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Tue, 06 August 2024

Nobel laureate Yunus head of interim B'desh govt

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23:59 Nobel laureate Yunus head of interim B'desh govt

Just In: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as head of Bangladesh's interim government, says President's Press Secretary.

The police registered a case on Tuesday after a private school reported the sexual assault of a minor student within its premises here in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The school administration submitted a written complaint in the wake of reports on social media about the alleged sexual assault of a student at the school, they said.

"The police has taken cognisance upon a written information by the administrative authority of a particular school regarding the sexual assault on a minor student," the Srinagar police said in a post on X.

Relevant sections of the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act Act were registered at the Kothibagh Police Station. -- PTI

The police registered a case on Tuesday after a private school reported the sexual assault of a minor student within its premises here in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The school administration submitted a written complaint in the wake of reports on social media about the alleged sexual assault of a student at the school, they said.

Relevant sections of the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act Act were registered at the Kothibagh Police Station. -- PTI

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23:50 Farmer finds 16.10 carat diamond in MP's Panna mine

A farmer and three others found a 16.10-carat diamond in a mine in Madhya Pradesh's Panna district on Tuesday, officials said.

Dilip Mistry, the farmer who had leased a piece of land in Jaruapur area for excavation with his three associates, said he would use the money from the diamond's auction for improving his family's finances.

The gem-quality diamond will be put up for sale in the next government auction, said Anupam Singh, an official from the Panna diamond office.

It is expected to fetch a good price, he said, without giving any figure.

The sale proceeds are given to the owner or owners after deducting the government royalty.

Mistry told reporters that he had struck lucky in the same diamond mine earlier too, and he would continue mining.

Panna district, located in Bundelkhand region, is estimated to have diamond reserves of 12 lakh carats.

In July, a labourer had found a 19.22-carat diamond in a mine in the area. -- PTI

A woman alleged misbehaviour with her by some men at a mall in Noida and police bias in the case before changing her stance, even as Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Tuesday slammed the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over women's safety.

Yadav also suggested that the woman changed her statement under pressure.

The Noida police on Tuesday night said they have arrested four men -- two from each side -- involved in the August 4 incident that took place at a bar in Gardens Galleria mall in Sector 38A under Sector 39 police station limits.

The woman, who took to social media to highlight the issue, on Tuesday said that she may have posted the video due to "provocation" and was now "satisfied" with the police action in the case.

In her first video shared on social media, Anju Yadav said she had gone to the mall with her husband and brother-in-law when she was misbehaved with by some men there.

She also alleged that a woman from the other side involved in the incident had relatives working in the police department. -- PTI

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23:15 Rashtrapati Bhavan's Amrit Udyan to open for public from Aug 16 to Sep 15

The iconic Amrit Udyan inside the President's estate will be opened for the public from August 16 to September 15, the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday said.

A free shuttle bus service from Central Secretariat Metro Station to gate no. 35 (entry gate for the Udyan) will also be available for the convenience of the visitors, according to an official statement.

Amrit Udyan is spread over a vast expanse of 15 acres in the Rashtrapati Bhavan -- the office and residence of the President of India.

Originally, it included East Lawn, Central Lawn, Long Garden and Circular Garden. During the term of former Presidents Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind, more gardens were developed, namely -- Herbal-I, Herbal-II, Tactile Garden, Bonsai Garden and Arogya Vanam.

President Droupadi Murmu will grace the opening of Amrit Udyan Summer Annuals Edition, 2024 on August 14, the statement said.

"The Amrit Udyan will remain open for the public from August 16 to September 15, 2024 from 10 am to 6 pm (the last entry will be at 5.15 pm)," the statement said. -- PTI

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22:48 Police raid 72 illicit liquor brewing units in Maha's Latur

The police on Tuesday unearthed 72 illicit liquor brewing units in Latur district and destroyed equipment and chemicals used for production under a special drive, an official said.

The police registered 72 cases against 73 people at various police stations.

Equipment and chemicals of an estimated Rs 10,93,791 were destroyed in the simultaneous raids at 72 locations under the jurisdictions of various police stations in a single day, the official said. -- PTI

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22:29 66 cases of Zika virus infection found in Pune city since June

At least 66 cases of Zika virus infection have been reported in Pune city in the last two months, civic officials said on Tuesday.

Four of these patients died, but the cause in each case was not the Zika infection, a senior health official said.

Those infected also included 26 pregnant women but most of them are in good health, an official statement said.

The first case of Zika virus infection in the city this year was reported on June 20 when a 46-year-old doctor in the Erandwane area tested positive.

Subsequently, his 15-year-old daughter too tested positive for the infection.

"The 66 cases include four deaths, but these deaths were not due to Zika but comorbidities the patients were suffering from....such as cardiac issues, liver ailments, old age. Their reports came positive for the virus from the NIV (National Institute of Virology) after death," the health department official said.

These four patients were aged between 68 and 78.

The Pune Municipal Corporation's health department would, nonetheless, send their reports to the death audit committee of the Maharashtra government, the official added. -- PTI

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

22:21 Govt gives option on capital gains tax on property

The government on Tuesday proposed a relief to taxpayers with respect to capital gain tax on real estate properties by giving them the option to choose between 20 per cent and 12.5 per cent tax rates.

As per the amendments to Finance Bill, 2024, circulated to Lok Sabha members, an individual or HUF buying houses before July 23, 2024, can compute his taxes under the new scheme of 12.5 per cent without indexation and the old scheme of 20 per cent with indexation and pay such tax which is lower of the two.

National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma's tenure ended on Tuesday.

Sharma, 60, assumed the charge of the NCW chairperson on August 7, 2018.

"Today marks the final day of my nine-year tenure as the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW). These nine years have been like a roller coaster ride for me. Coming from a humble background to finishing three terms in the NCW is a long way I have walked," she told reporters.

She has been associated with the NCW as a member since August 2015 and held additional charge as the chairperson from September 29, 2017 before becoming its chief in 2018.

Sharma has been a vocal advocate of gender sensitisation of the police personnel since they are the first point of contact for the victims.

Sharma courted many controversies in her tenure with the latest being the alleged non-action in Manipur. She was also often blamed for not taking action in non-BJP ruled states but she strongly denied the allegation.

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21:35 ISRO likely to launch Earth Observation Satellite-8 on Aug 15

The Earth Observation Satellite-8 is likely to be launched on August 15, ISRO sources said on Tuesday.

The EOS-8 will be launched by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3, it said.

"Most likely it will be launched on August 15 (Independence Day) from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh," sources said.

The primary objectives of the EOS-08 mission include designing and developing a microsatellite, creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new technologies required for future operational satellites, ISRO said in a statement.

Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, EOS-08 carries three payloads: Electro Optical Infrared Payload, Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload, and SiC UV Dosimeter.

