Dhaka: The path for the formation of a new government has become clear following the landslide victory of Tariq Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the parliamentary elections of 2026. The BNP has registered a historic win by securing 211 out of 299 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami obtained 68 seats.

According to officials, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the new cabinet on Tuesday, February 17, at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Complex. As per agency report, this ceremony is being organized at the Parliament complex instead of the traditional presidential palace, Bangabhaban, and preparations for the event have begun in full swing.

The current situation in Bangladesh has made the constitutional process slightly challenging regarding the swearing-in of lawmakers. Due to the resignation of the Speaker of the previous parliament and the imprisonment of the Deputy Speaker, the responsibility of administering the oath to the newly elected Members of Parliament will now be fulfilled by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. Under the constitution, the CEC is authorized to administer the oath in the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Close associates of Tariq Rahman have stated that considering the current circumstances, the President has decided to move this process forward using special powers to restore the democratic system in the country as soon as possible.

Major changes are also being observed in the administrative structure of Bangladesh just before the arrival of the new government. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has cancelled the appointment of Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid and appointed Siraj Uddin Mia as the new Chief Secretary in his place, although Rashid claims that he had already resigned. With the formation of the new cabinet, the term of the interim government will come to an end. The public is hopeful that this new government formed under the leadership of Tariq Rahman will usher in a new era of political stability and economic reforms in the country.

Dhaka: A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Monday sentenced deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for what it described as crimes against humanity committed during the widespread protests against her government last July. The 78-year-old former leader has been living in India since her government was toppled on 5 August last year, as per agency report.

The International Crimes Tribunal–Bangladesh (ICT-BD) delivered the verdict after having earlier declared Hasina a fugitive. Reading out the judgment in a highly secured courtroom in Dhaka, the tribunal stated that the prosecution had proved beyond doubt that she was responsible for the deadly crackdown on student-led protests between 15 July and 15 August of the previous year.

A report by the United Nations human rights office has estimated that around 1,400 people were killed during the nearly month-long movement, widely referred to as the July uprising. The tribunal held Hasina guilty of ordering the use of lethal force against unarmed demonstrators, issuing provocative statements and allowing operations that led to the killing of several students in Dhaka and nearby areas.

The judgment marks a dramatic turn in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with the former prime minister facing the country’s most severe punishment while remaining outside its borders.

Dhaka, December 16 – Eight Indian veterans who participated in the 1971 Liberation War have arrived in Dhaka to join the Victory Day celebrations, while eight Bangladeshi officers, including former Mukti Bahini fighters, have traveled to Kolkata to attend similar ceremonies. Officials from both countries confirmed the exchanges, which symbolize the enduring camaraderie forged during the historic war.

Symbolic Visits Amid Tense Bilateral Relations

The delegations, comprising two serving officers from each side, reached their respective destinations on Sunday. Bangladesh's delegation includes Mukti Bahini veterans who were part of the guerrilla resistance against Pakistani rule in East Pakistan.

The visits occur against a backdrop of recent tensions between the two nations. The political climate in Bangladesh has been volatile since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government following a student-led rebellion on August 5. Allegations of violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh have further strained relations, though interim leader Mohammad Yunus's government has denied reports of major communal incidents.

A political analyst in Dhaka remarked, "These veteran exchanges remind us of the enduring friendship built during the 1971 war."

Efforts to Ease Tensions

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's one-day visit to Dhaka on December 9 for Foreign Office Consultations appears to have alleviated some tensions. During his trip, Misri met with Bangladesh's interim leader Mohammad Yunus and Foreign Minister Tauheed Hussain.

The analyst added, "These visits by war veterans could foster goodwill between the two nations at a critical time."

Celebrating a Shared History

Victory Day, commemorated on December 16, marks the decisive victory over Pakistan in 1971. Both India and Bangladesh honor the war heroes and serving officers of that time with invitations to attend celebrations in each other's countries. Bangladesh also celebrates its Independence Day on March 26, but December 16 holds special significance as the day Dhaka emerged as the capital of an independent Bangladesh after nine months of war.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka issued a statement, highlighting the significance of these exchanges: “These annual bilateral visits provide a platform for Mukti Bahini veterans and heroes of the Liberation War to celebrate the unparalleled friendship between the two nations.”

Victory Day Significance

The 1971 Liberation War remains a cornerstone of India-Bangladesh relations. With India’s military and strategic assistance, the Mukti Bahini successfully led Bangladesh to independence from Pakistan, making Dhaka a free capital on December 16, 1971.

