Court officials have revealed that a key suspect and his accomplice, who allegedly incited the recent violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, have confessed to their crimes in a pre-trial hearing.

In addition to instigating the recent violence, they have been accused of fanning communal hatred on social media.

On Sunday, Shaikat Mandal admitted to a magistrate that it was his Facebook post that led to the violence on October 17 in Rangpur, Pirganj sub-district during Durga Puja festivities in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-riots-police-arrest-iqbal-hossain-man-suspected-of-placing-quran-at-durga-puja-pandal-422953">Bangladesh riots: Police arrest Iqbal Hossain, man suspected of placing Quran at Durga Puja Pandal</a>

"Shaikat Mandal and his accomplice Rabiul Isam have admitted their role before a senior judicial magistrate Delwar Hossain in (north-western) Rangpur," the court official told newsmen.

Mandal's accomplice Rabiul Islam, a 36-year-old cleric has been accused of looting and arson.

Police arrested the suspects from Gazipur on Friday as part of a raid and booked them under the Digital Security Act.

Mandal, a philosophy student at Rangpur's Carmichael College was expelled from Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League after being arrested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dhaka-to-see-hunger-strike-for-demands-of-safety-of-minorities-423258">Dhaka to see hunger strike for demands of safety of minorities</a>

According to a bdnews24.Com report, a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) official said that Mandal uploaded objectionable content to Facebook to increase his followers. The official also disclosed that Islam helped Mandal incite Muslims in the village through a loudspeaker announcement on Friday.

According to authorities, the violence was started after a rumour spread in Pirganj that a Hindu man had posted religiously offensive content on Facebook.

So far, seven people have confessed to crimes under pre-trial legal proceedings, and with 683 arrests, more than 70 cases have been filed against 24,000 suspects, most of whom are anonymous, according to reports.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-anti-hindu-violence-man-placing-holy-quran-at-comilla-shrine-identified-as-iqbal-hossain-422522">Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence: Man placing Holy Quran at Comilla shrine identified as Iqbal Hossain</a>

According to RAB officials, other than Mandal and Islam, suspects under arrest include Iqbal Hossain, who allegedly placed a Quran at a Durga Puja venue in Cumilla, as well as Fayez Ahmed, who had posted a video of the Quran at the Puja venue.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Is Bangladesh a Secular state?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-is-bangladesh-a-secular-state-423362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Approximately 70 Hindu homes were set on fire during the mayhem that ensued on October 17.

In Bangladesh, a country with a predominantly Muslim population, ten per cent of the 169 million people are Hindu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Court officials have revealed that a key suspect and his accomplice, who allegedly incited the recent violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, have confessed to their crimes in a pre-trial hearing.

Court officials have revealed that a key suspect and his accomplice, who allegedly incited the recent violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, have confessed to their crimes in a pre-trial hearing. In addition to instigating the recent violence, they have been accused of fanning communal hatred on social media. On Sunday, Shaikat Mandal admitted to a magistrate that it was his Facebook post that led to the violence on October 17 in Rangpur, Pirganj sub-district during Durga Puja festivities in the country. Also read | Bangladesh riots: Police arrest Iqbal Hossain, man suspected of placing Quran at Durga Puja Pandal "Shaikat Mandal and his accomplice Rabiul Isam have admitted their role before a senior judicial magistrate Delwar Hossain in (north-western) Rangpur," the court official told newsmen. Mandal's accomplice Rabiul Islam, a 36-year-old cleric has been accused of looting and arson. Police arrested the suspects from Gazipur on Friday as part of a raid and booked them under the Digital Security Act. Mandal, a philosophy student at Rangpur's Carmichael College was expelled from Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League after being arrested. Also read | Dhaka to see hunger strike for demands of safety of minorities According to a bdnews24.Com report, a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) official said that Mandal uploaded objectionable content to Facebook to increase his followers. The official also disclosed that Islam helped Mandal incite Muslims in the village through a loudspeaker announcement on Friday. According to authorities, the violence was started after a rumour spread in Pirganj that a Hindu man had posted religiously offensive content on Facebook. So far, seven people have confessed to crimes under pre-trial legal proceedings, and with 683 arrests, more than 70 cases have been filed against 24,000 suspects, most of whom are anonymous, according to reports. Also read | Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence: Man placing Holy Quran at Comilla shrine identified as Iqbal Hossain According to RAB officials, other than Mandal and Islam, suspects under arrest include Iqbal Hossain, who allegedly placed a Quran at a Durga Puja venue in Cumilla, as well as Fayez Ahmed, who had posted a video of the Quran at the Puja venue. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Is Bangladesh a Secular state? Approximately 70 Hindu homes were set on fire during the mayhem that ensued on October 17. In Bangladesh, a country with a predominantly Muslim population, ten per cent of the 169 million people are Hindu. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh violence: Prime suspect, accomplice confess to instigating communal violence against Hindus

