The debate over changing West Bengal’s official name has returned to the spotlight after state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the state could be renamed “Paschim Banga”. According to Bhattacharya, a bill dealing with the name change is expected to be introduced in the Assembly, with the proposed name intended to reflect the state’s historical identity. Bhattacharya reiterated that “Paschim Banga” would be the preferred name instead of alterna

Towhid Hridoy has rewritten Bangladesh’s first-class record books with a monumental unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in Potchefstroom. His career-defining innings surpassed Tamim Iqbal’s previous national record and made Hridoy the first Bangladeshi to score a first-class triple century outside the country. Towhid Hridoy 350 sets new Bangladesh record Hridoy remained unb

Bangladesh has renewed its Rohingya return appeal as the displacement crisis enters its tenth year, calling for sustained Myanmar pressure, stronger aid funding and conditions for safe repatriation. Dhaka says prolonged displacement cannot become a permanent solution for refugees or host communities. Myanmar pressure central to Rohingya return

Bangladesh journalists jailed in a crimes-against-humanity case linked to the 2024 uprising have triggered renewed concern over press freedom. A special tribunal ordered Farzana Rupa, Mozammel Babu and Shyamal Dutta to remain in custody while investigators continue their case. ICT press case sends journalists back to jail Bangladesh’s Int

Banglalink Mukto Pay is set to enter Bangladesh’s growing digital payments market after the telecom operator secured a Payment Service Provider licence from Bangladesh Bank. The August 11 approval allows Banglalink to expand beyond telecommunications into payments, transfers and other financial services, with a particular focus on underserved consumers and small businesses.

The Shakib Al Hasan house attack in Magura involved vandalism and an attempted fire hours after the former Bangladesh cricket captain appeared at a media event connected to Sheikh Hasina. Police reported no injuries and opened an investigation as political tensions remained high. Shakib Al Hasan House Attack in Magura Unidentified attackers targeted the Magura residence of former Bangladesh cricket captain and former Awami League lawmake

The US visitor visa bond program has become permanent, affecting selected B1/B2 visa applicants from 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Eligible travellers may need to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000, depending on a consular officer's assessment. US Visitor Visa Bond Program Becomes Permanent The United States has

Sheikh Hasina public appearance in Delhi on August 5 will mark her first public address since leaving Bangladesh following the 2024 student-led uprising. The former prime minister is expected to discuss Bangladesh's political crisis, her return plans, democratic reforms and the legal challenges she continues to face. Sheikh Hasina August 5 Event

President Shahabuddin Steps Down Bangladesh is entering another crucial phase in its political journey after President Mohammad Shahabuddin decided to resign before completing his five-year term. The development follows months of political uncertainty and growing pressure over his perceived closeness to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. His de

The Bangladesh BIMSTEC security meeting placed the Rohingya refugee crisis, maritime security, cyber security cooperation and Bay of Bengal security at the centre of regional discussions, urging member nations to strengthen cooperation against emerging security challenges. Bangladesh Calls for Stronger Regional Security at BIMSTEC Meeting Bangladesh urged BIMSTEC member nations to deepen cooperatio

Bangladesh freezes Sheikh Hasina assets worth $6.19 billion as authorities expand investigations into alleged corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit says asset recovery efforts are underway with support from multiple government agencies. Bangladesh Freezes Sheikh Hasina Assets Worth $6.19 Billion Bangladesh has frozen assets worth Tk 760 billion (about $6.19 billion) linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members and ten of the country's largest business groups. The move marks one of the biggest financial enforcement actions since the political transition that followed the 2024 student-led uprising. Sheikh Hasina Investigation Expands Speaking during the release of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) annual report in Dhaka, BFIU chief Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun said court orders enabled authorities to freeze Tk 570 billion in assets within Bangladesh and another Tk 190 billion overseas. He did not disclose how much of the frozen assets belonged to individual family members or each business group. The investigation began after Sheikh Hasina left office on August 5, 2024, following widespread protests. She later traveled to India, where she has remained since. The interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus directed authorities to examine allegations including corruption, bribery, fraud, forgery, money laundering, foreign currency smuggling and tax evasion involving Hasina's family and several leading corporate groups. Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit Leads Probe According to the BFIU, authorities are concentrating on tracing and recovering assets that investigators believe were transferred outside Bangladesh. Mamun said officials are working with international partners and expressed hope that progress on recovering overseas assets could be announced before the end of the year. The financial investigation is being coordinated by the BFIU with support from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The agencies are examining financial records, banking transactions and ownership structures connected to individuals and companies under investigation. Business Groups Investigation Covers Major Companies Authorities confirmed that the investigation includes S Alam Group, Beximco Group, Nabil Group, Summit Group, Orion Group, Premier Group, Nassa Group, Bashundhara Group, Sikder Group and Aramit Group. Officials have not announced individual findings against any of these companies, stating that investigations remain ongoing. The large-scale asset freeze highlights Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen financial oversight while addressing allegations of illicit financial activity. Officials say legal procedures and court approvals continue to guide the investigation. Asset Recovery Efforts Continue Responding to questions about whether the investigations were politically motivated, Mamun said political affiliation plays no role in financial intelligence work. He stated that authorities focus on suspicious financial transactions regardless of an individual's position or identity. Mamun also said banks are required to freeze accounts whenever suspicious activity is identified. He added that if evidence emerges involving members of the current interim government, those cases would also be investigated under the same legal framework. The BFIU said the investigation remains active, with asset recovery now a priority. Authorities have indicated that additional developments could be announced as financial reviews, legal proceedings and international cooperation continue. Source: Statements by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) during the release of its annual report in Dhaka. Suggested internal links: Global News, Business & Economy, Government Policy, Bangladesh news archive, Money & Finance category.

India tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens will resume on Sunday, June 28, 2026, reopening a major travel channel after a suspension of nearly two years. India’s new High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, announced the change after formally assuming office in Dhaka. India Tourist Visas for Bangladeshi Citizens Reopen June 28 Trivedi presented his credentials to Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Th

Tensions surfaced in Bangladesh after members of the Hindu community staged a protest in Dhaka over allegations linked to a religious site in Gaibandha district. The demonstration took place at Shahbagh, where large groups gathered to express concern over reported damage at a temple construction area dedicated to Lord Ram. Participants claimed that an image associated with the ongoing temple project in Palashbari was disrespected during a confrontation at the site. The incident quickly gained attention within local religious groups, prompting calls for accountability and stronger protection of places of worship under construction. Allegations at Gaibandha construction site According to community representatives involved in the protest, the dispute began at a temple project site where construction of a large Ram statue was underway. They alleged that individuals opposing the project caused damage to religious imagery and created disturbances that halted work. Authorities have reportedly received a complaint related to the incident, though protesters expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of investigation. The lack of immediate arrests became a central point of frustration during the rally. Large gathering at Shahbagh intersection From late afternoon, groups from multiple Hindu organisations and student participants assembled at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka. The crowd continued to grow as speakers addressed concerns over religious safety and equal protection under law. The gathering remained largely organised, with participants demanding prompt legal steps and assurances that such incidents would not repeat in the future. Many stressed that the issue reflected broader concerns about safeguarding minority religious spaces in the country. Torch march through central Dhaka As the evening progressed, protesters carried out a torchlight march from Shahbagh towards central Dhaka roads, briefly moving in the direction of the National Press Club area. Slogans were raised during the procession, reflecting anger over the alleged incident and calls for justice. Organisers stated that the march was intended to highlight concerns over religious site protection rather than escalate tensions. The demonstration remained focused on demands for accountability and preventive measures. Demands for action and future mobilisation Community leaders announced plans for further engagement with authorities, including meetings and additional public programmes if progress is not made. They also indicated broader coordination efforts across regions to raise awareness about protection of religious sites. Earlier in the day, smaller groups had already conducted human chains and brief press interactions in Dhaka. Organisers indicated that more coordinated demonstrations could follow if their concerns remain unaddressed.

West Bengal Deports Thousands of Illegal Immigrants West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that approximately 4,800 illegal immigrants have been deported to Bangladesh from holding centres in the state’s border districts, with 836 more currently awaiting repatriation. Speaking at a preparatory meeting for the BJP’s special training camp, Adhikari emphasized that tackling illegal immigration and securing the India-Bangladesh border remain top prior

Complaint Filed Against Mamata Banerjee A police complaint has been lodged against Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee following her public statements allegedly linking the Union government to a political killing in Bangladesh. Advocate Rinku Chatterjee Singh of the Calcutta High Court's Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench filed the complaint at the Cyber police station in Siliguri on Wednesday. The complaint cl

Cyprus and Bangladesh Compete for UNGA Leadership The United Nations is under intense pressure to demonstrate its relevance amid numerous global crises, and attention now turns to the election of the 81st President of the General Assembly. Cyprus and Bangladesh are in a tight contest, with the vote set for Tuesday, 2 June. The winner will assume office when the new session opens in September, overseeing the

Kolkata, West Bengal, 22 May 2026 – The West Bengal government has issued a strong new directive to state police to hand illegal immigrants not protected under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) directly to the Border Security Force (BSF) for deportation to Bangladesh.   West Bengal Orders Direct Deportation of Illegal Immigrants to BSF In a major administrative shift announced on 22 May 2026, West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhik

The Union Home Ministry has introduced a crucial amendment to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, impacting applicants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. As per a notification issued on May 18, 2026, individuals seeking Indian citizenship from these countries are now required to declare the status of their passports. The amendment introduces a provision specifying that applicants must not be in possession of a valid or expired passport issued by the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Ban

The war in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have triggered widespread supply chain instability across South Asia, affecting energy security, economic stability, and regional cooperation. Countries across the subcontinent, heavily reliant on hydrocarbon imports from West Asia, are facing rising costs, reduced industrial competitiveness, and increased household expenditures as critical supply routes remain constrained. Fuel shortages and economic strain acros

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, India’s naval strategy played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. While much of the attention remained on ground operations, a strong Indian naval presence in the Bay of Bengal effectively restricted maritime movement and added pressure on Pakistani forces in East Pakistan (now