Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Sunday that the neighbours in South Asia should have "better cooperation" for benefit of their own people as outgoing Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das made a farewell call on her.

"We always think that better cooperation with the neighbouring countries is firstly needed for the development of the people of the region," Hasina's press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted her as telling Das during the meeting at the prime minister's official residence Ganobhaban.

"Our foreign policy is friendship to all and malice towards none," Hasina said as issues of bilateral interests came up during their discussion.

The Indian envoy handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Bangladeshi counterpart greeting on her birth anniversary and also presented a bouquet to her on his behalf.

"Please accept my warm wishes and hearty congratulations on your birthday?Your (Hasina) visionary leadership has helped Bangladesh achieve immense social and economic transformation, and equally your contributions to our bilateral relations have been extremely impressive," Modi's letter read.

During the meeting, the Indian envoy reiterated the importance of Bangladesh in the "Neighborhood First" policy of India and "recounted the progress made in the bilateral relations under the visionary leadership" of the two prime ministers, said a press release issued by the Indian mission here.

It said that the golden jubilee celebration of 1971 Liberation War and the fiftieth anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in the next year also figured in their meeting.

The Indian envoy presented a collection of rare footage of the visit of Hasina's father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to India in 1972 to her.

She thanked Das for her contribution to strengthening India-Bangladesh relations.

Hasina said the neighbouring countries could use Bangladesh's Chattogram, Sylhet and Syedpur Airports for their convenience.

Karim said the COVID-19 situation and the Rohingya crisis also came up for discussion.

Das' call on came as officials said Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen was set to join with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday through virtual platform.

Momen recently described bilateral ties with New Delhi "rock solid".&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Sunday that the neighbours in South Asia should have "better cooperation" for benefit of their own people as outgoing Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das made a farewell call on her.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Sunday that the neighbours in South Asia should have "better cooperation" for benefit of their own people as outgoing Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Riva Ganguly Das made a farewell call on her. "We always think that better cooperation with the neighbouring countries is firstly needed for the development of the people of the region," Hasina's press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted her as telling Das during the meeting at the prime minister's official residence Ganobhaban. "Our foreign policy is friendship to all and malice towards none," Hasina said as issues of bilateral interests came up during their discussion. The Indian envoy handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Bangladeshi counterpart greeting on her birth anniversary and also presented a bouquet to her on his behalf. "Please accept my warm wishes and hearty congratulations on your birthday?Your (Hasina) visionary leadership has helped Bangladesh achieve immense social and economic transformation, and equally your contributions to our bilateral relations have been extremely impressive," Modi's letter read. During the meeting, the Indian envoy reiterated the importance of Bangladesh in the "Neighborhood First" policy of India and "recounted the progress made in the bilateral relations under the visionary leadership" of the two prime ministers, said a press release issued by the Indian mission here. It said that the golden jubilee celebration of 1971 Liberation War and the fiftieth anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in the next year also figured in their meeting. The Indian envoy presented a collection of rare footage of the visit of Hasina's father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to India in 1972 to her. She thanked Das for her contribution to strengthening India-Bangladesh relations. Hasina said the neighbouring countries could use Bangladesh's Chattogram, Sylhet and Syedpur Airports for their convenience. Karim said the COVID-19 situation and the Rohingya crisis also came up for discussion. Das' call on came as officials said Bangladesh foreign minister AK Abdul Momen was set to join with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday through virtual platform. Momen recently described bilateral ties with New Delhi "rock solid".

Sheikh Hasina stresses 'better cooperation' with neighbours as outgoing Indian envoy calls on

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has called for stronger international action to help Rohingya refugees in the country to return to neighbouring Myanmar.

Bangladesh PM urges greater international action on Rohingya status

Bangladesh Government is likely to extend suspension of the prison term of former premier Khaleda Zia by another six months. Family of Khaleda Zia, who is now the main opposition leader in the country, requested suspension of prison term for her medical treatment.&nbsp;

Khaleda Zia has been serving 17-year term but has been out of the jail for last six months. The six-month suspension currently in effect will end on September 24.

Zia's family had filed a plea with the government on August 25 for further suspension of the prison sentence.

Bangladesh law ministry spokesman told PTI that it had cleared the fresh proposal.

The official added that the fresh proposal had come from the home ministry and that it would now be forwarded to Bangladesh Primie Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Zia served thrice as the premier since 1991. Her party was routed in the 2018 election, bagging only six seats in 300-seat Parliament.

Her conviction on "moral turpitude" charges barred her from contesting the polls.

She was sent to jail in February 2018 by a local court on charges of embezzling foreign donations meant for an orphanage, named after her slain husband and president Ziaur Rehman, during her premiership between 2001 and 2006.

Rehman, a military ruler-turned-politician, was the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

She was convicted in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both cases are politically motivated. 
&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Bangladesh Government is likely to extend suspension of the prison term of former premier Khaleda Zia by another six months. Family of Khaleda Zia, who is now the main opposition leader in the country, requested suspension of prison term for her medical treatment.

Bangladesh Government is likely to extend suspension of the prison term of former premier Khaleda Zia by another six months. Family of Khaleda Zia, who is now the main opposition leader in the country, requested suspension of prison term for her medical treatment. Khaleda Zia has been serving 17-year term but has been out of the jail for last six months. The six-month suspension currently in effect will end on September 24. Zia's family had filed a plea with the government on August 25 for further suspension of the prison sentence. Bangladesh law ministry spokesman told PTI that it had cleared the fresh proposal. The official added that the fresh proposal had come from the home ministry and that it would now be forwarded to Bangladesh Primie Minister Sheikh Hasina. Zia served thrice as the premier since 1991. Her party was routed in the 2018 election, bagging only six seats in 300-seat Parliament. Her conviction on "moral turpitude" charges barred her from contesting the polls. She was sent to jail in February 2018 by a local court on charges of embezzling foreign donations meant for an orphanage, named after her slain husband and president Ziaur Rehman, during her premiership between 2001 and 2006. Rehman, a military ruler-turned-politician, was the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. She was convicted in another corruption case later the same year, though her party claims both cases are politically motivated. (With PTI inputs)

Bangladesh likely to further extend suspension of Khaleda Zia's prison term

India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla meets Bangladesh's PM. Shringla conveyed Indian PM's special message to Sheikh Hasina. Proposal for the travel bubble & revival of the economy post COVID-19 were also discussed. Whereas Bangladesh's PM raised the issue of Rohingya's.

WION Fineprint: India's Foreign Sec Harsh Vardhan Shringla conveys PM'S special message

Indo-Bangla Ties | Proposal for travel bubble discussed

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday met his Bangladeshi counterpart Masud Bin Momen here and the two top diplomats discussed ways to boost bilateral ties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shringla, who arrived here on Tuesday on his second visit to Bangladesh after he took office as the foreign secretary, held talks with Masud at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Shringla on Tuesday called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during which they discussed security-related issues of mutual interest and co-operation in containing the coronavirus pandemic and revival of the economy in a post-COVID-19 world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-china-gives-loan-to-bangladesh-for-teesta-river-project-321534" hreflang="en">Now, China gives loan to Bangladesh for Teesta river project</a>

Both Bangladesh foreign office and the Indian high commission preferred to keep the visit as a low-key affair amid reports that this is Shringla's first overseas tour since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahead of his meeting with Shringla, Masud on Tuesday said that he would discuss various bilateral issues particularly regarding COVID-19 situation and prospective cooperation over access to coronavirus vaccine being developed by UK's Oxford University.

"We will talk about trial possibilities of their (India) vaccine (being developed at Oxford University) here as we are continuing our discussion (regarding access to a vaccine) with everyone," he said on Tuesday.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-russia-these-covid-19-vaccines-set-to-unveil-soon-319760">After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon!</a>

Developed in collaboration with British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, Oxford University's vaccine candidate is leading the race for a vaccine seen as the only viable option to get the world out of the coronavirus pandemic.

The vaccine is undergoing final stage trials in different countries. Serum Institute is also set to begin trials of the vaccine in India this week.

Masud said Bangladesh has also communicated with Britain's AstraZeneca via the High Commission in London with the offer for the trial to be held in Bangladesh, which has recorded 282,344 coronavirus cases and 3,740 deaths from the disease. It is also trying different ways to secure a vaccine.

