The two South Asian cricket powers commenced their latest encounter at the iconic Dhaka venue, where Pakistan maintains a formidable 19-2 advantage from their 22 previous T20I meetings. While the visitors have secured victory in five of seven matches played specifically in Dhaka, Bangladesh enters this contest with renewed confidence and the crucial benefit of home conditions that promise to level the competitive landscape significantly.

According to The Hindu, the most recent meeting between these teams occurred in May when Pakistan delivered a comprehensive 3-0 series victory on home soil. That dominant display represented a strong recovery for Pakistan following their disappointing series defeat in New Zealand, demonstrating their ability to bounce back from adversity with commanding performances against regional rivals.

Bangladesh approaches this opening fixture buoyed by their historic T20I series triumph in Sri Lanka, an achievement that has significantly elevated team morale and confidence levels. Under Litton Das' composed leadership, the squad has demonstrated improved balance and tactical awareness, with young openers Tanzid Hasan and Shamim Hossain contributing aggressive yet measured approaches that have consistently provided strong batting foundations.

The playing surface at Shere Bangla Stadium traditionally favors slower bowling, particularly spin, as matches progress through the innings. While pace bowlers may extract some early movement with the new ball, spin bowlers typically dominate the middle and death overs as pitch conditions deteriorate, with first-innings totals commonly ranging between 125-150 runs depending on batting execution and bowling quality.

Pakistan enters as the probable favorite based on their superior record and extensive international experience, but Bangladesh's home advantage and emerging young talent pool makes this series opener highly competitive. Weather conditions including high humidity and potential rain showers could significantly impact both batting and bowling strategies, with the toss decision potentially proving crucial as teams must adapt rapidly to evolving circumstances throughout the match.

Bangladesh Playing XI: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (captain & wicket-keeper), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Key Match Developments: Taskin Ahmed recovered from an earlier dropped catch to successfully remove Pakistan's threatening opener Saim Ayub, providing Bangladesh with their first crucial breakthrough in the series opener.

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Bangladeshi authorities have opened a murder investigation against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others for their alleged role in the killing of protesters during student-led demonstrations that resulted in at least 300 deaths.

Sheikh Hasina is being sued over the shooting and killing of Faizul Islam Rajon, an 18-year-old student, and the murder of a grocery shopkeeper Abu Sayed during Bangladesh's deadly protests.

The protests started with students frustrated about the reinstatement of a quota system for government jobs and eventually turned violent.

Hasina has called for an investigation into the killing of hundreds of students during the protests.

The fall of her government led to a collapse of law and order, with protesters storming and vandalizing her residence and setting fire to a museum dedicated to her father.

Hasina was forced to resign and flee to India as the unrest escalated, but her son has stated that she will return to the country when elections are declared.

Six other top figures from the previous government are also under investigation.

Hasina's government, in power for 15 years, was accused of widespread human rights violations, corruption allegations, and dissent stifling.

Sources: BBC, ABC News, South China Morning Post, Democracy Now, AnyTV News, India TV News, Times of India, Zee News, Headtopics, bdnews24, Jagonews24, Prothom Alo, RTV Online, Business Post, Daily Sun

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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The United States and the White House denied involvement or interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs, stating that the future of the Bangladeshi government should be determined by the people of Bangladesh.

US Foreign Policy experts, such as Michael Kugelman, believe the crisis in Bangladesh was internally driven by student protests against job quotas, dismissing claims of foreign interference.

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have fled to India to escape violence, with several US leaders and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voicing concerns about the violence against minorities.

An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was sworn in to stabilize Bangladesh and facilitate elections, following a boycotted election win that cast doubts on its legitimacy.

The White House emphasized that the people of Bangladesh have the right to choose their destiny and elect their leader, and determine their government's future.

Sources: Al Arabiya, Times of India, Times Now, Madhyamam, Jagran, Business Standard, India Today, News Karnataka, India.com, Devdiscourse, NDTV.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to lead an interim government in Bangladesh following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after 15 years in power. Hasina resigned and fled the country amidst widespread student-led protests and unrest demanding her resignation.

