An Indian diplomat publicly objected to the display of an incorrect map depicting Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan during a foreign policy seminar in Bangladesh, prompting an immediate clarification from the presenter and renewing attention on India's position regarding its territorial boundaries.

The incident occurred during a seminar titled "Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising SAARC", organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka.

Indian Diplomat Raises Objection

During a presentation by former Bangladeshi diplomat Tariq A. Karim, Pooja Kumari Jha, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, interrupted the session after noticing a map that allegedly portrayed Jammu and Kashmir incorrectly.

Objecting to the visual, Jha said the map was inaccurate and asserted that "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India."

The intervention briefly halted the presentation as she requested that the issue be placed on record.

Presenter Responds

Responding to the objection, Tariq A. Karim said the map had been used only for "representational purposes" and was not intended to depict official international boundaries.

Jha reiterated India's position, stating that Jammu and Kashmir had been misrepresented and that she wanted to formally register India's objection.

After learning that she was representing the Indian High Commission, Karim acknowledged the concern, saying, "Point noted," before resuming his presentation.

Video Circulates on Social Media

A video of the exchange has since circulated widely on social media, where many users praised the diplomat for immediately challenging the depiction of India's territorial boundaries.

The incident has generated discussions online regarding the use of maps at international conferences and the sensitivity surrounding territorial representations.

India's Consistent Position

India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of the country and has frequently objected to maps or references that contradict its official position.

The latest incident adds to a series of diplomatic interventions by Indian representatives at international forums whenever India's territorial boundaries have been portrayed differently.

Earlier this year, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, exercised New Delhi's Right of Reply during a debate at the UN General Assembly after Pakistan referred to Jammu and Kashmir. During his remarks, Harish reiterated India's long-standing position and criticised what he described as misleading narratives on the issue.

Earlier Nepal Airlines Controversy

The Dhaka seminar comes months after Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) faced criticism for publishing promotional material that incorrectly depicted the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The graphic sparked widespread backlash on social media, with the hashtag #BoycottNepalAirlines gaining traction among Indian users.

Following the controversy, the airline withdrew the promotional material and issued a public apology.

The latest episode in Bangladesh highlights the continued diplomatic sensitivity surrounding maps and territorial representations, with India maintaining that any depiction inconsistent with its official boundaries is unacceptable and warrants immediate correction.

Dhaka Pays Last Tribute to Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh today witnessed an emotional farewell to its first woman Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief, Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. Her mortal remains were laid to rest beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at the National Parliament Complex in Dhaka’s Manik Mia Avenue.

The day began with thousands of supporters, party loyalists, and political dignitaries gathering in the capital to pay their final respects. Amid tight security arrangements, the national flag flew at half-mast on all government buildings as the nation observed the first of three days of state mourning.

Jaishankar Represents India at State Funeral

Representing India, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning to attend the funeral. He handed over a condolence message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Khaleda Zia’s son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, expressing India’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in their time of loss.

While addressing Bangladeshi media, Jaishankar said, “Khaleda Zia’s leadership, courage, and her contribution to Bangladesh’s democracy will be remembered for generations. Her vision and values will continue to guide regional cooperation and development.”

Apart from India, senior officials from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan also attended the state funeral, highlighting Zia’s stature as a key political figure in South Asian politics.

A Nation in Mourning

Thousands of mourners poured onto Manik Mia Avenue, turning the funeral into a moment of unity amid political divides. The funeral prayers (janaza) were led by the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan oversaw the proceedings.

Dignitaries including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, and senior officials of the interim government were also in attendance.
Many supporters, carrying flowers and banners with her image, chanted slogans of grief and remembrance as the funeral convoy made its way from Evercare Hospital to the Parliament Complex.

Political Legacy and Contributions

Khaleda Zia served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh twice—from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006—leaving behind a significant legacy in governance and economic reforms. She led the country’s transition to a parliamentary democracy after years of military rule and worked to strengthen the identity of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

During her tenure, she introduced major economic reforms, including trade liberalization, tax reforms, and efforts to expand women’s participation in the workforce. Despite years of political controversies and health struggles, Khaleda Zia remained a symbol of resilience in Bangladeshi politics.

Final Rest Beside Her Husband

As per family wishes, Khaleda Zia was buried beside her husband Ziaur Rahman, a national hero and founder of the BNP. Her final journey from Gulshan to Manik Mia Avenue drew an outpouring of emotions across the country.

With her passing, Bangladesh bids farewell to one of its most influential and polarizing leaders, marking the end of an era in the nation’s political history.

Bangladesh plunges into crisis as the death of opposition leader Osman Hadi triggers violent protests in Dhaka, arson attacks on major newspapers, and widespread political unrest.

The political crisis in Bangladesh has escalated into violent unrest following the death of a key opposition figure, casting a shadow over the nation's fragile transition to democracy just weeks before critical elections.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a 32-year-old student leader and prominent voice in the 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, died on December 19 from injuries sustained in a shooting a week prior. His death has ignited fury among his supporters, leading to a night of arson, attacks on media houses, and violent protests across Dhaka.

Media Under Attack: Journalists Trapped in Burning Buildings

The violence took a severe turn as protesters targeted the offices of two of the country's largest and most respected newspapers, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.

· Trapped Staff: Dozens of journalists were trapped for hours inside the Daily Star building after a mob set the lower floors ablaze. Staff reported "gasping for air" as smoke filled the building, with one journalist pleading for help on social media.

· Rescue and Aftermath: Firefighters struggled to reach the building as the crowd blocked their path. At least 25 journalists were ultimately rescued from the rooftop. The attacks have forced The Daily Star to halt its print edition for the first time in 35 years, dealing a major blow to independent journalism in the country.

A Nation on Edge Ahead of Crucial Elections

Hadi’s death and the subsequent chaos strike at a critical juncture for Bangladesh. The nation is scheduled to hold its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising on February 12, 2026.

· Political Tensions: Hadi was an outspoken critic of India and was planning to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming vote. His assassination is widely seen as an attempt to destabilize the electoral process.

· Government Response: The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, condemned the violence and declared a day of national mourning. Authorities have launched a manhunt, offering a reward for the arrest of the shooters.

International Concern and Communal Violence

The unrest has drawn sharp international concern and taken a disturbing communal turn.

· Global Reaction: The UN human rights chief called for a swift and impartial investigation into Hadi's killing. China expressed hope for "safe, stable and smooth elections," while Indian authorities have heightened security around diplomatic missions in Bangladesh.

· Targeted Communal Attack: In a separate incident reported from the Bhaluka area, a Hindu youth named Deepu Chandra Das was allegedly beaten to death by a mob. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi described the murder as "extremely disturbing" and called on the Indian government to raise the issue of minority safety with Dhaka.

As the body of Sharif Osman Hadi returns to a nation in turmoil, Bangladesh faces a profound test. The interim government's ability to deliver justice, ensure security, and guide the country to peaceful elections will determine whether this violent chapter derails the democratic aspirations of millions.