The EOIR payload is designed to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR and Long-Wave IR bands, both during the day and night, for applications such as satellite-based surveillance, disaster monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection, volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power plant disaster monitoring. -- PTI

21:11 Troops in gunfight with terrorists in Udhampur

Security forces established contact with a group of terrorists in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Tuesday, the police said and added an operation was underway to neutralise them.

Officials said a few gunshots were heard from the Pathi Nalla Khaned area of Basantgarh when joint search parties of the police and the Army moved deep inside the densely forested area to track down the terrorists.

There was no report of any casualty, they said and added that a hunt for the terrorists was underway.

"After specific input was gleaned regarding movements in the area, a SADO (search and destroy operation) was launched in the wee hours today (Tuesday) by our parties; contact has been established with a group of terrorists in the Khaned area of Basantgarh police station. Ops (operations) underway," deputy inspector general (Udhampur) said in a post on X. -- PTI

CPI MP Sandosh Kumar P

20:45 CPI MP requests Modi to visit landslides-hit Wayanad

CPI Rajya Sabha member Sandosh Kumar P has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to visit the landslides-hit Wayanad district of Kerala.

In a letter to Modi, Sandosh Kumar says, 'Landslides have resulted in complete villages being washed away and relief and rehabilitation of those displaced, in a sustainable manner, will be a long-drawn challenge. The sorrows of the people in this region are immense, as I have seen for the last 4 days.

'While Kerala are receiving support and solidarity during this critical period from all over, your visit to the affected region, as head of the Union is also of need.'

Modi's visit to the region to see the devastation first-hand, the MP feels, 'may be of help for the people of the region', including declaring the Wayanad landslides as a 'calamity of severe nature'.

Will the prime minister oblige?

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20:34 1 killed, 9 injured in boiler blast at factory in Nagpur

A worker was killed and nine others were injured when a boiler exploded at a cement blocks manufacturing factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur district in the early hours of Tuesday, the police said.

The incident took place at around 3.30 am at Shreeji Blocks Pvt Ltd company located in Zullar village under Mouda taluka, around 50 km from in Nagpur, when the victims were engaged in routine work, they said.

Nandkishore Ramkrishna Karande (40), a crane operator at the company and resident of Zullar, died on the spot, the Mouda police said.

Nine other workers were seriously injured and undergoing treatment in hospital, the police said.

Six houses located near the unit were badly damaged and three goats were also killed in the incident, they said.

Forensic personnel and a team of industry experts reached the site to find out the cause of the incident, an official said.

The company, in a press release, announced Rs 30 lakh compensation to the family of the deceased.

The injured workers were from Zullar, Wadoda and Ranmangali villages, according to the police. -- PTI

Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, in Chennai has received a funding of Rs 228 crore from US-based industrialist and entrepreneur Dr Krishna Chivukula, officials said on Tuesday.

It is considered to be one of the single largest donations received by IIT Madras, which would utilise the funds for taking up various initiatives, the institute's director V Kamakoti said in Chennai.

"Nearly after 53 years, our alumni Dr Krishna Chivukula, has come to give Rs 228 crore as an endowment to IIT-Madras. He had studied M Tech in aerospace engineering during the 1970s and has established companies which are engaged in manufacture of components for aeroplanes," Kamakoti told reporters.

"This is one among the single largest endowments that has been received by IIT Madras in its history," he said on the fund received from Chivukula.

IIT Madras officials said the institute raised funding of Rs 513 crore during 2023-24 which is a 135 percent increase received from the previous financial year.

The total amount raised through alumni alone during 2023-24 was Rs 367 crore which is also an increase of 282 per cent over the previous year.

As part of recognising the contribution of Chivukula, IIT Madras has established the Krishna Chivukula Block on its sprawling campus at Adyar in Chennai. -- PTI

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

19:59 Amazon India head Manish Tiwary resigns

Amazon India head and country manager Manish Tiwary has resigned, the e-commerce giant said on Tuesday.

Tiwary will continue with Amazon until October to help ensure a smooth transition.

"Manish Tiwary, country manager for Amazon India, has decided to pursue an opportunity outside of the company. Manish's leadership over the last eight years has been instrumental in delivering for customers and sellers, making Amazon.in the preferred marketplace in India," Amazon India statement said.

It further said that Amit Agarwal, senior vice president India and Emerging Markets, will remain closely involved with the Amazon.in team.

India is an important priority for the company, Amazon emphasised.

"We are excited by the momentum and business results we have already achieved, and we are even more optimistic about the significant opportunities ahead to innovate on behalf of our customers and digitally transform lives and livelihoods," the statement said.

The company further added: "Amit Agarwal, SVP India and Emerging Markets, will remain closely involved with the Amazon.in team, guiding its strong bench of leaders to deliver on this opportunity". -- PTI

Army personnel clear entrance of the Bangladeshi PM's residence in Dhaka/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

19:47 Rejig in B'desh army top ranks, senior officer sacked

Bangladesh on Tuesday carried out a major reshuffle in the top positions in the Army, a day after prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following deadly protests against her government over a controversial job quota system.

Maj Gen Ziaul Ahsan, the director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, has been relieved from service, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported, quoting a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations Department -- the media wing of the army.

Lt Gen Mohammed Saiful Alam has been assigned to the foreign ministry, it said.

Lt Gen Mohammed Mojibur Rahman has been appointed as GOC Army Training and Doctrine Command, Lt Gen Ahmad Tabrez Shams Chowdhury as Quartermaster General of the Army, Lt Gen Mizanur Rahman Shamim as chief of general staff of the Army, Lt Gen Mohammed Shahinul Haque as commandant NDC and Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman as director general of NTMC. -- PTI

Karnataka women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi guarantee scheme would start receiving the money from Tuesday.

Gruha Lakshmi scheme offers Rs 2,000 to the women head of families belonging to the economically weaker section.

The guarantee, which was one of the key promises of the Congress in the run-up to the assembly elections last year, was launched on August 30, 2023, in Mysuru.

Addressing a public gathering at Mandya during the Congress' show of strength against the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party-Janata Dal-Secular march against MUDA alternative site scam, Hebbalkar said some women had complained to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that they were not getting the money for the past two months.

"Due to some technical glitch, we could not transfer money into the bank accounts of women for the months of June and July. It will happen from today," Hebbalkar told the cheering crowd.

She said the Congress party fulfils the promises it made. -- PTI

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19:13 Air India to fly to Dhaka; Vistara to resume tomorrow

Air India will operate its scheduled flight from the national capital to Dhaka on Tuesday evening while Vistara's scheduled services to the Bangladesh capital will be operational from August 7.

The neighbouring country has plunged into uncertainty and the situation is volatile after street protests over job quota forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit and flee.

On Tuesday, Air India had cancelled its morning flight to Dhaka.

The airline will operate its evening flights AI237/238 on the Delhi-Dhaka-Delhi sector on Tuesday.

