Dhaka: Rohingyas are entering Bangladesh again as the conflict between the Arakan Army and the (AA) Myanmar Army escalates in Maungdaw suburb of Rakhine state and there are fears of another large-scale Rohingya infiltration.

The Rohingya feel that the current situation in Bangladesh and the opportunity to change the government have increased the intensity of attacks against them in Rakhine. Thousands of Rohingyas have left their homes and taken refuge in the areas around the Naf River bordering Bangladesh. About 40,000 Rohingyas are waiting to enter Bangladesh in different areas of Maungdaw suburb.

According to the Rohingyas, the AA has taken this strategy to eliminate the Rohingya population in Rakhine. The chairman of the Rohingya rights organization 'Arakan Society for Peace and Human Rights' believes that the Rohingyas are being exterminated in the conflict between the AA and the Myanmar army in Rakhine State and the international community needs strong intervention to stop this conflict. The Rohingya want the cooperation of the new government in Bangladesh and believe that political stability in Bangladesh will make it easier for them to garner international support.

The area bordering Bangladesh Myanmar is currently under the control of AA. In the ongoing situation, Rohingya and Rakhine people are suffering due to lack of relief aid. People are being denied essential aid due to Myanmar government restrictions. The junta government is not allowing relief aid to rebel groups to carry out their operations. Relief organizations have said that AA will help them if they bring relief directly from Bangladesh. In a statement on August 19, the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M), a relief agency made up of former UN officials, called on the AA to work with the Bangladesh government to open a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine state and allow aid to be delivered to all ethnic and religious communities in the state called for.

The Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh felt it necessary to liaison with the AA to initiate the process of repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

By establishing a safe zone in the border area under the control of the AA, arrangements can be made to temporarily keep the Rohingyas safe, the tendency of the Rohingyas to enter Bangladesh can be stopped. By creating a safe corridor and allowing international aid agencies to provide assistance to the distressed people of Rakhine, it is hoped that the situation there will be reduced. Many Rohingyas are being caught by the BGB while entering Bangladesh, after the BGB sent these Rohingyas back to Myanmar; about 18,000 Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh since June. In exchange for money, brokers are helping many Rohingya infiltrate, they are said to be charging Tk. 20,000 to Tk. 30,000 per head. The BGB is countering Rohingya infiltration along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and has stepped up surveillance to ensure that no criminals escape across the border. The Rohingya infiltrators have already been listed in which camps.

At present, there has been renewed unrest in Rohingya camps. Members of the Arakan Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Arakan Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) have been inciting shelling and unrest to maintain dominance over Rohingya camps. According to the local Rohingyas, these shootings are happening because of extortion money from Rohingyas newly arrived from Myanmar. Rohingyas marched in the camp and Arsa members announced resistance to the RSO. More than 14 terrorist groups of Rohingya, including RSO and Arsa, entered the camp after evening and carried out terrorist activities.

Security analysts have expressed concern about the inactivity of Rohingya armed groups inside Bangladesh. As the situation is not normal, the activities of more than half a hundred NGOs associated with service activities have come to a standstill. Along with the Rohingyas, the officers and employees of various organizations working in the camp are suffering from insecurity. Additional APBN has been deployed inside the Rohingya camp to bring the situation under control.

Due to the delay in repatriation, terrorism and criminal activities are increasing day by day in the Rohingya camps. By being associated with drug trafficking, smuggling and other criminal activities, they are putting pressure on themselves and the security situation of Bangladesh. Being in this country for a long time, the Rohingyas are getting involved in arms and drug trade, and have built up stockpiles of illegal weapons in the camps. Currently, the Rohingya camps have become a source of various concerns, including drug and arms trafficking as well as security threats. Rohingya camps have become drug arenas. About 10 thousand Rohingya are involved in these terrorist activities.

In the last seven years, 3 thousand 776 people were accused in 2 thousand 479 drug cases and 856 people were accused in 409 weapons cases, but many of those identified could not be brought under the law. 77 people were accused in 7 cases of police assault while catching the terrorists. RAB raided the Rohingya camp and arrested 123 people including top terrorists and military commanders of Arsa and seized 58 kg of explosives, 78 domestic and foreign arms, large quantity of grenades and bullets.

