Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has described the occasion "Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day)" as a milestone and an everlasting source of inspiration guiding the Bangladesh-India relationship. The Indian High Commission organized a musical evening on December 6 at the Indian Cultural Centre to mark the 53rd anniversary of “Maitri Diwas”, the day India recognized Bangladesh as an independent, sovereign nation in 1971, ten days before Bangladesh achieved its liberation.   In his remarks at the event, the High Commissioner said that both countries had deep stakes in each other’s progress and prosperity, as he described people as the cornerstone of this relationship.  Speakers at CAB event in Chattogram call for social resistance against dishonest traders He particularly emphasized the important role that the youth have to play as the custodians of the future of India-Bangladesh relations. The High Commissioner hoped to further reinforce the existing interdependencies between the two countries through more robust linkages in connectivity, culture and commerce.

Ireland have won the women's T20I series against Bangladesh with a 47-run win Saturday in the second encounter of the 3-match series in Sylhet.   The tourists lost the ODI series 3-0, but bounced back strongly in the first T20I, and then they continued to dominate and won the second match as well. Before this T20I series at home, Bangladesh lost to India and Australia earlier this year too. Overall, Bangladesh lost 10 matches in the format on the row, and they are now on the verge of a cleansweep.  Ireland Women outclass Bangladesh in tense finish to take series opener Opting to bat first, Ireland posted a competitive 134 for 5, thanks to Orla Prendergast's crucial 32 and a late flourish from Laura Delany (35). Nahida Akter was the best bowler for Bangladesh taking two wickets conceding only 20 runs.  Bangladesh's run chase faltered from the outset as they struggled to form partnerships and were ultimately dismissed for a paltry 87 in 17.1 overs. A late collapse proved fatal, with Bangladesh losing their last five wickets for just 17 runs, dramatically slumping from 70 for 5 to 87 all out. Prendergast starred with the ball as well, taking 3 wickets for 13 runs, while Arlene Kelly, and Laura Delany chipped in with 2 wickets each. Bangladesh women dominate Ireland to seal 3-0 series win Only Sharmin Akhter (23) and Shorna Akter (20) offered any resistance as the Bangladesh batting lineup crumbled.  Prendergast's all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award. The Irish bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length throughout, making it difficult for the Bangladeshi batters to score freely. The third and last match of the T20I series will be played on December 9 at the same venue in Sylhet.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday accused India of trying to mislead the world by spreading lies about Bangladesh in its attempt to support the ousted Awami League government. "Politicians, policymakers and many media figures in neighbouring countries—particularly those who compromise their integrity—are crying over the escape of the despotic ruler (Sheikh Hasina)," he said while speaking to reporters at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute Hospital. "They’re trying to confuse the world by fabricating falsehoods, such as claims that Hindu homes are being torched and Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh. But, in this age of technology, their efforts are failing," Rizvi added. Announce election roadmap: Dr Mosharraf to govt As part of the initiative by "Amra BNP Poribar", Rizvi visited patients at the hospital who had sustained injuries during the student-led mass movement. He said the false propaganda being spread by India gives an impression that violent murderers and bloodthirsty people dominate the neighbouring country. The BNP leader also alleged that India has been shedding "crocodile tears" for Sheikh Hasina since it used her to protect its own interests. Rizvi said the interim government has arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das, who had previously been expelled from ISKCON, for his misdeeds. "It appears that there has been an outcry for him from Delhi to the very farthest corners of India. This situation can’t continue." Rizvi accuses India of using communalism to assert dominance Stating that Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign state earned at the cost of immense blood, he said that no one has the power to make the country bow down. "This Bangladesh cannot be subjugated through veiled threats or intimidation.” He strongly condemned the disrespect of Bangladesh's national flag in India, as well as the recent attack on the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala. “They (Indians) have gone so far that they have torn down the flag of our independent beloved motherland. As per Vienna Convention, they have committed a terrible and serious international crime by raising their hands on our diplomatic officials,” the BNP leader said. He also criticised India for failing to acknowledge the cruelty and violence that Sheikh Hasina has inflicted on the citizens of her own country. BNP submits recommendations to Police Reform Commission “The scene I witnessed in the burn unit is beyond words. I visited various hospitals, I have seen much, but nothing compares to the sheer brutality I observed today (Saturday). It was so heart-breaking that tears filled my eyes. It felt as if I were watching a scene from a horror film. Who will take responsibility for this? How will these people survive?” Rizvi said. He said autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina, created such an atrocious situation before fleeing the country. “Those responsible for this carnage—from the ministers to all others involved in killing our people, crippling our brothers, and committing these heinous crimes—must be brought to justice in the International Crimes Tribunal.”

