Key elements in India-Bangladesh relationships ::: Pragmatism, Geo-political acumen power and Economy

 “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”

- Haruki  Murakami, Japanese writer

--

When India and Bangladesh - sitting separately - make assessment of bilateral ties; the obvious references are around or about greater convergence, the spirit of mutuality of interests and the keenness to advance interdependence. 

Pragmatism, geo-political acumen power and economy - not necessarily in that order - always work in any diplomatic parleys. The body language of the leaders during Summit deliberations and during foreign ministers' meets can indicate perhaps whether the negotiations have been relatively smooth.  New Delhi and Dhaka are going through exciting as well as challenging times. 

There are multiple manners of pressure on both the leaderships. 

Amid these, there are issues of Political & Social Space. In India, the BJP has the political space and influence including in key border states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya. In contrast, the BNP in Bangladesh is on a sticky wicket. The 2024 protests by anti-Sheikh Hasina forces were in effect typically anti-India forces. 

Hence the new PM Tarique Rahman still has the burden of the legacy. The fact of the matter is the Hasina-led Awami League had some space; similarly, Rahman's ruling party BNP had some space. 

Post Awami League ouster in August 2024; there is a substantial political vacuum. 

Needless to add; the BNP has surely eaten into some of the space of the Awami League. This has left hundreds of AL supporters and party workers unnerved. 

If the BNP really inches closer to New Delhi -- leaving Awami League high and dry; things would be difficult for Sheikh Hasina's party to continue to trust the Indian leadership. 

The Modi Govt is aware of these intricacies. 

Hence it is trying a different role - a new mixed policy. Thus, we have merits in the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to depute a Gujarati politician with a cabinet rank status - Dinesh Trivedi - as the new high commissioner in Dhaka. A career diplomat may not have such a flexibility. 

Like others in the game; New Delhi is also aware that post-Feb 2026 elections in Bangladesh; the two die-hard anti-India political forces, the Jaamat and the newly floated NCP have "developed some space". 

For PM Modi, appointment of a Bengali-speaking Gujarati neta as new high commissioner signifies priority to his Govt's ‘Neighbourhood First’ foreign policy. 

"For Prime Minister Modi to give cabinet rank to the High Commissioner to Bangladesh indicates a high level of importance attached to this policy. He would like to make sure that the government of Bangladesh, led by Tarique Rahman, would also recognise the signal and respond likewise in terms of giving the highest importance to policy towards India," says an article in 'Indian Express'. 

In the contexts of all these; the BNP has to do effective planning so that it can "marginalise" the two political friends - the NCP and the Jaamat. This is easier said than done. 

BNP must be planning, that they need to marginalise Jamaat and NCP.

What they should do ?

 # Counter  Narratives

 - Display themselves as a Strong Government.

- Keep India at Bay and Swing towards China

## They can alsi Target fund network - USA, UK & Middle East based Expats.

Ends 

PM Modi has shown a "notable penchant" for receiving awards ::::

In the past year Narendra Modi has also become the first foreign head of state to receive Ethiopia’s Great Honour Nishan and the order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

The BJP says the awards are a recognition of Modi’s international stature.

As several critics have pointed out, PM Narendra Modi has shown a notable penchant for receiving awards, at home and abroad, over his 12 years in power.

Last month, days before Modi’s visit to Israel, the Israeli parliament quickly created what it claimed to be one of the country’s highest honours, the medal of the Knesset, which was bestowed on Modi when he landed. Again, he is the only recipient to date.

In 2019, Modi also became the first recipient of India’s Philip Kotler presidential award, given to the prime minister for his “outstanding leadership of the nation”. According to the government’s press release, the honour was to be bestowed annually to the leader of a nation. However, no other leader has since been given the award and its website lies dormant.

It is privately acknowledged that accolades and awards have become an expectation during Modi’s foreign trips. Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, the author of a biography of Modi, said the global push for prizes was symptomatic of the prime minister’s personality-driven politics.

“The intention behind collecting these awards – often bestowed in circumstances that raise eyebrows – is to convey to supporters and potential converts that Modi is being honoured across the world over because of his greatness and that India’s rising clout is because of Modi’s personality,” he said.

