Saturday, 07 Jun, 2025

Special

Leather industry crisis continues despite export decision

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

US visa woes mount for Bangladeshi students, Embassy rejects claims 

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

‘They threatened to shoot me if I turned back’

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”

Is Bangladesh turning to China, Pakistan, sidestepping India?

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

India's unlawful push-ins exceed 1,000 in 25 days, Bangladesh protests

‘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

Are 'humanitarian corridor' and 'relief channel' the same?

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

Farakka Barrage — 50 years of international crime against nature

"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.

Is Arakan moving toward independence like East Timor?

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

Rakhine war to extend interim govt's tenure if Bangladesh joins

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 possible if India honours Kashmir, Indus Treaty

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

Echoes of War: Pak-Indo border under gruesome fury

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,

Iman Ali crafts umbrellas in just 15 minutes — A lifetime of skill

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

BNP to remain tough with India over sovereignty

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

Export-import will increase if SAARC becomes effective

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

India tried to divide Bangladesh-Pakistan ties, time to reconcile

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 unites to counter Indian media's propaganda

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: From Prince to Dictator and the Fall of an Era

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

India questions Bangladesh's minority rights: Are minorities safe in India?

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

Pakistan, China envoys’ meetings with Khaleda Zia signal strategic shift

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

Babri Masjid to Ajmer Dargah: Islamic heritage under threat in India

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