In a statement, the carrier also said that due to the prevailing situation there, a one-time waiver is being offered on rescheduling to passengers having confirmed bookings on any of its flight to and from Dhaka between August 4 and 7.

The offer will be applicable for tickets booked on or prior to August 5.

As per normal schedule, the Tata Group-owned airline operates two daily flights from the national capital to Dhaka.

According to an official, Vistara will be operating services as per schedule from Wednesday. -- PTI

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has announced that he will not be hosting the upcoming eighth season of 'Bigg Boss Tamil'.

Taking to his X account, Haasan shared that he needs to step away from the show due to prior commitments in cinema. In his statement, he wrote, "Dear Viewers, With a heavy heart, I wish to inform you that I will be taking a small break from our journey that began 7 years ago. Due to prior cinematic commitments, I'm unable to host the upcoming season of Bigg Boss Tamil."

He also expressed his gratitude towards the audience, saying, "I have been privileged to reach you in your homes. You have showered me with your love and affection, for which you have my everlasting gratitude. Your spirited and passionate support of the contestants is at the core of what makes Bigg Boss Tamil one of the best television reality shows in India."

Reflecting on his experience, Haasan added, "Personally, being your host has been an enriching association, where I have honestly shared my learnings. I will always be grateful for this learning experience. I sincerely thank each one of you and the contestants in the show for our time together. Lastly, I would like to thank the wonderful team at Vijay TV, as well as every crew member who has been involved in making this enterprise a grand success. I am sure this season will be yet another success (sic)." -- ANI

A total of 132 money laundering cases have been registered against sitting and former MPs and MLAs apart from political leaders over the last six years, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

Minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary shared figures related to the Enforcement Directorate filing enforcement case information reports, cases under trial and convictions as part of a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

He gave a breakup of ECIRs recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against "existing and ex-MPs, MLAs, MLCs and political leaders or anyone affiliated with any political party" between January 1, 2019 to July 31 this year.

As per the reply, the ED filed 15 ECIRs or money laundering cases in 2019 followed by 28 in 2020, 26 in 2021, 34 in 2022, 26 in 2023 and three in 2024 (till July 31).

The reply added that a court trial in these cases was completed in a total of three cases -- one in 2020 and two in 2023.

Only one conviction in these cases was reported to have been made in 2020, as per the reply. -- PTI

A view of Bombay high court/File image

18:10 HC upholds right to speedy trial, grants bail to five in 2018 arms haul case

Speedy trial has received recognition of the fundamental right of a person facing accusations, the Bombay high court has said while granting bail to five persons arrested by the Maharashtra ATS in 2018 for allegedly plotting to attack Pune's Sunburn festival in 2017.

A division bench comprising Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande said in an order on July 30 that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to substantiate the conspiracy charges, and noted the lengthy incarceration of the accused and the bleak prospects of a speedy trial.

The five accused, Sujith Rangaswamy, Amit Baddi, Ganesh Miskin, Shrikant Pangarkar and Bharat Kurane, were arrested in 2018 after the ATS had seized a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from the residence of two other suspects in Nalasopara in 2018.

The five accused have been in custody since 2018, and the trial is expected to be lengthy, with 417 witnesses on the prosecution's list.

"The chances of timely completion of trial appear to be bleak. Speedy trial has received recognition of the fundamental right of a person facing accusations," the bench said.

The ATS had claimed the cache of arms and ammunition were intended for an attack on the Sunburn music festival in December 2017.

The ATS case was that the accused persons were active members of right-wing groups 'Sanatan Sanstha' and 'Hindu Janjagruti Samiti', and they were influenced by the philosophy of creation of a 'Hindu Rashtra'.

The court, which was hearing appeals filed by the accused challenging a special court order refusing them bail, noted that none of the alleged attacks was carried out. -- PTI

BSF DG Daljit Singh Chaudhary during his visit to Indo-Bangladesh border in Bengal/ANI Photo

17:59 LIVE! BSF asks troops to go on alert on Bangladesh border

The Border Security Force has asked locals residing along the 4,096 km-long India-Bangladesh international border to not undertake unnecessary movement in the frontier areas especially during the night in the wake of the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka, officials said on Tuesday.

The border force has also asked all its units to "maintain an alert posture" all along the front that runs across West Bengal (2,217 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km) and Mizoram (318 km).

BSF director general (acting) Daljit Singh Chawdhary continued his border tour for the second day as he visited the Petrapole land port station, the largest such facility in South Asia located at a distance of about 80 km from Kolkata.

The DG was accompanied by senior officers of the South Bengal Frontier of the force headquartered at Kolkata.

"The DG was informed about the available troop strength at the border posts and other procedures being undertaken to ensure that no illegal person crosses over this border, given the current developments in Bangladesh," a senior officer said.

"It was directed to all the field commanders that the sanctity of the front should be maintained and instances of infiltration, cross-border crimes and smuggling should be dealt with strictly," the officer said.

He said the situation along the India-Bangladesh border is normal and added that the villagers and locals along the border areas in the five states have been asked to not undertake any unnecessary movement, especially during night. -- PTI

Actor Divya Seth Shah/Courtesy Instagram

17:44 Actor Divya Seth Shah's daughter Mihika dies

Actor Divya Seth Shah on Tuesday said her daughter Mihika Shah died on August 5.

As per reports, Mihika -- who was in her 20s -- suffered a seizure after developing a fever.

Divya, known for popular TV shows Hum Log, Banegi Apni Baat, and film Dil Dhadakne Do, shared on Facebook that a prayer meeting in her late daughter's memory will be held on Thursday evening.

"With profound sorrow, we inform you of the passing of our beloved Mihika Shah, who left for her heavenly abode on August 5th, 2024," read the joint statement by Divya and her husband Siddharth Shah.

Divya, who is the daughter of veteran actor Sushma Seth, didn't reveal the cause of Mihika's death or her age.

The prayer meet will be held at Sindh Colony Club House in Mumbai. -- PTI

17:06 Stock markets pare gains to close lower

Stock markets surrendered early gains and settled lower in volatile trade on Tuesday with Sensex losing 166 points and Nifty ending below the 24,000 level due to fag-end selling in banking and telecom stocks. Falling for the third straight day, the 30-share BSE Sensex settled at 78,593.07, down 166.33 points or 0.21 per cent, as 17 of its constituents declined and 13 gained.

Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

17:04 19000 Indians in B'desh, most students back: EAM

India is monitoring the situation of minorities in Bangladesh and is in "close and continuous" touch with the Indian community there through its diplomatic missions, the government said on Tuesday.

External Affairs minister S Jaishankar told Parliament today that Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman addressed the nation on August 5 and spoke about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government. "We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there, of which about 9,000 are students. The bulk of the students, however, have already returned to India in the month of July," the external affairs minister said.

In terms of India's diplomatic presence, in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, it has assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet, he informed both the Houses.

