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Bangladesh's parliament convened Thursday for the first time since a deadly 2024 uprising plunged the country into political turmoil and following elections last month.The government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), took over after February 12 elections from the interim administration that had led the country of 170mn people since August 2024."After more than a decade and a half of fascist and subservient rule, the activities of parliament are beginning today with representatives elected by the people," Rahman told parliament."The BNP wants to build a prosperous, safe and democratic country," he added, calling on all lawmakers, whatever their political opinions, to work together.Rahman blamed the toppled government of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party for undermining the previous parliament.Hasina, 78, who has been sentenced in absentia to death for crimes against humanity, is in self-imposed exile in India."The fallen dictatorship made parliament dysfunctional, instead of making it the centre of all national activities," Rahman said, promising it would change under his watch."We will make parliament the centre of all debates and arguments aimed at resolving the country's problems."They include tackling a sluggish economy, restoring stability and reviving growth after months of turmoil that rattled investor confidence and strained state finances.The world's second largest garment exporter, heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports, has also been hit hard by an oil price spike caused by the war in the Middle East.Rahman's appeal for unity is a bid to heal rifts in a country polarised by years of bitter rivalry.A new speaker, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, and his deputy, Kayser Kamal, were elected to office. Both are members of the BNP.The parliament building was looted during the August 2024 uprising against Hasina, but has since been repaired.The BNP-led alliance secured 212 seats, while the BNP alone won 209 seats.The leader of the opposition is Shafiqur Rahman, who heads the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance with 76 seats, with Jamaat alone holding 68. 

Bangladesh pace sensation Nahid Rana claimed his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals to lead his team to a crushing eight-wicket win over Pakistan in their opening match Wednesday. Rana returned figures of 5-24 to skittle out Pakistan for 114, a total Bangladesh overhauled in 15.1 overs of the 50-over contest in Mirpur to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Opener Tanzid Hasan hammered an unbeaten 67 off 42 balls and put on a second-wicket partnership of 82 with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made 27, in a statement win. Saif Hassan fell early for four, while Litton Das remained unbeaten on three with Tanzid. “It’s a pretty disappointing batting performance,” Pakistan coach Mike Hesson said after the game. “I don’t think there’s any shying away from that. It wasn’t just the youngsters, we were exposed against some good bowling and we went into our shell a little bit, and we have to turn things around really quickly,” he added. “The wicket was fine,” he said. “It played pretty well. Nahid Rana was exceptional. Until he came into the game, we were ticking along okay, and he changed the game. He bowled into the wicket, created some variation and bounce, which he’s allowed to do when he’s bowling at that pace. And we didn’t respond as well as we needed to. So all credit to him.” Earlier, Nahid laid the platform for victory with his outstanding spell in his seven overs to bowl out Pakistan for their lowest ODI total against Bangladesh, eclipsing the previous 161 during the 1999 World Cup. The 23-year-old Nahid ripped through Pakistan’s top order, becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to dismiss the opposition’s top five batters in an ODI innings. Nahid removed Sahibzada Farhan (27), Shamyl Hussain (4), Maaz Sadaqat (18), Mohammad Rizwan (10) and Salman Agha (5) as Pakistan slumped to 69-5. He was ably supported by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took 3-29 with his off-spin. Senior quicks Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman took one wicket each. Number eight Faheem Ashraf offered brief resistance with his 37 before being dismissed by Mustafizur as Pakistan were eventually bowled out in 30.4 overs. The performance marked a breakthrough in Nahid’s young ODI career since his debut in 2024. He had taken only five wickets in his first five matches before producing the five-wicket haul in his sixth appearance. Nahid is now only the second Bangladeshi bowler to take a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in ODIs after Mustafizur’s 5-75 during the 2019 World Cup. BRIEF SCORESBangladesh 115 for 2 (Tanzid 67*) beat Pakistan 114 (Faheem 37, Farhan 27, Rana 5-24, Mehidy 3-29) by eight wickets 