"Different vaccine producers in India are dealing with the commercial sides of the vaccine. This is the reason for driving our efforts. We are in discussion with different countries that have developed vaccines, be it the Americans or Oxford,''&nbsp;he said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday met his Bangladeshi counterpart Masud Bin Momen here and the two top diplomats discussed ways to boost bilateral ties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday met his Bangladeshi counterpart Masud Bin Momen here and the two top diplomats discussed ways to boost bilateral ties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Shringla, who arrived here on Tuesday on his second visit to Bangladesh after he took office as the foreign secretary, held talks with Masud at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Shringla on Tuesday called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during which they discussed security-related issues of mutual interest and co-operation in containing the coronavirus pandemic and revival of the economy in a post-COVID-19 world. Also read: Now, China gives loan to Bangladesh for Teesta river project Both Bangladesh foreign office and the Indian high commission preferred to keep the visit as a low-key affair amid reports that this is Shringla's first overseas tour since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahead of his meeting with Shringla, Masud on Tuesday said that he would discuss various bilateral issues particularly regarding COVID-19 situation and prospective cooperation over access to coronavirus vaccine being developed by UK's Oxford University. "We will talk about trial possibilities of their (India) vaccine (being developed at Oxford University) here as we are continuing our discussion (regarding access to a vaccine) with everyone," he said on Tuesday. Also see: After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon! Developed in collaboration with British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, Oxford University's vaccine candidate is leading the race for a vaccine seen as the only viable option to get the world out of the coronavirus pandemic. The vaccine is undergoing final stage trials in different countries. Serum Institute is also set to begin trials of the vaccine in India this week. Masud said Bangladesh has also communicated with Britain's AstraZeneca via the High Commission in London with the offer for the trial to be held in Bangladesh, which has recorded 282,344 coronavirus cases and 3,740 deaths from the disease. It is also trying different ways to secure a vaccine. "Different vaccine producers in India are dealing with the commercial sides of the vaccine. This is the reason for driving our efforts. We are in discussion with different countries that have developed vaccines, be it the Americans or Oxford,'' he said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla meets Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrote to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Friday sending greeting on the occasion of Eid ul Azha and assuring support for the country's health sector amidst COVID pandemic.

Highlighting that the "festival of Eid ul Azha which is also celebrated in several parts of India" shows "deep historical and cultural links" between both the countries, PM said, "We hope that this festival will further enhance the spirit of peace and tolerance in our respective societies and promote fraternal ties between our two countries."

Lauding the steps taken by Hasina govt to deal with the COVID crisis, PM said he is "confident that Bangladesh will tide over these challenging times."

Adding that India remains "available to support your efforts in any way, including through capacity-building in the health sector."

India in its second tranche of COVID emergency medical supplies to Bangladesh sent 1,00,000 Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) medicine tablets and 50,000 sterile surgical latex gloves. The first tranche consisted of 30,000 surgical masks and 15,000 head-cover.&nbsp;

Both leaders had spoken to each other on 29th April to discussed the regional situation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrote to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Friday sending greeting on the occasion of Eid ul Azha and assuring support for the country's health sector amidst COVID pandemic.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrote to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Friday sending greeting on the occasion of Eid ul Azha and assuring support for the country's health sector amidst COVID pandemic. Highlighting that the "festival of Eid ul Azha which is also celebrated in several parts of India" shows "deep historical and cultural links" between both the countries, PM said, "We hope that this festival will further enhance the spirit of peace and tolerance in our respective societies and promote fraternal ties between our two countries." Lauding the steps taken by Hasina govt to deal with the COVID crisis, PM said he is "confident that Bangladesh will tide over these challenging times." Adding that India remains "available to support your efforts in any way, including through capacity-building in the health sector." India in its second tranche of COVID emergency medical supplies to Bangladesh sent 1,00,000 Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) medicine tablets and 50,000 sterile surgical latex gloves. The first tranche consisted of 30,000 surgical masks and 15,000 head-cover. Both leaders had spoken to each other on 29th April to discussed the regional situation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PM Modi sends Eid-ul-Azha greetings to Bangladesh PM; assures support on health sector

A third of Bangladesh is underwater after some of the heaviest rains in a decade. At least 1.5 million people are affected in this heavy flood. Bangladesh's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre says, this is going to be the worst flood in a decade

Over 1.5 million people are affected in Bangladesh Flood, Red Alert in all rivers

Chinese President Xi Jinping called Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and offered a team of coronavirus experts as COVID-19 cases and the death toll from the disease continues to surge in Bangladesh. China. However, this was not just a courtesy call by Xi but was a part of Beijing's larger diplomatic strategy. Watch report.

China wants sister cities in Bangladesh: Xi Jinping offers to send COVID-19 expert team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress.

Modi will participate in the birth centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh on Tuesday via video link.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-pays-tribute-to-bangabandhu-on-bangladeshs-49th-victory-day-268627">Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to 'Bangabandhu' on Bangladesh's 49th Victory Day</a>

The year-long celebrations were scheduled to open amid festivities at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Tuesday and were expected to be attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Modi. But it will be without any public gatherings due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-postpones-visit-to-japan-over-coronavirus-outbreak-285463">Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak</a>

"Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh's progress.

"This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu's 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh," Modi said in a tweet. 
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman served as the first president of Bangladesh and later as the prime minister of Bangladesh from April 17, 1971, until his assassination on August 15, 1975.

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Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh’s progress. 
 
This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu’s 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh. <a href="https://t.co/uqAxL0h4F6">pic.twitter.com/uqAxL0h4F6</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1239766264156803072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He is considered to be the driving force behind the independence of Bangladesh and has been given the title of "Bangabandhu" (Friend of Bengal). His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is the current prime minister of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress. Modi will participate in the birth centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh on Tuesday via video link. Also read: Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to 'Bangabandhu' on Bangladesh's 49th Victory Day The year-long celebrations were scheduled to open amid festivities at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Tuesday and were expected to be attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Modi. But it will be without any public gatherings due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak "Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh's progress. "This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu's 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh," Modi said in a tweet. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman served as the first president of Bangladesh and later as the prime minister of Bangladesh from April 17, 1971, until his assassination on August 15, 1975. Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh’s progress. This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu’s 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/uqAxL0h4F6 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2020 × He is considered to be the driving force behind the independence of Bangladesh and has been given the title of "Bangabandhu" (Friend of Bengal). His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is the current prime minister of Bangladesh.

PM Modi pays tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary

As the global concerns over novel coronavirus are rising, SAARC nations agreed on taking collective measures to tackle the outbreak.&nbsp;

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said," the closing of borders will result in a significant problem of availability of food, medicines &amp; basic goods".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-must-act-succeed-together-pm-modi-at-saarc-conference-286516">'We must act, succeed together': PM Modi at SAARC conference</a>

He also proposed a common framework for telemedicine to combat the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih thanked India and PM Narendra Modi for helping the country with the assistance.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAARC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAARC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> conference | 'We should ensure that SAARC countries exchange information... We also need to target affected countries with economic relief', says President of Maldives, <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> 
 
Watch live here: <a href="https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN">https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronaviruspandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronaviruspandemic</a> <a href="https://t.co/DzAGWYbYc2">pic.twitter.com/DzAGWYbYc2</a>
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Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa highlighted that the country's economy took a "serious blow"', especially the tourism sector because of the outbreak after it was recovering from last year's terrorist attacks.&nbsp;

"I strongly recommend SAARC leaders to formulate mechanism to assist our economies to tide over difficult period," Rajapaksa said.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi later proposed of SAARC nations setting up a COVID-19 emergency fund. He said that India could begin with contribution of 10 million USD.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAARC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAARC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> conference | 'I propose we create a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a> emergency fund... India can start with a contribution of 10m USD..... Any of us can use the fund', says PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> 
 
Watch live here: <a href="https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN">https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronaviruspandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronaviruspandemic</a> <a href="https://t.co/aJTDjkA1Z9">pic.twitter.com/aJTDjkA1Z9</a>
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Rajapaksa proposed setting-up of a ministerial-level group among SAARC nations to tackle the outbreak.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina acknowledged India and PM Narendra Modi's help in rescuing 23 Bangladeshi students from China's Wuhan.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAARC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAARC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> conference | 'All <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAARC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAARC</a> countries need to collaborate to fight this pandemic...We need to share our collective capacity, expertise, and resources', says Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh 
 
Watch live here: <a href="https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN">https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN</a> <a href="https://t.co/nJ4fb7LPM1">pic.twitter.com/nJ4fb7LPM1</a>
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She called for continued dialogue between experts and officials on follow-up actions regarding COVID-19.&nbsp;

"Our collective efforts will help us devise a sound and robust strategy for SAARC region to fight coronavirus," Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli said.&nbsp;

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Watch live here: <a href="https://t.co/iSR65rv97J">https://t.co/iSR65rv97J</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronaviruspandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronaviruspandemic</a> <a href="https://t.co/Sltnr8kooL">pic.twitter.com/Sltnr8kooL</a>
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Praising PM Modi's "excellent leadership" for bringing SAARC nations together, Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering said that at a time when the world is fighting one common disease, it is important to leave behind our differences.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM's Special Assistant on Health Zafar Mirza raised Kashmir issue on the conference and said that all restrictions imposed on the state to be lifted for dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

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He also said, "no nation can afford to be unresponsive to the situation in wake of coronavirus outbreak".&nbsp;

As the global concerns over novel coronavirus are rising, SAARC nations agreed on taking collective measures to tackle the outbreak. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said," the closing of borders will result in a significant problem of availability of food, medicines & basic goods".

