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Time of India
6 days ago
- 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.
India.com
19-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
One action by India and Bangladesh loses Rs 9367 crore, Modi govt punishes anti-India Yunus by...
New Delhi: The Modi government is in full action mode and taking all the stern steps to destroy terrorism and its breeding grounds. After launching a brutal attack on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK, the Indian government is now targeting countries that support Pakistan or maintain close ties with it. These include Turkey and Azerbaijan, and even Bangladesh, which has a deep friendship with China, is now on India's radar. Recently, Mohammad Yunus made controversial remarks against India during his visit to China. Now, he is set to pay a heavy price for it. With just one move, India is about to cause a loss of USD 770 million—roughly Rs 6,581 crore or about 9,367 crore Bangladeshi Taka—to this close ally of China. Let's understand how this is happening… India Bans Land Ports for Bangladesh The Modi government has launched a scathing economic strike against Bangladesh. India has banned several Bangladeshi goods from entering through its land ports. India revoked the transshipment facility it had granted in 2020, which had allowed Bangladesh to export to the Middle East and Europe via Indian ports and even the Delhi airport. On Saturday, May 17, India imposed restrictions at its ports on several types of goods imported from Bangladesh, including ready-made garments and processed food products, among others. On Saturday, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification where it has stated that the import of ready-made garments from Bangladesh will now be restricted to just two ports—Nhava Sheva and Kolkata Port. Imports through all other land ports will be prohibited. This clearly means that Bangladesh will now have to rely solely on sea ports for its exports instead of land ports. GTRI Reveals the Extent of Loss to Bangladesh Following the directive from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), these steps were taken, in which the Government of India has immediately restricted Bangladeshi goods at land ports and allowed their entry only through two designated sea ports. A report released by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) explains the potential impact of this action by India on Bangladesh. According to the report, India's decision to ban Bangladeshi imports via land ports could affect goods worth $770 million (approximately 9,367 crore Bangladeshi Taka), which accounts for about 42% of the total bilateral imports.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Retaliatory curbs may hit Dhaka's export edge, hurt Indian buyers too
NEW DELHI: Indian govt's retaliatory move to restrict import of ready-made garments (RMG) from Bangladesh via the land route is expected to increase logistics costs and transit time for the products which account for around a third of shipments from India's neighbour in the east. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While it takes only two-three days for apparel produced in Bangladesh to move through land borders, now the transit time is going to be longer, depending on how long it takes for ships to sail to Kolkata and Nhava Sheva (Mumbai),, and clear customs before taking the land route to reach Indian warehouses. 'The decision can hit Bangladesh apparel exports to India in multiple ways, particularly when a substantial proportion of apparel import into India is through land ports, 76% from Petrapole land port alone,' said Mithileshwar Thakur, secretary general of Apparel Export Promotion Council , whose members are rivals as well as exporters from Bangladesh. Several Indian companies had set up units across the border to take advantage of the lower cost of production, including lower wages and subsidised power, and tariff advantage that Bangladesh enjoys due to its status as a least developed country, something that will change as it has now graduated to middle-income bracket. 'Indian manufacturers pay a 5% GST on locally sourced fabric, while Bangladeshi firms import fabric duty-free from China and receive export incentives for sales to India, giving them an estimated 10%-15% price advantage,' said trade expert Ajay Srivastava. For Indian retailers , as well as global chains operating in the country, switching suppliers is not an easy decision given the massive cost advantage Bangladesh enjoys. Besides, it produces at a scale which few Indian manufacturers have and have refused to add capacity despite wide-spread assessment political uncertainty will hurt Dhaka's industrial mainstay, readymade garments. 'If I have a large order, I prefer Bangladesh because one producer can meet my requirement, and on time,' the CEO of an Indian retailer said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now India's retaliation follows a series of restrictions imposed by Bangladesh, including a ban on Indian yarn imports, and import bans on dozens of Indian goods, including paper, tobacco, fish and powdered milk. 'Adding to the friction, Dhaka introduced a transit fee of Taka 1.8 (Rs 1.25) per tonne per km on Indian goods moving through its territory. ,' said Srivastava. Besides, Dhaka's growing proximity with China is a major worry.
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First Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Bangladesh: Yunus govt's 'Mujibur note' ban decision draws dismay, anger
Bangladesh's central bank is facing a currency shortage after the interim government halted the release of Taka 15,000 crore worth of printed notes featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The move, seen as an effort to reduce his public presence, has led to financial losses and a crisis in the market. read more A currency trader counts Bangladeshi taka notes featuring portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding father at his stall in Old Dhaka. Recently, these notes have stopped being circulated, say reports, causing a currency shortfall in the market. File image/AFP Bangladesh's central bank has reportedly suffered significant financial losses after the interim government decided not to issue previously printed banknotes bearing the image of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, The Times of India reported. Banknotes worth Taka 15,000 crore featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's image remain unused. This decision is widely seen as part of the government's effort to reduce Bangabandhu's presence in public memory, following the collapse of his daughter Sheikh Hasina's regime after massive student-led protests and widespread unrest across the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While bank officials have made no public statements, several sources speaking anonymously to The Times of India said that the long-standing practice of commercial banks receiving new currency notes from Bangladesh Bank has been abruptly halted, triggering a cash crisis in the market. They added that the newly printed notes are lying unused while customers struggle to manage with old and damaged ones. 'Notes of various denominations are printed using paper and ink funded by taxpayers. Millions of notes bearing Bangabandhu's image are still lying in the vaults of various banks. The Security Printing Corporation does not have the capacity to cancel all of these at once and print replacements. Therefore, notes featuring Bangabandhu's image cannot simply be discarded overnight,' said Ziauddin Ahmed, former Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank and former Managing Director of the Security Printing Corporation. 'When new designs are introduced into circulation, older ones should be phased out gradually. Typically, banknotes remain in use for up to four to five years,' he added. Given the circumstances, he suggested that the already printed notes be released into circulation to alleviate public inconvenience. According to media reports, Bangladesh Bank is struggling to meet the growing demand for fresh currency. The crisis became visible following the political upheaval in August last year. Since all forms of currency, including coins, feature Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's image, the central bank abruptly ceased issuing new notes in early April. As a result, notes bearing Bangabandhu's image are not reaching the public, leaving shops, banks, and citizens reliant on torn and outdated currency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sources at Bangladesh Bank told The Times of India that the Security Printing Corporation is set to begin printing newly designed notes next month. In the first phase, notes in denominations of 20, 50, and 1,000 taka will be printed and distributed through banks. Following Hasina's ousting, the Yunus-led government is undertaking measures which many experts see as an attempt to diminish Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's legacy. Protesters have destroyed statues and murals of Mujibur Rahman, including the toppling of a prominent statue in Dhaka, symbolising a rejection of the former regime's cult of personality. His ancestral home was also destroyed by protesters—a site that had come to symbolise Dhaka's resistance against Pakistan and the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War.