"It is our expectation that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes," Jaishankar said.

He said India is also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being, he said.

"We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. Our border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation," Jaishankar said. In the last 24 hours, India has also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka, he added.

He sought the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour on which "there has always been strong national consensus".

Jaishankar said India-Bangladesh relations have been exceptionally close for many decades, over many governments. Concern about recent violence and instability there is shared across the political spectrum, he noted.

Image: People stand near vandalised cars at a police station in Bangladesh.

16:54 Use Paytm, Gpay? Check this out

The phenomenal growth of UPI transactions in India.

Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

16:25 UK pauses asylum for Hasina, calls for UN-led probe

The British government has called for a United Nations led investigation into the violent incidents of the past few weeks in Bangladesh, which led to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India for the moment before reportedly seeking asylum in the UK.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement on Monday to condemn the unprecedented levels of violence and tragic loss of life over the last two weeks in Bangladesh and said the UK wanted to see action towards a democratic future for the country.

The government has made no official comment on reports of Hasina seeking political asylum in the UK, with Home Office sources only indicating that the country's immigration rules don't specifically allow individuals to travel to the UK to seek asylum.

The last two weeks in Bangladesh have seen unprecedented levels of violence and tragic loss of life. A transitional period has been announced by the Chief of the Army Staff, reads David Lammy's statement.

All sides now need to work together to end the violence, restore calm, deescalate the situation and prevent any further loss of life. The people of Bangladesh deserve a full and independent UN-led investigation into the events of the past few weeks, the foreign minister said.

The UK wants to see action taken to ensure Bangladesh a peaceful and democratic future. The UK and Bangladesh have deep people-to-people links and shared Commonwealth values, he added. -- PTI

Image: People visit the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum, which was vandalised.

Pic: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

16:05 24 burnt alive in hotel owned by Awami League neta

At least 24 people, including an Indonesian national, were burnt alive by a mob in Bangladesh at a starred hotel owned by a leader of Awami League party after its leader Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country, local journalists and hospital sources said on Tuesday.

The victims, mostly boarders, were burnt alive late on Monday night as the mob set afire Zabir International Hotel owned by district Awami League general secretary Shahin Chakkladar in Joshor district.

The dead included an Indonesian national, a local journalist told PTI in Dhaka over phone. He added the doctors at Joshor General Hospital confirmed they counted 24 bodies while surviving hotel staff feared more bodies could be found inside the debris.

Media reports suggested unidentified mob, opposed to the Awami League (AL) regime, set the ground floor of the hotel on fire which quickly spread to the upper floors.

There were almost identical reports from across the country where the angry mob simultaneously vandalised residences and business establishments of many Awami League leaders and activists, including its central office in Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital. Bangladesh descended into chaos on Monday after Hasina resigned, surreptitiously fled the country and landed in India while the army stepped in to fill the power vacuum.

Image: Army clear the entrance of the Ganabhaban after Bangladeshi PM Hasina's resignation.

15:53 Bangladesh president dissolves parliament

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday dissolved the parliament, a day after prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following massive protests against her government.

"The decision to dissolve the parliament was taken following the president's discussions with chiefs of three staff of armed forces, leaders of different political parties, representatives of civil society and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement," the Daily Star newspaper reported, citing a statement issued by his office.

It also said BNP Chairperson and former premier Khaleda Zia was freed. Moreover, the process to release those arrested between July 1 to August has started, and many have already been released, it added. The president's move to dissolve the parliament cleared the way for new elections. PTI

The death toll in the anti-government protests in Bangladesh on Tuesday climbed to 440, with 100 more deaths reported after Sheikh Hasina fled the country, according to local media, even as efforts were on by the army to bring the situation under control in the violence-hit nation.

Despite the high death toll, there were signs of a return to normalcy on Tuesday, with police and army patrolling the streets, BDNews24.com news portal said and added that schools were reopened after a long period of closure due to protests against Hasina over a controversial job quota system.

The situation in Dhaka was largely calm on Tuesday after a day of unrest and a night of tension. Buses and other public transport were on the streets and traders were opening shops. Government vehicles were heading to offices.

Many battery-run rickshaws plied the roads, it added.

Bengali language daily Prothom Alo reported that at least 109 people were killed in clashes in different parts of the country, including Dhaka, during the anti-discrimination student movement on Monday.

The newspaper earlier reported the death of 98 people till 12 pm on Sunday. Another 16 deaths were reported in the night. The total death toll stood at 114 on Sunday.

"With this, the total death toll stood at 440 in 21 days from July 16 to yesterday, the paper said. The clashes between protesters demanding Hasina's resignation over the quota system in government jobs and the ruling Awami League supporters in different parts of Bangladesh erupted on Sunday days after more than 200 people were killed in violent clashes between police and mostly student protesters in July.

Prothom Alo said that 37 bodies were brought to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital between 11 am and 8 pm on Monday. Citing hospital sources, it said 500 people were brought to the hospital with various injuries, including bullet injuries, on Monday.

As the news of Hasina's departure spread on Monday, hundreds of people broke into her residence, vandalising and looting the interiors, providing dramatic expression to the anti-government protests.

Hasina's private residence Sudha Sadan and other establishments were attacked, vandalised and set on fire in the capital. The residences and business establishments of ministers, party MPs and leaders of Hasina's Awami League government were also attacked in Dhaka and outside Dhaka.

The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported that at least 18 people were killed in Savar and Dhamrai areas, on the outskirts of the capital, after clashes broke out between police and miscreants on Monday. Ten people were killed in the capital's Uttara on Monday after individuals in civilian clothes reportedly opened fire on protesters.

15:29 Sheikh Hasina asked to come to India: EAM

Speaking on the situation in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of security establishments, PM Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi.

"We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there of which about 9000 are students. The bulk of the students returned in July.

"We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. Naturally, we will remain deeply concerned till law and order is restored.

"Our border guarding forces have been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation. In last 24 hours, we have been in touch with authorities in Dhaka."

The High Commission of India in London on Tuesday issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals to stay vigilant and exercise due caution amid ongoing violent clashes which have targeted immigrants and asylum-seekers in parts of the UK since last week.

The advisory posted on the social media channels of the Indian mission also provides emergency contact information for anyone in need of urgent assistance.

It comes a week after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, north-west England, and incorrect social media claims over the UK-born suspect's asylum-seeker status.

"Indian travellers would be aware of recent disturbances in some parts of the United Kingdom. The High Commission of India in London is closely monitoring the situation, reads the message entitled Advisory for Indian Citizens Visiting the UK.' Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while travelling in the UK.

"It is advisable to follow local news and advisories issued by local security agencies, and to avoid areas where protests are underway," it added. The contact provided for India House at Aldwych, London, in case of an emergency is: +44-2078369147 and inf.london@mea.gov.in.

