Bangladesh Roundup: Military technology, protests, weather reports, abusive social media comments

Protests

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, protested against a recent attack by a Hindu mob in India's Agartala on December 2. The demonstration included rallies en route to the border, following bilateral meetings between the foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and India aimed at reducing tensions. Bangladesh condemned the attacks, which involved the desecration of its flags, and summoned the Indian High Commissioner to express its protest. India expressed regret and committed to taking action, The Economic Times reports. Strains in relations were exacerbated by the arrest of a Hindu leader in Bangladesh and visa restrictions imposed by India on Bangladeshis. Protests in both countries have resulted in heightened tensions.

Military technology

India is looking to enhance its military capabilities by potentially acquiring Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jets, including a two-seater variant tailored to its needs. According to India.com, this acquisition may include a technology transfer arrangement that aligns with India's 'Make in India' initiative, promoting local production. Alongside the fighter jets, India is also in discussions to obtain the advanced Voronezh radar system from Russia, which has a range of 6,000 to 8,000 kilometres. Analysts suggest the Su-57 outmatches the American F-35 in combat capabilities and technology, and the development of a customized two-seat variant would enhance India's operational versatility for various missions.

Abusive social media comments

A controversy at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) arose when Bangladeshi students posted abusive comments on social media targeting the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and Indian women. The posts, which labelled ISKCON as a "radical Hindutva organisation" and included vulgar remarks, led to protests by Hindu students demanding the expulsion of those involved. The Free Press Journal reports that the students are identified as Shamyul, Rifat Rehman, and Mahmood Hasan Arafat. Hindu students filed complaints with university authorities, urging for immediate suspension, deportation, and visa cancellation of the accused. Protests were organized, during which students burned posters of the Bangladeshi President and raised slogans in support of India. The university's Deputy Proctor stated that a thorough investigation would ensue regarding the matter, further igniting the debate over the conduct of Bangladeshi students in Indian institutions.

Fishing violations

On December 12, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard detained two Bangladeshi fishing trawlers, FV Layla 2 and FV Meghna 5, along with 78 crew members for illegal fishing in Indian waters. Asian News Network reports that the trawlers were taken to Paradip Port in Odisha for legal proceedings. The owners of the trawlers reported that their crew underwent medical check-ups and were later returned to the vessels. Officials suggested that the trawlers mistakenly entered Indian waters due to strong currents and a nautical error. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry is reportedly working to ensure the safe return of the crew.

Weather

A mild coldwave is expected to impact parts of Bangladesh, particularly in the northwestern and western regions, from December 14 to 16, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Moderate to thick fog may occur in northern and northeastern areas, with a chance of light to moderate fog elsewhere. The weather is likely to remain dry with a partly cloudy sky, and temperatures will slightly drop, New Age reports. The lowest recorded temperature was 10.2°C in Chuadanga and Gopalganj, while Dhaka recorded 14.8°C.