From June 2022 to June 2024, 246 Rohingyas were killed in Rohingya camps. At least 21 Rohingya community leaders, volunteers and ordinary Rohingyas are among the dead    found 233 cases have been registered in these incidents, 1 thousand 723 people have been accused and 245 terrorists have been arrested. However, 70 percent of the accused are out of touch.

In 2023-24, 31 cases of abduction occurred and 101 persons were accused in 24 cases and 44 persons were arrested. 8 thousand 689 Rohingyas were accused in a total of 3 thousand 823 cases in the camps. From August 2017 to July 2024, there have been 3832 cases related to Rohingya camps in 11 types of crimes. The number of these cases shows the level of crime in the camps. The renewed Rohingya infiltration is increasing the population density of the camps and creating new security threats.

Repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar is the main solution to this problem, but the security situation is deteriorating due to the uncertainty of resolving the crisis and the overcrowding of the camps. In this context, cooperation is needed to relocate the Rohingyas to Bhasanchar to reduce the population density of the camp. If the international community responds quickly to this initiative, the situation will be somewhat under control. Rohingya terrorist groups are dominating the camp and deteriorating the law and order situation, if this situation continues, the security situation in the camp will become more complicated. The law and order forces have to conduct special operations to control the camp situation.

The Interim Government of Bangladesh has been informing the international community about the crisis and expects the help of the United Nations, the international community and friendly countries to resolve the crisis. The recently appointed Malaysian High Commissioner to Dhaka said that Malaysia will fully support Bangladesh's efforts to find a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

In the ongoing situation, the security of the Rohingyas in Rakhine should be ensured in addition to strengthening the border security to prevent Rohingya infiltration. Effective initiatives are not being taken to ensure the acceptance of Rohingyas in Rakhine since 2017. AA, NUG and Myanmar Government must take urgent action to create an acceptable environment for Rohingyas in Rakhine by the UN and international community.

This problem which is pressing on Bangladesh is protracted and is putting pressure on Bangladesh's security, environment and other issues. Bangladesh has been able to successfully create public awareness and is constantly raising the issue in the international arena. Bangladesh tried to solve this problem diplomatically and through an international judicial process, but success has not yet come. In the days to come, efforts should be made to find a permanent solution by forming a commission and taking multi-pronged steps under a framework to advance this process.

In the ongoing situation, international cooperation is needed to create a safe zone in Rakhine for the safety of Rohingyas to stop Rohingya infiltration. The establishment of humanitarian corridors to provide relief and other assistance to the distressed Rakhine population and Rohingya should be seriously considered.

Br. G. Hasan Md. Shamsuddin, NDC, AFWC, PSC, MPhil (Retd.). Researcher on Myanmar and Rohingya.

Some students of Dhaka University took the life of a young man. The deceased youth was very unnatural. The killers thought he was a 'thief'; they beat him to death on this suspicion. In other words, they have taken away a fresh life just under suspicion.

Tofazzal did not die due to suspicion of murder or carelessness. He was killed in a festive manner. Before his death, he was fed rice in between beatings. Water was given. When the young man was drinking water in a state of unconsciousness, i.e. when the presence of life was visible in him, the beaters also clapped their hands, saying that there was an opportunity to beat some more!

As easy as I am writing the matter, it is actually not that easy. Heart breaking! This touching incident has moved everyone. The demand for justice has risen. The University administration has taken action. The University authorities filed a case with the Shahbag police station. Police have arrested six students of the University on charges related to the incident. One of them resigned from the Chhatra League and took part in the recent anti-discrimination student movement to bring down the government, and for that reason he is staying in Dhaka University Hall, while others have not been identified politically. They are called 'common students'.

The identity of the deceased Tofazzal has been published in the media, it is seen that he is without family and guardian. Although his home was in Barguna, he used to roam the streets of Dhaka. Tofazzal's father died ten years ago, mother three years later and then his only elder brother. After his brother's death, Tofazzal was also beaten up locally over an incident, after which he became deranged. He was studying at Bangabandhu Law College after completing his Honors Masters in Bengali Studies from Barishal BM College, according to media reports.