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman was sworn in as prime minister Tuesday, marking an important political shift in the South Asian nation following a period of turmoil.Rahman, 60, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated president Ziaur Rahman, takes office after his party’s sweeping parliamentary election victory.He faces urgent challenges, including restoring political stability, rebuilding investor confidence, and reviving key industries such as the garment sector after the turmoil that followed the Gen Z-led uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024.An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus ran the country through the transitional period leading up to the election.Breaking with tradition, the open-air swearing-in ceremony was held at the South Plaza of the national parliament building, instead of the Bangabhaban, the president’s official residence.President Mohammed Shahabuddin officiated as Rahman and his 49-member council of ministers took oaths in the presence of senior political figures, diplomats, civil and military officials, and representatives from countries including China, India and Pakistan.The new government includes both senior and junior ministers – a mix of experienced BNP leaders and fresh faces, reflecting an effort to balance political experience with technocratic expertise as the government focuses on economic recovery, law and order, and governance reforms.Rahman’s BNP secured a commanding two-thirds majority, returning to power after nearly two decades.The Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, contesting its first election since a 2013 ban was lifted following Hasina’s ouster, won a record 68 seats.Hasina's Awami League party was banned from contesting after its registration was revoked by the Election Commission.Jamaat and its allies – including the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by youth activists who played a prominent role in the movement that toppled Hasina – will form the opposition.Jamaat and the NCP did not attend the ceremony in protest after Rahman's party rejected the interim government’s request for its lawmakers to take an additional oath under the proposed “Constitution Reform Council”.The council intends to amend the constitution following the referendum held alongside the national election.Rahman has called for all parties to "remain united" in a country polarised by years of bitter rivalry.Hasina, 78, who was sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, issued a statement from hiding in India decrying an "illegal" election.However, India praised the BNP's "decisive win" – a notable shift after deeply strained ties. 

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman Thursday returned ‌from nearly 17 years in exile, a homecoming the party hopes will energise supporters with Rahman poised to be the top contender ⁠for prime minister in February.Hundreds of thousands ⁠of supporters lined the route from Dhaka’s airport to a reception venue, waving party flags ‍and carrying placards, banners and flowers, as senior BNP leaders received Rahman at the airport under tight security.Rahman, 60, the son of ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has lived in London since 2008 and led the BNP as acting chairman since 2018.His return comes as Bangladesh, a nation of nearly 175mn people, enters a sensitive election period under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The vote is seen ‌as crucial to restoring political stability after nearly two years of turmoil. While authorities have pledged a free and peaceful election, recent attacks on media outlets and sporadic violence have raised concerns, making Rahman’s ‍homecoming a defining moment for the ⁠BNP and the country’s ‌fragile political transition.Dressed in a light grey, finely checkered blazer over a white shirt, Rahman exited the airport, removed his shoes to step barefoot onto Bangladeshi soil, and picked up a handful of earth in a symbolic gesture of homecoming.Addressing cheering crowds at the reception centre, Rahman began his speech with the words, "Beloved Bangladesh,” pledging to unite people of all faiths and ensure their safety."We will build a Bangladesh that a mother dreams of,” he said, urging Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians to join him in creating an inclusive nation.Declaring, "I have a plan - a plan for the people of my country, for my country", Rahman stressed that with ​cooperation, his vision of a democratic, economically ‌strong Bangladesh can become reality, repeating his appeal: "We want peace in the country.”Rahman was convicted in absentia on charges ⁠that included money laundering and in a ‍case linked to an alleged plot to assassinate former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The rulings were overturned after Hasina was ousted last year in a student-led uprising, clearing the legal barriers to his return.His homecoming also carries personal urgency, with Khaleda seriously ill for months. Rahman went on to visit her in hospital.The political landscape has shifted sharply since Hasina’s removal from power, ​ending decades in which she and Khaleda largely alternated in office.Nahid Islam, the leader of the National Citizen Party which emerged from the youth protest movement that toppled Hasina, expressed hope that Rahman would help shape Bangladesh’s democratic future."Our main challenge now is to build a culture of coexistence and healthy competition in the new political reality,” he said.A December survey by the US-based International Republican Institute suggested the BNP is on course to win the largest number of parliamentary seats, with the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party also in the race. Hasina's Awami ⁠League party, which has been barred from the February 12 election, has threatened unrest that some fear could disrupt the vote. 

A court in Bangladesh on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed to five years in prison on corruption charges linked to a government land project. The court also handed down a two-year prison sentence to her niece, British Labour Party lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, in the same case.Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka's Special Judge's Court ruled that Hasina had misused her authority while in office, while Siddiq was found guilty of using her influence to assist her mother and two siblings in obtaining a state-owned land under the Purbachal New Town project. Siddiq's mother, Sheikh Rehana, received a seven-year prison sentence and was identified as the main defendant in the case. Fourteen other suspects are also facing charges.Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since being ousted in a popular uprising last year. She was sentenced to death last month over her government's violent crackdown on protesters, and had also been handed a 21-year prison sentence earlier on separate corruption charges.Siddiq, who represents London's Hampstead and Highgate constituency in the British Parliament, has denied the allegations, describing the trial as politically motivated and based on "fabricated accusations."She resigned as a British government minister in January under pressure linked to her family ties.There is no extradition treaty between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Saturday with the Advisor on Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Tohid Hossain, on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue 2025, currently underway in Bahraini Capital Manama. Discussion during the meeting, focused on bilateral relations and ways to support and strengthen them in addition to number of topics of mutual interest.

