48 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineIn October, a group of freedomfighters took shelter at the home ofGangesh Deb Roy in Bhunabir,planning an operation at BilashBridge. On their way, freedom fighterSamir Som was captured and laterkilled in Sreemangal town. Others,including Moinuddin, ShambhuNayek, and Arjan Poddar, were alsocaptured and shot.Pakistani forces used the Sreemangal WAPDA Guest House as their headquarters andestablished an entertainment center there. Based on reports from collaborators, freedomfighters, intellectuals, and political activists were detained, tortured, and interrogated. Manywere later executed near the BDR camp at sites that became known as mass killing groundsalong the Bhurvuria stream. Numerous remains were discovered in these areas after the war.After eight months of struggle, on 4 December 1971, Sreemangal was liberated with theassistance of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini. Sreemangal fell under Sector 4 of theLiberation War, commanded by Major Chittaranjan Dutta (C.R. Dutta).Through immense sacrifice, courage, and resilience, Sreemangal secured its place in the proudand painful history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.ConclusionThe political history of Sreemangal stands as a shining testament tostruggle, sacrifice, and courage. From the anti-British movements to theLanguage Movement, from the fight to protect the rights of farmers andworkers to the autonomy movement and the Great Liberation War, thepeople of Sreemangal repeatedly proved that they would never bow toinjustice.This history is not merely a memory of the past; it is a source ofinspiration for future generations. The sacrifices of every martyr, everycommitted leader, and every ordinary citizen have enriched our nationalconsciousness. Their contributions and dedication will remain eternallyremembered in the history of Bengal.
50 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineHistory in making asgovernments draft a legallybinding Treaty for rights ofolder personsThis is indeed a historic first whengovernments come together todraft a legally binding possibletreaty to protect the human rightsof older persons. The first everhistoric Inter GovernmentalWorking Group (IGWG) meetingto protect the rights of olderpersons was held recently. IGWGwas created by the UN HumanRights Council in April 2025 andgiven the mandate to draft alegally binding UN Convention onthe Rights of Older Persons.\"It has taken older persons, withsupport from the not-so-old ones,over two decades of advocacy andefforts to reach this point wheregovernments are convening to drafta legally binding possible treaty toage with rights. The process followsthe recognition that existinginternational human rights treatiesdo not specifically address thehuman rights of older peoples,leaving them vulnerable toviolations, particularly regardingaccess to care, social protection,and in humanitarian crises,\" saidShobha Shukla, who was amongthe registered delegates for IGWGas part of those with livedexperience as well as representingDevelopment Justice for OlderPersons (DJ4OP) campaign.Bobby Ramakant
Well, better late than never. The Convention is expectedto protect the rights of older persons, recognise thevaluable economic and social contributions older personsmake and provide a comprehensive and coherentframework for a world free from ageism and agediscrimination.While opening the IGWG meet, Nada Al-Nashif, UNDeputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, who, likeShobha, is a senior citizen herself, said that \"meaningfulparticipation is essential. Older persons themselves - in alltheir diversity, including older women, older persons withdisabilities, those belonging to indigenous peoples,minorities and rural communities - must be activelyengaged in this process. Civil society organisations,national human rights institutions and independentexperts bring indispensable experience, data and insight.An inclusive and transparent process will strengthen boththe legitimacy and the quality of the outcome.\"\"We are living in an age of ageing with a fast growingnumber of older people. Life expectancy has increasedsignificantly in most settings, over the past years. Japanhas nearly 100,000 people aged 100 or older - the highestin the world, with women comprising roughly 88% of thispopulation. By 2050 the population of persons above 60years of age is projected to grow to 2.1 billion (nearly onefifth of the total global population),\" said Shobha.Longevity is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Yetthe promise of longer life is too often accompanied bypersistent gaps in the protection of human rights.KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 51