The students of Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall, who had beaten up on suspicion of being a thief, contacted Tofazzal's family. His maternal sister said that the price of the mobile phone is Tk. 35,000. They also doubted how Tofazzal could memorize the mobile numbers of family members. And as their suspicions grew, so did the pace of beatings. The University administration has failed to fulfill its responsibilities. They did not realize the need to seek the help of law enforcement at that time. None of the other students of the University came forward to stop this beating. Protests and processions were very normal these days, but this time the normality was disturbed in the University itself.

He was fed rice before being killed. Abdullah Al Masud, the former leader of Rajshahi University Chhatra League, who lost his leg, did not get it a few days ago after asking for water before his death. In case of Tofazzal not only water but also rice was fed. It was not at all humane to a poor vagabond, but rather ridiculous. First the students make fun of his poverty and then played with his life, and their game of 'thief-cop' is given a fresh lease of life. Here we can see the picture of our society. It gave a clear idea of how our society views those who are usually abnormal, more precisely those who are considered 'crazy'. 'Madmen' can be beaten at will, 'madmen' have no right to live, and beating 'madmen' is pleasurable to many. This event is not his revelation? Sadly, some of the students of the country's top Universities are still in this corrupt practice.

No hesitation to say it is cold-blooded murder. Even if it is an exaggeration to kill the festival? Probably not! But they are studying in the highest seat of learning of the country. They got admitted here after obtaining the certificate, but could not possess the minimum humanity. Human life has no value to them. Are they really committed to building a country without discrimination yet? At least he doesn't witness this cold-blooded murder. Rather it says they are not on the right track.

On the same day Tofazzal Hossain was murdered, another murder took place in Jahangirnagar University. Shamim Ahmed alias Shamim Molla former organizing secretary of the University branch Chhatra League, who was killed in the beating of students in Jahangirnagar University. Last Wednesday afternoon, three students of the University started beating Shamim, who was waiting for an acquaintance in front of a salon at Joy Bangla Gate of the University, at one stage they dragged him inside the campus and beat him up. And finally he died too. Among those involved in this incident are several leaders of the JCD and a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement. This incident has also created a stir in the country, there are demands for justice. Not only are these two incidents on the same day, they are happening earlier and later in the day, and many are trying to make light of it by calling it 'mob justice' and 'mass death'. These are not correct. These are essentially uncontrolled behavior and extrajudicial killings, and should be protested and redressed legally.

After a short break, our conscience has started waking up after the murder of Tofazzal Hossain and Shamim Ahmed. We should hold on to it. We should wake up and be aware of any extrajudicial killings and any illegal incidents on campus or anywhere in the country. Tofazzal-Shamim may not be the end; but let our quest end here, we should stop here. 

Chattogram is a unique geographical city with thousands of years of tradition and history. Known as the Queen of the East, Chattogram has been known as the center of trade and commerce since ancient times. Industry and trade have played an important role as the driving force of Chattogram country's economy in all fields. Arab, European, Chinese, Afro-Asian merchants have preferred Chattogram for trade purposes since early times due to its port and harbor, known as a commercial city or an industrial city. As a result, Chattogram and Chattogram residents have been known all over the world as merchants or traders for thousands of years. In continuation of that reputation, legendary traders, businessmen, industrialists were born in Chattogram. They have spread the scope of their business from country to country with talent and skill.

Assam Bengal Railway headquarters was established at Chattogram during the British period due to geographical infrastructural advantages. During the Pakistan period, large industries such as steel, motor vehicles, jute, textiles, yarn, tobacco, medicine etc. were established in Chattogram. Also at that time several multinational industrial and commercial companies, major Bengali-owned banks and insurance offices were established in Chattogram. Among the handful of Bengali entrepreneurs and industrialists who were able to establish themselves in the sixties, AK Khan, Mirza Abu and MR Siddiqui were from Chattogram. At the present time, in continuation of the various industrial groups of Chattogram such as, A. K. Khan, Ilyas Brothers, Alhaj Khalilur Rahman's KDS Group, Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury, TK Group, S Alam Group and other industrial groups have expanded their industries with pride. But this development and enlightened chapter of Chattogram has never been seen well by the self-interested circles. Starting from that Pakistan regime till now, their jealousy, conspiracy and revenge have repeatedly tried to deprive Chattogram from all stages. The success of businessmen and industrial entrepreneurs of Chattogram has been the cause of their destruction. Attempts have been made to humiliate the industrial owners of Chattogram through trickery and propaganda. The present time is no exception. A reputed newspaper of the country has regularly entered into a competition to capture the character of businessmen of Chattogram. There isn't a compelling story they haven't created. Just looking at their language shows how shameless the violence and vindictiveness can be! I am trying to talk about S Alam Group, the main victim of revenge and conspiracy, the famous industrial group of Chattogram and the savior of common people and the leader of this group, Saiful Islam Masood. I am trying to present to the people what I see in my eyes as a common man.

