Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be available for the second Test against South Africa, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Minhajul Abedin confirmed on Friday. 
 
The 35-year old was forced to return home from South Africa after the third ODI due to a family emergency. However, BCB was hopeful that the cricketer would be available for the series-concluding second Test against South Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-zaheer-khan-provides-update-on-suryakumar-yadavs-availability-for-mumbai-indians-467457" hreflang="en">Zaheer Khan provides update on Suryakumar Yadav's availability for MI</a> 
 
Shakib is understood to be flying over to the USA on Friday. 
 
"He (Shakib) is not available for the second Test against South Africa. He informed us that he will be going to the USA as he needs to set up his family there," Minhajul Abedin told Cricbuzz. 
 
Earlier, Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal had praised Shakib for staying on with the team despite having a family emergency, after the historic ODI series win versus South Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-bcci-likely-to-go-ahead-with-50-percent-capacity-in-stadiums-from-next-week-467470" hreflang="en">IPL 2022: BCCI likely to go ahead with 50 percent capacity from next week</a> 
 
"It takes a very big heart to endure what Shakib is going through. Not many people could have done it. There would be nothing wrong to want to be with one`s family in such a situation," said Tamim. 
 
"For me, his performance wasn`t important. But the dedication that he showed was the most important thing. Four or five members of his family are in the hospital. He is still playing and smiling with the team. It takes a big heart," he added.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be available for the second Test against South Africa, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Minhajul Abedin confirmed on Friday.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be available for the second Test against South Africa, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Minhajul Abedin confirmed on Friday. The 35-year old was forced to return home from South Africa after the third ODI due to a family emergency. However, BCB was hopeful that the cricketer would be available for the series-concluding second Test against South Africa. Also read | Zaheer Khan provides update on Suryakumar Yadav's availability for MI Shakib is understood to be flying over to the USA on Friday. "He (Shakib) is not available for the second Test against South Africa. He informed us that he will be going to the USA as he needs to set up his family there," Minhajul Abedin told Cricbuzz. Earlier, Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal had praised Shakib for staying on with the team despite having a family emergency, after the historic ODI series win versus South Africa. Also read | IPL 2022: BCCI likely to go ahead with 50 percent capacity from next week "It takes a very big heart to endure what Shakib is going through. Not many people could have done it. There would be nothing wrong to want to be with one`s family in such a situation," said Tamim. "For me, his performance wasn`t important. But the dedication that he showed was the most important thing. Four or five members of his family are in the hospital. He is still playing and smiling with the team. It takes a big heart," he added.

Shakib Al Hasan to miss second Test against South Africa, confirms BCB chief selector

According to the World Bank, more than 19 million people are expected to become internal climate refugees by 2050 in Bangladesh. A small town in southwestern Bangladesh is now offering a new life to thousands of climate migrants.

World Bank: Bangladesh to have over 19 mn climate refugees by 2050

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that Pakistan should be ashamed for not seeking an apology for the genocide they committed in 1971.

Replying to the reporter at Foreign Service Academy on Saturday, Momen said, "It's unfortunate. We always say that Pakistanis should be ashamed. Pakistani military at that time committed heinous crimes and genocide. Even reports from the Pakistan government also said they resorted to excessive torture and violated human rights," according to Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-targets-opposition-in-show-of-strength-rally-in-islamabad-466074">&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan targets opposition in show-of-strength rally in Islamabad</a>

Momen further said that the Pakistan government should punish those people who were responsible for the genocide and seek an apology from Bangladesh.

"I believe, the younger generation of Pakistan would come forward to seek an apology. Such wrongdoings can recur if Pakistan cannot understand (the importance of seeking apology)," Momen was saying as quoted by Prothom Alo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-confidence-vote-against-imran-khan-government-on-april-4-sources-465974">No-confidence vote against Imran Khan government on April 4: Sources</a>

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has urged the US and the international community to recognize the 1971 genocide of Bangladeshis by Pakistan and take immediate action against it.

In a virtual press conference, the HRCBM called for immediate steps to bring to trial the 195 current and former members of the Pakistan Army, who were recorded as being responsible for the genocide.

On March 25, 1971, Pakistan Army launched 'Operation Searchlight', wherein a planned military operation was carried out by the Pakistani Army and its military deliberately harmed hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi citizens.

Rights group says the horrors of 1971 are considered one of the worst mass atrocities in history.

The damage they inflicted can be described in the following numbers. As many as three million people were believed to have been killed, up to 200,000 women were violated and over 10 million people were forced to cross the border to India to seek shelter.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that Pakistan should be ashamed for not seeking an apology for the genocide they committed in 1971. Replying to the reporter at Foreign Service Academy on Saturday, Momen said, "It's unfortunate.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that Pakistan should be ashamed for not seeking an apology for the genocide they committed in 1971. Replying to the reporter at Foreign Service Academy on Saturday, Momen said, "It's unfortunate. We always say that Pakistanis should be ashamed. Pakistani military at that time committed heinous crimes and genocide. Even reports from the Pakistan government also said they resorted to excessive torture and violated human rights," according to Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo. Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan targets opposition in show-of-strength rally in Islamabad Momen further said that the Pakistan government should punish those people who were responsible for the genocide and seek an apology from Bangladesh. "I believe, the younger generation of Pakistan would come forward to seek an apology. Such wrongdoings can recur if Pakistan cannot understand (the importance of seeking apology)," Momen was saying as quoted by Prothom Alo. Also read | No-confidence vote against Imran Khan government on April 4: Sources Meanwhile, on Thursday, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has urged the US and the international community to recognize the 1971 genocide of Bangladeshis by Pakistan and take immediate action against it. In a virtual press conference, the HRCBM called for immediate steps to bring to trial the 195 current and former members of the Pakistan Army, who were recorded as being responsible for the genocide. On March 25, 1971, Pakistan Army launched 'Operation Searchlight', wherein a planned military operation was carried out by the Pakistani Army and its military deliberately harmed hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi citizens. Rights group says the horrors of 1971 are considered one of the worst mass atrocities in history. The damage they inflicted can be described in the following numbers. As many as three million people were believed to have been killed, up to 200,000 women were violated and over 10 million people were forced to cross the border to India to seek shelter.

Bangladesh foreign minister says Pakistan should apologise for genocide in 1971

The war in Ukraine has triggered a food crisis in Bangladesh. Traders are hoarding essential commodities to drive up prices. The Bangladesh government has responded by announcing a nationwide ration scheme. Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary: Ukraine war triggers food crisis in Bangladesh

Saying she saw with her own eyes her two daughters killed by the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military, Rahima Khatun is hopeful the US designation of the 2017 onslaught against the&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;as "genocide" will bring some justice.

The girls, thrown into a burning house as their village was razed to the ground, were among thousands of victims of a brutal crackdown against&nbsp;Myanmar's long-marginalised Muslim minority.

Myanmar's junta denies the allegations and the case is currently being heard at the United Nations' highest court at The Hague, but the US declaration has provided hope for justice among many&nbsp;Rohingya.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-junta-categorically-rejects-us-allegation-of-rohingya-genocide-464692">Myanmar military junta 'categorically rejects' US allegation of Rohingya genocide</a>

"The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military slaughtered and raped women. One day they came and threw our children alive into the fire. My two daughters were among them," said Khatun, 52, tears rolling down her cheeks at a refugee camp in&nbsp;Bangladesh.

The crackdown prompted an exodus of about 740,000 people into&nbsp;Bangladesh, joining more than 100,000 others who had fled earlier waves of violence.

They live in a vast network of squalid camps made up of bamboo shacks, refusing to return home until&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;ensures the rights of the&nbsp;Rohingya.

Washington said this week there was clear evidence of an attempt at the "destruction" of the minority group.

Community leaders in the camps, activists and victims told AFP that the US move would bring&nbsp;Myanmar's military to account and -- perhaps -- allow them to go back and rebuild their villages and lives across the border.

