Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a South Asian country located on the Bay of Bengal, bordered by India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar (Burma) to the southeast. With a population exceeding 160 million people, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Dhaka, the capital and largest city, is known for its vibrant culture and bustling economy.
The country emerged as an independent nation in 1971 after a bloody war of liberation against Pakistan. Bangladesh's topography is predominantly flat, with the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta dominating its landscape. This fertile delta supports a robust agricultural sector, with rice and jute being key crops.
Economically, Bangladesh has made significant strides in recent decades, transitioning from an agrarian economy to a more diverse one with substantial contributions from the textile and garment industry, remittances from expatriates, and growing IT and service sectors.
Culturally, Bangladesh boasts a rich heritage with a blend of ancient, medieval, and modern influences. Bengali, the official language, is celebrated through its literature, music, and art, with the annual Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) being a major cultural event.
The top focus of this episode of 5 Live is on Pakistan's decision to boycott its match against India at the T20 World Cup.
On this special report, Union Minister Piyush Goyal discusses the strategic shift in India's trade policy and the successful negotiation of free trade agreements. Goyal criticizes the previous UPA government, stating, 'I think there was lack of courage of conviction when the Congress-led UPA government initiated talks 2006, 20 years ago.' He highlights that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered into eight agreements with 37 countries, focusing on developed nations to safeguard labor-intensive sectors. The Minister emphasizes the potential for the textile industry, noting that zero-duty access to the European Union will allow India to compete effectively with nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam. He predicts the creation of millions of jobs in sectors such as leather, footwear, and processed agricultural products, urging Indian industry to meet high-quality European standards to capitalize on these new global opportunities.
In this news report, the focus is on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to poll-bound West Bengal, where he launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Addressing a public rally, Shah held the Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration responsible for the loss of 25 lives in the recent Anandapur incident, alleging that 'the illness completely lies on to the state government' and its casual approach to safety. He further accused the TMC of opposing Vande Mataram to cater to vote-bank politics. A significant highlight of his address was the pledge to completely seal the Indo-Bangladesh border fencing within 45 days, citing national security concerns and a Calcutta High Court directive regarding land procurement. The report details how the Home Minister framed illegal infiltration as a primary issue for the upcoming 2026 elections, while criticising the state's failure to learn from past tragedies in suburban Kolkata.
On this Special Report, host Gaurav Sawant leads a debate regarding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks on the 'Miya' community and illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. The discussion features BJP spokesperson Radhika Khera, Congress spokesperson Dr. Pooja Tripathi, political analyst Suhas Chakma, and India Today Executive Editor Kaushik Dekha. The panel examines the constitutional validity of the Chief Minister’s call for the economic isolation of suspected illegal immigrants versus the risks of ethnic profiling of Indian Muslims. Key topics include the demographic shifts in Assam, the failure of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, and the implications of the Social Impact Resources (SIR) exercise. While the BJP defends these measures as necessary to protect indigenous communities, the opposition labels the narrative as communal dog-whistling and electoral polarization. The program explores whether these policies represent a battle for survival for the Assamese people or a political tool, analyzing the complex legal and social dynamics of migration and citizenship in Northeast India.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the Calcutta High Court's significant directive to the West Bengal government regarding national security. Tapas Sengupta reports that the court has ordered the state to 'hand over all the lands that is required to build up fencing in the border areas to the BSF' by March 31. The order pertains to already acquired land across nine border districts to facilitate barbed wire fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hailed the decision, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of prioritizing vote bank interests over national security. The report highlights that approximately 235 kilometres of the border remain porous, leading to a long-standing flashpoint between the Centre and the state government. The High Court's intervention follows a PIL, emphasizing the urgency of sealing vulnerable stretches in districts like Nadia and North 24 Parganas. The programme explores the political implications of this legal mandate as elections approach.
A distinguished panel of geopolitical experts discusses the findings of the 'Mood of the Nation' poll regarding India's foreign policy, noting that the India-US relationship is 'steadily going downhill', with 54% of respondents believing ties have worsened during Donald Trump's second term. The discussion highlights that 45% of the public supports reciprocal tariffs against the US.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant, Senior Executive Editor at India Today, discusses the findings of the 'Mood of the Nation' poll regarding India's foreign policy. Sawant notes that the India-US relationship is 'steadily going downhill', with 54% of respondents believing ties have worsened during Donald Trump's second term. The discussion highlights that 45% of the public supports reciprocal tariffs against the US. The panel, including Rajdeep Sardesai and Geeta Mohan, examines the 'trilemma' of foreign policy: managing a 'rampaging' Trump, the China issue, and deteriorating relations with neighbours like Pakistan and Bangladesh. While the government receives praise for its robust stance and the India-EU free trade agreement, the poll reveals a divided public on whether Prime Minister Modi has adequately countered Trump's claims regarding 'Operation Sindoor'. The programme explores the shift from personal chemistry to economic friction in global diplomacy.