As the global concerns over novel coronavirus are rising, SAARC nations agreed on taking collective measures to tackle the outbreak. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said," the closing of borders will result in a significant problem of availability of food, medicines & basic goods". Also read: 'We must act, succeed together': PM Modi at SAARC conference He also proposed a common framework for telemedicine to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih thanked India and PM Narendra Modi for helping the country with the assistance. #SAARC #coronavirus conference | 'We should ensure that SAARC countries exchange information... We also need to target affected countries with economic relief', says President of Maldives, @ibusolih Watch live here: https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN#coronaviruspandemic pic.twitter.com/DzAGWYbYc2 — WION (@WIONews) March 15, 2020 × Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa highlighted that the country's economy took a "serious blow"', especially the tourism sector because of the outbreak after it was recovering from last year's terrorist attacks. "I strongly recommend SAARC leaders to formulate mechanism to assist our economies to tide over difficult period," Rajapaksa said. PM Narendra Modi later proposed of SAARC nations setting up a COVID-19 emergency fund. He said that India could begin with contribution of 10 million USD. #SAARC #coronavirus conference | 'I propose we create a #Covid19 emergency fund... India can start with a contribution of 10m USD..... Any of us can use the fund', says PM @narendramodi Watch live here: https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN#coronaviruspandemic pic.twitter.com/aJTDjkA1Z9 — WION (@WIONews) March 15, 2020 × Rajapaksa proposed setting-up of a ministerial-level group among SAARC nations to tackle the outbreak. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina acknowledged India and PM Narendra Modi's help in rescuing 23 Bangladeshi students from China's Wuhan. #SAARC #coronavirus conference | 'All #SAARC countries need to collaborate to fight this pandemic...We need to share our collective capacity, expertise, and resources', says Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Watch live here: https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN pic.twitter.com/nJ4fb7LPM1 — WION (@WIONews) March 15, 2020 × She called for continued dialogue between experts and officials on follow-up actions regarding COVID-19. "Our collective efforts will help us devise a sound and robust strategy for SAARC region to fight coronavirus," Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli said. #SAARC #coronavirus conference | 'Our collective wisdom will help us in fighting the virus,' says Prime Minister of Nepal @PM_Nepal Watch live here: https://t.co/iSR65rv97J #coronaviruspandemic pic.twitter.com/Sltnr8kooL — WION (@WIONews) March 15, 2020 × Praising PM Modi's "excellent leadership" for bringing SAARC nations together, Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering said that at a time when the world is fighting one common disease, it is important to leave behind our differences. Pakistan PM's Special Assistant on Health Zafar Mirza raised Kashmir issue on the conference and said that all restrictions imposed on the state to be lifted for dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. #SAARC #coronavirus conference | 'We should learn from and disseminate the experience of SAARC observer states, especially China', says @zfrmrza, State Minister of Health, Pakistan Watch live here: https://t.co/OxEFGlw7aN#coronaviruspandemic pic.twitter.com/U43cY2fXDa — WION (@WIONews) March 15, 2020 × He also said, "no nation can afford to be unresponsive to the situation in wake of coronavirus outbreak".

Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders 

Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Sunday said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make a one-day visit to Dhaka on March 17, coinciding with the beginning of the 'Mujib Year' to mark the birth centenary of the country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The main focus of Prime Minister Modi's visit would be on Mujib Year's inauguration with grand celebration, but he is also scheduled to have bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, the Bangabandhu's daughter, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told a media briefing here.

"The date of his (Modi) arrival in Dhaka is yet to be finalised, but he is likely to be here on March 17," he said.

The Bangladesh government will observe 'Mujib Borsho (year)' from March 2020 to March 2021 across the globe.

Meanwhile, officials of the Indian High Commission here and the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said India's External Affairs Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla would arrive in Dhaka on Monday to finalise the programmes of Modi's upcoming visit.

During his visit, Shringla, who previously served as India's high commissioner in Dhaka, would meet Prime Minister Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, they said.

Shringla would also visit his Bangladeshi counterpart, they said, adding that he would deliver a keynote speech at a seminar jointly organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

Gowher Rizvi, International Affairs adviser to the prime minister of Bangladesh, would also address the seminar titled 'Bangladesh and India: A Promising Future' as the chief guest, the officials said.

According to the officials, Dhaka will also invite former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee and Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to address a special Parliament session slated for March 22 and 23 to celebrate the 'Mujib Year'.

A parliament secretariat spokesman earlier said it would be the third such instance when foreign dignitaries would address Bangladesh Parliament since 1972 and 1974 when the then Indian president VV Giri and erstwhile Yugoslavia's president Josip Broz Tito spoke in the House.

Bangladesh has taken a series of initiatives to celebrate the 'Mujib Year', including to make a film on the Bangabandhu by noted Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Sunday said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make a one-day visit to Dhaka on March 17, coinciding with the beginning of the 'Mujib Year' to mark the birth centenary of the country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Sunday said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make a one-day visit to Dhaka on March 17, coinciding with the beginning of the 'Mujib Year' to mark the birth centenary of the country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The main focus of Prime Minister Modi's visit would be on Mujib Year's inauguration with grand celebration, but he is also scheduled to have bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, the Bangabandhu's daughter, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told a media briefing here. "The date of his (Modi) arrival in Dhaka is yet to be finalised, but he is likely to be here on March 17," he said. The Bangladesh government will observe 'Mujib Borsho (year)' from March 2020 to March 2021 across the globe. Meanwhile, officials of the Indian High Commission here and the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said India's External Affairs Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla would arrive in Dhaka on Monday to finalise the programmes of Modi's upcoming visit. During his visit, Shringla, who previously served as India's high commissioner in Dhaka, would meet Prime Minister Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, they said. Shringla would also visit his Bangladeshi counterpart, they said, adding that he would deliver a keynote speech at a seminar jointly organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Gowher Rizvi, International Affairs adviser to the prime minister of Bangladesh, would also address the seminar titled 'Bangladesh and India: A Promising Future' as the chief guest, the officials said. According to the officials, Dhaka will also invite former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee and Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to address a special Parliament session slated for March 22 and 23 to celebrate the 'Mujib Year'. A parliament secretariat spokesman earlier said it would be the third such instance when foreign dignitaries would address Bangladesh Parliament since 1972 and 1974 when the then Indian president VV Giri and erstwhile Yugoslavia's president Josip Broz Tito spoke in the House. Bangladesh has taken a series of initiatives to celebrate the 'Mujib Year', including to make a film on the Bangabandhu by noted Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal.

PM Modi likely to visit Bangladesh on March 17: Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen

A leading Bangladesh publisher has been charged under controversial digital security laws for associating with someone suspected of spreading fake news about the prime minister and her son, an official said Wednesday.

Nur Mohammad, the owner of Guardian Publications, was arrested by police at his office in the capital on Monday, the company's deputy managing director, Mahmudul Hasan, told AFP.

"He has been charged under the country's Digital Security Act," he said.

Journalists and rights activists say the Digital Security Act passed in 2018 is a serious threat to freedom of expression in the nation of 168 million people.

Under the Act, anyone can face a life jail term for "propaganda" against the nation and up to 10 years for digital content that "hurts religious sentiments" or "creates unrest".

Odhikar, a rights group, reported at least 29 arrests last year under the law.

Nur Mohammad's arrest came after Guardian Publications was blocked from taking part in the country's largest annual book fair, which takes place this month.

Guardian Publications is a leading publisher of literature about Islamic philosophy, religion, Bangladeshi culture and history.

The company has published two books by Pinaki Bhattacharya, a leading critic of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bhattacharya, who fled the country for France last year after security forces allegedly raided his home, condemned Mohammad's arrest and called for his release.

A leading Bangladesh publisher has been charged under controversial digital security laws for associating with someone suspected of spreading fake news about the prime minister and her son, an official said Wednesday.

A leading Bangladesh publisher has been charged under controversial digital security laws for associating with someone suspected of spreading fake news about the prime minister and her son, an official said Wednesday. Nur Mohammad, the owner of Guardian Publications, was arrested by police at his office in the capital on Monday, the company's deputy managing director, Mahmudul Hasan, told AFP. "He has been charged under the country's Digital Security Act," he said. Journalists and rights activists say the Digital Security Act passed in 2018 is a serious threat to freedom of expression in the nation of 168 million people. Under the Act, anyone can face a life jail term for "propaganda" against the nation and up to 10 years for digital content that "hurts religious sentiments" or "creates unrest". Odhikar, a rights group, reported at least 29 arrests last year under the law. Nur Mohammad's arrest came after Guardian Publications was blocked from taking part in the country's largest annual book fair, which takes place this month. Guardian Publications is a leading publisher of literature about Islamic philosophy, religion, Bangladeshi culture and history. The company has published two books by Pinaki Bhattacharya, a leading critic of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bhattacharya, who fled the country for France last year after security forces allegedly raided his home, condemned Mohammad's arrest and called for his release.

Leading Bangladesh publisher charged under internet law

Bollywood actors Salman Khan along and Katrina Kaif felt honoured as they met "beautiful lady" Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 
 
The `Dabangg 3` actor Salman Khan shared the picture along with Sheikh Hasina and `Ek Tha Tiger` co-star Katrina Kaif on Instagram on Monday. 
 
&nbsp;The star captioned the picture as, "Katrina and I, with the Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.. it was a pleasure and honor to have met such a beautiful lady . . . @katrinakaif."

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Katrina and I, with the Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.. it was a pleasure and honour to have met such a beautiful lady . . . <a href="https://t.co/bpJcRYoO3G">pic.twitter.com/bpJcRYoO3G</a>
— Chulbul Pandey (@BeingSalmanKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeingSalmanKhan/status/1203727256373407745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The two performed at the inauguration ceremony of Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) in the country. 
 
