india denies role
| |

India denies role in Sheikh Hasina’s planned vir…

NEW DELHI: India has firmly denied any government involvement in a virtual address that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to deliver to mark two years since the political uprising that forced her from office.

The clarification came after reports suggested that the online event, scheduled to be held in New Delhi, had official backing. India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected those claims, insisting the government has no connection with the programme.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the event was being organised by a private media organisation and not by the Indian government.

“The Government of India has no role in organising this event,” Jaiswal said. He added that New Delhi neither endorses nor supports the views that may be expressed during the programme.

The statement comes amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in self-imposed exile in India since her government was toppled following student-led protests in 2024.

According to media reports, the 78-year-old former premier is expected to make her first public appearance since leaving Bangladesh, addressing supporters and viewers via video link from New Delhi.

The event is being hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, is also expected to participate alongside other speakers.

Meanwhile, authorities in Dhaka have reportedly instructed local media outlets not to broadcast or provide live coverage of Hasina’s virtual speech. The move reflects the continuing political tensions surrounding the former prime minister and her Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in Bangladesh’s recent political history. After losing power, she was convicted in 2025 on charges of crimes against humanity linked to a crackdown on anti-government protesters. A court sentenced her to death, a verdict she has rejected as politically motivated and legally invalid.

Her planned address is expected to draw significant attention across South Asia, with supporters viewing it as a symbolic return to the political spotlight, while critics see it as another chapter in Bangladesh’s ongoing political divide.

India’s latest statement appears aimed at distancing itself from any perception of official involvement, as New Delhi seeks to avoid diplomatic friction with Dhaka while continuing to host the former Bangladeshi leader.

With regional attention focused on the event, Sheikh Hasina’s speech is likely to reignite debate over Bangladesh’s political future and her possible role in it.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Selena Gomez faces fraud lawsuit over Wondermind

    Selena Gomez and her mother, Mandy Teefey, are facing allegations of fraud in a new lawsuit involving Wondermind, the mental health and wellness company they helped launch. The legal action has brought renewed attention to the company’s financial difficulties and internal problems. Wondermind was founded in 2021 with the goal of creating a platform focused on mental health and emotional wellness. Gomez and Teefey were closely associated with the venture, while Daniella Pierson served as its co-CEO. The company initially attracted significant attention and investment because of its high-profile founders and ambitious plans. Now, investors who put approximately $1.2 million into Wondermind are suing Gomez, Teefey, Pierson and Wondermind Global Inc. They are seeking a jury trial and financial recovery, claiming they were misled about the company’s condition and future prospects. According to the lawsuit, investors were allegedly given the impression that Wondermind had the infrastructure, leadership and resources needed to become a successful mental health platform. However, the plaintiffs claim the company was actually experiencing serious problems and was already facing a financial crisis. The investors also alleged that they were told Gomez would play a major role in Wondermind’s marketing efforts. They further claimed that Pierson was presented as an experienced business leader with an impressive track record and valuable partnerships. Several potential revenue-generating projects were allegedly described as being in development. However, the lawsuit claims that many of those plans failed to materialize. The plaintiffs alleged that Gomez entered into an agreement to promote Wondermind but did not fulfill her obligations under the contract. They also claimed that expected partnerships and revenue opportunities never came to fruition and that the company’s planned app was never developed. The investors further alleged that they remained unaware of the extent of Wondermind’s financial and operational difficulties for more than three years. According to the lawsuit, the company’s internal problems became widely known after a 2025 report by The Cut detailed allegations from former employees. Wondermind reportedly experienced a major financial crisis and laid off around 60 percent of its workforce in May 2025. Former employees cited in the report made allegations about Teefey’s conduct and claimed there were serious problems inside the company. Some former staff members made allegations involving drug use and described what they claimed was an unstable working environment. One former employee reportedly referred to Teefey’s office using a highly damaging description and alleged witnessing her use what they believed was Ritalin. Teefey strongly denied the accusations, describing them as false claims made by disgruntled former employees. Following the publication of the report, the investors said they sought to rescind their investments and recover the money they had put into Wondermind. The lawsuit now places Gomez, Teefey, Pierson and the company at the center of a legal dispute over whether investors were properly informed about Wondermind’s financial condition. The allegations remain claims made in the lawsuit and have not been established as facts in court. The legal proceedings could determine whether the investors’ accusations have merit and whether they are entitled to recover their investment.

