A Bangladesh court has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison and her British MP niece Tulip Siddiq to four years in a high‑profile corruption verdict involving alleged illegal land deals connected to the Purbachal New Town Project near Dhaka. The Anti‑Corruption Commission accused them of colluding to secure government land plots in violation of rules, sparking widespread political controversy as elections approach and the Awami League faces an election ban. Other family members also received prison terms.


Sheikh Hasina & Niece Sentenced in Major Graft Case | Anti‑Graft Agency Says Illegal Land Deals

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus last Thursday (Aug 8) took oath as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. On Sunday (Aug 11) night, Yunus had a meeting with students who spearheaded protests against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus last Thursday (Aug 8) took oath as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. On Sunday (Aug 11) night, Yunus had a meeting with students who spearheaded protests against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After the meeting, Yunus addressed reporters and said, "Finally, this moment, the monster is gone" referring to former PM Hasina, who fled from the country after a series of protests by students. "The moment you start taking decisions, some people will like your decisions, some people will not like your decisions," he said. "...that's the way it works," warning the interim government that public support is finite and they will encounter many tough choices in the future. Yunus, praising the students for their efforts said, "There is no doubt... because of the student-led revolution the whole government collapsed." "I said (to the students), 'I respect you... I admire you. What you have done is absolutely unparalleled... and because you ordered me to do this (to take charge of the interim administration) I accept...'," he added. Two student activists, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, are members of a 16-person advisory council that took their oaths alongside Yunus. The 84-year-old, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in microfinance and establishing the Grameen Bank for community development, emphasised that the recent resignations of top public figures, such as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the head of Bangladesh's central bank, were "conduct legally." Also read: Bangladesh: Police return to streets, resume patrolling Dhaka after unrest "They want to have a new court. So they went there and asked the chief justice to resign and put their pressure to make him resign," he said referring to the students. "I'm sure they will find the legal way to justify all of this, because legally... all the steps were followed," he added. After weeks of unrest and violent clashes sparked by protests over a jobs quota, an interim government was established in Bangladesh, leading to the resignation and flight of Hasina, who has served as Prime Minister five times. Sheikh Hasina left her residence in Dhaka just hours before it was overtaken, on a Bangladeshi military aircraft to India. The 76-year-old, viewed as a significant ally of New Delhi, is currently in an undisclosed location, with reports suggesting she may seek political asylum, potentially in the United Kingdom. (With inputs from agencies)

Muhammad Yunus declares ‘monster is gone,’ referring to ex-PM Sheikh Hasina

Bangladeshi Police resumed patrols of the capital Dhaka on Monday, ending a weeklong strike that left a law and order vacuum following the abrupt ouster of autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina.

Officers vanished from the streets of the sprawling megacity of 20 million people last week after Hasina's resignation and flight abroad ended her 15-year rule.

Police were loathed for spearheading a lethal crackdown on the weeks of protests that forced her departure, with 42 officers among the more than 450 people killed.

Police had vowed not to resume work until their safety on duty was guaranteed, but they agreed to return after late-night talks with the new interim government, helmed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

"It's good to be back," assistant commissioner Snehasish Das told AFP while standing at a busy intersection directing traffic.

"As we feel secure now, we are back on duty."

Student-led protests against Hasina's government had been largely peaceful until police attempted to violently disperse them.

Around 450 of the country's 600 police stations were targeted in arson and vandalism attacks over the past month, according to the national police union.

Some began reopening late last week under guard by the army, an institution held in higher esteem for largely refusing to participate in the crackdown.

In the police's absence, the students who led the protests that toppled Hasina volunteered to restore law and order after looting and reprisal attacks in the hours after her departure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/statue-depicting-pakistan-armys-1971-surrender-in-front-of-india-vandalised-in-bangladesh-749322">Statue depicting Pakistan Army’s 1971 surrender to India vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

They acted as traffic wardens, formed overnight neighbourhood watch patrols and guarded Hindu temples and other places of worship, quickly settling the unrest.

Das said there was "no tension" between police and the students who had been performing their duties.

"Students have done a tremendous job in the past few days," he added. "Our thanks to them."

The volunteers, for their part, said they were relieved to yield back their responsibilities.

"It's too difficult for us to manage the vehicles," Chanu Abdullah, 27, told AFP. "I'm really thankful the police came back."

<h3>‘Heinous attacks’</h3>

Yunus's de facto cabinet now administering the country said it had noted with "grave concern" some attacks on Hindus and other minorities.