The Victory Day ceremonies and mutual exchanges continue to serve as a poignant reminder of the historic bond between the two nations and their shared commitment to freedom and friendship.

Dhaka, December 3 - Hindu saint Chinmoy Krishna Das failed to secure any relief from a Bangladesh court on Tuesday due to the absence of legal representation. His bail plea hearing has now been deferred by a month, according to media reports.

The Bdnews24.com reported that following a preliminary hearing on the bail plea, Chattogram Metropolitan Police ADC (Prosecution) Mofizur Rahman confirmed that the court has set January 2 for the next hearing. The decision on whether Das will be granted bail in the sedition case filed against him will only be known then.

The bail plea was scheduled to be heard at the Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Mohammad Saiful Islam. However, no lawyer appeared on behalf of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

The court premises were heavily secured in anticipation of the hearing, with a large deployment of law enforcement officers. Despite the heightened security, Das was not brought to the court for the hearing.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Chattogram Bar Association and several other lawyers staged a protest march within the court premises.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Jote, was arrested on November 25 from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on sedition charges. The Chattogram court denied him bail the following day, remanding him to custody, which sparked demonstrations by his supporters.

The unrest following his arrest led to violent clashes in Chattogram, during which a lawyer lost their life.

After his bail plea was rejected, Das’s legal team immediately filed a review petition requesting a fresh hearing, but no immediate action was taken.

The case against Das comes amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. India has expressed concerns over increased violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. Reports indicate a surge in attacks against the Hindu community in recent months, further straining bilateral relations.

Dhaka, December 1: A Bangladesh court has scheduled a hearing on December 3 to consider the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader arrested last week on sedition charges. According to media reports, the hearing will take place before Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Saif-ul-Islam in Chattogram.

Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Samilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested on November 27 at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He was accused of sedition for allegedly desecrating Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally in Chattogram’s New Market area on October 30.

Following his arrest, Das was denied bail by a Chattogram court on November 28 and subsequently sent to jail. This led to protests by his supporters, resulting in clashes in Chattogram that claimed one life.

According to Chattogram Metropolitan Police’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Mofiz-ur-Rahman, the hearing was initially scheduled earlier but was delayed due to a lawyers' strike on Wednesday and Thursday. The date was finalized for December 3.

Related Actions and Allegations

In addition to Das, 18 others were named in the sedition case filed at the Kotwali Police Station in Chattogram. The charges stemmed from allegations of disrespecting the national flag during the Hindu rally.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi authorities on Thursday ordered a 30-day freeze on transactions from bank accounts associated with 17 individuals connected to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), including Das, who is a former member.

This case has sparked significant unrest and drawn attention to tensions surrounding minority rights and freedom of expression in Bangladesh. The upcoming hearing is expected to be closely watched by both national and international observers.

Surat: Following last week's coup in Bangladesh, Surat’s textile traders are closely monitoring the situation, especially those connected to the Kolkata market. A significant portion of goods sent from Surat to Kolkata are eventually shipped to Bangladesh by Kolkata traders. The instability in Bangladesh directly impacts these traders, creating ripples in Surat’s textile industry.

Parmeshwar Matoliya, a prominent businessman operating Swagat Synthetics at Rathi Palace on Ring Road, shared his insights on the situation. He expressed caution in predicting the future of the business under the current circumstances but remained hopeful about a quick normalization. Matoliya mentioned that a Kolkata-based partner had communicated with their Bangladeshi counterparts, indicating that trade might resume within the next couple of days.

The textile trade between Surat and Kolkata is multifaceted. Some Surat traders engage directly with Bangladeshi clients, while others supply goods to Kolkata traders, who then handle the exports to Bangladesh. The ongoing situation has put a strain on the Surat traders connected to this trade channel. However, routine transactions with Kolkata traders remain unaffected unless specific issues arise with individual parties.

Matoliya, who is also linked with markets in Kolkata, Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, discussed recent trends in the textile industry. He noted a rise in the price of grey fabric last week, leading traders to postpone purchases at inflated prices, thereby maintaining a stable customer base. However, he anticipates a revival in business activities post-August 20.

Focusing on plain dyed cloth, Matoliya explained that Surat sends this product to various markets, where traders apply different treatments. In Kolkata and Jaipur, the dyed cloth is transformed into sarees and garments. Bengaluru traders prefer to print on the dyed cloth before selling, while in Mumbai, it’s utilized in the garment industry and sometimes exported.