  • | | |

    Asif signals possible US-Iran deal amid Hormuz talks

    ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said the United States and Iran may be moving closer to an agreement as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the conflict and ease restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Bloomberg, Asif said recent developments had created renewed hopes for a possible peace arrangement. He said signals over the past two to three days suggested that Washington and Tehran were approaching “some sort of an arrangement.” His comments came as Qatar said separate discussions between Oman and Iran regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage. The waterway remains at the centre of the crisis. It is a major route for global energy supplies, with a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it. Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and the United States. Pakistan has continued contacts with Iranian officials as part of these mediation efforts. On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran. Details of their discussion were not immediately disclosed, but the meeting came amid renewed diplomatic activity over the conflict. Iran has previously said it was working with Oman on arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has maintained that reopening the waterway fully would depend on the United States meeting several conditions. Those demands include compensation, an easing of sanctions and guarantees against further military action, according to Iranian officials. Araghchi has said Iran and the US are not holding direct negotiations. Messages are instead being exchanged through intermediaries. US President Donald Trump has also raised the issue of compensation. He said Washington would seek payments from Iran for damage and casualties allegedly caused over several decades. Despite the diplomatic activity, tensions remain high in regional waters. Four crew members were reportedly killed in a suspected attack on a cargo vessel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The incident was blamed on Houthi forces, although the group had not immediately claimed responsibility. A separate container ship was also reportedly struck while sailing through the Gulf of Oman near Pakistan. Initial reports indicated that the incident may have involved US military action. The developments have increased concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region. Oil prices also remained elevated because of uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Prices eased on Tuesday after reaching a one-week high earlier in the session as investors responded to signs of possible diplomatic progress. The crisis has placed pressure on Washington and Tehran to find a political solution. Any agreement that reduces tensions and restores normal shipping through Hormuz could have a major impact on global energy markets.

  • |

    Pakistani celebrities who faced backlash for criticizing fellow stars

    Public figures are often judged not only for their professional achievements but also for how they speak about others. In Pakistan’s entertainment industry, several well-known personalities have sparked backlash after making controversial comments about fellow celebrities. While many of them built strong reputations through years of successful work, repeated public criticism and high-profile disputes have affected how sections of the audience view them. Veteran actor Firdous Jamal is one such example. Widely respected for memorable performances in television dramas, he found himself at the center of controversy after making remarks about actress Mahira Khan’s age and suitability for leading roles. His comments drew widespread criticism from both fans and members of the entertainment industry. In the years that followed, he continued making critical statements about several actors and industry veterans, further fueling debate. Personal family matters that became public also contributed to the negative attention surrounding him. Acclaimed writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has also remained a frequent topic of discussion due to his outspoken views. Known for penning some of Pakistan’s biggest television hits, he has often generated headlines for controversial interviews and public disagreements. His criticism of fellow celebrities, debates over social issues, and several personal controversies have divided public opinion, with supporters praising his honesty while critics accuse him of unnecessary hostility. Television host Nadia Khan, once celebrated as one of Pakistan’s pioneering morning show presenters, has faced criticism in recent years for her role as a drama reviewer. Her reviews, impersonations, and candid remarks about actors and television serials have often gone viral. While many viewers appreciate her straightforward opinions, others believe her comments sometimes cross the line and unfairly target fellow artists. Actor and producer Fahad Mustafa also came under public scrutiny after responding to comments made by senior actress Atiqa Odho regarding casting choices. His remarks during the exchange were widely criticized on social media, with many users describing them as disrespectful and ageist. The controversy prompted significant online debate and placed the star under intense public attention. Veteran actress, director, and filmmaker Sangeeta has similarly attracted criticism over her public statements. Some of her comments about fellow celebrities and revelations about past industry relationships were viewed as unnecessary by many fans. More recently, her remarks regarding actress Naeema Butt also generated discussion on social media, leading to mixed reactions from audiences. Television anchor Iqrar Ul Hassan, known for investigative journalism, has also seen his public image become increasingly polarizing. While he earned widespread recognition through his reporting career, his involvement in political matters, public disputes, and controversies surrounding his personal life have led to divided opinions among viewers. Viral incidents and outspoken statements have continued to keep him in the headlines. Media personality Dr. Omer Adil, once admired for hosting cultural and entertainment programs, has built a strong online presence through podcasts and YouTube discussions. However, his frequent criticism of celebrities and commentary on entertainment industry figures have changed how some longtime followers perceive him. Although he continues to attract viewers with his opinions, his style has also invited criticism from those who believe his remarks have become overly confrontational. These controversies highlight how public statements can significantly influence a celebrity’s reputation. In today’s digital era, where interviews and social media clips spread rapidly, even a single comment can shape public perception and spark widespread debate across the entertainment industry.