S Alam Group, which started its journey in the eighties with the transport business, has today built a business empire worth thousands of crores of takas. The group successfully managed business by taking loans from banks, owning several banks and using them for business. Has conducted the business with credit till date, but has never defaulted on the loan. He is being accused by the country's media of money laundering abroad. Conspiracy to invest abroad? Doing business abroad means money laundering abroad? S Alam has legitimately ventured into business at the international level. As foreigners have invested in this country. Likewise S Alam has also invested abroad. What could be wrong with it? However, if there is any inconsistency or any irregularity, the government can correct it. But what is happening now is a kind of unprovoked and conspiratorial attack, which experts believe is a step towards ruining a well-established institution of the country.

An appeal to all sensible people of the country, regardless of party affiliation, speak up to protect S Alam Group. As a common citizen, I am forced to make this application. Today at this time it is not only S Alam's fight alone, it is a united fight of all of us. It doesn't take long to destroy an institution, but it takes years to build. This long hard-earned achievement of S Alam cannot be allowed to end overnight. Let us all protect S Alam group from this conspiracy, stand by them. It is our humanitarian responsibility not only to protect this industrial group but also to protect the commercial heritage of Chittagong, our Queen of the East. To protect the country's economy.

Let's all unite and stand against this conspiracy against Chattogram. In our national interest and for the greater welfare of Chattogram, all should come forward together to protect S Alam Shilpa Group from the conspiracy to destroy it. Especially for Chattogram residents, this is a time of great calamity. The need of the hour is to sustain the employment of millions of workers. S Alam Industries Group has become known as a prestigious company in domestic and foreign circles. Today that institution is being pushed towards bankruptcy by anti-Chattogram/ tactics. I am calling on everyone to come forward to save S Alam from this difficult situation of the country and request to understand the real truth.

S Alam Group has reached this position today through hard work, talent and creativity over a long period of time. Not at the mercy of anyone. For one reason or another it is a victim of conspiracy today. The fortunes of millions of people are associated with this group, and their contribution to the country's economy is also significant. where we see Nine hundred percent unemployment could not be eradicated, there to save millions of working people from the scourge of bankruptcy by bankrupting S.Alam.

Seeking direct intervention of Chief Adviser to the Interim Government. Today this conspiracy is not only against S Alam, this conspiracy is against the development of Chattogram.

S Alam is a well-established and prestigious institution, which has earned a reputation both domestically and internationally. If this institution is destroyed, it will send a negative message to foreign investors about Bangladesh's business and investment environment. In the future investors will lose interest to invest in this country. If workers lose their jobs, millions of workers and their families will face social and economic crisis. Unemployment will have a negative impact on their children's education, health and quality of life. In this situation, crime trends may increase, which will destroy social stability.

What could be the reason for the unbridled conspiracy against S Alam group? Analysis shows-

Conspiracy is going on to destroy S Alam's business to strengthen their position in the competitive market. They are using a class of so-called intellectuals and media in this work. Such enmity and immature business tactics are the main driving forces behind this conspiracy.

The group's unparalleled consistent success and their strong leadership have displeased a class of Chittagong haters. They feel that the success of S Alam Group is tied to their interests.

There may be political reasons behind it. Many times a successful organization is tried to make it act against its interest by applying political influence and pressure. Protecting the interests of the opposition and some influential circles in the country are trying to destroy the S Alam group to protect their own interests. This conspiracy started from the time of Awami League government. Their aim is to control the market and leave other competitors behind.

