BNP delegation meets Chinese VP in first post-govt visit
BEIJING, April 21: A delegation of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, marking the first political contact between Bangladesh and China since the new government took office in Dhaka. Han Zheng highlighted the “deep ties” between the two “friendly neighbours” and called for stronger cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic partnership. He also expressed the Chinese Communist Party’s willingness to expand ties with the BNP. Alamgir described China as a trusted friend and said Bangladesh would adhere to the One-China policy while seeking deeper cooperation and stronger bilateral relations. The visit comes amid shifting regional alignments following political changes in Dhaka. China’s engagement with the BNP is being closely watched in the region, especially after the previous interim government’s closer tilt toward Beijing and Islamabad and strained ties with India. (PTI)
False confession alleged in Kabul airport bombing trial
ALEXANDRIA, April 21: US prosecutors have opened the trial of Afghan national Mohammad Sharifullah in Virginia, accusing him of helping facilitate the 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul’s Abbey Gate that killed nearly 200 people, including 13 US troops, during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Sharifullah is charged with providing material support to ISIS-K, which the FBI says carried out the attack. Prosecutors allege he scouted the bomber’s route and had links to the militant group, including prior involvement in other ISIS-K activities. They also cite statements he allegedly made expressing hostility toward US forces. His defense attorney, however, claims the US “got the wrong man,” arguing Sharifullah gave a false confession under duress while in Pakistani custody and had no role in planning the bombing. The defense also suggested possible Taliban involvement and called the case flawed. The bombing, one of the deadliest moments of the Afghanistan withdrawal, continues to spark political debate in the US. (PTI)
Myanmar junta seeks renewed dialogue with armed groups
BANGKOK, April 21: Myanmar’s military-backed President Min Aung Hlaing has invited armed resistance groups and ethnic armed organisations to new peace talks, state media reported, marking his first such call since taking office on April 10. He proposed holding negotiations by July 31 as part of a 100-day program prioritising peace, stability, and development. The initiative comes amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil war following the 2021 military coup that triggered widespread armed resistance. However, opposition groups rejected the proposal, accusing the military of insincerity and saying they will continue their armed struggle for democracy and against military rule. (AP)
