The independent Members of Parliament (MPs) are awaiting Prime Minister and parliamentary leader Sheikh Hasina's decision regarding their role in the parliament.  The Prime Minister has extended an invitation to the independent candidates to her official residence, Ganabhaban.     The independent MPs hope to receive guidance during the Ganabhaban meeting regarding their parliamentary roles and the allocation of reserved seats for women. They anticipate directives from the Prime Minister regarding their parliamentary functions and the distribution of reserved seats for women.     The Awami League has secured the government for the fourth consecutive term by winning in 223 constituencies. The newly elected MPs took their oaths on 10 January, and on the same day, they elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the parliamentary leader. The new cabinet was sworn in the following day.    There have been numerous discussions in the political arena regarding the formation of the opposition and the role of independent candidates in the parliament.   Many independent MPs have expressed their willingness to act according to the Prime Minister's suggestions.   However, at the policymaking level within the Awami League, there is discussion about some members acting as independent MPs without formally joining the party in parliament.  

It is indeed my great pleasure to be a part of this joyous occasion celebrating the 56th ASEAN DAY. Today, we come together to celebrate the spirit of ASEAN and the shared vision of regional cooperation that unites us all. On behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, I extend my warmest greetings and felicitations to all ASEAN member states, their peoples, and those who are present here. I thank the ASEAN Dhaka Committee for inviting me to this event.  August is a month of mourning and sadness for Bangladesh. It is stained eternally with the martyred blood of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who along with 18 of his close kinsmen were brutally assassinated by some derailed miscreants. I take this opportunity to pay my deep homage and regards to the heavenly souls of Bangabandhu and his beloved family members and seek further divine blessings upon them and two surviving daughters. ASEAN represents a region of great diversity, rich culture, and profound historical significance. It has been a beacon of regional cooperation, fostering peace, stability, and economic progress for more than five decades. Bangladesh highly values the ASEAN community and the constructive role it plays in the global arena. As we gather here, we are reminded of the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of global challenges. The past years have shown us the importance of international collaboration to address issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic recovery. In this context, Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to work hand in hand with ASEAN member states to achieve our shared goals. The foundation of ASEAN's success lies in its adherence to the principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and consensus-building. These values resonate with Bangladesh, as they align with our own principles of peaceful coexistence and respectful engagement with the international community. Today, I wish to emphasize the immense potential for cooperation between Bangladesh and ASEAN. We recognize the importance of strengthening ties in trade, investment, technology, and human capital development.  The collective market of ASEAN holds significant promise for Bangladesh's economic growth, and we are eager to explore opportunities for increased collaboration in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, information technology, agriculture, blue economy and renewable energy. Another area of mutual interest is the promotion of peace and stability in the region. We commend ASEAN's commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means and inclusive dialogue. Bangladesh firmly believes that peaceful resolution of conflicts is the key to fostering greater understanding and cooperation between nations. Our peace-centric foreign policy, centered on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu’s dictum ‘Friendship to all, malice toward none’ inspires us to promote the principle of non-alignment since our independence. This is been aptly reflected in Bangladesh’s recently announced “Indo-Pacific Outlook’.  Bangladesh is willing to become a Sectorial Dialogue Partner (SDP) of ASEAN to deepen its relations with the ASEAN Member States and their people. With about 170 million people, a more than 465 billion USD economy, and being recognized as one of the most vibrant and resilient Development Role Model of the world over a decade, the presence of Bangladesh in the ASEAN is expected to forge synergistic partnerships towards mutual benefits.   We note with appreciation that ASEAN is home to a total of 661 million people with gross domestic product (GDP) of US$ 3.08 trillion and trade exceeding US$ 2.7 trillion. I resonated this vast potentials and sentiments that lie between ASEAN and Bangladesh during my interactions with the ASEAN leaders and ASEAN Secretary-General drawing their appreciation while attending the recently held 30th ASEAN Regional Forum in Jakarta.  As we celebrate ASEAN Day, let us renew our determination and redouble our collective efforts to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, fostering an environment where peace and progress can thrive. Together, we can create a brighter and more prosperous future for our people and the generations to come.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the world is moving towards a new world order and the role and capability of India is changing fast.  