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India.com
15-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Bangladesh On Edge As Yunus Unleashes Unfettered Assault On Intellectuals, Critics Of Radical Islam- Analysis
That Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's Interim Government, continues to be suspicious of the civil society in the country has been proven once again with the arrest of reputed fellow economist, 71-years-old Professor Abul Barkat. A former Chairman of Janata Bank, Barkat was arrested by the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in connection with a corruption case on July 10. His bail plea was rejected as Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said that Barkat, arrested in connection with a 297 crore Taka embezzlement case involving Annontex Group, might go into hiding or influence witnesses and disrupt the investigation, if granted bail. Barkat has been one of the few sincere advocates for minority rights in Bangladesh's history. Unlike many who only spoke about minority issues, he provided detailed research exposing the injustices faced by the minorities. Analysts reckon that this may be the reason behind the actions taken against him. In his publication titled 'Political Economy of KHAS Land in Bangladesh' published in January 2001, Barkat's research revealed how the Enemy Property Act was and is still used to seize properties of the minority Hindu population in the country. In his study 'The Political Economy of Agricultural, Land, and Water Reforms in Bangladesh', he further detailed that over 11.3 million Hindus were forced to leave the country from 1964 to 2013. He highlighted that on an average, as many as 2,30,612 Hindus left Bangladesh each year (632 daily) and, if the trend continues, the Hindu community in Bangladesh may disappear within the next two decades. Barkat has also been an unflinching critic of radical Islam and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). He was arrested on the basis of a fabricated case filed with the ACC, now a blueprint of Pakistan's ISI. Notably, the research by Barkat found varying daily disappearance rates of Hindus during different periods: 1964–1971 (705 per day), 1971–1981 (521 per day), 1981–1991 (438 per day), 1991–2001 (767 per day) and 2001–2012 (674 per day). Barkat had alerted that there would be no Hindus in Bangladesh in the coming 30 years if the current level of exodus continued. The Bengali book by Abul Barkat on Political Economy of KHAS Lands in Bangladesh - 'Bangladeshe Khasjami-Jala: Daridra-Boishommyo Bemochener Rajnoitik Orthoniti' (The Khas Land in Bangladesh: Political Economy of Inequality and Poverty Alleviation) - published in March this year is a comprehensive research work on the subject. Besides Barkat, it has been authored by eminent economists like Sheikh Ali Ahmed, Faisal M Ahmed, and Muhammad Sazzadul Karim. The book attributes that today, around 4.5 million people in Bangladesh remain landless, often entrapped in poverty and social marginalisation. Though the government has introduced land distribution initiatives, complex legal frameworks and systemic corruption is causing much damage and delay. Now, identification and management of 'Khas Land' (Government Land) and water-bodies, distribution of the same to the landless and poor people, retention of such land and water-bodies by the landless, and pertinent rules and practices within the prevailing socio-politico context of Bangladesh constitute prime issues of agrarian reform. Sadly, 2.6 million acres of the original ownership of the Hindu community has been occupied by the rich segments of the Bangladeshi society who are an integral part of the power structure. Yunus is using the ACC to mount arrest on intellectuals, supporters of the Awami League, religious minorities and on common Bangladeshis. The desperate attempts seem similar to those made in the West Pakistan just before the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. Yunus is deliberately doing this to keep himself at the frontline. He has a total control of the media and continues to engage in political repression by suppressing dissent. Yunus has now also figured out well how to control the masses. It is pertinent to point out that Barkat has repeatedly received death threats from extremist outfits since 2004 because of his research and writings on the economics of fundamentalism in Bangladesh. Deeply hurt and outraged, every conscientious citizen of Bangladesh fears that his arrest without a warrant is an attempt to enable those crimes to be carried out under state custody. Statistics reveal that 136 people have been murdered in Dhaka alone from January to April, this year. Nationwide, the number exceeds 1200. In contrast, during the same period, the murder count in Dhaka was 55 (2021), 54 (2022), 51 (2023) and 47 (2024). On July 10, the world witnessed the brutal murder of Lal Chand, a local businessman, with the perpetrators not only crushing his body and head with stones but also dancing on his corpse. Bangladeshis are fighting for survival in Yunus's totalitarian regime - this was certainly not the 'change' the student-led movement wanted for common people of the country with no past to mourn and no pride to defend. Barkat has been arrested by the Bangladesh authorities for speaking up for the minorities and exposing land grabs and attacks on Hindus by extremists. In today's Bangladesh, the illegitimate, unelected, non-transparent interim administration of Yunus - backed by the Pakistani and Chinese intelligence through the JeI - has made defending human rights a punishable offence.
