Bangladesh News

In a significant development, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has secretly dispatched a high-level delegation to Dhaka, raising alarms in New Delhi over potential implications for regional security. The delegation, comprising four senior ISI officials, including Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, landed in Bangladesh on January 21. The visit follows a recent military delegation from Bangladesh that met with top Pakistani military leaders in Rawalpindi. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed concerns regarding the strengthening military ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, stating that appropriate measures will be taken if necessary to safeguard India's national security interests. The spokesperson emphasized India's vigilance regarding activities occurring in the vicinity. The ISI delegation's arrival in Dhaka marks the first official visit of its kind in nearly two decades. Upon arrival, they were received by a senior official from Bangladesh's Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and have been granted access to several military installations to review Bangladesh's military capabilities. This surprising diplomatic maneuver comes in the context of Bangladesh's shifting military relations under its interim government, as previous Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had curtailed ISI activities due to concerns about political interference and extremist support. Observers suggest the growing military cooperation could create complications in the delicate security balance of the region.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has alleged multiple assassination plots against her following her ouster from power amid widespread protests last year. In an audio message shared by her party, the Awami League, Hasina expressed that she and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, narrowly escaped death by 20 to 25 minutes. Hasina fled to India after resigning in August 2024 as violent protests erupted, leading to her residence being attacked by an infuriated mob. She stated, "I feel it is the will of Allah that I have survived... Otherwise, I would not have been able to survive," while recalling previous assassination attempts, such as the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack that killed 24 people. Currently in exile, Hasina is facing scrutiny from Bangladesh's interim government, which has requested her extradition from India, citing various charges including enforced disappearances during her long tenure in office. The International Crimes Tribunal for Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants for her and is pursuing multiple cases related to human rights abuses. Hasina claimed to be suffering from the loss of her country and home during her rally address. The interim government has formally revoked her passport amid ongoing investigations, and the tribunal has set a deadline of February 12 for the capture of all accused parties, intensifying the pressure on Hasina and her supporters.

A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for cricket star Shakib Al Hasan following allegations of financial misconduct. The warrant was issued on January 19, 2025, after Shakib failed to respond to previous court summons regarding bounced checks totaling over $300,000. The case was filed by IFIC Bank, represented by Mohammed Shahibur Rahman, who indicated that the court took this step due to Shakib's non-appearance. Shakib, a prominent figure in Bangladeshi cricket and a former lawmaker from the party of the ex-leader Sheikh Hasina, has not been in Bangladesh since the collapse of Hasina's government in August 2024. His departure followed a revolution that resulted in multiple investigations against political figures linked to the ousted administration. Despite the serious nature of the charges and allegations connected to his past political ties, Shakib has not been formally charged related to those incidents. The all-rounder has enjoyed a successful cricket career, with 71 Test matches, 247 One Day Internationals, and 129 Twenty20 appearances, accumulating 712 wickets. Notably, he was excluded from Bangladesh's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, where the team will compete alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand.

Recent video footage has revealed that Bangladeshi police killed or injured at least 20 unarmed protesters during the nationwide demonstrations on August 5, 2024, the day former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country. The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) conducted an analysis of the footage, documenting two previously unreported incidents in Dhaka where officers appeared to intentionally target peaceful civilians. Callum Macrae, the filmmaker behind the analysis, described the content of the videos as "extraordinary, chilling," and "grotesque," emphasizing that the police were under no immediate threat and had no legal justification for using lethal force against the protesters. Yasmin Sooka, executive director of the ITJP, expressed shock over the actions of the police, who fired live ammunition at unarmed demonstrators, resulting in significant casualties. The police's violent response to the protests, which began in July against Hasina's authoritarian regime, has been linked to over 1,000 civilian deaths as well as hundreds of injuries with police using methods ranging from batons to live ammunition. As protests intensified, Hasina fled in a helicopter on August 5, amidst escalating unrest, as the military refused to engage with peaceful demonstrators. Detailed analysis of the video evidence indicated that, during one incident, police opened fire on students near a police station, while another video subsequently showed an officer shooting a captured protester, identified as Mohammed Riddoy, at close range. Riddoy's family has since sought answers about his whereabouts. Bangladesh's Inspector General of Police, Baharul Alam, reported that they are conducting investigations into the police's actions during the protests, with at least 30 officers arrested so far. Despite these assurances, human rights advocates continue to call for an independent judicial process to address the violence and ensure accountability. As investigations continue, the implications of these incidents have led to a resurgence of calls for justice in Bangladesh, while Sheikh Hasina and her regime face numerous cases related to crimes against humanity and corruption.