Addressing the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris, PM Modi said referred to India’s G20 presidency and said more than 200 meetings are being held across the country. “Today, the world is moving towards new world order. The capability and the role of India is changing fast. At this time, India is the President of the G20 group. It’s for the first time, in a country’s Presidency, that more than 200 meetings are being held across the country,” he said. He reciprocated the greetings of people gathered at the venue.   “Today’s scene, this scene is wonderful in itself. This welcome is full of joy. Away from the country, when I hear the call of Bharat Mata Ki Jai, it feels as if I have come home. Wherever we Indians go, we definitely create a mini India,” he said. He called his visit to France “special” as France is celebrating its National Day and congratulated the people on the occasion. “Today I got to know that there are many people who have come to the event after travelling for 10-11 hours. People can listen to the speech even on the phone. However, it is privilege for me that people came from far to attend the event,” he said. “I’ve visited France many times. However, this time, it’s a special occasion to come to France. Tomorrow, it’s a national day of France. I congratulate the people of France on this day, and I thank people for inviting me on this occasion,” he added. PM Modi said that he is attending the National Day Parade of France with French President Emmanuel Macron and called it a reflection of the “unbreakable friendship between India and France.” “Today French PM received me at the airport and tomorrow I will attend the National Day parade with my friend Emmanuel Macron. This is a reflection of the unbreakable friendship between India and France,” PM Modi said.  PM Modi, who arrived in France on Thursday, held delegation-level talks with France Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne in Paris. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport. 

United Nations Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and Catherine Pollard visited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence, Ganabhaban on Sunday morning, june 25. They highly commended the Bangladeshi peacekeepers for their exemplary role in peacekeeping operations in countries facing conflicts.  During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including UN peacekeeping operations, climate change, and women's safety.  At the end of the meeting, a press briefing was conducted by the Prime Minister's Press Secretary, Ihsanul Karim. The Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations stated that the United Nations has successfully completed 75 years of its peacekeeping operation. Regarding this matter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated, "Bangladesh has been contributing to the United Nations peacekeeping missions with utmost dedication and professionalism for more than three decades. Bangladesh is the largest troops contributor to UN peacekeeping missions." Prime Minister said, "Bangladesh is firmly committed to the women's safety and the increased participation of women in the UN peacekeeping mission." United Nations Under-Secretary-General  Catherine Pollard expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for Bangladesh's contribution to the trust fund to combat sexual exploitation and abuse. In response, Sheikh Hasina stated, "Bangladesh is resolutely committed to ensuring women's safety and reiterates its 'zero tolerance' policy against sexual harassment and abuse. Bangladesh has taken strict punitive measures against individuals involved in sexual misconduct through investigations." Regarding climate change, PM Hasina said, "Bangladesh is a vulnerable country, and the government is implementing effective measures to address the adverse impacts of climate change through its own resources." PM's Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations Muhammad Abdul Muhith, were present at the meeting.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam pitches for ASEAN’s active role in repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam underscored an active role of the regional countries including ASEAN for the safe and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas, end of the armed conflicts and a peaceful transition to a civilian administration through elections in Myanmar. He shared the views at the 2-day Oslo Forum hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway in association with the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue on 13-14 June in Oslo, Norway. The event drew retreats for over 100 international mediators and experts in sharing their perspectives and assessing the state of mediation and peacemaking against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and rivalry, increasing conflict and the growing impact of climate change, social media and other factors that fuel conflicts. The Forum held open discussion on diplomatic developments in geopolitical hotspots, particularly war in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, and other conflict areas, including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Somalia, Ethiopia as well as ways to prevent, interrupt or end conflicts. The Oslo Forum 2023 was opened by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and attended by, among others, Foreign Ministers of Norway, Indonesia and Colombia, and Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam attended the event at the invitation of Norwegian Foreign Minster Anniken Huitfeldt. During the visit to Oslo on 13-14 June 2023, State Minister Shahriar Alam also held bilateral meetings with the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Bjørnar Selnes Skjæran and State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Erling Rimestad. Bangladesh Ambassador to Sweden, Norway and Finland Mehdi Hasan and Director General (West Europe and EU) of Foreign Ministry Kazi Russel Pervez accompanied the State Minister during the visit.