On the work front, the 53-year-old star who was last seen in `Bharat` alongside Katrina Kaif, will next be seen in much-anticipated action thriller `Dabangg 3` In the movie, Salman Khan will be seen alongside Sonakshi Sinha and veteran actor Mahesh Mamnjarekar`s daughter, Saiee Manjarekar.&nbsp; 
 
Helmed by Prabhudeva, the movie is slated to release on December 20. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ace-sprinter-yohan-blake-meets-actors-salman-khan-jacqueline-fernandez-during-maiden-trip-to-india-266559">Salman Khan</a> has also started shooting for his upcoming action-packed movie ` `Radhe Your Most Wanted Bhai`.&nbsp; 
 
The movie will be directed by Prabhu Deva under the banner `Salman Khan Films`. The movie also features Disha Patani, Randeep Hooda and Jackie Shroff. 
&nbsp; 
The movies will hit the silver screens releasing next year on Eid.&nbsp;

Bollywood actors Salman Khan along and Katrina Kaif felt honoured as they met "beautiful lady" Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The `Dabangg 3` actor Salman Khan shared the picture along with Sheikh Hasina and `Ek Tha Tiger` co-star Katrina Kaif on Instagram on Monday.

Bollywood actors Salman Khan along and Katrina Kaif felt honoured as they met "beautiful lady" Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The `Dabangg 3` actor Salman Khan shared the picture along with Sheikh Hasina and `Ek Tha Tiger` co-star Katrina Kaif on Instagram on Monday. The star captioned the picture as, "Katrina and I, with the Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.. it was a pleasure and honor to have met such a beautiful lady . . . @katrinakaif." Katrina and I, with the Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.. it was a pleasure and honour to have met such a beautiful lady . . . pic.twitter.com/bpJcRYoO3G — Chulbul Pandey (@BeingSalmanKhan) December 8, 2019 × The two performed at the inauguration ceremony of Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL) in the country. On the work front, the 53-year-old star who was last seen in `Bharat` alongside Katrina Kaif, will next be seen in much-anticipated action thriller `Dabangg 3` In the movie, Salman Khan will be seen alongside Sonakshi Sinha and veteran actor Mahesh Mamnjarekar`s daughter, Saiee Manjarekar. Helmed by Prabhudeva, the movie is slated to release on December 20. Salman Khan has also started shooting for his upcoming action-packed movie ` `Radhe Your Most Wanted Bhai`. The movie will be directed by Prabhu Deva under the banner `Salman Khan Films`. The movie also features Disha Patani, Randeep Hooda and Jackie Shroff. The movies will hit the silver screens releasing next year on Eid.

Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif meet Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

An arrest warrant has been issued against prominent editor Matiur Rahman in Bangladesh. Activists say this is an attack on the freedom of the press. Is the Sheikh Hasina Govt muzzling voices of dissent in Bangladesh?

Gravitas: Is Bangladesh Govt muzzling voices of dissent?

In a crystal clear picture, Bangladesh was in no hurry to relocate the 1,00,000 Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char, the floating island in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh wishes to shelter just a 'fraction' of nearly 1 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-president-xi-jinping-to-visit-myanmar-today-with-bri-on-agenda-274811">Rohingya</a> Muslims in Bhasan Char which has now, its flood protection embankments, hospitals, mosques along with residential space. However, dates for the relocation of the refugees who fled from violent persecution are yet to be announced.

The refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner of Bangladesh, Mahbub Alam Talukder said, “Bhasan Char is ready for habitation. Everything has been put in place.”

This move came after the world body, the United Nations called for a thorough assessment to ensure the viability of the move, saying it was discussing "critical protection and operational issues" ahead of any relocation.

As of now, Bangladesh has prohibited foreign media entities from visiting the island.

A local freelance journalist Saleh Noman who recently visited Bhasan Char described that a community is shaping -up there.

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ইউএনএইচসিআরের সহায়তায় পাল্টে গেছে গ্রামীণ চিত্র 
 
রোহিঙ্গাদের পাশাপাশি স্থানীয়দের জন্য শিক্ষা ,যোগাযোগ, বাসস্থানসহ বিভিন্ন্ ধরনের সাহাজ্য সহযোগিতা করে আসছে আর্ন্তজাতিক সংস্থা ইউএনএইচসিআর সহ বিভিন্ন আইএনজিও গুলো।<a href="https://t.co/sgwhAwfX47">https://t.co/sgwhAwfX47</a>ইউএনএইচসিআরের-সহায়তায়/ <a href="https://t.co/Xc1O4EWKCs">pic.twitter.com/Xc1O4EWKCs</a>
— UNHCR in Bangladesh (@UNHCR_BGD) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNHCR_BGD/status/1214061558176899073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“I saw a market with about 10 grocery shops and roadside tea stalls. Some were selling fish and vegetables,” he said. “All is set there with a solar power system and water supply lines.”

The island is 21 miles ahead of the mainland of Bangladesh and had never been inhabited. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-has-softened-stance-following-icj-hearing-bangladesh-foreign-minister-268492">Bangladesh</a> is itself a low-lying delta nation prone to the tidal phenomenon.&nbsp;

The naval forces of Bangladesh have been trying their best to implement a multimillion-dollar plan to bolster the two-decades-old swampy island, which gets regularly submerged during the annual monsoon season.&nbsp;

International-aid authorities including the United Nations have expressed their vehement opposition since the plan to relocate was introduced back in 2015.

According to the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangladesh, Mostofa Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, the world body isn't ready to endorse the relocation and is waiting for a chance to visit the island after a November trip was canceled.

"The UN has emphasized the importance of undertaking independent and thorough technical and protection assessments that consider safety, sustainability, and protection issues prior to any relocation taking into place. The assessment process should include onsite visits to Bhasan Char,” Hossain said.&nbsp;

Most of the refugee camps that have been set up now in the beach town of Cox Bazar are overcrowded and unhygienic with diseases and organized crimes at rampant levels. Education is said to be very limited and there is no employment opportunity is available for the refugees.

Still, many Rohingyans are unwilling to return to their native lands in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-ready-to-go-back-rohingya-refugees-meet-with-myanmar-delegates-269053">Myanmar</a> due to safety concerns. Government officials still do not have an estimate of how many refugees would be willing to be relocated to the island.

On the condition of anonymity, two Bangladeshi contractors spoke to media representatives and gave an update on the development of the island.&nbsp;

“We have built quality infrastructure. Bangladeshi villages have never seen such good work. This is like a modern township project,” one contractor said.

“We have built multi-family concrete homes, hospitals, mosques, schools, playgrounds, and roads. There are solar-power facilities, a water supply system. We constructed raised concrete buildings that could be used as cyclone shelters. Many trees have been planted,” he said.

Bangladesh is in constant talks with UN humanitarian bodies, and working on their observations, said Enamur Rahman, the junior minister for disaster management and relief. "So we are going a little slow. There's no exact date to relocate," he added.

Amid of UN concerns over the relocation issues, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly told the UN and other international partners that her administration will consult them before making a final decision on the relocation and that no refugees will be forced to move.

Within an 'unsuccessful' bilateral framework, Bangladesh tried its best to send the Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar but no one was actually willing to go as Rohingya are not considered as citizens of Myanmar&nbsp;

The Rohingya are not recognized as citizens in Myanmar, rendering them stateless, and face other forms of state-sanctioned discrimination.

A UN-sponsored investigation in 2018 recommended the prosecution of Myanmar’s top military commanders on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for the violence perpetrated against the Rohingya.

Myanmar is defending itself in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/icj-ruling-on-urgent-measures-in-rohingya-case-on-january-23-gambia-274450">International Court of Justice</a> in the Hague, Netherlands, after the West African nation of Gambia brought a case backed by the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

The Gambia in its submission said there was a “serious and imminent risk of genocide recurring” and called for emergency measures to prevent Myanmar from committing any further atrocities or erasing any evidence. The court is expected to deliver a decision on January&nbsp;23 on what measures should be imposed.

Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh's top government official in Cox’s Bazar, said Thursday that discussions attempting to convince refugee families to move to the island are continuing. “We are ready. This is a continuous process,” he said.

"We are not in a hurry and it will start only when all these UN bodies and Rohingya people feel the area is ready."

Rahman said the government was working to build more cyclone shelters on the island, which is hours from the mainland by boat. Many Rohingya have opposed the transfer plan.

A World Food Programme document shows the UN's food agency supplied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/as-wider-trade-dispute-looms-malaysia-talks-to-india-over-palm-curbs-274679">Bangladesh</a> with detailed plans, including a timeline and a budget, on providing for thousands of Rohingya taken to the island within weeks.

Densely-populated Bangladesh says it has been grappling with the large refugee numbers.

The number of refugees in Cox's Bazar has swelled since August 2017, when a Myanmar military-led crackdown that UN investigators have said was conducted with "genocidal intent" prompted some 730,000 Rohingya to flee.

Buddhist-majority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinas-president-xi-jinping-arrives-in-myanmar-seeking-to-push-belt-and-road-project-274887">Myanmar</a> has denied almost all accusations of atrocities made by refugees, saying its security forces engaged in a legitimate counterterrorism operation.

