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[🇵🇰] Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's conversation with journalists in Adiala Jail - Calls for Protests against Corrupt Elite

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's conversation with journalists in Adiala Jail – 11th November 2024: Our action plan was announced during the Jalsa (political rally) at Swabi. This time, our protest will continue, and our people will not go back to their homes until the constitution, democracy, and judicial independence is restored, and our innocent workers and leaders are freed.In the next few days, I will personally announce the date of the protest march, which we will be fully prepared for.I am ready to make every sacrifice for genuine freedom for Pakistan. PTI officials, members of parliament, organizers, ticket-holders, workers, and supporters should finalize preparations and begin efforts for on- ground mobilization.

[🇧🇩-Land] Bangladesh Army: Artillery & Armored


Army chief attends artillery commanders’ conference in Ctg
BSS
Published: 11 Nov 2024, 18: 35
BSS

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Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday attended the 43rd Annual Commanders’ Conference 2024 of the Regiment of Artillery at the Artillery Center and School (AC&S) at Halishahar in Chattogram as the chief guest.

He also laid the foundation stone of the 500-bed Chattogram Army Medical College Hospital at Khillapara, adjacent to the Bhatiari-Hathazari Link Road, said a release of Inter-Services Public Relations this afternoon.

On his arrival at the porgramme venue, the army chief was welcomed by the General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Army Training and Doctrine Command, GOC of 24 Infantry Division and Chattogram Area Commander and Commandant of the Artillery Center and School.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the chief of army staff mentioned the glorious history of the Artillery Regiment and its contribution to the country and its people.

He also called upon all the members of the Regiment of Artillery to remain ready to face the tough challenges of the 21st century by acquiring necessary modern and time-befitting knowledge through up-to-date training, the release said.

Besides, the army chief exchanged views with the officers of the Regiment of Artillery where he highlighted various issues, including technical development, research, professional skill enhancement and future plans of the regiment.

On the occasion, the army chief honored the senior-most unit captain from the newly formed 'Army Air Defense Corps' with the soldier title and cap badge.

He also handed over the flag of the newly formed 'Army Air Defense Corps' to the Director, of the Adhoc Army Air Defense Directorate.


Senior military officers of the army headquarters, commanders of all artillery brigades of Bangladesh Army, commanders of artillery units and media persons were present there.​

[🇧🇩] Bangladesh's Evolving Ties With Singapore

Bangladesh, Singapore launch FTA talks
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 11, 2024 23:34
Updated :
Nov 11, 2024 23:34

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Bangladesh and Singapore on Monday expressed satisfaction with the launching of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiation and hoped that FTA would facilitate more economic engagements between the two countries.

Derek Loh Eu-Tse, Non-resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh, called on Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed issues of mutual interest, reports UNB.

The foreign secretary briefed on the reform initiatives taken by the interim government and sought Singapore’s support in experience sharing and technical cooperation.

He stressed Singapore's role under the umbrella of ASEAN to ensure repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals to Myanmar.

He also briefed the Envoy on the adverse impacts of the prolonged stay of the large Rohingya population in the southern part of the country.

The foreign secretary also sought Singapore's support for Bangladesh’s bid to become ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.​

[🇧🇩] Russia---One of our oldest allies


Outgoing Russian envoy hopes for ties to keep getting stronger
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 12, 2024 00:04
Updated :
Nov 12, 2024 00:04

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Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has emphasised the need to enhance people-to-people ties and mutual understanding with Russia to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The foreign secretary hosted a farewell lunch in honour of the outgoing Ambassador of the Russian Federation Alexander Mantytskiy at State Guest House Padma on Sunday, reports UNB.

In his speech, the foreign secretary acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing ambassador in strengthening Bangladesh-Russia relations and highlighted the important role he played in facilitating several milestone events and achievements in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Mantytskiy thanked the Government of Bangladesh for the support he received during his tenure and also discussed several areas, such as education, energy, food, and fertiliser where the two countries continue to cooperate.

He expressed his hope for stronger relations between Bangladesh and Russia in the future.

After serving for over three years as Russia’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ambassador Mantytskiy is expected to depart soon.​

[🇧🇩] India's offer to increase defense cooperation with Bangladesh-----What is India's real intention?

Another prepubescent pimply juvenile retort.

Guys lets act a bit more mature and not lob silly monikers back and forth (I've seen even names being called which is really a sad statement - such will not be tolerated).

Be an adult, you don't have to provide responses to every comment unless it is well thought out and ON TOPIC.

Restraint is key.

I had to delete many dozens of off-topic comments and responses to them as well.

