democratic process to vote and elect the representatives of their choice.
The Election Commission is committed to holding a free and fair election with participation of voters in a festive atmosphere, Masud told the diplomats in Delhi.
Bangladesh-India FS-level talks held in New Delhi
The foreign secretary briefed the diplomats concurrently accredited to Bangladesh on Friday evening.
He was visiting New Delhi in connection with the Foreign Office Consultations between Bangladesh and India, which was held in the Hyderabad House in the afternoon of November 24.
In the evening, he briefed the concurrently accredited ambassadors to Bangladesh in a program organized by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi at the Bangabandhu Hall.
Foreign Secretary Masud highlighted the foreign policy priorities and dynamics of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh-India FS-level talks in New Delhi on Friday
He also briefed the ambassadors about Bangladesh’s position on various geopolitical contemporary issues.
During the briefing, he highlighted the socio-economic development of Bangladesh over the last 15 years under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Masud solicited their support to resolve the Rohingya crisis through ensuring the refugees’ safe and sustainable repatriation to their place of origin in Myanmar for peace and stability of the region and beyond.
During the briefing session, the ambassadors were requested for support of their respective governments for Bangladesh’s candidature for the membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under category ‘C’ for the term 2024-2025, elections to which be held in London on December 1 this year.
Given Bangladesh’s recent socio-economic development, continued stability and growing importance in the regional and global platforms and engagement with the issues of global concern, Foreign Secretary Masud urged the ambassadors to request their respective governments to consider opening diplomatic missions in Dhaka.
He assured them of the Bangladesh government’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating the process.
The foreign secretary responded to questions raised by the concurrently accredited ambassadors.
The foreign secretary is scheduled to return to Dhaka this afternoon.
FOC: Bangladesh, India hold comprehensive discussions on trade, security, border issues
10 Overseas Places Bangladeshis Can Visit Under BDT 10,000
Enjoying the unparalleled beauty of nature cannot be measured by any monetary value. However, everything in the world comes with a price, tourism is no exception. Though travelling costs are getting higher day by day, Bangladeshi tourists can visit overseas within a tight budget with proper planning and right information. Let's explore some popular international tourist attractions to visit with 10,000 taka.
10 Overseas Places to Visit from Bangladesh with a Budget of BDT 10,000
Cherrapunji
This city, which is also called Sohra, is situated in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Notable attractions here include Mawsynram, the Double Decker Root Bridge, Mosmai Cave, and Mokdok View Point. Foreign visitors are drawn to enchanting waterfalls like Nohkalikai Falls, Thankharang Park, Mosmai Falls, Kalikai Falls, Rainbow Falls, Krangsuri Falls, and Seven Sisters Falls.
To reach Sohra, travelers must take a train from Dhaka to Sylhet and then a bus to Tamabil. The minimum train fare from Dhaka to Sylhet is around BDT 400, and the bus journey from Sylhet to Tamabil costs BDT 35.
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Upon reaching Tamabil, complete Bangladesh immigration and cross-border checking at Indian customs. Subsequently, a taxi or minibus will leave for Shillong through Dauki Bazaar. Cherrapunji is a bit further, past the Wardslake gate of Shillong.
For budget accommodation, homestays in Naingriat village can be arranged, with room rents for 4 people ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, approximately equal to BDT 1,330 to 2,000 (Rs 1 = BDT 1.33).
The cost of food can range from Rs 160 to Rs 200 (approx. BDT 215 to BDT 266) per person per day.
All in all, one can travel from Dhaka via Shillong to Cherrapunji and back to Dhaka in 3 days for around 8 to 9 thousand taka.
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Delhi
Delhi, the Indian capital on the banks of the river Yamuna, retains its popularity among travelers due to its historical significance. Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Red Fort, and Emperor Humayun's Tomb are among the city's prominent sightseeing spots.
Dhaka residents can reach Delhi affordably by first taking a bus to Kolkata. A non-AC coach will cost around BDT 890 to BDT 900 per person. From Kolkata's Howrah, they need to take a train to Delhi, with a non-AC sleeper costing approximately Rs 650 to Rs 700 (close proximity to BDT 865 to BDT 931).
Opting for a tour agency's sightseeing package, which typically costs Rs 300 to 500 per person (hovering near BDT 399 to BDT 665), is recommended.
The average daily cost for food is Rs 390 (roughly BDT 519). Double-bed rooms in Paharganj can be found for Rs 500 to Rs 650 (approx. BDT 655 to BDT 865).
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Shimla
The capital and largest city of Himachal Pradesh in North India is known as the Queen of Hill Stations. Places to visit in the picturesque city include Mall Road, The Ridge, Summer Hill, Viceroy Lodge, St. Michael's Cathedral, Himachal State Museum, and Jakhu.
Budget visitors must first come to Kolkata from Dhaka by the ways mentioned earlier. A minimum of BDT 1,100 will be spent here along with the immigration process. After that, the explorers have to go to Howrah station in Kolkata as before. From there, the Kalka Mail train will take them to Kalka, for which the ticket price will be around Rs 710 (about BDT 945). Toy Train fare for Kalka to Shimla is Rs.50 (close to BDT 67).