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As Narendra Modi touched down in Seychelles over the weekend, the archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean swiftly bestowed one of its “highest” honours upon the Indian prime minister.

Modi beamed as he accepted the Guardian of the Blue Horizon award from Patrick Herminie, the Seychelles president, complete with a trophy and certificate.

Observers soon pointed out that several things appeared to be off about the award. The certificate misspelled “republic” as “repubblic”, and even “Seychelles” as “Seycheeles”. The award, it transpired, had only been created three days before Modi’s arrival and he was the first and only recipient.

To add to the furore, when run through software, the certificate was widely flagged as AI-generated.

The opposition Congress party were quick to jump on the controversy, claiming: “Give him [Modi] any award, and he’ll come running.”

“They were in such a tearing hurry that they even got the official name of the Republic of Seychelles wrong,” the Congress politician Supriya Shrinate said on social media.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) hit back, saying it was a “proud moment for India” for him to receive the award for his “green leadership”.

On Thursday, the Seychelles foreign ministry responded with a statement claiming that a “working draft” had accidentally been circulated and that an “authentic and duly approved” version had now been issued.

“The Guardian of the Blue Horizon distinction is genuine,” added the foreign ministry.

ends 

How much of politics involved in Ram Mandir 'donation theft' scam ?? Can Akhilesh benefit by discrediting Sangh and VHP ??? :::: What happens if Yadavs 'desert Samajwadi Party ??

What happens if Yadavs 'desert Samajwadi Party ??  

Can Akhilesh benefit by discrediting Sangh and VHP ??? :::: What happens if Yadavs 'desert Samajwadi Party ??

How much of politics involved in Ram Mandir 'donation theft' scam ?? Can Akhilesh benefit by discrediting Sangh and VHP ??? :::: What happens if Yadavs 'desert Samajwadi Party ??   

By raising questions about the management of temple funds, the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav is attempting to shed its traditional pro-minority, "anti-temple" image. 

It presents the party as a defender of public faith and devotee trust, aiming to appeal to moderate Hindus and the broader Sanatan community.  

The issue allows the SP to challenge the ruling party's core governance plank: corruption-free administration and Hindu nationalism. By demanding transparency in a deeply religious matter, it puts the ruling BJP and the temple trust on the defensive.  

But there are chances of backlash.

The SP now risks being perceived as attacking or politicizing a highly revered Hindu religious symbol. 

If voters feel the allegations are made in bad faith or lack sufficient proof, it could result in a severe counter-mobilization of the Hindu vote in favor of the BJP.

An overemphasis on temple politics can divert attention from core secular, social-justice, and economic issues, potentially alienating the party's core minority and backward-caste support base.

On June 12, Ayodhya BJP leader Rajneesh Singh sought a CBI investigation and wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister’s Office has also sought a factual report from the temple trust , according to an official letter, dated June 23.

On June 25, Vishwa Hindu Parishad international working president Alok Kumar demanded registration of an FIR if evidence established theft, and later called for the investigation to cover everyone involved.

On June 19, chief minister Yogi Adityanath personally stepped in, declared that “no guilty person will be spared”. 

The CM’s remarks came after, on June 13, he ordered the constitution of a three-member SIT comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IG Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan.

People aware of developments said nearly 150 persons were identified for scrutiny, around two dozen came under detailed examination and recoveries of cash and precious metals were made during the investigation. 

The SIT also found that CCTV footage was available for about 45 days, as per the FIR, filed on Thursday.

On June 23, the SIT submitted its preliminary report, advised registration of a criminal case and suggested structural reforms in the management of temple donations. 

On June 25, temple Trust member Krishna Mohan lodged a police complaint, following which the FIR was filed and eight people were arrested.  

In 2021, Opposition parties had questioned transactions involving land acquired around the temple. That controversy, however, remained confined largely to political allegations and denials. 

But in this case, the investigation was ordered by the BJP government, an FIR has been lodged, arrests have followed, and the probe continues to widen.

A woman stands on the balcony of a residential building with cut-outs of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hindu god Ram, in Ahmedabad  (2024) 

****

Two things dominate Indian and the BJP's political landscapes. One - Hindu-Muslim divide and another anti-Pakistan card.  

