Bangladesh has formally requested India to facilitate the return of Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister of the country, who has been residing in India since August 5, 2024. The interim government in Dhaka has sent a diplomatic note to the Indian government, urging the extradition of the 77-year-old leader, who fled Bangladesh following mass protests that led to the downfall of her 16-year-long regime.

Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, has been living in exile in India since she was forced to leave amid growing political unrest in Bangladesh. In the wake of her departure, the Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants against Hasina, her ministers, advisors, and former military and civil officials, accusing them of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”

Touhid Hossain, the foreign affairs adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government, confirmed the diplomatic communication, saying, “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government requesting her return for the judicial process in Bangladesh.”

In addition to the note, Jahangir Alam, the Home Advisor, revealed that the government has also sent a formal letter to India’s External Affairs Ministry, emphasizing the need for Hasina’s extradition. He mentioned that there is an existing extradition treaty between the two countries, which could be invoked to facilitate her return.

The diplomatic request comes in the wake of a visit by India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, to Bangladesh. During his visit, Misri engaged in candid and constructive discussions with Nobel laureate and Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus. Misri also raised concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, and discussed the increasing tensions between the two countries. According to reports, the issue of Hasina’s stay in India was one of the topics of discussion during Misri’s visit. Yunus reportedly expressed concern over the political statements made by Hasina from her location in India, which have reportedly been exacerbating tensions.

Sheikh Hasina, speaking in a virtual address to Awami League supporters in London, criticized the interim government of Bangladesh and accused Yunus of running a “fascist regime.” She alleged that the new regime under Yunus’s leadership had led to increased attacks on religious minorities and accused the interim government of undermining Bangladesh’s democratic progress. Hasina also lamented the reversal of her administration’s achievements in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of democracy.

The political climate in Bangladesh remains fraught with tension as the interim government faces mounting pressure, both domestically and internationally, over its treatment of opposition leaders and political dissent. The unfolding situation continues to capture attention both within Bangladesh and abroad, particularly with regard to the potential return of Sheikh Hasina.

The BJP on Monday released an Aarop Patra or chargesheet against Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi ahead of the assembly election.  The event was attended by BJP MP Anurag Singh Thakur and city BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva. 

Speaking to the media, Anurag Thakur said that the AAP promised to make Delhi schools world-class, yet over 2,00,000 students are still deprived of education. He added that AAP also promised 24/7 clean and free water, but today, thousands of families are forced to buy water from tankers after spending money.

The BJP MP continued that the party also promised free clinics and large hospitals in Delhi, but today 70 per cent of patients are compelled to seek treatment in private hospitals. He further mentioned that the AQI level once crossed 1200 and is still above 500. He also pointed out that AAP promised to make Delhi corruption-free, but eight ministers, one MP, and 15 MLAs from their party have already been to jail.

Furthermore, continuing his attack on Atishi-led AAP government, Anurag Thakur highlighted the froth in the river Yamuna. He said that people from Purvanchal used to perform Chhath Puja with devotion and rituals on the banks of the Yamuna but Arvind Kejriwal’s government had polluted the Yamuna so much that now celebrating the festival has stopped.

Mentioning that they need to save Delhi from Kejriwal’s corruption and pollution, the BJP MP appealed to Kejriwal to take a dip in the Yamuna because if it is not cleaned by 2025. He added that they will hold Arvind Kejriwal accountable if Yamuna is not cleaned.

Furthermore, Anurag Thakur alleged that there have been multiple scams in the AAP government including the water board scam, the classroom scam, the Mohalla Clinic scam, the Waqf Board scam, the liquor scam, DTC scandals, and so on. He also asserted that Arvin Kejriwal is a friend of the corrupt and a criminal of Delhi.

He pointed out that AAP is the only government where the health minister, deputy CM, and CM were all in jail. This was not a government for the people but a government for the jail, Thakur said.

Reacting to the allegations, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal hit back saying that BJP has no agenda to contest elections. He added that the BJP should tell the people of Delhi what they have done for Delhi in 5 years.

Arvind Kejriwal noted that AAP has done a lot of work for Delhiites in terms of electricity, water, women’s travel, roads and many other things. Questioning what work has the BJP done, Kejriwal stated that the law and order situation in Delhi has collapsed. The AAP national convenor also said that the BJP has no Chief Minister face. 

As the nation observes National Farmer’s Day, trending topics like Chaudhary Charan Singh, “Thank You Kisan,” and #NationalFarmersDay have captured widespread attention across social media platforms. The day is being celebrated with heartfelt tributes to the former Prime Minister, who is remembered for his transformative role in shaping India’s agricultural policies. The hashtag “Thank You Kisan” has gained momentum as people across the country express their gratitude for farmers, recognizing their critical contribution to food security and the nation’s economy. This surge in online discussions highlights the growing awareness and appreciation of the challenges faced by farmers, further underscoring the need for continued support and empowerment in the agricultural sector.

National Farmer’s Day, or Kisan Diwas, is observed on December 23 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India, who was a passionate advocate for the welfare of farmers. This day highlights his enduring contributions to improving the conditions of India’s farming community. The day serves as a reminder of the vital role farmers play in the country’s economic and social fabric, celebrating their hard work and contribution to the nation’s prosperity.

Chaudhary Charan Singh, devoted a significant part of his political life to advocating for the well-being of farmers. His efforts focused on implementing policies that aimed to improve their socio-economic conditions and address the challenges they faced in rural India. His tenure as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980 was marked by significant reforms aimed at empowering India’s agricultural community. One of his landmark initiatives was the Debt Redemption Bill of 1939, which aimed to free farmers from the clutches of exploitative moneylenders. Singh also implemented transformative land reforms in Uttar Pradesh, helping to reshape the agricultural landscape and ensure greater equity for farmers.

In honour of his legacy, a memorial named Kishan Ghat was established in New Delhi, and in 2001, the Government of India officially declared December 23 as Kisan Diwas. The observance of this day highlights Chaudhary Charan Singh’s enduring vision for the upliftment of farmers and emphasizes the importance of their well-being for the overall development of the country.

The theme for National Farmer’s Day 2024 is “Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation.” This year’s theme underscores the necessity of providing farmers with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to ensure sustainable agricultural growth, while also fostering national prosperity. It reflects the growing recognition of farmers as the backbone of India’s economy, often referred to as the ‘Annadatas’ (providers of food).

Kisan Diwas is not only a day for honouring farmers but also an opportunity to address critical issues affecting the agricultural sector. Topics such as fair pricing, climate resilience, sustainable farming practices, and the integration of modern agricultural technologies are brought to the forefront. Additionally, the day provides a platform for discussing various government initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and boosting their contribution to the national economy.

As we observe this important day, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to support the agricultural community and ensure that the next generation of farmers is equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.