"We have been waiting for a long time for this day. The US is the world's most powerful nation. Their&nbsp;decision&nbsp;will reverberate across the world. Maybe we'll get justice soon," local leader Sayed Ullah told AFP.

Ullah, 33, who heads a&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;rights group in the camps, also lost several relatives and dozens of fellow villagers during the 2017 offensive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-armenia-to-myanmar-accusations-of-genocide-in-the-past-464634">From Armenia to Myanmar: Accusations of genocide in the past</a>

Young&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;activist Sawyeddollah, 23, said news of the US&nbsp;decision&nbsp;spread like wildfire through the settlements, with people sharing video of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's speech&nbsp;on&nbsp;cellphones.

"I hope the Biden administration will create a quick tribunal to go for action to implement their&nbsp;decision," Sawyeddollah said.

"America didn't say anything all these years. But yesterday's&nbsp;decision&nbsp;made all of us very happy," said Robi Ullah, 45, another refugee.

Siraj Ullah, 65, said he offered prayers to God to express gratitude to the United States.&nbsp;

"I hope they (the US) can ensure our repatriation as early as possible. If we get all of our rights back we are agreed to go back to our homeland instantly," Ullah told AFP.

No genocidal intent

Myanmar's junta&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday said it "categorically rejects" the US declaration.

"Myanmar&nbsp;has never engaged in any genocidal actions and does not have any genocidal intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, racial or religious group or any other group," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-determines-myanmar-army-committed-genocide-against-rohingya-464174">United States determines Myanmar army committed genocide against Rohingya</a>

Bangladesh, which has borne the brunt of sheltering the refugees, called the US&nbsp;decision&nbsp;overdue but still "good news", and said it would strengthen the case against&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;at the International Court of Justice.

"I believe, hopefully after the statement of the US Secretary of State, they (Washington) will also put more pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;government so that they take back their people as they have already promised,"&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen said.

He added however that&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;was continuing to stall repatriation efforts, most recently by issuing a list of 700&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;who could return which he said was "defective" and likely to be rejected by the&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;community.

"The way the list is prepared, it feels like it lacks goodwill and smacks of ulterior motives," he said.

Mohammad Zafar, another&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;community leader in Kutupalong, the biggest of the refugee camps -- and the largest in the world -- played down the prospect of returning home any time soon.

"I highly doubt whether it will bring any change to our fate. We are literally stranded in a foreign land for years, barely surviving," he said.

"The damage has been done to us. Nothing can compensate unless there are visible actions," Zafar told AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya, says US. But what is genocide?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-committed-genocide-against-rohingya-says-us-but-what-is-genocide-464662/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Saying she saw with her own eyes her two daughters killed by the Myanmar military, Rahima Khatun is hopeful the US designation of the 2017 onslaught against the Rohingya as "genocide" will bring some justice.

Saying she saw with her own eyes her two daughters killed by the Myanmar military, Rahima Khatun is hopeful the US designation of the 2017 onslaught against the Rohingya as "genocide" will bring some justice. The girls, thrown into a burning house as their village was razed to the ground, were among thousands of victims of a brutal crackdown against Myanmar's long-marginalised Muslim minority. Myanmar's junta denies the allegations and the case is currently being heard at the United Nations' highest court at The Hague, but the US declaration has provided hope for justice among many Rohingya. Also read | Myanmar military junta 'categorically rejects' US allegation of Rohingya genocide "The Myanmar military slaughtered and raped women. One day they came and threw our children alive into the fire. My two daughters were among them," said Khatun, 52, tears rolling down her cheeks at a refugee camp in Bangladesh. The crackdown prompted an exodus of about 740,000 people into Bangladesh, joining more than 100,000 others who had fled earlier waves of violence. They live in a vast network of squalid camps made up of bamboo shacks, refusing to return home until Myanmar ensures the rights of the Rohingya. Washington said this week there was clear evidence of an attempt at the "destruction" of the minority group. Community leaders in the camps, activists and victims told AFP that the US move would bring Myanmar's military to account and -- perhaps -- allow them to go back and rebuild their villages and lives across the border. "We have been waiting for a long time for this day. The US is the world's most powerful nation. Their decision will reverberate across the world. Maybe we'll get justice soon," local leader Sayed Ullah told AFP. Ullah, 33, who heads a Rohingya rights group in the camps, also lost several relatives and dozens of fellow villagers during the 2017 offensive. Also read | From Armenia to Myanmar: Accusations of genocide in the past Young Rohingya activist Sawyeddollah, 23, said news of the US decision spread like wildfire through the settlements, with people sharing video of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's speech on cellphones. "I hope the Biden administration will create a quick tribunal to go for action to implement their decision," Sawyeddollah said. "America didn't say anything all these years. But yesterday's decision made all of us very happy," said Robi Ullah, 45, another refugee. Siraj Ullah, 65, said he offered prayers to God to express gratitude to the United States. "I hope they (the US) can ensure our repatriation as early as possible. If we get all of our rights back we are agreed to go back to our homeland instantly," Ullah told AFP. No genocidal intent Myanmar's junta on Tuesday said it "categorically rejects" the US declaration. "Myanmar has never engaged in any genocidal actions and does not have any genocidal intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, racial or religious group or any other group," it said. Also read | United States determines Myanmar army committed genocide against Rohingya Bangladesh, which has borne the brunt of sheltering the refugees, called the US decision overdue but still "good news", and said it would strengthen the case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. "I believe, hopefully after the statement of the US Secretary of State, they (Washington) will also put more pressure on the Myanmar government so that they take back their people as they have already promised," Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen said. He added however that Myanmar was continuing to stall repatriation efforts, most recently by issuing a list of 700 Rohingya who could return which he said was "defective" and likely to be rejected by the Rohingya community. "The way the list is prepared, it feels like it lacks goodwill and smacks of ulterior motives," he said. Mohammad Zafar, another Rohingya community leader in Kutupalong, the biggest of the refugee camps -- and the largest in the world -- played down the prospect of returning home any time soon. "I highly doubt whether it will bring any change to our fate. We are literally stranded in a foreign land for years, barely surviving," he said. "The damage has been done to us. Nothing can compensate unless there are visible actions," Zafar told AFP. Watch | Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya, says US. But what is genocide?

Rohingya in Bangladesh cheer US decision on Myanmar 'genocide'

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived on Tuesday in Dhaka on a two-day visit to Bangladesh. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen received Prince Faisal at Shahjalal International Airport.

Saudi Foreign Minister arrives in Bangladesh

Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of&nbsp;rape&nbsp;victims in criminal&nbsp;cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors.

Experts say the country's Evidence Act, a 19th-century relic of the British colonial era, has been routinely used to discredit the testimony of victims during court cross-examinations and police investigations.

Women activists have spent more than a decade demanding the law be amended and last year a coalition of rights groups petitioned Bangladesh's top court for its repeal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eam-s-jaishankar-meets-counterparts-from-bangladesh-south-korea-czech-republic-and-eu-in-paris-455276">EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, Czech Republic and EU in Paris</a>

Justice Minister Anisul Huq told AFP that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet resolved to remove the character evidence provisions from the law.

He said the law currently allows those accused of&nbsp;rape&nbsp;to "ask questions as to the immoral character of the victim" but this would be banned, with parliament expected to formalise the decision by June.

"This is another step towards empowerment of women," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-have-stopped-bangladesh-killings-rights-activists-452729">US sanctions have stopped Bangladesh killings: Rights activists</a>

Prominent activist Nina Goswami of the local Ain o Salish Kendra rights group hailed the move as a "remarkable achievement".

She said character evidence had hindered justice for decades, with many survivors deciding not to seek charges against their attackers out of fear of social humiliation.

"This will now stop," she said.