The bitterness over Pakistan is not new. It exists even in normal times and is often tapped during elections by the BJP leadership and PM Narendra Modi himself. The opposition poll managers say the ruling BJP does so only to garner votes.

PM Modi and the BJP have been banking heavily on Hindutva (literally “Hindu-ness”). This political ideology advocates for Hindu supremacy and seeks to transform India, constitutionally a secular state, into an ethno-religious nation.

Prime Minister Modi likes to call India the 'mother of democracy,' but he misses the point that sheer communalism is a strict anti-thesis to religion and democracy, says political analyst Ramakanto Shanyal in West Bengal.

However, on the other hand, the main opposition Congress, in the name of 'secularism' and protecting the rights of minorities, also plays the religion card in more ways than one.

The can of worms was opened in 2024 by Modi himself when he dubbed the Congress party’s election manifesto as “a footprint of the Muslim League,” which is held responsible for the partition of the Indian subcontinent to create Pakistan.

ends 

India closely watching developments in Bangladesh-China relations

New Delhi will take ‘appropriate measures’ amid discussions on defence, connectivity and the Teesta project. 

"We closely monitor all developments in our neighbourhood and take appropriate measures as required," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing.  

He faced a series of questions from the media regarding Bangladesh's expanding strategic engagement with China, including discussions on the possible acquisition of Chinese J-10CE multirole fighter aircraft, the proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and Beijing's involvement in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.

The corridor project was proposed by China during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit on June 22-26.  

At a briefing to the media on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen clarified that the corridor was proposed by China more than a decade back when India was also considered in it. 

India has not made any response.

Even now, the project is open for other countries including India to join, Yao Wen said.

China also agreed to support Bangladesh in the Teesta project by conducting a feasibility study together with Bangladesh experts.  

Bangladesh approached China for the project as the water sharing agreement was not signed despite all preparation back in 2011 due to opposition from the West Bengal government.  

Jaiswal said India's position had already been formally conveyed to Bangladesh. He did not clarify what India’s position was on the Teesta project.

Jaiswal said New Delhi was keeping a close watch on all developments in its neighbourhood and would respond appropriately whenever necessary. "Our development partnership with Bangladesh is guided by a mutually agreed roadmap, which is reviewed periodically," he said.

The MEA spokesperson further noted that India would continue to assess all developments concerning Bangladesh within the framework of its broader regional policy and long-term strategic interests.

ends 

It was the debutant Cape Verde players who held the attention ::: ... still ready to run, ready to play, but eliminated from World Cup 2026

At the final whistle the Argentinian players fell to their knees, thanking stars for the crucial win.

The stands re-erupted with relief, joy and the familiar devotional celebrations. 

A 3-2 victory means Argentina will now play Egypt in Atlanta. 

But it was the Cape Verde players who held the attention in that moment, walking a little disconsolately about at one end, still ready to run, ready to play, but eliminated from this World Cup at the end of its most wonderfully dramatic game.

Cape Verde exit World Cup with heads held high: ‘We did our best and we did it with bravery’

Coach Bubista says campaign has been ‘source of great pride’

Perhaps the greatest moment in this relentlessly thrilling game was that last moment of Cape Verde parity. 

The game had felt perfectly pitched as extra time kicked off with the score 1-1, a note of destiny still circling. 

Two minutes in Argentina scored, Lisandro Martínez picking the ball up from a corner on the edge of the box, cutting inside and shooting high into the roof of the net. 

The stands on that side erupted with roars of relief, joy, affirmation of the narrative, of Messi-ism, the road to New York.  

Vozinha claws away a clever free-kick from Lionel Messi that was floating into the top corner

But Cape Verde, once again, were not done. 

They pressed, won three corners in quick succession. 

And with 102 minutes on the clock made it 2-2, with a moment of startling brilliance from Sydney Lopes Cabral, a goal that felt like one of the great World Cup moments, shades of Josimar ‘86, mixed with François Omam-Biyik, 1990 and all that.

Sidny Lopes Cabral runs off in disbelief after surely the greatest moment in Cape Verde’s history. Photograph: Marco Bello/Reuters (The Guardian London) 

The stadium erupted in small pockets of delirious disbelief and entire looming stands of very abrupt silence. 