In a crystal clear picture, Bangladesh was in no hurry to relocate the 1,00,000 Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char, the floating island in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh wishes to shelter just a 'fraction' of nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims in Bhasan Char which has now, its flood protection embankments, hospitals, mosques along with residential space.

In a crystal clear picture, Bangladesh was in no hurry to relocate the 1,00,000 Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char, the floating island in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh wishes to shelter just a 'fraction' of nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims in Bhasan Char which has now, its flood protection embankments, hospitals, mosques along with residential space. However, dates for the relocation of the refugees who fled from violent persecution are yet to be announced. The refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner of Bangladesh, Mahbub Alam Talukder said, “Bhasan Char is ready for habitation. Everything has been put in place.” This move came after the world body, the United Nations called for a thorough assessment to ensure the viability of the move, saying it was discussing "critical protection and operational issues" ahead of any relocation. As of now, Bangladesh has prohibited foreign media entities from visiting the island. A local freelance journalist Saleh Noman who recently visited Bhasan Char described that a community is shaping -up there. ইউএনএইচসিআরের সহায়তায় পাল্টে গেছে গ্রামীণ চিত্র রোহিঙ্গাদের পাশাপাশি স্থানীয়দের জন্য শিক্ষা ,যোগাযোগ, বাসস্থানসহ বিভিন্ন্ ধরনের সাহাজ্য সহযোগিতা করে আসছে আর্ন্তজাতিক সংস্থা ইউএনএইচসিআর সহ বিভিন্ন আইএনজিও গুলো।https://t.co/sgwhAwfX47ইউএনএইচসিআরের-সহায়তায়/ pic.twitter.com/Xc1O4EWKCs — UNHCR in Bangladesh (@UNHCR_BGD) January 6, 2020 × “I saw a market with about 10 grocery shops and roadside tea stalls. Some were selling fish and vegetables,” he said. “All is set there with a solar power system and water supply lines.” The island is 21 miles ahead of the mainland of Bangladesh and had never been inhabited. Bangladesh is itself a low-lying delta nation prone to the tidal phenomenon. The naval forces of Bangladesh have been trying their best to implement a multimillion-dollar plan to bolster the two-decades-old swampy island, which gets regularly submerged during the annual monsoon season. International-aid authorities including the United Nations have expressed their vehement opposition since the plan to relocate was introduced back in 2015. According to the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangladesh, Mostofa Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, the world body isn't ready to endorse the relocation and is waiting for a chance to visit the island after a November trip was canceled. "The UN has emphasized the importance of undertaking independent and thorough technical and protection assessments that consider safety, sustainability, and protection issues prior to any relocation taking into place. The assessment process should include onsite visits to Bhasan Char,” Hossain said. Most of the refugee camps that have been set up now in the beach town of Cox Bazar are overcrowded and unhygienic with diseases and organized crimes at rampant levels. Education is said to be very limited and there is no employment opportunity is available for the refugees. Still, many Rohingyans are unwilling to return to their native lands in Myanmar due to safety concerns. Government officials still do not have an estimate of how many refugees would be willing to be relocated to the island. On the condition of anonymity, two Bangladeshi contractors spoke to media representatives and gave an update on the development of the island. “We have built quality infrastructure. Bangladeshi villages have never seen such good work. This is like a modern township project,” one contractor said. “We have built multi-family concrete homes, hospitals, mosques, schools, playgrounds, and roads. There are solar-power facilities, a water supply system. We constructed raised concrete buildings that could be used as cyclone shelters. Many trees have been planted,” he said. Bangladesh is in constant talks with UN humanitarian bodies, and working on their observations, said Enamur Rahman, the junior minister for disaster management and relief. "So we are going a little slow. There's no exact date to relocate," he added. Amid of UN concerns over the relocation issues, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly told the UN and other international partners that her administration will consult them before making a final decision on the relocation and that no refugees will be forced to move. Within an 'unsuccessful' bilateral framework, Bangladesh tried its best to send the Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar but no one was actually willing to go as Rohingya are not considered as citizens of Myanmar The Rohingya are not recognized as citizens in Myanmar, rendering them stateless, and face other forms of state-sanctioned discrimination. A UN-sponsored investigation in 2018 recommended the prosecution of Myanmar’s top military commanders on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for the violence perpetrated against the Rohingya. Myanmar is defending itself in the International Court of Justice in the Hague, Netherlands, after the West African nation of Gambia brought a case backed by the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands. The Gambia in its submission said there was a “serious and imminent risk of genocide recurring” and called for emergency measures to prevent Myanmar from committing any further atrocities or erasing any evidence. The court is expected to deliver a decision on January 23 on what measures should be imposed. Kamal Hossain, Bangladesh's top government official in Cox’s Bazar, said Thursday that discussions attempting to convince refugee families to move to the island are continuing. “We are ready. This is a continuous process,” he said. "We are not in a hurry and it will start only when all these UN bodies and Rohingya people feel the area is ready." Rahman said the government was working to build more cyclone shelters on the island, which is hours from the mainland by boat. Many Rohingya have opposed the transfer plan. A World Food Programme document shows the UN's food agency supplied Bangladesh with detailed plans, including a timeline and a budget, on providing for thousands of Rohingya taken to the island within weeks. Densely-populated Bangladesh says it has been grappling with the large refugee numbers. The number of refugees in Cox's Bazar has swelled since August 2017, when a Myanmar military-led crackdown that UN investigators have said was conducted with "genocidal intent" prompted some 730,000 Rohingya to flee. Buddhist-majority Myanmar has denied almost all accusations of atrocities made by refugees, saying its security forces engaged in a legitimate counterterrorism operation.

Bangladesh: Once submerged island ready to house 1,00,000 Rohingyas

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's ties with Bangladesh remained on solid footing until recently.

Five years ago, a landmark boundary agreement was signed. It settled a long-standing border dispute, but recent developments in India&nbsp;following NRC and CAA have created some turbulence in the relationship.&nbsp;

When Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India in October last year - she had a complaint. Hasina blamed India for a sudden spike in the onion prices in Bangladesh.

This candid disclosure didn't worry the Indian government too much. India and Bangladesh have forged a strong relationship in the last five years, but recent developments present a new test for both neighbours.

Bangladesh media has widely covered India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Bangladeshi citizens are debating India's new law.&nbsp;

Dhaka describes the Citizenship Amendment Act as an internal matter of India. However, there are some who disagree - a professional body of reporters debated the issue at a forum. Some experts in Dhaka see the CAA as a global issue.

Within Bangladesh, there is a growing concern that illegal migrants living in India will be sent back to Dhaka. 
The Sheikh Hasina government has tried to allay fears. In December, Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen assured&nbsp;the citizens that the Bangladeshis&nbsp;living in India will be repatriated as per the procedure.

Despite the word of assurance, Sheikh Hasina's government is facing pressure from within. Bangladesh is already battling the Rohingya crisis.&nbsp;

Cox's Bazar has turned into the world's largest refugee camp. More than 900 thousand Rohingyas are living there today. People fear that the eviction of illegal residents from India will only make matters worse.

These concerns were perhaps a trigger for Bangladesh to shut down mobile phone services along the border with India. While connectivity was restored, the confidence hasn't.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The views are channel's take on the issue)&nbsp;

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's ties with Bangladesh remained on solid footing until recently. Five years ago, a landmark boundary agreement was signed.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's ties with Bangladesh remained on solid footing until recently. Five years ago, a landmark boundary agreement was signed. It settled a long-standing border dispute, but recent developments in India following NRC and CAA have created some turbulence in the relationship. When Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited India in October last year - she had a complaint. Hasina blamed India for a sudden spike in the onion prices in Bangladesh. This candid disclosure didn't worry the Indian government too much. India and Bangladesh have forged a strong relationship in the last five years, but recent developments present a new test for both neighbours. Bangladesh media has widely covered India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Bangladeshi citizens are debating India's new law. Dhaka describes the Citizenship Amendment Act as an internal matter of India. However, there are some who disagree - a professional body of reporters debated the issue at a forum. Some experts in Dhaka see the CAA as a global issue. Within Bangladesh, there is a growing concern that illegal migrants living in India will be sent back to Dhaka. The Sheikh Hasina government has tried to allay fears. In December, Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen assured the citizens that the Bangladeshis living in India will be repatriated as per the procedure. Despite the word of assurance, Sheikh Hasina's government is facing pressure from within. Bangladesh is already battling the Rohingya crisis. Cox's Bazar has turned into the world's largest refugee camp. More than 900 thousand Rohingyas are living there today. People fear that the eviction of illegal residents from India will only make matters worse. These concerns were perhaps a trigger for Bangladesh to shut down mobile phone services along the border with India. While connectivity was restored, the confidence hasn't. (Disclaimer: The views are channel's take on the issue)

How CAA and NRC affect India-Bangladesh ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year greetings to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi called Sheikh Hasina around 12:20 pm Bangladesh time.&nbsp;

According to Ihsanul Karim, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s press secretary, the telephonic conversation lasted for about 15 minutes between the two prime ministers.