Birmingham in the north and Plymouth in southern England witnessed the latest scenes of clashes between two sets of protesters overnight on Monday.

The C-130J transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force carrying seven military personnel has landed at a Bangladeshi air base after flying over from India. The aircraft was monitored all along its flight path over India by security agencies, defence sources told ANI.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Air Force's C-130J took off from the Hindon Air Force base at around 9 am IST, according to sources. It is important to note that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is not on board the C-130 J transport aircraft which took off today from the Hindon air base.

Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after tendering her resignation. It is not clear if Sheikh Hasina will continue to stay in Delhi or move to another location later.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday chaired an all-party meeting in Parliament and briefed the leaders about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh.

Inflation is now hurting your thalis. The cost of vegetarian thalis increased by 11 per cent while non-vegetarian thalis saw a rise of 6 per cent in July on a month-over-month basis, according to estimates from CRISIL MI&A Research. On a year-over-year basis, the scenario differs.

The cost of a representative home-cooked veg thali in July decreased by 4 per cent, while the cost of the non-veg thali saw a more substantial decline of 9 per cent.

The reduction in the cost of the veg thali year-over-year was mainly due to a dramatic 40 per cent drop in tomato prices, which had reached Rs 110 per kg in July 2023. Last year's high prices were due to flash floods that disrupted supply from northern states and pest infestations affecting crops in Karnataka.

The United States on Tuesday recommended its citizens not to travel to Bangladesh, witnessing civil unrest, crime, and terrorism following the resignation and fleeing of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Elevating its travel advisory to the highest Level 4: Do Not Travel' category, the US State Department has also recommended the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members.

Over 100 people have been killed in the violence across Bangladesh as chaos reigned supreme hours after Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country on Monday, amid signs of a return to normalcy.

On August 5, 2024, the Department ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members. Travellers should not travel to Bangladesh due to ongoing civil unrest in Dhaka, the State Department said in its advisory.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said that the ongoing situation in Bangladesh is a "lesson for every dictator" and added that there comes a time when people run out of patience which was witnessed in Bangladesh.

"There is extreme interest there. Their economy is bad, their internal situation is also not good. The students started a movement that no one could control, neither their Army nor anyone else, so this is a lesson. Not only for Bangladesh but for every dictator. There comes a time when the patience of the people is over and that is what happened," Farooq Abdullah said while speaking to ANI on Tuesday.

"There (in Bangladesh) was a feeling that a voice should be raised against the oppression being done on Muslims in the world. If she (Sheikh Hasina) did not run from there, she would have been killed too," he added.

The political situation in Bangladesh remains volatile following Sheikh Hasina's resignation amid escalating protests. These demonstrations, largely driven by students demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs, have evolved into broader anti-government protests.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired an all-party meeting in Delhi to brief about the situation in Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, HD Kumaraswamy, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, opposition MPs KC Venugopal, and Supriya Sule among others.

People celebrate the resignation of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh

13:27 Jaishankar to address Parliament on B'desh today

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday informed the lower house of Parliament that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a statement on the situation in Bangladesh.

Birla informed the House after Question Hour concluded that Jaishankar will make a suo moto statement at 3.30 pm in Lok Sabha.

Jaishankar will also make a statement regarding the situation in Bangladesh at 2:30 pm in Rajya Sabha.

The External Affairs Minister earlier today chaired an all-party meeting in Parliament and briefed the leaders about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh and the prevailing situation in the neighbouring country.

He also spoke about how Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina had moved to India and how India would take care of the Bangladeshi leader, sources from the all-party meeting told ANI.

Jaishankar said that Sheikh Hasina is in India and the Indian government wants to give her time to let the Indian government know what her future course of action would be.

Pic: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

12:55 Hasina in shock, govt giving her time: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday told an all-party meeting that India has assured help to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who arrived at the Hindon Air Base on Monday evening, and given her time to decide the future course of action, sources said.

Briefing political party leaders in Parliament House, Jaishankar said India has spoken to the Bangladesh Army Chief to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Indian students in that country, the sources said.

Replying to questions from various leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the minister did not rule out the role of foreign governments in the unrest in the country but emphasised that the situation was too fluid, and the government has been keeping a watch on the evolving situation, they said.

At the meeting, Gandhi asked if foreign governments might be involved in fuelling the crisis there. Jaishankar said that households and properties belonging to minorities were targeted by protestors in the neighbouring country.

Noting that it has been not even 24 hours since Hasina arrived in India, he said she is in a state of shock and the government is giving her time to recover before it speaks to her over various issues, including her future plans, the sources said.

Various leaders, including Gandhi, conveyed their full cooperation to the government on the issue. YSR Congress leader V Vijaysai Reddy said his party supports the government in the interest of the country.

"Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended," Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

Congress leader Karti Chidambaram said the government had briefed an all-party meeting on the situation in Bangladesh.

"Congress party is fully with the government as far as national security and national interest are concerned," Chidambaram told PTI. However, he was not present at the meeting. Bangladesh plunged into uncertainty after extraordinary street protests over job quota forced Hasina to quit and flee.

Image: People vandalise the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka.

Kerala General Education and Labour Minister V Sivankutty on Tuesday said that classes will soon commence in the schools in landslides-hit Wayanad which are being used as relief camps now and financial assistance will be provided to workers affected by the disaster.

Sivankutty said that many schools were functioning as relief camps and after holding a meeting with teachers, PTA and other stakeholders it was decided to commence classes within 10-20 days.

Prior to commencement of classes, all basic facilities will be improved in the schools. This is in accordance with the directions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to ensure that education of children in the landslides-hit areas is not affected or hampered in any way.

The Minister further said the Labour Board has decided to provide financial assistance to the labourers who got injured in the landslides and to the next of kin of workers who died in the disaster.

The migrant workers will also be provided financial assistance, including for their treatment. Sivankutty said Rs 1 lakh as a first installment will be provided to families of labourers who died in the landslides.

Over 100 people have been killed in the violence across Bangladesh as chaos reigned supreme hours after Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country on Monday, reports said on Tuesday amid signs of return to normalcy.

The situation in Dhaka was largely calm on Tuesday morning after a day of unrest and a night of tension. Buses and other public transport were on the streets and traders were opening shops.

Government vehicles were heading to offices. Many battery-run rickshaws plied the roads, BDNews24.com newsportal said.

As the news of Hasina's departure spread on Monday, hundreds of people broke into her residence, vandalising and looting the interiors, providing dramatic expression to the anti-government protests.

Hasina's residence Sudha Sadan and other establishments were attacked, vandalised and set on fire in the capital.

The residences and business establishments of ministers, party MPs and leaders of Hasina's Awami League government were also attacked in Dhaka and outside Dhaka.

According to local media reports, 119 people have been killed in the violence and attacks on Hindu temples and widespread looting in the capital and various other places.