Qatar Charity (QC) has launched a month-long humanitarian initiative in Bangladesh dedicated to performing eye surgeries, restoring vision, and expanding access to quality eye care for underprivileged communities across the country. The programme is part of QC’s Ibsar (eyesight) initiative focused on combating preventable blindness through medical camps, free eye checkups, surgeries, medication, and eyeglasses. The initiative is being implemented at the Lions Eye Institute and Hospital in Agargaon, Dhaka, and will run across Dhaka, Rangpur, Khulna, and Cox’s Bazar. Under this programme, free eye check-ups, cataract surgeries, and treatment services will be provided to nearly 2,000 disadvantaged patients, many of whom have been struggling with preventable vision loss for years. The inaugural event was attended by Md Daud Mia, director general of the NGO Affairs Bureau and additional secretary to the chief advisor’s office. He commended QC for its long-standing contribution to humanitarian development in Bangladesh, calling the initiative “a meaningful step towards sustainable eye health in underserved areas.” Speaking at the ceremony, Zakarya Ali al-Motair, country director of QC’s Bangladesh branch, said: “Through this initiative, Qatar Charity aims to provide free eye check-ups, cataract surgeries, and vision care for thousands of people in need across Bangladesh. Together, we hope to bring light back into their lives and restore their ability to see, work, and live with dignity. Restoring sight means restoring hope, restoring life, and restoring dignity.” The launch of the programme highlighted QC’s nearly three decades of humanitarian presence in Bangladesh, with ongoing efforts in health, education, water, sanitation and social welfare.

Flights have resumed at Bangladesh's main airport in Dhaka, airport officials said, six hours after a fire in the cargo section delayed flights and halted operations on Saturday.The first flight departed at 9.06pm (1506 GMT), officials told reporters.The fire has been completely brought under control, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism said in a statement."Steps will be taken to identify the source of the fire and implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future," the ministry added.Operations at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were suspended after the fire broke out in the cargo section of the airport, with around 37 firefighting units working to douse the flames.The army, navy, and air force also joined the fire service in efforts to bring the blaze under control.Kabir Ahmed, president of the International Air Express Association of Bangladesh, said it was too early to estimate the exact losses, but that the overall impact - direct and indirect - on imports and exports could exceed $1 billion.Both domestic and international flights were affected.An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Dhaka was diverted to Kolkata, and an Air Arabia flight from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates was directed to Chittagong, about 250km southeast of Dhaka.This is the third major fire reported in Bangladesh this week. A fire on Tuesday at a garment factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka killed at least 16 people and injured others. On Thursday, another fire burned down a seven-storey garment factory building in an export processing zone in Chittagong.The interim government said all recent fires across the country are under thorough investigation, with security forces working to protect lives and property.It said any evidence of sabotage or arson would be met with a swift and decisive response and that no criminal act or provocation would be allowed to disrupt public life or the political process.

Blaze broke out on third floor of garment factoryFire service director says building had no fire safety planBangladesh has history of industrial disastersRescue efforts ongoing and death toll could riseA fire on Tuesday at a garment factory in Bangladesh and an adjacent chemical warehouse killed at least 16 people and injured others, and the death toll could rise, an official said.The cause of the blaze wasn't immediately known, fire service director Tajul Islam Chowdhury said."Sixteen bodies have been recovered from the second and third floors of the garment factory," he said, adding that the number of deaths could rise as recovery operations were continuing.The fire broke out at around midday on the third floor of the four-storey factory in the Mirpur area of the capital Dhaka, before spreading to a chemical warehouse storing bleaching powder, plastic and hydrogen peroxide, Talha Bin Jashim, a fire department official said, citing witnesses.Firefighters brought the factory blaze under control after nearly three hours, though the fire at the warehouse continued.Grief-stricken relatives gathered to search for their loved ones, some clutching photographs.In front of the blackened ruins, a father searched desperately for his daughter, Farzana Akhter. "My daughter worked there. When I heard about the fire, I came running. But I still haven't found her....I just want my daughter back."Chowdhury said the owners of the factory had not yet been identified. "The police and the army are trying to locate them," he said. He added that neither the garment factory nor the chemical warehouse had approval or any fire safety plan.Based on the initial findings, he said the garment factory had a tin roof with a grilled door that was kept locked. "The workers couldn't reach the upper level," he said."The chemical explosion caused a flashover that released toxic gas, leaving many unconscious and trapping them inside. They couldn't escape either upward or downward."He said the victims were so badly burned, DNA testing may be the only way to identify them.In a condolence message, Bangladesh's interim government head Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow and urged authorities to investigate and support victims and families.Poor fire and building safety standards lead to dozens of such disasters in Bangladesh each year, and past accidents have tarnished the country's garments sector, which employs 4 million people and makes up more than 10% of the country's gross domestic product.In 2012, a fire at Tazreen Fashions that supplied global brands, killed 112 workers.A year later, the eight-storey Rana Plaza building collapsed, killing 1,135 garment workers and triggering a wave of public outrage around the world about the human cost of cheap clothes.