52 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineAgeism lurksWhat is ageism? \"Ageism is one big elephantin the room. It includes harmful norms,stereotypes, narratives and tropes againstolder persons. It affects women more thanmen; less educated more than bettereducated. To be a gender diverse person or awoman or one with disability and to beelderly is double trouble in many countriesincluding India, more so if you stand upagainst ageism and do not fit into the norm.Subtle nuances of ageism abound in everynook and corner and lurk where you leastexpect them - homes, society at large,workplace, industry, healthcare facilities,media... the list is endless,\" said ShobhaShukla, while speaking in SHE & Rightssession organised by Global Center forHealth Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI),Fos Feminista, Women's Rights Caucus,Women Deliver Conference 2026,International Planned ParenthoodFederation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resourceand Research Centre for Women (ARROW)and partners.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership5Magazine 3Age with rightsHealth promotion must include disease prevention(both non-communicable diseases andcommunicable or infectious diseases) in every agegroup, and not just the elderly. Many age relateddiseases and disabilities are often preventable, ortheir severity can be reduced, if healthy living andactive ageing is promoted for every age. \"We haveto address population ageing with a lifecycleapproach,\" said Shobha Shukla.\"When it comes to sexual health, less said isbetter. The elderly are generally absent from thediscourses around sexual health and rights. Inmany societies, there seems to be a cultural tabooaround the sexual health needs of the elderly.Many find it difficult to accept sexual health andrights of all peoples - all through their lifecycle,which includes older persons too. This becomeseven more critically important when it comes toolder women, older women with disabilities, oldergender diverse people, and older indigenouspeoples. All of us have the right to bodilyautonomy irrespective of our age,\" rightlyemphasised Shobha Shukla.For many older people, these challenges arecompounded by intersecting forms of stigma aswell as intersectional discrimination, including onthe basis of gender, disability, ethnicity, orsocioeconomic status.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 54Diversity, equity and inclusion principle\"Older persons are as diverse as other populations, including interms of sexual and gender orientations, expressions andidentities; social and economic backgrounds; culturalbackgrounds; skills and competencies; desires and ambitions;aspirations; hopes and dreams. So, we have to keep thosemarginalised among older persons in the centre of the response– this includes older women, older indigenous peoples, oldergender diverse persons and people with disabilities,\" saidShobha Shukla.\"The elderly should speak up, not lose their self-confidence, bepositive, be as independent as they can be, not feel ashamed totake help from others, eat healthy and exercise. We need tounlearn and re-learn how to live life fully. Remember that ageis just a number. We only have one-shot of life! Agegracefully!\" she added.The establishment of the IGWG by the UN Human RightsCouncil represents a decisive step forward. Its first session hasopened a new chapter in a collective effort to address theconceptual and normative gaps in the international humanrights framework as it relates to older persons.However, as the UN Deputy High Commissioner for HumanRights, Nada Al-Nashif, has rightly remarked,“A legallybinding instrument will not, by itself, resolve all the challengesolder persons face. Its effectiveness will depend on politicalwill, adequate resources, strong institutions, and sustainedsocietal transformation”.But a legally binding treaty can definitely accelerate progresstowards preparing all countries for population ageing, which isalready a growing reality. Let us hope that this possiblelegally-binding UN treaty affirms the agency of older personsand safeguards their autonomy across all areas of life - and allthrough their lifecycle.\"We, the elderly, are not asking for mercy. We are asking forour long-overdue rights. We need to be recognised - not asburdens, but as rights holders and as vital contributors tofamilies, communities, economies and public life. We do notneed shelter homes, but the right to live a fulfilling life. Ageismand gender inequality have to end with us,\" rightly saidShobha.The way forwardOlder persons want to lead a meaningful life andrequire support mechanisms, including social andfinancial security, to continue to functionpositively. They need affordable and comfortablepublic transport, safe spaces for physicalactivities, and easily accessible healthcare, saysShobha.\"We need strong laws to stop all forms ofharassment faced by the elderly and makecommuting, workspaces, working hours, natureof work, health services, social security supportsystems, friendly for them if governments trulywalk the talk on active ageing and againstageism,\" she added.Age is no barrier to learning, butageism is a big obstacle\"Age can be no barrier to learning. Butageism is a huge barrier, and so isgender inequality. Failure to addressageism and do away with age-relatedharmful stereotypes, social norms andnarratives, fuels shame or self-stigma,which often results in negative selfworth, addictions, ill-health, and selfharm. Rooting out ageism will helpolder people live with dignity,\" saidShobha Shukla.
55KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineStella Rica Khongsni, LeimapokpamGhanapyari Devi and Tenzing ChodenSherpa Crowned 22ndSunsilk Mega Miss North East 2026Guwahati; March 5, 2026: In a glittering celebration of confidence, culture, and contemporary elegance, StellaRica Khongsni from Meghalaya, Leimapokpam Ghanapyari Devi from Manipur, and Tenzing Choden Sherpafrom Sikkim were crowned winners of the 22nd Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2026 at a spectacular GrandFinale held in Guwahati. In keeping with the pageant’s progressive format, the three winners will share equalhonours and responsibilities as titleholders.The 22nd edition followed an extensive eight-state audition process conducted both on-ground and online,drawing participation from hundreds of young women across the Northeast. Following a rigorous selectionprocess, the shortlisted finalists underwent an intensive grooming and mentorship programme in Guwahati,culminating in a high-voltage finale that evaluated contestants on poise, intelligence, personality, confidence,and stage presence.Conceptualised by fashionentrepreneur AbhijeetSingha, the pageant isproduced by MegaEntertainment andmarketed by MegaActivation, continuing itslongstanding vision ofempowering women fromthe region and “Taking Indiato the World Stage.”
56KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineCongratulating the winners, Abhijeet Singha said,“Twenty-two years of Sunsilk Mega Miss North Eastis a testament to the resilience, ambition, and globalreadiness of young women from our region. Stella,Ghanapyari, and Tenzing represent not just beauty,but strength of character and cultural pride. Over theyears, our winners have carried the Northeast tointernational platforms with distinction, and I amconfident that this year’s titleholders will embrace theglobal opportunities ahead and continue that legacy.”The newly crowned winners will receive professionalrepresentation, advanced grooming, brandendorsements, public relations advisory, and nationallevel exposure. They will also be considered forinternational pageant representation and globalfashion platforms, reinforcing the pageant’sestablished track record of enabling contestants tocompete at prestigious international competitions andmodelling circuits abroad.As the Title Sponsor, Sunsilk celebrated theindividuality and confidence of the winners, the eventwas further supported by Furniture Partner Nilkamal,Beverage Partner Coca-Cola, and Fashion PartnerTrends. The pageant was also supported under theIncredible India banner, spotlighting the culturalrichness and global potential of the Northeast.In addition to the main titles, several special awards werepresented recognising individual excellence across distinctcategories. Phurpa Drema from Arunachal Pradesh washonoured as Incredible India Mega Miss Tourism 2026,celebrating her potential to represent the region’s cultural andtourism identity on wider platforms. Sarah Malsawmtlungi fromMizoram received the Nilkamal Miss Popular title, reflectingstrong public support and engagement. Tenzing Choden Sherpafrom Sikkim was awarded Coca-Cola Miss Refreshing Beauty,acknowledging her vibrant presence and charisma, and SanuKumari from Assam was conferred the Sunsilk Sway Icon titlefor her distinctive style and confident stage appeal. Theserecognitions further highlighted the diversity of talent showcasedat the 22nd Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2026 Grand Finale.The Grand Finale broughttogether fashion, performance,and celebration of regionaldiversity, reaffirming SunsilkMega Miss North East as one ofthe most influential womencentric platforms in the region.With the crowning of Stella RicaKhongsni, LeimapokpamGhanapyari Devi, and TenzingChoden Sherpa, the 22ndedition marks anothersignificant milestone in thejourney of a platform thatcontinues to inspire youngwomen from the Northeast toaspire, achieve, and representIndia on the world stage.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 57₹3.25 Crore Heroin Seized on Silchar–Kalain Road, Five Arreste₹3.25 Crore Heroin Seized on Silchar–Kalain Road, Five ArresteSilchar: In a major success against drug trafficking, Cachar Police seized 538 grams ofheroin worth around ₹3.25 crore during an operation on the Silchar–Kalain Road. Fivesuspected drug peddlers were arrested in connection with the seizure.Police sources said the operation was carried out based on specific information. Thecontraband was recovered during a search, and the accused were taken into custody forfurther investigationAssam Chief Minister Dr. HimantaBiswa Sarma commended theCachar Police for their strongaction against the drug network.He praised the team for theircontinued efforts to curb theillegal drug trade in the state.
