Reiterating that India firmly supports “free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections” in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said that India will work with any government that emerges through the mandate of the people of Bangladesh. The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an “inclusive and participatory” election.“We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from these elections with a popular mandate,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, joint secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present.

During the nearly hour-long discussion, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral relations, border management, water-sharing issues, and matters concerning former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that some issues exist, which is natural in any bilateral relationship. A 23-member DCAB delegation is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India. The foreign secretary said one important issue being closely watched not only in the region but also globally is the next steps in Bangladesh’s internal political process.

“We have all seen the announcements and statements regarding the next elections in Bangladesh. I understand that a time frame around February has been indicated in this regard,” he said.

He added that India is encouraged by the fact that Bangladeshi authorities themselves have spoken about a timeline for the elections and that India looks forward to their successful conduct.

“It will be a government elected with a popular mandate, and we will work with whichever government the people of Bangladesh choose to represent them,” Foreign Secretary Misri said.

Referring to India’s role in the region, the foreign secretary said that India has a significant stake in the peace, progress, stability, and development of Bangladesh.

“All of these issues are linked to regional stability, and we attach the highest importance to that — not just for ourselves but also because it serves our mutual interests,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of elections excluding a major political party, Misri said: “I obviously cannot get into the middle of decisions made by authorities in Bangladesh. The authorities, the people, and civil society in Bangladesh will have to make their own assessment of how these elections are viewed both domestically and internationally.”

He added that it is not only a matter of internal legitimacy but also one of external perception.

“These decisions will not just affect the present but will have implications in the medium to long term. Ultimately, it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide,” Misri said.

He noted that the elections will undoubtedly express a certain mandate.

“When it comes to the conditions shaping that mandate, India will not interfere. That is something for the people of Bangladesh to determine,” he said.

He also mentioned that even after the events of July and August last year, India has continued to work with the authorities in Dhaka, despite the unusual nature of the current political arrangement.

“That hasn’t prevented us from working with or engaging the authorities,” he said.

Misri noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Professor Muhammad when he assumed charge as the head of the interim government, followed by a series of subsequent engagements. When asked about Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, the foreign secretary said he would not comment on Bangladesh’s relations with a third country.

“I can only say that we value our relationship with Bangladesh. We have a stake in its peace, progress, stability, and development. All of these have a bearing on regional security and stability,” he said.

“We have had close discussions with the authorities in Bangladesh on these matters in the past, and I am sure we will continue to do so,” he added, expressing confidence that Bangladesh recognizes the importance of regional stability and security for all. The foreign secretary said the India–Bangladesh relationship is rooted in strong cultural, linguistic, religious, and historical ties.

“These are factors that continue to underpin our relationship. We have always approached it with a people-first mindset,” he said.

“This is a time-tested relationship — more than five decades old — and I am confident it will continue to flourish,” Misri added. He said India’s approach toward Bangladesh has always been pragmatic.

“We are no strangers to the momentous developments that have taken place in the region, the world, and in Bangladesh. Our pragmatic approach has guided our engagement with the authorities, including the interim government,” he said.

“The only point I would make is that for this engagement to be sustained and to serve as the basis for even stronger ties in the future, both sides need to work toward creating a conducive environment,” he noted. The foreign secretary concluded by emphasizing the importance of avoiding statements or actions that could harm the bilateral atmosphere.

Saudi Arabia has announced that individuals holding any type of visa will now be permitted to perform Umrah. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the development on Sunday, citing the country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

According to the ministry, the decision aimed to make performing Umrah more accessible and convenient. The move is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to expand the kingdom’s religious tourism sector and enhance the overall quality of services for pilgrims.

The ministry stated that eligibility now extends to holders of personal and family visit visas, e-tourist visas, transit visas, work visas, and all other visa categories. The initiative is expected to enable Muslims worldwide to perform their religious rites in a peaceful and seamless manner.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also announced the launch of a new digital platform called Nusuk Umrah, through which users can select Umrah packages, obtain necessary permits, and book related services. Pilgrims will also have the flexibility to choose their preferred schedules.

The ministry stated that these initiatives were undertaken under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, so that Muslims can receive high-quality services in a safe and spiritual environment and enrich their Umrah experience.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that although certain reasons have delayed his return to Bangladesh, the time has now come for him to do so. “I will return soon and be among the people during the election,” he said in an interview with BBC Bangla, published on Monday. Tarique Rahman said: “Physically, I may be in Britain, but mentally and emotionally, I have been in Bangladesh for the past 17 years.”

