Bangladesh's textile hubs of Savar and Ashulia are back in the security spotlight after a series of explosive recoveries raised concerns over the possible emergence of a new Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) network.


Bangladesh: 14 bombs & bomb making materials seized in Savar

Bangladesh's textile hubs of Savar and Ashulia are back in the security spotlight after a series of explosive recoveries raised concerns over the possible emergence of a new Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) network.

At least 16 explosives, including powerful pressure-cooker bombs and bomb-making materials, have reportedly been recovered from Savar and Ashulia over the past two weeks. Security agencies are investigating whether the recoveries could indicate the regrouping of a neo-JMB outfit.

The developments are particularly significant because Savar was previously linked to JMB's activities and gained international attention following the group's nationwide bombing campaign more than two decades ago.


Bangladesh: Several bombs & bomb making materials seized in Savar

Bangladesh has once again pulled forward the clock on its commercial life. As of Thursday, shops, markets and malls across the country must shutter by 8 p.m., an hour earlier than before, part of a widening set of emergency conservation rules meant to squeeze a few more megawatts out of a grid that simply does not have enough to go around. Hospitals, pharmacies and food vendors are spared. Nearly everyone else is not.&nbsp;It is a strikingly familiar scene. Only months ago, during the height of regional turmoil triggered by the Iran conflict, Dhaka ordered an even stricter curfew on commerce, forcing businesses closed by 6 p.m. That the country finds itself repeating the exercise says less about a single bad week and more about a structural vulnerability that a distant war keeps exposing.&nbsp;<h2>A crisis built on two points of failure</h2>&nbsp;The immediate trigger is mechanical rather than political. A fire last month at an LNG terminal operated by the American firm Excelerate Energy knocked out roughly half the country's import capacity; the facility only resumed partial operations this week. Around the same time, rough seas prevented at least two LNG carriers from offloading their cargo at Bangladesh's terminals, compounding the shortfall just as demand was already outrunning supply.&nbsp;The numbers tell the story starkly. The power sector needs more than a billion cubic feet of gas daily; it is currently receiving around 700 million. With national electricity demand near 18,000 megawatts against a supply capped closer to 13,000, the arithmetic of blackout was almost inevitable. Rural areas outside Dhaka have borne the brunt, with some regions reporting outages stretching eight to ten hours a day, worsened by an ongoing heatwave.&nbsp;<h2>When the grid fails, so does patience</h2>&nbsp;The human cost is visible in ways that go beyond inconvenience. Frustration has spilled into open confrontation in several districts, with reports of vandalism and arson targeting electricity infrastructure in areas including Saidpur, Nilphamari and Kushtia. Utility workers report being harassed, and in some cases threatened, while attempting to collect overdue bills. The Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association, which manages rural power cooperatives, has formally asked police to patrol substations and grid stations.&nbsp;The economic toll is just as tangible. Shrimp farmers, whose product makes Bangladesh the world's second-largest exporter of the crustacean, describe watching oxygen levels collapse in their ponds each time aerators lose power. The textile and garment sector, the backbone of the national economy, is similarly exposed to an unreliable grid. For an economy this dependent on continuous production cycles, prolonged load-shedding is not a nuisance; it is a direct threat to export competitiveness.&nbsp;<h2>The geopolitical undercurrent</h2>&nbsp;Bangladesh imports more than 90 percent of its oil and roughly 30 percent of its gas, a dependency that leaves its energy security hostage to global markets far beyond its control. The conflict centred on Iran rattled shipping routes, spiked fuel and LNG prices, and injected volatility into precisely the supply chains Dhaka relies on to keep the lights on. A country with thin domestic reserves and heavy import exposure has almost no buffer when that volatility hits.&nbsp;That exposure has pushed Bangladesh back toward an old, complicated relationship: its energy lifeline to India. The two countries are connected by the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, commissioned in 2017, under which New Delhi is committed to supplying 180,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually under a fifteen-year arrangement. Dhaka has now asked India to increase those flows, a request delivered directly to Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi by Bangladesh's energy minister, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. India has already shipped more than 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh since the spring, when the Iran-linked disruptions first began rippling through South Asian energy markets.&nbsp;This quiet cooperation is notable precisely because political relations between the two nations have been anything but smooth. New Delhi's decision to shelter former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her 2024 ouster has remained a persistent irritant for the government of Tarique Rahman, and Hasina's recent public remarks from Delhi, her first since fleeing Dhaka, have only sharpened tensions. Energy interdependence, it seems, is proving more durable than diplomatic goodwill. Bangladesh needs India's diesel regardless of how it feels about India's guest.

Bangladesh imports more than 90 percent of its oil and roughly 30 percent of its gas, a dependency that leaves its energy security hostage to global markets far beyond its control. A country with thin domestic reserves and heavy import exposure has almost no buffer when that volatility hits.