Qatar Charity has built 256 fully equipped mosques across Bangladesh between July 2024 and July 2025. The initiative provided safe spaces for worship, restoring a sense of peace and spiritual comfort to more than 51,200 worshippers in rural and semi-urban areas, and enabling them to perform their religious duties in a faith-filled environment. Qatar Charity said in a statement yesterday that the construction of these mosques comes in response to an urgent need in the targeted areas, where many worshippers had long prayed in structures made of tin or mud — lacking basic safety and comfort. During the rainy season, water flooded the floors, while in summer, the absence of fans made congregational prayers extremely difficult. Over the past five years, Qatar Charity has built more than 600 mosques across Bangladesh, providing a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for over 150,000 worshippers to pray.

India secured their place in the Asia Cup final Wednesday as Abhishek Sharma starred with 75 in a comfortable 41-run win over Bangladesh in Dubai.The holders posted 168-6 batting first after stumbling following a quick start, but their spinners helped stifle Bangladesh to 127 all out.The result means Sri Lanka are out of the tournament, with Thursday’s Super Four match between Pakistan and Bangladesh to decide who faces India in Sunday’s final.Abhishek has enjoyed a remarkable start to his T20 international career with 783 runs from 22 matches at a strike-rate of 197.72.The opener set up victory with another brilliant innings, striking six sixes and five fours in his 37-ball blitz, which ended with a run-out caused by a mix-up with captain Suryakumar Yadav.Both Abhishek and fellow opener Shubman Gill, who made 29, started cautiously before the two took on left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, smashing 21 runs off the fourth over.Abhishek reached his fifty off just 25 balls after Gill fell to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.Rishad quickly struck again with the wicket of the promoted Shivam Dube, before the dismissals of Abhishek and Suryakumar, for five off 11 balls, left India on 114-4. Hardik Pandya ensured India reached a competitive total with a 29-ball 38 with four fours and one six.Jasprit Bumrah struck first to send back opener Tanzid Hasan for one in the second over of Bangladesh’s chase, before Saif Hassan and Parvez Hossain Emon, who made 21, put on 42 runs to steady the innings.But Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Parvez and Bangladesh soon lost their way as the Indian spinners took charge. Saif, who survived four dropped catches, played a lone hand to raise Bangladesh hopes. Kuldeep struck twice with successive balls before Nasum played out the hat-trick ball. Saif finally fell in the 18th over for 69 to Bumrah and Bangladesh were bowled out in 19.3 overs.BRIEF SCORE:SIndia 168 for 6 (Abhishek 75, Hardik 38, Rishad 2-27) beat Bangladesh (Saif 69, Kuldeep 3-18, Bumrah 2-18, Varun 2-29) by 41 runs

Spinner Nasum Ahmed produced a miserly spell to help Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by eight runs Tuesday and keep their Asia Cup hopes alive.Bangladesh posted 154-5 batting first as opener Tanzid Hasan starred with his 52 off 31 balls in Abu Dhabi.Nasum and fellow spinner Rishad Hossain then took two wickets each before pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman returned figures of 3-28 to help bowl out Afghanistan for 146.Taskin Ahmed also claimed two wickets as he wrapped up the innings with the final ball of the match.Bangladesh ended Group B with two wins and one defeat in their three outings.Their chances of reaching the Super Four stage will depend on the final match of the group between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday.Bangladesh will go through if Sri Lanka win, but an Afghan victory would see them progress and leave the Sri Lankans and Bangladesh to be split on net run-rate.Left-arm spinner Nasum rocked the Afghanistan chase early when he struck with the first ball of the innings to trap Sediqullah Atal lbw and then grabbed the key wicket of Ibrahim Zadran, for five, in the fifth over.He returned figures of 2-11 from his four overs.Rishad dismissed Gulbadin Naib caught and bowled for 16 with his leg-spin and then sent back the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 35 to dent Afghanistan.Azmatullah Omarzai attempted to revive the chase with three sixes in his 16-ball 30 but holed out off Taskin.Skipper Rashid Khan made one final push with a quickfire 20 but fell to Mustafizur, who struck again to be on a hat-trick which was avoided by Fazalhaq Farooqi.Earlier Tanzid put on an opening stand of 63 with Saif Hasan, who made 30, as the two racked up 59 in the powerplay.Rashid broke the stand as he struck in his first over by bowling Saif and Afghanistan's spinners soon took control.Left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad trapped skipper Litton Das lbw for nine to further peg back Bangladesh.Tanzid raised his fifty off 28 deliveries but fell to Noor in the next over.Towhid Hridoy added a 20-ball 26 but although Bangladesh managed just 67 runs in the final 10 overs, it proved enough for the win.