US visa woes mount for Bangladeshi students, Embassy rejects claims
‘They threatened to shoot me if I turned back’
Bangladesh has one of the world’s largest rawhide markets, but every Eid-ul-Azha, rawhide sells at very low prices, hurting sacrificers, small traders, and collectors. The government recently eased export restrictions on raw and wet blue leather for three months, hoping this will
The United States has long been a top choice for Bangladeshi students, known for its world-class universities and academic excellence. For many, studying in the US is a dream that opens doors to global opportunities and successful careers. The US Embassy in Bangladesh, in a report
Md. Kismat Ali, born in Assam in 1963, possessed an Aadhaar card, a PAN card, and was even allocated a government-provided house in Assam’s Darrang district. Yet, despite these official documents, he was detained for two years on charges of being an “illegal Bangladeshi”
Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India have deteriorated gradually since the interim government assumed power following a major revolt, with tensions rising over a range of political, diplomatic, and economic issues. These tensions have been compounded by India’s
‘Push-in’ operations from India into Bangladesh are taking place almost every day through various border points, despite repeated diplomatic protests from Dhaka. Bangladeshi authorities say the practice has continued unabated, even after several official letters were sent to
The people of Rakhine State are enduring a turbulent time, trapped in a relentless war between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar’s Junta. With no end in sight, civilians remain engulfed in conflict, facing a dire humanitarian crisis that shows no sign of easing. Thousands are
"Padmar dheu re — mor shunno hridoy — Podmo niye ja, ja re / Oh! The waves of the Padma— I am empty-hearted—Take this lotus (to her feet)..." There was a time when such a Bhatiali melody would flow from the voice of boatmen of the Padma.
Intense speculation is swirling in Bangladesh’s political and diplomatic arenas regarding the potential independence of Myanmar’s Arakan state, drawing parallels with East Timor’s path to sovereignty. The question looming is whether Rakhine is heading towards
The majority of Rakhine State has come under the control of the Arakan Army following fierce clashes with Myanmar’s military junta forces. It was from this very state that millions of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh to escape genocidal campaigns carried out by the junta forces. UN
Peace with India is possible and can be long-lasting, provided India permits the right of self-determination to the Kashmiri people as per UN resolutions, honours the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, and stops funding terrorism in Pakistan. In an exclusive interview with
The April 22 massacre of 26 people, predominantly Hindu tourists, in Pahalgam has pushed India and Pakistan to the brink of open conflict. Blaming Pakistan-based militants, India launched airstrikes deep into Pakistani territory, triggering fears of a full-scale war. Pakistan, however,
As the monsoon looms and dark clouds begin to gather, the humble umbrella takes centre stage in the daily lives of people across rural Bengal. For many, it’s a seasonal necessity. For 70-year-old Iman Ali, it’s a way of life. Every morning, Iman Ali dons his traditional
The political dynamics between Bangladesh and India are undergoing a significant shift. Following the historic student-led uprising on August 5 that ended a 16-year autocratic rule, India's longstanding influence in Bangladesh appears to be waning. Since then, Indian media and social
Following the fall of the Awami League government amid the student-public uprising on August 5, an interim government took office on August 8, leading to shifts in Bangladesh’s relations with various countries, including India and Pakistan. In this context, Dr Khandaker Golam
Bangladesh is reevaluating its political, economic, and bilateral dynamics with neighboring countries following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, through widespread student-led protests. This shift has reshaped the country's political landscape and contributed to easing
Bangladesh’s political spectrum witnessed an extraordinary moment of unity as leaders across parties and the interim government aligned to counteract misinformation campaigns, particularly those propagated by Indian media. These fabricated reports, falsely accusing
Bashar al-Assad’s swift fall from power in 2024 was the culmination of years of turmoil that began with the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011. Once perceived as a potential reformist, Assad’s reign transformed into one of the most oppressive dictatorships in modern
The diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh over the treatment of minority communities have shed light on a broader and more complex issue: the state of minority rights within each country. While India raises concerns about incidents in Bangladesh, its domestic record has come
The diplomatic landscape of South Asia is witnessing a significant shift as Bangladesh navigates changing political dynamics. Recent meetings between the BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and the envoys of Pakistan and China have spotlighted potential realignments in Bangladesh’s foreign
Communal violence and the repression of Muslims in India have become significant topics of global concern, as the international media often highlight the destruction of historical mosques as a critical point in the Hindu nationalist narrative. To understand this phenomenon, it’s