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<p>Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday (Oct 13) called upon people of all faiths in Bangladesh to unite in driving the country forward, as the Hindu festival of Durga Puja came to an end with the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols in water bodies across the nation.</p>

<p>Speaking at an event held at the Bangabhaban to mark Durga Puja celebrations, Shahabuddin urged all citizens, regardless of caste or religion, to unite in the effort to build a prosperous and developed Bangladesh, according to a report by The Daily Star.</p>

<p>“We are all Bangladeshis, connected with each other. There is no place for majority or minority distinctions in our country,” he said while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community.</p>

<p>He further stated that absolute tolerance, mutual trust, and cooperation are essential for turning Bangladesh into a progressive, prosperous, and non-discriminatory nation, according to the state-run BSS news agency.</p>

<p>“Bengali traditions and culture are mixed with Durga Puja, which is not only a religious festival but also a social festival. The collective participation of all has made this festival universal,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>India expresses concerns over attacks, theft during Durga Puja in Bangladesh</strong></h2>

<p>This statement comes after India expressed "serious concerns" on Saturday regarding an attack on a Puja mandap in Dhaka’s Tanti Bazar during the ongoing Durga Puja festival. New Delhi also voiced alarm over a theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira, calling the incidents "deplorable," according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-slams-bangladesh-over-attacks-on-hindu-temple-calls-it-systematic-pattern-of-desecration-766873">India slams Bangladesh over attacks on Hindu temple, calls it 'systematic pattern of desecration'</a></strong></p>

<p>“We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira,” the MEA said.</p>

<p>Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that these incidents appear to be part of a "systematic pattern of desecration" of temples and deities. Jaiswal urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the protection and safety of Hindus and other minority communities, along with their places of worship, particularly during festival periods.</p>

<p>A handcrafted golden crown, gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was reported stolen from the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira, located in southwestern Bangladesh. Bangladesh police have arrested at least 17 individuals in connection with approximately 35 violent incidents related to Durga Puja celebrations this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday (Oct 13) called upon people of all faiths in Bangladesh to unite in driving the country forward, as the Hindu festival of Durga Puja came to an end with the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols in water bodies across the nation.

Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday (Oct 13) called upon people of all faiths in Bangladesh to unite in driving the country forward, as the Hindu festival of Durga Puja came to an end with the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols in water bodies across the nation. Speaking at an event held at the Bangabhaban to mark Durga Puja celebrations, Shahabuddin urged all citizens, regardless of caste or religion, to unite in the effort to build a prosperous and developed Bangladesh, according to a report by The Daily Star. “We are all Bangladeshis, connected with each other. There is no place for majority or minority distinctions in our country,” he said while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community. He further stated that absolute tolerance, mutual trust, and cooperation are essential for turning Bangladesh into a progressive, prosperous, and non-discriminatory nation, according to the state-run BSS news agency. “Bengali traditions and culture are mixed with Durga Puja, which is not only a religious festival but also a social festival. The collective participation of all has made this festival universal,” he added. India expresses concerns over attacks, theft during Durga Puja in Bangladesh This statement comes after India expressed "serious concerns" on Saturday regarding an attack on a Puja mandap in Dhaka’s Tanti Bazar during the ongoing Durga Puja festival. New Delhi also voiced alarm over a theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira, calling the incidents "deplorable," according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Also read: India slams Bangladesh over attacks on Hindu temple, calls it 'systematic pattern of desecration' “We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira,” the MEA said. Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that these incidents appear to be part of a "systematic pattern of desecration" of temples and deities. Jaiswal urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the protection and safety of Hindus and other minority communities, along with their places of worship, particularly during festival periods. A handcrafted golden crown, gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was reported stolen from the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira, located in southwestern Bangladesh. Bangladesh police have arrested at least 17 individuals in connection with approximately 35 violent incidents related to Durga Puja celebrations this month. (With inputs from agencies)

‘We are all Bangladeshis’: Bangladesh prez calls for unity after India slams ‘deplorable’ Durga Puja incidents

<p>In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5, marking the end of an era in South Asian politics. Hasina, who had just won a record fifth term in January, was offered safe passage to India and is expected to seek asylum elsewhere.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/london-or-delhi-what-next-for-bangladeshs-ousted-former-pm-sheikh-hasina-747636">London or Delhi? What next for Bangladesh's ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina</a></strong></p>