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Saturday said they look forward to the next year with "hopes, expectation and aspiration" for a better Bangladesh, noting that they come to the end of this year which was an "eventful year" for Bangladesh. "Let us work hard for a better Bangladesh, for an improved version of Bangladesh which will be a tribute to those who laid down their lives," he said.  The outgoing year has witnessed great sacrifices  and bloodshed, Jashim said, adding that they lost many young lives who are not with them anymore but whose heroism they remember and celebrate. "Let us work for them." Bangladesh urges early meeting of Joint Commission with Czech Republic He was speaking at the annual event "FOSA International Charity Bazaar 2024" hosted by Foreign Office Spouses Association (FOSA) at Foreign Service Academy. 

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday encouraged the independent newspapers and rights groups to do their own probe into the reports of attacks on the Hindu community in the post-revolution days. "If the government does the debunking job, there are strong chances that its reports will be seen with some sort of scepticism," he said. Noting this as a "serious issue," Alam said Bangladesh has been "unfairly portrayed" in international media and in top parliamentary hearings in influential nations. Some even call for sending UN peacekeepers to Bangladesh—or intervening in the country—based on these reports, he said, adding that "We want fair investigations." In recent weeks, Alam said, there have been greater efforts by the interim government, political, religious, and civil society leaders urging people to stay calm during religiously tinged incidents. "Some of us have shown extraordinary political maturity in these events," he said in a Facebook post from his verified account. But the Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council's reports have "systematically exaggerated" the violence perpetrated against the minority people, Alam said. He said they hope top secular and liberal newspapers will do their own probe into the alleged cases of religious violence reported by the Council. "We also hope international rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International will also do similar investigations," the Press Secretary added. The HRW did an excellent investigation into the massacres of Hefazat activists in 2013, Alam said, hoping that HRW will do a similar probe. Alam acknowledged that violence against minorities happens in Bangladesh. "We are still not the ideal country as far as communal harmony is concerned. We hear reports of discrimination based on religion," Alam said, adding that there are also regular bouts of violence triggered by allegedly blasphemous Facebook posts. When the Netra News debunked the Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council's report on the attacks on the Hindu community in the post-revolution days, the Press Secretary said he expected the group to make a statement. The Netra News report, Alam said, showed almost all nine Hindu dead who the minority council claimed to have been killed in communal hatred-related violence were connected to other reasons such as political, personal and other causes. Shafiqul Alam appointed as press secretary of CA Yunus The Unity Council also made a similar "controversial report" on the attacks of minorities in Bangladesh in July this year, said the Press Secretary. Alam said the Unity Council's reports have a far-reaching impact. When a British MP recently spoke about the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, it seems he quoted the Council's report, the Press Secretary observed. The report on the post-revolution attacks on Hindus was cited more than 11 million times in social media. Women footballers to receive due salaries soon: Shafiqul Alam "What I've learnt is that the powerful and deep-pocketed Hindu American groups, Indian national and regional newspapers, and top Indian commentators cite its report to portray the state of minorities in Bangladesh," Alam said. "Experts told me the Unity Council's reports have been the single biggest source of misinformation on anti-minority violence in Bangladesh," he added.