Mohammad Rafee, a 35-year-old man from Lawaypora in the area of central Kashmir's Srinagar city, is inspiring hundreds of handicapped persons to stand on their own legs and live a better life. Despite being disabled, Rafee has reached the national level in wheelchair basketball and has also started a general store to earn his livelihood.  Rafee was born with facial hemangioma, a condition that caused him to face a lot of problems from birth. Despite surgeries and other treatments, he was unable to get relief from the condition. In 2010, while he was helping with the construction of his house, he fell from the roof and suffered severe injuries to his spinal cord. This confined him to his bed, unable to move. Later, Rafee visited the Shafqat Rehabilitation Centre for around three years, where a wheelchair was bought for him. This changed his life, as he was now able to move around and became introduced to fun games and later basketball, which he started learning. "I started learning basketball and after playing at the state level, in 2015, I along with seven others went to Chennai for a wheelchair basketball workshop. In the same year, we participated for the first time in Nationals in Delhi," said Rafee. Since then, Rafee has had the opportunity to play at the national level five times, including at the first national in Delhi in 2015, followed by Chennai in 2016, Hyderabad in 2017, Erode in Tamil Nadu in 2018, and Mohali in Punjab in 2019. These tournaments were organised by the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India, where teams won many medals. Despite his success in sports, Rafee also recognized the importance of earning a livelihood. Currently, he runs his own general store in Lawaypora, Srinagar, to support himself financially. He works with an NGO to help and guide those who are facing problems similar to his own. "I have been guiding such patients on how to get rid of bed sores, neurogenic pains, and other issues as I have experienced such things. I teach and try to help them in the reorientation of life after disability. I also make them aware of appropriate assistive devices, home modifications, bedsores, and other different and associated problems they face," Rafee said. Rafee's inspiring story is one that highlights the importance of acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. He encourages persons with disabilities to accept their conditions and understand that they too can live rewarding lives, despite their challenges. "Persons having disabilities must accept their disability and they must understand that they too can live a rewarding life. They must understand the purpose of life and work to fulfil their dreams, though their ways may be different," he added. Through his actions, Rafee has become a role model for the disabled community, showing them that with hard work, dedication, and determination, anything is possible. Rafee's journey has not been an easy one, but he is determined to inspire and help others who are facing similar challenges. His story serves as a reminder that disability should not be a barrier to achieving one's dreams and that with the right support and mindset, anything is possible. According to statistics, around 15 per cent of the world's population lives with some form of disability, and many of them face social, economic, and physical barriers that limit their opportunities. However, stories like Rafee's show that disability does not have to define a person's life and that they can overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Rafee's work with the NGO is particularly noteworthy as it demonstrates his commitment to giving back to his community and helping others. By sharing his experiences and knowledge, he is empowering others to live fulfilling lives and providing them with the tools and resources they need to overcome the challenges they face. His story is an inspiration to all those who face adversity and a reminder that with resilience, determination, and the right support, anything is possible. His work is a testament to the power of community and the importance of empathy and understanding towards those who face different challenges in life. After his accident, he faced a difficult time. He was unable to move and had to depend on his family for everything. But he didn't let this defeat him. Instead, he found a new passion in wheelchair basketball. Through hard work and dedication, he became skilled enough to compete at a national level, winning medals and recognition for his talent. However, his ambition didn't stop there. He also started his own general store, providing for himself and becoming financially independent. But he didn't forget about his community. He joined an NGO to help and guide others who were facing the same challenges he had faced. He shared his knowledge and experience to help them navigate their own paths. Rafee's story is an inspiration to all. Despite facing tremendous challenges, he persevered and achieved great things. His success in wheelchair basketball and entrepreneurship are a testament to his hard work and determination. But his commitment to helping others shows that he is not only a skilled athlete and business owner but also a compassionate and dedicated member of his community. 

