The drastic shift in Bangladesh-India relations, once characterized by a spirit of friendship but now marked by discriminatory behaviour, has become increasingly apparent. Conflicts between nations or political ideologies are always the result of human actions, and it is humans who must work toward their resolution. The very term "human" inherently evokes ideas of civility, decency, and mutual respect. However, Suvendu Adhikari, a leader of India's ruling party, seems to disregard these fundamental human virtues. For him, possessing the ability to speak appears to equate to the freedom to utter anything without restraint. At the slightest perception of a threat to his interests, he does not hesitate to liken people to "flies and mosquitoes." Worse still, he has openly expressed a desire to exterminate them as one would pests. In this modern era, the notion of exterminating humans as if they were mere insects is a very light issue for him. The blunt and dismissive manner in which he insulted the people of Bangladesh suggests that, in his worldview, the concept of "decency" has no place. Instead, crudeness seems to serve as his misguided badge of honour. Before labelling Suvendu’s actions as purely malicious, it might be more constructive to view them as stemming from ignorance or poor judgment. In today’s interconnected world, where globalization ensures that actions and words are subject to international scrutiny, such inhumane and uncivil remarks by a leader of India’s ruling party have the potential to tarnish the country’s reputation on the global stage. Therefore, to uphold the principles of decency and safeguard India’s image, India’s educated civil society must protest or condemn Suvendu Adhikari’s offensive behaviour. This would not only shield India as a nation from collective accountability for his remarks but also place the responsibility squarely on Suvendu himself, highlighting the deficiencies in his Family education also His moral upbringing. The controversy arose from a public speech Suvendu delivered on the afternoon of December 24. In his remarks, he stated: “Bangladeshis are like flies and mosquitoes. If we wish, we can exterminate them at any time. Not just that, the daily garbage produced in Kolkata alone, if carried by cargo planes, would bury all of Bangladesh under it.”

Horses flying in the sky, dogs and goats speaking like humans, or a giant swallowing a person whole—these phrases are easy to identify as elements of fairy tales. However, would it surprise you if India's mainstream media conveyed similar stories? It might sound shocking, but for many, it's hardly surprising. Indian journalism has long been a subject of criticism worldwide and has often become fodder for humor on international platforms. There have been instances where journalists act as political party workers, turn news presentations into advertisements or soap operas, or become overly emotional while delivering reports. Such conduct is unacceptable in international journalism, yet Indian media continues to defy these norms. Recently, Indian media's coverage of Bangladesh has been particularly noteworthy—crafting stories like fairy tales. While these reports may lack coherence or professional finesse, their efforts to captivate an audience are undeniable. Interestingly, these outlets have been remarkably successful, earning thousands of "haha" reactions on social media for their fantastical tales. This demonstrates that even mainstream media can excel at entertaining the masses. Some researchers offer an alternative perspective on this trend. They argue that these reports are not born out of hatred but rather stem from fear. India has strained relationships with its neighboring countries, and since the fall of the Awami League government in Bangladesh, the latter has grown less inclined to cater to India's interests. This shift has caused concern for India, but it is unlikely to take any direct action against Bangladesh. Instead, Indian media appears to express this apprehension through such exaggerated narratives. Indian journalism has traditionally been considered the "fourth pillar" of democracy. However, in recent times, its reputation on the global stage has taken a hit. The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2023 Press Freedom Index ranked India 161st out of 180 countries. This decline has raised serious concerns internationally about media freedom in India. Increasing instances of threats, arrests, and legal pressures on journalists have become significant barriers to independent journalism, often forcing them into biased reporting. Reports by organizations like BBC and Al Jazeera suggest that Indian journalism is increasingly leaning towards a specific political agenda. Particularly, the media's role in suppressing dissenting voices and favoring the ruling party's narratives has come under scrutiny. In the age of social media and the internet, fake news has become rampant. Indian media houses have occasionally been identified as sources or promoters of such disinformation, further eroding trust in Indian journalism globally. Moreover, Indian media has faced accusations of biased coverage, especially regarding minority communities and sensitive issues. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns about this trend. For instance, the media's handling of the Kashmir issue in 2019 attracted significant international criticism, and similar patterns have emerged in its recent reporting on Bangladesh. Author: Online Activist

Iran and Saudi Arabia are intent on continuing their cautious course of rapprochement. After a Saudi-Iranian deal brokered by China in 2023, the erstwhile rivals want to deepen their relationship. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to the Saudi capital Riyadh at the beginning of October indicates that relations are developing. He also met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. Tensions go back almost half a century Rapprochement is a new approach for the two countries, whose relations have been considered particularly difficult since the Iranian revolution in 1979. The tensions originated in a fundamentally different understanding of the political role of religion. After 1979, Iran's approach to Islam was from the perspective of social revolution. For a long time, it positioned itself in the region as the leader of Shiite Muslims with rebellious tendencies. For its part, the Saudi royal family, which is Sunni, relies primarily on the role of religion to maintain its power. It bases its claim to leadership in the region on Islam and its role as the custodian of the holy sites in Mecca and Medina. The different positions became particularly apparent during the Arab Spring protests that began in 2010 and spread around the region. Saudi Arabia was concerned that Iran would shape and instrumentalize the protest movements. Yemen remains a source of conflict Despite all the rhetoric about rapprochement, the two countries remain indirectly opposed to each other in Yemen, where the radical Shiite Houthi militia attempted to overthrow the government of Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and took control of large parts of the country.  