<p>This sudden departure has sent shockwaves through the region and poses significant challenges to India's strategic interests.</p>

<h2><strong>Sheikh Hasina's legacy</strong></h2>

<p>Hasina's legacy is complex and consequential. Under her leadership, Bangladesh transformed from a struggling nation to an economic powerhouse, becoming the world's second-largest garment exporter after China. Per capita income tripled in the last decade, and she was seen as a bulwark against extremism and army rule in a region plagued by instability.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-edges-past-china-over-bangladeshs-teesta-water-management-project-734190">India edges past China over Bangladesh's Teesta water management project</a></strong></p>

<p>In India, she was viewed as a trusted strategic partner who shared strong personal chemistry with Prime Minister Modi.</p>

<h2><strong>Sheikh Hasina's downfall: Muzzled Opposition, jailed rivals</strong></h2>

<p>The immediate trigger for Hasina's resignation was her mishandling of student protests demanding quota reforms. Instead of engaging with their concerns, her government resorted to heavy-handed tactics, including internet shutdowns, police brutality, and inflammatory rhetoric.</p>

<p>This approach led to widespread anger and violence, ultimately fueling the movement that forced her from power.</p>

<p>Looking back, Hasina's downfall can be attributed to several factors. Despite being a victim of political persecution herself, she resorted to muzzling opposition, jailing rivals, and creating a de facto one-party state. Her regime was increasingly seen as corrupt and nepotistic, with government jobs filled by party loyalists. The rise of a police state and its associated abuses alienated many citizens.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-capitals-dhakas-tryst-with-pm-sheikh-hasina-styled-democracy-677508">The Capitals: Dhaka's tryst with PM Sheikh Hasina-styled democracy</a></strong></p>

<p>Economic challenges, including high unemployment and inflation, exacerbated by post-Covid recovery struggles, fueled discontent. Additionally, Hasina was perceived as too close to India, particularly in countering terrorism and radicalism, which some saw as compromising Bangladesh's interests.</p>

<h2><strong>Hasina's Bangladesh exit: View from India</strong></h2>

<p>For India, Hasina's exit presents multiple challenges. It represents the loss of a trusted partner in a volatile region and potentially destabilises India's eastern border, complicating security issues in the northeast. It also creates opportunities for China and Pakistan to expand their influence in Bangladesh. The coming weeks may see disruptions in bilateral connectivity and tensions in security and counter-terror cooperation. There's also a risk of increased illegal migration into India due to political and economic uncertainty in Bangladesh.</p>

<p>India's foreign policy establishment is understandably concerned. Prime Minister Modi has already convened high-level meetings to address the situation. However, it's crucial to remember that the fundamentals of India-Bangladesh relations remain strong. The logic of geography and shared economic interests should prevent any significant long-term deterioration in ties.</p>

<p>Moving forward, India must tread carefully. New Delhi should reaffirm its commitment to Dhaka's democratic process and economic development while avoiding the appearance of interference. By positioning itself as a stable, trusted partner regardless of who is in power in Dhaka, New Delhi can help ensure that this crisis becomes an opportunity for strengthening democratic institutions in Bangladesh rather than sliding into chaos.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Resigns, Flees the Country as Army Takes Over</strong></p>

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<p>The coming months will be critical. How India navigates this challenge will have profound implications not just for bilateral relations, but for the stability and prosperity of the entire South Asian region.</p>

<p>Despite the current volatility, it is likely that the historic India-Bangladesh ties will endure, and Bangladesh will resume its political and economic progress. India must assert, both publicly and privately, that a democratic, rising India remains a trusted and historic partner in Bangladesh's journey towards power and prosperity.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;</em></strong></p>


In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5, marking the end of an era in South Asian politics.