News18
24-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Bangladesh's Yunus ‘Interfering' In UK Politics: Sheikh Hasina's Niece Alleges Persecution
Last Updated: Sheikh Hasina's niece Tulip Siddiq, who is a Labour MP in the UK, alleged that Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus was "interfering" in the British politics. Tulip Siddiq, a Labour MP in the United Kingdom and niece of Sheikh Hasina, has described the allegations made by Bangladesh interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, as a 'political vendetta" and an effort to harm her reputation. She also accused Yunus of attempting to interfere in UK politics. The Anti-Corruption Commission of Bangladesh had launched an investigation into the allegations against her, which are linked to corruption cases involving deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Earlier in March this year, Yunus said that Siddiq has 'much wealth left behind in Bangladesh" and called for making her responsible for the same. He had also declined to meet her during his visit to the UK earlier this month. Back in January, Siddiq resigned from her position as Treasury Minister after corruption allegations surfaced involving her family members, including Sheikh Hasina. Siddiq said that Yunus' remarks during a TV interview had hurt her chances of getting a fair investigation. Because of this, she argued that the ongoing corruption investigations against her should be dropped, Sky News reported. Siddiq's legal team sent a letter to Muhammad Yunus and ACC on Monday, calling for putting the probe to an end. The letter termed the allegations against her baseless and an effort to harm her reputation. 'I will not be allowing them to drag me into their world of dirty politics, and nothing is going to stop me from pursuing the job that I was elected to do with an overwhelming majority, which is representing the people of Hampstead and Highgate. So they need to stop this political vendetta, this smear campaign, and this malicious persecution right from the beginning," she told Sky News on Monday. The Bangladeshi investigation agency has accused Siddiq of illegally acquiring land during the time her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, was in power. Officials from the interim government in Dhaka estimate that about $234 billion (around 27.38 lakh crore Taka) was taken out of the country through corruption during Hasina's rule. They also claim that a large part of this money has been hidden or spent in the UK. Yunus's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, dismissed the allegations of interfering in the UK politics and said that all cases against Siddiq would be dealt with in the courts in Bangladesh. First Published: June 24, 2025, 21:23 IST
India Today
24-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Yunus interfering in UK politics: Hasina's niece Tulip alleges smear campaign
UK Labour MP and the niece of deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tulip Siddiq, has accused the interim head of the interim government in Dhaka, Muhammad Yunus, of carrying out a coordinated effort to interfere in UK politics and harming her Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched a probe into the allegations against Siddiq linked to Sheikh Hasina's corruption had to leave Bangladesh in August 2024 after protests against her government intensified. Siddiq's claims come weeks after Yunus, while on his UK trip, declined to meet her, which she said was to "clear the misunderstandings". Months ago in January, Siddiq stepped down from her role as Treasury minister following corruption allegations involving her family members, including Labour MP said that statements made by Yunus in a TV interview had affected her chances of getting a fair investigation, meaning the ongoing corruption enquiries into her should be dropped, Sky News in March said that Siddiq "has so much wealth left behind in Bangladesh" and "should be made responsible".SIDDIQ TERMS ALL THE ALLEGATION AGAINST HER AS 'BASELESS, UNLAWFUL'In a letter sent on Monday, June 23, to Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh's ACC, Siddiq's legal team stated that it is time for the chief adviser and the probe agency to end the investigation, calling it a baseless and unlawful effort to damage her reputation and disrupt her public termed all the allegations against her as a "political vendetta.""I will not be allowing them to drag me into their world of dirty politics and nothing is going to stop me from pursuing the job that I was elected to do with an overwhelming majority, which is representing the people of Hampstead and Highgate," she told Sky News on Monday."So they need to stop this political vendetta, this smear campaign, and this malicious persecution right from the beginning," she this month, Siddiq sought a meeting with the Bangladeshi leader during his official UK visit to clarify what she described as a "misunderstanding" related to corruption allegations. However, the chief adviser declined, stating he did not want to "disrupt an ongoing legal process".The Bangladeshi probe agency accused Siddiq of illegally receiving land during the rule of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina. Officials of the interim regime in Dhaka estimate that roughly $234 billion (approximately 27.38 lakh crore Taka) was illegally taken out of the country through corruption during Hasina's time in office. They claim that a significant