At present, it is important to build public support for the sake of the country and the people. It is very important for this business organization to build people's support for the sake of the country's economy by telling the truth to the countrymen through reporting and writing negative news. It is vital not only to protect an institution, but also to protect the national interest.

One thing needs to be said: S Alam is more of an investment than a loan.

Bangladesh is now considered as the fifth tiger economy in Asia due to its continuous success. Although it may sound unrealistic today, a few decades ago even emerging economic powers were termed as a 'bottomless basket' on the world stage.

According to statistics, Bangladesh has become the 35th largest economy in the world, ignoring the scourge of hunger, famine, natural disasters. The London-based Center for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predicts that it will become the world's 20th largest economy by 2038.

This outstanding success of Bangladesh would not have been possible without the contribution of this group. As mentioned earlier S Alam Group is one of the largest industrial organizations based in the port city of Chattogram.

The group has consistently invested thousands of crores of takas in setting up essential goods, power sector, imports and refining, economic zones, health, textiles, IT and other businesses for more than 37 years since 1985.

According to The Business Standard Google and The Business Standard's Google News Channel, more than 200,000 people have been directly employed as a result of the industry group's initiative.

Most of the domestic oil, wheat and sugar needs are being met through six edible oil and two sugar refineries. In order to strengthen the hands of the government to meet the needs of the domestic consumers, it has been playing a leading role in the import and processing of essential products like sugar, wheat, gram, onion, oil in the country's market.

According to statistics, the company imported 750,000 tons of sugar in 2023, worth 49 million dollars. In the last three years (2020, 2022, 2021), the amount of sugar import is 14 lakh 82 thousand metric tons, the value of which is 82 crore 61 lakh 98 thousand 500 dollars.

In addition, 520 thousand tons of wheat were imported last year, the value of which is 145 million 56 million dollars. In the statistics of three years (2020, 2022, 2021), the amount of imported wheat was 16 lakh 10 thousand tons worth 49 crore 58 lakh 90 thousand dollars.

The total demand of palm and soybean oil in 2023 was about 3 lakh 12 thousand 480 metric tons, where palm oil was about 2 lakh 75 thousand 779 metric tons and soybean oil was about 700 metric tons. Its financial market value was about 25 crore 91 lakh 47 thousand 152 dollars for palm oil and 4 crore 19 lakh 1 thousand 72 dollars for soybean oil. In the last three years (2020, 2022, 2021), the total amount of oil import was 13 lakh 106 metric tons, the value of which was 156 crore 82 lakh 42 thousand 331 dollars.

S Alam has met 30, 20 and 35 percent of oil, wheat and sugar demand in the domestic market. The plan was to fulfill 50 percent this year.

S Alam Group currently has six edible oil refineries and two active sugar refineries. Another project is under construction. 4 thousand 800 metric tons of edible oil and 5 thousand 100 metric tons of sugar are refined daily in this project using European technology in self financing. Two of these sugar refineries are located in Chattogram. The under-construction Mega Sugar Refinery is planned to be completed and put into production by 2026.

The country's first large private coal-based thermal power plant in Chattogram's Banshkhali. The project is currently in production. SS power plant with a capacity of 1320 megawatts has been built with an investment of more than 2.6 billion dollars or 28 thousand crore rupees. The S Alam Group has a 70 percent stake in the project, with the remaining 30 percent owned by Chinese companies, SEPCO 3 and HTG.

The power plant was integrated into the national grid last year, comprising two units, each with a capacity of 660 MW. The first unit was inaugurated on September 18, 2023 and the second unit on October 26, 2023. The special feature of this project is that its power generation is more cost-efficient than many other power plants.

Proposed here is a mega project undertaken by green and renewable energy. Recently, as per their plan, combined cycle power plant will be set up in Chiattogram's Banshkhali and the expected capacity is 3000 MW. The power plant will be able to provide 50 percent green energy from the start and then gradually increase it to 100 percent. The investment in the project is about 3 billion dollars and it is planned to be implemented in 2027. This project will create direct employment opportunities for around 5000 people. Besides, one lakh people will benefit indirectly there.