New video evidence has emerged showing the harsh tactics used by Bangladeshi police against unarmed protesters during the civil unrest that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. According to a report by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP), at least 20 civilians were either killed or injured during two separate incidents in Dhaka on August 5, 2024. The footage, analyzed by filmmaker Callum Macrae, depicts police officers firing on peaceful demonstrators and using live ammunition against unarmed civilians, raising serious concerns over police conduct during Hasina's regime, which has been criticized for widespread human rights violations. Macrae termed the videos “extraordinary” and “grotesque,” indicating that the police faced no imminent threat. Yasmin Sooka, the ITJP executive director, highlighted the shocking use of lethal force against non-violent protesters and emphasized the importance of an independent judicial review to restore public trust in Bangladesh's justice system. The analysis comes at a crucial time as protests in Bangladesh turned into a broader revolutionary movement against Hasina's government, which lasted nearly 15 years. Following the rise of protests, it was reported that over a thousand civilians had suffered fatal consequences due to police brutality, drawing attention from international human rights organizations. The police chief has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and that several officers have already been arrested for their involvement in the violence. This shocking evidence adds to growing calls for accountability and justice for the families affected by the brutal crackdown, as Bangladesh navigates the aftermath of its political upheaval.

Newly analyzed video footage has revealed severe police brutality during protests in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, a day that marked the resignation and subsequent flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country. Rights group International Truth and Justice Project reported that at least 20 unarmed protesters were confirmed injured or killed by police during the demonstrations in Dhaka, adding to the alarming death toll that reportedly exceeds 1,000 civilians amid violent crackdowns on dissent. The disturbing footage shows police officers firing live ammunition at peaceful demonstrators and chasing wounded individuals, with one incident capturing the moment a police officer shot a captured protester, Mohammed Riddoy, at point-blank range. His family reported that they have not seen him since the incident. The incidents contribute to growing evidence of unlawful use of lethal force by police under Hasina's regime, which has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses throughout her 15 years in power. After protests escalated in July 2024, Hasina's government resorted to increasing violence against demonstrators, prompting widespread unrest and ultimately leading to her departure. Bangladeshi authorities, including the police inspector general, confirmed an ongoing investigation into the events, with at least 30 officers already arrested for their roles in the violence. The international community continues to call for an independent judicial process to ensure accountability for the brutal tactics employed during the protests.

Intense tensions are emerging between India and Bangladesh over a border fencing project, with allegations that the Bangladeshi government is retreating from its prior commitments due to local protest pressures. Reports indicate that members of the Jamaat-e-Islami party have been seen protesting alongside the Border Guard Bangladesh, raising concerns over the completion of the remaining 885 kilometers of the 4,156-kilometer border. As of now, India has successfully constructed 3,271 kilometers of fencing. The protests, which have occurred in areas including Chapainawabganj and Naogaon, are said to involve individuals carrying weapons. Reports suggest that ongoing cattle smuggling and drug trafficking activities could be adversely affected by the fencing. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry recently summoned the Indian High Commissioner to discuss the issues arising from the border tensions. India's High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, acknowledged ongoing communications between border enforcement agencies from both nations and stressed the importance of a cooperative approach to border security. Additional intelligence sources claim that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) could be influencing efforts to halt the fencing project. Concerns have been raised about the potential for illegal entry of individuals into India, which could pose a security risk. As diplomatic discussions continue, the situation remains tense, with both parties striving to balance national security with local political dynamics.

Newly released video footage has uncovered incidents of deadly police violence during protests in Bangladesh last year, marking a grim reflection of the country's sociopolitical turmoil. The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has analyzed videos from August 5, 2024, the day former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amidst escalating protests. The footage indicates that police shot at unarmed civilians, resulting in at least 20 deaths and injuries. Rights group ITJP, which tracks human rights abuses, described the footage as “grotesque” and revealing of systemic police brutality. Callum Macrae, a filmmaker involved in the analysis, emphasized that the police operated without any threats from protestors and had no legal justification for their lethal actions. The documented police actions occurred in the final days of Hasina’s government, during which over 1,000 civilians were reportedly killed in violent crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations. Yasmin Sooka, the ITJP executive director, expressed shock over the use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters. Protests erupted in July 2024 against Hasina’s regime, following accusations of pervasive corruption and human rights violations during her 15-year tenure. As demonstrations intensified, Hasina was forced to abandon her post and flee as military personnel refused to fire on civilians. Among the incidents captured on video, one clip shows police firing at crowds, employing shotgun rounds against demonstrators. A separate video allegedly depicts the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old protestor, Mohammed Riddoy, whose fate remains uncertain. His family continues to seek his body from authorities, who have not disclosed its whereabouts. The Bangladesh police have initiated investigations into the actions of their officers, with 30 already arrested over the incidents. However, as the nation grapples with the implications of these revelations, calls for accountability and justice continue to grow.