Last year the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) said character evidence had been used to cast doubt on victim testimony, making it difficult to secure guilty verdicts.

Watch |&nbsp;Ground report from Bangladesh: Authorities struggle to ensure proper healthcare at Rohingya camps

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ground-report-from-bangladesh-authorities-struggle-to-ensure-proper-healthcare-at-rohingya-camps-453230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rights groups have said the number of rapes has increased alarmingly in recent years, blaming legal loopholes and a culture of impunity for violence against women.

National anger over the issue has boiled over into sustained public protests, as in 2020 when members of the student wing of Hasina's party were arrested and charged in a gang-rape&nbsp;case that outraged the public.

Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of rape victims in criminal cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors.

Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of rape victims in criminal cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors. Experts say the country's Evidence Act, a 19th-century relic of the British colonial era, has been routinely used to discredit the testimony of victims during court cross-examinations and police investigations. Women activists have spent more than a decade demanding the law be amended and last year a coalition of rights groups petitioned Bangladesh's top court for its repeal. Also read | EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, Czech Republic and EU in Paris Justice Minister Anisul Huq told AFP that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet resolved to remove the character evidence provisions from the law. He said the law currently allows those accused of rape to "ask questions as to the immoral character of the victim" but this would be banned, with parliament expected to formalise the decision by June. "This is another step towards empowerment of women," he said. Also read | US sanctions have stopped Bangladesh killings: Rights activists Prominent activist Nina Goswami of the local Ain o Salish Kendra rights group hailed the move as a "remarkable achievement". She said character evidence had hindered justice for decades, with many survivors deciding not to seek charges against their attackers out of fear of social humiliation. "This will now stop," she said. Last year the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) said character evidence had been used to cast doubt on victim testimony, making it difficult to secure guilty verdicts. Watch | Ground report from Bangladesh: Authorities struggle to ensure proper healthcare at Rohingya camps Rights groups have said the number of rapes has increased alarmingly in recent years, blaming legal loopholes and a culture of impunity for violence against women. National anger over the issue has boiled over into sustained public protests, as in 2020 when members of the student wing of Hasina's party were arrested and charged in a gang-rape case that outraged the public.

Bangladesh to ban 'immoral character' evidence in rape cases

Asserting that railway linking will help in the "rapid shrinking of South Asia's geography", India’s foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla announced that India will soon be connected with Nepal with two railway links while Bangladesh will be linked with six rail links.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Training Module on India’s Neighbourhood at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, the foreign secretary emphasised on the role of connectivity in the region.

“Improved connectivity means greater people-to-people contact and greater goodwill", Shringla said, adding, "Travel between India and three of its neighbours – Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives – does not require visas. Our diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and Yangon report an increasing trend in the number of visas being issued.”

Currently, India and Nepal are working on railway service between Kurtha-Jayanagar. The test run for the railway service between India's Jayanagar and Nepal's Kurtha has already been conducted.

Apart from that, Indian Railway's Konkan Railway Corporation Limited is helping Nepal Railways in the establishment of the service that will help people from both sides of the border.

As far as India and Bangladesh are concerned, five pre-1965 railway links have been revived. These include Petrapole (India) - Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) - Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India) Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India) - Birol (Bangladesh) with Haldibari-Chilahati forming the 5th such link.

On electric grid connectivity, Shringla said, "Indian grid is connected to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh through high-capacity connections. Trans-national movement of electricity in the neighbourhood is a reality."

India supplies around 1160 MW of power to Bangladesh, about 700 MW to Nepal, and imports 1.8 GW from Bhutan.

Apart from this, India has been able to create 2100 MW of hydropower capacity in Bhutan and is constructing the 1320 MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh.

The top Indian diplomat pointed out that India's "neighbourhood first policy" requires "us to be proactive in augmenting cooperation with our neighbours in capacity-building and in the implementation of projects”.

India's Line of Credit to its neighbours have jumped from US$ 3.27 billion in 2014 to US$ 14.7 billion in 2020.

On India-China ties, he said, "We have made it clear to China that peace and tranquillity in the border are essential for the development of our relationship and development of India-China relationship has to be based on three mutuals- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest."

His remark on China comes just days ahead of the 15th round of military talks between India and China that is scheduled to take place on Friday.

It is expected that resolution on PP15 friction point will be the key focus of this round of talks.

Asserting that railway linking will help in the "rapid shrinking of South Asia's geography", India’s foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla announced that India will soon be connected with Nepal with two railway links while Bangladesh will be linked with six rail links.

Asserting that railway linking will help in the "rapid shrinking of South Asia's geography", India’s foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla announced that India will soon be connected with Nepal with two railway links while Bangladesh will be linked with six rail links. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Training Module on India’s Neighbourhood at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, the foreign secretary emphasised on the role of connectivity in the region. “Improved connectivity means greater people-to-people contact and greater goodwill", Shringla said, adding, "Travel between India and three of its neighbours – Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives – does not require visas. Our diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and Yangon report an increasing trend in the number of visas being issued.” Currently, India and Nepal are working on railway service between Kurtha-Jayanagar. The test run for the railway service between India's Jayanagar and Nepal's Kurtha has already been conducted. Apart from that, Indian Railway's Konkan Railway Corporation Limited is helping Nepal Railways in the establishment of the service that will help people from both sides of the border. As far as India and Bangladesh are concerned, five pre-1965 railway links have been revived. These include Petrapole (India) - Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) - Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India) Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India) - Birol (Bangladesh) with Haldibari-Chilahati forming the 5th such link. On electric grid connectivity, Shringla said, "Indian grid is connected to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh through high-capacity connections. Trans-national movement of electricity in the neighbourhood is a reality." India supplies around 1160 MW of power to Bangladesh, about 700 MW to Nepal, and imports 1.8 GW from Bhutan. Apart from this, India has been able to create 2100 MW of hydropower capacity in Bhutan and is constructing the 1320 MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project in Bangladesh. The top Indian diplomat pointed out that India's "neighbourhood first policy" requires "us to be proactive in augmenting cooperation with our neighbours in capacity-building and in the implementation of projects”. India's Line of Credit to its neighbours have jumped from US$ 3.27 billion in 2014 to US$ 14.7 billion in 2020. On India-China ties, he said, "We have made it clear to China that peace and tranquillity in the border are essential for the development of our relationship and development of India-China relationship has to be based on three mutuals- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest." His remark on China comes just days ahead of the 15th round of military talks between India and China that is scheduled to take place on Friday. It is expected that resolution on PP15 friction point will be the key focus of this round of talks.

India, Nepal will soon be connected by 2 rail links, says foreign secretary Shringla

A boat carrying more than one hundred Rohingya refugees, including dozens of children, landed on the coast of Indonesia's westernmost province Aceh early Sunday, police said.

The vessel, which sailed from a Rohingya camp in Bangladesh, arrived shortly after 3:00 am on a beach in Bireun district.&nbsp;

It was carrying 114 people, including 58 men, 21 women and 35 children aged under 15 years old, police said.&nbsp;

"We will conduct a general health check up and Covid-19 rapid antigen tests for these foreigners," local police chief Mike Hardy Wirapraja told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-be-a-war-crime-ukraine-warns-russia-preparing-to-shell-port-city-odessa-459585">'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa</a>

He said they would later be transferred to neighbouring Lhokseumawe district which has a shelter for refugees.

Police found out about the arrival after some local fishermen reported that a boat filled with Rohingya people had landed on the beach.

The boat appeared to be in good condition and the refugees had sufficient food and supplies during the journey.

"We are originally from Myanmar but we fled to Bangladesh and we started our journey from Bangladesh," one of the refugees, Omar Faruk, told an AFP journalist, adding that the group had been at sea for 25 days.

"We left Bangladesh because the Rohingya situation at the camp is not good, it's getting very bad at the moment," the 11-year-old said in English.