Cabral just ran, veering off back to the touchline, leaving the pitch, vaulting some stairs, waiting a bit, then embracing what was presumably his girlfriend, or at least someone who is now his girlfriend, or very keen to be.  

Cape verde threaten world cup shock for the ages before argentina dash dream in extra time classic.  

Cape Verde’s players are drawn almost entirely from the nation’s diaspora population and play largely in second tier leagues around Europe. But they twice equalised in Miami and were the stronger team at the end as the world champions held on.

“The feeling in the dressing room is sadness,” Bubista said. “We are sad because we are leaving the competition and also because we got so close, so close, but I think they must be proud of their performance and of representing our country. It shows the team has a soul.

“We did our best and we did it with bravery. Never did we fail to stay true to our identity, which is why I am so proud of what my players did."

ends 

Mysore Bidi ad drove Sangh magazine 'Organiser' for years; but there was no Swaemsevak smokers around : Vice Prez Radhakrishnan

 "I have not seen any Swaemsevak at that time smoking at all," Vice President C P Radhakrishnan has said here.  

Addressing a function organised to mark 80 years of the right wing magazine 'Organiser'; he said: "Guruji once asked what is the one common feature of all Sangh patrikas... no one had the answer. Then Guruji (Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar) said it is the half page ad of Mysore Bidi Beedi".

He referred to the financial challenges in the running of patriotic magazines and newspapers mentioned how "the contribution" came from the common people in running such periodicals. 

"... I say this because their customers were not the readers of 'Organiser' ...  "I have not seen any Swaemsevak at that time smoking at all".  

The Vice President applauded Organiser's eight-decade contribution to India's democratic discourse and also recalled the magazine's role during Emergency. He also highlighted the magazine's  fight against censorship and how it strengthened media freedom in independent India.  

The Vice-President also released the books 'Hindutva Discourse After Independence – Reading With Organiser Pages' by Shri Prafulla Ketkar and Shri Gautam Choubey, and 

'Temples Beyond Bharat' by Dr. Ujwala Chakradeo. 

Referring to Hindutva Discourse after Independence, Radhakrishnan said that Organiser's eight decades of documentation constitute an important archival record of India's political, social and intellectual evolution and provide a valuable window into the evolution of Hindutva.

Congratulating Bharat Prakashan Limited, he said that true to its enduring tagline, “Voice of the Nation”, Organiser has consistently brought to the forefront issues that many preferred to overlook. 

Referring to the observations made by senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale during the programme, he noted that Organiser has served as the “voice of the soul of the nation”, guided not by any narrow or self-serving motive.

In contrast it had an abiding commitment to the larger national interest and the vision of seeing Bharat emerge as a strong, prosperous and self-confident nation.

It's former editors included - A R. Nair, K R Malkani, L. K. Advani, 

V. P. Bhatia and Seshadri Chari. 

ends 

Defence procurement proposals worth Rs 52,000 crore including Kamikaze drones, guided missiles cleared :::: Closer defence ties with Japan could help reduce dependence on traditional suppliers

Kamikaze drones, guided missiles among Rs 52,000-crore defence buys cleared

Defence procurement proposals worth Rs 52,000 crore, including anti-drone systems, missiles, jet-powered kamikaze drones and advanced air defence platforms received clearance to move forward.   

(Modern warfare is increasingly being shaped by precision-guided weapons, drones and advanced air defence systems)

Japan emerges as new defence export player, opening procurement opportunities for India

The approvals cover a wide range of advanced weapon systems, air defence platforms, anti-drone technologies, unmanned systems and naval capabilities for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The DAC's nod marks an in-principle administrative approval, making it the first step in the procurement process.

The move is seen as a major push to strengthen the operational preparedness and combat capabilities of the armed forces.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday cleared these series of proposals for the acquisition of advanced weapons.  

The Akash Tarang system will provide effective protection against hostile drones and other unmanned aerial threats, a capability that has gained increasing significance amid evolving battlefield requirements. 

Among the major acquisitions cleared for the Indian Army are the procurement of the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare System 'Akash Tarang', Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems, Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) weapon systems, Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (V-SHORADS), Active Protection Systems for tanks and jet-powered kamikaze drones.  