Bangladesh has once again pulled forward the clock on its commercial life. As of Thursday, shops, markets and malls across the country must shutter by 8 p.m., an hour earlier than before, part of a widening set of emergency conservation rules meant to squeeze a few more megawatts out of a grid that simply does not have enough to go around. Hospitals, pharmacies and food vendors are spared. Nearly everyone else is not. It is a strikingly familiar scene. Only months ago, during the height of regional turmoil triggered by the Iran conflict, Dhaka ordered an even stricter curfew on commerce, forcing businesses closed by 6 p.m. That the country finds itself repeating the exercise says less about a single bad week and more about a structural vulnerability that a distant war keeps exposing. A crisis built on two points of failure The immediate trigger is mechanical rather than political. A fire last month at an LNG terminal operated by the American firm Excelerate Energy knocked out roughly half the country's import capacity; the facility only resumed partial operations this week. Around the same time, rough seas prevented at least two LNG carriers from offloading their cargo at Bangladesh's terminals, compounding the shortfall just as demand was already outrunning supply. The numbers tell the story starkly. The power sector needs more than a billion cubic feet of gas daily; it is currently receiving around 700 million. With national electricity demand near 18,000 megawatts against a supply capped closer to 13,000, the arithmetic of blackout was almost inevitable. Rural areas outside Dhaka have borne the brunt, with some regions reporting outages stretching eight to ten hours a day, worsened by an ongoing heatwave. When the grid fails, so does patience The human cost is visible in ways that go beyond inconvenience. Frustration has spilled into open confrontation in several districts, with reports of vandalism and arson targeting electricity infrastructure in areas including Saidpur, Nilphamari and Kushtia. Utility workers report being harassed, and in some cases threatened, while attempting to collect overdue bills. The Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association, which manages rural power cooperatives, has formally asked police to patrol substations and grid stations. The economic toll is just as tangible. Shrimp farmers, whose product makes Bangladesh the world's second-largest exporter of the crustacean, describe watching oxygen levels collapse in their ponds each time aerators lose power. The textile and garment sector, the backbone of the national economy, is similarly exposed to an unreliable grid. For an economy this dependent on continuous production cycles, prolonged load-shedding is not a nuisance; it is a direct threat to export competitiveness. The geopolitical undercurrent Bangladesh imports more than 90 percent of its oil and roughly 30 percent of its gas, a dependency that leaves its energy security hostage to global markets far beyond its control. The conflict centred on Iran rattled shipping routes, spiked fuel and LNG prices, and injected volatility into precisely the supply chains Dhaka relies on to keep the lights on. A country with thin domestic reserves and heavy import exposure has almost no buffer when that volatility hits. That exposure has pushed Bangladesh back toward an old, complicated relationship: its energy lifeline to India. The two countries are connected by the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, commissioned in 2017, under which New Delhi is committed to supplying 180,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually under a fifteen-year arrangement. Dhaka has now asked India to increase those flows, a request delivered directly to Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi by Bangladesh's energy minister, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. India has already shipped more than 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh since the spring, when the Iran-linked disruptions first began rippling through South Asian energy markets. This quiet cooperation is notable precisely because political relations between the two nations have been anything but smooth. New Delhi's decision to shelter former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her 2024 ouster has remained a persistent irritant for the government of Tarique Rahman, and Hasina's recent public remarks from Delhi, her first since fleeing Dhaka, have only sharpened tensions. Energy interdependence, it seems, is proving more durable than diplomatic goodwill. Bangladesh needs India's diesel regardless of how it feels about India's guest.

Bangladesh imports more than 90 percent of its oil and roughly 30 percent of its gas, a dependency that leaves its energy security hostage to global markets far beyond its control. A country with thin domestic reserves and heavy import exposure has almost no buffer when that volatility hits.