At least seven people were killed and 20 injured by gunmen in an attack on an Islamic seminary in Bangladesh's Rohingya refugee camp on Friday, raising tensions in settlements after the recent shooting of a community leader.

Bangladesh: Tensions continue to escalate after killing of a prominent Rohingya community leader

Hindus in Bangladesh are under attack. Their homes & temples have been destroyed. A debate on secularism has ensued. Can Bangladesh be called a secular country? Here's what Palki Sharma has to say.

Gravitas Plus: Is Bangladesh a Secular state?

Activists, Hindu community leaders, student will go on a token hunger strike in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Saturday (October 23) for the demand of ensuring safety and security of religious minorities, said local media.

Various groups like Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad and Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad (BPUP) have announced their participation in the protests, said Dhaka Tribune.

The protests will demand quick trial of perpetrators who attacked Hindu temples, Durga Puja venues, and homes in several districts recently.

The BPUP alleged that the administration had failed to act on attacks on Hindus in the country, that were sparked by false allegations of the Holy Quran being desecrated in Comilla. Nirmal Kumar Chatterjee, BPUP General Secretary, said that at the night of the incident, only one guard was present at the temporary Puja venue in Comilla. The power supply to the mandapa area was cut off for a period between 3 am and 4 am that night, according to Dhaka Tribune.

"The question of what caused the power outage remains unresolved. Is the incident being investigated?" the BPUP General Secretary asked.

As per the newspaper, so far, a total of 102 cases have been filed accusing 20,619 people in connection with the recent violence against the Hindu community. Of the accused, police have arrested 583 people and drives are underway to arrest the rest, according to the police`s official data.

On late Thursday, police in Chittagong arrested 10 people, including nine members of former Ducsu VP Nurul Haque Nur-led Bangladesh Students` Rights Council, over their alleged involvement in the recent attack on the Durga Puja pavilion at the JM Sen Hall in the city.

(With inputs from agencies)

Activists, Hindu community leaders, student will go on a token hunger strike in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Saturday (October 23) for the demand of ensuring safety and security of religious minorities, said local media.

Activists, Hindu community leaders, student will go on a token hunger strike in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Saturday (October 23) for the demand of ensuring safety and security of religious minorities, said local media. Various groups like Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad and Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad (BPUP) have announced their participation in the protests, said Dhaka Tribune. The protests will demand quick trial of perpetrators who attacked Hindu temples, Durga Puja venues, and homes in several districts recently. The BPUP alleged that the administration had failed to act on attacks on Hindus in the country, that were sparked by false allegations of the Holy Quran being desecrated in Comilla. Nirmal Kumar Chatterjee, BPUP General Secretary, said that at the night of the incident, only one guard was present at the temporary Puja venue in Comilla. The power supply to the mandapa area was cut off for a period between 3 am and 4 am that night, according to Dhaka Tribune. "The question of what caused the power outage remains unresolved. Is the incident being investigated?" the BPUP General Secretary asked. As per the newspaper, so far, a total of 102 cases have been filed accusing 20,619 people in connection with the recent violence against the Hindu community. Of the accused, police have arrested 583 people and drives are underway to arrest the rest, according to the police`s official data. On late Thursday, police in Chittagong arrested 10 people, including nine members of former Ducsu VP Nurul Haque Nur-led Bangladesh Students` Rights Council, over their alleged involvement in the recent attack on the Durga Puja pavilion at the JM Sen Hall in the city. (With inputs from agencies)

Dhaka to see hunger strike for demands of safety of minorities

The Bangladesh Police has detained a man on Thursday for placing a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pandal in Bangladesh on October 13, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

Iqbal Hossain, who had been on the run, was apprehended in Cox's Bazar's Sugandha seashore region.&nbsp;

Accused Iqbal Hossain has been identified as the main suspect who placed a copy of the Quran at Nanua Dighir Par puja mandap on October 13 that led to communal violence in Bangladesh's Comilla, according to the Dhaka Tribune, citing a statement by Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Faruk Ahmed. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islam-is-not-our-state-religion-will-revert-to-1972-constitution-bangladesh-minister-after-attack-on-hindus-421645">Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus</a>

He was apprehended late Thursday and quickly deported to Cumilla.

