Sunday, 29 Jun, 2025

Special

US attack on Iran backfires, boosts China-Russia bloc

The recent US-led military strikes on Iran have drawn widespread international condemnation, significantly damaging Washington’s credibility on the world stage. This move, according to analysts, could embolden powers like China and Russia, while further isolating the United States

Rohingya crisis now Asia’s ‘Palestinian issue’

Dr Ambia Parveen was born in Myanmar's Rakhine State. Since 2012, she has been advocating for the rights of the Rohingya and their dignified repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar, across Europe and on international platforms. A co-founder of Rohingya Medics, Dr Parveen is a

Indian companies incur losses, Pakistan faces security risks 

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict could have significant repercussions across the Indian subcontinent, potentially disrupting trade and labour markets for Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan with Iran, according to regional analysts. Should the conflict persist, it is expected to impact

Bangladesh at risk as Iran-Israel conflict escalates

Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated after Israel’s surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities on June 13, killing several top generals and scientists. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli territory, followed by US airstrikes on three

Malnutrition among adolescent girls deepens in coastal Bangladesh

Adolescent girls aged between 12 and 16 living in aquaculture zones along the southwestern coast of Bangladesh are suffering from malnutrition, according to a scientific study published in February 2023. The report, titled "Adolescent Girls in Aquaculture Ecozones at Risk of

Climate change poses threat to Bangladesh's agriculture, food security 

► The number of poor people has increased by 1.70 percent in two years. ► By 2030, the production of Aman and Aus rice may decrease by 3,76,000 tons. ► 44% of children in farming families in coastal districts are suffering from malnutrition. “Beside the path is my paddy

Bangladesh’s political tide turns in a mere week

In just one week, Bangladesh's political landscape has been rocked by dramatic events. On the eve of Eid (June 6), the interim government unexpectedly announced the election schedule. This triggered intense debates, anger, and factional pressures within the political arena. 

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,

We are ready and fully prepared to respond to any kind of threat

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, said that a proper political channel has been opened with Bangladesh after 16 years—a move he described as a turning point that could help resolve longstanding bilateral and historical issues. The remark comes

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