Blackout diplomacy: How the Iran War left Bangladesh in the dark

Bangladesh is facing a severe energy crisis, and most parts of the country are reeling under long power outages that often stretch to 9-10 hours. In a bid to tackle the acute crisis, the government has directed shopping malls, shops, and markets to shut down by 8 pm to save electricity.&nbsp;Businesses, farmers, and industries are all suffering due to the power crunch. And in the hour of need, Bangladesh has again turned to India for help and sought additional diesel supplies to tide over the crisis.&nbsp;The power crisis is especially severe in rural areas outside the capital, Dhaka, with reports of 8-10 hours of outages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-multinational-drone-task-force-with-allies-in-middle-east-1786650707964">US launches multinational drone task force with allies in Middle East</a>&nbsp;The Tarique Rahman government on Wednesday ordered all shopping malls, markets, and shops to close by 8 pm. Trade fairs and cultural events have been told to wrap up by 8 pm, while decorative lighting has been barred.&nbsp;Bangladesh’s power demand is around 18,000 MW, but the supply lags at around 13,000 MW, a big shortfall.&nbsp;<h2>Residents attack power stations, officials</h2>&nbsp;The discomfort due to long outages and load-shedding has annoyed residents who attacked power stations in some areas.Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia, while power department officials were attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills in some areas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-could-prolong-war-until-trump-is-out-of-office-says-irgc-adviser-1786565790697">Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser</a>&nbsp;The attacks forced the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association to seek police security for grids, substations and electricity offices.&nbsp;<h2>What precipitated the crisis?</h2>&nbsp;The present situation is mainly due to a shortage of fuel, particularly natural gas. Bangladesh imports over 90% of its oil and 30% of its gas.LNG supply dropped by half after a July 21 fire incident on a terminal owned by US company Excelerate Energy was shut down. Partial operations have resumed this week.Besides, two LNG vessels have not been able to offload at terminals due to rough weather at sea.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-attack-aramco-refinery-in-saudi-arabia-s-jizan-region-with-drones-1786643962330">Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones</a>&nbsp;Bangladesh’s power sector requires more than 1 billion cubic feet of gas a day, but currently it has only 700 million cubic feet.&nbsp;In Khulna, locals complain of 9-10 hour outages, while supply shortfall also plagues Mymensingh, Barishal, Rangpur, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna, with three to five hours of load shedding a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Businesses, shrimp farming hit hard</h2>&nbsp;The prolonged power cuts have hit business operations and farming. Farmers are using diesel generators and incurring extra fuel costs.Shrimp farmers complain that whenever the power goes out, the aerators stop working and oxygen levels in the water fall, putting shrimps at risk. Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of shrimp.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panama-canal-fees-surge-container-ship-shells-out-4-million-to-jump-queue-1786558494375">Panama Canal fees surge; container ship shells out $4 million to jump queue</a>&nbsp;The crisis is not for the first time. In April, all shops and shopping malls were ordered to be shut by 6 pm at the peak of the energy crisis during the Iran conflict.&nbsp;<h2>Bangladesh turns to India for help</h2>&nbsp;Bangladesh has again turned to India for help and requested for additional diesel supplies. Bangladesh energy minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood last week told reporters, “We have a pipeline with India through which diesel is supplied. We have asked them to provide more.”&nbsp;The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, operationalised in 2017 during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, plays a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-gives-intelligence-services-broad-powers-amid-rising-hybrid-threats-security-lapses-1786548101127">Germany gives intelligence services broad powers amid rising threats, security lapses</a>&nbsp;As part of a 15-year agreement, India sends 1,80,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually to Dhaka.&nbsp;India has already sent over 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh in March and April during the Middle East turmoil despite ties between the two neighbours going through turbulence that started when Mohd Yunus became the interim leader.

The discomfort due to long outages has annoyed residents who attacked power stations. Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia, while power department officials were attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills in some areas.

Bangladesh is facing a severe energy crisis, and most parts of the country are reeling under long power outages that often stretch to 9-10 hours. In a bid to tackle the acute crisis, the government has directed shopping malls, shops, and markets to shut down by 8 pm to save electricity. Businesses, farmers, and industries are all suffering due to the power crunch. And in the hour of need, Bangladesh has again turned to India for help and sought additional diesel supplies to tide over the crisis. The power crisis is especially severe in rural areas outside the capital, Dhaka, with reports of 8-10 hours of outages. Also Read: US launches multinational drone task force with allies in Middle East The Tarique Rahman government on Wednesday ordered all shopping malls, markets, and shops to close by 8 pm. Trade fairs and cultural events have been told to wrap up by 8 pm, while decorative lighting has been barred. Bangladesh’s power demand is around 18,000 MW, but the supply lags at around 13,000 MW, a big shortfall. Residents attack power stations, officials The discomfort due to long outages and load-shedding has annoyed residents who attacked power stations in some areas. Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia, while power department officials were attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills in some areas. Also Read: Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser The attacks forced the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association to seek police security for grids, substations and electricity offices. What precipitated the crisis? The present situation is mainly due to a shortage of fuel, particularly natural gas. Bangladesh imports over 90% of its oil and 30% of its gas. LNG supply dropped by half after a July 21 fire incident on a terminal owned by US company Excelerate Energy was shut down. Partial operations have resumed this week. Besides, two LNG vessels have not been able to offload at terminals due to rough weather at sea. Also Read: Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones Bangladesh’s power sector requires more than 1 billion cubic feet of gas a day, but currently it has only 700 million cubic feet. In Khulna, locals complain of 9-10 hour outages, while supply shortfall also plagues Mymensingh, Barishal, Rangpur, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Khulna, with three to five hours of load shedding a day. Businesses, shrimp farming hit hard The prolonged power cuts have hit business operations and farming. Farmers are using diesel generators and incurring extra fuel costs. Shrimp farmers complain that whenever the power goes out, the aerators stop working and oxygen levels in the water fall, putting shrimps at risk. Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of shrimp. Also Read: Panama Canal fees surge; container ship shells out $4 million to jump queue The crisis is not for the first time. In April, all shops and shopping malls were ordered to be shut by 6 pm at the peak of the energy crisis during the Iran conflict. Bangladesh turns to India for help Bangladesh has again turned to India for help and requested for additional diesel supplies. Bangladesh energy minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood last week told reporters, “We have a pipeline with India through which diesel is supplied. We have asked them to provide more.” The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, operationalised in 2017 during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, plays a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security. Also Read: Germany gives intelligence services broad powers amid rising threats, security lapses As part of a 15-year agreement, India sends 1,80,000 metric tonnes of diesel annually to Dhaka. India has already sent over 30,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh in March and April during the Middle East turmoil despite ties between the two neighbours going through turbulence that started when Mohd Yunus became the interim leader.