The indigenous MPATGM system is expected to strengthen the infantry's ability to neutralise enemy armoured and mechanised formations. The MRSAM weapon system will bolster India's layered air defence network by providing protection against a range of aerial threats, including stand-off weapons.

The V-SHORADS system, equipped with multi-spectral sensing capabilities, is expected to improve resilience against countermeasures while enhancing short-range air defence effectiveness.

Russia’s share in India’s arms imports fell sharply to 40% in 2020–2025, down from 77% in 2008–2013 and 55% in 2014–2019. 

Japan is emerging as a relatively new player in the global defence export market, with overseas military sales increasingly concentrated in sensors, missiles and ships, a shift that could create new strategic opportunities for India as it seeks to diversify defence procurement.

The growing defence cooperation comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the first bilateral co-development project involving Naval Radio Antenna systems, describing it as a step that would strengthen defence technology collaboration, maritime security and regional stability.

For India, closer defence ties with Japan could help reduce dependence on traditional suppliers.

ends 

Ram Mandir donation theft - "deeply painful", says RSS in first remarks since the scam ::::: "....we are all extremely pained and angered by this event"

Expect Ram Mandir Trust to fix lapses: RSS's first remarks on donation theft

"The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society and Ram devotees; we are all extremely pained and angered by this event," read the tweet from RSS Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale.

Calling the theft at the Ram Temple "deeply painful", the RSS urged stringent punishment for those found guilty, sought greater transparency in the temple's administration, and appealed to devotees to remain patient while the SIT investigation is underway.  

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday expressed deep concern over the theft from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, calling the incident "deeply painful" and urging strict action against those responsible while seeking greater transparency and accountability in the temple's management.

In a statement issued from New Delhi, RSS Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale said the grand temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi had become a symbol of faith and devotion for the Hindu community through the sacrifices and dedication of generations of devotees.  

Hosabale noted that the Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and initiated legal proceedings based on its recommendations. 

He said those found guilty after the investigation should face stringent punishment.  

'TREAT IT AS AN EXCEPTIONAL MATTER'

The RSS leader also called on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to treat the incident as an exceptional matter and address any shortcomings in the temple's management and operational systems. He said it was essential to ensure that the faith of millions of devotees in the Ayodhya temple remained intact and that the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the incident came to an end.

Hosabale expressed confidence that the Trust, through transparent administrative systems would continue to strengthen public trust in the temple.

"We are confident that through proper financial management, flawless and transparent operational systems, and an atmosphere imbued with purity, sanctity, and true dharmikta, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will continue to strengthen the faith and trust of the Hindu society," he added.

The RSS, meanwhile, appealing for calm, urged the Hindu community to exercise patience and restraint while the investigation is underway.  

"Display necessary patience and restraint during this difficult moment and thwart the conspiracies of anti-Hindu and anti-national forces seeking to malign the Hindu dharma and society by exploiting this unfortunate incident," concluded the statement. 

The organisation also calls upon the entire Hindu society to display necessary patience and restraint during this difficult moment.  

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is likely to issue show-cause notices to its General Secretary, Champat Rai, and trustee Anil Mishra, who resigned following the Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, at its key meeting scheduled for July 6, sources said.

According to sources in the Trust, both office-bearers will be asked to provide written and oral explanations regarding the donation irregularities before any decision is taken on their resignations or future roles.

Sources said the move is in accordance with the Trust's bylaws, which mandate that the concerned office-bearers be given an opportunity to explain their position before any disciplinary action is initiated. The rules also stipulate that any decision on accepting their resignations or removing them from office must be approved by the requisite majority of the trustees.

ends 

125-year-old Gurdwara demolished in Pakistan; distressing, says India

 125-year-old Gurdwara demolished in Pakistan; distressing, says India

India has condemned the demolition of a historic Sikh shrine in Pakistan as a deeply distressing act of vandalism. Sikh organisations and political leaders have demanded accountability and restoration of the gurdwara, and stronger protection for religious minorities.  

A nearly 125-year-old Sikh shrine in Pakistan's Punjab province was razed on Wednesday, by a local businessman without the required official approval, triggering protests from the minority Sikh community and drawing a strong diplomatic response from India.