Yunus was selected in a meeting with military leaders, student protest leaders, business figures, and civil society members.

The protests escalated from student-led demonstrations against the job quota system to a widespread movement against the government, resulting in violent clashes, numerous casualties, and a harsh reaction by security forces, leading to Hasina's resignation and escape.

Yunus will act as caretaker premier until new elections are held, with the new government members to be decided after discussions with political parties and other stakeholders.

President Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament, released opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia from house arrest, and met with military commanders, student leaders, opposition politicians, and civil society representatives, to establish an interim government until new elections.

Yunus is a political rival of Hasina. His appointment was supported by student protest leaders who rejected a military-led government.

Yunus faced criticism from Hasina's government, including accusations of financial misconduct, embezzlement, and labor law violations, which he maintains his innocence against. He was dismissed from Grameen Bank in 2011. Supporters claiming he was targeted due to political ambitions and strained relations with Hasina.

The Army announced plans for an interim government, and removed high-ranking officers close to Hasina. The Banglasesh police union apologized for firing on students during the protests.

The military promises to investigate killings and punish those responsible as the country grapples with instability and violence, with reports of at least 109 people dead and 596 prisoners escaping amid violent unrest.

Critics have accused Yunus and the Grameen Bank of impoverishing borrowers with high interest rates, while others defend his work and global reputation.

Following Hasina's departure, the Hindu minority in Bangladesh fears potential attacks, and appeals for protection from opposition politicians and student leaders.

Foreign leaders called for upholding democracy and universal rights in Bangladesh after Yunus's appointment.

The EU ambassador and UN human rights chief express concern over reports of anti-minority violence in Bangladesh and stress the importance of an inclusive transition of power that respects international obligations.

Sources: The Guardian, BBC, The Washington Post, AP News, PBS, CNN, The Independent, Financial Times, Der Spiegel, DW, Nikkei, The Epoch Times, Al Jazeera, Jovem Pan, Foreign Policy, Metro TV, El Litoral, ABC News.

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country, amid widespread protests and violence over a controversial quota system in government jobs. The protests escalated into a broader movement against her leadership and use of force to suppress protests, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

Thousands of jubilant citizens took to the streets of Dhaka, with some breaking into Hasina's official residence and vandalizing the premises. Over 100 casualties were recorded in the events, including 14 policemen. According to some reports, protesters set fire to the Awami League party office and damaged a statue of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Student activists started a "Long March to Dhaka" to demand Hasina's resignation under the banner "Students Against Discrimination," following deadly clashes between police and protesters that claimed over 300 lives since July.

In an attempt to diffuse the protests, authorities imposed restrictions banned Meta platforms, declared curfews, and announced a three days holiday. The main airport in the capital suspended operations, and the Border Security Force (BSF) issued a "high alert" along the India-Bangladesh border. The government suspended internet services, banned Meta platforms, and declared a holiday for three days in an attempt to diffuse the protests.

The Bangladesh military, led by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced plans to establish an interim government after talks with political parties, following Hasina's reported resignation and departure. The Army Chief assured the public that order would be restored and pledged to investigate the crackdown on protests.

Sources: Washington Post, Al Jazeera, Devdiscourse, Assam Tribune, Firstpost, AP News, Time, FT (Financial Times), HuffPost, Nikkei Asia, DW (Deutsche Welle), France24, Times of India, Deccan Herald, India TV News, The Hindu, Onmanorama, Jagran, News18, Malay Mail

This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.

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Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday, ending her 15-year rule as thousands of protesters stormed her official residence, defying a military curfew. The dramatic turn of events came after months of escalating anti-government demonstrations that culminated in a deadly day of violence on Sunday.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced in a televised address that Hasina had left the country and that an interim government would be formed. The announcement followed a brutal day of unrest on Sunday in which nearly 100 people were killed, bringing the total death toll since protests began in July to at least 300, according to an AFP tally.