Smart agriculture holds great potential in Bangladesh, as it can significantly enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to the country’s economy and agricultural system, according to experts. Talking to UNB, they explained that smart agriculture involves the direct delivery of agricultural products from farmers to consumers through digital platforms, reducing the interference of middlemen and allowing farmers to receive fair prices for their produce. “This approach could help dismantle the syndicates responsible for high prices of agricultural products,” said Dr Md Shahiduzzaman, Director of the Smart Agriculture Department and a Professor in the Department of Parasitology at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). Dr Shahiduzzaman said that smart agriculture refers to the use of information technology and innovative agricultural practices to make farming more efficient, profitable and sustainable. "Techniques like satellite imaging, drones, sensors, and GPS technology collect data on soil quality, moisture, and temperature, allowing farmers to apply irrigation, fertilisers, and pesticides accurately. Data analytics also helps predict crop yields, understand climate change impacts, and anticipate pest infestations, aiding effective planning," he added. Discussing the benefits of smart agriculture, Dr Shahiduzzaman said that it could address challenges posed by climate change, floods and droughts, and ensuring food security. By utilising advanced seeds and agricultural practices, he said, farmers can cultivate more productive and climate-resilient crops, boosting agricultural production in Bangladesh. Innovative technologies enable farmers to thrive even in adverse environmental conditions, Dr Shahiduzzaman added. Read: Action against price-hiking syndicates under Special Powers Act He highlighted that smart tractors, robotic harvesters, and automated irrigation systems can significantly reduce costs and time in agricultural operations. “These innovations help increase production while decreasing dependency on labour. The Internet of Things (IoT) allows smart sensors and devices to collect real-time data on soil health, moisture levels, and other environmental parameters, facilitating swift decision-making.” According to Dr Shahiduzzaman, the various smart agriculture technologies are making agricultural processes simpler and more effective while creating new opportunities that can advance agricultural production and sustainable farming. Prof Dr Mohammad Mofizur Rahman Jahangir from the Soil Science Department and Dr M Wakilur Rahman from the Rural Sociology Department of BAU also emphasised the role of smart agriculture in soil preservation and employment generation. Highlighting the significance of pesticides in smart agriculture, Dr Jahangir mentioned that the appropriate use of pesticides is integral to this approach. Smart agricultural technologies enable timely detection and management of pest attacks and crop diseases. It also helps determine the right amount, timing, and method for pesticide application, ensuring that farmers ultimately benefit, he said. Dr Jahangir explained that while organic fertilisers enhance soil fertility by increasing microbial populations, they do not eliminate weeds, posing a challenge for agricultural production. The use of pesticides may affect some non-target microorganisms, but generally, their populations stabilise after initial exposure, he added. Prof Jahangir cited an example from his research, stating that when herbicides were applied to soil with nitrifying microbial populations, the population initially decreased slightly over the first 15 days. However, after that period, the population numbers returned to normal. Read more: Interim Government committed to curbing essential commodity prices by breaking syndicates: Mahfuj Alam On the employment aspect of smart agriculture, Prof Dr Wakilur Rahman remarked that widespread implementation would not lead to job losses but would foster the emergence of new entrepreneurs. He noted that many currently engaged in agriculture are transitioning to other professions, leading to an increase in uncultivated land. Commercialising smart agriculture could make previously unused land arable and secure economic benefits. He also stressed that the agricultural sector faces significant gaps that must be addressed to avoid future challenges. Controlled environments, such as greenhouses, can provide opportunities for demand-driven agricultural production. Making agriculture profitable and commercially viable is crucial, necessitating extensive implementation of smart agriculture. Dr Shahiduzzaman, however, pointed out that effective implementation of smart agriculture in Bangladesh requires government and private sector initiatives. "Infrastructure improvements (internet and electricity), along with training and support for farmers, are critical. Many farmers lack familiarity with modern agricultural technologies, and the fragmentation of arable land complicates the effective deployment of drones and advanced machinery, increasing production costs," he added.

Bangladesh has underscored the need for holding the first meeting of the Joint Commission on Trade Promotion and Economic Cooperation soon with the Czech Republic to achieve the objectives of the agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation signed between Bangladesh and the Czech Republic in 2019. The first round of bilateral consultations between Bangladesh and the Czech Republic, held recently at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, discussed the matter. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Jiří Kozák, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic led their respective delegations in the bilateral consultations. Jashim recalled the signing of an MoU between the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber and Industry (FBCCI) and the Czech Chamber of Commerce in 2013 and emphasised the necessity of functional interaction between the chambers and SMEs of the two countries to identify potential investment opportunities. He also urged his counterpart to facilitate the issuance of business visas. Jashim requested the Deputy Minister to consider signing a draft agreement between the government of Bangladesh and the Czech Republic on reciprocal promotion and protection of investments. At the onset, the Foreign Secretary briefed his counterpart on the July-August student-citizens-led revolution, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He outlined the vision and ongoing reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government to restore accountability and transparency in governance in Bangladesh. During the consultations, the two sides had in-depth discussions to identify areas of cooperation to deepen existing bilateral relations. Bangladesh sees no major change in Dhaka-Washington ties with Trump's return Both the Foreign Secretary and Czech Deputy Foreign Minister noted that there is potential to expand bilateral trade further. They agreed to intensify mutually beneficial cooperation in science & technology, ICT, energy and climate change. Both the Foreign Secretary and the Czech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed willingness to explore collaboration in the areas of manpower export, means of identifying prospective students for higher education in the Czech Republic and promoting people-to-people contacts. Both sides also exchanged views on potential cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the European Union. Prior to the bilateral consultations, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met State Secretary of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Vladimír Mana, Vice President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, Radek Jakubsky, and Director-General of the Employment Policy, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic, Kateřina Štěpánková in Prague.  

A 35-year-old Indian citizen was detained by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on charges of illegal entry through the Hili border in Dinajpur on Wednesday night. The detainee, identified as Abdur Rahman, hails from Barabuian village in Bihar’s Araria district, under the jurisdiction of Ghurna Police Station, according to BGB. According to Subedar Md. Shahadat Hossain of the BGB’s Hili CP Camp, Rahman entered Bangladesh illegally through pillar number 285/9 of the Hili border on Wednesday evening. Later, BGB members detained and brought him to their camp for questioning. Bangladeshi youth ‘tortured by BSF’ near Feni border Sujan Mia,Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hakimpur Police Station said, BGB members handed over the detained Indian citizen to the police station around 10pm on Wednesday and a case has been filed. Rahman was sent to jail by a Dinajpur court on Thursday morning, he added.