Faruk said he left his mother in Bangladesh and followed his uncle to start a new life, preferably in a Muslim majority country like Indonesia or Malaysia.

"We left Bangladesh to this country to make a beautiful future... I have no father, only one uncle and my mom is still in Bangladesh. I came here because I want to improve my education," he added.

It is the second arrival by the persecuted minority in Muslim-majority Indonesia in the recent months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/saudi-arabia-and-indonesia-clashing-visions-of-moderate-islam-458950">Saudi Arabia and Indonesia: Clashing visions of 'moderate Islam'</a>

More than 100 Rohingya also arrived in Bireun in late December after drifting for days before the Indonesian government eventually allowed them to land and dragged their stricken boat to shore.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar since 2017 after a military crackdown that refugees said included mass killings and rape.&nbsp;

Most live in cramped camps in Bangladesh, where human traffickers run lucrative operations promising to find them sanctuary abroad.

Each year hundreds of Rohingya make perilous, months-long journeys from refugee camps in Bangladesh to Southeast Asia. Relatively affluent Malaysia is usually the favoured destination, but they also end up in Indonesia.

A boat carrying more than one hundred Rohingya refugees, including dozens of children, landed on the coast of Indonesia's westernmost province Aceh early Sunday, police said.

A boat carrying more than one hundred Rohingya refugees, including dozens of children, landed on the coast of Indonesia's westernmost province Aceh early Sunday, police said. The vessel, which sailed from a Rohingya camp in Bangladesh, arrived shortly after 3:00 am on a beach in Bireun district. It was carrying 114 people, including 58 men, 21 women and 35 children aged under 15 years old, police said. "We will conduct a general health check up and Covid-19 rapid antigen tests for these foreigners," local police chief Mike Hardy Wirapraja told AFP. Also read | 'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa He said they would later be transferred to neighbouring Lhokseumawe district which has a shelter for refugees. Police found out about the arrival after some local fishermen reported that a boat filled with Rohingya people had landed on the beach. The boat appeared to be in good condition and the refugees had sufficient food and supplies during the journey. "We are originally from Myanmar but we fled to Bangladesh and we started our journey from Bangladesh," one of the refugees, Omar Faruk, told an AFP journalist, adding that the group had been at sea for 25 days. "We left Bangladesh because the Rohingya situation at the camp is not good, it's getting very bad at the moment," the 11-year-old said in English. Faruk said he left his mother in Bangladesh and followed his uncle to start a new life, preferably in a Muslim majority country like Indonesia or Malaysia. "We left Bangladesh to this country to make a beautiful future... I have no father, only one uncle and my mom is still in Bangladesh. I came here because I want to improve my education," he added. It is the second arrival by the persecuted minority in Muslim-majority Indonesia in the recent months. Also read | Saudi Arabia and Indonesia: Clashing visions of 'moderate Islam' More than 100 Rohingya also arrived in Bireun in late December after drifting for days before the Indonesian government eventually allowed them to land and dragged their stricken boat to shore. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar since 2017 after a military crackdown that refugees said included mass killings and rape. Most live in cramped camps in Bangladesh, where human traffickers run lucrative operations promising to find them sanctuary abroad. Each year hundreds of Rohingya make perilous, months-long journeys from refugee camps in Bangladesh to Southeast Asia. Relatively affluent Malaysia is usually the favoured destination, but they also end up in Indonesia.

Rohingya boat with dozens of children lands in Indonesia's Aceh

&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met his counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, the Czech Republic and the European Union in Paris, discussing issues of mutual interest and ways to step up bilateral engagement.

Jaishankar, who arrived here from Germany on Sunday on a three-day visit to France, has held a series of meetings with his counterparts from other Indo-Pacific countries participating in the EU Indo-Pacific Forum. Jaishankar met his Bangladeshi counterpart, Dr AK Abdul Momen.

"Good meeting with Bangladesh FM Dr AK Abdul Momen. Appropriate that it should be on International Mother Language Day. Noted that 2021 was a great year for the relationship. Committed to taking it to an even higher level in 2022," he tweeted after the meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-begins-3-day-visit-to-france-to-attend-eu-ministerial-forum-for-cooperation-in-indo-pacific-454895">S. Jaishankar begins 3-day visit to France to attend EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in Indo-Pacific</a>

On Monday, he met Chung Eui-yong, his South Korean counterpart. "Met with FM Chung Eui-yong of the Republic of Korea. Agreed to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Facilitating ease of travel is a shared priority. Also discussed regional issues of common concern," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Jaishankar also met his Czech counterpart.

"Nice meeting with FM (Foreign Minister) Jan Lipavsky of the Czech Republic. Engaged him on EU related issues as part of the Trio. Appreciate his commitment to facilitating an expanded relationship," Jaishankar tweeted, along with a photograph after the meeting.

After his meeting with EU Commissioner for International Relationships Jutta Urpilainen, Jaishankar tweeted, "A warm interaction with EU Commissioner for International relationships Jutta Urpilainen.

"A positive discussion on working together in Africa, enhancing green partnerships and on promoting connectivity. India-EU cooperation is advancing across many fronts," Jaishankar wrote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-border-will-define-relations-with-china-says-indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-454677">'State of border will define relations with China', says India's foreign minister Jaishankar</a>

Earlier on Monday, the External Affairs Minister met French Defence Minister Florence Parly. "Pleasure to meet Defence Minister @florence_parly. As trusted strategic partners, discussed contemporary developments. Convergence in our outlook and interests was visible. Affirmed our commitment to cooperate on new and emerging security challenges, he tweeted after the meeting.

Jaishankar arrived in Paris on a day when French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a marathon telephonic conversation to defuse the crisis in Ukraine amid apprehension of a Russian invasion of the eastern European nation.

On Sunday, Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian during which they discussed key regional and global issues, particularly the India-EU relationship, and exchanged perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear deal and the Ukraine crisis.&nbsp;

Jaishankar and Drian also reiterated their shared commitment to the principles of multilateralism and a rules-based order, and agreed to coordinate in the UN Security Council on issues of mutual concern.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Indian EAM S Jaishankar on a 3-day visit to France to attend EU forum on Indo-Pacific

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-eam-s-jaishankar-on-a-3-day-visit-to-france-to-attend-eu-forum-on-indo-pacific-455127/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met his counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, the Czech Republic and the European Union in Paris, discussing issues of mutual interest and ways to step up bilateral engagement.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met his counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, the Czech Republic and the European Union in Paris, discussing issues of mutual interest and ways to step up bilateral engagement. Jaishankar, who arrived here from Germany on Sunday on a three-day visit to France, has held a series of meetings with his counterparts from other Indo-Pacific countries participating in the EU Indo-Pacific Forum. Jaishankar met his Bangladeshi counterpart, Dr AK Abdul Momen. "Good meeting with Bangladesh FM Dr AK Abdul Momen. Appropriate that it should be on International Mother Language Day. Noted that 2021 was a great year for the relationship. Committed to taking it to an even higher level in 2022," he tweeted after the meeting. Also read | S. Jaishankar begins 3-day visit to France to attend EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in Indo-Pacific On Monday, he met Chung Eui-yong, his South Korean counterpart. "Met with FM Chung Eui-yong of the Republic of Korea. Agreed to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Facilitating ease of travel is a shared priority. Also discussed regional issues of common concern," Jaishankar said in a tweet. Jaishankar also met his Czech counterpart. "Nice meeting with FM (Foreign Minister) Jan Lipavsky of the Czech Republic. Engaged him on EU related issues as part of the Trio. Appreciate his commitment to facilitating an expanded relationship," Jaishankar tweeted, along with a photograph after the meeting. After his meeting with EU Commissioner for International Relationships Jutta Urpilainen, Jaishankar tweeted, "A warm interaction with EU Commissioner for International relationships Jutta Urpilainen. "A positive discussion on working together in Africa, enhancing green partnerships and on promoting connectivity. India-EU cooperation is advancing across many fronts," Jaishankar wrote. Also read | 'State of border will define relations with China', says India's foreign minister Jaishankar Earlier on Monday, the External Affairs Minister met French Defence Minister Florence Parly. "Pleasure to meet Defence Minister @florence_parly. As trusted strategic partners, discussed contemporary developments. Convergence in our outlook and interests was visible. Affirmed our commitment to cooperate on new and emerging security challenges, he tweeted after the meeting. Jaishankar arrived in Paris on a day when French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a marathon telephonic conversation to defuse the crisis in Ukraine amid apprehension of a Russian invasion of the eastern European nation. On Sunday, Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian during which they discussed key regional and global issues, particularly the India-EU relationship, and exchanged perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear deal and the Ukraine crisis. Jaishankar and Drian also reiterated their shared commitment to the principles of multilateralism and a rules-based order, and agreed to coordinate in the UN Security Council on issues of mutual concern. Watch | Indian EAM S Jaishankar on a 3-day visit to France to attend EU forum on Indo-Pacific

EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, Czech Republic and EU in Paris

International Mother Language Day, which is a national holiday in Bangladesh, is observed worldwide annually on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.

International Mother Language Day, which is a national holiday in Bangladesh, is observed worldwide annually on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. At the 1999 UNESCO General Conference, the idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was approved and it has been marked throughout the world since 2000. The initiative was taken by Bangladesh. This year's theme is - "Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities". The theme aims to discuss the potential role of technology in order to advance multilingual education. ALSO READ | How a Chilean indigenous language vanishes as last native speaker dies "UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others" - UNESCO Linguistic diversity has been threatened languages are disappearing over the course of time. Recently, an indigenous language from South America's extreme south has all but vanished after the death of its last living speaker and guardian of its ancestral culture. UNESCO states that globally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. "Every two weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered," as per the United Nations. Here are some of the facts about Indian mother languages: 1) There are 121 languages in India -The 22 languages specified in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India are given in Part A. -Rest are specified in the Eighth Schedule (numbering 99) are given in Part B. 2) There are 270 mother tongues. -Hindi is the mother language of more than 520 million people and it is one of the most popular languages in India. -Sanskrit is the language of 24,821 people only. -In India, English comes under the category of non-scheduled languages i.e not specified in the eighth schedule. History of International Mother's Day On February 21 in 1952, Pakistan declared Urdu as the national language of the country. A move that didn't go well with the people from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). They came out on the streets to protest against the decision by the Pakistan government. Police used force as they fired on protestors which lead to many deaths and injured. On January 9 in 1998, Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam, Bengalis living in Vancouver, Canada wrote a letter to Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations. In the letter, they asked the UN to save the world's languages from extinction by declaring an International Mother Language Day. The date February 21 was proposed by Rafiq to commemorate the 1952 killings in Dhaka during the Language Movement. In 1999, February 21 was declared International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. In 2022, the US general assembly welcomed the decision. In 2007, the UNGA called upon member states "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world". This year's theme is - "Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities". The theme aims to discuss the potential role of technology in order to advance multilingual education.

History and significance of International Mother Language Day 2022: Some facts about Indian mother languages

Rohingya refugees who have relocated to Bhasan Char Island in Bangladesh are now able to move freely outside the camps. If anyone wants they can go to visit their families or relatives.

Inside the life of Rohingya refugees: Govt aims to relocate one lakh Rohingyas

The government and NGOs are struggling to ensure proper health care for the Rohingya refugees living in Bhasan Char Island, Bangladesh. Watch WION's ground report.

Ground report from Bangladesh: Authorities struggle to ensure proper healthcare at Rohingya camps

From Russia to North Korea to Zimbabwe, the impact of diplomatic&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;has long been questioned. But Bangladeshi&nbsp;activists&nbsp;have no doubts: extrajudicial&nbsp;killings&nbsp;have suddenly&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;since punitive US measures were imposed two months ago, they say.

Around 2,500 Bangladeshis have allegedly been killed by security forces since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009, according to&nbsp;rights&nbsp;group Odhikar, which maintains detailed records, with hundreds more enforced disappearances.

It has tallied nearly 1,200 such deaths in the last four years, or an average of 25 per month.

But since Washington on December 10 imposed sweeping Magnitsky Act&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) elite security force including seven of its top officers,&nbsp;killings&nbsp;have totalled zero, it says.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/australia-to-open-mission-in-maldives-invest-in-bangladesh-452325">Australia to open mission in Maldives; invest in Bangladesh</a>

"I wish this sanction was slapped a lot earlier," said Afroza Islam Akhi, whose brother vanished eight years ago. "A lot of lives would have been saved."

Akhi is now a coordinator for Mayer Daak, which represents hundreds of families of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial&nbsp;killings.

The RAB was set up in 2004 to tackle Marxist insurgents and Islamist extremism as well as curb human trafficking -- goals it pursued mercilessly and officials say effectively.

More recently its targets have largely been alleged criminals and drug dealers, with authorities insisting that deaths have only occurred during exchanges of fire in legitimate law enforcement operations.

But critics say political opponents have also died at the hands of security forces and that gunfights are staged to deny the victims due legal process.

Akhi's brother Sajedul Islam Suman was among at least 18&nbsp;activists&nbsp;with the main opposition&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;Nationalist Party (BNP) allegedly picked up by RAB officers in December 2013 in the run-up to national elections.

"My mother went to the RAB headquarters every day for more than a year as we heard RAB officers detained him," Akhi told AFP. "But he never returned."

&nbsp;'Every bone broken'&nbsp;

Nur Khan Liton, head of&nbsp;Bangladesh's top&nbsp;rights&nbsp;group Ain O Salish Kendra, said the US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;have directly improved the country's&nbsp;rights&nbsp;situation.

"People are happy with it and many have started speaking out," he said.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;activists, almost all victims of extrajudicial&nbsp;killings&nbsp;are detained and then shot dead.

Rita Begum last saw her 14-year-old son Rakib Howlader handcuffed and detained at a police station in old Dhaka in 2018.&nbsp;

The next day her father told her the boy -- accused of peddling drugs -- had been beaten to death and then shot to make it appear he had died in an exchange of fire.

"Every bone in his body was broken and then he was shot," she told AFP. "I didn't get&nbsp;justice."

When she tried to file a complaint, she said, "police came to my house. They held a pistol to my head and made me sign a lot of papers. They even threatened to rape my daughter.&nbsp;

"I want the American&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;to prevail," she added.

"I don't want to see any more mothers losing their children. I don't want anybody else to suffer my fate. I lost my gem of a boy."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-rope-in-jamie-siddons-as-new-batting-coach-452017">Bangladesh rope in Jamie Siddons as new batting coach</a>

'Nervous about the future'&nbsp;

In some cases RAB officers have been prosecuted, with at least 26 people including an RAB commander sentenced to death for seven murders in the central city of Narayanganj in April 2014.

Dhaka and Washington normally have warm relations, co-operating on security issues and with&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;often voting alongside the United States at the United Nations.

The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;include asset freezes and visa bans and were imposed on the RAB and current or former RAB officials, including its ex-head Benazir Ahmed, now the national chief of police.

The move -- at a time when China is pouring investment into one of Asia's poorest countries -- stunned Dhaka, with the foreign secretary summoning the US ambassador to convey "discontent".

But the&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;constitute a "tactical strike" on the understanding between the security forces and ruling party and "put the whole security establishment under renewed international scrutiny", said Sydney-based&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;researcher Mubashar Hasan.

They have also raised anxiety among Bangladeshi officials for whom the West is a popular retirement and training destination, he added.

