Bangladesh Goes to Polls in Landmark Election After Hasina's Exit
In a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, voters are casting ballots today in the first parliamentary elections since the dramatic collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. This election, described by many as the "birthday of a new Bangladesh," follows allegations of widespread rigging in the 2018 and 2024 polls under the Awami League. Amid a tumultuous period marked by massive student and political protests, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is seen as a frontrunner, with Jamaat-e-Islami emerging as its biggest challenger.
Voting for the 300 seats began early this morning and is set to conclude at 4 pm IST, with broad trends expected later tonight after counting. The BNP has expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties with India if it comes to power, highlighting opportunities for mutual cooperation based on trust and fairness.
Political Turmoil in India Over US Trade Deal
In India, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the government regarding the India-United States interim trade deal, accusing the Centre of compromising the country's energy security and farm interests. Gandhi emphasized that Indian people and data are critical assets, alleging that the government is allowing these to be weaponized against farmers and youth. His remarks prompted Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to announce a privilege notice against him.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the government's stance, criticizing the previous UPA administration for surrendering India's interests at the WTO in 2013. She hailed the Modi-led government for securing a peace clause in 2017, which enabled ration distribution during Covid and ongoing farmer procurement. The debate escalated as Gandhi linked Indian businessman Anil Ambani to the Epstein files, a claim dismissed by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as baseless and a smear campaign.
Health and Security Crises Unfold
Madhya Pradesh faced a devastating year in 2025, with over 20 children dying from contaminated cough syrup in Chhindwara district. A chargesheet filed by MP police revealed that these deaths resulted from a continuous chain of events from raw material sourcing to medical use, with 11 persons named as accused. In a separate development, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad handed over India's first bioterrorism plot involving the ricin toxin to the National Investigation Agency, uncovering an alleged network with a Hyderabad doctor at its center.
Judicial and Architectural Shifts
The Supreme Court is reevaluating its approach to gender sensitivity, with Chief Justice Surya Kant criticizing the 2023 "Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes" as too Harvard-oriented and disconnected from ground realities. He emphasized the need for practical training over academic texts. Meanwhile, the Central Vista redevelopment project has raised concerns over the fate of the Qadeemi Masjid, a century-old mosque not appearing in detailed drawings for new buildings, despite earlier assurances of its preservation.
Sports and Opinion Highlights
In sports, Australia's batting strategy against Ireland at the Premadasa stadium is being touted as a blueprint for Team India ahead of its match against Pakistan, emphasizing patience and adaptation to slow conditions. In opinion, Sanjaya Baru critiques the US trade deal as a capitulation to President Donald Trump's tariff-driven agenda, accusing the Modi government of duplicity in handling the agreement.
This edition also covers a new political front in Bengal threatening the TMC's voter base and ongoing farmer strikes against the India-US trade deal, rounding out a day of significant national and international developments.