In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5, marking the end of an era in South Asian politics. Hasina, who had just won a record fifth term in January, was offered safe passage to India and is expected to seek asylum elsewhere. Also read | London or Delhi? What next for Bangladesh's ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina This sudden departure has sent shockwaves through the region and poses significant challenges to India's strategic interests. Sheikh Hasina's legacy Hasina's legacy is complex and consequential. Under her leadership, Bangladesh transformed from a struggling nation to an economic powerhouse, becoming the world's second-largest garment exporter after China. Per capita income tripled in the last decade, and she was seen as a bulwark against extremism and army rule in a region plagued by instability. Also read | India edges past China over Bangladesh's Teesta water management project In India, she was viewed as a trusted strategic partner who shared strong personal chemistry with Prime Minister Modi. Sheikh Hasina's downfall: Muzzled Opposition, jailed rivals The immediate trigger for Hasina's resignation was her mishandling of student protests demanding quota reforms. Instead of engaging with their concerns, her government resorted to heavy-handed tactics, including internet shutdowns, police brutality, and inflammatory rhetoric. This approach led to widespread anger and violence, ultimately fueling the movement that forced her from power. Looking back, Hasina's downfall can be attributed to several factors. Despite being a victim of political persecution herself, she resorted to muzzling opposition, jailing rivals, and creating a de facto one-party state. Her regime was increasingly seen as corrupt and nepotistic, with government jobs filled by party loyalists. The rise of a police state and its associated abuses alienated many citizens. Also read | The Capitals: Dhaka's tryst with PM Sheikh Hasina-styled democracy Economic challenges, including high unemployment and inflation, exacerbated by post-Covid recovery struggles, fueled discontent. Additionally, Hasina was perceived as too close to India, particularly in countering terrorism and radicalism, which some saw as compromising Bangladesh's interests. Hasina's Bangladesh exit: View from India For India, Hasina's exit presents multiple challenges. It represents the loss of a trusted partner in a volatile region and potentially destabilises India's eastern border, complicating security issues in the northeast. It also creates opportunities for China and Pakistan to expand their influence in Bangladesh. The coming weeks may see disruptions in bilateral connectivity and tensions in security and counter-terror cooperation. There's also a risk of increased illegal migration into India due to political and economic uncertainty in Bangladesh. India's foreign policy establishment is understandably concerned. Prime Minister Modi has already convened high-level meetings to address the situation. However, it's crucial to remember that the fundamentals of India-Bangladesh relations remain strong. The logic of geography and shared economic interests should prevent any significant long-term deterioration in ties. Moving forward, India must tread carefully. New Delhi should reaffirm its commitment to Dhaka's democratic process and economic development while avoiding the appearance of interference. By positioning itself as a stable, trusted partner regardless of who is in power in Dhaka, New Delhi can help ensure that this crisis becomes an opportunity for strengthening democratic institutions in Bangladesh rather than sliding into chaos. Also watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Resigns, Flees the Country as Army Takes Over × The coming months will be critical. How India navigates this challenge will have profound implications not just for bilateral relations, but for the stability and prosperity of the entire South Asian region. Despite the current volatility, it is likely that the historic India-Bangladesh ties will endure, and Bangladesh will resume its political and economic progress. India must assert, both publicly and privately, that a democratic, rising India remains a trusted and historic partner in Bangladesh's journey towards power and prosperity. (Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Even without Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, India must assert itself as Bangladesh's historic partner

<p>Ties between India and Bangladesh are in a so-called "golden phase" with New Delhi and Dhaka in recent years&nbsp;bolstering their relations by signing several agreements in the fields of technology, trade, and infrastructure, among others. As India takes over the presidency of the G20 forum from Indonesia, the nation has also extended an invitation to Bangladesh, a non-member state — making it the only country in South Asia to participate in the 2023 summit in New Delhi.</p>

<p>In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Bangladesh's state minister of Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam said that the bond shared by New Delhi and Dhaka, their leaders "Prime Minister Sheikh&nbsp;Hasina&nbsp;and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unparalleled, incomparable to any other achievements that bilateral neighbouring countries have&nbsp;made despite having some issues."</p>

<p>Speaking to WION on the sidelines of the sixth Indian Ocean Conference 2023 in Dhaka, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs commented on Bangladesh's ties with India vs China, how important the G20 summit invitation is, and more.</p>

<h2><strong>The ‘golden phase’ of the India-Bangladesh relationship and the challenges</strong></h2>

<p>When asked about the challenges faced by the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, Alam said that while "neighbours will always come with challenges," the two nations share an unparalleled historical past and bond.</p>