The Pillars of Hindustani Societyaward to Brown NongmaithemImphal : Renowned Senior Journalist Brown Nongmaithem, Special Correspondent of NewObserver Post and the Chief Bureau of News Portal Indian Observer Post from Manipur, NorthEast India, has been awarded the prestigious award \"The Pillars of Hindustani Society\" for hisfairness and balanced reporting from the conflict zone Manipur in Journalism for the year 2025-2026 by the Trans Asian Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( TACCI ) and Trans AsianChamber & Indo Mongolian Chamber (IMCCI) Mumbai during their joint AnniversaryCelebrations event to mark 27th Anniversary of TACCI and 32nd Anniversary of IMCCI held atthe Ball Room of Royal Mumbai Yacht Club, Gateway of India.Assamese film Moi Eti Nixhasor (Koduwa, the Nightbird ) has reached a new cinematicmilestone by winning the prestigious Award of Excellence Special Mention at the AccoladeGlobal Film Competition. This rare distinction places the film among the top 10 entries in theentire competition, a feat reserved for projects that set the highest standards for artistry andtechnical brilliance.Biswadeep Gupta58 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineHe was among the 33 awardeeswho have been awarded thisprestigious award \"The Pillarsof Hindustani Society\" fromaround the world under 33different categories.The awards were presented to recognize individuals(both men and women), who have made outstanding,genuine and remarkable contributions to Indiansociety across various fields ofarts, culture andprofessionalism.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 59Brown Nongmaithem as aNationalJournalist, has been contributingNews of the state, Manipur for thelast 25 years in news platforms likeThe News File , The Sunday Indian(Magazine ) and News ObserverPost as well as Indian Observer Postpublished both in Hindi and English.In Sunday Indian his stories werepublished in fourteen Indianlanguages.This was the first-ever awardfor Brown Nongmaithem inhis entire profession.The awards were designed tohonour individuals on meritwithout expecting favours inreturn to recognise their rolein strengthening societies, itsaid.The award ceremony wasattended by H.E MarianoAgustain Caucino,Ambassador of Argentina andJustice Shreehari Daawara (Rtd) as Chief Guest in theaward felicitation and otherdignitaries as Guests ofHonour.He began his journalismcareer at The Imphal FreePress Manipur.
A Value-Based Alternative to GreedonomicsThe central thesis of the book challenges the dominant paradigm of Greedonomics—aneconomic mindset driven by excessive accumulation, limitless wants, and the exploitationof people and the planet. Prof. Goel posits that the world’s current crises—climate change,economic volatility, social disorder, and moral erosion—arise from systems that havenormalized greed. In response, he proposes Needonomics, an economics of needs ratherthan wants, which emphasizes sufficiency, balance, ethical conduct, and sustainabledevelopment.Grounded in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Needonomics seeks to align humanaspirations and economic activities with righteous duty (swadharma), moderation, andharmony. It emphasizes “simplicity without deprivation,” advocating a middle path whereconsumption, production, governance, and development are guided by what is necessary,just, and sustainable.Gita-Inspired Needonomics: APragmatic Solution for aSustainable Future60 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineThe latest work of Prof. Madan Mohan Goel , Gita-InspiredNeedonomics: A Pragmatic Solution for a SustainableFuture is a timely and thought-provoking contribution tocontemporary economic discourse. At a moment whenthe global economy is grappling with climate crises,widening inequality, resource depletion, and pervasiveconsumerism, this book offers a refreshing alternativerooted in ethical, sustainable, and value-based living. Asthe propounder of the Needonomics School of Thought(NST), Prof. Goel presents an integrative framework thatdraws deeply from the Bhagavad Gita while engaging withmodern economic realities. The outcome is a compellingintellectual blend—at once philosophical, practical, andvisionary.