While Iran supported the Houthis, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of predominantly Sunni states, which was also supported by the West, predominantly the US, to fight them. One of the coalition's motives was to push back against Iranian influence. Rapprochement makes sense from Saudi perspective Nonetheless, Sebastian Sons from CARPO, a Bonn-based think tank, believes that the current rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia has several advantages from the latter's perspective. He told DW that after Iran attacked Saudi oil facilities in 2019, Riyadh realized that it could not completely rely on the US and would have to resolve issues with its Iranian neighbor. He added that in Riyadh, regional stability was considered a prerequisite for a successful economy, based on the one-sided dependence on oil. "Riyadh also wants to put a definitive end to the conflict in Yemen, and in particular to the shelling of Saudi territory by the Houthis," Sons said. "In this respect, it is hoping that Iran can influence the militia." However, Hamidreza Azizi from the Berlin-based German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), said it remained to be seen what influence Iran has on the Houthis. He told DW that it was unlikely that Iran could dictate the Houthis' every move. But he said that both Iran and the Houthis were looking out for each other's interests, and that could contribute to an ongoing cease-fire in Yemen. Iran is pursuing its own interests Azizi added that Iran was pursuing its concrete interests with its rapprochement with Saudi Arabia. "Years of sanctions and economic mismanagement, corruption," had hit Iran hard, he said. "The regime has been concerned about increasing economic challenges leading to probably more severe waves of protest," adding that Iranians doubted the regime's ability to govern effectively.  He said that because Iran had not been able to reach an agreement with the West on the nuclear deal and "lift the economic sanctions," it was "looking for other ways to compensate, for example trying to integrate into multilateral organizations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, but also to improve relations with neighbors like Saudi Arabia." Iran is also concerned about its security interests, Azizi explained. Even before the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which was brokered by China, "there were growing signs indicating that a normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel might be imminent. […] so Iran was really afraid of the potential of an anti-Iran coalition between Arab states and Israel, and the best way that they thought could help and prevent the formation of such coalition was to reach out to Arab states themselves." He described this as "detente as deterrence." At the moment, Saudi Arabia's normalization efforts with Israel before October 7, 2023, are no longer relevant, Azizi said, pointing out that Riyadh had spoken out in favor of a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians, which is currently not an option for Israel.  But he insisted that Saudi Arabia had no intention of turning against Israel or giving the impression that it is turning away from the West by moving closer to Iran. Saudi Arabia wants strategic autonomy, he said. Saudi Arabia wants to be a mediator For Sons, Saudi Arabia wants to be perceived as building bridges as a mediator with all players. "Qatar performs a similar function," he explained. "Saudi Arabia has traditionally been more reserved, but now seems to be positioning itself as a player that keeps the channels of communication with Tehran open."  "Messages from the Americans to the Iranians have already been communicated via the Saudis. This will be an important part of Saudi regional policy and diplomacy in the future," Sons said. Azizi has a similar view. He thinks that improved Iranian-Saudi relations could contribute to the region's long-term stability and that Tehran has understood that rapprochement is in the interests of all parties. Deutsche Welle

The government could bolster financial security for Bangladeshi migrant workers with a new retirement savings initiative managed by the Economic Relations Division (ERD). This proposal would allow overseas workers to save a portion of their 2.5% government incentive on remittances, along with any additional contributions they wish to make, into a retirement fund. With partial government matching, a tax-free income stream, and various amenities, this plan offers comprehensive benefits for workers and has the potential to curb informal remittance practices like hundi and contribute to economic stability. Current Data on Remittance and Migrant Workforce Total Remittances Sent: In the last fiscal year, Bangladeshi migrant workers sent over $21 billion in remittances, a crucial source of foreign exchange for the nation. This significant inflow underscores the potential for a retirement plan, allowing a fraction of this amount to be directed into a structured savings program. Returning Workers: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 500,000 workers have returned to Bangladesh. Many of these returnees face financial uncertainty, with limited retirement savings. A structured plan would offer these individuals and those currently working abroad a secure way to build future financial stability.   Potential Fund Growth in Five Years With partial government matching and contributions from migrant workers, this retirement fund could accumulate substantial savings over time. For example, assuming a conservative 1% of the annual remittance amount (around $210 million) is contributed annually, the retirement fund could grow as follows: Year Estimated Contributions (Million USD) Estimated Growth with Matching & Investments (Million USD) 1 $210  $220 2 $220 $242 3 $230 $265 4 $240 $290 5 $250 $316 After five years, the fund could potentially grow to over $1.3 billion, depending on matching contributions and investment growth. This structured savings pool would provide participants with significant financial security while supporting economic stability through secure investments. Flexible Contributions and Government Matching The proposed structure allows workers to save part of their 2.5% incentive plus any additional amounts, with a government match for a certain percentage. This flexible setup enables workers to contribute more as their finances allow, maximizing savings. Maintaining this approach would make the plan accessible to workers across income levels. Proposed Amenities and Tax-Free Earnings 1. Life Insurance: Affordable coverage for workers and their families. 