portion of these funds has been hidden or used in the AGAINST SIDDIQ MAY PROCEED IN ABSENTIA: DHAKAYunus's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, denied Siddiq's charges of interference in British politics. He added that all cases pending against her would be resolved in the Bangladesh response to Siddiq's letter, Shafiqul Alam stated that the chief adviser and Bangladesh's ACC have no justification or authority to involve themselves in UK political matters."The Anti-Corruption Commission relies not on hearsay but on documentary evidence and witness testimony," Sky News quoted Alam as saying. "We hope both the British legal system and the British press appreciate that any pending criminal charge will be resolved in the courts under the provisions of the laws of the land.""Since the courts have summoned Miss Siddiq and warrants have also been issued, it is her responsibility to defend her position in court," Alam added."If she needs any legal support and is unable to obtain it herself, Bangladesh will provide it. If Miss Siddiq wilfully ignores the court summons, proceedings against her may proceed in absentia," Alam concluded.- Ends
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cancelled: Bangladesh seeks new 'father' in Pakistan
Bangladesh's retreat from its founding ethos began when in August last year, after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the statue of her father and national founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was toppled by an unruly crowd. Now the erasure of his image from the country's currency a few days ago signals efforts to undo Bangladesh by sliding towards East Pakistan, as the country was known before it broke away from Pakistan. There are reports that the caretaker government under Muhammad Yunus has also revoked Mujib's status as a freedom-fighter, though the government has denied that. These developments not only carry profound domestic implications but also pose serious strategic and national security challenges for India. Disowning the 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, revered as the Father of the Nation, symbolized Bangladesh's historic break from Pakistan and its embrace of a secular, Bengali nationalism. His leadership in the 1971 liberation war, in collaboration with Indian forces, laid the moral and political bedrock of the republic. His most prominent statue that once stood in Dhaka's Mrityunjayee Prangan was not merely a monument; it was a manifestation of the state's ideological origin story. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bayan Lepas: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo The toppling of the statue and destruction following Hasina's fall by Islamist crowds was an unmistakable political and symbolic repudiation of Mujib's legacy. That repudiation was institutionalized a few days ago, when the Bangladesh Bank issued new Taka 1,000, 50, and 20 notes, pointedly omitting Mujib's image and replacing it with symbols associated with the protest movement. Even more controversially, reports emerged that the interim government had quietly revoked Mujib's status as a freedom-fighter -- a move officially denied, but widely believed to be accurate. These acts are not isolated decisions. They represent a conscious attempt by the emergent political class to move Bangladesh's ideological compass from secularism and regional solidarity with India toward Islamist radicalism and a flirtation with the ideological memory of Pakistan. Live Events A new East Pakistan? Historical revisionism is now visibly underway. The new regime has embarked on a process of educational reform, repositioning Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the opposition BNP and a figure with more ambiguous ties to Pakistan, as the true architect of independence. National holidays commemorating Mujib's birth and death have been removed, and his portrait has been taken down from key state institutions. This erasure of historical memory is accompanied by a resurgence of Islamist narratives. Extremist elements, long marginal in Bangladeshi mainstream politics, have found new political space in the post-Hasina vacuum. Minority Hindu community, historically protected under Awami League governments, has faced large-scale violence and intimidation even as the interim government under Yunus has largely remained silent or tried to negate anti-Hindu violence. What is emerging is a Bangladesh that increasingly resembles the ideological contours of the very state it fought to separate from in 1971, a state defined less by cultural identity and more by Islamist jihadi politics. What Bangladesh's slide into past means for India These internal realignments in Bangladesh have immediate and long-term implications for India, arguably its most consequential regional partner. India's relationship with Bangladesh has historically been defined by shared narratives of liberation, linguistic nationalism and secular values. A Bangladesh that questions its break from Pakistan also implicitly questions the legitimacy of India's role in its birth, thereby altering the moral basis of bilateral cooperation. During Hasina's rule, India did not have to face Islamist radicalism in the east. The resurgence of extremist networks in Bangladesh, particularly those with pan-Islamist sympathies, risks turning the country into a breeding ground for cross-border militancy. Bangladesh's transition has seen the quiet rehabilitation of Islamist