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.

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.

Kylian Mbappé scored a brilliant goal and assisted another as Real Madrid triumphed 4-2 over Sevilla, moving up to second place in La Liga and narrowing the gap to Atlético Madrid to just one point ahead of the winter break.

The match began with a spectacular strike from Mbappé, who fired a thunderous shot from outside the box to give Madrid a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. Just 10 minutes later, Federico Valverde doubled the advantage with a long-range effort. In the 34th minute, Rodrygo added a third, finishing off a cross from Lucas Vázquez. Sevilla pulled one back almost immediately as Isaac Romero headed home a cross in the 35th minute, but Brahim Díaz restored Madrid’s three-goal cushion in the 53rd minute after a clever assist from Mbappé and Vázquez.

Sevilla scored again in the 85th minute through Dodi Lukebakio, but Real Madrid held on for the win, which left them two points ahead of third-place Barcelona.

Mbappé, who had struggled to adapt to life at Madrid and had missed penalties in recent weeks, spoke of the importance of bouncing back from difficult moments. “I took a lot of positives from the Bilbao game. I hit rock bottom,” Mbappé said, reflecting on his penalty miss earlier this month. “I realised at that moment I have to give my all for this shirt and play with personality.”

Dortmund strikes three times to beat Wolfsburg in Bundesliga

In the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund secured a 3-1 victory at Wolfsburg, thanks to three goals in five first-half minutes. Donyell Malen opened the scoring with a close-range volley in the 25th minute, followed by Maximilian Beier’s excellent finish just three minutes later. Julian Brandt, making his return from injury, added a third before halftime. Wolfsburg pulled one back in the 58th minute through Denis Vavro’s header, but Dortmund hung on to secure the three points, moving to 25 points and sitting in the final European spot. Wolfsburg remains in mid-table with 21 points.

Atalanta tops Serie A after De Ketelaere’s late goal

Atalanta regained the top spot in Serie A with a thrilling 3-2 win over Empoli. Charles De Ketelaere proved to be the hero, scoring the match-winning goal in the 86th minute. The Belgian weaved through defenders before calmly slotting home from the edge of the box. Empoli had taken the lead through Lorenzo Colombo’s early volley, but Atalanta responded with two goals before halftime: De Ketelaere’s diving header and Ademola Lookman’s calm finish. Empoli equalized early in the second half with a penalty from Sebastiano Esposito, but De Ketelaere’s late strike ensured Atalanta claimed all three points and moved to 40 points, two ahead of second-place Napoli.

Roma crush Parma in 5-0 victory

Paulo Dybala scored twice and set up another in Roma’s commanding 5-0 win over Parma. The Argentinian forward netted a penalty in the first half and pounced on a rebound early in the second to help Roma bounce back from recent setbacks. Roma’s dominant performance came after a difficult loss to promoted Como the previous week, as they secured their fifth league win of the season.

Juventus end winless streak with 2-1 victory at Monza

Juventus snapped a four-match winless run in Serie A with a 2-1 win at Monza. Weston McKennie opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a volley from a corner, but Monza equalized through Samuele Birindelli’s volley eight minutes later. Nicolás González’s strike in the 39th minute restored Juve’s lead, and despite some late pressure from Monza, Juventus held on to claim all three points, moving to 31 points in sixth place.

As Europe’s top leagues head into the winter break, the race for the titles and European spots remains tightly contested, with thrilling matches expected in the new year.