Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent a message to Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 23 August 2023 congratulating him and the people of India on the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan 3. She conveyed her felicitations to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and its scientists for making India the fourth nation globally to land a spacecraft on the moon's surface. In her message, Prime Minister Hasina also conveyed that Bangladesh rejoices with India on this momentous occasion and on this historic achievement, which is a matter of immense pride and inspiration to all the South Asian countries in advancing the science and space technology sector.

A day after approving the $3 billion bailout package, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) board has conveyed its concerns about Pakistan’s past poor record and advised it to complete the new programme to reduce the trust deficit. On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also had a telephonic conversation with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and assured her that Islamabad was serious this time to bridge the trust deficit. Highly-placed sources told The Express Tribune that on behalf of the board, the IMF Executive Director Bahador Bijani, communicated the message to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar through a virtual contact. The contact was made on Thursday – a day after the IMF board approved the $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) programme. Bijani is one of the 24 executive directors on the IMF board and represents the constituencies of Algeria, Ghana, Iran, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan and Tunisia. The sources said that the board had asked Bijani to convey the tough message to Pakistan. During the board meeting, the directors had expressed their serious concerns about Pakistan’s poor track record in implementing reforms and fulfilling commitments made to the IMF board and the management during the previous programme period, the sources said. The $6.5 billion Extended Fund Facility could not be completed and the programme expired on June 30th with $2.6 billion remaining undisbursed. The sources said that Bijani communicated the board’s sentiments to Dar so that there was no complacency in Islamabad after the approval of the new programme for the period of nine months. The finance ministry did not officially commented. No statement was issued after Dar-Bijani meeting. A handout issued by the Prime Minister’s Office stated that Georgieva said that “the IMF board was sceptical about Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling the conditions of agreement due to the past trust deficit”. However, “in the light of her continued engagement with the prime minister, she assured the board that Pakistan will deliver on its commitments as she had personally met the prime minister and seen his seriousness to deliver”. It added. She acknowledged the leadership shown by the prime minister. The IMF board had last discussed Pakistan’s case in August 2022 and was scheduled to meet again in November 2022 to approve the ninth review. But Pakistan’s case was never discussed until last month when the board informally met to decide whether it should still give another chance to Pakistan despite its poor track record. During the informal meeting on June 28th, the board decided to remain engaged with Pakistan. Subsequently, the IMF announced a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on June 30th, which the board approved on Wednesday. The sources said that Pakistan was conveyed by the IMF board that this was the last chance for Pakistan to improve its poor standing. The board urged Pakistan to implement the new programme and that it would no longer give any concession. They added that Pakistan had been advised to complete the ongoing programme so that the trust deficit between both sides was minimised. The IMF’s Director of Strategic Communications Julie Kozack also said on Thursday that “steadfast implementation” of the nine-month Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) was critical to Pakistan’s future”. “Steadfast implementation is critical to address its large financing needs and support the most vulnerable”, she said in a statement on Thursday. The communications director emphasised that resolving Pakistan’s structural challenges would likely require continued reforms over the medium-term to underpin the needed economic transformations to strengthen inclusive growth prospects and to create an environment conducive to renewed private capital inflows. The board members were also critical of Pakistan’s lack of consistency in reforms and its failure to honour its commitments. It is the 23rd programme that Pakistan signed with the IMF. So far, only one programme (2013-16) could be fully implemented that’s too on the back of a host of waivers against key conditions. The Pakistani authorities have, so far, shown the resolve to implement the current programme, although it might prove challenging due to involvement of three different governments from now till the expiry of the programme in March next year. “The prime minister reassured that he will not tolerate an iota of violation of this agreement”, according to the press statement. “This government is here till August after which an interim government will take over and he is confident that they will continue to fulfil the obligations”, said prime minister, while addressing the IMF’s concerns about possibility of any slippages. The prime minister stated that after elections, if the people of Pakistan re-elected his government, he was committed to turn over the economy with the help of the IMF and the development partners. The finance ministry officials said that the new programme was implementable, as no harsh prior conditions were attached with the next two reviews. They added that it was also in the interest of Pakistan that the trust deficit with the IMF board is minimised. “For us, it is a matter of satisfaction that despite the concerns expressed by the board, no board member voted against the $3 billion programme,” a senior finance ministry official said. However, India had bitterly criticised Pakistan’s poor track record and its inability to honour the commitment and at the end it abstained from the voting. The sources said that the IMF would now closely watch the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the energy ministry and the finance ministry’s ability to deliver on the budget targets. The IMF would also ensure that Pakistan did not interfere in the exchange market and the interest rates were in line with the future inflation outlook. The prime minister appreciated Georgieva for her positive approach and her frank comments during the prime minister’s interaction with her in Paris. Referring to Pakistan’s best quality mangos, the prime minister said it would be an honour to send a gift of Pakistani mangos to the managing director as a token of respect and deep appreciation. Source: tribune.com.pk