Sources close to the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, both of them spoke at length extending New Year greetings and wishing them best in 2020.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also extended New Year greetings to the people of India.&nbsp;

This telephonic conversation comes in the wake of apprehension in the Bangladesh government after India passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the recently published final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year greetings to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi called Sheikh Hasina around 12:20 pm Bangladesh time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year greetings to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi called Sheikh Hasina around 12:20 pm Bangladesh time. According to Ihsanul Karim, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s press secretary, the telephonic conversation lasted for about 15 minutes between the two prime ministers. Sources close to the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, both of them spoke at length extending New Year greetings and wishing them best in 2020. On the other hand, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also extended New Year greetings to the people of India. This telephonic conversation comes in the wake of apprehension in the Bangladesh government after India passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the recently published final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends New Year greetings to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-pays-tribute-to-bangabandhu-on-bangladeshs-49th-victory-day-268627">Sheikh Hasina </a>on Tuesday said that the conspiracies of "collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan, who are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state", will never be allowed to be successful.

"The collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state. But we will not allow their conspiracies to be successful," Dhaka Tribune quoted Hasina as saying while speaking at a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, organised by Awami League.

The prime minister who is also the President of Awami League recalled that Bangladesh fought and won the Liberation War against Pakistan, and said, "Our goal was that we will remain above Pakistan anyhow on all sides including economic, social, and cultural fronts. We are in a better position than everybody else. We must keep up this success."&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that the conspiracies of "collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan, who are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state", will never be allowed to be successful.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that the conspiracies of "collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan, who are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state", will never be allowed to be successful. "The collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces and those who still love Pakistan are out to foil Bangladesh's hard-earned independence and turn the country into a failed state. But we will not allow their conspiracies to be successful," Dhaka Tribune quoted Hasina as saying while speaking at a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, organised by Awami League. The prime minister who is also the President of Awami League recalled that Bangladesh fought and won the Liberation War against Pakistan, and said, "Our goal was that we will remain above Pakistan anyhow on all sides including economic, social, and cultural fronts. We are in a better position than everybody else. We must keep up this success."

Conspiracies of Pakistani lovers will not succeed, says Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-scores-big-election-win-187426">Sheikh Hasina</a> on Monday paid tributes to the 'father of the nation,' also known as '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bangladesh-to-jointly-produce-film-on-bangabandhu-prakash-javadekar-260274">Bangabandhu</a>' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of 49th Victory Day of the country that marks its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grateful-to-india-for-its-role-in-liberation-war-bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-263955">liberation </a>from Pakistan.

The prime minister paid homage by placing a wreath on the portrait of her father in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi on Monday, local media reported. Flanked by senior leaders of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/awami-league-was-formed-to-bring-back-bangladeshs-independence-pm-sheikh-hasina-229724">party</a>, Hasina stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of 'Bangabandhu'.

The Victory Day marks the occasion when the country was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-liberation-war-the-story-of-indias-victory-pakistans-surrender-and-the-birth-of-a-new-nation-268445">liberated </a>from Pakistani occupation after the nine-month-long '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-liberation-war-the-story-of-indias-victory-pakistans-surrender-and-the-birth-of-a-new-nation-268445">Liberation War</a>'.

The national flag was hoisted at all government and non-government buildings while the memorials are covered with flowers and the streets are crowded with processions of revelers.

Lt Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niyazi, the martial law administrator of the then East Pakistan, surrendered before Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, head of Indian forces and Mukti Bahini forces, on December 16, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-war-1971-as-it-happened-1503">1971</a>.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid tributes to the 'father of the nation,' also known as 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of 49th Victory Day of the country that marks its liberation from Pakistan.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid tributes to the 'father of the nation,' also known as 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of 49th Victory Day of the country that marks its liberation from Pakistan. The prime minister paid homage by placing a wreath on the portrait of her father in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi on Monday, local media reported. Flanked by senior leaders of the party, Hasina stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of 'Bangabandhu'. The Victory Day marks the occasion when the country was liberated from Pakistani occupation after the nine-month-long 'Liberation War'. The national flag was hoisted at all government and non-government buildings while the memorials are covered with flowers and the streets are crowded with processions of revelers. Lt Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niyazi, the martial law administrator of the then East Pakistan, surrendered before Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, head of Indian forces and Mukti Bahini forces, on December 16, 1971.

Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to 'Bangabandhu' on Bangladesh's 49th Victory Day

Bangladesh government is planning to introduce a virtual court in the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.

Speaking at the National Judicial Conference 2019 on Saturday, Hasina said that the court will reduce the risk and hassle of moving notorious criminals in and out of jail, reported Dhaka Tribune.

"I do not want others to wait [for justice] for years, the way I had to, while bearing the pain of losing their kith and kin. Everyone should get justice and shelter of law that are described in our Constitution," she told the conference themed "Justice for Peace and Development" at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.&nbsp;

Bangladesh government is planning to introduce a virtual court in the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said. Speaking at the National Judicial Conference 2019 on Saturday, Hasina said that the court will reduce the risk and hassle of moving notorious criminals in and out of jail, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Bangladesh government is planning to introduce a virtual court in the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said. Speaking at the National Judicial Conference 2019 on Saturday, Hasina said that the court will reduce the risk and hassle of moving notorious criminals in and out of jail, reported Dhaka Tribune. "I do not want others to wait [for justice] for years, the way I had to, while bearing the pain of losing their kith and kin. Everyone should get justice and shelter of law that are described in our Constitution," she told the conference themed "Justice for Peace and Development" at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

Bangladesh to introduce virtual court: PM Sheikh Hasina

A Bangladeshi court on Sunday sentenced three transport workers to life for a road crash last year that killed two students and triggered major anti-government protests.

Hundreds of thousands of students across the country took to the streets after the two teenagers were hit by an out-of-control bus that had been illegally racing through the streets of Dhaka in July 2018.

The three workers, including two drivers, were found guilty of culpable homicide, prosecutor Tapash Kumar Paul told reporters.

"We are happy with the verdict," he told AFP.

The rallies, which began over anger at road safety but soon morphed into opposition to the government, lasted more than a week and paralysed the capital's traffic.

As the demonstrations spread across the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched a heavy crackdown and more than 150 people were left injured after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Pro-government groups allied with the government also attacked demonstrators, as well as journalists.

Traffic accidents have spiked in Bangladesh with at least 7,500 people -- over 20 a day -- dying on the road in 2018, according to the Passengers Welfare Association, a private watchdog.

Following the protests, the government passed a tough traffic law in the country of 168 million, drawing a backlash from the strong and well-organised transport workers' unions.

Reckless driving and unfit vehicles -- even in major cities -- are common sights in Bangladesh, but the unions have frequently stopped authorities from taking action against drivers or vehicle owners.

Drivers are often half-trained or ignorant of traffic rules as driving licences can easily be acquired with bribes.&nbsp;

A Bangladeshi court on Sunday sentenced three transport workers to life for a road crash last year that killed two students and triggered major anti-government protests.

A Bangladeshi court on Sunday sentenced three transport workers to life for a road crash last year that killed two students and triggered major anti-government protests. Hundreds of thousands of students across the country took to the streets after the two teenagers were hit by an out-of-control bus that had been illegally racing through the streets of Dhaka in July 2018. The three workers, including two drivers, were found guilty of culpable homicide, prosecutor Tapash Kumar Paul told reporters. "We are happy with the verdict," he told AFP. The rallies, which began over anger at road safety but soon morphed into opposition to the government, lasted more than a week and paralysed the capital's traffic. As the demonstrations spread across the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched a heavy crackdown and more than 150 people were left injured after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets. Pro-government groups allied with the government also attacked demonstrators, as well as journalists. Traffic accidents have spiked in Bangladesh with at least 7,500 people -- over 20 a day -- dying on the road in 2018, according to the Passengers Welfare Association, a private watchdog. Following the protests, the government passed a tough traffic law in the country of 168 million, drawing a backlash from the strong and well-organised transport workers' unions. Reckless driving and unfit vehicles -- even in major cities -- are common sights in Bangladesh, but the unions have frequently stopped authorities from taking action against drivers or vehicle owners. Drivers are often half-trained or ignorant of traffic rules as driving licences can easily be acquired with bribes.

Bangladesh jails three over deadly crash that sparked major protests

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/road-in-bangladeshi-city-to-be-named-after-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-257162">Sheikh Hasina </a>will be in India on Friday&nbsp;to watch the first day of the day/night&nbsp;Test between India and Bangladesh that will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

On the sidelines of 'pink-ball' Test&nbsp;match, the Bangladesh premier will also hold one-to-one "courtesy meeting" with state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, the focus of the discussion has not be disclosed yet.

"Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be coming to the city to watch the day and night India-Bangladesh cricket Test match. Apart from being present at the grounds during the inauguration and felicitation programme, we (Hasina and herself) will also have a one-on-one courtesy meeting at 6pm," Banerjee told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to PM Hasina last month to attend the historic day/night Test match, which will be played with a pink ball.

On Friday, a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Bangladesh Prime Minister and her entourage will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka at 10 am (local time). The plane will land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata at 10:25 am.

After the ceremonial programs at the airport, the prime minister will go to Hotel Taj Bengal Kolkata where she will be staying during this short visit.

Later, the premier along with the&nbsp;Banerjee will go to the Eden Gardens Stadium and ring the ceremonial bell at about 12:30 pm.

