Bangladesh: Controversial history, extremism keeps Jamaat away

IANS | February 14, 2026 9:05 PM

Dhaka, Feb 14 (IANS) Despite emerging as the second-largest political force in the recently concluded Bangladesh's 13th Parliamentary election, Jamaat-e-Islami failed to convert its numerical presence into meaningful political success. The paradox extends beyond contemporary electoral dynamics rooted in the party's historical choices, ideological rigidity, and its controversial role during some of the “most traumatic chapters” of South Asian Muslim history, a report said on Saturday.

Rajnath Singh to be chief guest at Sadhguru's 33rd Isha Mahashivratri celebrations

IANS | February 12, 2026 7:12 PM

Coimbatore, Feb 12 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest at Sadhguru's 33rd Isha Mahashivratri celebrations here on February 15, which will also be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan, a statement said on Thursday.

Bangladesh: BNP and Jamaat trade religious slurs ahead of election

IANS | February 11, 2026 9:00 PM

Dhaka, Feb 11 (IANS) With Bangladesh heading for polls on Thursday, election rules strictly prohibit exploiting religious sentiments for gaining electoral advantage, yet the parties and candidates from across the political spectrum ran paid ads and unpaid social media content portraying the rival camps as “bad Muslims,” local media reported on Wednesday.