The historic Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, around 70 km from Lahore, was demolished by a businessman who allegedly failed to obtain the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities.

Responding to media reports, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)of India described the incident as "deeply distressing" and strongly condemned what it called a "highly deplorable" and "targeted act of vandalism" against a revered Sikh place of worship.

"We have seen the deeply distressing reports regarding the demolition of the historic 125-year-old sacred Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan. We strongly condemn this highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine," the MEA said

The businessman had demolished the gurdwara without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the department concerned. 

The department had not taken notice of it until the Sikhs of the area protested.

The demolition sparked protests by local Sikhs, prompting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take cognisance of the matter, according to the official.

We’re marking 1,000 days, but for me it’s been an eternity" ::::: ‘We won’t give up’: Crowd marking 1,000 days since Oct. 7 vows to keep demanding state inquiry

 Thousands of people gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Thursday night to mark 1,000 days since Hamas-led terrorists invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and to demand a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the onslaught and massacre.

Israel marks 1,000 days since October 7 attack as calls grow for independent inquiry. 

The attack on October 7, 2023, killed 1,221 people in Israel.

Protesters also briefly blocked the northbound Ayalon Highway at rush hour ahead of the rally. At least seven protesters were arrested, according to an anti-government volunteer lawyer group.

The rally marked a return to Hostages Square, the plaza that symbolized the struggle to free the 251 captives taken during the October 7 attack, in which terrorists killed some 1,200 people and launched the Gaza war. 

The square served as the focal point for demonstrations demanding the hostages’ release until the remains of the last slain captive, Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, were returned in January.

Rom Braslavski, one of the 20 final living hostages who were released on October 13 as part of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, was greeted with chants of “hero” as he took to the stage to speak.

“I was held in Gaza for two whole years. We’re marking 1,000 days, but for me it’s been an eternity,” he said. “I went through 1,000 lifetimes in 1,000 days.”  

‘Exactly 1,000 days ago, my life stopped’

Thursday’s protest was organized by the October Council, an anti-government group comprising hundreds of bereaved families, survivors and former hostages taken in the onslaught. The group organized protests at junctions nationwide throughout Thursday, starting at 6:29 a.m., the exact time that the Hamas attack began 1,000 days earlier.  

The attack on October 7, 2023, killed 1,221 people in Israel, according to official Israeli figures compiled by AFP, while Hamas-led militants also took 251 hostages into Gaza.

Israel responded with a large-scale military offensive in the Palestinian territory. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 73,000 people have been killed during the conflict. While the ministry operates under Hamas, its casualty figures are regarded by the United Nations as broadly reliable.  

Although a ceasefire came into effect in October, negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent end to the conflict have made little progress, with Israeli forces continuing to control nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip.

ends 

High Emotions :::: More than a final !! Better team on ground Portugal prevails :::: Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey continues

 Bottles and cans thrown by furious Croatia fans as the equaliser was negated due to off side. 

Croatia played its best; took the first lead and then conceded two goals. One - penalty by the legendary Ronaldo. 

Cristiano Ronaldo speaks, showing off Jota’s number 21. (And they won 2-1.) "I was amazed because the situation of the day, it means a lot to us, not only because we won the game but because of the way we did it."

On Modric:

He said:

"I played with Luka so many years. He’s still a legend of football. I just said to him so many times, congratulations for everything, I wish you all the best for the next few years of your career."

Portugal wins 2-1 and will now meet Spain on Monday at the Round of 16.  

Portugal eliminate Croatia at World Cup after dramatic late VAR call

Ronaldo initially tied things up in the 68th minute on a penalty kick to equalize and give the megastar his first knockout stage goal at the World Cup, but it was Ramos who gave Portugal the victory.

The game ended in controversy as Croatia thought it had tied things up 2-2 in the very last moments, but Mario Pasalic was called offside as VAR ruled no goal. 

Croatia fans threw bottles on the field and whistled in protest.

Croatia opened the scoring in the 53rd minute when Ivan Perisic scored in the 53rd minute off a cross from Josip Sanisic.  

Modrić led Croatia to second- and third-place finishes in 2018 and 2022 but could not come back.