A room in Shimla can be rented for Rs 1,000 (near BDT 1,330), and food per day can cost Rs 194 (almost BDT 258) per person.
Read more: Lawachara National Park Travel Guide: Evergreen forest in northeastern Bangladesh
No special message from PM, no hidden agenda: Foreign Secretary says ahead of Delhi visit
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen today (November 23, 2023) said he is not carrying any special message from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or there is "no hidden agenda" as he leaves for New Delhi tomorrow to hold talks with his Indian counterpart, scheduled for Friday.
He, however, said the Bangladesh side will definitely inform the Indian side if they have queries regarding the next national election.
Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Masud said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is multifaceted.
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Efforts to keep the relationship unhindered and smooth before, during and after the election may come up for discussions, he said.
The foreign secretary said he will brief diplomats from countries that do not have missions in Dhaka about the situation in Bangladesh and the government’s efforts to hold a free and fair election.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said no political issues will be discussed in the foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries.
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"I don't think so. Political discussion has already been done. There will be no discussion about politics there," Momen told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter wanted to know whether politics and the upcoming election will be discussed in the forthcoming meeting.
The foreign minister said it is a routine meeting between the two countries where various issues of mutual interest will be discussed.
"We do FOC (Foreign Office Consultations) with many countries. It is a routine matter," he added.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is scheduled to hold the regular bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Friday.
This is the second foreign secretary-level meeting between the two countries this year. The first one was held in February in Dhaka.
At the Foreign Office Consultations, the two countries usually discuss all the major issues of mutual interests to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors.
Read: ‘Those threatening to foil polls had shown bias towards undemocratic change in power in the past’
Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the relationship between Bangladesh and India today stands out as a model in terms of shared benefits.
In an interaction in London, he said the two countries have settled the land boundary and maritime border issues.
Jaishankar highlighted connectivity cooperation, energy supply and use of ports and noted that Bangladesh-India ties stand as model ties.
World Cup 2023: Can ICC compel players to compete in hazardous air conditions?
With the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ICC World Cup 2023 match just hours away, the air quality in Delhi is perilous. According to the ICC’s guidelines, an AQI (air quality index) score under 200 is considered safe for cricket. Delhi’s AQI is well above 400 as the match approaches.
In light of this situation, can the ICC ethically mandate players to participate in a World Cup match amidst such hazardous conditions? This question looms large, given the severe air pollution in Delhi.
Players from both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were compelled to cancel their practice sessions due to the air quality issue. Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha mentioned that some of the players have asthma and are not willing to take unnecessary risks by practicing.
Read: Bangladesh to face Sri Lanka amid pollution concerns in Delhi
As players express their reluctance to practice, it raises critical questions about the ICC's stance on player participation in such conditions.
The ICC and BCCI staff on the ground are set to closely monitor the air quality leading up to the match. Following their assessment, they will consult with the medical teams of both teams. If they determine that the match can proceed safely, the toss will take place on time. However, if the air quality poses a significant health risk, they will adopt a wait-and-see approach, similar to protocols followed in cases of rain or a wet outfield.
ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC is seeking advice from a lung specialist to define safe air quality levels for cricket matches. However, establishing specific benchmarks for safe air quality proves challenging due to the varying cardiovascular demands of different cricketing positions on the field.
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For instance, a fast bowler experiences higher cardiovascular stress compared to a spinner. This indicates that identical air quality conditions may not be equally safe for both fast bowlers and spinners. The assessment becomes considerably more intricate in this regard.
Delhi Travel Guide: Must-see Places and Fun Activities in the Indian Capital
Standing on the bank of the Yamuna River, Delhi, India's capital territory, presents a captivating mix of history, culture, and modernity. Its strategic location, at the centre of the Indian subcontinent, has made it a bustling hub of diverse influences. And, this year, this city is one of the venues of the ICC World Cup. Delhi promises a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient monuments to savouring delicious cuisine, along with sports excitement. Let’s take a look at this Delhi travel guide and explore the numerous facets of this fascinating metropolis.
Top 10 Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi, India
Arun Jaitley Stadium
Formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, this cricket venue was established in 1883. Five matches of the Cricket World Cup 2023 are going to be held at this stadium located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in New Delhi. Among them, the match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is set for November 6, 2023.
India Gate
Also known as the All India War Memorial, it stands on the side of the Rajpath in New Delhi. The 138-foot-tall historic structure was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. A Republic Day parade is held annually around this war memorial.
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This structure is dedicated mainly to the 84,000 Indian and British soldiers who perished during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Engravings on the monument surface display the names of 13,300 soldiers. Local food hawkers often gather here, offering various delicacies for picnicking groups. A charming children's park is also nearby.
Qutub Minar
Known as Victory Tower, this minaret is part of the Qutub Complex in Lal Kot, Delhi. Qutub Minar's construction began in 1199 under Qutub-ud-Din Aibak. Shamsuddin Iltutmish completed the upper sections between 1199 and 1503.
Qutub Minar brilliantly merges Islamic architecture with Southwest Asian design. In 1993, UNESCO bestowed upon it the prestigious title of a World Heritage Site.