In its first official statement on Sunday night, the cabinet said it would work to "find ways to resolve such heinous attacks".

Bangladeshi Hindus account for around eight percent of the country's 170 million people and have regularly been the targets of violence during periods of upheaval.

Hundreds have arrived on India's border since last week, asking to cross.

The leadership of Jamaat, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, said it would meet with representatives of the Hindu community and other minority leaders later Monday in a bid to ease tensions.

Hasina, 76, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India a week ago as protesters flooded Dhaka's streets in a dramatic end to her iron-fisted tenure.

Her government was accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of her political opponents.

But new home minister Sakhawat Hossain said the government had no intention of banning Hasina's Awami League party, which played a pivotal role in the country's independence movement.

"The party has made many contributions to Bangladesh -- we don't deny this," he told reporters.

"When the election comes, (they should) contest the elections."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-after-revoking-her-visa-us-lawmakers-urge-sanctions-on-sheikh-hasinas-officials-749105">US lawmakers urge sanctions on ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's officials</a>

Interim leader Yunus returned from Europe on Thursday to head a temporary administration facing the monumental challenge of steering democratic reforms.

The 84-year-old won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work in microfinance, credited with helping millions of Bangladeshis out of grinding poverty.

He took office as "chief adviser" to a caretaker administration -- all fellow civilians bar Hossain, a retired brigadier-general -- and has said he wants to hold elections "within a few months".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Bangladeshi Police resumed patrols of the capital Dhaka on Monday, ending a weeklong strike that left a law and order vacuum following the abrupt ouster of autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladeshi Police resumed patrols of the capital Dhaka on Monday, ending a weeklong strike that left a law and order vacuum following the abrupt ouster of autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina. Officers vanished from the streets of the sprawling megacity of 20 million people last week after Hasina's resignation and flight abroad ended her 15-year rule. Police were loathed for spearheading a lethal crackdown on the weeks of protests that forced her departure, with 42 officers among the more than 450 people killed. Police had vowed not to resume work until their safety on duty was guaranteed, but they agreed to return after late-night talks with the new interim government, helmed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. "It's good to be back," assistant commissioner Snehasish Das told AFP while standing at a busy intersection directing traffic. "As we feel secure now, we are back on duty." Student-led protests against Hasina's government had been largely peaceful until police attempted to violently disperse them. Around 450 of the country's 600 police stations were targeted in arson and vandalism attacks over the past month, according to the national police union. Some began reopening late last week under guard by the army, an institution held in higher esteem for largely refusing to participate in the crackdown. In the police's absence, the students who led the protests that toppled Hasina volunteered to restore law and order after looting and reprisal attacks in the hours after her departure. Also read: Statue depicting Pakistan Army’s 1971 surrender to India vandalised in Bangladesh They acted as traffic wardens, formed overnight neighbourhood watch patrols and guarded Hindu temples and other places of worship, quickly settling the unrest. Das said there was "no tension" between police and the students who had been performing their duties. "Students have done a tremendous job in the past few days," he added. "Our thanks to them." The volunteers, for their part, said they were relieved to yield back their responsibilities. "It's too difficult for us to manage the vehicles," Chanu Abdullah, 27, told AFP. "I'm really thankful the police came back." ‘Heinous attacks’ Yunus's de facto cabinet now administering the country said it had noted with "grave concern" some attacks on Hindus and other minorities. In its first official statement on Sunday night, the cabinet said it would work to "find ways to resolve such heinous attacks". Bangladeshi Hindus account for around eight percent of the country's 170 million people and have regularly been the targets of violence during periods of upheaval. Hundreds have arrived on India's border since last week, asking to cross. The leadership of Jamaat, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, said it would meet with representatives of the Hindu community and other minority leaders later Monday in a bid to ease tensions. Hasina, 76, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India a week ago as protesters flooded Dhaka's streets in a dramatic end to her iron-fisted tenure. Her government was accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of thousands of her political opponents. But new home minister Sakhawat Hossain said the government had no intention of banning Hasina's Awami League party, which played a pivotal role in the country's independence movement. "The party has made many contributions to Bangladesh -- we don't deny this," he told reporters. "When the election comes, (they should) contest the elections." Also read: US lawmakers urge sanctions on ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's officials Interim leader Yunus returned from Europe on Thursday to head a temporary administration facing the monumental challenge of steering democratic reforms. The 84-year-old won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work in microfinance, credited with helping millions of Bangladeshis out of grinding poverty. He took office as "chief adviser" to a caretaker administration -- all fellow civilians bar Hossain, a retired brigadier-general -- and has said he wants to hold elections "within a few months". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bangladesh: Police return to streets, resume patrolling Dhaka after unrest