Eco-friendly technologies from leading technology companies such as GE, Siemens and Mitsubishi will be deployed in green and renewable energy. Due to the unique nature of this project, the country will benefit from carbon taxes as per the Paris Agreement.

S Alam Group started galvanizing and steel sheet production process in 1995. These factories are located in Chattogram and Narayanganj. In Japanese and Italian technology based factories, 'CI and GP Sheets, Color Coated CGI Sheets, Cold Rolled Steel Sheets and many more are manufactured. The investment in these galvanizing plants and flat rolling plants is worth 640 million dollars and more than 2000 employees work in this industry. The total production capacity of four units of galvanizing industry is about 930 MT per day. Besides, the annual production capacity of two flat rolling plants is 240 thousand metric tons.

S Alam Group started Portland Composite Cement Factory at Charpatharghata in Chattogram from 2000. More than 1500 employees work in this company built with an investment of 130 million dollars. Using German technology, this unit has a daily production capacity of 1200 metric tons

With an investment plan of more than TK. 58,000 crore and the government's vision of creating 50,000 jobs, S Alam Group plans to create two private economic zones. The project of 'Bashankhali S Alam Economic Zone 1' with 184 acres of land and 'Bashankhali S Alam Economic Zone 2' with 259 acres of land is in progress.

Tk. 58 thousand crore domestic and foreign investment plan for these two special industrial zones. Where 35 thousand crores for power sector, 15 thousand crores for HR coil sector, 7500 crores for DRI plant sector and 500 crores for private economic zone. More than 400 acres of land will be added to 'Bashankhali S Alam Economic Zone II' in coming days and there are plans to set up some medium and heavy industries in joint venture with Japan.

The two Special Economic Zones described which are currently under construction in Chattogram, will create more than 50,000 new jobs and generate huge amounts of foreign exchange once they start operating. From which the government will get huge amount of revenue.

This organization is working on a plan to invest 200 million dollars in the healthcare sector to serve more than 5 lakh people. They have established clinics, hospitals and diagnostic centers in major cities under their financial institutions. Their mission is to provide free medical care to the underprivileged and make healthcare more accessible to all. S Alam Group has launched S Alam International Hospital project in Chattogram with an eye towards human services, which is nearing completion. It will serve people in the departments of Oncology, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Gynecology and Maternity Care etc.

The group has also undertaken plans to expand healthcare by setting up medical and nursing colleges and other medical facilities in various parts of the country. Under this project land development work has been done in Purbachal, Bashundhara and other areas.

This initiative of S Alam Group's health services will create employment for more than 5 thousand people. With an investment of 200 million dollars based on European, Indian and East Asian business partnerships, the project will be able to serve 500,000 people continuously.

Finally, after analyzing the mentioned issues and business investment and planning of S Alam Group, it can be seen that to what extent an organization can be proactive in the development of the country? I saw in South Korea, how can businessmen build a country into a developed economy?

In our country too, the South Korean industrial group 'Yongwon' is enriching the country by making huge investments. As such, it is necessary to cooperate from the government level without minimizing the contribution of S Alam Group in the development of the country's economy so that they can help in the development of the country. Let creation not destruction be our goal. It is not my intention to belittle anyone. For the sake of the country, for the sake of economic development of the country the interim government needs to come forward with a helping hand to keep the institution alive.

Bangladesh-India relations are historical and multi-dimensional. Again, the relationship between these two close neighbors is very sensitive. As a result, it is very important for the peace, security and stability of South Asia that the relations between the two countries move in a positive direction based on balance, fairness and equality.

In particular, in the context of the Rohingya crisis in Northeast India and neighboring Chattogram Hill Tracts and Southeast Bangladesh and the ongoing armed civil war in Myanmar, both countries would do well to proceed with utmost caution in the development of mutual relations. But despite the good intentions of both countries, there are multifaceted conspiracies to destroy this relationship. For this reason, it is necessary for both the countries to be vigilant and move the Bangladesh-India relationship forward to a positive destination.