If I see too many off-topic comments (of no value) coming from any single poster - they will be warned.

This is not someone's living room. Please post thoughtful on-topic comments only.

[🇧🇩] BIMSTEC for Regional Prosperity


BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru to promote energy security in region
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 10, 2024 23:35
Updated :
Nov 10, 2024 23:35

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The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has said BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) in Bengaluru will promote energy security through grid interconnections, renewable energy development and realization of energy efficiency.

The establishment of BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) in Bengaluru has been seen as a step towards promoting regional cooperation in energy sector within BIMSTEC framework, which is led by India.

The BEC will manage a regional energy database, conduct feasibility studies for intra-BIMSTEC projects and enhance cooperation by preparing a framework for networking among national agencies of BIMSTEC member States, said the regional organisation on Sunday, reports UNB.

Moreover, the Centre will foster capacity building, cross-border investments and infrastructure development for training in energy sector.

The host country agreement between the government of India and the BIMSTEC Secretariat for establishing BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) in Bengaluru was signed in New Delhi on November 8.

BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey signed it on behalf of the Secretariat while Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs Jaideep Mazumder signed on behalf of the government of India.

India also leads the Security and Disaster Management sectors.

A Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation was adopted by the BIMSTEC Energy Ministers’ Conference in 2005.

The MoU for establishing the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection has been force since April 2019.

The BIMSTEC policies for Transmission of Electricity and for Trade, Exchange of Electricity and Tariff Mechanism are being finalized. A BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Master Plan is also under discussion.

BIMSTEC Energy Cooperation has focused on promoting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, developing cross-border energy trade and undertaking grid interconnections, which aim to ensure energy security, transition to green energy and sustainable development in Bay of Bengal region.

BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It pursues regional cooperation in seven broad sectors: Agriculture and Food Security; Connectivity; Environment and Climate Change; People to People Contact; Science, Technology and Innovation; Security; and Trade, Investment and Development.

The cooperation also covers 8 sub-sectors: Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries and Livestock, Poverty Alleviation, Health and Human Resource Development.​

[🇧🇩] Libya----A potential Destination for Manpower Export & Economic Co-operation

Libya keen to hire more Bangladeshi workers
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 10, 2024 22:06
Updated :
Nov 10, 2024 22:06

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Libya has expressed willingness to hire more Bangladeshi workers, including physicians and engineers, to develop the country and has invited Bangladeshi students to enroll in the country’s top universities.

Libyan Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulmutalib SM Saliman shared his country's interest when he called on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office in Tejgaon on Sunday, reports UNB.

Ambassador Saliman acknowledged the contribution of the Bangladeshi workforce in Libyan society, saying that they had a greater role to play in the country, especially in the field of agriculture.

He admitted that some Bangladeshi doctors currently working in Libya are facing salary issues but hoped to resolve the matter soon once the ongoing reforms in the African country are resolved.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus insisted that Bangladesh and Libya can work together to stop illegal migration and human trafficking.

“We don’t support human trafficking. A lot of people are suffering from this. We should work together to stop this,” said the Chief Adviser.

He also urged the ambassador to work on bolstering bilateral relations between two countries for increasing trade and investment, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

The Chief Adviser also enquired if Bangladesh could import oil from Libya for mutual benefit.

Ambassador Saliman emphasised the resumption of air connectivity between the two countries, seeking cooperation from Bangladeshi authorities to this end.​

[🇧🇩] LDC Graduation For Bangladesh

Bangladesh prioritises smooth LDC graduation, says Salehuddin
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Nov 10, 2024 22:28
Updated :
Nov 10, 2024 22:28

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Adviser to the interim government on the Ministries of Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said Bangladesh is prioritising to ensure smooth and sustainable graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

“Bangladesh will prioritise smooth graduation from LDC. It will not happen suddenly.

It will happen at a reasonable time. The graduation will be in the interest of Bangladesh, in the interest of the people,” he said.

Salehuddin came up with the comments while speaking at the negotiation launching ceremony of the Bangladesh-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the Ministry of Commerce in Dhaka on Sunday, reports BSS.

“The decision will be taken considering the situation that can be overcome easily,” he said about the country’s graduation from the LDC.

Salehuddin said the government will take initiatives to sign FTA with as many countries as possible.

He mentioned that Singapore is a potential country for Bangladesh's trade expansion. “In addition to products, there is also the possibility of developing Bangladesh's relations with Singapore in the service and investment sectors,” he added.

He said the initiative to sign a FTA has been taken initially with an aim to increase the trade and investment between the two countries.

High Commissioner of Singapore in Dhaka Derek Loh said that Bangladesh, especially Chattogram, is very important for Singapore due to its geographical location.