At least 109 people were killed in clashes in different parts of the country, including Dhaka, at the last moment of the one-point demand of the anti-discrimination student movement on Monday, Bengali language daily Prothom Alo reported on Tuesday.

Earlier, the newspaper reported the death of 98 people till 12 pm on Sunday. Another 16 deaths were reported in the middle of the night. The total death toll stood at 114 on Sunday. With this, the total death toll stood at 440 in 21 days from July 16 to yesterday, the paper said. It said that 37 bodies were brought to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital between 11 am and 8 pm on Monday.

Citing hospital sources, it said 500 people were brought to the hospital with various injuries, including bullet injuries.

The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported that at least 18 people were killed in Savar and Dhamrai areas, on the outskirts of the capital, after clashes broke out between police and miscreants on Monday.

Ten people were killed in the capital's Uttara on Monday after individuals in civilian clothes reportedly opened fire on protesters. Six people were killed in Habiganj, eight in Jessore, three in Khulna, three in Barisal, 11 in Lakshmipur, six in Kushtia, three in Satkhira and six in Sreepur of Gazipur, the paper said.

Late Monday night, President Mohammed Shahabuddin asked all the political parties to normalise the law and order situation in the country and directed the armed forces to take stern measures to protect the lives and properties of the people and state assets. The educational institutions in the country were reopened on Tuesday following a long period of closure due to violence surrounding the student movement.

However, the educational institutions in the national capital saw low attendance, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

"The institution is open, and some girls have come, but attendance is low. Attendance will increase in a couple of days," Md Rahamot Ullah, principal of Kisholoy Girls' School and College in the Mohammadpur area of the capital, was quoted as saying by the paper. Trouble had been steadily escalating since the government's announcement of the quota system in June this year.

The clashes between protesters demanding Hasina's resignation and the ruling Awami League supporters in different parts of Bangladesh on Sunday erupted days after more than 200 people were killed in violent clashes between police and mostly student protesters. PTI

Air India on Tuesday cancelled morning flight to Dhaka from the national capital amid massive anti-government protests in Bangladesh. The neighbouring country has plunged into uncertainty after extraordinary street protests over job quota forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit and flee. IndiGo and Vistara have cancelled all their flights to the Bangladesh capital on Tuesday, two officials said.

Vistara operates daily flights from Mumbai and three weekly services from Delhi to Dhaka. An airline official on Tuesday said Air India cancelled its morning flight to Dhaka and will take a decision later in the day on whether to operate its evening flight to the Bangladesh capital. As per schedule, the airline is to operate two flights daily to Dhaka from Delhi. "In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect.

"We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges," an Air India spokesperson had said in a statement on Monday. PTI

The all-party meeting on Bangladesh this morning

11:58 Only Modi can save Bangladesh minorities: BJP MP

Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MP Jagannath Sarkar, in a conversation with ANI, said that the minorities in Bangladesh are under threat and only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can save their lives and properties.

He further emphasised that action must be taken soon to safeguard the interests of the minorities in Bangladesh.

"Planned attacks are happening against the minorities in Bangladesh. Their properties are looted. The military has got support in there. This will become a threat to our country in the future. Our Prime Minister Naredra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah took the initiative to provide minorities with citizenship, then, it is their responsibility to protect them now. Action must be taken soon. Only PM Modi can deal with this kind of situation and save them," the BJP MP said on Tuesday.

"I am speaking as a member of the Hindu Bengal unit. I don't care about whosoever forms the government in Bangladesh. My only concern is that no damage must be caused to the lives and properties of the minorities," he highlighted.

Recent clashes in Dhaka have resulted in at least 135 fatalities, including 14 police officers, with hundreds more injured, according to local media outlets.

Following her resignation, Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening. It is unclear whether she will stay in Delhi or travel to another location, with some reports suggesting she might proceed to London.

11:46 The crossover

West Bengal: People arrive in India from Bangladesh for their work crossing the Petrapole-Benapole border in North 24 Parganas district. Heavy Police force deployed at the border in the wake of violence in Bangladesh.

So, the earlier report that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's plane takes off from Hindon Air Base is partly true. The Bangladesh Air Force C-130J transport aircraft that took off this morning is flying with 7 military personnel in it towards its base in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, on the current situation in Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "As far as India is concerned, the first and most important signal we need to send to the people of Bangladesh is that we stand with them, there are no other vested interests that India has...There are some disturbing reports coming, of attacks on Hindu homes, temples and individuals. We all saw the pictures of looting yesterday. It may calm down and stabilize in a couple of days, if it doesn't, then there is a risk even of refugees fleeing to our country and that would be a matter of grave concern. I hope that our High Commissioner and our staff there are safe and monitoring the situation closely.

"We still don't know who is going to be in the interim government. There are some understandable concerns in India about the increasing influence of the Jamaat-e-Islami, which has taken a very hostile attitude to India in the past, and possible meddling by China and Pakistan."

At one point Sheikh Hasina said, indicating the IGP, they (the police) are doing well, reports the Dhaka-based newspaper, Prothom Alo.

The IGP then said, the situation has reached a point where even the police will no longer be able to hold on to such a stern stance.

The top officials tried to explain to her that it will no longer be possible for the situation to be controlled by force. But Sheikh Hasina was unwilling to accept that. The officials then spoke to Sheikh Rehana in a separate room. They explained the situation to her and asked her to convince Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Rehana then talked to Sheikh Hasina, but she was determined to hold on to power. Then at one point, one of the top officers called Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who was abroad.

Joy then spoke over phone to his mother. After that Sheikh Hasina agreed to resign. She then wanted to record a speech addressed to the nation.By then intelligence reports had come in that huge numbers of students had started their march from Shahbagh and Uttara.

Given the distance, it was estimated that it would take 45 minutes for the demonstrators to reach Ganabhaban from Shahbagh. There may not be enough time to record a speech.

Taking that into consideration, Sheikh Hasina was not given time to record any speech but to get prepared to leave within 45 minutes.

After that Sheikh Hasina and sister Sheikh Rehana came to the helipad of the old airport in Tejgaon. Some luggage of theirs was loaded and they then went to Bangabhaban.

Sheikh Hasina carried out her resignation formalities there and at around 2:30 pm Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister left by military helicopter for India.

Celebrations on the streets of Dhaka yesterday

10:48 Awami League offices, leaders' homes, hotel ablaze

At least eight people were killed and 84 others were wounded on Monday after unidentified arsonists set fire to a residential hotel in Bangladesh's Jessore, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Shahin Chakladar, general secretary of Jashore district Awami League, owned the hotel targeted by arsonists. Deputy Commissioner Abrarul Islam confirmed the news of the arson attack.

Two of the deceased were identified as Sejan Hossain (19) and Chayan (20).

Harun-or-Rashid, a staffer at Jashore General Hospital, said that at least 84 people were undergoing treatment there, the majority of whom are students. Thousands of people were celebrating the resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at various places in the town.