  • |

    Former Turkish PM Davutoglu quits politics

    ISTANBUL: Former Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu has announced his decision to step away from politics and dissolve his Future Party, ending a decades-long political career that saw him rise as one of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s closest allies before becoming a vocal critic. Davutoglu announced the decision this week, saying he wanted to distance himself from what he described as a “dirty political climate” in Turkiye. He said the move was not a surrender but a step taken on moral grounds and a call for a broader rethink of politics. The former premier criticized issues including corruption, favouritism and weak accountability, saying these challenges had damaged public trust. He also raised concerns over the country’s presidential system introduced in 2018, arguing that it weakened checks and balances. Davutoglu began his career as an academic before entering politics. Born in Konya in 1959, he studied political science and international relations at Bosphorus University and later earned a doctorate in the same field. Before joining government, he worked as a professor and wrote several books on foreign policy. His academic reputation helped him become a key figure in shaping Turkiye’s international strategy. After the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002, Davutoglu joined the party and became a close adviser to Erdogan. He played an influential role in developing the “zero problems with neighbours” foreign policy approach, which aimed to improve relations with regional countries. He served as Turkiye’s foreign minister from 2009 to 2014 and became prime minister after Erdogan moved to the presidency in 2014. However, relations between the two leaders gradually weakened due to differences over governance, foreign policy and the distribution of political power. In 2016, Davutoglu resigned as prime minister and was replaced by Binali Yildirim. Three years later, Davutoglu left the AKP and launched the Future Party, presenting it as a conservative alternative focused on democracy and reforms. However, the party struggled to gain major public support and received a small share of votes in the 2024 elections.