The son of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed has expressed his concerns over the "anarchy" in the country, and pointed to the attacks on minorities. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, " After all she has done , after all the development, Bangladesh will now become Pakistan".&nbsp;

The comments come a day after the country saw chaotic development, and Hasina coming to India. The Bangladesh army announced that an interim govt will be formed.&nbsp;<img alt="Saeeb Wazed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba4f925a-2b7e-406d-9a7a-9b941629dec5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HasinaSon.png" />

Saeeb Wazed | Commons

Hasina's son pointed out how " the international community was busy criticizing my mother for this and that". Hasina was prime minister of Bangladesh for 15 years, which saw stability in the country, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the region.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hasina-flees-to-india-awaits-asylum-modi-holds-high-level-meet-on-bangladesh-turmoil-747472">Hasina flees to India; PM Modi holds high-level meet on turmoil in Bangladesh</a>

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the developments in Bangladesh?

Sajeeb Wazed: Developments in Bangladesh are terrible. Its anarchy, you have no rule of law. You have mobs running the streets, vandalizing homes, factories and from what I've heard now they're attacking minorities. You know, the militants are attacking minorities and Hindu temples. So Bangladesh is actually in a state of anarchy.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: So have you spoken to your mother who is in India right now?

Sajeeb Wazed: Yes, I spoke to her this morning. She's in good spirits but she is very, very disheartened and very disappointed with the people of Bangladesh. After all she has done , after all the development, Bangladesh will now become Pakistan

Sidhant Sibal: Any plans for her to return anytime soon?

Sajeeb Wazed: Absolutely not. She is 77 years old. This was going to be her last term. She was going to retire after this anyway. So they are now hunting our Awami League leaders and the interim government doesn't even include the Awami League, so why would we bother. People have made their choice and they will get the leadership they deserve.

Sidhant Sibal: Any plans for you to join politics in future?

Sajeeb Wazed: No. My family has been through this three times, 3 coups, after this, we are done. We are tired of saving Bangladesh. Bangladesh can handle its own problem now. It's not all our problem.

Sidhant Sibal: We have also seen the visuals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the statues being vandalized, how do you see these developments..

Sajeeb Wazed: I see that as the people of Bangladesh being very ungrateful, they're very, very ungrateful and they deserve the leadership they get. It's their problem. Not mine anymore.

Sidhant Sibal: So from your audio, it looks like that you're very, very disheartened. Today, it looks like a very disheartening day for you.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-unrest-sheikh-hasina-wont-make-a-political-comeback-says-son-747478">Bangladesh unrest: Sheikh Hasina won't make a political comeback, says son</a>

Sajeeb Wazed: Absolutely, of course it is. Of course it is because i myself, have helped modernise Bangladesh, digitise Bangladesh, and bring it into the 21st century. I have worked so hard myself, without any pay from the Government of Bangladesh. I worked as an honorary advisor. I did not take a penny from the Government of Bangladesh. And I accomplished it. I built digital Bangladesh, my mother turned the country around from a poor country into a middle income country. And in history books, Sheikh Hasina's term will always be &nbsp;remembered as a golden age of Bangladesh because it is as good as it was going to get, after this, It's all downhill.

Sidhant Sibal: Is there any message to the international community?

Sajeeb Wazed: No, because the international community was busy criticising my mother for this and that. So now enjoy, watch. Watch the minorities getting killed. This is what you wanted. You didn't want Sheikh Hasina fine. This is what happens without Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: And do you trust the interim government to bring any semblance in Bangladesh?

Sajeeb Wazed: Well, that remains to be seen, but I doubt it. I mean, you look at it today. Even now there's violence all over the country. What is the interim government and the military doing? Nothing, they have no power.

Sidhant Sibal: So since you've spoken to your mother, Sheikh Hasina who is in India, what is her next plan? Is she planning to go to London as well?

Sajeeb Wazed: No, she has not planned to go anywhere. She has made no decisions since she has retired. She will live out the rest of her time playing with her grandchildren

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Sidhant Sibal: In India or any other third country..

Sajeeb Wazed: My whole family, we have lived outside of Bangladesh for decades now. We are well settled. So she will probably come to my house. Spending time with my daughter, she will go to my sister's house, spend time with her kid, go to my aunt and spend time with the grandkids. That's what she will do. She will be a nice grandmother now.

Sidhant Sibal: So my last question, do you have any message to the people of Bangladesh?

Sajeeb Wazed: Yes, good luck.

The son of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed has expressed his concerns over the "anarchy" in the country, and pointed to the attacks on minorities.

The son of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed has expressed his concerns over the "anarchy" in the country, and pointed to the attacks on minorities. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, " After all she has done , after all the development, Bangladesh will now become Pakistan". The comments come a day after the country saw chaotic development, and Hasina coming to India. The Bangladesh army announced that an interim govt will be formed. Saeeb Wazed | Commons Hasina's son pointed out how " the international community was busy criticizing my mother for this and that". Hasina was prime minister of Bangladesh for 15 years, which saw stability in the country, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the region. Also read: Hasina flees to India; PM Modi holds high-level meet on turmoil in Bangladesh Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the developments in Bangladesh? Sajeeb Wazed: Developments in Bangladesh are terrible. Its anarchy, you have no rule of law. You have mobs running the streets, vandalizing homes, factories and from what I've heard now they're attacking minorities. You know, the militants are attacking minorities and Hindu temples. So Bangladesh is actually in a state of anarchy. Sidhant Sibal: So have you spoken to your mother who is in India right now? Sajeeb Wazed: Yes, I spoke to her this morning. She's in good spirits but she is very, very disheartened and very disappointed with the people of Bangladesh. After all she has done , after all the development, Bangladesh will now become Pakistan Sidhant Sibal: Any plans for her to return anytime soon? Sajeeb Wazed: Absolutely not. She is 77 years old. This was going to be her last term. She was going to retire after this anyway. So they are now hunting our Awami League leaders and the interim government doesn't even include the Awami League, so why would we bother. People have made their choice and they will get the leadership they deserve. Sidhant Sibal: Any plans for you to join politics in future? Sajeeb Wazed: No. My family has been through this three times, 3 coups, after this, we are done. We are tired of saving Bangladesh. Bangladesh can handle its own problem now. It's not all our problem. Sidhant Sibal: We have also seen the visuals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the statues being vandalized, how do you see these developments.. Sajeeb Wazed: I see that as the people of Bangladesh being very ungrateful, they're very, very ungrateful and they deserve the leadership they get. It's their problem. Not mine anymore. Sidhant Sibal: So from your audio, it looks like that you're very, very disheartened. Today, it looks like a very disheartening day for you. Also read: Bangladesh unrest: Sheikh Hasina won't make a political comeback, says son Sajeeb Wazed: Absolutely, of course it is. Of course it is because i myself, have helped modernise Bangladesh, digitise Bangladesh, and bring it into the 21st century. I have worked so hard myself, without any pay from the Government of Bangladesh. I worked as an honorary advisor. I did not take a penny from the Government of Bangladesh. And I accomplished it. I built digital Bangladesh, my mother turned the country around from a poor country into a middle income country. And in history books, Sheikh Hasina's term will always be remembered as a golden age of Bangladesh because it is as good as it was going to get, after this, It's all downhill. Sidhant Sibal: Is there any message to the international community? Sajeeb Wazed: No, because the international community was busy criticising my mother for this and that. So now enjoy, watch. Watch the minorities getting killed. This is what you wanted. You didn't want Sheikh Hasina fine. This is what happens without Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh. Sidhant Sibal: And do you trust the interim government to bring any semblance in Bangladesh? Sajeeb Wazed: Well, that remains to be seen, but I doubt it. I mean, you look at it today. Even now there's violence all over the country. What is the interim government and the military doing? Nothing, they have no power. Sidhant Sibal: So since you've spoken to your mother, Sheikh Hasina who is in India, what is her next plan? Is she planning to go to London as well? Sajeeb Wazed: No, she has not planned to go anywhere. She has made no decisions since she has retired. She will live out the rest of her time playing with her grandchildren × Sidhant Sibal: In India or any other third country.. Sajeeb Wazed: My whole family, we have lived outside of Bangladesh for decades now. We are well settled. So she will probably come to my house. Spending time with my daughter, she will go to my sister's house, spend time with her kid, go to my aunt and spend time with the grandkids. That's what she will do. She will be a nice grandmother now. Sidhant Sibal: So my last question, do you have any message to the people of Bangladesh? Sajeeb Wazed: Yes, good luck.

Sajeeb Wazed, son of former PM Hasina, tells WION: "Bangladesh will be the next Pakistan"

Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be beginning her India visit next week from the much-revered Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi on Monday.&nbsp;The holy Sufi shrine has been an important pilgrimage site for both PM Hasina and her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for more than half a century. During the visit, PM Hasina is expected to meet Syed Basit Nizami who is the Sajjada nashin or successor of a Sufi master who is custodian or trustee at a shrine. 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman used to come to meet his grandfather--Syed Mohamad Miya Nizami, and&nbsp;his father, Kabir Uddin Nizami.

In a conversation with WION,&nbsp;Syed Basit&nbsp;said, "PM Hasina's Father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman used to come to my grandfather, then after his death, Sheikh Hasina used to come to meet my father. She met my father, both in Dhaka and Delhi and even today, she remembers my father by face. This time, the first time I will be meeting her. I am hopeful the meeting will be good"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ins-vikrant-indias-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-to-be-commissioned-today-512232" hreflang="en">PM Modi commissions INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier</a>

The almost 700-year-old Dargah is the nerve centre of Sufi culture in India and PM Hasina has been a regular visitor of the famous Nizamuddin Dargah during her stay in Delhi from 1975 to 1981 after the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Remember after the assassination of Bangabandhu, the then Indian PM Indira Gandhi had given asylum to Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana.&nbsp;

Interestingly,&nbsp;it was on 9th April 1981 when Sheikh Hasina happened to visit the holy place that gave her the strength to go back to her country and find those responsible for killing her father. During that visit, she was given a document, written by her father during his visit to the shrine on 9th April 1946, a moment that she still cherishes.&nbsp; Syed Basit Nizami pointed out, "If she is coming, she is coming with a wish. I will do&nbsp;dua&nbsp;for her as my father and grandfather did. I hope, She goes from here happy."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-laxman-narasimhan-becomes-new-starbucks-ceo-everything-you-need-to-know-512222" hreflang="en">Indian-origin Laxman Narasimhan becomes new Starbucks CEO - Everything you need to know</a>

Sheikh Hasina has been to the Nizamuddin Dargah in 1997 but the upcoming visit will be the first visit in her capacity as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.&nbsp;The Prime Minister will be on an India visit from 5th&nbsp;to 8th&nbsp;September, during which he will hold talks with Indian PM Modi, with a key focus on connectivity, and water sharing.&nbsp;This time during her Indian stay, she will not only visit the Dargah in Delhi but also the Ajmer sharif Dargah in Rajasthan. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister has been Ajmer Sharif in 2017 and before that in 2010 when she became the prime minister of her country for the 2nd time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Farid Ahmed Nizami, Custodian of Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia said, "Sheikh Hasina will be coming to the Dargah on 5th September. She has an old connection with the Dargah through her father. Her father used to visit the place. She has been here in the past". In the past, Nizamuddin Dargah has seen many foreign dignitaries visiting the holy place. These include Saudi Arabia's King Faisal, leaders from Iran, Iraq and Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf and Hina Rabbani Khar. Clearly, the dargah has spiritual and diplomatic significance in the region and beyond.

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Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be beginning her India visit next week from the much-revered Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi on Monday. The holy Sufi shrine has been an important pilgrimage site for both PM Hasina and her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for more than half a century.

Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be beginning her India visit next week from the much-revered Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi on Monday. The holy Sufi shrine has been an important pilgrimage site for both PM Hasina and her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for more than half a century. During the visit, PM Hasina is expected to meet Syed Basit Nizami who is the Sajjada nashin or successor of a Sufi master who is custodian or trustee at a shrine. 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman used to come to meet his grandfather--Syed Mohamad Miya Nizami, and his father, Kabir Uddin Nizami. In a conversation with WION, Syed Basit said, "PM Hasina's Father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman used to come to my grandfather, then after his death, Sheikh Hasina used to come to meet my father. She met my father, both in Dhaka and Delhi and even today, she remembers my father by face. This time, the first time I will be meeting her. I am hopeful the meeting will be good" Also read | PM Modi commissions INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier The almost 700-year-old Dargah is the nerve centre of Sufi culture in India and PM Hasina has been a regular visitor of the famous Nizamuddin Dargah during her stay in Delhi from 1975 to 1981 after the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Remember after the assassination of Bangabandhu, the then Indian PM Indira Gandhi had given asylum to Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana. Interestingly, it was on 9th April 1981 when Sheikh Hasina happened to visit the holy place that gave her the strength to go back to her country and find those responsible for killing her father. During that visit, she was given a document, written by her father during his visit to the shrine on 9th April 1946, a moment that she still cherishes. Syed Basit Nizami pointed out, "If she is coming, she is coming with a wish. I will do dua for her as my father and grandfather did. I hope, She goes from here happy." Also read | Indian-origin Laxman Narasimhan becomes new Starbucks CEO - Everything you need to know Sheikh Hasina has been to the Nizamuddin Dargah in 1997 but the upcoming visit will be the first visit in her capacity as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The Prime Minister will be on an India visit from 5th to 8th September, during which he will hold talks with Indian PM Modi, with a key focus on connectivity, and water sharing. This time during her Indian stay, she will not only visit the Dargah in Delhi but also the Ajmer sharif Dargah in Rajasthan. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister has been Ajmer Sharif in 2017 and before that in 2010 when she became the prime minister of her country for the 2nd time. Farid Ahmed Nizami, Custodian of Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia said, "Sheikh Hasina will be coming to the Dargah on 5th September. She has an old connection with the Dargah through her father. Her father used to visit the place. She has been here in the past". In the past, Nizamuddin Dargah has seen many foreign dignitaries visiting the holy place. These include Saudi Arabia's King Faisal, leaders from Iran, Iraq and Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf and Hina Rabbani Khar. Clearly, the dargah has spiritual and diplomatic significance in the region and beyond.

Exclusive: PM Sheikh Hasina to begin India visit from Delhi's Nizamuddin Dargah

Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina on 4-day visit to India to boost ties. Its Hasina's first visit after Bangladesh polls.

Bangladesh PM on 4 day visit to India

Tens of thousands of university students marched in cities across Bangladesh on Wednesday in one of the biggest protests faced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her decade in power.

Students fighting against a controversial policy that sets aside government jobs for special groups have united in mass protests rarely seen on such a scale in Bangladesh.

In Dhaka chanting mobs of students blockaded major roads and swarmed Dhaka University, bringing traffic to a standstill in the congested capital of 15 million.

Police were deployed to the university where clashes in recent days left more than 100 students injured by tear gas and rubber bullets.

"There are more than 5,000 protesters at the DU," a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer told AFP, referring to Bangladesh's most prestigious university.

Police in Savar, northwest of Dhaka, said an estimated 7,000 students had descended on a major highway linking traffic to the capital, causing chaos.

"They completely blockaded the road," police inspector Abdul Awal told AFP.

In Chittagong, the second-largest city, some 4,000 students blocked a railway track and roads, police said.

Protesters also caused disruptions in the major cities of Khulna, Barisal, Kushtia, Comilla, Mymensingh and Gopalganj.

The prime minister told parliament she had instructed her cabinet secretary to review the quota system and try to resolve the situation.

"Why should the people suffer? she said in a speech to parliament as reported by private broadcaster Ntv.

She condemned the violence and said in the past three civil service tests, more than 70 percent of the posts were recruited on merit.

Protests intensified Wednesday after allegations circulated widely on social media of a violent confrontation between a ruling party activist and a student protest leader.

Demonstrators want the share of top government positions set aside for minority groups and the disabled significantly reduced.

They are also particularly irate that 30 percent of government positions are reserved for descendents of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 independence war.

The government has promised to review the quota system but that caused a rift among demonstrators, with some accepting the assurance and others rejecting it.

A pro-government faction of the student movement had postponed its protest action but left-leaning groups pledged to keep up the fight.

"These job quotas are discriminatory. We want equal opportunities for all," said protestor Nur Mohammad, who said he missed out on a coveted government job because of the allocation system.

Hasina -- whose father was the architect of the Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan -- has in the past rejected demands to slash the quotas.