During the celebrations, some people set ablaze the Jabir Hotel in the Chittarmore area and vandalised its furniture.

In addition, the district Awami League office and the houses of three Awami League leaders were attacked in Sharsha and Benapole areas. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after tendering her resignation in the wake of mounting protests in Dhaka. It is not clear if Sheikh Hasina will stay in Delhi or move to another location. Reports in media outlets in Bangladesh have speculated that Sheikh Hasina may proceed to London.

Following Sheikh Hasina's resignation, miscreants vandalized and set fire to Narail-2 constituency MP Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's residence on Monday.

In addition, they set ablaze the District Awami League office and vandalised District Awami League President Subash Chandra Bose's houses, Dhaka Tribune reported.

10:23 Hasina's plane takes off from Hindon air base

The C-130J transport of the Bangladesh Air Force took off from the Hindon air base in the morning today around 9 am and is moving towards its next destination. Indian security agencies are monitoring it closely, sources told news agency ANI. The plane is likely headed to London, say unconfirmed reports.

Yesterday, former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's jet landed at the Hindon air base around 5.45 pm, where she was greeted by national security advisor Ajit Doval who held an hour long meeting with her and the current situation in Bangladesh and her future course of action also came up for discussion.

The NSA then left the airbase in the evening to brief a Cabinet Committee of Security meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus will be the chief adviser to the interim government in Bangladesh, the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced on Tuesday.

Equity market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty bounced back sharply in early trade on Tuesday after facing a severe drubbing in the previous trade tracking a smart rebound in Asian peers.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,092.68 points to 79,852.08 in early trade. The NSE Nifty surged 327 points to 24,382.60. All the 30 Sensex firms were trading in the positive territory during the early trade. Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, JSW Steel, HCL Technologies and Infosys were the biggest gainers from the pack.

The government has called an all-party meeting on Tuesday on the Bangladesh issue, sources said. The meeting will be held at Parliament House at around 10 am, they added.

The neighbouring country has plunged into uncertainty after extraordinary street protest over job quota forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit and flee. She has arrived in India on her way to London, diplomatic sources said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on the issue on Monday. PTI

With the situation in Bangladesh snowballing into a major political turmoil, a former Indian high commissioner to Dhaka has cautioned that India will have to be "very vigilant" on the border in the wake of the crisis even as he asserted that New Delhi will be "prepared for all eventualities".

Pankaj Saran, a veteran diplomat and former envoy of India to Bangladesh during whose tenure the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) was ratified by the Indian Parliament in 2015, said on Monday that one cannot say when would things settle down in the neighbouring country.

"We will just have to wait for different political forces to find some equilibrium inside Bangladesh," he said.

Sheikh Hasina, 76, resigned as prime minister of Bangladesh and left the country on Monday amid mass protests against her government. Thousands of protesters looted and vandalised her official residence in Dhaka. Saran, who served as India's high commissioner in Dhaka from 2012 to 2015, said that "trouble has been brewing" for the last few weeks and the government was "not able to bring it under control".

"The last two days saw an escalation in the level of protests. Therefore, some decisions had to be taken about how to go forward in controlling the protests. "I think, the situation reached a point where it was clear that curfews and other restrictions were not adequate. Police and security forces' actions were not adequate and the only resort that was left was to bring in the army," he told PTI. The former envoy said, "Hasina was left with no choice but to step down".

"The only issue left was ensuring her safety, which the (Bangladesh) army helped in arranging. So, now we are in a situation where essentially the army has taken over.

"They have announced the establishment of an interim government. Who is going to be a part of the government, that is something they are going to discuss with the president," he added.

Saran said the "next couple of days will be critical" and it needs to be seen what impact her resignation has on the situation on the ground.

"There is a power vacuum right now which is being filled by the army. But... now we have to see... whether this situation and this development will lead to a halt in street protests and return of the students... and a reduction in street violence. That we have to see."

"We will also have to see the extent of attacks on Awami League members, members of the government and other supporters. All this will play out and (it needs to be seen) how much the army will be able to manage and control the situation. I think it is clear that there are ... political forces who are using students' grievances as an opportunity to settle political scores," he said.

This a "new Bangladesh, a new generation" that has come and their mentality is "very different" from the Bangladesh of 40 years or 30 years ago, the former envoy said, adding how much of an impact these political elements will have on the popular psyche is also to be seen.

India and Bangladesh share historical ties, with New Delhi having rendered crucial assistance to Dhaka during the Liberation War of 1971.

Asked about the immediate repercussions of the current events on India-Bangladesh ties, he said, "Obviously, there could be an overreaction to the past. This overreaction could manifest itself in some trouble at the border, some anti-India statement."

"So, we have to be alert on the border to make sure this does not lead to movement of any people from Bangladesh to India... We will have to be very vigilant on the border. That is the immediate requirement," Saran said. India and Bangladesh share 4,096.7 km of border -- the longest land boundary that India shares with any of its neighbours.

Saran said the longer this environment continues, the more impact it will have on Bangladesh's economy because it is inherently integrated with the Indian economy.

"So, there will be a further downtrend in the situation in Bangladesh on the economic side. But, once things settle down, and it may take a few months... we will just have to wait for different political forces to kind of find some equilibrium inside Bangladesh," he said.

While the government-to-government relationship will obviously be impacted, the people-to-people relation and trade will go on, the former envoy said.

"But, we will not go back to business as usual," Saran underlined. Asked that since the Land Boundary Agreement ratification could happen in the past, could the two countries again go the distance in the long run," he said whether it is Bangladesh or any other country, "you make the best of relations in any given time".

"There was a government in Dhaka which wanted to move and resolve issues. We did all that. It does not mean that it cannot happen again in future. "When we had the chance, the alignment of the two leaderships was correct, we achieved a lot. Now, we just have to wait and see what is the kind of political dispensation that comes up in Bangladesh," Saran said.

He asserted that India-Bangladesh "achieved a lot under Hasina". That is very good and the relationship has to continue and grow, he said. "I am sure we will be prepared for all eventualities. I think, everyone in Dhaka today is aware that that they need good relations, normal relations with India, but the question... but it's premature to think about that now, right now it is a crisis moment," Saran added. PTI

Miscreants attacked, vandalised and set fire to at least six police stations in Chittagong, looting weapons, bullets and various equipment. In addition, Awami League leaders and activists' homes and officers were targeted, Dhaka Tribune reported.

After the report of Sheikh Hasina's resignation, agitated crowds have taken to the streets in celebration. Later, police stations in Chandgaon, Patenga, EPZ, Kotowali, Akbar Shah, and Pahartali under the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) were attacked, vandalised, and set on fire.

During these assaults, police weapons, ammunition, and other equipment were looted. Several police personnel suffered injuries in the attacks, according to a Dhaka Tribune report.