On the occasion of the one month anniversary of the formation of the interim government on Wednesday (September 11) at 7:30 pm the Chief Adviser to the nation the issue of Bangladesh-India relations gained importance in the speech of Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In the speech, Dr. Yunus said that he wants good relations with neighboring countries including India. He said, however, that relationship should be based on fairness and equality. We have already started high-level bilateral cooperation talks with India on flood control. I have taken the initiative to revive the SAARC group of states with a view to enhancing regional cooperation in South Asia. He said that Bangladesh should be known with respect to the world as a democratic country. The planning of the country should be centered on the people of the country, not on any leader or party.

Pranoy Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, has said that he will work to advance Indo- Bangladesh relation to a positive direction. The new foreign secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the courtesy meeting with Jasimuddin, he further told the reporters, 'I have said earlier that we are working closely with the government of Bangladesh to achieve the aspirations of peace, security and development applicable to both countries. We will continue to work to advance the relationship in various areas.

The Prime Minister of India and the Chief Minister of West Bengal congratulated the new government soon after the change of power in Bangladesh. Both the countries hoped that the historical and close relations between Bangladesh and India will continue intact. But these hopes will be successful only when various conspiracies to destroy the relationship between the two countries can be suppressed and it will be possible to avoid hot-headedness from the highest level.

It is important to mention that in the complex geopolitics of South Asia, there is a tendency for relations to deteriorate as well as for improving relations. There are multifaceted conspiracies that work openly and covertly to disturb the relations of different countries. Governments need to be very careful and vigilant about this.

For example, the behavior of the Indian media can be mentioned. When the student movement took place in Bangladesh, there were many doubts about their campaign. In particular, when student mobs, and even madrasa students, guarding Hindu homes and temples were showing success in confronting miscreants, inflammatory campaigns were noticed in the Indian media. Inciting unrest without standing for peace made the Indian media questionable and untrustworthy at the time.

Disappointingly, the old and professional press has also been seen to tune in with the third-rate propaganda-based low-level media. After that complex situation, such news is still being published in various media in India, which is not only offensive but harmful to the relationship. For example, the video reports of newspapers like India Today are saying that the new government is a threat to India, Bangladesh has become Pakistan 2.0 under the new government. Even, the interview of some alleged 'Bangladeshi militants' is spreading tension. It is hard to believe that the Government of India does not see this. If such anti-Bangladesh propaganda increases on Indian soil and in Indian media, India's goodwill towards developing relations with Bangladesh will be highly disputed and eventually the relations will suffer, which is neither desirable nor beneficial for any country.

From India's point of view, the reality must be kept in mind that there is an anti-India political current in Bangladesh since long ago. Moreover, the previous Hasina government is generally perceived as pro-India. And now Hasina is under the shelter of India. As a result, if anti-Bangladesh incitement is made on Indian soil or in the media, the reaction in the public mind of Bangladesh will be severe, which will further increase the level of anti-India.

Hot comments from higher ups also often damage relationships and cause adverse reactions. As has happened recently. Adviser to BNP Chairperson and former Opposition Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farooq said that India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh should apologize, but you are a minister but I am also a citizen of independent Bangladesh. You should apologize for the statement you made. People of Bangladesh have a big heart. They know how to forgive. So no one will accept that do not make a statement about Bangladesh.

He said this at a protest rally organized by the 12-party alliance in front of the National Press Club in the capital in the first week of September against India's aggressive statements threatening the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. Moreover, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi commented that India is not working for Bangladesh's democracy but to return Sheikh Hasina's 'zamidari'.

Needless to say, unnecessary controversies and provocative political statements or false propaganda by anyone or the media will destabilize the situation. Those will be boomerang and India will face opposition. Opponents of India will get tools for criticism and opposition. Attempting to destroy relationships instead of improving them, or handing over weapons of opposition, is not a sign of any prudence. Rather, these are conspiracies to destroy Bangladesh-India relations. Therefore, aware people, objective media and government of both countries need to be alert about anti-Bangladesh incitement and lies in the Indian soil or in the media and strive to advance Bangladesh-India relations on the basis of balance, fairness and equality by countering various conspiracies.

Dr. Mahfuz Parvez: Associate Editor, Barta24.com; Professor and Chairman, Department of Political Science, Chattogram University and Executive Director, Chattogram Center for Regional Studies, Bangladesh (CCRSBD).