After watching the first session of the second Test match, Hasina will return to the hotel.

After the end of the first day's play, the premier will attend a small cultural program followed by a felicitation program arranged by the Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB) at Eden Gardens Stadium.

Hasina will then leave for Dhaka at 10 pm.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be in India on Friday to watch the first day of the day/night Test between India and Bangladesh that will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be in India on Friday to watch the first day of the day/night Test between India and Bangladesh that will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. On the sidelines of 'pink-ball' Test match, the Bangladesh premier will also hold one-to-one "courtesy meeting" with state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, the focus of the discussion has not be disclosed yet. "Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be coming to the city to watch the day and night India-Bangladesh cricket Test match. Apart from being present at the grounds during the inauguration and felicitation programme, we (Hasina and herself) will also have a one-on-one courtesy meeting at 6pm," Banerjee told reporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to PM Hasina last month to attend the historic day/night Test match, which will be played with a pink ball. On Friday, a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Bangladesh Prime Minister and her entourage will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka at 10 am (local time). The plane will land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata at 10:25 am. After the ceremonial programs at the airport, the prime minister will go to Hotel Taj Bengal Kolkata where she will be staying during this short visit. Later, the premier along with the Banerjee will go to the Eden Gardens Stadium and ring the ceremonial bell at about 12:30 pm. After watching the first session of the second Test match, Hasina will return to the hotel. After the end of the first day's play, the premier will attend a small cultural program followed by a felicitation program arranged by the Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB) at Eden Gardens Stadium. Hasina will then leave for Dhaka at 10 pm. (With inputs from agencies)

In 'cricket diplomacy', Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, CM Mamta Banerjee to meet on sidelines of 'pink ball' Test in Kolkata

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-an-important-neighbour-i-get-support-and-love-here-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-263949">Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</a> on Friday said that her country was grateful to India for its role in the Liberation War of 1971.

“India provided shelter to more than one crore people of Bangladesh during the Liberation War. We will always remain grateful for their role during the war. We can never forget it. I want the cordial relations between India and Bangladesh to flourish further,” said Hasina after a 45-minute long meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the backdrop of her visit to Kolkata to witness the first-ever pink ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stressed on the fact that it was a courtesy visit, however, several issues relating to the bilateral ties between the two nations were discussed.

“We had a very cordial meeting with the Bangladesh Prime Minister. India and Bangladesh share a very historically cordial relation. We discussed issues between the two nations and how bilateral ties between the two nations can be strengthened. I have invited her to visit here again,” said Banerjee after her meeting with PM Hasina.

Hasina arrived around 11 am today in Kolkata and was given a grand welcome at the Eden Gardens where the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ban-2nd-test-hosts-finish-day-1-on-strong-note-after-pace-trio-skittles-bangladesh-cheaply-263946">historic pink-ball Test match</a> is being played between India and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Hasina and Chief Minister Banerjee rang the bell together ushering the beginning of the pink ball match in Kolkata.

After viewing the first session of the Test match, Prime Minister Hasina retired to her city hotel. Around 6 pm she held a meeting with CM Banerjee. After the meeting, both the leaders reached the Eden Gardens again to attend a cultural event organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Around 10 pm, PM Hasina boarded the flight to Dhaka along with her entourage. 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said that her country was grateful to India for its role in the Liberation War of 1971. “India provided shelter to more than one crore people of Bangladesh during the Liberation War.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday said that her country was grateful to India for its role in the Liberation War of 1971. “India provided shelter to more than one crore people of Bangladesh during the Liberation War. We will always remain grateful for their role during the war. We can never forget it. I want the cordial relations between India and Bangladesh to flourish further,” said Hasina after a 45-minute long meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the backdrop of her visit to Kolkata to witness the first-ever pink ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stressed on the fact that it was a courtesy visit, however, several issues relating to the bilateral ties between the two nations were discussed. “We had a very cordial meeting with the Bangladesh Prime Minister. India and Bangladesh share a very historically cordial relation. We discussed issues between the two nations and how bilateral ties between the two nations can be strengthened. I have invited her to visit here again,” said Banerjee after her meeting with PM Hasina. Hasina arrived around 11 am today in Kolkata and was given a grand welcome at the Eden Gardens where the historic pink-ball Test match is being played between India and Bangladesh. Prime Minister Hasina and Chief Minister Banerjee rang the bell together ushering the beginning of the pink ball match in Kolkata. After viewing the first session of the Test match, Prime Minister Hasina retired to her city hotel. Around 6 pm she held a meeting with CM Banerjee. After the meeting, both the leaders reached the Eden Gardens again to attend a cultural event organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Around 10 pm, PM Hasina boarded the flight to Dhaka along with her entourage.

Grateful to India for its role in Liberation War: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called India "an important neighbour" and said that she came to Kolkata on BCCI chief and former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly's invitation to witness the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ban-2nd-test-hosts-finish-day-1-on-strong-note-after-pace-trio-skittles-bangladesh-cheaply-263946">first-ever pink ball Test match</a> between the two nations.

"I came here on the invitation of Sourav Ganguly. It's the first-ever pink-ball Test match between India and Bangladesh, so I came to witness the occasion," Hasina said.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister thanked the Indian audience and said that she gets a lot of "support and love" here.&nbsp;

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Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina:I came here on invitation of Sourav Ganguly. It's the first ever pink-ball Test b/w India &amp;Bangladesh,so I came to witness the occasion.I'd like to thank the Indian audience.I get a lot of support&amp;love here. India is important neighbour of Bangladesh. <a href="https://t.co/MD5VeyFfPU">pic.twitter.com/MD5VeyFfPU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1197883165043376128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After attending the cricket match, Hasina held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.&nbsp;

PM Hasina arrived in Kolkata earlier in the day and inaugurated the first pink-ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh along with West Bengal CM.

Hasina was received by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly as she arrived at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport today.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called India "an important neighbour" and said that she came to Kolkata on BCCI chief and former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly's invitation to witness the first-ever pink ball Test match between the two nations.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday called India "an important neighbour" and said that she came to Kolkata on BCCI chief and former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly's invitation to witness the first-ever pink ball Test match between the two nations. "I came here on the invitation of Sourav Ganguly. It's the first-ever pink-ball Test match between India and Bangladesh, so I came to witness the occasion," Hasina said. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister thanked the Indian audience and said that she gets a lot of "support and love" here. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina:I came here on invitation of Sourav Ganguly. It's the first ever pink-ball Test b/w India &Bangladesh,so I came to witness the occasion.I'd like to thank the Indian audience.I get a lot of support&love here. India is important neighbour of Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/MD5VeyFfPU — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2019 × After attending the cricket match, Hasina held a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. PM Hasina arrived in Kolkata earlier in the day and inaugurated the first pink-ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh along with West Bengal CM. Hasina was received by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly as she arrived at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport today.

India is an important neighbour, I get support and love here: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina 

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-cricket-diplomacy-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-cm-mamta-banerjee-to-meet-on-sidelines-of-pink-ball-test-in-kolkata-263781">Sheikh Hasina</a> arrived in Kolkata on Friday where she will inaugurate the first pink-ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Premier was received by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief, Sourav Ganguly as she arrived at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

PM Hasina along with the state chief minister Mamata Banerjee will go to the Eden Gardens Stadium where the match will be held and ring the ceremonial bell at about 12:30 pm. After the toss, the play will start at 1:00 pm.

After watching the first session of the second Test match, Hasina will return to the hotel.

After the end of the first day's play, the premier will attend a small cultural program followed by a felicitation program arranged by the Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB) at Eden Gardens Stadium.

She will also attend a one-to-one meeting with Banerjee on the sidelines of the match. The focus of the discussion is not known yet.

Meanwhile, to mark the historic occasion all major landmarks of Kolkata city like the Big Ben on Laketown, Howrah Bridge, Tata Centre, Eden Gardens, the Elliot Park, and Shahid Minar are turned pink to mark the occasion.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Kolkata on Friday where she will inaugurate the first pink-ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Kolkata on Friday where she will inaugurate the first pink-ball day-night test match between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh Premier was received by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief, Sourav Ganguly as she arrived at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. PM Hasina along with the state chief minister Mamata Banerjee will go to the Eden Gardens Stadium where the match will be held and ring the ceremonial bell at about 12:30 pm. After the toss, the play will start at 1:00 pm. After watching the first session of the second Test match, Hasina will return to the hotel. After the end of the first day's play, the premier will attend a small cultural program followed by a felicitation program arranged by the Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB) at Eden Gardens Stadium. She will also attend a one-to-one meeting with Banerjee on the sidelines of the match. The focus of the discussion is not known yet. Meanwhile, to mark the historic occasion all major landmarks of Kolkata city like the Big Ben on Laketown, Howrah Bridge, Tata Centre, Eden Gardens, the Elliot Park, and Shahid Minar are turned pink to mark the occasion.

'Pink ball' Test: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina arrives in Kolkata

Kolkata turns pink for historic India-Bangladesh Test match

By Mallika Singh

Kolkata's Eden Garden is getting ready to host the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/at-long-last-india-ready-to-take-day-night-test-plunge-263379">'Pink Test</a>' between India and Bangladesh to be played at the historic venue on Friday.