Tens of thousands of university students marched in cities across Bangladesh on Wednesday in one of the biggest protests faced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her decade in power

Tens of thousands of university students marched in cities across Bangladesh on Wednesday in one of the biggest protests faced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her decade in power. Students fighting against a controversial policy that sets aside government jobs for special groups have united in mass protests rarely seen on such a scale in Bangladesh. In Dhaka chanting mobs of students blockaded major roads and swarmed Dhaka University, bringing traffic to a standstill in the congested capital of 15 million. Police were deployed to the university where clashes in recent days left more than 100 students injured by tear gas and rubber bullets. "There are more than 5,000 protesters at the DU," a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer told AFP, referring to Bangladesh's most prestigious university. Police in Savar, northwest of Dhaka, said an estimated 7,000 students had descended on a major highway linking traffic to the capital, causing chaos. "They completely blockaded the road," police inspector Abdul Awal told AFP. In Chittagong, the second-largest city, some 4,000 students blocked a railway track and roads, police said. Protesters also caused disruptions in the major cities of Khulna, Barisal, Kushtia, Comilla, Mymensingh and Gopalganj. The prime minister told parliament she had instructed her cabinet secretary to review the quota system and try to resolve the situation. "Why should the people suffer? she said in a speech to parliament as reported by private broadcaster Ntv. She condemned the violence and said in the past three civil service tests, more than 70 percent of the posts were recruited on merit. Protests intensified Wednesday after allegations circulated widely on social media of a violent confrontation between a ruling party activist and a student protest leader. Demonstrators want the share of top government positions set aside for minority groups and the disabled significantly reduced. They are also particularly irate that 30 percent of government positions are reserved for descendents of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 independence war. The government has promised to review the quota system but that caused a rift among demonstrators, with some accepting the assurance and others rejecting it. A pro-government faction of the student movement had postponed its protest action but left-leaning groups pledged to keep up the fight. "These job quotas are discriminatory. We want equal opportunities for all," said protestor Nur Mohammad, who said he missed out on a coveted government job because of the allocation system. Hasina -- whose father was the architect of the Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan -- has in the past rejected demands to slash the quotas.

Tens of thousands rally as Bangladesh job protests spread

A top delegation of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina has flown to Marrakech in Morocco today to participate in the high level segments of the 22nd Conference of Parties.

Thirty-seven heads of states are expected to attend this year&rsquo;s COP22, which is deemed significant for the execution of the landmark Paris Agreement signed last year.

Bangladesh is part of the Least Developed Countries and as such is arguing for Loss and Damage finance to be agreed, Saleemul Huq, senior fellow at the International Institute of Environment and Development in London told WION. The member states are pushing for negotiations on the topic till the actual filing of the report.&nbsp;

On Suday, Bangladesh&rsquo;s foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali told reporters that Dhaka would highlight &quot;the initiatives and measures undertaken by the government in tackling the menaces of climate change.&quot;

The COP22 is deemed a major event as the industrialised countries, including the United States and Russia, had failed to come to a consensus until the Paris Agreement. The member states refused to oblige to the targets stipulated at the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by five per cent.

Last year in Paris however, all member states including the United States appeared to be happy with the outcome.

&quot;There is a new concept that Paris has brought, which is called INDC, Intended Nationally Determined Contribution. This means rather than anybody telling another country how they should reduce their carbon or greenhouse gas, each country say this is what I am going to do,&quot; said Atiq Rahman, renowned Bangladeshi climate scientist and executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies.

&quot;Bangladesh has already achieved that, we said we are going to reduce 5 per cent of our total greenhouse gas [by 2030], but if you can give us the finance we can reduce up to 15 per cent,&rdquo; he told WION.

The <a href="http://(http://www4.unfccc.int/ndcregistry/PublishedDocuments/Bangladesh%20First/INDC_2015_of_Bangladesh.pdf" target="_blank">INDC</a>&nbsp;issued by Bangladesh&rsquo;s ministry of environment and forests states: &quot;An unconditional contribution to reduce GHG emissions by 5 per cent from Business as Usual (BAU) levels by 2030 in the power, transport and industry sectors, based on existing resources.

Among its contributions Bangladesh also states: &quot;A conditional 15 per cent reduction in GHG emissions from BAU levels by 2030 in the power, transport, and industry sectors, subject to appropriate international support in the form of finance, investment, technology development and transfer, and capacity building.&quot;

The <a href="http://www.greenclimate.fund/-/climate-resilient-infrastructure-mainstreaming-in-bangladesh?inheritRedirect=true&amp;redirect=%2Fprojects%2Fbrowse-projects" target="_blank">Green Climate Fund</a> of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has raised $10.4 billion of which it has received 27 projects worth $1.2 billion. One of the projects worth $80 million belongs to Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Under the project titled &quot;Climate-resilient infrastructure mainstreaming in Bangladesh&quot; the country will construct 45 new cyclone shelters, renovate 20 existing cyclone shelters and develop infrastructure to safeguard people in the coastal belts.