Singaporean shipping company PSA is investing in Chattogram Terminal, which will become a major international port through Bay-Terminal Transformation, he added.

Based on this, the trade between the two countries will increase, he opined.

Chief adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfe Siddiqui, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md Selim Uddin, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, Singapore’s High Commissioner Derek Loh had a courtesy call on Salehuddin Ahmed in his secretariat office​

[🇧🇩] A Strategic Analysis of Bangladesh Myanmar Relationship


Bangladesh protests at Myanmar gunfire on fishermen
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 11 November, 2024, 00:37

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Dhaka on Sunday raised deep concern to Myanmar over instances of gunfire targeting Bangladeshi fishermen amid the neighbouring country’s internal conflict, stressing the urgency of preventing further such occurrences.

The concerned was flagged when Myanmar ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe met with foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry in Dhaka.

During the meeting, the foreign secretary expressed deep concerns regarding the escalating situation in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine State, according to a foreign ministry’s press release.

He expressed Dhaka’s security concerns along the border, noting stray mortar shells and shooting at Bangladeshi boats due to Myanmar’s internal conflicts.

These incidents had heightened tensions among Bangladeshi border communities, impacting their daily lives, said the foreign secretary.

He also highlighted that the Myanmar’s turmoil had intensified forced displacement, resulting in a recent influx of Rohingya people into Bangladesh, adding to the over 1.2 million already sheltered there.

Reflecting on his recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, the foreign secretary cited the deterioration of law and order, the rise in criminal activities and violent clashes within the camps, increased drug smuggling and trafficking, all of which have placed substantial pressure on local resources and administration.

He also pointed out the environmental and economic toll on host communities, underscoring the importance of an early repatriation process.

The foreign secretary conveyed that the Rohingya in the camps strongly desired to return to Myanmar.

The Myanmar envoy acknowledged the need for a feasible solution to the displacement crisis, affirming on the need for their repatriation.

The two sides also discussed the recent UNDP forecast of a potential famine in Rakhine, with the foreign secretary urging Myanmar to take immediate action to address the issue and prevent further displacement towards Bangladesh.​

[🇨🇳] South China Sea


China opposes new Philippine maritime law
Vows to protect South China Sea ‘sovereignty’

China rejected Philippine maritime claims yesterday, saying new legislation "severely infringes on" Beijing's territorial sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, and vowing to protect its own interests.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marco Jr signed two laws on Friday to define the country's maritime entitlements and set designated sea lanes and air routes to reinforce sovereignty.

"China firmly opposes this and will continue to take all necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the foreign ministry said.

Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.​

[🇵🇰] Trump 2.0: Will China and Imran Khan test Pakistan ties with the US?

ya, suave type banda hai, well spoken and all that.. he posh

but kya fayda hua ? in his mad jazba he went horns first for the all powerful fauj

hare brained strategy, that

he thought Pakistan had democracy

there was no other way it was going to end but where he is now

We here, across the line, have known it forever.. that it is the fauj that runs Pak
It’s not the fauj. Fauj is pushed up by the chaudhry wadera establishment to cop the blame. Fauji hate being in this position of playing the patsy.

We have a professional army but unfortunately the US/UK have pushed it out in the forefront on the pedestal to control our unruly masses.

Civilian gubment got no respect among our masses.

[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Army's role in ousting Sheikh Hasina from power


Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, all want to build a beautiful Bangladesh: Army chief
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 09 Nov 2024, 08: 24

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Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman addresses the Kothim Chibor Dan programme and the National Buddhist Grand Conference at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda in Dhaka on 8 November 2024.Ashraful Alam

Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Friday said people from all religions including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians want to build a beautiful Bangladesh

He said, “Together all religions, races and communities want to build a beautiful Bangladesh. We want to live in peace here and want the country and nation to prosper.”

Waker-Uz-Zaman was addressing the Kothim Chibor Dan programme and the National Buddhist Grand Conference as the chief guest at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda in Dhaka.

The army chief said, “When the azan was coming from the mosque, they (Buddhist leaders) said let us start after a while, let us wait for azan to end. This religious understating, harmony and compassion that they have shown is remarkable. ”

Saying that Buddhist devotees from various places of the country congregated here, Waker-Uz-Zaman added, “We want to see you regularly observing your religious ceremonies. You will live in peace. We will do whatever we need to do. Previously, we provided security during Durga Puja and it has been celebrated beautifully. We thanked everyone concerned for this. Whatever help and cooperation you need, we will provide.”

Mentioning peace and harmony is main mantra of Buddhism, the army chief said, “We have been here for thousands of years and this is our tradition. Hinduism is the oldest religion here, then Buddhism came 2,500 years ago, then Christianity came and lastly, Islam came in our country. We want a very peaceful coexistence of these four major religions. We will help each other, show solidarity, and assist other when someone faces trouble. We want to build a country of harmony in this way. We want to live in peace and happiness altogether.”

Diplomats stationed at various foreign missions in Dhaka also attended the event. Addressing them, Waker-Uz-Zaman said it is good to see that diplomats of various countries also joined the event, especially the ambassador of Thailand since they financed the construction of many Buddhist temples in this country. The ambassador of Vietnam and the high commissioner of Australia are also here and they also contributed to peace and harmony of Bangladesh, he added.

About three Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) districts, the army chief said, “Since there is some lacking of peace and harmony in the CHT districts, we want to fill up it. We want to create a beautiful atmosphere so that Bengali and hill people can live together in the hills.”

Informing the audience that he also was posted in the CHT districts once, Waker-Uz-Zaman said, “I have my compassion and love for you. If I am told about what necessary for the peace in CHT districts, I will do it. My effort will continue so that Bengali and hill people, everyone can live in peace in CHT districts.”

“You (hill people) have your languages and cultures. We want to respect that. We want to protect this culture, language and life diversity. These are our resources. We will do whatever we have to do to conserve those,” the army chief said.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the CHT districts are full of natural scenic views and that can tourist destinations. There are many way to attract tourists. Besides, if schools, collages, medical colleges and universities are established, out hill brothers and sisters could study here and they them spread over various places at home and aboard with their skills.

Presided over by Bangladesh Buddhist Federation chief adviser professor Sukomal Barua, Thailand ambassador in Dhaka Makawadee Sumitmor, Vietnam ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong and Australian acting high commissioner in Dhaka Nardia Simpson were present.​

[🇵🇰] Suicide bombing at Pakistan railway station kills at least 26

Our ISI asleep at the wheel and you can just feel the level of incompetence displayed by the establishment.

BLA/BLF/ Majeed Brigade/ TTP/ PTM and now even the Sindhu-Desh terrorists.

What a sad state of affairs. Total failure!

We should ask Iran for help in tackling these bandits in KP/ Balochistan. Iran kills both balochi and afghani without mercy. They can get the job done if we team up.

[🇧🇩] Legacy of November 7 in Bangladesh


People won’t wait indefinitely for election: Gayeshwar
FE Online Desk
Published :
Nov 08, 2024 20:51
Updated :
Nov 08, 2024 20:51


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BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday urged the interim government to complete electoral reforms first as people will not wait for the next national election for an indefinite period.

“The interim government has been tasked with the main issue of ensuring a credible election and restoring people’s voting rights,” Gayeshwar said at a pre-rally gathering at City’s Shibbari intersection marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day as the chief guest, reports BSS.

Chaired by Khulna city unit BNP Convener Adv. Shafiqul Alam Mona, BNP’s central information Affairs Secretary Azizul Bari Helal, Research Secretary Shamimur Rahman Shamim, among others, spoke on the occasion while Member Secretary of the Committee Shafiqul Alam Tuhin conducted the rally.

“We will co-operate the interim government until the next election is to be held in a logical time and agreed to complete all reforms fast…But without elected government none can bring changes to the country’s constitution,” Gayeshwar said.

He said the then Awami League government established a terrible regime of forced disappearances, murders and extra-judicial killing by brutally harassing the leaders and workers of BNP who fought for democracy in the last 16 years.

Gayeshwar also said that during the crisis on November 3 in 1975, the evil forces imprisoned Ziaur Rahman, who declared the country’s independence, in the cantonment with his family.

In this horrible situation on November 7, fearless soldiers and people took to the streets to protect the freedom of the nation and later Ziaur Rahman was freed, he added.


The senior BNP leader further said that the independence and sovereignty of the country became stronger under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the journey of multi-party democracy began.

Later, the chief guest inaugurated the rally through hoisting ballons and pigeon. The rally started from the Shibbari intersection and concluded at the party office after parading different streets.​

Europe/Russia Israel Scrambles Aircraft To Rescue Jews from Amsterdam


Dutch politician Wilders, decrying ‘Jew Hunt’ in Streets of Amsterdam, calls Netherlands the ‘Gaza of Europe’

AP
In this image taken from video, police stand guard as Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters light flares at the Dam square, at Amsterdam, the Netherlands, November. 7, 2024. AP
ANTHONY GRANT
ANTHONY GRANTNov. 8, 2024 05:13 AM ET

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