The vast and diverse landscape of India has long been a fertile ground for artistic expression, with its rich history and cultural heritage providing a tapestry of influences. Buddhist art in India, which has left an indelible mark on the artistic traditions of Asia and beyond, is no exception. As we delve into the roots of Buddhist art in India, we discover how this ancient art form has shaped and enriched the practice of Buddhism itself. It is important to first understand the context in which Buddhist art emerged. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, in the 5th century BCE in what is now modern-day India and Nepal. The Buddha’s teachings emphasized personal enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. As Buddhism spread throughout India, the need for visual representations of the Buddha and his teachings arose, culminating in the development of a unique artistic language. One of the earliest examples of Buddhist art in India is found in the form of rock-cut cave temples, such as those at Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra. These caves, some dating back to the 2nd century BCE, showcase the diverse artistic styles and iconography that would come to define Buddhist art. The intricately carved sculptures and vivid frescoes depict scenes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka tales, which are stories of his previous lives. As Buddhism evolved, so too did its artistic expressions. The emergence of the Mahayana tradition in the 1st century CE saw the development of the Bodhisattva ideal, which held that an enlightened being could choose to postpone their own liberation in order to help others achieve enlightenment. This shift in focus resulted in the creation of new iconography, with Bodhisattvas and other celestial beings featuring prominently in the art of this period. The Gupta period (4th-6th century CE) is often hailed as the “Golden Age” of Indian art, and it was during this time that the iconic image of the Buddha that we recognize today was solidified. Gupta-era artists emphasized the spiritual qualities of the Buddha through subtle, refined forms and serene facial expressions. The Mathura and Sarnath schools of art were particularly influential in this regard. The importance of Buddhist art for the religion itself cannot be overstated. Art has played a crucial role in the dissemination of Buddhist teachings, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wide audience. The visual language developed by Buddhist artists served not only as a means of storytelling but also as an aid for meditation and contemplation. For instance, intricate mandalas and thangkas, traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings, have long been used as focal points for meditation, helping practitioners to visualize complex cosmologies and deities. Furthermore, the creation of Buddhist art has often been considered a form of spiritual practice in and of itself. Artists and patrons alike would commission and create works of art as acts of devotion, believing that their efforts would generate merit and bring them closer to enlightenment. This tradition continues to this day, with contemporary Buddhist art still holding a vital place in the spiritual lives of practitioners. The roots of Buddhist art in India can be traced back to the early centuries of Buddhism, with its development closely intertwined with the evolution of the religion itself. As Buddhism continues to flourish, so too does its art, acting as both a means of spiritual expression and a window into the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Source: The Bhutan Live

Since 70s, Bangladesh has been exporting leather goods to different countries around the world. It is one of the export products of the country. These include shoes, sandals, jackets, hand socks, wallets, ladies bags and belts. The leather goods export market is growing by 10 to 15 percent every year and has reached an average of $30 million a year. A separate industrial area has been built in Savar near the capital for the development of leather industry. However, there are some pros and cons and lack of suitable environment for export the goods, according to the traders. Azam Khan, the managing director of Yuko Leather Goods Ltd., said, "Now, the world moves very fast. Fashion changes over time. So if we can't maintain the quality, we won't sustain in this sector. Bangladesh Tannery Association General Secretary Sakhawat Ullah called for the government to give more priority to leather processing and marketing to develop it as a huge foreign exchange earning sector. He said, "Many countries are interested to invest in this sector, but these investments are not coming due to our lack of Leather Working Group (LWG) certificate. We feel that if these issues are resolved, we will go a long way and we will be able to meet our export target. Md. Jashim Uddin, the president of FBCCI, said, "The development of leather industry will be emphasized in the upcoming business summit." He added, "We will discuss on it in our session. Our experts will speak about it. Foreign experts will also share their thoughts about it."

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement, "We have noted the widely publicised incident with the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, whose security was allegedly threatened by activists from a local public organisation who were against his meeting with the family of a supporter of an opposition political party on December 14, 2022 in Dhaka. In 2013, the supporter went missing. This incident is an expected result of the activity of the American diplomat, who, under the pretext of caring about the rights of the citizens of Bangladesh was persistently trying to influence the domestic processes in the country. As of late, his colleagues from the British and German diplomatic missions have been engaged in the same cause and have allowed themselves to openly give recommendations to the local authorities regarding transparency and inclusiveness in the parliamentary elections scheduled for next year." She said, "We believe that such actions that violate the basic principles of non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states are unacceptable. If anybody wants to ask: How about the terms “diplomat, immunity, embassy, security”? We always urge these things in accordance with international law and the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations. True, these are the basic principles." "We urge the US, the United Kingdom and other countries to care about and comment not only on cases of their own security, but also to support their colleagues when the countries and their representatives, including at international organisations, raise questions about the security of their embassies and consular facilities. They do not want to see or hear that terrorist attacks are being committed against embassies, consulates general, representatives of official governmental bodies, or that they receive threats. They do not care about this. At best, they remain silent and at worst, they justify those who do this. When international terrorists committed a series of attacks against our embassy in Syria, we urged the Americans to respond to this through the UN Security Council. Everything was obvious. There can be no political justification for an unwillingness to publicly take a stand and use the common voice of the Security Council. Washington did not support our proposal on the council taking a clear stance on the protection of diplomats and condemning terrorist attacks at embassies and against diplomats. There cannot be any double standards, only a joint consolidated position," she added.

As India formally assumed G20 Presidency on Thursday, Minister of Education of Bangladesh, Dipu Moni, said that the leaders of the two countries, PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina, have taken the relationship between the two countries to new levels. She further said that the G20 will play a very positive role in shaping that agenda. "Our leaders have taken this relationship to new heights. I hope in G20, they will play a very positive role in taking forward the agenda which will help fulfil the aspirations of people of this region," the Bangladesh Education Minister told ANI in an exclusive interview. The Education Minister further highlighted how poverty, terrorism and illiteracy are common enemies of both nations and that it is the need of the hour to fight it altogether. "They are our common enemies... of poverty, of terrorism, illiteracy. We have to fight all this together. In South Asia, I think we are trying to do that. Our leaders are leading us in that direction," she said. Highlighting how the relationship between India and Bangladesh was consolidated, strengthened, and cemented by the sacrifices of people of both countries during the war of liberation, she said as peace is now on the top of the agenda for everyone, both Sheikh Hasina and PM Modi will play a very constructive role in G20 as well. "Our relationship, this bond was consolidated, strengthened, cemented by the sacrifices by both our people made during the war of liberation. and the support we received from India... and now between the two leaders. I believe both Sheikh Hasina and PM Modi will play a very constructive role in G20 as well," Moni said while speaking to ANI. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh Andalib Elias on Thursday stated that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is invited to take part in the G-20 summit next year. Elias said, "Absolutely, we have already been invited to attend the received the info that will be invited to take part in the G20 summit next year to be hosted by India. We are very happy and honoured that we will be invited there. It's extremely important in the present context of the global scenario that G20 can play a key role and you know the wonderful relationship that India and Bangladesh enjoy which we call a "Wonderful phase." "So under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi, we are confident that G20 will go a long way to solve the different crises that we are seeing in the world and Bangladesh as invited guest will play the role that it should play to ensure that it's a successful summit," he further added. India officially assumed the G-20 presidency on December 1. And the government has invited only Bangladesh as one of the 10 guest countries during its Presidency of the G20 beginning on December 1. He also said, "We are very happy that India is hosting the G20 summit and the two countries can definitely use this platform to discuss and suggest some good outputs for this summit." India on Thursday kickstarted its G20 presidency with the University Connect event which was held virtually and brought together students from 75 universities across the country. The Hornbill Festival in Kohima featured a special focus on G20. 100 monument, including some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were specially illuminated. Source: ANI