<p>He said that there exists a "proper platform to discuss," the challenges, but that the "achievements have superseded much compared to the challenges."</p>

<p>"The takeaway from the relationship, especially (in the) last 10 years, is humongous," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>India-Bangladesh ties vs Bangladesh-China relations</strong></h2>

<p>When asked about the constant India vs China debate and which nation would Dhaka favour if it had to choose, the minister said that he believes it isn't a question about favouring, instead he said it is a bilateral issue.</p>

<p>Alam said that India and China are the two major economies his nation has trade imbalances with.</p>

<p>He said that "China is a friend to Bangladesh," in the nation's "developmental journey" and that Beijing has "achieved a lot in engineering, in commercial power, in bringing in raw materials."</p>

<p>According to Alam, Bangladesh is utilising imports&nbsp;from both India and China and "converting them into value-added products," due to which the nation has "reached a $50 billion-plus exports."</p>

<p>However, he added that while China is a friend, Bangladesh's "with India is at a different level because of the history."</p>

<p><strong>Watch the interview here:</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Bangladesh at the 2023 G20 Summit</strong></h2>

<p>Reiterating his gratitude to India for the invitation to the important summit, Alam said that Bangladesh's status as the only South Asian country invited goes to show "the respect in the relationship and the potential that Bangladesh can bring in the experience and stories" to the G20 table.</p>

<p>He added that it "goes on to inform the other nineteen (G20) members" of what Bangladesh has to offer, and would also help make sure that "countries in this other region and also LDC countries (least developed countries) are not forgotten."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Ties between India and Bangladesh are in a so-called "golden phase" with New Delhi and Dhaka in recent years bolstering their relations by signing several agreements in the fields of technology, trade, and infrastructure, among others.

Ties between India and Bangladesh are in a so-called "golden phase" with New Delhi and Dhaka in recent years bolstering their relations by signing several agreements in the fields of technology, trade, and infrastructure, among others. As India takes over the presidency of the G20 forum from Indonesia, the nation has also extended an invitation to Bangladesh, a non-member state — making it the only country in South Asia to participate in the 2023 summit in New Delhi. In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Bangladesh's state minister of Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam said that the bond shared by New Delhi and Dhaka, their leaders "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unparalleled, incomparable to any other achievements that bilateral neighbouring countries have made despite having some issues." Speaking to WION on the sidelines of the sixth Indian Ocean Conference 2023 in Dhaka, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs commented on Bangladesh's ties with India vs China, how important the G20 summit invitation is, and more. The ‘golden phase’ of the India-Bangladesh relationship and the challenges When asked about the challenges faced by the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, Alam said that while "neighbours will always come with challenges," the two nations share an unparalleled historical past and bond. He said that there exists a "proper platform to discuss," the challenges, but that the "achievements have superseded much compared to the challenges." "The takeaway from the relationship, especially (in the) last 10 years, is humongous," he added. India-Bangladesh ties vs Bangladesh-China relations When asked about the constant India vs China debate and which nation would Dhaka favour if it had to choose, the minister said that he believes it isn't a question about favouring, instead he said it is a bilateral issue. Alam said that India and China are the two major economies his nation has trade imbalances with. He said that "China is a friend to Bangladesh," in the nation's "developmental journey" and that Beijing has "achieved a lot in engineering, in commercial power, in bringing in raw materials." According to Alam, Bangladesh is utilising imports from both India and China and "converting them into value-added products," due to which the nation has "reached a $50 billion-plus exports." However, he added that while China is a friend, Bangladesh's "with India is at a different level because of the history." Watch the interview here: Bangladesh at the 2023 G20 Summit Reiterating his gratitude to India for the invitation to the important summit, Alam said that Bangladesh's status as the only South Asian country invited goes to show "the respect in the relationship and the potential that Bangladesh can bring in the experience and stories" to the G20 table. He added that it "goes on to inform the other nineteen (G20) members" of what Bangladesh has to offer, and would also help make sure that "countries in this other region and also LDC countries (least developed countries) are not forgotten." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | China ‘a friend’ but ties with India ‘at different level’: Bangladesh MoS Foreign Affairs