Political parties across the spectrum reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty during a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on Wednesday. “We may have political differences over elections, reform and other issues, but we all are united on the question of national independence and sovereignty,” Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna told reporters after the meeting. Entire world needs to know Bangladesh united: Dr Yunus The meeting was held at the Foreign Service Academy with the participation of representatives from various political parties including BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus delivered the opening remarks at the event that began at 4:00pm. Manna said they told the meeting that Bangladesh wants to stay independent with dignity, maintaining friendly relations with other countries, not bowing down to anyone. He said they also asked the interim government to review all the agreements signed with India and cancel the agreements that go against the national interest of Bangladesh. Junaid Saki, the chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, said they, the political parties in the meeting, reached a consensus to develop a national unity on the question of the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. Tarique urges leaders, activists to avoid controversial activities “We told (govt) that all the people of Bangladesh – political parties, students and people from all classes and professions—will fight united to protect the existence, independence and sovereignty of this country,” he said. Noting that a fight of misinformation continues against Bangladesh from India and other places, Saki said, “We’ve told the government that we’ll have to fight misinformation with true information.” Saiful Islam, Ganatantra Mancha coordinator Saiful Huq, said India has remained seriously active against the interim government, the people of this country and the mass uprising since the fall of the fascists. They (India) are trying to create a communal tension between the Hindu and Muslim, he said. “We today said in this meeting that we, all political parties in Bangladesh, are beside the interim government and expressed unity over the question of our independence, sovereignty and national interest,” he said.   National Unity: CA’s talks with political parties underway Saiful Huq said they assured that the people of Bangladesh have today built a fresh unity over non-communal politics and cultures against communalism.  “The people of Bangladesh won’t step in any type of provocation,” he said. He said they asked the government to give a clear message that if India wants to destabilise Bangladesh and play with the security of Bangladesh, the security of India will also fall in risk. “We want to keep the friendly relationship with India and we want to resolve all disputes with India fairly based on just, equity and equal partnership,” he said.   “We, the people of Bangladesh won’t step in any provocation and will protect the national unity at any cost. Today the people of Bangladesh are united on the question of the national interest. And this unity can no way be weakened,” said Saiful Huq. Advisers Adilur Rahman Khan and Mahfuj Alam; BNP leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Syed Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and AZM Zahid Hossain; Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman; and Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan, among others, present in the meeting. Global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflict: Prof Yunus The CA’s meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet. CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting.

Apparently hinting at the campaign against Bangladesh abroad, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the entire world needs to be informed that Bangladesh remains united and whatever it achieved recently was gained through joint efforts. He sought suggestions from political parties so that Bangladesh can proceed towards the right path without making any mistakes. In his opening remarks at a discussion with political parties at Foreign Service Academy, Prof Yunus said an imaginary story is being spread about Bangladesh which is not limited to a single country but also to other big countries. The Chief Adviser laid emphasis on proving the perception wrong through joint efforts and establishing the truth. He said there are many people who do not apparently like 'new Bangladesh' though the government remains open inviting foreigners to come and see the situation on the ground. The Chief Adviser stressed the need for unity for the sake of the nation's interest, noting that they (who are campaigning against Bangladesh) are very powerful in terms of resources and arrangements. Global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflict: Prof Yunus Briefing reporters after the meeting, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the key message of the meeting is that they will remain united for the sake of the country’s interest, its sovereignty and existence. “We will never deviate from this.”     Nazrul said there is no reason to think Bangladesh as “powerless, weak and submissive” and Bangladesh will remain united against any propaganda. “We will uphold our unity,” said the Law Adviser, adding that the entire nation remained united against India’s propaganda.  Advisers Adilur Rahman Khan, Mahfuj Alam, representatives from various political parties including BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami took part in the talks at the Foreign Service Academy that began after 4pm. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moyeen Khan, Syed Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and AZM Zahid Hossain were among the BNP leaders. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Gono Samhangti's Jonayed Saki, Nagorik Oikya's Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Gono Odhikar Parishad's Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan also joined the meeting. The meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet. CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting. Chief Adviser Yunus hopeful SAARC can give dividends to people of the region if revitalised On Tuesday evening, the Press Secretary hoped that the citizen groups, Bangladeshi diaspora, political parties and civil society would raise their voices against the massive misinformation campaign against Bangladesh.