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PM Sheikh Hasina to Visit New Delhi & Beijing in June, July
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit New Delhi and Beijing in June and July to strengthen Bangladesh’s ties with Asia’s two leading economic powers.
A senior Bangladeshi official informed UNB that the Prime Minister will likely undertake an official visit to New Delhi on June 21-22 and to Beijing on July 9-12. Following the formation of her new government, Hasina highlighted her active engagement on the global stage by attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany in February.
PM Hasina’s visit to India follows the conclusion of the country’s national election, the world’s largest democratic exercise, which spanned seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the vote count on June 4. A diplomatic source noted that her visit to New Delhi will be a milestone, elevating relations between the two countries to new heights.
In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh. The last bilateral engagement between Modi and Hasina occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was a guest country. Modi is also expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Additionally, Hasina’s upcoming visit to China in July was highlighted during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, who reiterated China’s commitment to boosting investment in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations. Ambassador Yao emphasised the visit’s significance in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange, aligning with Bangladesh’s aspirations for “Vision 2041” and the realisation of a “Smart Bangladesh.”
“This visit will be historical and a game-changer, opening a new chapter,” Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen told reporters when asked about PM Hasina’s forthcoming trip during a seminar on Sunday night. The ambassador refrained from confirming the exact dates, advising, “Let’s wait and see.”
Recently, Ambassador Yao stated that Bangladesh and China should deepen their strategic partnership and explore new growth points. “China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative,” he said, highlighting a focus on upgrading industries and advancing the digitalisation process in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