<p>India and Bangladesh may soon do away with dollar as the currency of exchange between the&nbsp;two South Asian neighbours. The development is expected to reduce the cost of trade as well as losses due to Rupee-Dollar and Taka-Dollar differences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest bilateral deliberations between India and Bangladesh&nbsp;took place on the sidelines of the G20 finance chiefs meeting held in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru on February 24-25, Bangladesh's Daily Star newspaper reported.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-use-indian-rupee-for-international-trade-543895">Sri Lanka to use Indian rupee for international trade, more countries aim to follow</a></strong></p>

<p>The report, while citing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina government's estimates,&nbsp;adds that every year, Bangladeshi nationals spend about $2 billion on treatment, tourism and education in India. India is among the top three import destinations for Bangladesh.</p>

<h2><strong>India-Bangladesh ties: Soon, a dual currency card may become a reality</strong></h2>

<p>For Indians and Bangladeshis visiting each other's countries, they would have a dual currency card that they can load with Indian rupees or Bangladeshi Taka before travelling.</p>

<p>Reports in the Bangladeshi media say that the exchange rate would be derived from the two currencies and not be worked backwards from the exchange rate of the dollar.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: RBI announces rupee mechanism for foreign trade</strong></p>

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<p>The Daily Star newspaper reported that the matter of Taka-Rupee bilateral exchange and dual currency card&nbsp;was brought up at a meeting of Bangladesh's&nbsp;National Economic Council chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</p>

<p>At the meeting, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder&nbsp;reportedly said that the move would also reduce the pressure on foreign currency given the large volume of payments to India.</p>

<p>"The pressure on reserves has come down a lot. The import bills have come down because of the measures taken. It is now possible to meet the import bills with the export proceeds and remittance inflows. But there are other dollar outflows that need to come down."</p>

<p>The rollout will first take place on a test basis, before a formalisation of the process for the public by the public sector banks of the two countries.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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India and Bangladesh may soon do away with dollar as the currency of exchange between the two South Asian neighbours. The development is expected to reduce the cost of trade as well as losses due to Rupee-Dollar and Taka-Dollar differences.

India and Bangladesh may soon do away with dollar as the currency of exchange between the two South Asian neighbours. The development is expected to reduce the cost of trade as well as losses due to Rupee-Dollar and Taka-Dollar differences. The latest bilateral deliberations between India and Bangladesh took place on the sidelines of the G20 finance chiefs meeting held in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru on February 24-25, Bangladesh's Daily Star newspaper reported. ALSO READ | Sri Lanka to use Indian rupee for international trade, more countries aim to follow The report, while citing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina government's estimates, adds that every year, Bangladeshi nationals spend about $2 billion on treatment, tourism and education in India. India is among the top three import destinations for Bangladesh. India-Bangladesh ties: Soon, a dual currency card may become a reality For Indians and Bangladeshis visiting each other's countries, they would have a dual currency card that they can load with Indian rupees or Bangladeshi Taka before travelling. Reports in the Bangladeshi media say that the exchange rate would be derived from the two currencies and not be worked backwards from the exchange rate of the dollar. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: RBI announces rupee mechanism for foreign trade × The Daily Star newspaper reported that the matter of Taka-Rupee bilateral exchange and dual currency card was brought up at a meeting of Bangladesh's National Economic Council chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina At the meeting, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder reportedly said that the move would also reduce the pressure on foreign currency given the large volume of payments to India. "The pressure on reserves has come down a lot. The import bills have come down because of the measures taken. It is now possible to meet the import bills with the export proceeds and remittance inflows. But there are other dollar outflows that need to come down." The rollout will first take place on a test basis, before a formalisation of the process for the public by the public sector banks of the two countries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rupee and Taka to replace Dollar as currency of exchange between India, Bangladesh

Bangladesh is using the 50th anniversary of its independence to highlight its special relationship with India. PM Modi was given a red carpet welcome. Banners celebrating the relationship are plastered across Dhaka. WION's Palki Sharma brings you a ground report.

Gravitas | PM Modi in Bangladesh: The Mood in Dhaka

From liberating Bangladesh from the grips of Pakistan to extending financial help in dire times, India has been Dhaka's all-weather ally. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about the changing contours of the India-Bangladesh relationship.

Gravitas | India-Bangladesh bonhomie: forged in the battlefield