Bangladesh Police had identified the now-arrested primary suspect using CCTV video earlier on Wednesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
CCTV ftg released by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> police, claimed to have captured the man who allegedly had placed the Holy Quran at the feet of an idol leading to communal riots in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cumilla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cumilla</a>.The man as claimed by police, identified as Iqbal Hossain, a Muslim. Top police source hints a conspiracy <a href="https://t.co/XZHoxeZ8RZ">pic.twitter.com/XZHoxeZ8RZ</a>
— Tamal Saha (@Tamal0401) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tamal0401/status/1451023119334854660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Iqbal was caught on CCTV footage taking the Quran from a mosque and walking to the Puja location.&nbsp;

Hossain, 35, of Comilla's Suhanagar neighbourhood, is accused of placing the Holy Quran at one of the Durga Puja pandals on October 13, resulting in rioting that killed at least three people. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Man who triggered Bangladesh riots arrested

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After analysing hours of video footage from CCTV cameras deployed at Durga Puja locations, the guy was identified.

In the video, Hossain can be seen stealing the Quran from a nearby mosque and visiting a Durga Puja venue.

Later, he was spotted going away with a club that had been seized from a Lord Hanuman statue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bangladesh Police has detained a man on Thursday for placing a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pandal in Bangladesh on October 13, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

The Bangladesh Police has detained a man on Thursday for placing a copy of the Quran at a Durga Puja pandal in Bangladesh on October 13, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Iqbal Hossain, who had been on the run, was apprehended in Cox's Bazar's Sugandha seashore region. Accused Iqbal Hossain has been identified as the main suspect who placed a copy of the Quran at Nanua Dighir Par puja mandap on October 13 that led to communal violence in Bangladesh's Comilla, according to the Dhaka Tribune, citing a statement by Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Faruk Ahmed. Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus He was apprehended late Thursday and quickly deported to Cumilla. Bangladesh Police had identified the now-arrested primary suspect using CCTV video earlier on Wednesday. CCTV ftg released by #Bangladesh police, claimed to have captured the man who allegedly had placed the Holy Quran at the feet of an idol leading to communal riots in #Cumilla.The man as claimed by police, identified as Iqbal Hossain, a Muslim. Top police source hints a conspiracy pic.twitter.com/XZHoxeZ8RZ — Tamal Saha (@Tamal0401) October 21, 2021 × Iqbal was caught on CCTV footage taking the Quran from a mosque and walking to the Puja location. Hossain, 35, of Comilla's Suhanagar neighbourhood, is accused of placing the Holy Quran at one of the Durga Puja pandals on October 13, resulting in rioting that killed at least three people. Watch | Gravitas: Man who triggered Bangladesh riots arrested After analysing hours of video footage from CCTV cameras deployed at Durga Puja locations, the guy was identified. In the video, Hossain can be seen stealing the Quran from a nearby mosque and visiting a Durga Puja venue. Later, he was spotted going away with a club that had been seized from a Lord Hanuman statue. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh riots: Police arrest Iqbal Hossain, man suspected of placing Quran at Durga Puja Pandal

Gunmen killed at least seven people and left others wounded in an assault Friday on an Islamic seminary in a Rohingya refugee camp on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, police said.

The attackers shot some victims and stabbed others with knives, a regional police chief said.

The killings come as tensions mount in the camps that house more than 900,000 refugees from Myanmar, after a Rohingya community leader was shot dead outside his office three weeks ago.

Four people were killed instantly in Friday's attack and three others died at a hospital in the Balukhali camp. Police did not say how many people were wounded.