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S high-risk substitution was slammed by super-fan Piers Morgan before it even happened.

The 41-year-old Portugal legend was average for most of the match, where his side let underdogs Croatia take the lead.

Random comments in media and social media :: 

First of all: what a game! 

Feel privileged to have seen it live! 

Hard to escape the feeling that Croatia were really hard done by, especially at the end. 

If I were the referee (and I have no refereeing experience whatsoever), I think the ethical decision would have been to let the goal stand and let the teams play extra time. 

That is a hugely consequential decision especially so late in the game and with such small margins, I think it is only fair to let the teams decide it the honourable way, by playing to get a proper goal. 

I think technicalities can get in the way of fairness. 

Anyway, Spain may crush Portugal anyway so maybe Croatia will get some poetic justice. But Ronaldo deserves a World Cup win too.  

Changing politics in Bangladesh ::: "BNP Govt in Feb 2026 appointed 15 people as ministers, MPs, presidents and prime ministers who had supported Pakistan’s unity", says Jamaat

 Jamaat announces month-long programmes to mark July uprising anniversary  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced a month-long programme to commemorate the second anniversary of the 'July uprising' of 2024. 

The schedule includes meetings with the families of those killed, injured and permanently disabled during the uprising, as well as remembrance events, discussions and prayer programmes at sites associated with the movement in Dhaka from July 2 to 9. 

On July 16, separate discussion meetings will be organised by the party's Dhaka north and south city units to observe July Martyrs' Day.

From July 18 to 31, similar programmes will be held across the country. 

Jamaat will also organise processions in metropolitan areas, districts and upazilas on August 1, while its labour wing will hold separate programmes from August 2 to 4. 

On August 5, the party will join and support rallies and processions to be organised by the 11-party alliance in Dhaka. In 2024, Aug 5, Sheikh Hasina had to flee to India and the administration had passed on to the hands of an interim regime - which was pro-Jamaat.  

Meanwhile, differences between Jamaat and ruling BNP is increasing by the day. Once they were allies. 

Taking part in parliament’s discussion on the national budget for the 2026-27, the BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Jamaat-e-Islami had yet to apologise for its role against Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.

He said it would be easier for Jamaat to engage in politics in Bangladesh if it clearly stated its position on 1971 and acknowledged its role.  

Responding to Fakhrul’s remarks, Jamaat leader Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said, “Look at yourself in the mirror. 

"Ask your father to apologise from his grave. We committed no crime, so why should we apologise? There are allegations that your father was the offender. You should therefore choose your words carefully.” 

He also said after coming to power, the BNP Govt in Feb 2026 appointed at least 14 or 15 people as ministers, MPs, presidents and prime ministers who had supported Pakistan’s unity and opposed Bangladesh’s independence.

Amid all these, the Awami League is getting ready with their political moves. Former PM, Sheikh Hasina has announced she may return 'home' in Dhaka by this calendar year 2026. 

A key minister in the BNP Govt also has said that efforts are on to ensure return of Sheikh Hasina for facing the judicial process.  

Blogger : Mujib Museum - 2017 

But the political journey of Awami League is interesting. 

The trajectory of AL, from a liberation vanguard to a dominant, heavily personalised, and autocratic political machine within a span of a few decades, is an exciting story.

Despite having a collective leadership in its formative years, AL has historically revolved around a single, dominant figure. After 2008, AL underwent a deep transformation, alienating it from its traditional roots, the middle-class. 

It has indulged in a culture of cronyism, power worship, and sycophancy. And it suffered as a result.  

Since the July uprising of 2024, AL is officially non-functional; its activities were banned last year. There are rumours that it will return from exile. 

The party may argue that the people have not rejected them electorally, and that the government, driven by political vengeance, has kept them out of that process. 

The top leaders of the party are all fugitives. The party chief, Hasina, remains practically the owner of the party. 

Nothing in her behaviour suggests she wants to democratise her party.

"However, many within AL, reportedly, believe that some external force will once again restore them to power," goes an article in 'The Daily Star'.   

It is difficult to predict AL’s fate as it reaches its 77th anniversary. Those who were successful in ousting the AL in the 2024 uprising may feel that the party has been defeated once and for all. 

However, power politics everywhere is about chances.

ends