More trouble for Hasina as she gets 10-year jail term in land allocation cases
Two of her relatives were also awarded seven years each in prison. All except one accused were tried in absentia.
TOPIC
Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina has been part of Bangladesh’s political landscape for so long that it’s difficult to imagine the country’s story without her. For many people, she represents continuity someone who has stayed in the spotlight through dramatic shifts, personal losses, and long phases of national change.
Her political life didn’t start by choice alone; she grew up in a home where politics was part of everyday reality. Being the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding leader, meant she was connected to national issues from an early age. Over the years, she shaped that legacy into her own career, one built through elections, political negotiations, and long periods of intense public scrutiny.
Under her leadership, Bangladesh saw a rise in big infrastructure projects bridges, roads, power plants along with an increase in access to electricity and digital services. Many of these changes have helped the country move toward stronger economic growth and better day-to-day opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Her time in office has never been without debate. Opposition groups, rights organisations, and international observers have often raised concerns about political space, criticism, and the overall climate for dissent. These discussions continue to follow her, shaping how different groups assess her role.
Even with differing opinions, few would argue against her influence. Sheikh Hasina remains a defining figure in South Asian politics, someone whose decisions have shaped the direction of Bangladesh for a generation and whose presence continues to matter.
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Sheikh Hasina Slams Yunus Regime: 'Bangladesh Has Become A Vast Prison And Execution Ground'
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.
Sheikh Hasina Breaks Silence From Exile, Brands Yunus Administration A 'Murderous Fascist' Regime
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.
New year, old wounds: Is Venezuela a dead country following US raid, Maduro capture?
India Today special report 'New Year Old Wounds' covers multiple geopolitical conflicts at the start of 2026. In Venezuela, following the capture of Nicolas Maduro by US forces, President Donald Trump stated, 'We're in charge'. The focus then shifts to rising tensions over Greenland, which President Trump says the US must have for strategic reasons.
Is there no rule-based order anymore? Experts debate
This edition of India First discusses the geopolitical shockwaves following the US abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, an operation reportedly involving F-35 jets against Chinese-made air defenses.
Another Hindu man shot dead in Bangladesh, fifth such incident in three weeks
In a disturbing development from Bangladesh, a 45-year-old Hindu man, Rana Pratap Bhairagi, was shot dead in Jashore district.
Bangladesh Horror: Hindu Businessman Khokhon Das Torched by Mob, Jumps Into Pond to Survive
In a disturbing report from Bangladesh, India Today Deputy Editor Anupam Mishra details the brutal mob attack on Hindu businessman Khokhon Das. The incident, which occurred in the Shariatpur district, saw Das being stabbed and set on fire by a mob before he 'jumped into the pond to douse the fire' in a miraculous bid for survival. Currently battling for his life in a Dhaka hospital with 30-40% burns, Das is the third Hindu victim targeted recently, following the lynching of Deepu Chandra Das. Mishra highlights the escalating violence against minority communities in the region.
Trump warns action if Iran uses force on protesters, Hindu hate grips Bangladesh, more
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating, 'If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters... the United States of America will come to their rescue.'
KKR's Mustafizur deal questioned, SRK tagged 'traitor': Is Shah Rukh a soft target?
The big focus of this episode of India First is on political controversy after Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) purchased Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.
Owaisi Slams China's Mediation Claim: 'Beijing Gave Intel to Pak During Op Sindoor'
In this Special Report, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly rebuts the Chinese Foreign Minister's claim that Beijing mediated between India and Pakistan. Speaking on January 1, 2026, Owaisi questions the Modi government's silence, pointing out that China supplies '81% of weapons to Pakistan' and provided 'real-time intelligence' during Operation Sindoor. The Hyderabad MP also criticizes the government on domestic issues, including water contamination deaths in Indore and 'bulldozer' politics. He demands an official rebuttal from New Delhi, asserting that normalcy with China cannot come at the cost of India's sovereignty.
India First: Experts Decode Faisal Masood’s Dubai Video, Yunus Regime’s ‘Fake Narrative’ & Feb Polls
On this episode of India First, Managing Editor Gaurav Sawant discusses the dramatic turn in the Osman Hadi murder case in Bangladesh. With the accused Faisal Karim Masood releasing a video from Dubai blaming Jamaat-e-Islami, the panel—including Blitz Editor Salauddin Shoaib Choudhury, former Ambassador Pinak Ranjan Chakravarti, and journalist Subir Bhaumik—debates if the Muhammad Yunus administration's narrative blaming India has collapsed. The discussion also covers the rising targeted killings of Hindus, the role of Pakistan's ISI, and the political dynamics ahead of the February 2026 elections. The experts analyse whether the 'fake narrative' of the Yunus regime is a deflection tactic to fan anti-India sentiments.