On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant, Senior Executive Editor at India Today, discusses the 'Mood of the Nation' survey conducted with C-Voter regarding India's foreign policy. The data reveals a significant shift in public perception, with 54% of respondents stating that India-US relations have worsened during Donald Trump’s second term. Gaurav Sawant notes that 'the relationship is steadily going downhill' amidst concerns over Trump’s tariffs. The survey highlights that 45% of participants believe India should retaliate with reciprocal tariffs, while only 6% suggest accepting US demands. The panel, including Geeta Mohan and Rajdeep Sardesai, further examines India's complex dynamics with its neighbours. While 51% see improved relations with countries like Maldives and Sri Lanka due to India's assistance, challenges remain with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The programme explores whether the current diplomatic collapse can be arrested amidst a 'Trumpian world of disorder' and shifting global trade alliances, including the recent India-EU free trade agreement.
On this Special Report, Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa analyses the latest 'Mood of the Nation' poll findings, suggesting a significant political turnaround for the ruling dispensation. Chengappa notes, 'I think Prime Minister Modi has regained his mojo if you would like to call that,' highlighting the Prime Minister's perceived resilience despite international challenges such as global tariffs and regional instability. The discussion contrasts the BJP's recovery from its 2024 setback with the India alliance's struggle to maintain momentum. The transcript details projections showing the NDA potentially reaching 352 seats, driven by a 'trust factor' and a 'Goldilocks period' in the economy characterized by high growth and low inflation. Panellists including Sanju Verma and Rajat Sethi debate whether these numbers reflect a consolidation of leadership or a lack of a cohesive opposition strategy, while Congress representative Rajesh Kalappa raises questions regarding national security and the accuracy of such polling narratives.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the Bangladesh cricket team's decision to boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The decision follows the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rejection of a plea to shift Bangladesh's matches to Sri Lanka, a proposal that was defeated 14-2 in a board vote. The speaker notes, 'The Bangladesh interim government had a chance to put cricket ahead of their shallow ego and politics but the latter eclipsed better sense and logic.' Bangladesh cited security concerns for its players and fans as the primary reason for the boycott, claiming a lack of fresh assurances from the BCCI or the Indian government. Consequently, Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualified team, will replace Bangladesh in the tournament starting 7th February. The report highlights that this is the first time a team has boycotted an entire ICC tournament, leaving Bangladesh cricket in a precarious position following tensions linked to the release of Mustafizur Rehman from the Kolkata Knight Riders.
This news report highlights the growing social media commentary in Pakistan calling for the nation to boycott the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has spearheaded these calls, accusing the International Cricket Council (ICC) of making a 'political move' that is 'too pro-India'. Latif stated, 'If Bangladesh doesn't play, then Pakistan won't play either,' while warning of potential threats to cricketers in India. He argued that the ICC has failed to protect Bangladeshi players and believes Pakistan must seize this opportunity to challenge the current global cricket order. Latif further claimed that without the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash, 'half the World Cup will anyways collapse.' Despite these calls, the report notes there are currently no formal grounds for Pakistan to withdraw, especially as their matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. The programme examines the potential impact of such a boycott on the tournament's stability.
This special report details the unprecedented decision by the Bangladesh interim government to boycott the T20 World Cup in India. The speaker notes, 'Bangladesh has clearly chosen politics over cricket at this point of time, boycotting the T20 World Cup despite the ICC security assurances.' The fallout of this decision is immediate, with Scotland set to replace Bangladesh as the highest-ranked non-qualified team. The report highlights that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) lost an ICC board vote 14-2 regarding a venue change, with only Pakistan supporting them. Tensions reportedly escalated after the BCCI requested Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman. Despite the ICC providing security guarantees, the interim government cited 'genuine security risks' and a preference for the tournament to be moved to Sri Lanka. This marks the first time a team has boycotted an entire ICC tournament, leaving the future of Bangladesh cricket in a precarious position as the global tournament faces significant controversy.
On this Special Report, sports editor Vikrant Gupta analyses the International Cricket Council's (ICC) stern ultimatum to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following threats to pull out of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tension escalated after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland, following Bangladesh's refusal to play in India. Vikrant Gupta notes, 'The moment they do that, their cricket is finished,' highlighting that Pakistan lacks a valid alibi for a boycott. The transcript details potential 'never-before sanctions' including the denial of NOCs for foreign players in the PSL, loss of ICC revenue, and total cricketing isolation. Gupta describes Pakistan's stance as 'geopolitical posturing' to align with Bangladesh, predicting that despite the current drama involving PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan will ultimately participate in the tournament to avoid financial and institutional destruction.