2. Airport Concierge Service: Streamlined support for migrant workers upon return to Bangladesh. 3. Dead Body Transportation: Assistance for families in transporting deceased workers back home. 4. Matching Loans for Real Estate Purchases: Matched loans for home purchases in Bangladesh.   The fund would also be tax-free, with no taxes on income earned from the retirement plan, maximizing the return for workers and adding a financial incentive. Equity Loans Against Fund Balance Workers would have the option to borrow against their savings, with an equity loan of up to 70% of their accumulated fund balance. This feature offers financial flexibility for emergencies or investments without exhausting their retirement savings. Reducing Informal Channels: Hundi and Money Laundering This plan may reduce the reliance on informal channels, such as hundi, for remittance transfers. By offering secure, government-backed savings with tax-free growth, migrant workers may be more inclined to use official remittance channels, contributing to economic transparency and stability. Money laundering risks associated with informal remittance flows would also be minimized, further strengthening national security. Encouraging Financial Inclusion and Stability With ERD overseeing investments in safe instruments like government bonds and fixed deposits, the fund would offer a low-risk, stable growth path for retirement savings. A retirement fund like this, supported by accessible benefits and transparent oversight, would provide a secure retirement pathway for millions of Bangladeshi migrant workers while fostering financial inclusion and strengthening remittance channels. This proposal represents a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach to support the financial security of migrant workers and create lasting benefits for both individuals and the national economy.  

India is witnessing a myriad of issues caused by extreme weather events such as sweltering heat, droughts and massive flooding. Among them, climate-induced migration holds particular significance for the South Asian nation, where a surprising number of people are already facing the threat of displacement with the figures expected to rise exponentially. In 2020, an estimated 14 million people in India were forced to migrate as a consequence of extreme weather events, according to figures from the country's Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC). IDMC's 2022 report states that India is seeing the third highest number of internal displacements due to disasters, after China and the Philippines. The number of climate-related migrants in India is projected to reach 45 million by 2050, according to Climate Action Network South Asia. Despite the severe risks of climate migration, India still lacks a policy framework. "Many human mobilities are taking place that are, in part, due to climate change but are not identified as climate-linked," explained Mathew A. Varghese, professor at the Center for Urban Studies at Mahatma Gandhi University in the state of Kerala. Climate migration policy in India Despite being the seventh most climate-vulnerable country in the world, facing the mammoth challenge of climate migration, India does not have concrete policies in place to address the issue. In 2008, India launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which laid down a broad framework to address what India could do to tackle climate change in different sectors. However, "there's a significant policy vacuum in terms of how the framework aims to manage displacement," Saransh Bajpai, associate program director for climate, economics and finance at India's World Resources Institute, told DW. "The National Disaster Management Authority, while it acknowledges displacement and mobility, fails to establish concrete financial mechanisms for addressing this [climate migration] challenge. So, there's definitely a policy vacuum." In 2022, for the first time, Pradyut Bordoloi, a member of Parliament from the climate vulnerable eastern state of Assam, introduced the Climate Migrants (Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill as a private member's bill. Bordoloi told DW the bill was motivated by the suffering of people in the Brahmaputra River islands who, after losing their homes and livelihoods each rainy season, are forced to relocate. He said that they become vulnerable to discrimination and persecution. While introducing the bill, Bordoloi had said that the proposed legislation seeks to "establish an appropriate policy framework for the protection and rehabilitation of internally displaced climate migrants and for all matters connected therewith." The bill also sought to establish a climate migration fund. However it was not passed. "Local governments or state governments could play a partisan role which is why there should be a federal authority looking after the needs of climate migrants," Bordoloi told DW, adding that, "this authority should have budgetary allocation from the government of India." COP29: An opportunity for India? India lacks a policy on climate migration despite being a signatory to the UN's Sendai Framework, which recognizes disaster displacement as a significant issue and major driver of disaster risk. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) also recognizes the subject of migration, displacement, and planned relocation, as a crucial climate risk management issue. COP28, last year's UN climate conference in Dubai, saw the first-ever global stocktake where human mobility was recognized as a major impact of climate change affecting people and communities. The Loss and Damage Fund, operationalized for the first time during the talks, also included displacement and displaced persons in its scope. India aims to take the lead in building a case for better climate finance opportunities for developing countries at next week's UN climate summit, COP29, which will take place in Azerbaijan's capital city, Baku. Despite its participation and active role in global forums discussing climate change, India fails to account for internal climate migration which has an enormous economic impact. "India places itself very firmly in the global negotiation processes and has been very vocal as far as adaptation and loss and damage is concerned," said Bajpa, who noted that India could benefit from philanthropic financing for climate change. "India should provide something innovative to ... engage with these philanthropies and pull in a no-strings-attached grant contribution," he said, adding that, "then the migration policy should enable creating a trusted financial mechanism in India." (From Deutsche Welle)