He added: “There will be a much-anticipated national election in the country, and how could I stay away at such a time? During the election, I will be with the people and among them.” The BNP acting chairman further said: “I do not see myself as the mastermind of the July uprising. No individual or party was its mastermind. The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh were, in fact, the true masterminds of the July uprising.”

“BNP has consistently maintained that the sooner the election is held, the sooner stability will return to the country,” he added.

Tarique Rahman also said: “BNP believes that if the national election had been held six months earlier, many crises could have been avoided. The government has, albeit belatedly, come to realize this.”

He further said: “We wanted the election to be held within December, but the interim government aims to hold it by February. We want to have faith that the government will take all necessary steps, step by step, to ensure the election is held.”

When asked whether BNP would contest the election individually or through seat-sharing within an alliance, Tarique Rahman said: “Around 64 political parties tried to resist the former autocratic regime from their respective positions. We have always tried to work collectively. The 31-point state reform agenda we presented was initially proposed by BNP alone in 2016 as part of our Vision 2020 plan. Later, it was developed further into 27 points and, after consultations with allied parties, finalized as 31 points.”

“Our aim has always been to rebuild the state inclusively, incorporating the opinions of all parties that stood with us in the movement,” he added.

Regarding Khaleda Zia’s possible role in the election, he said that if her physical condition allows, she will certainly play some part.

Asked whether Dhaka University Central Students’ Union) politics would influence national politics, he said: “From what we have seen, individuals like Manna Bhai, who was Ducsu VP twice and is far more experienced in politics than I am, have expressed their views clearly. Student politics should remain in its sphere, and national politics in its own.”

On Jamaat-e-Islami, Tarique Rahman said: “As long as any political party operates within the recognized laws and regulations of Bangladesh, it has the right to practice politics. BNP has always believed in multiparty democracy, and we wish to view the matter from that perspective.”

Speaking about the Awami League, he said: “If the party, as an organization, has committed any wrongdoing, it should face justice under the country’s laws. The law will determine the outcome.”

Explaining former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said this is a “judicial legal process” and it requires “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.

“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Beyond that, the Indian foreign secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.

Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people. He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge.

Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian foreign secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government.

“We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don’t think there is anything else to say with regards to that,” said the foreign secretary.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial at home.

“There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has asked India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. There has been no positive response from India yet,” he told reporters in Dhaka recently. Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi.

Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the foreign affairs adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary, adding: “However, I do not see any need at the moment.”

The foreign adviser said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former prime minister Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina’s extradition. He said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.

The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship. A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.

London:  Five members of the British Parliament have expressed “deep concern” over what they described as a deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh. In an open letter published on Saturday in the Letters to the Editor section of the UK-based newspaper The Times, they urged the UK government, the United Nations, and the international community to take firm action on the issue.

The letter was signed by MPs Bob Blackman, Jas Athwal, Neil Coyle, Gurinder Singh, and Luke Akehurst. It was co-signed by Baroness Smith of Llanfaes, a member of the House of Lords, and Steven Powles, a criminal lawyer specializing in international crime, extradition, and human rights.

Under the headline “Rights of Bangladeshis,” the signatories expressed alarm at Bangladesh’s political and human rights environment more than a year after the formation of an interim government.

“We are deeply concerned by the worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh,” the letter stated.

“There are numerous credible reports of judicial failures, denial of bail, politically motivated arrests, the banning of certain parties from participating in upcoming elections, and growing violence against minority communities.”

The lawmakers called on the British government — particularly the Foreign Office — as well as the UN and international partners to pressure Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure justice, uphold civil liberties, and end impunity in accordance with international law.

They further urged the authorities to hold peaceful elections within a set timeframe and establish a stable civilian government, saying it was essential to restore trust and accountability in the country.

New York: Queens-based Bangladeshi business leader Fahad Solaiman has withdrawn his support for mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, citing the lawmaker’s stance on decriminalizing prostitution. Solaiman, a resident near Roosevelt Avenue, told The Post that backing prostitution equates to supporting human trafficking. He urged his mosque community to instead support former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate.

“After sunset, you can’t walk down Roosevelt Avenue without seeing prostitutes,” Solaiman said after Friday prayers at Darul Hidaya Mosque.

Once a Mamdani supporter for his views on Palestine, Solaiman said he now sees the assemblyman as “a hypocrite.”

Mamdani, who co-sponsored a state bill to decriminalize sex work among consenting adults, has recently avoided detailed comments on the issue. Local mosque leaders joined Solaiman in endorsing Cuomo, who trails Mamdani by about 20 points in recent polls.