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 61Structure and Scope: A Comprehensive FrameworkThe book is divided into six sections, comprising twenty-six well-curated chapters that systematicallyexplore the philosophical foundations, sectoral applications, and policy implications of Needonomics.Section 1: Foundations of NeedonomicsThis section lays the conceptual groundwork by connecting Gita’s eternal wisdom with the modernrelevance of Needonomics. Prof. Goel reinterprets wealth, welfare, and human purpose through a lensthat counters materialism. The chapter on Greedonomics critiques the growth-at-any-cost model, whilethe SWOC analysis offers an honest evaluation of Needonomics—its potential, limitations,opportunities, and challenges.Section 2: Consumer and Market PerspectivesThe chapters here are particularly useful for understanding how Needonomics can recalibrate thebehavior of stakeholders across market systems. With concepts such as \"Needo-Consumption\" andethical supply chains, the author shows how consumers, producers, distributors, and traders can adoptneed-based decisions to restore balance in global markets. The analysis is grounded in real-world insightsand provides policy-relevant recommendations for ethical and equitable trade.Section 3: Governance and PolicyProf. Goel extends the NST framework to governance structures, arguing for “Needo-Governance” thatis transparent, efficient, and rooted in public welfare. Chapters on the knowledge-based economy, the16th Finance Commission, Indian Systems of Medicine, and global institutions like the IMF and WorldBank demonstrate how Needonomics can enrich both national and international policymaking. Thissection makes a strong case for integrating ethical values into public policy and global economicgovernance.Section 4: Sector-Specific ImplicationsThis section is one of the book’s strengths, as it operationalizes Needonomics in specificsectors—agriculture, manufacturing, and services. By offering practical pathways for foodsecurity, labor-intensive growth, and service-sector ethics, the author illustrates the versatilityof Needonomics. The chapter on teachers and researchers is a valuable addition, urgingacademic stakeholders to shift from careerism to purpose-driven scholarship.Section 5: Needonomics and Indian ThoughtProf. Goel bridges Needonomics with the economicphilosophies of prominent Indian thinkers such as DattopantThengdi, Kautilya, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar. These comparative analyses not only enrich thetheoretical depth of Needonomics but also demonstrate itscoherence with India’s civilizational heritage. The synergybetween Arthashastra’s statecraft and the Gita’s spiritualguidance is particularly illuminating.
62KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineSection 6: Future Vision and RoadmapThe concluding section outlines a transformative vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047,integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), national priorities, and theethical foundations of Needonomics. The comparison with Schumacher’s Small isBeautiful and Dr. J.K. Mehta’s wantlessness expands the philosophical breadth ofthe text. The roadmap offered is ambitious yet grounded in ethical realism, reflectingGoel’s conviction that India can be a lighthouse nation for sustainable globaldevelopment.A Blend of Philosophy,Economics, and PracticalEthicsWhat sets this book apart is its abilityto connect the transcendental wisdomof the Bhagavad Gita withcontemporary economic challenges.Prof. Goel does not merely reinterpretscripture; he transforms its teachingsinto actionable principles forconsumers, producers, policymakers,and academicians. His approach isnormative yet pragmatic, philosophicalyet empirical. The book’s emphasis onbalance—between growth and ecology,consumption and restraint, rights andduties—mirrors the Gita’s own ethosof equanimity.Relevance to Indiaand the WorldAt a time when India aspires to reachdeveloped-nation status by 2047,Gita-Inspired Needonomics offers avalue-oriented blueprint for holisticprogress. The framework resonateswith India’s cultural ethos whileaddressing global concerns such asclimate change, sustainableagriculture, ethical markets, andequitable finance. The book alsopositions Needonomics as a potentialcontribution to global economicthought, inviting economistsworldwide to reconsider models builtsolely on GDP growth and profitmaximization.
63KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineStrengths of the BookWhile comprehensive, the book could stimulate future research in:Quantitative models based on Needonomics principlesComparative international case studiesIntegration with behavioural economicsTools to measure Needo-Happiness or Needo-EfficiencyThese are natural extensions that scholars may build upon.ConclusionGita-Inspired Needonomics: A Pragmatic Solution for a Sustainable Future is asignificant intellectual contribution from Prof. Madan Mohan Goel. It challengesmainstream economic thought and offers a refreshing, ethical, and sustainable alternativerooted in India’s timeless wisdom. The book is indispensable for policymakers,economists, educators, students, and socially conscious citizens seeking a balanced pathbetween material progress and moral responsibility. In a world dominated by excess andexploitation, Prof. Goel’s Needonomics shines as a guiding light—inviting humanity torethink prosperity, redefine progress, and rebuild the future with integrity, balance, andcompassion.Prof. Madan Mohan GoelPropounder Needonomics &Former Vice-Chancellor
64 KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership MagazineWill Bangladesh Move Away fromAnti-India Rhetoric?Pradip Dutta RoyWelfare that Respects People,Not Just Supports ThemAfter the formation of the new government inBangladesh, it is being hoped that relations with India willonce again become as friendly as before. Before thegovernment was formed, the caretaker administration ledby Mohammad Yunus, which emerged from the Julymovement, had even threatened to isolate or occupyIndia’s northeastern region. On social media, there wererepeated threats about capturing the “Chicken’s Neck” orthe Siliguri Corridor to sever communication with India’sNortheast. Yunus himself reportedly stated before Chineserepresentatives that India’s northeastern region isdependent on Bangladesh and that with some effort itcould even be incorporated into Bangladesh. Followingsuch threats from Bangladesh, India significantlystrengthened security in the Chicken’s Neck region.However, those who issued such immature threats wereshown in the recent election to lack real support. Turning apowerful country like India into an enemy ultimately benefitsno one—Pakistan stands as a clear example of this. Bycontinuously opposing India, that country has reduced itselfto near bankruptcy. Mohammad Yunus, it is alleged, wasattempting to push Bangladesh toward a similar fate. But thepeople of Bangladesh, by defeating Yunus and those forces inthe election, have stepped forward to protect their country.Opinion
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 65Since the Awami League was banned from contesting,the only democratic political party, the BNP, contestedthe election and returned to power. After assumingoffice, the new government has distanced itself fromanti-India rhetoric and expressed interest in restoringthe earlier friendly relationship with India. Those whofrequently blamed India now appear cornered. Manydemocracy-loving people in Bangladesh understandthat maintaining good relations with India bringsbenefits rather than harm. Having a powerful countrylike India as a friendly neighbor would make hostileforces think many times before destabilizingBangladesh.India has consistently demonstrated aneighbourly attitude toward maintaining goorelations with Bangladesh. After the death ofBNP leader Khaleda Zia, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi sent condolences and expresrespect toward her son, Tarique Rahman, alowith a desire to normalise political relations.After the election, Prime Minister Modi wasinvited to attend Tarique’s swearing-inceremony. Though he did not attend personahe sent Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla andExternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar torepresent India, signalling goodwill. Indiaconveyed that it remains positive aboutrestoring normal bilateral relations.Following the formation of the newgovernment, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister DKhalilur Rahman met with India’s HighCommissioner Pranay Verma. The messageconveyed from India reportedly created a senof reassurance within Bangladesh’s newgovernment, especially since relations hadsuffered during the Yunus-led interimgovernment when anti-India sentiments wereencouraged. However, most people inBangladesh favor maintaining good relationswith India. That is why, in the election, theysupported a political party that understandsbilateral relations and global politics. Theleaders of the July movement and Jamaat didnot receive strong support from the public,though Jamaat won a few seats for otherpossible reasons. In any case, that remainsBangladesh’s internal matter.After the change in power, the law-and-ordersituation in Bangladesh has reportedlyimproved. The chaotic conditions seen sometime ago are now beginning to change. Uponassuming power, BNP leader TariqueRahman clearly stated that the rule of lawwould prevail and that no disorder would betolerated. Steps harmful to the state, whetherin the name of religion or other issues, wouldbe suppressed. Although the army chiefWaker-uz-Zaman, considered close to SheikhHasina, was retained, extensive reshuffleswere made in other military positions toprevent any possibility of rebellion or unrest.Tarique has begun taking steps to re-establishdemocratic processes in the country. Manyactions taken by the temporary governmentunder Yunus have been banned. Charges oftreason have reportedly been brought againstYunus. Tarique has even reopened the closedoffices of the Awami League, which had beenbanned during the Yunus period, in order tostrengthen democratic space within thecountry. At first glance, his actions appearaimed at repairing the damage caused duringthe Yunus era and putting Bangladesh backon the path of development.
KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 66Many actionsduring Yunus’stenure were illegalMost Bangladeshis are not in favor of conflictwith India. They prefer to strengthen bilateral tiesand move forward together in development. Sincecoming to power, Tarique has emphasizednormalizing relations with India rather thanfostering pro-Pakistan sentiments. His initiativesappear to be paving the way for improved IndiaBangladesh harmony. The long-suspendedKolkata–Agartala Maitree Bus service throughBangladesh has resumed, sending a strongmessage of renewed friendship.After the new government took office,Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddinstated that many actions during Yunus’s tenurewere illegal and that the country had been runwithout properly informing him. He alleged thatYunus’s main objective was personal gain. Inresponse, Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahmancriticized the president, accusing him ofwithholding information about Sheikh Hasina’sresignation in August 2024. This has sparkedconflict between Jamaat and the president.Shahabuddin also claimed that Yunus hadattempted to remove him from office because hehad been appointed during the Awami Leaguegovernment.Yunus’s actions, according to the article, harmedBangladesh significantly. Nearly three millionpeople reportedly became unemployed, and manymore fell below the poverty line. The country’sfinancial condition deteriorated, and food pricessoared, causing hardship for ordinary people.However, some improvements are now reportedlyvisible.There were also reports of attacks on culturalorganisations, newspapers, and harassment ofartists during Yunus’s tenure, creating anatmosphere of uncertainty in literary and culturalcircles. Upon assuming office, Tarique declaredthat no division in the name of religion, language,or culture would be tolerated. He inaugurated theEkushey Cultural Fair and emphasised inclusivityand equal rights for all.Now that a responsible political government is inpower, there is hope that bilateral agreements andjoint projects initiated during Sheikh Hasina’stenure will resume. These include Maitree trainand bus services and cross-border connectivityprojects. During Hasina’s time, Bangladesh hadallowed transit routes for India’s northeasternstates. Plans to develop railway connectivitythrough Bangladesh had progressed significantlybefore stalling under Yunus. Under the BNPgovernment, these projects may regainmomentum. However, change cannot happenovernight, and Tarique does not possess a magicwand to transform everything instantly.Gradually, joint projects may move forwardagain.The deeper the bilateral relationship betweenIndia and Bangladesh, the more Bangladeshstands to benefit—politically, socially,economically, and in terms of security.Maintaining friendly relations with India is a wisecourse of action. Childish threats and rhetoric bya few individuals do not reflect the true will ofthe Bangladeshi people.The views expressed are personalThe author is a former student leader andan advocate at the Gauhati High Court
Our CorrespondentSilchar: In a major success against drug trafficking, Cachar Police seized 538grams of heroin worth around ₹3.25 crore during an operation on theSilchar–Kalain Road. Five suspected drug peddlers were arrested inconnection with the seizure.Police sources said the operation was carried out based on specificinformation. The contraband was recovered during a search, and theaccused were taken into custody for further investigation.Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarmacommended the Cachar Police for their strong action against thedrug network. He praised the team for their continued efforts to curbthe illegal drug trade in the state.KRC SUNDAY TIMES: E-Membership Magazine 67₹3.25 Crore Heroin Seized onSilchar–Kalain Road, Five Arreste
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