"We arrested one attacker immediately after the incident," Shihab Kaisar Khan, regional chief for an armed police battalion, told reporters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-plans-to-move-81000-rohingya-to-island-after-un-deal-officials-419346">Bangladesh plans to move 81,000 Rohingya to island after UN deal: Officials</a>

The man was found with a gun, six rounds of ammunition and a knife, he added.

Many Rohingya activists have gone into hiding since the killing of rights advocate Mohib Ullah by unknown assailants.

Some activists have blamed the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) for the killing. ARSA is the militant group behind attacks on Myanmar security forces in 2017 that set off a military clampdown and a mass exodus into Bangladesh of 740,000 Rohingya.

The armed outfit has denied the allegations.&nbsp;

Activists say there is a mounting "climate of fear" in the camps. Police said security had been tightened as they investigate the causes of the latest shooting.

Gunmen killed at least seven people and left others wounded in an assault Friday on an Islamic seminary in a Rohingya refugee camp on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, police said.

Gunmen killed at least seven people and left others wounded in an assault Friday on an Islamic seminary in a Rohingya refugee camp on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, police said. The attackers shot some victims and stabbed others with knives, a regional police chief said. The killings come as tensions mount in the camps that house more than 900,000 refugees from Myanmar, after a Rohingya community leader was shot dead outside his office three weeks ago. Four people were killed instantly in Friday's attack and three others died at a hospital in the Balukhali camp. Police did not say how many people were wounded. "We arrested one attacker immediately after the incident," Shihab Kaisar Khan, regional chief for an armed police battalion, told reporters. Also Read | Bangladesh plans to move 81,000 Rohingya to island after UN deal: Officials The man was found with a gun, six rounds of ammunition and a knife, he added. Many Rohingya activists have gone into hiding since the killing of rights advocate Mohib Ullah by unknown assailants. Some activists have blamed the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) for the killing. ARSA is the militant group behind attacks on Myanmar security forces in 2017 that set off a military clampdown and a mass exodus into Bangladesh of 740,000 Rohingya. The armed outfit has denied the allegations. Activists say there is a mounting "climate of fear" in the camps. Police said security had been tightened as they investigate the causes of the latest shooting.

Seven killed in Bangladesh Rohingya refugee camp attack

A 35-year-old man who triggered the anti-Hindu riots in Bangladesh has been arrested. CCTV footage showed him placing a Quran inside a puja pavilion in Comilla. Palki Sharma tells you why this arrest is just the tip of the iceberg.

Gravitas: Man who triggered Bangladesh riots arrested

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week.

The culprit has been identified as Iqbal Hossain, 35, from Sujanagar area of Comilla city. However, he is yet to be arrested.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, the police were able to zero in on the identity of the accused after analysing the CCTV footage at the venue where the Hindu holy festival of Durga Puja was taking place.

The CCTV footage showed that on October 13, Iqbal took the Islamic holy book Quran from a mosque and placed it on the knee of a statue of the Hindu god Hanuman in the shrine.

He was later seen walking away with the Hindu God’s club in his hand.

Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Ahmed confirmed the identity on Wednesday. Police say Iqbal Hossain is a drifter. It is still unknown whether he has any involvement with any political parties.

Police have filed four cases over the Comilla incident and arrested 41 people till now. Of them, four were Iqbal’s associates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

Amena Begum, Iqbal's mother, claimed that Iqbal was a drug addict and used to torture his family members in various ways.

“He loved to stay at different shrines across the country,” she was quoted as saying.

Amena claimed Iqbal had some psychological issues for the last 10 years as he had been stabbed in the stomach by some neighbours.

Watch

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According to the Dhaka Tribune, his younger brother Raihan had been helping the police since Friday to find Iqbal.

Iqbal’s family stated that if Iqbal was really guilty, then he should be punished.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islam-is-not-our-state-religion-will-revert-to-1972-constitution-bangladesh-minister-after-attack-on-hindus-421645">Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus</a>

Raihan also said that Iqbal might have been provoked by someone or some groups.

Earlier, Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said authorities had identified the person behind the Comilla incident.

“I hope the prime suspect in the Comilla incident will be arrested soon… he has been changing locations frequently to avoid getting caught. We’ll be able to unfold the Comilla incident once he’s arrested,” he said.

Police arrested another person Md Foyez Ahmed, 41, on October 13 and got him on remand to interrogate him. He posted a Facebook live from the festival venue on that day that went viral.