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given a message on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the ‘Nakba’ (the ‘Catastrophe’) on 15 May 1948, marking the destruction of Palestinian society and homeland and the permanent displacement of a majority of the Palestinian people. In the message, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, she expressed deepest sympathy and unwavering solidarity to the Palestinians who were displaced and dispossessed en masse from their own land on this day in 1948 and afterwards, which continues till today. She observed that Nakba was not only an act of violent expulsion of the Palestinians from their own land, but also it marked the beginning of what is known today as Israeli apartheid. The Prime Minister thanked the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for observing this day for the first time at the Headquarters of the United Nations, noting that the observance is a timely reminder of the historical injustice caused to the Palestinians, and the duty of the UN and its members to end the sufferings that this shameful catastrophe inflicted upon them through generations. She added that the Palestinians deserve justice and remedy, which can only be done by holding the perpetrators of this tragic event accountable and by securing a just solution for the Palestine refugees and the Palestinian people living under continued occupation, including their inalienable rights to self-determination. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh’s call for the peaceful settlement of the crisis in all its aspects and on the basis of international law and UN resolutions, and for the achievement of an end to the Israeli occupation and establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders. She urged the international community to step up efforts to reverse the consequences of ‘Nakba’ and restore the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people to live in safety, stability, and dignity in a sovereign homeland.

Bangladesh will play a bilateral series with Ireland next month. The series is part of the ICC Super League starting from May 9 at Chelmsford, England.  The series also has a special value as a preparation for the World Cup.  Before going to England, Bangladesh cricket team had a three-day preparation camp in Sylhet. Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has faced the media on the last day. Hathurusingha talked about some few things: How Bangladesh wants to play cricket, why camp in Sylhet, how many opportunities are there for those who are out of the team to come back.  Along with that, Tigers' coach gave a message to the cricketers to play aggressive and positive cricket. Chandika also gave his thought about the upcoming Fifty over World Cup, "We want to play positive and aggressive cricket. Aggressive cricket doesn't mean hitting every ball, hitting the ball over the boundary.  Starting from the selection of the team, the attitude of the players in the cricket field, considering the situation, everything should be positive and aggressive. Sylhet weather and wickets are very similar to England. Bangladesh played great in the series against Ireland in Sylhet. Our pacers also  played well.  This is one of the biggest reason to camp in Sylhet. The cricketers are able to prepare themselves once more. Which will help them adapt to the conditions against England. The opening slot of Bangladesh suffered a lot. Tamim Iqbal was seen struggling in the net in Sylhet. The coach advised, Tamim continued to try. What the coach wants from the openers is very clear.  In this regard, Hathurusingha said, "If you are an opener, you must survive at least the first 10 overs. You have to take advantage during the fielding limitations. Maximum utilization should be ensured. You need to practice for this. It is important to know in advance how to start in the field." After becoming the coach of Bangladesh in the second term, Chandika Hathurusingha is shaping the team quite strictly.  The main purpose of this is very clear, something big has to be done. 

On Wednesday, January 4, Sayed Faisal Arif, a 20-year-old Bangladeshi-origin youth, shot and killed by a police officer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. For this incident, the United States Embassy has expressed a sorrow feeling message to the family of Sayed Faisal. The United States Embassy extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Sayed Faisal Arif. The US Embassy in Dhaka has supported calls for a proper investigation into the death of Sayed Arif Faisal. "We support calls for a thorough and transparent investigation by the District Attorney's Office," US Embassy Spokesperson Jeff Ridenour said in a statement. The incident sparked an uproar in the Bangladeshi expatriate community, leading to protests outside Cambridge City Hall. Faisal’s family also called for justice over his death. In Dhaka, a group of protesters formed a human chain in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday to demand justice for Faisal amid an American security official's visit to the country. Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, the US National Security Council's senior director for South Asia, was scheduled to meet officials at the ministry in the afternoon. “The US speaks about human rights violations in other countries. We call upon them to take notice of what is happening in their own country," said Ajoy Dasgupta, an Ekushey Padak-winning journalist who took part in the demonstration. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen arrived in the area after the protest ended. He underlined the government's belief that the US would deliver justice after investigating the matter in line with the rule of law.