"The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed – it is time to stop the violence," Waker said, dressed in military fatigues. "I hope after my speech, the situation will improve." The career infantryman stated he would discuss forming a caretaker government with the president for the South Asian nation of approximately 170 million people. It remained unclear if he would lead it.

Hasina, 76, fled the country by helicopter, according to a source close to the leader who spoke to AFP. The source said she left first by motorcade before being flown out, without specifying her destination.

Jubilant crowds waved flags in the streets on Monday morning, with some dancing atop a tank before hundreds broke through the gates of Hasina's official residence. Bangladesh's Channel 24 broadcast images of people running into the compound, looting furniture and books, while others relaxed on beds.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington-based Wilson Center, warned that Hasina's departure "would leave a major vacuum."

"If it's a peaceful transition, with an interim set-up taking over until elections are held, then stability risks would be modest and the consequences would be limited," he said. "But if there is a violent transition or a period of uncertainty, that could risk more destabilization and problems inside and outside."

The unrest began in July against civil service job quotas and escalated into wider calls for Hasina to step down. Her government faced accusations from rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its power and suppress dissent, including through extrajudicial killings of opposition activists.  Demonstrations initially focused on the reintroduction of a quota scheme reserving more than half of all government jobs for certain groups. Protests intensified despite the scheme being scaled back by Bangladesh's top court.

"The time has come for the final protest," said Asif Mahmud, a key leader in the nationwide civil disobedience campaign. A respected former army chief, General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan, had earlier demanded the government "immediately" withdraw troops and allow protests, delivering a symbolic rebuke to Hasina. "Those who are responsible for pushing people of this country to a state of such extreme misery will have to be brought to justice," Bhuiyan told reporters on Sunday.

The military previously declared an emergency in January 2007 after widespread political unrest, installing a military-backed caretaker government for two years. Hasina then ruled Bangladesh from 2009, winning her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.

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Since the signing of the Abraham Accords, there has been a remarkable shift in Israel's relations with the Muslim world. New reports have emerged of the possibility of further breakthroughs in diplomatic ties with former foes like Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, and Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

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Another large Muslim country observers say could normalize ties with Israel is Bangladesh. While Bangladesh and Israel have no formal ties, there have been reports of unofficial economic and military cooperation between the countries. Although travel to Israel is forbidden, the Muslim country also dropped a key restriction on travel to Israel earlier this year, fueling speculation that normalization may be on the horizon.

"After South Africa was delisted, Bangladesh established relations. Following Taiwan's delisting, Bangladesh established relations. There is every reason to think that this recent change with regards to Israel will lead to the road of normalization and open relations," Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, the editor of the Weekly Blitz, a Bangladeshi pro-Israel, anti-militancy newspaper, told JNS.

Economic and military cooperation is believed to be ongoing between the two countries, regardless of official diplomatic status. Multiple media reports indicate that Bangladesh has purchased Israeli military-grade technology, and the World Bank's World Integrated Trade Solution database showed that between 2010 and 2018, Israel imported products worth around $333.74 million that originated in Bangladesh. WITS data shows that $3.67 million worth of Israeli exports eventually made their way to Bangladesh between 2009 and 2015.

'Our people don't forget'

Despite the lack of ties today, Israel was an early supporter of Bangladesh during its war of independence from East Pakistan in the early 1970s and was one of the first nations to recognize independent Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the country's original leaders shunned Israel in favor of then-Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat, who sided with Pakistan.

When Pakistan gained independence in 1947 from the United Kingdom, it was comprised of two Muslim-majority regions, East Pakistan (comprising modern-day Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (modern-day Pakistan). However, ethnic and linguistic differences between the two regions were immediate, with West Pakistan imposing political and economic control over East Pakistan, which eventually sparked an independence movement among the ethnic Bengalis in East Pakistan. Seeking to curb the Bengali independence movement, Pakistani forces launched Operation Searchlight to eliminate all Bengali political and military opposition. This led to the 1971 Bangladesh genocide and eventually the War of Liberation, which culminated in Pakistan's surrender on Dec. 16, 1971, and Bangladesh gaining independence on March 26, 1971.