Despite current challenges, the general sentiment among traders is optimistic. With Durga Puja approaching, the expectation of a good customer turnout offers a silver lining. The hope is that business will soon pick up, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of Surat’s textile industry amidst regional uncertainties.

Surat, August 10 (HS) — Amid the turmoil in Bangladesh, Gujarat's trade and industry are expected to face severe financial setbacks, particularly in the spice and textile sectors. Gujarat exports a large quantity of spices and fabrics to Bangladesh, and the recent unrest threatens to disrupt this lucrative trade.

The escalating unrest and violence in Bangladesh have put Gujarat's trade and industry at risk of losing thousands of crores. The region’s spice and textile industries are particularly vulnerable, with substantial exports to Bangladesh now in jeopardy. Spices are exported from various parts of Gujarat, while fabrics from Surat are shipped to Bangladesh through Kolkata and Mumbai for use in the garment industry.

According to trade data, the bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh stands at $16 billion, with India exporting goods worth $13-14 billion annually. Gujarat’s spice exports and Surat’s textile fabrics constitute a significant portion of this trade. Trade organizations report that the turmoil in Bangladesh could impact Surat’s clothing business by around ₹500 crore and Gujarat’s spice trade by about ₹3,000 crore. Despite these challenges, there is potential for Surat’s textile industry to benefit if the situation in Bangladesh remains unstable.

The demand for Indian spices, especially chilli, turmeric, cumin, sesame, and isabgol, is high globally, with Bangladesh being a significant importer. Gujarat exports cumin, sesame, and isabgol worth ₹2,500-3,000 crore annually. Hiren Gandhi, Secretary of the Indian Spice Export Federation, noted a decline in exports recently, with over 150 trucks halted at the Bangladesh border. The closure of the Central Bank of Maharashtra has further impeded transaction clearances, leading to a complete halt in imports and exports.

In addition to the spice trade, Surat's textile industry is also grappling with substantial losses due to the unrest. Payments for clothes shipped by Surat traders to Bangladesh are at risk of being delayed or lost. Traders estimate potential losses of around ₹500 crore. The garments manufactured in Bangladesh primarily use cotton and synthetic fabrics, with Surat being a key supplier of synthetic fabrics, especially after China.

Kailash Hakim, President of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association, acknowledged the challenges but also pointed out the potential long-term benefits. If Bangladesh's garment industry faces prolonged disruptions, it could lead to a shift in demand towards Surat’s textile industry, potentially mitigating the current losses.

It is natural that the turmoil currently engulfing Bangladesh will have a significant impact on India's industry. In Surat, many traders conduct direct business with Kolkata in West Bengal, from where a substantial quantity of goods is sent to Bangladesh. The textile industry in Surat is particularly affected, as it has both direct and indirect business links with Bangladesh. Given the situation and the current environment there, it appears that business will take some time to improve.

Rakesh Shah, an agent at the Adarsh-2 textile market on the ring road, shared insights on the situation. He mentioned that conditions in Bangladesh are currently dire, and the future is uncertain. "No one knows what will happen next. Fortunately, there were no customers for two to three months, otherwise, if more goods from Surat had been shipped to Bangladesh, a lot of money would have been stuck."

Explaining the business dynamics, Shah noted, "In Bangladesh, payments are made only when goods are sent from here. If Bangladeshi businessmen do not pay Kolkata traders, the Kolkata traders in turn withhold payments to Surat traders. Thus, the lack of customers last month was somewhat beneficial as it prevented potential losses."

Shah reminisced about the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, describing it as a prosperous period for business. "Many people were involved in trade then, but now loans will need to be given with great caution. The current environment is unlikely to be as business-friendly as it was during Hasina's tenure. Although there were no customers recently, there was hope for future business, but that too seems to be diminishing now. Overall, this year does not look promising for business."

The ongoing crisis in Bangladesh is casting a shadow over the future of Surat's textile industry, raising concerns about delayed payments and uncertain business prospects.

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A Booming Travel Trend

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New Delhi, June 10 (HS): Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi on Monday met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. During this, former Congress President and MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were also present with her. This information was given by the Congress on the official social media platform X.

Sheikh Hasina reached Delhi on Saturday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After this, she participated in the swearing-in program on Sunday. Top leaders of India's neighboring countries and the Indian Ocean region, including Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, participated in this program.