The Paris Agreement is significant, as it will establish the rules of the game. &quot;Various committees will be formed. They will be working in tandem to decide how to do best mitigation,&quot; said Rahman.

&quot;Lastly the best technology would have to be used by all so that we don&rsquo;t have to produce as much greenhouse gas. So all those will have to be taken on board and this is what&#39;s going to happen step by step starting in Marrakech,&rdquo; Rahman told WION.

Experts tell WION that mitigation from the most polluting industrialised countries can reduce the burden of adaptation for developing countries like Bangladesh and make the world more sustainable.&nbsp;

They have also expressed concerns about the future of the Agreement in light of the remarks made by the US President-elect Donald Trump, who said that he finds climate change to a hoax perpetrated by China to take down the US manufacturing industries and threatened to quit the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;

A source who works with Trump&#39;s transition team for international energy and climate policy told Reuters on Tuesday, &quot;It was reckless for the Paris Agreement to enter into force before the election.&quot; Reuters has reported that Trump is seeking quick ways to withdraw the United States from a global accord to combat climate change.

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Least developed countries, including Bangladesh say mitigation from the most polluting industrialised countries will reduce burden on them

A top delegation of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina has flown to Marrakech in Morocco today to participate in the high level segments of the 22nd Conference of Parties. Thirty-seven heads of states are expected to attend this year’s COP22, which is deemed significant for the execution of the landmark Paris Agreement signed last year. Bangladesh is part of the Least Developed Countries and as such is arguing for Loss and Damage finance to be agreed, Saleemul Huq, senior fellow at the International Institute of Environment and Development in London told WION. The member states are pushing for negotiations on the topic till the actual filing of the report. On Suday, Bangladesh’s foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali told reporters that Dhaka would highlight "the initiatives and measures undertaken by the government in tackling the menaces of climate change." The COP22 is deemed a major event as the industrialised countries, including the United States and Russia, had failed to come to a consensus until the Paris Agreement. The member states refused to oblige to the targets stipulated at the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by five per cent. Last year in Paris however, all member states including the United States appeared to be happy with the outcome. "There is a new concept that Paris has brought, which is called INDC, Intended Nationally Determined Contribution. This means rather than anybody telling another country how they should reduce their carbon or greenhouse gas, each country say this is what I am going to do," said Atiq Rahman, renowned Bangladeshi climate scientist and executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies. "Bangladesh has already achieved that, we said we are going to reduce 5 per cent of our total greenhouse gas [by 2030], but if you can give us the finance we can reduce up to 15 per cent,” he told WION. The INDC issued by Bangladesh’s ministry of environment and forests states: "An unconditional contribution to reduce GHG emissions by 5 per cent from Business as Usual (BAU) levels by 2030 in the power, transport and industry sectors, based on existing resources. Among its contributions Bangladesh also states: "A conditional 15 per cent reduction in GHG emissions from BAU levels by 2030 in the power, transport, and industry sectors, subject to appropriate international support in the form of finance, investment, technology development and transfer, and capacity building." The Green Climate Fund of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has raised $10.4 billion of which it has received 27 projects worth $1.2 billion. One of the projects worth $80 million belongs to Bangladesh. Under the project titled "Climate-resilient infrastructure mainstreaming in Bangladesh" the country will construct 45 new cyclone shelters, renovate 20 existing cyclone shelters and develop infrastructure to safeguard people in the coastal belts. The Paris Agreement is significant, as it will establish the rules of the game. "Various committees will be formed. They will be working in tandem to decide how to do best mitigation," said Rahman. "Lastly the best technology would have to be used by all so that we don’t have to produce as much greenhouse gas. So all those will have to be taken on board and this is what's going to happen step by step starting in Marrakech,” Rahman told WION. Experts tell WION that mitigation from the most polluting industrialised countries can reduce the burden of adaptation for developing countries like Bangladesh and make the world more sustainable. They have also expressed concerns about the future of the Agreement in light of the remarks made by the US President-elect Donald Trump, who said that he finds climate change to a hoax perpetrated by China to take down the US manufacturing industries and threatened to quit the Paris Agreement. A source who works with Trump's transition team for international energy and climate policy told Reuters on Tuesday, "It was reckless for the Paris Agreement to enter into force before the election." Reuters has reported that Trump is seeking quick ways to withdraw the United States from a global accord to combat climate change. (WION)

Bangladesh to negotiate Loss and Damage finance at COP22

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