Bangladesh officials, however, have publicly insisted that the country will not normalize relations with Israel until there is a just resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. It's a position some see as perverse, given the story of Bangladesh's liberation.

"Yasser Arafat was comparing our war of liberation as a conflict between Israel and Palestine and branding our freedom fighters as terrorists, while Israel was supporting us. We should have had diplomatic relations with Israel from the very day Israel extended its recognition to Bangladesh," said Choudhury.

Choudhury faced charges of sedition, treason, blasphemy, and espionage in part for attempting to attend a conference of the Hebrew Writers' Association in Tel Aviv in 2004. He was beaten, jailed in solitary confinement for 17 months, and denied medical treatment before being released on bail with the help of an American congressman, though the charges against him are still pending.

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Choudhury noted that Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad, Bangladesh's first foreign minister, was responsible for turning Israel away. Ahmad later took part in a plot that led to the assassination of Bangladesh's first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. Following the assassination, Ahmad immediately took control of the government and declared himself president.

"The man responsible for our country's original anti-Israel standing was himself an enemy of the state. We have had relations with Pakistan for nearly a half-century – a country responsible for the killing of 3 million of our people but no official relations with Israel. It makes no sense," said Choudhury.

The lack of official diplomatic relations between the countries does not appear to be stem from overt antisemitism, though it certainly exists in Bangladesh society. In fact, one of Bangladesh's most revered war heroes was Jewish.

Lt. Gen. Jack Farj Rafael Jacob, an officer in the Indian military, played a crucial role in negotiating the surrender of Pakistan in Dhaka during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

His death was publicly mourned by high-level officials, and he was previously bestowed with the "Friend of Liberation War Honor" award. Louis Isadore Kahn, a Jewish Estonian-born American architect, designed Bangladesh's National Assembly parliament building.

Bangladesh's rapid development has not gone unnoticed by Israeli officials, who publicly welcomed the removal of Israel's printed exclusion on Bangladesh passports and have openly called for warmer ties over the years. Bangladesh has a $409 billion economy, and its government structure is quite liberal. Women have led the country for nearly all of the last 20 years, and the current prime minister, parliament speaker, and opposition leader are all women.

Ilan Sztulman Starosta, head of mission at the Israeli consulate in Dubai, recently became the highest-ranking Israeli official to give an interview to a Bangladesh media outlet, telling the Weekly Blitz that, "Bangladesh could be a very important partner for us. Bangladesh has centers of innovation, a big population, resources, and [Bangladeshi] people understand that the next step in business is innovation, as the old technologies are cold and spoiled and have a limited lifespan. We're waiting for partnerships with Bangladeshi researchers, universities, companies, and I think that everybody in the region would benefit from this relationship," intimating that mutual ally India could play a critical role in bringing Israel and Bangladesh together.

As Rahman put it, "In international relations, nothing is permanent. Borders change. Governments change. It's a matter of time."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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Bangladesh has now become the 33rd country to possess a nuclear reactor for electricity production.

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Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at the inauguration of the reactor pressure vessel's installation, announced this week the beginning of the country's nuclear era, promising responsibility and competence in their usage of this form of energy.

"We will join the world's nuclear powers, but for peace. This will ensure power generation, which will reach the rural people and elevate their socio-economic condition," she said.

Construction of the country's first power plant began in November 2017, after the 2015 deal struck with Russia which guaranteed a $12.65 billion investment with the objective of setting up two power plants. The first one, currently being finalized, is located 100 miles from the capital city of Dhaka and is expected to commence commercial operation in 2024.

The country's government is now setting its sights on their second power plant, searching for what would constitute a suitable location for such an endeavor and making sure they have Russia's full support in their ambitious enterprise.

"Once the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) is completed, we'll go for setting up another in the southern region of the country. We need constant Russian support in this regard," said Prime Minister Hasina on Monday.

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