The discomfort due to long outages has annoyed residents who attacked power stations. Incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from Saidpur, Nilphamari, and Kushtia, while power department officials were attacked during drives to collect outstanding electricity bills in some areas.

Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to brief him on key diplomatic consultations held in Dhaka. Following high-level discussions with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Trivedi conveyed Dhaka's message focused on building a constructive, people-centric, and forward-looking bilateral framework.


India-Bangladesh ties: Dinesh Trivedi holds key meetings with PM Modi in India

Amid tensions in India-Bangladesh ties, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meeting came days after Dhaka expressed outrage over former PM Sheikh Hasina’s virtual press conference in Delhi.

India's high commissioner Dinesh Trivedi meets Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman

The Bangladesh government has officially ruled out any possibility of Shakib Al Hasan returning to international cricket. This decision follows his controversial virtual participation in a media event alongside ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.


Former star's New Delhi appearance draws backlash 

Bangladesh is set to hold elections for a new president on August 20, with the upcoming vote drawing attention amid major political developments in the country. The presidential election process, key candidates, and its impact on Bangladesh’s political landscape are being closely watched.

Bangladesh to hold elections for new president on August 20 

Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) on Thursday announced the date for presidential election in the country. The announcement to hold elections on August 20 comes two weeks after President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on health grounds before completing his five-year term.&nbsp;"Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has finalised the dates in consultation with (acting parliamentary) Speaker Kayser Kamal," the Election Commission's senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters.&nbsp;Election Commission Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, while announcing the election date said voting will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) session hall. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin would serve as the election officer, Ahmed said further.&nbsp;The deadline for filing nomination papers is Aug. 13, while scrutiny of the nominations will take place Aug. 16, Ahmed said. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is August 18.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-z-gen-alpha-more-honest-than-current-generation-says-rss-chief-bhagwat-in-interaction-with-students-1786023696900">Gen Z, Gen Alpha not 'anti nationals', they are more honest' than current generation, says RSS chief Bhagwat</a>&nbsp;Traditionally, the sole candidate nominated by the ruling party wins the presidential election unopposed and there is no need for any vote but if there is more than one candidate then voting will be held in parliament on Aug 20.&nbsp;Since the introduction of parliamentary democracy in 1991, voting has taken place only once because more than one candidate contested the presidential election.&nbsp;Shahabuddin, a close ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was a 1971 Liberation War veteran and former lower judiciary judge. He had taken the oath in April 2023 for a five-year term but resigned on health grounds before completing his tenure.&nbsp;

Traditionally, the sole candidate nominated by the ruling party wins the presidential election unopposed and there is no need for any vote but if there is more than one candidate then voting will be held in parliament.

Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) on Thursday announced the date for presidential election in the country. The announcement to hold elections on August 20 comes two weeks after President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on health grounds before completing his five-year term. "Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has finalised the dates in consultation with (acting parliamentary) Speaker Kayser Kamal," the Election Commission's senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters. Election Commission Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, while announcing the election date said voting will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) session hall. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin would serve as the election officer, Ahmed said further. The deadline for filing nomination papers is Aug. 13, while scrutiny of the nominations will take place Aug. 16, Ahmed said. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is August 18. ALSO READ: Gen Z, Gen Alpha not 'anti nationals', they are more honest' than current generation, says RSS chief Bhagwat Traditionally, the sole candidate nominated by the ruling party wins the presidential election unopposed and there is no need for any vote but if there is more than one candidate then voting will be held in parliament on Aug 20. Since the introduction of parliamentary democracy in 1991, voting has taken place only once because more than one candidate contested the presidential election. Shahabuddin, a close ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was a 1971 Liberation War veteran and former lower judiciary judge. He had taken the oath in April 2023 for a five-year term but resigned on health grounds before completing his tenure.

Traditionally, the sole candidate nominated by the ruling party wins the presidential election unopposed and there is no need for any vote but if there is more than one candidate then voting will be held in parliament.

Bangladesh announces date for presidential election after Shahabuddin's resignation

A sharp and alarming escalation in public health concerns has emerged as health authorities report over 1,000 new measles cases within a single 24-hour period. Driven by declining vaccination rates and gaps in herd immunity, the highly contagious viral infection continues to surge across active global hotspots, placing immense strain on pediatric units and local hospitals.


Bangladesh measles outbreak: over 1,000 new cases reported in past 24 hours

Bangladesh's garment industry, often called the Backbone of the country's economy, is under growing pressure. Once a global success story, the sector is now witnessing factory closures, mass layoffs and falling exports as competition from India and Vietnam intensifies. For thousands of workers, many of them women, the slowdown isn't just an economic statistic, it's a fight to survive.


Bangladesh garment sector under stress amid global headwinds

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed on Wednesday said that Bangladesh has become a “failed state” &nbsp;and “another Pakistan on the Indian eastern front,” which poses a security risk. &nbsp;He raised concerns over the role of foreign intelligence agencies in Bangladesh. He made this remark at the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) of South Asia in New Delhi, speaking ahead of a virtual address by his mother, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."What should concern India most is that Bangladesh has become another Pakistan on India's eastern front. You have another Pakistan today on your eastern front," said Wazed. He said that Pakistan's ISI now has an “open hand” within Bangladesh. He alleged that Bangladesh has become fertile ground for terrorism.&nbsp;“Bangladesh today is not a failing state. It is a failed state," he said, alleging there was “no human rights" and “no freedom of speech" in the country. He also alleged that media agencies are under pressure not to cover the programme.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ceaser-gastelum-shot-dead-tiktok-livestream-mexico-1785939572152">Ceaser Gastelum killed during TikTok livestream: What was his last recording?</a> &nbsp;Wazed pointed out the discrepancy in the death toll on the 2024 protest between the government and the UN, though he did not provide any tangible evidence to corroborate his allegations.Dhaka has used diplomatic channels to urge India to ensure that a "fugitive" facing charges of crimes against humanity is not allowed to use Indian territory to incite instability back home. It sought New Delhi's position on the matter; political activities by Hasina while staying in India could have implications for the evolving diplomatic relationship between the two neighbouring countries. New Delhi has denied having any involvement with Sheikh Hasina's press conference.&nbsp;"The interaction you refer to is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it. Neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum," said the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing.&nbsp;

Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed claimed Bangladesh has become a "failed state" and "another Pakistan" on India's eastern front, raising security concerns.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed on Wednesday said that Bangladesh has become a “failed state” and “another Pakistan on the Indian eastern front,” which poses a security risk. He raised concerns over the role of foreign intelligence agencies in Bangladesh. He made this remark at the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) of South Asia in New Delhi, speaking ahead of a virtual address by his mother, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "What should concern India most is that Bangladesh has become another Pakistan on India's eastern front. You have another Pakistan today on your eastern front," said Wazed. He said that Pakistan's ISI now has an “open hand” within Bangladesh. He alleged that Bangladesh has become fertile ground for terrorism. “Bangladesh today is not a failing state. It is a failed state," he said, alleging there was “no human rights" and “no freedom of speech" in the country. He also alleged that media agencies are under pressure not to cover the programme. Also Read: Ceaser Gastelum killed during TikTok livestream: What was his last recording? Wazed pointed out the discrepancy in the death toll on the 2024 protest between the government and the UN, though he did not provide any tangible evidence to corroborate his allegations. Dhaka has used diplomatic channels to urge India to ensure that a "fugitive" facing charges of crimes against humanity is not allowed to use Indian territory to incite instability back home. It sought New Delhi's position on the matter; political activities by Hasina while staying in India could have implications for the evolving diplomatic relationship between the two neighbouring countries. New Delhi has denied having any involvement with Sheikh Hasina's press conference. "The interaction you refer to is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it. Neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum," said the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing.

Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed claimed Bangladesh has become a "failed state" and "another Pakistan" on India's eastern front, raising security concerns.

Sajeeb Wazed raises Indian security concerns, calls Bangladesh a 'failed state'

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming address is expected to test already fragile India-Bangladesh ties. The speech comes amid heightened political tensions involving Tarique Rahman, with both Dhaka and New Delhi closely watching its diplomatic and political implications.