He pointed out that the Biden administration has begun to target businesses connected to governments that it says suppress&nbsp;human rights, such as China.

"Many Bangladeshi businessmen tied with the ruling party are nervous about the future," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;The Rohingya in Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island get access to education

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-rohingya-in-bangladeshs-bhasan-char-island-get-access-to-education-451353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There was no response to repeated requests by AFP to the RAB and the national police for comment.

Dhaka denies its officers are involved in extrajudicial&nbsp;killings&nbsp;or enforced disappearances.

But Shahab Enam Khan, a professor at Jahangirnagar University, said: "Sanction from the US on the law enforcement agencies or personnel is a lesson and perhaps nobody wants it to be repeated."

From Russia to North Korea to Zimbabwe, the impact of diplomatic sanctions has long been questioned. But Bangladeshi activists have no doubts: extrajudicial killings have suddenly stopped since punitive US measures were imposed two months ago, they say.

From Russia to North Korea to Zimbabwe, the impact of diplomatic sanctions has long been questioned. But Bangladeshi activists have no doubts: extrajudicial killings have suddenly stopped since punitive US measures were imposed two months ago, they say. Around 2,500 Bangladeshis have allegedly been killed by security forces since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009, according to rights group Odhikar, which maintains detailed records, with hundreds more enforced disappearances. It has tallied nearly 1,200 such deaths in the last four years, or an average of 25 per month. But since Washington on December 10 imposed sweeping Magnitsky Act sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) elite security force including seven of its top officers, killings have totalled zero, it says. Also read | Australia to open mission in Maldives; invest in Bangladesh "I wish this sanction was slapped a lot earlier," said Afroza Islam Akhi, whose brother vanished eight years ago. "A lot of lives would have been saved." Akhi is now a coordinator for Mayer Daak, which represents hundreds of families of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The RAB was set up in 2004 to tackle Marxist insurgents and Islamist extremism as well as curb human trafficking -- goals it pursued mercilessly and officials say effectively. More recently its targets have largely been alleged criminals and drug dealers, with authorities insisting that deaths have only occurred during exchanges of fire in legitimate law enforcement operations. But critics say political opponents have also died at the hands of security forces and that gunfights are staged to deny the victims due legal process. Akhi's brother Sajedul Islam Suman was among at least 18 activists with the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) allegedly picked up by RAB officers in December 2013 in the run-up to national elections. "My mother went to the RAB headquarters every day for more than a year as we heard RAB officers detained him," Akhi told AFP. "But he never returned." 'Every bone broken' Nur Khan Liton, head of Bangladesh's top rights group Ain O Salish Kendra, said the US sanctions have directly improved the country's rights situation. "People are happy with it and many have started speaking out," he said. According to activists, almost all victims of extrajudicial killings are detained and then shot dead. Rita Begum last saw her 14-year-old son Rakib Howlader handcuffed and detained at a police station in old Dhaka in 2018. The next day her father told her the boy -- accused of peddling drugs -- had been beaten to death and then shot to make it appear he had died in an exchange of fire. "Every bone in his body was broken and then he was shot," she told AFP. "I didn't get justice." When she tried to file a complaint, she said, "police came to my house. They held a pistol to my head and made me sign a lot of papers. They even threatened to rape my daughter. "I want the American sanctions to prevail," she added. "I don't want to see any more mothers losing their children. I don't want anybody else to suffer my fate. I lost my gem of a boy." Also read | Bangladesh rope in Jamie Siddons as new batting coach 'Nervous about the future' In some cases RAB officers have been prosecuted, with at least 26 people including an RAB commander sentenced to death for seven murders in the central city of Narayanganj in April 2014. Dhaka and Washington normally have warm relations, co-operating on security issues and with Bangladesh often voting alongside the United States at the United Nations. The sanctions include asset freezes and visa bans and were imposed on the RAB and current or former RAB officials, including its ex-head Benazir Ahmed, now the national chief of police. The move -- at a time when China is pouring investment into one of Asia's poorest countries -- stunned Dhaka, with the foreign secretary summoning the US ambassador to convey "discontent". But the sanctions constitute a "tactical strike" on the understanding between the security forces and ruling party and "put the whole security establishment under renewed international scrutiny", said Sydney-based Bangladesh researcher Mubashar Hasan. They have also raised anxiety among Bangladeshi officials for whom the West is a popular retirement and training destination, he added. He pointed out that the Biden administration has begun to target businesses connected to governments that it says suppress human rights, such as China. "Many Bangladeshi businessmen tied with the ruling party are nervous about the future," he said. Watch | The Rohingya in Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island get access to education There was no response to repeated requests by AFP to the RAB and the national police for comment. Dhaka denies its officers are involved in extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances. But Shahab Enam Khan, a professor at Jahangirnagar University, said: "Sanction from the US on the law enforcement agencies or personnel is a lesson and perhaps nobody wants it to be repeated."

US sanctions have stopped Bangladesh killings: Rights activists

Bangladesh has decided to extend its decision to keep schools shut amid a rise in Covid-19 cases, driven by the Omicron variant. The move has triggered a debate among parents and teachers on whether these closures will have a long-term impact on children. Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary | Bangladesh school closure triggers debate

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday appointed James Siddons as the new batting coach. The decision came a day after Ashwell Prince tendered his resignation from the job, citing "family reasons".

"Jamie Siddons will be the national team's batting coach. We have heard from senior cricketers and board directors that he is a good coach, which is why we brought him here," said BCB president Nazmul Hassan, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

"Maybe after Siddons'&nbsp;arrival, Prince thought we were thinking differently. But he could have stayed so that we could get him to work in a different capacity," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-expected-virat-kohli-to-resign-as-indias-test-captain-reveals-all-rounder-shardul-thakur-450380">No one expected Virat Kohli to resign as India's Test captain, reveals all-rounder Shardul Thakur</a>

Siddons, who worked as Bangladesh's head coach from 2007 to 2011 delivering several breakthroughs, was first contacted in May last year when Bangladesh was trying to replace Neil McKenzie with a permanent batting coach.

The BCB shortlisted Prince and Siddons, with the former being appointed in July ahead of the Zimbabwe series.BCB is also looking for specialist fast-bowling and fielding coaches but it is likely that they won't be having anyone from overseas in place ahead of the Afghanistan series that begins on February 23.

"We are looking for a pace-bowling coach who has experience working with international teams. Till then, Champaka (Ramanayake) can work with them," Hassan said.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday appointed James Siddons as the new batting coach. The decision came a day after Ashwell Prince tendered his resignation from the job, citing "family reasons".

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday appointed James Siddons as the new batting coach. The decision came a day after Ashwell Prince tendered his resignation from the job, citing "family reasons". "Jamie Siddons will be the national team's batting coach. We have heard from senior cricketers and board directors that he is a good coach, which is why we brought him here," said BCB president Nazmul Hassan, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. "Maybe after Siddons' arrival, Prince thought we were thinking differently. But he could have stayed so that we could get him to work in a different capacity," he added. ALSO READ: No one expected Virat Kohli to resign as India's Test captain, reveals all-rounder Shardul Thakur Siddons, who worked as Bangladesh's head coach from 2007 to 2011 delivering several breakthroughs, was first contacted in May last year when Bangladesh was trying to replace Neil McKenzie with a permanent batting coach. The BCB shortlisted Prince and Siddons, with the former being appointed in July ahead of the Zimbabwe series.BCB is also looking for specialist fast-bowling and fielding coaches but it is likely that they won't be having anyone from overseas in place ahead of the Afghanistan series that begins on February 23. "We are looking for a pace-bowling coach who has experience working with international teams. Till then, Champaka (Ramanayake) can work with them," Hassan said.

Bangladesh rope in Jamie Siddons as new batting coach

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday announced the finalized dates and venues for the Proteas men`s inbound tour against Bangladesh.