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Teesta water sharing issue to be raised during Hasina-Modi talks in Delhi: FS
Bangladesh will raise the Teesta water sharing issue along with other issues of mutual interest during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi next week.
“We have the issue of Teesta water sharing that the Prime Minister will certainly raise. We have other issues. We have 54 common rivers,” Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters on Sunday, adding that the Ganges water treaty is another issue which will expire soon.
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The Bangladesh-India Ganges water-sharing deal was signed in 1996 after long negotiations. The 30-year deal will expire by 2026.
Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh and India had always discussed the Teesta issue at the highest political level. “We always kept it on the discussion agenda. This time too, we expect the Prime Minister will talk about it.”
Bangladesh thinks the water-sharing issues between the two countries would be resolved through discussions as the two countries are “mentally agreed” to work on the basis of mutual understanding.
Read: FM Momen discusses trade, investment issues with US Bangladesh Business Council leaders
Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s long pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalized in 2011.
During PM Hasina’s state visit to India in September last year, both leaders also directed the officials to work together to address issues such as pollution in rivers and to improve riverine environment and river navigability in respect of common rivers.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation at the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10 will add yet another feather to the ‘Golden Chapter’ in Dhaka-Delhi ties.
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The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Modi is likely to be held on September 8.
Follow-up Discussion on Water Issues
Earlier, the Foreign Secretary attended a follow-up discussion on Bangladesh’s 10 commitments made at the 2023 UN water Conference.
Talking to reporters, he said they mainly discussed how to implement those commitments and how the development partners can help Bangladesh in this process.
The Foreign Secretary said most of the commitments will be fulfilled by 2030 and many countries of the world made their commitments separately.
The UN 2023 Water Conference saw the adoption of the Water Action Agenda, representing voluntary commitments of nations and stakeholders to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets connected to water.
The event brought together over 6,500 participants. By the close of the meeting, the Water Action Agenda had received approximately 700 commitments in the form of financial pledges, collaborative projects, and actions to protect the world’s most precious and irreplaceable resource.
The Foreign Secretary said water is an important factor for livelihood and sustainability and they discussed issues related to coastal area, salinity problems, ground water level declining, plastic pollution, agriculture water wastages, rain water harvesting and ways to boost efficiency in water management.
He said there are reasons to be worried after a few years and laid emphasis on international cooperation and resource mobilization.
The UN says water is a dealmaker for the Sustainable Development Goals, and for the health and prosperity of people and the planet.
But, the UN added, progress on water related goals and targets remains alarmingly off track, jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda.
24-year-old dies of electrocution while running on treadmill at gym
A 24-year-old man died of electrocution while running on a treadmill at a gym in north Delhi, India.
The deceased, Saksham Pruthi, was a BTech major and worked in a firm in Gurugram. He used to work out at the Gymplex Fitness Zone in Sector 15, and was a resident of Rohini Sector 19, reports NDTV.
Also read: Man dies from electrocution in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar
The young man fell while jogging on the treadmill early on Tuesday and the cause of the death was mentioned as electrocution in the autopsy report, it said.
Also read; Man dies from electrocution in city
The gym manager has been arrested by police. A case has been filed under the provisions dealing with culpable homicide that does not amount to murder and careless behaviour with regard to machinery. Police are investigating further into the matter.
Also read: Worker dies from electrocution in Dhaka’s Kamrangirchar
Dhaka, Delhi cooperation in science, technology an important dimension of development partnership: Pranay Verma
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) highlighted the value of science and technology (S&T) cooperation between Bangladesh and India as an important dimension of their development partnership and a key catalyst in achieving larger national goals and finding solutions to common developmental challenges.
Speaking at a symposium, he stressed that as nations aspiring to join the ranks of developed economies of the world, there was great value and necessity for India and Bangladesh to promote closer engagement in science and technology.
The high commissioner said that their collaboration can also bring unique perspectives as developing countries into scientific research and innovation, creating solutions that address "our societal challenges and generating ideas that meet their developmental aspirations."
He urged greater participation of younger scientists from both countries in their S&T collaboration.
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As part of the long-standing cooperation between Bangladesh and India in the field of Science & Technology, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) hosted a joint scientific symposium in partnership with India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Dhaka.
The subject of the symposium was “Advanced Functional and Smart Materials for Sustainable Development”.
Verma was invited to address the symposium as the guest of honour.
No improvement in Dhaka's air quality, still 'unhealthy' this morning
Dhaka’s air quality is still in the 'unhealthy' zone this morning (March 12, 2023).
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 165 at 9:00 am, the capital of Bangladesh ranked 10th in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.
Thailand’s Chiang Mai, India’s Delhi, and Kolkata occupied the first three spots, with AQI scores of 198, 188, and 184, respectively.
An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’ while between 201–300 is ‘’very unhealthy’, and 301–400 is 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents.
Read More: 9-point directive on air pollution: HC asks DoE to submit report within 2 weeks.
The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a particular city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.
Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognized as increasing a person’s chances of developing heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections, and cancer, according to several studies.
Read More: Govt committed to doing all it can to defeat pollution: Environment Minister
As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.