Around 5 pm (local time), attackers tried to breach the main gate of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police Lines in Dampara. In response, police personnel fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the attackers. Hundreds of people then gathered in front of the main gate of the Dampara Police Lines, trying to attack and enter forcibly.

Police asked the crowd to leave. However, the agitated crowd started pelting bricks at the police commissioner's office. In another incident, Chittagong Central Jail in the Laldighi area was also attacked. Prison guards fired from inside to disperse the miscreants.

Around 5 pm (local time), the Chittagong District Police Lines in the Chotopul area of Halishahar were also targeted.

Meanwhile, the residence of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Mayor M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury was targeted and set on fire after reports of the government's fall. Jubo League leader Helal Akbar Babar's house was also attacked, according to Dhaka Tribune report. CCC ward number 10 Councilor Nichar Uddin Manju's house came under attack. He went to the roof of his house and apologised to the attackers.

Following this, the attackers ransacked his residence and left. The office of city Awami League vice-president Altaf Hossain Bachchu was also vandalised and a party office at Darul Fazal Market from the Newmarket intersection was also set on fire.

Miscreants then set ablaze Member of Parliament for Raojan, ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury's residence at Patharghata, behind Kotwali police station at around 5 pm (local time). People from all walks of life marched towards Chittagong, distributing sweets in celebration. After reports surfaced that Sheikh Hasina had departed from Bangladesh, people took to the streets to celebrate, Dhaka Tribune reported.

A joyous procession began at 3 pm (local time), spreading through Muradpur, Agrabad, Dewanhat, Chowkbazar, GEC, Sholshahar, Kazir Dewri, Jamalkhan, Bahaddarhat, and every part of the city, the report said. Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation with the country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning from her post in the wake of mounting protests.

The protests, majorly by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, took the shape of anti-government protests. At least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died and hundreds of people were injured in clashes in Dhaka on Sunday, local media outlet Prothom Alo reported. Bangladesh PM Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after tendering her resignation in the wake of mounting protests in Dhaka.

It is not clear if the Bangladeshi Prime Minister will stay in Delhi or move to another location. Reports in media outlets in Bangladesh have speculated that Sheikh Hasina may proceed to London.

Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus will be the chief adviser to the interim government in Bangladesh, the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced on Tuesday.

In a video posted on social media early Tuesday morning, Nahid Islam, one of the key coordinators of the movement, said that Prof Yunus has agreed to take on this crucial responsibility at the call of the student community to save the country, the Daily Star newspaper reported.

"We took 24 hours to announce a framework for the interim government. However, considering the emergency situation, we are announcing it now," Nahid said.

"We have decided that the interim government would be formed in which internationally renowned Nobel Laureate Dr Mohammad Yunus, who has wide acceptability, would be the chief adviser," said Nahid, flanked by two other coordinators.

His announcement comes hours after President Mohammed Shahabuddin said an interim government would be formed after dissolving the parliament as soon as possible. In a televised address to the nation late Monday night, the president also ordered the release of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who is under house arrest after being convicted in several cases.

Nahid urged the president to take steps as soon as possible to form an interim government headed by Dr Yunus.

He said the names of the other members of the interim government would be announced soon.

On the widespread violence, he said it was being carried out by the "ousted fascists and their collaborators" to foil the revolution.

"As there is anarchy in the country, and insecurity over people's lives, we are urging the president to take immediate and effective steps to restore law and order in the country, and that freedom-seeking students will also be on the streets to assist law enforcement forces," he added.

"No government other than the one proposed by the students will be accepted. As we have said, no military government, or one backed by the military, or a government of fascists, will be accepted," Nahid said. -- PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut on Monday said it is a matter of honour that Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina "feels safe in Bharat" after Hasina resigned as prime minister and landed near Delhi in a military aircraft amid unrest in her country.

Ranaut, a national award-winning actor and BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, also said that Muslim countries are not safe "even for Muslims" and criticised those questioning "Hindu Rastra (Hindu nation)".

"Bharat is the original motherland of all Islamic Republics around us. We are honoured and flattered that honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh feels safe in Bharat but all those who live in India and keep asking why Hindu Rashtra? Why Ram Rajya? Well it is evident why!!!

"No one is safe in Muslim countries not even Muslims themselves. Unfortunate whatever is happening in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain. We are lucky to be living in Ram Rajya," the 38-year-old MP, who has often courted controversies with her remarks, said in a post on X.

Hasina on Monday fled the country in a military aircraft amid massive violent protests with the army stepping in to fill the power vacuum. She landed at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad near New Delhi as part of her plan to leave for London, diplomatic sources said.

Two persons were arrested for allegedly murdering a man, stuffing the body in a trolley bag and carting it to Dadar railway station for disposal, a police official said on Monday.

The accused and victim are speech and hearing impaired and knew each other, the official said, adding the crime was detected in four hours.

"The incident came to light when a Railway Protection Force constable noticed a man with the big trolley bag on platform no 11. He was taken into custody on suspicion and the body was found after the bag was searched. A probe found the body was of Arshad Ali Sadique Ali Shaikh (30), a resident of Kalina in Santacruz," he said.

"He was bludgeoned to death with a hammer. Since the murder took place in Pydhonie, the case has been transferred there," the Dadar railway police official said. -- PTI

former BJP MP Maneka Gandhi

00:36 HC reserves order on Maneka Gandhi's plea against Sultanpur MP's election

The Allahabad high court has reserved its judgment on a petition by former BJP MP Maneka Gandhi challenging the election of Samajwadi Party's Ram Bhual Nishad from Suktanpur Lok Saba seat in the recent polls.

Justice Rajan Roy of the Lucknow bench reserved the order after the hearing of arguments was completed.

During the hearing, it was revealed that the election petition was filed seven days after the deadline for filing such pleas had expired, raising questions about its maintainability.

Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing former Union minister Maneka Gandhi via video conferencing, argued that the delay in filing the petition should be condoned, and the petition should be heard on its merits.

Luthra cited several precedents to support his argument.

In her petition, Gandhi primarily alleged that Nishad concealed information about his criminal history in the affidavit submitted during his nomination.

She argued that Nishad has 12 criminal cases pending against him, but he disclosed only eight cases in his affidavit. -- PTI

The United Nations is following the situation in Bangladesh "very closely" and calls for calm and restraint in the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and escape from the country, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday.

Farhan Haq, the UN deputy spokesperson, told the daily briefing that the UN is following the situation in the South Asian country "very closely".

"We continue to call for calm and restraint and to urge all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression," Haq said, adding that the UN urges security forces to protect those out on the streets of Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh.

In response to a question from the PTI on the situation, Haq said: "For us, the important things are for the parties to remain calm, and we want to emphasise the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition.

"We stand in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this time and we call for full respect for their democratic and human rights. And ultimately, regarding what's happened so far, there's a need for a full, independent and impartial investigation into all acts of violence." -- PTI

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