The tour will consist of three ODIs and two Tests across four venues from March 18 to April 12, 2022." SuperSport Park, Centurion will host two of the ODI matches, with the third taken by the Wanderers, Johannesburg while the coastal cities of Durban and Gqeberha will take on the Test fixtures," stated CSA in an official release.

The tour is of great significance for the hosts, as both series count for vital points in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League and the ICC World Test Championship.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-player-of-the-month-brewis-keegan-petersen-and-ebadot-hossain-nominated-for-january-2022-451433">ICC Player of the Month: Brewis, Keegan Petersen and Ebadot Hossain nominated for January 2022</a>

Fixtures:

1st ODI-- March 18 -- SuperSport Park, Centurion

2nd ODI -- March 20 -- Wanderers, Johannerburg

3rd ODI -- March 23 -- SuperSport Park, Centurion

1st Test: March 31-April 4 -- Kingsmead, Durban

2nd Test: April 8-12 -- St. George`s Park Cricket Ground, Gqeberha.

&nbsp;

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday announced the finalized dates and venues for the Proteas men`s inbound tour against Bangladesh. The tour will consist of three ODIs and two Tests across four venues from March 18 to April 12, 2022.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday announced the finalized dates and venues for the Proteas men`s inbound tour against Bangladesh. The tour will consist of three ODIs and two Tests across four venues from March 18 to April 12, 2022." SuperSport Park, Centurion will host two of the ODI matches, with the third taken by the Wanderers, Johannesburg while the coastal cities of Durban and Gqeberha will take on the Test fixtures," stated CSA in an official release. The tour is of great significance for the hosts, as both series count for vital points in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League and the ICC World Test Championship. ALSO READ: ICC Player of the Month: Brewis, Keegan Petersen and Ebadot Hossain nominated for January 2022 Fixtures: 1st ODI-- March 18 -- SuperSport Park, Centurion 2nd ODI -- March 20 -- Wanderers, Johannerburg 3rd ODI -- March 23 -- SuperSport Park, Centurion 1st Test: March 31-April 4 -- Kingsmead, Durban 2nd Test: April 8-12 -- St. George`s Park Cricket Ground, Gqeberha.

South Africa to host Bangladesh for three ODIs, two Tests in March-April

In 2021 thousands of Rohingyas were relocated to Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island and in a year, the group has made it their home after decades of torment. WION tells you how Bhasan Char island has emerged as a ray of hope for the Rohingya refugees.

The Rohingya in Bangladesh's Bhasan Char island get access to education

This week on South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak: - Afghan ex-cops turn emerald hunters - Start-ups reboot agriculture in Pakistan - Delhi brothers turn bird saviours - Sri Lanka celebrates independence day amid forex crisis - Bangladesh school closure triggers debate

South Asia Diary: Afghan ex-cops turn emerald hunters

This week on South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak: - Sri Lanka's animal welfare bill - Afghans selling their organs to survive - Hill station horror: 23 dead in Pakistan blizzard - Bangladesh app seeks to prevent rape

South Asia Diary: Animal welfare bill in Sri Lanka; Afghans selling organs to survive

On January 10, 1972, Bangladesh’s founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to the country. Sheikh MujiburRehman had spent nine months in Pak jail. The next day on January 11, 1972, "East Pakistan" was renamed Bangladesh.

50 years ago today, 'East Pakistan' was renamed Bangladesh | WION

Thousands of people have been left homeless after a fire gutted parts of a Rohingya camp a refugee camp in Bangladesh.

Massive blaze hits Rohingya camp; hundreds of homes destroyed, thousands fled for life | World News

Authorities in Bangladesh’s major tourist resort scrapped a dedicated beach section for women and children after a social media outcry over gender segregation.

Bangladesh scraps women-only beach zone after social media outcry

Following social media outcry, authorities in Bangladesh have dropped plans of opening a dedicated beach only for women and women after facing accusations that were they acquiescing to hardline Islamises.

On Thursday officials had opened a section of shoreline on the world’s longest natural sea beach in Cox’s Bazar exclusively for women and children. But hours later announced they were dropping the idea.

The decision to segregate the beach was made following requests from some conservative women, officials had said.

“(The women) requested a dedicated beach section for themselves, because they felt shy and insecure in a crowded place,” Abu Sufian, a senior official in Cox's Bazar, told AFP.

The move to open an exclusive beach also came after gang rape of a woman in Cox's Bazar last week shocked the country, sparking an outcry over women's safety in the area.

But the decision triggered an uproar on social media, with critics accusing the government of paying heed to hardline Islamists who have recently held massive rallies demanding gender segregation in workplaces and factories.

One commentator described the beach segregation as “Talibistan,” referring to the Taliban Islamist group which has in recent months curbed women's rights in Afghanistan.

Cox's Bazar is one of the largest tourist attractions in Bangladesh. Hundreds of thousands visit during festive periods, and the tourism sector has boomed in recent years.

To provide security to the growing number of tourists, authorities have set up a tourism police unit to patrol beach towns.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following social media outcry, authorities in Bangladesh have dropped plans of opening a dedicated beach only for women and women after facing accusations that were they acquiescing to hardline Islamises.

Following social media outcry, authorities in Bangladesh have dropped plans of opening a dedicated beach only for women and women after facing accusations that were they acquiescing to hardline Islamises. On Thursday officials had opened a section of shoreline on the world’s longest natural sea beach in Cox’s Bazar exclusively for women and children. But hours later announced they were dropping the idea. The decision to segregate the beach was made following requests from some conservative women, officials had said. “(The women) requested a dedicated beach section for themselves, because they felt shy and insecure in a crowded place,” Abu Sufian, a senior official in Cox's Bazar, told AFP. The move to open an exclusive beach also came after gang rape of a woman in Cox's Bazar last week shocked the country, sparking an outcry over women's safety in the area. But the decision triggered an uproar on social media, with critics accusing the government of paying heed to hardline Islamists who have recently held massive rallies demanding gender segregation in workplaces and factories. One commentator described the beach segregation as “Talibistan,” referring to the Taliban Islamist group which has in recent months curbed women's rights in Afghanistan. Cox's Bazar is one of the largest tourist attractions in Bangladesh. Hundreds of thousands visit during festive periods, and the tourism sector has boomed in recent years. To provide security to the growing number of tourists, authorities have set up a tourism police unit to patrol beach towns. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh authorities reverse decision to open women-only beach after uproar

At least 39 people have died after a packed ferry caught fire near the rural town of Jhalokati some 250 kilometres south of the capital city of Dakar. While most of the people died from the deadly fire a few died by drowning, the blaze on the three-decked vessel started in mid-river near the town of Jhalokati.

39 dead, 72 injured In Bangladesh as packed Ferry catches fire

A crowded ferry caught fire in southern Bangladesh on Friday, killing at least 37&nbsp;people, according to police.

"In the middle of the river, the three-story Obhijan 10 caught fire. We've found 36&nbsp;bodies so far.It's possible that the death toll will grow.The majority were killed in the fire, and a few drowned after jumping into the river, "Moinul Islam, the local police head, said."

An incident occurred early in the morning near the southern rural village of Jhakakathi, 250 kilometres (160 miles) south of the capital, Dhaka.

The catastrophe was the latest in a series of such mishaps in the delta nation, which is crisscrossed by rivers.

Poor maintenance, inadequate safety regulations at shipyards, and overpopulation are all blamed by experts in the 170 million-strong South Asian country.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | More than 50 people killed in Bangladesh factory fire

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A fire in a food and beverage factory in Rupganj, an industrial town west of Dhaka, killed 52 people in July.

In February 2019, a fire ripped through Dhaka flats where chemicals were illegally stored, killing at least 70 people.

When a passenger boat and a sand-laden cargo ship crashed in a lake in eastern Bangladesh in August, at least 21 people were killed.