clerics and organizations once deemed threats to regional security. If these groups gain deeper political footholds, India's vulnerable northeastern states may face renewed infiltration, radicalization and communal unrest, which India had experienced during the rule of Khaleda Zia who had friendly ties with Pakistan. India and Bangladesh share one of the world's longest porous borders. Political instability, combined with the growing persecution of minorities, could precipitate a renewed wave of migration into Indian territory, particularly into Assam, Tripura, and West Bengal. Such an influx would not only strain local resources but also reignite longstanding ethnic and communal tensions within India. With the retreat of pro-India leadership in Bangladesh as it has recently banned ousted PM Hasina's party Awami League, there are growing indications that Bangladesh may deepen its engagements with Pakistan and China. This includes signs of increased economic and military consultations. A trilateral alignment among these states, however informal, would create a new axis of friction in South Asia, complicating India's efforts to maintain regional equilibrium. Reportedly, Bangladesh has invited China to develop an old airport near Chicken's Neck area, India's sensitive border zone. India must now approach Bangladesh not as a post-liberation ally, but as a fluid and potentially adversarial neighbor. India needs a recalibrated strategy grounded in realism rather than sentiment. This includes enhanced border surveillance, renewed investment in counter-radicalization initiatives in eastern India, and robust diplomatic engagement with minority groups and civil society actors within Bangladesh, in addition increased military vigilance. At stake is not merely the future of bilateral relations, but the strategic architecture of South Asia. Another Pakistan on India's eastern border will plunge the subcontinent into permanent unrest.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk brings Starlink to Bangladesh before India & Pakistan - Here's how much it costs
Elon Musk's Starlink now in Bangladesh: Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has officially launched in Bangladesh. This advanced service promises high-speed internet even in remote areas. The announcement was made by Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government on his Facebook page. With this launch, Bangladesh becomes the second neighbouring country of India, after Bhutan, to access Starlink's technology. Elon Musk's Starlink brings high-speed satellite internet to Bangladesh Elon Musk's Starlink is now live in Bangladesh, offering high-speed internet to areas where traditional broadband or mobile internet services are unreliable or unavailable. This is a major step for the country's digital connectivity, especially for people living in rural and remote regions. Unlike regular internet services that rely on ground-based infrastructure, Starlink delivers internet directly from satellites in space. This means users in Bangladesh can enjoy smooth video streaming, online gaming, remote work, and video calls—even in the most isolated places. Bangladesh gets Starlink before India and Pakistan Interestingly, Bangladesh is now ahead of India and Pakistan when it comes to Starlink availability. In India, although Elon Musk's company has received approvals, the service is yet to be launched. In Pakistan, Starlink has been given a temporary license, but operations haven't started due to pending documentation. The quick rollout in Bangladesh shows the country's focus on improving digital infrastructure and bridging the internet gap in underserved regions. Starlink internet price in Bangladesh: How much does it cost? According to a report by Economic Times, Starlink's price in Bangladesh will be around 4,200 Taka per month—about $35. In Indian rupees, that's nearly Rs 2,990 per month for the service. Besides the monthly cost, users will also have to pay a one-time equipment fee of 47,000 Taka (approximately Rs 33,000). This covers the cost of the Starlink dish and router, which are essential to receive satellite signals from space. It's still unclear if these rates are for individual consumers, businesses, or both. Either way, the investment is considerable for the average Bangladeshi user. Why Starlink is a game-changer for remote areas in Bangladesh The biggest strength of Starlink is its ability to provide internet access in hard-to-reach areas where other services don't work. Since the signals come directly from satellites orbiting in low-Earth orbit, Starlink can offer reliable internet even during natural disasters or when local networks are down. This means people in the hills, remote villages, or disaster-prone zones in Bangladesh can now stay connected to the digital world, thanks to Elon Musk's vision of global internet coverage. A digital leap for Bangladesh with Starlink Elon Musk's Starlink is more than just a new internet service—it's a step towards digital equality. With its official launch in Bangladesh, the country is taking a bold leap in improving internet connectivity, especially for those living far from urban centres. While the cost may be on the higher side, the benefits of uninterrupted, high-speed internet could make it worth the price for many. As the world becomes more connected, Bangladesh is now proudly part of the satellite internet revolution led by Elon Musk. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