Hasina's upcoming address tests India-Bangladesh ties

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared that she will return to Bangladesh by December despite saying she fears she could be killed or imprisoned. Speaking from an undisclosed location in India, the ousted leader dismissed the crimes against humanity verdict against her as politically motivated and said the decision to return is her own. Her remarks come as Bangladesh's extradition request remains under review by India. 

Sheikh Hasina vows return to Bangladesh by December

Exiled Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen, who returned to Kolkata after nearly two decades, has criticised the growing religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh and the role of madrasas in it while making strong remarks on the country’s political and social situation.&nbsp;She also called for Bangladesh to become a secular nation with a Uniform Civil Code, revoking the ban on the Awami League and the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to her nation.&nbsp;Speaking to media on Sunday, Taslima said, “The madrasas in Bangladesh should not exist. In many cases, madrasas have been found to be producing jihadists. Imams and madrasa teachers have been arrested and sent to jail. I do not believe there is any need for madrasas. Many graduates do not go on to do productive work; they survive on donations.”&nbsp;She also claimed that hatred towards non-Muslims is taught in many madrasas, and Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians face persecution in Bangladesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-eroded-india-s-faith-bit-by-bit-indian-envoy-defends-putting-indus-waters-treaty-in-abeyance-1785679387240">‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance</a><h2>‘Bangladesh should become a secular country’</h2>&nbsp;She also called for Bangladesh to become a secular country.Some mosques have become centres of jihadist activity, and the government should exercise oversight and control over them, she added.“If a country wants to be truly secular, religion must be separated from the state. These are the kinds of measures that help a society progress,” she said.&nbsp;“What is needed most is education. Everyone has the right to live. Instead of building more temples and madrasas, there should be greater emphasis on education," she said.&nbsp;<h2>‘No decline in the influence of fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh’</h2>&nbsp;Nasreen said she did not see any decline in the influence of fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh.“I do not see any signs of it declining. On the contrary, it is increasing. Jamaat-e-Islami will now have a presence in Parliament. It would have been better if the Awami League had remained the principal opposition party,” she said.She also said there was no difference between the Tarique Rahman era and the Yunus era in Bangladesh.&nbsp;Nasrin further said that the Bangladesh government does not take action against people who torture Hindus.&nbsp;On the arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, she said he paid the price for helping Hindus who were in trouble. “Many like us are speaking up for Chinmoy. Free thinkers are continuously being targeted. Many of us had no choice but to leave the country.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Women should not be governed by religion-based personal laws’</h2>&nbsp;Nasreen said she has been campaigning for a Uniform Civil Code for the past 40 years. “I have been fighting for a Uniform Civil Code for the last 40 years. This subcontinent needs a Uniform Civil Code. In particular, women should not be governed by religion-based personal laws,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-eroded-india-s-faith-bit-by-bit-indian-envoy-defends-putting-indus-waters-treaty-in-abeyance-1785679387240">Mountaineer Nirmal Purja’s body recovered from Broad Peak three days after avalanche</a>&nbsp;The author said daughters in Bangladesh do not have equal inheritance rights in their father’s property. She also claimed that many Hindu men enter into multiple marriages and that women cannot obtain a divorce.According to her, Hindu women in Bangladesh need a Uniform Civil Code to secure their rights because religion-based personal laws continue to discriminate against women.She also said, “Any religion that turns women into sexual slaves is something they should leave behind.”&nbsp;Taslima Nasreen expressed hope that relations between India and Bangladesh would improve, saying India had made a huge contribution to Bangladesh’s independence.&nbsp;<h2>‘Sheikh Hasina should return to lead her party and fight elections’</h2>&nbsp;She also called for the return of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to her country to lead her party and fight elections.“The ouster of Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina in the way it happened was wrong. It was anti-democratic. Banning the party was absolutely undemocratic. They should be allowed to participate in elections. I want Hasina to return to Bangladesh,” she told reporters in Kolkata.&nbsp;She thanked West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for inviting her back to Kolkata after 19 years.“The newly elected government has assured security in Bengal during my stay. I would like to thank the chief minister for that,” she said.

Taslima Nasreen said hatred towards non-Muslims is taught in many madrasas, and Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians face persecution in Bangladesh. She added that some mosques have become centres of jihadist activity, and the government should exercise oversight and control over them.

