world

Dhaka: Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s anti-India political landscape, passed away late Thursday night in Singapore, sparking widespread violence across the country. Hadi, 32, had been critically injured last week when unknown assailants shot him in the head during an election campaign in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on 12 December. Airlifted to Singapore General Hospital, Hadi suffered irreversible brain damage, and despite life support and extensive medical care, he succumbed to his injuries. Rising to Prominence in Anti-Hasina MovementsHadi became widely known last year during violent student-led protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He served as the spokesperson of the Inquilab Forum, a platform that emerged as a key force in the July uprising, which had pr...

Dhaka: Tensions escalated across Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the Inquilab Forum known for his opposition to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his outspoken stance against India. Hadi, who had been critically injured in a shooting during an election campaign in Dhaka on 12 December, passed away late Thursday night while receiving treatment in Singapore. The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed his death. Following the news, violent protests erupted in multiple parts of the country. Thousands gathered in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, waving posters and shouting slogans accusing authorities of failing to protect Hadi. The demonstration quickly turned violent, with mobs targeting major media outlets and political offices. Media Offices an...

Islamabad/Washington: Pakistani Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Asim Munir is scheduled to visit the United States, but there are no plans for a third meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a senior White House official. Recent reports in the Pakistani media suggested that Munir might meet Trump during his visit, potentially to discuss a proposed multinational force aimed at providing security and assistance following the conflict in Gaza. However, the White House clarified on Wednesday that such a meeting is not on the President’s calendar. White House Statement An unnamed senior White House official told Arab News that there is currently no meeting scheduled between Trump and Munir. The official emphasized that Munir had already met Trump twice in recent mon...

Istanbul: The early decades of the 20th century were a period of upheaval for the Islamic world. After siding with Germany in World War I, the Ottoman Empire faced defeat, leading to its partition by European powers and the emergence of modern Turkey. In 1924, the Turkish Republic, under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, officially abolished the 1,300-year-old Islamic Caliphate, exiling the last Caliph, Abdulmejid II, from the country. A Bold Attempt to Save the Caliphate Despite exile, Abdulmejid II did not give up. Determined to revive the Caliphate, he devised a daring plan to establish legitimacy as the leader of the Muslim world without relying on Ottoman territorial power. His strategy involved garnering support from influential Muslim leaders and scholars worldwide, focusing on a region ...

Islamabad: Following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Pakistan has raised fresh concerns over water flow in the Chenab River, claiming that India is restricting its waters. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has formally sought clarification from India, asserting that under the 1960 treaty, India must provide transparency regarding river flows. Accusations and Concerns According to Tahir Hussain Andrabi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the Chenab River has shown “sudden variations” in water levels. He alleged that India is releasing water without prior notice, raising serious concerns about the livelihoods, economic security, and agriculture of downstream communities in Pakistan. Andrabi stated that Pakistan’s Indus Commissioner has written to his Ind...

Dhaka, Bangladesh: Tensions escalated in Bangladesh on Thursday as protesters marched toward the Indian Assistant High Commission in Rajshahi, raising anti-India slogans. Similar protests were reported in Dhaka the previous day. Security Measures and Visa Center Closures In response to the unrest, the Indian missions in Rajshahi and Khulna have temporarily closed their Visa Application Centers (IVACs). Bangladeshi security forces deployed barricades on the streets to prevent protesters from reaching the missions. The Dhaka IVAC, which was closed on Wednesday, has since reopened. Wednesday’s Protests in Dhaka On Wednesday, hundreds of demonstrators marched toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The march, which began around 3 PM, was blocked by police barricades. Protesters...

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is reportedly set for another visit to the United States, marking his third meeting with former President Donald Trump. The visit comes amid U.S. proposals urging Pakistan to deploy its military in Gaza as part of an international stabilization force, aimed at disarming Hamas. Munir, widely regarded as the most powerful figure in Pakistan’s political and military landscape, now faces a delicate balancing act. While his influence spans national security, domestic politics, and foreign policy, any misstep regarding the Gaza deployment could destabilize Pakistan’s internal order. U.S. Pressure and International Diplomacy According to two Reuters sources, Munir is expected to focus on the Gaza force during his Washington visi...

Dhaka: Rising security concerns for Indian diplomatic staff in Bangladesh have forced the temporary closure of Indian visa application centers (IVAC) in Rajshahi and Khulna. A notice on the IVAC website announced that both centers will remain closed on Thursday, December 18, 2025, citing the current security situation. Applicants who had booked slots for submissions today will be rescheduled for later dates. This marks the second consecutive day that Indian visa centers in Bangladesh have been shut due to safety concerns. On Wednesday, amid anti-India rhetoric and inflammatory statements in Dhaka, the Indian visa center was closed at 2 PM, with applicants informed that their submissions would be accommodated on later dates. India Lodges Diplomatic Protest Concerns over the safety ...