Muhammad Yunus, the renowned Bangladeshi economist and social entrepreneur, has urged the UK government to investigate alleged corruption involving British minister Tulip Siddiq, who is also the niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In an interview with the Times, Yunus accused Siddiq of unlawfully acquiring properties through connections with her aunt's government, and he described these actions as "plain robbery." Yunus's comments come as pressure mounts on Siddiq, who serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury in the UK, to resign after a scandal surfaced linking her to offshore property purchases associated with the Panama Papers. He emphasized that if Siddiq is found to have benefited from the misuse of assets gifted by allies of the previous regime, they should be returned to Bangladesh. The Sunday Times reported on the growing calls for Siddiq's resignation following Yunus's allegations, highlighting a broader issue of corruption linked to the Awami League party, which has been accused of embezzling significant funds. Yunus called for not only a UK investigation but also recovery of assets believed to have been acquired with diverted funds. The UK's National Crime Agency has reportedly expressed willingness to assist in asset recovery efforts. This escalating situation marks a significant intervention by Yunus that ties UK political accountability to ongoing issues of governance and corruption in Bangladesh.

The interim government of Bangladesh has revoked the passport of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing her alleged involvement in killings and forced disappearances during last year's student protests. Along with Hasina, the passports of 96 other individuals were also annulled, as confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. At a press conference, it was revealed that among the revoked passports, 22 were specifically linked to enforced disappearances, while 75, including Hasina's, were associated with violence during the protests. This action follows the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which has set a deadline of February 12 for the apprehension of Hasina and 11 others accused of enforced disappearances. Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder, chairman of the ICT, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and has tasked the Inspector General of Police with ensuring the accused are brought before the tribunal. Hasina fled to India in August after being toppled during a student-led movement, which resulted in over 230 fatalities due to nationwide violence. The ICT has filed multiple cases against Hasina, including charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, amidst reports of extensive human rights abuses during her 15-year rule. A government-commissioned report indicated that there were 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances under her tenure, with many victims still unaccounted for.

In a significant move, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has revoked the passport of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This decision comes in light of allegations against Hasina for her supposed involvement in killings and forced disappearances during protests last year. In total, the passports of 97 individuals were revoked, with 22 linked directly to enforced disappearances and 75 tied to violent incidents that occurred during the student protests. This action follows an arrest warrant issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against Hasina and eleven others for crimes against humanity. The tribunal has set a deadline of February 12 for their apprehension. The ICT's chairman emphasized the need for thorough investigations into the allegations. Reports indicate that during Hasina’s 15-year leadership, widespread human rights abuses occurred, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political opponents. Following her ousting last August, Hasina fled to India. There have been over 230 fatalities attributed to violence in Bangladesh that erupted after her government was overthrown. The interim government claims to have received 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances during Hasina’s tenure, with a significant proportion of victims still unaccounted for.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ten others, including her former Defence Adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique and ex-IGP Benazir Ahmed. This decision follows petitions filed by the prosecution regarding alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during Hasina's tenure. The tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, has mandated the authorities to apprehend Hasina and the other accused by February 12. This is not the first instance of such warrants; in the previous year, the tribunal had already issued warrants against Hasina and 45 others relating to crimes against humanity amidst violent student-led protests that resulted in over 500 deaths. Following her ouster in August 2024, Hasina has taken refuge in New Delhi. The interim government in Bangladesh, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammed Yunus, has expressed intentions to extradite her, a move that has further strained relations between India and Bangladesh. Hasina has been living in various safehouses in India, frequently changing locations for her safety. Amidst her political exile, she has been vocal about the political climate in Bangladesh, communicating through her political party, the Awami League. The Ministry of External Affairs in India has acknowledged receipt of the extradition request but has not commented further. Yunus has stated that the interim government will hold accountable those responsible for the violence during the protests that led to Hasina’s ouster and emphasized that investigations would extend to her government's alleged human rights violations.