S Jaishankar Attends Khaleda Zia's Funeral in Dhaka
In this special report, India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay reports from Dhaka on the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away at the age of 80. Upadhyay confirms that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is attending the last rites, carrying a personal message of solidarity from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of Bangladesh and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The report highlights the political significance of the moment, noting Rahman's return from exile on December 25 and the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 2026. Upadhyay emphasizes India's hope for a "prosperous, stable and peaceful Bangladesh" and inclusive polls.
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman PM, dies at 80, Russian claims drone attack on Putin's residence
Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first woman prime minister, died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She was 80.
Khaleda Zia Passes Away: BNP’s Rashiduzzaman Millat on Khaleda's Death and Tarique Rahman’s Return
In this Special Report, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Treasurer of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), discusses the profound grief following the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia on December 30, 2025. Millat describes the late leader as a ‘symbol of... democratic struggle’ and confirms that India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, will attend the funeral in Dhaka. The conversation also addresses the recent return of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on December 25 and the party's roadmap for the upcoming elections under the interim administration.
EAM Jaishankar To Attend Khaleda Zia's Funeral In Dhaka Tomorrow
In this breaking news update, India Today's Foreign Affairs Editor Pranay Upadhyaya reports that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will represent India at the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Upadhyaya confirms that Dr Jaishankar will visit Dhaka tomorrow, December 31, 2025. The editor highlights the significance of this visit, noting it as a 'big message' from New Delhi amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations. The report also mentions the recent return of Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, to Bangladesh after 17 years of exile. Upadhyaya analyses the critical nature of this diplomatic gesture, stating, 'This shows that, you know, how much importance India attaches to the relation with Bangladesh.'
S Jaishankar to attend Khaleda Zia's funeral in Dhaka tomorrow
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka tomorrow amid tensions between the two nations.
Bangladesh's First Woman PM Khaleda Zia Dies At 80; Son Tarique Rahman Returns To Lead BNP
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson passed away at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where she had been on ventilator support since December 11. Her death comes just days after her son, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh on December 25 after 17 years in exile to lead the party ahead of the February elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former PM Sheikh Hasina have expressed their condolences. The report examines the political vacuum left by her demise and the implications for the upcoming polls.
Khaleda Zia, Former Bangladesh PM, Dies at 80
India Today's Indrajeet Kundu reports on the death of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia at 80 and the shifting political landscape. With Sheikh Hasina in exile and the Awami League banned, the BNP under Tarique Rahman is poised for the February 12 elections. Kundu observes, 'The meeting between Tariq Rehman and Mohammed Yunus in London paved the way for the Yunus administration to finally announce the roadmap for elections.' The segment discusses the leadership vacuum and the BNP's resurgence.
Bangladesh’s First Woman PM Khaleda Zia Dies at 80; Son Tarique Rahman to Lead BNP
In this special report, an India Today correspondent analyzes the seismic shift in Bangladesh politics following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at 80. The speaker notes that her passing 'closes the chapter of the most dominant political leader' and paves the way for her son, Tarique Rahman, to take full control of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). With elections scheduled for February 12, the report highlights how the BNP aims to consolidate sympathy votes while Sheikh Hasina remains in exile in India. The discussion also touches on the end of the 'bipolar polity' defined by the Zia-Hasina rivalry.
Bangladesh's First Woman PM Khaleda Zia Dies At 80; Son Tarique Rahman Leads Mourning
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has passed away at 80 in Dhaka after a prolonged illness. Her death comes just days after her son and political heir, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh after 17 years in exile to a massive welcome. India Today’s Editor Indrajeet Kundu reports that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is now the front-runner for the February 12 elections, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Highlighting the political implications, Kundu notes that while tragic, her death 'opens the way for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to, in a sense, start a new life' and gain emotional support. The report also details the BNP's split with Jamaat-e-Islami and the party's resilience during the Awami League regime.
Bangladesh News: Khaleda Zia’s Death May Generate ‘Emotional Support’ for BNP in Polls, Says Expert
In this special broadcast, Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev discusses the significant political impact of the passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Sachdev notes that while the event is tragic, the 'cold reality' suggests it could 'politically speaking, help the BNP party and her son' due to a wave of emotional support ahead of the upcoming elections. The conversation also covers the return of Tarique Rahman, his interactions with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and the potential for a 'new dawn' in India-Bangladesh relations. Sachdev analyses whether the BNP will adopt a pragmatic approach towards India or succumb to radical elements.