Exiled Bangladeshi writer and activist Taslima Nasreen, who returned to Kolkata after nearly two decades, has criticised the growing religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh and the role of madrasas in it while making strong remarks on the country’s political and social situation. She also called for Bangladesh to become a secular nation with a Uniform Civil Code, revoking the ban on the Awami League and the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to her nation. Speaking to media on Sunday, Taslima said, “The madrasas in Bangladesh should not exist. In many cases, madrasas have been found to be producing jihadists. Imams and madrasa teachers have been arrested and sent to jail. I do not believe there is any need for madrasas. Many graduates do not go on to do productive work; they survive on donations.” She also claimed that hatred towards non-Muslims is taught in many madrasas, and Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians face persecution in Bangladesh. Also Read: ‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance ‘Bangladesh should become a secular country’ She also called for Bangladesh to become a secular country. Some mosques have become centres of jihadist activity, and the government should exercise oversight and control over them, she added. “If a country wants to be truly secular, religion must be separated from the state. These are the kinds of measures that help a society progress,” she said. “What is needed most is education. Everyone has the right to live. Instead of building more temples and madrasas, there should be greater emphasis on education," she said. ‘No decline in the influence of fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh’ Nasreen said she did not see any decline in the influence of fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh. “I do not see any signs of it declining. On the contrary, it is increasing. Jamaat-e-Islami will now have a presence in Parliament. It would have been better if the Awami League had remained the principal opposition party,” she said. She also said there was no difference between the Tarique Rahman era and the Yunus era in Bangladesh. Nasrin further said that the Bangladesh government does not take action against people who torture Hindus. On the arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, she said he paid the price for helping Hindus who were in trouble. “Many like us are speaking up for Chinmoy. Free thinkers are continuously being targeted. Many of us had no choice but to leave the country.” ‘Women should not be governed by religion-based personal laws’ Nasreen said she has been campaigning for a Uniform Civil Code for the past 40 years. “I have been fighting for a Uniform Civil Code for the last 40 years. This subcontinent needs a Uniform Civil Code. In particular, women should not be governed by religion-based personal laws,” she said. Also Read: Mountaineer Nirmal Purja’s body recovered from Broad Peak three days after avalanche The author said daughters in Bangladesh do not have equal inheritance rights in their father’s property. She also claimed that many Hindu men enter into multiple marriages and that women cannot obtain a divorce. According to her, Hindu women in Bangladesh need a Uniform Civil Code to secure their rights because religion-based personal laws continue to discriminate against women. She also said, “Any religion that turns women into sexual slaves is something they should leave behind.” Taslima Nasreen expressed hope that relations between India and Bangladesh would improve, saying India had made a huge contribution to Bangladesh’s independence. ‘Sheikh Hasina should return to lead her party and fight elections’ She also called for the return of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to her country to lead her party and fight elections. “The ouster of Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina in the way it happened was wrong. It was anti-democratic. Banning the party was absolutely undemocratic. They should be allowed to participate in elections. I want Hasina to return to Bangladesh,” she told reporters in Kolkata. She thanked West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for inviting her back to Kolkata after 19 years. “The newly elected government has assured security in Bengal during my stay. I would like to thank the chief minister for that,” she said.

Taslima Nasreen said hatred towards non-Muslims is taught in many madrasas, and Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians face persecution in Bangladesh. She added that some mosques have become centres of jihadist activity, and the government should exercise oversight and control over them.

‘Madrasas shouldn’t exist, they produce jihadists’: Taslima Nasreen wants Bangladesh to be secular nation

Bangladesh is witnessing another major political transition as President Mohammad Shahabuddin is set to resign halfway through his five-year term. Reports suggest the government urged him to step down due to his long-standing association with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose Awami League government was ousted during the 2024 student-led uprising. The resignation comes just days after Sheikh Hasina announced plans to return to Bangladesh later this year despite her conviction by the country's war crimes tribunal, which she denies. Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is expected to serve as interim president until a successor is elected.

Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin likely to resign | Sheikh Hasina return looms 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, signalling India's efforts to strengthen ties with Dhaka through high-level diplomatic engagement and practical cooperation.

India invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to BRICS Summit

Massive protests broke out in Dhaka after Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, who initiated construction of an 81-foot Lord Ram statue in Gaibandha district, was arrested on money laundering charges. Organized by the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, demonstrators outside the National Press Club called the charges fabricated and demanded his release, tying it to a broader pattern of alleged violence against minorities — citing roughly 3,000 incidents and 66 deaths over the past year.


Bangladesh protest: Massive protest in Dhaka over Hindu man's arrest

Bangladesh Police have arrested a suspect accused of involvement in the 1981 assassination of former President Zia-ur Rahman. The arrest comes decades after one of the country's most significant political killings and has renewed attention on the long-running investigation into the high-profile case. Authorities are expected to continue questioning the suspect as the probe moves forward.