  • | |

    Maduro set for new US court hearing in trafficking…

    Venezuela’s ousted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are scheduled to appear back in a US courtroom Wednesday for a hearing focused on the upcoming schedule in their drug trafficking case, including discussion of a possible trial start date in June 2027. The hearing before US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein is set to begin at noon Eastern time in Manhattan federal court and could offer insight into the next steps in what has become one of the most high profile and consequential criminal cases in recent US history. Lawyers for both sides indicated in a filing that Maduro’s first round of legal motions seeking to have the case dismissed would come due on September 2. Those motions are expected to include an argument that Maduro should be immune from prosecution based on his position as head of a sovereign state. During Maduro’s first court appearance on January 5, his defense attorney Barry Pollack suggested the defense could also challenge the indictment by arguing that Maduro’s capture may not have been carried out legally. Maduro, a socialist leader who maintained an antagonistic relationship with Washington throughout his time leading Venezuela from 2013 until his capture, referred to himself as a prisoner of war during that January appearance. He has long accused the United States of seeking to remove him from power in order to gain greater influence over Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves. The United States describes Maduro as a corrupt dictator whose economic mismanagement led to Venezuela’s economic collapse, and accuses him of rigging reelection victories in 2018 and 2024. Washington stopped recognizing him as Venezuela’s legitimate president in 2019. Ahead of the January operation that led to his capture, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel issued an advisory opinion stating that it would be lawful for Trump to authorize the operation unilaterally, arguing it served an important national interest without rising to the level of a war requiring congressional approval. According to Tuesday’s filing, lawyers for both sides said Maduro could submit a second round of legal motions by January 11, 2027, following the prosecution’s handover of any classified evidence for defense review. Maduro last appeared in court on March 26 for a hearing concerning a US government restriction that barred Venezuela’s government from covering his legal fees. That dispute was resolved about a month later, when Washington agreed to adjust its financial sanctions on Venezuela to permit the government to pay those fees. Venezuela has been governed since Maduro’s capture by his former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, who has cultivated closer ties with the Trump administration. Washington has eased sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, and foreign companies have expanded oil and gas operations within the country. The US military has also provided relief assistance following two earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s coast last month, killing more than 5,000 people. The case continues to unfold against the backdrop of a broader thaw in relations between Washington and Caracas under Rodriguez’s leadership, even as Maduro’s legal team prepares to mount a defense built partly around questions of sovereign immunity and the legality of the operation that led to his capture.

  • |

    Nimra Khan’s ex-husband confirms their divorce

    Nimra Khan, one of Pakistan’s well-known television actresses, has made headlines following confirmation of her divorce from Zain Hamid, a UK-based pilot whom she married in June 2026. The actress, who has built a strong fan base with her television performances, has 5.1 million followers on Instagram. Over the years, she has appeared in several popular dramas, including Aye Musht-e-Khaak, Ehraam-e-Junoon, Uraan, Meharbano, Mujhe Khuda Pay Yaqeen Hai, Choti Si Zindagi, Khoob Seerat, Baaghi and Umm-e-Ayesha. Her portrayal of a hijabi girl in Umm-e-Ayesha was particularly appreciated by viewers. Ehraam-e-Junoon and Sara Aapi also remained among the notable projects of her career. Nimra Khan married Zain Hamid in June after entering a new chapter of her personal life. At the time, the actress openly expressed her happiness about the marriage and spoke positively about starting a new journey with her husband. However, speculation about problems in the marriage began circulating later after social media posts shared by Nimra’s father attracted public attention. Although Nimra maintained that everything was fine, she chose to keep many details of her wedding private. She explained that she wanted to protect the relationship from the evil eye. Her social media activity later led to further speculation, with some followers interpreting certain posts as indirect references to her former husband. Despite the growing rumours, there was no immediate official confirmation from the couple. The situation changed when Zain Hamid publicly confirmed that the couple had separated. In an Instagram statement, he revealed that he had divorced Nimra on July 17, citing irreconcilable personal differences and choices. He stressed that he did not want to blame either side and described the separation as an amicable decision. Zain also addressed one of his earlier social media posts, explaining that his remarks about being “at peace finally” and “good riddance” were made in response to what he described as uncalled-for social media posts and status updates. He further clarified that his comments were not intended to disrespect women. According to Zain, the legal dissolution process has been filed and will now be handled by lawyers. He also wished Nimra well and acknowledged that divorce is a difficult experience for both men and women. The confirmation has left many of Nimra’s followers disappointed, particularly those who had hoped that the earlier rumours would turn out to be false. Social media reactions have been mixed, with some users defending Nimra while others criticized the circumstances surrounding her second marriage. The news has once again placed Nimra Khan’s personal life under intense public attention, although both sides have indicated that the separation is being handled through the proper legal process.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *