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India.com
2 days ago
- 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.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Top Bangladeshi Economist Abul Barkat Arrested In Corruption Case
In what is widely being viewed as a case of government overreach and a targeted assault on civil society, renowned Bangladeshi economist and former chairman of Janata Bank, Abul Barkat, was arrested by the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in connection with a corruption case. The arrest followed late-night searches at his residence and has raised alarm among rights activists and opposition voices ahead of national elections. Barkat's daughter revealed the circumstances of his arrest, stating that more than 20 policemen showed up at his doorstep and arrested him. Barkat, a respected academic who taught at Dhaka University for 40 years, has long been a prominent voice speaking out on the rights and vulnerabilities of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly the Hindu community. He has also been an unflinching critic of radical Islam and the Jamaat-e-Islami, a group that has often faced accusations of violence and discrimination against religious minorities. Barkat has previously warned that there will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh in 30 years. His arrest has sparked accusations that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is moving to silence dissenting voices and suppress critics ahead of the polls. Barkat is believed to have been targeted for his outspoken criticism of the regime, especially for calling out its failure to curb extremist elements and protect vulnerable communities.
Economic Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Who is Nusraat Faria? Bangladeshi actress known for playing Sheikh Hasina arrested in murder case. Controversy explained
Bangladeshi actress Nusraat Faria, known for playing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the film Mujib: The Making of a Nation, was arrested at Dhaka's airport over an attempted murder case. The charges stem from violent incidents during anti-government protests in July 2024. Faria was detained while traveling to Thailand following a court-approved arrest warrant and later transferred to the Detective Branch office for investigation. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Details of the Case Nusraat Faria's Career and Role as Sheikh Hasina Nusraat Faria, a prominent Bangladeshi actress known for her portrayal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the biographical film Mujib: The Making of a Nation, was arrested on Sunday at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The 31-year-old was detained by immigration police while preparing to board a flight to Thailand after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with an attempted murder arrest is linked to a violent incident that took place during the anti-government protests in July 2024. Authorities registered a case against 17 individuals, including Faria, accusing them of attempting to murder a student in Dhaka's Vatara area during the protests. These demonstrations, part of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, escalated in violence and resulted in significant political upheaval, including the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Sujan Haque of Vatara Police Station confirmed to that Faria was officially arrested and that the Immigration Police had coordinated the operation after spotting her at the airport. Following her arrest, she was initially brought to the Vatara police station but later transferred to the Detective Branch (DB) office of Dhaka Metropolitan began her career as a radio jockey and television presenter before entering the film industry. She made her acting debut in 2015 with Aashiqui, which achieved commercial success. Over the years, she has appeared in several popular films such as Hero 420 (2016), Badsha – The Don (2016), Premi O Premi (2017), and Boss 2: Back to Rule (2017), working in both Bangladeshi and Indian Bengali cinema. In 2021, Faria completed her bachelor's degree in law from the University of role as Sheikh Hasina in Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023) brought her considerable recognition. Directed by the late Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal, the film was a collaborative production between Bangladesh and India, focusing on the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. Arifin Shuvoo played Mujib, while Faria's portrayal of Hasina marked a significant milestone in her career. At the time of the film's release, Faria expressed her pride in taking on the role.
NDTV
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Bangladeshi Actor, Nusraat Faria, Who Played Sheikh Hasina On Screen Arrested In Murder Case
Dhaka: Bangladeshi actress Nusraat Faria, who played the role of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the biopic on her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was arrested at Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport for her alleged involvement in an attempted murder case linked to anti-government protests last year. The 31-year-old actress was detained at the immigration checkpoint while en route to Thailand, after an arrest warrant was issued, according to Bangladeshi media reports. A case was registered against 17 actors, including Faria, for their alleged attempt to murder a student in the capital's Vatara during the student protests across Bangladesh in July last year, which led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. "Our team went to the airport to get her based on information from the Immigration Police. A few days ago, a court approved an attempted murder case against her. She has been shown arrested in that case," reported, quoting police officer Sujan Haque. "The case was filed at the Vatara police station during the anti-discrimination student movement's protests," Haque added. The actress was reportedly taken to the Vatara police station following her arrest. However, instead of keeping her in custody there, she was later transferred to the office of the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Prothom Alo reported, quoting sources. Per local media, a court approved an attempted murder case against Faria a few days ago, following which she was arrested today. Faria made her acting debut with the film Aashiqui (2015), where she played the lead role opposite Ankush Hazra. The film was a commercial success. She also worked in several other hits such as Hero 420 (2016), Badsha - The Don (2016), Premi O Premi (2017) and Boss 2: Back to Rule (2017). In 2023, she essayed the role of Hasina in 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation', which was based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first president of Bangladesh. The film, directly was legendary Shyam Benegal, was co-produced by Bangladesh and India and starred Arifin Shuvoo in the titular role.