On this report, Nitin Srivastava discusses the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to end its boycott threat and name a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. The shift comes after a stern warning from the ICC regarding potential sanctions, including the loss of PSL contracts and bilateral series. Nitin Srivastava notes, 'Pakistan was never in that kind of mind frame that they will boycott. It was just a threat to tell ICC that we can actually do that.' The transcript highlights that while Pakistan initially backed Bangladesh's protest against travelling to India, the fear of financial and sporting isolation forced a move toward compliance. While Bangladesh has been replaced by Scotland due to their refusal to play in India, Pakistan will play their matches in Colombo. The discussion underscores that the ICC will not tolerate 'petty politics' or moral support for boycotts that lack a valid security basis, ensuring the tournament proceeds with Pakistan's participation.
On this Special Report, India Today covers the tragic death of a 23-year-old Hindu man, Chanchal Bhaumik, who was burnt alive in a garage in Comilla, Bangladesh. The victim's family has alleged that the incident was a 'pre-planned murder' after petrol was reportedly poured from outside and the structure was set on fire. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing a person outside the garage as the fire spread. This incident occurs amidst a period of heightened lawlessness as Bangladesh prepares for general elections. The report highlights concerns regarding the safety of minorities, noting that the interim government's chief advisor previously acknowledged 17 incidents of religious or hate killings in 2025. Local police have registered a case and an investigation is currently underway to determine the primary cause of the killing. The charred body of the victim was recovered by rescue teams after locals gathered at the spot following the late-night arson attack.
In a scathing audio message released from exile, ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a fierce attack on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration. She described the current state of the nation as a 'wounded, blood-soaked landscape' and a 'valley of death,' alleging that the country is being ravaged by extremist forces and foreign perpetrators. Sheikh Hasina branded Muhammad Yunus a 'murderous fascist' and a 'traitor,' accusing his regime of being illegal and orchestrating a conspiracy to remove her from power on August 5, 2024. The former Prime Minister laid out five key demands, including the removal of the Yunus administration, an end to street violence, and protection for religious minorities. She further claimed that democracy is in exile and law and order have completely collapsed. These remarks come as Bangladesh prepares for elections on February 12, with the Awami League barred from contesting, amid reports of Indian diplomats' families being evacuated due to rising unrest.
In this special report, the focus is on ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has issued a fiery audio message from exile. Hasina launched a scathing attack on the current administration, stating that 'Bangladesh has turned into a blood-soaked landscape, a vast prison and an execution ground' while warning that the nation stands at the edge of an abyss. She branded Muhammad Yunus a 'murderous fascist' and alleged a conspiracy behind her removal from power. The former Prime Minister laid out five specific demands, including the removal of the Yunus-led government, an end to street violence, and a fresh United Nations probe into recent events. The address comes as Bangladesh prepares for elections on February 12, with the Awami League barred from contesting. The report also highlights concerns over the lack of law and order and the recent evacuation of family members of Indian diplomats, signaling deep-seated unrest within the neighbouring nation.
The big talking point of this episode of India First is Bangladesh's decision to boycott the T20 World Cup in India over security concerns.
On this news bulletin, sports analyst Vikram Sathaye discusses the escalating tension between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Addressing the host Gaurav, Vikram confirms that the window for Bangladesh to play in Sri Lanka has effectively closed, stating, 'The ship has sailed, Gaurav. In fact, yesterday, when the ICC voted 14-2 in favour of retaining the original schedule, it meant that Bangladesh's demand wasn't met.' The discussion highlights the BCB Chairman Aminul Islam's reaction to a 24-hour ultimatum provided by the ICC and the internal conflict regarding government involvement in the decision-making process. Vikram points out the contradiction in Islam's statements, noting that while the Chairman initially requested time to consult the government, he later questioned the ICC's authority to issue an ultimatum. The segment also touches upon the safety concerns and national prestige associated with the team, particularly following Mustafizur's exclusion from the Kolkata Knight Riders.
In this news bulletin, anchor Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor reports on the ICC's decision to remove Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup in India after rejecting their hybrid model plea. Scotland will replace Bangladesh, marking the first time a team has been removed from a World Cup by the ICC. Shifting to the World Economic Forum in Davos, economist Geeta Gopinath warns that air pollution poses a greater threat to India's GDP than international tariffs. Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi advocates for a 'Pragati' style coordinated governance model to address this environmental crisis. The programme further details the death of Yuvraj Mehta in Noida, who drowned in an open drain, leading authorities to seal properties of negligent builders across Noida and Greater Noida. Additionally, the bulletin examines a study suggesting that the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could reduce airline fuel costs by lowering average passenger weight. This segment covers critical developments in international sports, environmental policy, urban safety, and global economic trends.