Bangladesh police arrests suspect accused of killing former president Zia-ur Rahman

India hosted the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs' Meeting in New Delhi, with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval chairing discussions involving security leaders from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The meeting focused on strengthening regional cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and supply chain resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions. NSA Doval emphasized India's Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, and MAHASAGAR vision while calling for greater collaboration to tackle common security challenges across the Bay of Bengal region. Bilateral meetings with several member nations also explored mechanisms to enhance intelligence cooperation and regional stability.

BIMSTEC Security chiefs meet in New Delhi | Ajit Doval leads talks on terrorism & maritime security 

Senior security officials from the seven BIMSTEC nations are meeting in New Delhi for the 5th National Security Advisors' Meeting to strengthen regional security cooperation. The discussions focus on maritime security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, piracy, organized crime, drug trafficking, disaster response, and the impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis on the Bay of Bengal. India is hosting the two-day meeting as it pushes for stronger regional coordination and capacity building among South and Southeast Asian nations.

BIMSTEC NSA meeting | India hosts 7-nation security summit | Ajit Doval leads key talks

At least 51 people have lost their lives as catastrophic monsoon floods and landslides sweep across southeastern Bangladesh. Days of relentless rainfall have submerged villages, destroyed homes, and isolated communities across seven districts, including Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and Bandarban.

Bangladesh floods kill 51, over 1 million people remain stranded

In a stunning development, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced her intention to return to Bangladesh from exile in India by December 2026. Despite being sentenced to death in absentia by a war crimes tribunal for her alleged role in the 2024 protest crackdowns, the 78-year-old leader insists she will surrender voluntarily to the courts.


Sheikh Hasina & Her Colleagues to Return to Bangladesh

Bangladesh is battling a growing measles outbreak. Two more children have died due to measles symptoms, pushing health officials on high alert. Since March 15, confirmed measles cases have reached 747, while nearly 109,000 suspected cases have been reported nationwide. Hospitals in several districts are seeing long queues of children with fever and rash.


Bangladesh measles crisis: 2 more children die, 747 cases since March

In an exclusive interview, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has officially announced her intention to return to Bangladesh from exile in India around December 2026. Having resided in India since August 2024, the 78-year-old leader stated she plans to return voluntarily alongside senior colleagues of the Awami League to surrender before the country’s judicial courts.


Sheikh Hasina announces return: Former Bangladesh PM sets December deadline

China is fast-tracking a feasibility study for Bangladesh’s multi-million dollar Teesta River project following PM Tarique Rahman’s Beijing visit. While Beijing claims the initiative focuses purely on local livelihoods, it has raised serious security alarms in New Delhi. The project’s close proximity to the highly strategic Siliguri Corridor, India's "Chicken’s Neck", has Indian officials closely monitoring China’s expanding infrastructure footprint right on its border.

What are the geopolitical stakes for India, China, and Bangladesh? Watch the full report.

China's Teesta push in Bangladesh raises strategic concerns for India

Bangladesh has initiated key discussions with China over long-term Teesta water management initiatives, aiming to address one of its most sensitive regional water challenges. During the talks, Tarique Rahman and a Chinese minister explored cooperation frameworks, with Bangladesh seeking technical support for sustainable river management. The move signals a strategic step toward stronger bilateral cooperation and modern water-sharing solutions for the future.


Bangladesh and China Discuss Teesta Water Management Initiatives

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has arrived in Dalian, China, to attend the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos gathering. The visit marks Rahman's first WEF participation since assuming office and comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh's economic and investment ambitions. Rahman is expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, including a high-profile engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping.


Tarique Rahman Attends 'Summer Davos' in China's Dalian, to Meet Xi 

Bangladesh has received a major financial boost as World Bank support arrives at a crucial moment for the economy. With foreign exchange reserves under pressure, rising energy costs and global economic uncertainty weighing on growth, the fresh inflow is expected to provide much-needed breathing space. The funding could help stabilise key sectors, support economic reforms and ease pressure on the taka. 


Bangladesh Secures $1.5 Billion Boost Amid Reserve Concerns

Dhaka has ramped up security after intelligence agencies warned of possible unrest linked to Sheikh Hasina party Awami League's June 23 anniversary. Authorities say they are monitoring potential attempts to destabilize the country as tensions remain high.

Bangladesh On High Alert Ahead of June 23

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s adviser, Zahed Ur Rahman, was reportedly stopped at New Delhi’s IGI Airport for over two hours before being cleared to enter India. However, he chose to return to Dhaka instead of continuing his visit. The incident has sparked a diplomatic reaction, with Bangladesh summoning India’s top diplomat to express deep disappointment. The development has added tension to already sensitive India-Bangladesh relations.


India-Bangladesh Ties: Bangladesh PM Aide Stopped at Delhi Airport, Diplomatic Row Erupts 

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