When the cargo ship's steel bow slammed into the other vessel near the town of Bijoynagar, the boat was allegedly carrying 60 passengers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A crowded ferry caught fire in southern Bangladesh on Friday, killing at least 37 people, according to police. "In the middle of the river, the three-story Obhijan 10 caught fire.

A crowded ferry caught fire in southern Bangladesh on Friday, killing at least 37 people, according to police. "In the middle of the river, the three-story Obhijan 10 caught fire. We've found 36 bodies so far.It's possible that the death toll will grow.The majority were killed in the fire, and a few drowned after jumping into the river, "Moinul Islam, the local police head, said." An incident occurred early in the morning near the southern rural village of Jhakakathi, 250 kilometres (160 miles) south of the capital, Dhaka. The catastrophe was the latest in a series of such mishaps in the delta nation, which is crisscrossed by rivers. Poor maintenance, inadequate safety regulations at shipyards, and overpopulation are all blamed by experts in the 170 million-strong South Asian country. Watch | More than 50 people killed in Bangladesh factory fire A fire in a food and beverage factory in Rupganj, an industrial town west of Dhaka, killed 52 people in July. In February 2019, a fire ripped through Dhaka flats where chemicals were illegally stored, killing at least 70 people. When a passenger boat and a sand-laden cargo ship crashed in a lake in eastern Bangladesh in August, at least 21 people were killed. When the cargo ship's steel bow slammed into the other vessel near the town of Bijoynagar, the boat was allegedly carrying 60 passengers. (With inputs from agencies)

37 dead as three-storey packed ferry catches fire mid river in Bangladesh

Where at least 40 people have died after a packed ferry caught fire near the rural town of Jhalokati some 250 kilometres south of the capital city of Dakar. While most of the people died from the deadly fire a few died by drowning, the blaze on the three-decked vessel started in mid-river near the town of Jhalokati.

Bangladesh: At least 37 died in ferry fire near Jhalokati, over 100 hospitalised

At least 37 people died when an overcrowded night ferry caught fire in Bangladesh. The blaze was believed to have originated in the engine room and ripped through the ferry.

At least 37 people killed in Bangladesh after night ferry catches fire

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her address to the Maldives Parliament on Thursday recalled the Pakistani brutalities in 1971 in what was then East Pakistan. The Prime Minister is on a visit to the country, her first under Maldives President Solih's term.

Mentioning the political situation in the then Pakistani state after Awami league's landslide victory in 1970 elections, she said, "When the Pakistani military govt refused to hand over power to the elected representatives, my father called non-cooperation movement and on the 7th of March 1971 he addressed a huge gathering and gave a clarion call to the people to rise up and begin the struggle for independence".&nbsp;

She detailed, "On 25th March, Pakistani military junta started genocide, started killing our people...on 26th March, my father declared liberation" and "Inspired by his leadership, millions of Bangalees from all walks of life joined the freedom struggle until we gained the ultimate victory on the 16th of December in 1971."

This year the country celebrated its 50th Independence year anniversary. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind was the chief guest at the celebrations in Dhaka.&nbsp;

During her speech at the Maldives Parliament, the PM mentioned the economic development the country has seen. She said, "In continuation of our development journey, we have to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021, meet all the SDG targets by 2031, turn into a knowledge-based developed country by 2041, and a prosperous and resilient Delta by 2100."&nbsp;

On 24 November 2021, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on the Graduation of Bangladesh from the LDC category. The country is now a $411 billion economy and is ranked among the 34 largest economies of the world.

On ties with Maldives, the PM said, "We are particularly encouraged to witness your development journey, your successful transition from LDC to a Middle-Income country, and we hope Bangladesh and Maldives would tap the complementarities."

Both countries signed four agreements which included areas like health, recruitment of qualified health professionals, youth and sports development and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance.&nbsp;

Apart from the agreement exchange, a symbolic handover of keys to military vehicles donated by Bangladesh to the Maldives took place between Maldives’ Chief of Defence Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, and General S. M. Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her address to the Maldives Parliament on Thursday recalled the Pakistani brutalities in 1971 in what was then East Pakistan.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her address to the Maldives Parliament on Thursday recalled the Pakistani brutalities in 1971 in what was then East Pakistan. The Prime Minister is on a visit to the country, her first under Maldives President Solih's term. Mentioning the political situation in the then Pakistani state after Awami league's landslide victory in 1970 elections, she said, "When the Pakistani military govt refused to hand over power to the elected representatives, my father called non-cooperation movement and on the 7th of March 1971 he addressed a huge gathering and gave a clarion call to the people to rise up and begin the struggle for independence". She detailed, "On 25th March, Pakistani military junta started genocide, started killing our people...on 26th March, my father declared liberation" and "Inspired by his leadership, millions of Bangalees from all walks of life joined the freedom struggle until we gained the ultimate victory on the 16th of December in 1971." This year the country celebrated its 50th Independence year anniversary. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind was the chief guest at the celebrations in Dhaka. During her speech at the Maldives Parliament, the PM mentioned the economic development the country has seen. She said, "In continuation of our development journey, we have to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021, meet all the SDG targets by 2031, turn into a knowledge-based developed country by 2041, and a prosperous and resilient Delta by 2100." On 24 November 2021, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on the Graduation of Bangladesh from the LDC category. The country is now a $411 billion economy and is ranked among the 34 largest economies of the world. On ties with Maldives, the PM said, "We are particularly encouraged to witness your development journey, your successful transition from LDC to a Middle-Income country, and we hope Bangladesh and Maldives would tap the complementarities." Both countries signed four agreements which included areas like health, recruitment of qualified health professionals, youth and sports development and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance. Apart from the agreement exchange, a symbolic handover of keys to military vehicles donated by Bangladesh to the Maldives took place between Maldives’ Chief of Defence Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, and General S. M. Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh.

In Maldives Parliament, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina recalls Pakistani atrocities of 1971

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, who attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh's independence, inaugurated the renovated Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka during his visit to the country.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, who attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh's independence, inaugurated the renovated Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka during his visit to the country. The historic mandir is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali and while addressing the Indian community, the President said that he sees the occasion as "a blessing from Maa Kali". The temple, was destroyed by the Pakistani forces in 1971. The Indian President described the historic temple as a symbol of the cultural and spiritual bonding among the people of India and Bangladesh. "This morning, I went to the historic Ramna Kali temple where I had the privilege of inaugurating the renovated temple. I look at it as a blessing from Maa Kali," he said. ALSO READ | Vijay Divas: History, significance and the glory President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates the renovated Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka. pic.twitter.com/WT1NHDEoLW — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 17, 2021 × "I have been told that the governments and the people of Bangladesh and India helped in restoring the temple which was demolished by the Pakistani forces during the war of liberation," Kovind said. He added, "This marks an auspicious finale to my visit to Bangladesh. This temple is the symbol of the cultural and spiritual bonding among the people of India and Bangladesh." ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honour of Bhutan. Here's what you should know Ramna Kali Mandir was demolished The temple was destroyed by the Pakistani forces in 1971 when they launched 'Operation Searchlight' to attack unarmed Bengalis. The temple is located at the heart of the capital city Dhaka. They set the temple and several important installations on fire in March 1971. "The Indian president opened the extended part of the Kali temple, offered special prayers and exchanged greetings with those involved in running the temple," a spokesman of the temple said. "President Kovind and his family members offered an exclusive special prayer inside the newly-inaugurated part of the temple," a Hindu priest familiar with the visit said.

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates Dhaka's Kali Mandir, which was destroyed by Pakistan Army in 1971

Bangladesh's elite paramilitary force Rapid Action Battalion is under the international scanner over alleged political violence under the guise of a war on drugs. The US imposed sanctions on RAB.

The US impose extensive human rights-related sanctions on Bangladesh's paramilitary force RAB

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