“We’re proud to support Andrew Cuomo to unite our city,” said Imam Qazi Qayyoon.

Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Opener Rubaiya Haider Jhelik marked her WODI debut with a match-winning half-century as Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets in their opening ICC Women’s World Cup fixture in Colombo on Thursday. The Tigresses produced a clinical all-round display at the R Premadasa Stadium to begin their World Cup campaign on a high.

Bangladesh’s bowlers set the tone early, with pacer Marufa Akter striking twice in the very first over, removing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin. Spinners Shorna Akter (3-5) and Nahida Akter (2-19) then tightened the grip, helping bowl out Pakistan for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs after they had opted to bat first.

In reply, debutant Jhelik stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, laced with eight boundaries. She forged a vital 62-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (23 off 44), before Sobhana Mostary’s quickfire 24 off 19 balls, featuring six fours, sealed the chase. Bangladesh reached 131-3 in 31.1 overs to clinch a comprehensive victory.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday it would be an “insult” to the United States if he does not receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his self-proclaimed role in solving multiple wars. Trump, who has long sought the prize which will be unveiled on October 10, made the latest push for his case a day after he announced a peace plan to end the war in Gaza.

“Will you get the Nobel Prize? Absolutely not. They’ll give it to some guy that didn’t do a damn thing,” Trump said during a speech before hundreds of top US military officers. “It’d be a big insult to our country, I will tell you that. I don’t want it, I want the country to get it,” he added.

“It should get it, because there’s never been anything like it.” Republican Trump has long been irked by the fact that Democrat Barack Obama won the prize in 2009. In his Tuesday speech Trump repeated his recent claim that he has solved seven wars since his return to office in January.

Trump said that if the Gaza plan he unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday works out, “we’ll have eight, eight in eight months. That’s pretty good.”

Hamas has yet to respond to the plan. But the chances of Trump winning the Nobel Peace Prize this year are regarded as close to zero in Oslo, where the prize is based.

“It’s completely unthinkable,” Oeivind Stenersen, a historian who has conducted research and cowritten a book on the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has also insisted it cannot be swayed by Trump’s campaigning for the prize.

“Of course, we do notice that there is a lot of media attention towards particular candidates,” the secretary of the committee, Kristian Berg Harpviken, told AFP recently. “But that really has no impact on the discussions that are going on in the committee.”

Trump’s administration recently listed the seven wars it said he has ended as being between Cambodia and Thailand; Kosovo and Serbia; the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; Pakistan and India; Israel and Iran; Egypt and Ethiopia; and Armenia and Azerbaijan.

But while Trump has been quick to claim credit for some, for example announcing a ceasefire between nuclear-armed Delhi and Islamabad in May, many of the claims are partial or inaccurate.

Montreal: The first meeting of FOBANA’s newly elected Executive Committee was held virtually via Zoom. With the spontaneous participation of all members, the committee pledged to move forward with the organization’s future activities. The meeting was presided over by the newly elected Chairman Jahid Hossain Pintu and conducted by Executive Secretary Nehal Rahim.

Chairman Jahid Hossain stated that sub-committees will soon be formed to initiate all organizational activities. Executive Secretary Nehal Rahim called upon all newly elected members to play an active role in carrying out FOBANA’s programs.

Details regarding the upcoming 40th FOBANA Convention were presented on behalf of the organizing committee by Anwar Hossain Santu and Nazimul Ullah Liton. They announced that the convention will take place on September 4, 5, and 6, 2026, during the Labor Day weekend, in Orlando, Florida. The convention will be hosted by the Bangladesh Association of Central Florida.

In addition, 27 EC members present at the meeting actively took part in the agenda-based discussions and provided valuable opinions to ensure the success of FOBANA’s future initiatives.

Female students at the University of Dhaka (DU) are pushing back against strict dormitory policies that impose a 10pm curfew, arguing for more flexible entry rules that would allow them to access their halls using student ID cards regardless of the time.

The situation erupted after two female students were barred from entering the Mal Chattar area of the campus at 10:38pm on Sunday, despite showing their university identification.

The incident has highlighted significant gender disparities in dormitory policies, where female students face rigid curfews and limited flexibility compared to their male counterparts, who can generally access most dormitories at any time.

Female students are demanding that while the main dormitory gates may close at 10pm, other gates should remain open with more flexible policies to accommodate work commitments, medical emergencies, and family obligations that often require students to return after the 10pm curfew.

The issue began when two female students were reportedly barred from entering the Mal Chattar area of Dhaka University after 10pm. Students Israt Jahan and Shimu Akter Shimla, residents of Shamsun Nahar Hall, attempted to enter Mal Chattar at 10:38pm on Sunday but were allegedly stopped by staff from DU’s proctorial body. Israt Jahan told, “They (proctorial body) told us that there are orders from above.”

However, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed later clarified that the Proctor Office had not issued any such directive and that the staff involved were from the university’s Estate Office. Israt added that when she contacted the proctor directly, she was asked for her parents’ contact number.

When contacted, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told that he only wanted to confirm that she was indeed a student of the university. “Informing my students’ parents after asking for their contact numbers was not my motive at all.”

The university’s proctor has issued a statement expressing regret over this incident. This information was conveyed in a notice sent to the media from the Proctor’s Office on Sunday afternoon.

The notice stated that no “directive or announcement” has been issued from their end prohibiting female students from entering the Dhaka University campus after 10pm. Last night, there was “some misunderstanding” when a female student was entering the Dhaka University Mal area (Chattar). The DU proctor expresses “sincere regret” over this incident.

How strict are dormitory rules for female students at DU?
Female dormitories operate under stricter rules than male dormitories. Non-resident female students cannot enter their assigned dormitories, let alone others. Male students, however, can generally enter most male dormitories regardless of affiliation or residence.

Most female dormitories close gates at 10pm and open at 6am. In emergencies, resident students can get permission to use late gates, typically open until 11pm. Despite these provisions, female students report difficulties returning to dormitories after vacations or late-night events. Some have waited the entire night for the gates to open despite multiple guards being present.

Anika Tahsin Hafsa, a student from Ruqayyah Hall, told that she was going to donate blood for a surgery around 9:30pm on Friday. “They (hall administration) delayed me 20–25 minutes for late permission, and even then I had to enter by the written deadline of 10:30pm.”

Nela Akter, a resident student from Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall, who has a part-time job, argued that work does not end at the same time every day, and after leaving the office, she often has to face severe traffic jams, causing her to be late. “I can’t count how many times I’ve had to listen to lectures from the floor in-charge and at the gate. Now, where exactly is my fault in this?”

“To those who keep shouting ‘What are girls doing outside after 10pm?’ — I want to tell them: we don’t enjoy working either. You take care of our financial responsibilities, and we won’t go outside except for class time,” Nela added.

Tanjila Tasnim, a resident at Ruqayyah Hall, argued: “Those who want to enter the hall by 10pm can do so — no one stops them, but for those who have jobs or tutor students a bit far away, the struggle they face — no one even considers that.”

Israt Jahan Imu, resident of Shamsun Nahar Hall, told that she once arrived in Dhaka at 5am but could not enter her dormitory. “I had to wait for an hour at TSC, alone that day,” she said.

She added that contacting house tutors or provosts late at night often causes irritation, which can create negative impressions affecting students later.

Most female students argued that they want the main dormitory gate to be closed at 10pm, but the late gate should remain open so that students can enter or exit in case of emergencies. According to female students, hall closing and opening times are a separate matter. Female students should be able to enter their dorms at night without any obstacles.

“The time limit should be extended. If not extended, at least it should be relaxed. Even if they close at 10pm, the late gate policy should be more flexible,” suggested Anika Tahsin Hafsa.

“The late gate should be open until 12am without any harassment, and when there are special needs (returning from home, medical emergencies), alternative arrangements should be kept in place,” suggested Tanjima Pathan, a student from Ruqayyah Hall.

“There are emergencies, urgent work, programs — so many different situations. Whoever has the opportunity to enter should be able to enter when they can. Any barrier to entering the hall is unacceptable,” stated Fateha Tasnim Anne, a resident from Ruqayyah Hall.

“Those who want to enter the hall by 10pm, if the hall gate timing is extended, no one will force them to stay outside. But we’re being forced to enter the hall at that fixed time,” Tanjila Tasnim suggested.

“Those who want to come back early can do so. But just because they come back early doesn’t mean it’s fair to demand that everyone must return by 10pm. Those who have work commitments should be able to enter the hall smoothly by showing their ID cards, even if they’re late — this should be ensured,” suggested Samia Islam Preetymony, a resident from Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall.

Ducsu leaders, Central Social Welfare Secretary Jubair Bin Nesari and Central Executive Member Hema Chakma, had a meeting with the Proctor around 12pm on Sunday regarding the Mal Chattar issue.

This year, on July 14 — in recognition of women’s role in the July uprising — “Dhaka University Women Student Day” was observed. Vice-Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan had announced that this day would later be added to the university calendar. On this day, female students were allowed to roam outside dormitories after 10pm, but a group of female students staged a protest criticizing this one-night outing.