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The city never lets down sport .. pink test a big occasion @bcci@cab.. the Sahid minar goes pink <a href="https://t.co/SNqnbjSrAa">pic.twitter.com/SNqnbjSrAa</a>
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99/status/1197174007314796544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It will be a maiden day-night Test for both sides which is expected to be attended by several dignitaries including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who are to ring the customary Eden Bell. &nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly confirmed that tickets for the first four days were sold out.

Indian captain Virat Kohli drew comparisons between the match on Friday to the 2016 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, saying that it would be nice to play a Test in front of 80,000 spectators, giving “a big boost to all players.”

However, the Indian captain cautioned that day/night Tests should not become the only way for the long format of the game.

"In my opinion, the day/night Test should not become the only way in which the longest format of the game is played because then you are losing out on the nervousness which is created in the first session of the match. You can bring excitement to Test cricket, but you cannot make the longest format of the game adhere just to the excitement," Kohli told reporters.

India is the second Asian country ever to host the match with Pakistan having hosted the first day/night Test back in 2016 against West Indies, which the hosts won by 56 runs.

BCCI&nbsp;president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-takes-charge-as-president-of-board-for-control-of-cricket-in-india-257654">Sourav Ganguly</a> was seen inspecting the venue pitch on Wednesday, while BCCI tweeted a 17-second clip, giving a sneak peek into the ongoing preparations.

"Kolkata gearing up for the #PinkBallTest," said the post in which the Eden Gardens could be seen lit in pink.

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Kolkata gearing up for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PinkBallTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PinkBallTest</a> 😊😊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/16p66AvHTn">pic.twitter.com/16p66AvHTn</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1197060569951436800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ganguly on Wednesday in a series of tweets called the Test a “big occasion” and a “historic Test match” as he applauded the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the BCCI for their efforts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pink-ball-cricket-will-be-the-future-says-india-bowling-coach-bharat-arun-188561">Pink balls</a> are used for day/night encounters&nbsp;as opposed to the traditional red balls for better visibility under lights.

India had last year turned down the offer to play a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-decline-day-night-test-v-australia-135381">day/night Test against Australia</a> in Adelaide.&nbsp;

On India’s decision not to play the match, captain Virat Kohli on Thursday said that the team wanted to play with the pink ball in home conditions first.

“We have not played any first-class games with the pink ball, we wanted to experience it first in our own conditions. It cannot be a sudden thing, you need to prepare. It needed a bit of preparation, once you get the hang of it, then you can play the pink-ball Test," Kohli said.

A total of 11 day-night Tests have been played till date with Australia leading the score charts winning all 5 Tests.&nbsp; Australia had won the first-ever day/night against New Zealand at Adelaide by 3 wickets in 2015.

(With inputs from ANI)

By Mallika Singh Kolkata's Eden Garden is getting ready to host the 'Pink Test' between India and Bangladesh to be played at the historic venue on Friday. The city never lets down sport .

By Mallika Singh Kolkata's Eden Garden is getting ready to host the 'Pink Test' between India and Bangladesh to be played at the historic venue on Friday. The city never lets down sport .. pink test a big occasion @bcci@cab.. the Sahid minar goes pink pic.twitter.com/SNqnbjSrAa — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) November 20, 2019 × It will be a maiden day-night Test for both sides which is expected to be attended by several dignitaries including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who are to ring the customary Eden Bell. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly confirmed that tickets for the first four days were sold out. Indian captain Virat Kohli drew comparisons between the match on Friday to the 2016 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, saying that it would be nice to play a Test in front of 80,000 spectators, giving “a big boost to all players.” However, the Indian captain cautioned that day/night Tests should not become the only way for the long format of the game. "In my opinion, the day/night Test should not become the only way in which the longest format of the game is played because then you are losing out on the nervousness which is created in the first session of the match. You can bring excitement to Test cricket, but you cannot make the longest format of the game adhere just to the excitement," Kohli told reporters. India is the second Asian country ever to host the match with Pakistan having hosted the first day/night Test back in 2016 against West Indies, which the hosts won by 56 runs. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly was seen inspecting the venue pitch on Wednesday, while BCCI tweeted a 17-second clip, giving a sneak peek into the ongoing preparations. "Kolkata gearing up for the #PinkBallTest," said the post in which the Eden Gardens could be seen lit in pink. Kolkata gearing up for the #PinkBallTest 😊😊#TeamIndia #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/16p66AvHTn — BCCI (@BCCI) November 20, 2019 × Ganguly on Wednesday in a series of tweets called the Test a “big occasion” and a “historic Test match” as he applauded the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the BCCI for their efforts. Pink balls are used for day/night encounters as opposed to the traditional red balls for better visibility under lights. India had last year turned down the offer to play a day/night Test against Australia in Adelaide. On India’s decision not to play the match, captain Virat Kohli on Thursday said that the team wanted to play with the pink ball in home conditions first. “We have not played any first-class games with the pink ball, we wanted to experience it first in our own conditions. It cannot be a sudden thing, you need to prepare. It needed a bit of preparation, once you get the hang of it, then you can play the pink-ball Test," Kohli said. A total of 11 day-night Tests have been played till date with Australia leading the score charts winning all 5 Tests. Australia had won the first-ever day/night against New Zealand at Adelaide by 3 wickets in 2015. (With inputs from ANI)

Second Test: India, Bangladesh set to play first day/night Test at Eden tomorrow

A Bangladeshi opposition leader was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly giving death threats to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at an event last year.

A Chittagong court awarded in absentia the prison sentence to Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury, the vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The court also slapped a fine of 5,000 Bangladeshi takas on the BNP leader with an additional three-month prison term for failure to pay the fine, Additional Public Prosecutor Sameer Das Gupta was quoted by bdnews24 as saying.

On May 29 last year, Chowdhury had allegedly said at a function that Hasina's fate would turn out to be "worse" than that of her father and country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1975.

The next day, ruling Awami League general secretary of Fatikchhari unit, Nazimuddin Muhuri, had filed a case in the court against the BNP leader for his alleged comments, court sources told The Dhaka Tribune.

The court had issued an arrest warrant against Chowdhury on May 31 of that year.

Chowdhury is the younger brother of Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, who was executed in 2015 in connection with his role in war crimes committed in 1971 during the Liberation War.

A Bangladeshi opposition leader was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly giving death threats to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at an event last year. A Chittagong court awarded in absentia the prison sentence to Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury, the vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

A Bangladeshi opposition leader was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly giving death threats to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at an event last year. A Chittagong court awarded in absentia the prison sentence to Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury, the vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The court also slapped a fine of 5,000 Bangladeshi takas on the BNP leader with an additional three-month prison term for failure to pay the fine, Additional Public Prosecutor Sameer Das Gupta was quoted by bdnews24 as saying. On May 29 last year, Chowdhury had allegedly said at a function that Hasina's fate would turn out to be "worse" than that of her father and country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1975. The next day, ruling Awami League general secretary of Fatikchhari unit, Nazimuddin Muhuri, had filed a case in the court against the BNP leader for his alleged comments, court sources told The Dhaka Tribune. The court had issued an arrest warrant against Chowdhury on May 31 of that year. Chowdhury is the younger brother of Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, who was executed in 2015 in connection with his role in war crimes committed in 1971 during the Liberation War.

Bangladesh opposition leader jailed over alleged death threats to Prime Minister

Following a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called her a great inspiration.

Priyanka said that Prime Minister Hasina has the trait of fighting for her belief with bravery and perseverance.

"An overdue hug from Sheikh Hasina Ji whom I have been waiting to meet again for a long time. Her strength in overcoming deep personal loss and hardship and fighting for what she believed in with bravery and perseverance is, and always will be a great inspiration for me."

Earlier in the day, Hasina met Congress president Sonia Gandhi along with other leaders of the party.

During the meeting, party sources told ANI that the Congress leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Hasina is on a four-day visit to India. She is the longest-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh and returned to power for a second term in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA government was in power.&nbsp;

Manmohan Singh had then visited Bangladesh as Prime Minister in 2011.

Sheikh Hasina conducted a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Following a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called her a great inspiration. Priyanka said that Prime Minister Hasina has the trait of fighting for her belief with bravery and perseverance.

Following a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called her a great inspiration. Priyanka said that Prime Minister Hasina has the trait of fighting for her belief with bravery and perseverance. "An overdue hug from Sheikh Hasina Ji whom I have been waiting to meet again for a long time. Her strength in overcoming deep personal loss and hardship and fighting for what she believed in with bravery and perseverance is, and always will be a great inspiration for me." Earlier in the day, Hasina met Congress president Sonia Gandhi along with other leaders of the party. During the meeting, party sources told ANI that the Congress leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Hasina is on a four-day visit to India. She is the longest-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh and returned to power for a second term in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA government was in power. Manmohan Singh had then visited Bangladesh as Prime Minister in 2011. Sheikh Hasina conducted a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Priyanka Gandhi calls Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina an 'inspiration'

The Delhi Dhaka Dynamic: NRC, Article 370 discussed during the meet, Bangladesh backs India on Article 370 move.

The Delhi Dhaka Dynamic: Bangladesh backs India on Article 370 move

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