US raises human rights concerns with Bangladesh's interim government
Dhaka: The United States has addressed human rights concerns with Bangladesh's interim government, amid ongoing tensions with India over attacks on minorities. In a phone conversation on Monday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus discussed the protection of human rights, though the official accounts of the discussion varied significantly.
The White House released a statement asserting that both leaders expressed their commitment to safeguarding human rights for all individuals, regardless of religion. However, Bangladesh's version of the discussion made no mention of human rights, instead describing the conversation as centred on "mutual interests."
A diplomatic source indicated that minority-related issues were broadly discussed during the talks. Sullivan reaffirmed the US's support for a stable, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh and commended Yunus's leadership.
The divergence in narratives has drawn attention, with the US highlighting human rights while Dhaka appeared to downplay the subject. This comes against the backdrop of Dhaka frequently dismissing reports of minority attacks as "media exaggeration."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Snowfall blocks two key roads providing alternative connectivity to Kashmir
Rajouri/Jammu (PTI): Traffic on the Mughal and Sinthan Top roads, which provide alternate connectivity to Kashmir, was temporarily suspended on Sunday due to light to moderate snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
However, traffic on the 270-kilometre Jammu-Srinagar national highway -- the only all weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country -- was plying as usual despite intermittent rains that ended the over one-and-a-half months long dry spell, they said.
ALSO READ: India overpowered by Minhas' big hundred and pacers as Pakistan clinch U19 Asia Cup
The Mughal road, which connects the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri with south Kashmir's Shopian, was closed for traffic as a precautionary measure after more than three inches of snow was recorded at Peer Ki Gali on Sunday afternoon.
A group of three tea vendors are left stranded on the road and efforts are on to evacuate them to safety, officials said.
After they were trapped in the snow, the vendors made passionate appeals through video messages urging the authorities to rescue them. The Border Roads Organisation has taken up snow clearance work and is trying to reach the stranded persons, officials said.
The Sinthan Top road, which connects Kishtwar and Doda districts in Jammu with south Kashmir's Anantnag, was also closed after moderate snowfall in the higher reaches.
Both the mountainous roads usually remain closed for several months due to heavy snowfall during winter.