After overcoming all obstacles, Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup. He added the title "Legend" next to his name. His wife Antonela Roccuzzo encouraged Messi by his side during this long journey. So, after winning the World Cup, the star, one of the best of all time, called his wife and children first.  Messi met Antonela when he was only 5 years old. The long-term relationship came to the fore in 2008. Then Messi married her in 2017. Antonela was always a close shadow next to this World Cup winning footballer in happiness and sadness. That is why the most precious achievement of her husband has made Antonela emotional. After Argentina won the World Cup, Antonela wrote on social media, World Champion. I don't know how to start writing. Messi we are proud of you. Never give up...  In the end you have to fight. Finally you become the world champion. I know what you have suffered all these years. I know how much you have been waiting to get it. Go ahead Argentina... Early on, there was a lot of speculation about the relationship between Messi and Antonela. Neither of them admitted the relationship. A year later Messi himself told about his girlfriend in an interview. Their first child was born in 2012. Antonela gave birth to her second child three years after the birth of her first child, Thiago. Messi and Antonela's second child Mateo was born in 2015.

I am glad to observe the International Mother Language Day from Bangladesh, where this celebration has its origin. Since the language movement eventually led to the independence of Bangladesh, it is very special to share the celebration this year, the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh. On behalf of people of Japan I would like to pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives almost 60 years ago, to preserve their own language, Bengali. On this day we should be made aware of the fundamental importance of preserving tradition and languages which will help us promote multilingualism. It is important not only to appreciate our own mother languages, but also to respect other languages and peoples who have their own identities. In that sense, I believe observing this special day has significant meaning for mutual understanding and promoting peace in both global and local context. This year will mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, and the following year 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. As we reflect on these milestones, it is my earnest hope that cultural and human-to-human interactions between our two countries will continue to grow, and that we will continue to work together to further develop our partnership and friendship in the years to come. AH

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, BNP Chairperson has sent message saying that she is interested to take better treatment. We have sent letter to the jail authority to meet her but yet to get any response. His allegation came at a press conference held at party central office at Nayapaltan in the capital on Monday. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) has failed to provide proper treatment for Begum Khaleda Zia though High Court directed about the matter. He said, she is being pushed towards death due to political vengeance. The government has to bear the responsibility for her condition. The BNP Secretary General said, Begum Khaleda Zia is severely sick. Yesterday her relatives met her. They cried after coming outside. They said that she is severely sick. She cannot eat. She is suffering from vomiting. Two people are helping her while going to toilet. AH    

Awami League candidate of Bagerhat-2 seat Sheikh Sarhan Naser Tonmoy has inspired the country’s young generation through uploading a video message on his Facebook page ‘Sheikh Tonmoy’ ahead of the December 30 general election. The video, which was uploaded on Saturday night, has witnessed 1.55 lakh viewers, 773 comments and 396 shares in just last 13 hours. In the video message, Sheikh Tonmoy said, “Assalamu Alaikum, there are about five crore youngsters in our country and I am also one of them. I hope that nobody will be able to use our young generation as a tool. This generation does not want bloodshed, war and violence. They want to build a country with transparency, decency and honesty.” Earlier on December 22, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir uploaded a video message to the countrymen through BNP's verifiable Facebook page. The video message became an issue of talk on the social networking sites. MHK

Dhaka University (DU) Proctor Professor AKM Golam Rabbani reportedly received a death threat through audio message. It was known that the threat was given at around 12 pm on Tuesday. After the incident the Proctor filed a General Diary (GD) with Shahbag police station seeking his personal security. According to the GD copy, an audio message was sent on the mobile phone of Assistant Proctor Liton Kumar Saha at 12:11 pm. Obscenities and death threat were given to the Proctor through the message. In this regard Officer in Charge of Shahbag police station Abul Hasan told Rtv online, DU Proctor filed a General Diary at around 6 pm with Shahbag police station seeking security as the threat was given. AH