After the video went viral on Facebook earlier this week, mobs of more than 500 people gathered in Cumilla and neighbouring districts over the alleged blasphemy.

About 10 Hindu temples and shrines were attacked and vandalised by the crowds, who threw stones and smashed statues of the Hindu gods.

The anti-Hindu violence continued the following day, where more than 80 special shrines set up for the Durga Puja festival were attacked, with about 150 Hindus injured and two killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week.

Bangladesh Police have said that they have identified the man behind the ‘blasphemous incident’ in Comilla which triggered nationwide communal violence against Hindus in the past week. The culprit has been identified as Iqbal Hossain, 35, from Sujanagar area of Comilla city. However, he is yet to be arrested. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the police were able to zero in on the identity of the accused after analysing the CCTV footage at the venue where the Hindu holy festival of Durga Puja was taking place. The CCTV footage showed that on October 13, Iqbal took the Islamic holy book Quran from a mosque and placed it on the knee of a statue of the Hindu god Hanuman in the shrine. He was later seen walking away with the Hindu God’s club in his hand. Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Ahmed confirmed the identity on Wednesday. Police say Iqbal Hossain is a drifter. It is still unknown whether he has any involvement with any political parties. Police have filed four cases over the Comilla incident and arrested 41 people till now. Of them, four were Iqbal’s associates. Also read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh Amena Begum, Iqbal's mother, claimed that Iqbal was a drug addict and used to torture his family members in various ways. “He loved to stay at different shrines across the country,” she was quoted as saying. Amena claimed Iqbal had some psychological issues for the last 10 years as he had been stabbed in the stomach by some neighbours. Watch According to the Dhaka Tribune, his younger brother Raihan had been helping the police since Friday to find Iqbal. Iqbal’s family stated that if Iqbal was really guilty, then he should be punished. Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus Raihan also said that Iqbal might have been provoked by someone or some groups. Earlier, Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said authorities had identified the person behind the Comilla incident. “I hope the prime suspect in the Comilla incident will be arrested soon… he has been changing locations frequently to avoid getting caught. We’ll be able to unfold the Comilla incident once he’s arrested,” he said. Police arrested another person Md Foyez Ahmed, 41, on October 13 and got him on remand to interrogate him. He posted a Facebook live from the festival venue on that day that went viral. After the video went viral on Facebook earlier this week, mobs of more than 500 people gathered in Cumilla and neighbouring districts over the alleged blasphemy. About 10 Hindu temples and shrines were attacked and vandalised by the crowds, who threw stones and smashed statues of the Hindu gods. The anti-Hindu violence continued the following day, where more than 80 special shrines set up for the Durga Puja festival were attacked, with about 150 Hindus injured and two killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence: Man placing Holy Quran at Comilla shrine identified as Iqbal Hossain

Former captain of Bangladesh cricket team Mashrafe Mortaza has come forward condemning the anti-Hindu violence taking place in various corners of Bangladesh. In a Facebook post, he said this was “not the red and green we wanted to see”. This was an apparent reference to the colours that make the Bangladesh flag.

“We witnessed two losses yesterday. One was Bangladesh cricket team’s, which was painful. The other was of the whole Bangladesh – one that has shattered my heart. This is not the red and green we wanted to see. So many dreams, so many hard-earned victories lost in a flash. May Allah guide us,” he wrote in his Facebook post written in Bangla.

Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation, has a huge cultural influence of Hindu festival of Durga Puja in which Goddess Durga is worshipped. This year however, the celebration of the festival has been marred by anti-Hindu violence.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-anti-hindu-violence-man-placing-holy-quran-at-comilla-shrine-identified-as-iqbal-hossain-422522">Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence: Man placing Holy Quran at Comilla shrine identified as Iqbal Hossain</a>

Mortaza was apparently referring to the communal violence that took place on Sunday in the town of Rangpur where at least 29 Hindu homes were set on fire.

Last week a copy of Quran was placed in a Durga Puja pandal in Nanua Dighir Par in Comilla.

Spate of violence even prompted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to publicly condemn the acts. She warned that those spreading violence will not be spared. Till now, at least 72 cases have been registered and 475 persons have been arrested in Bangladesh.

Former captain of Bangladesh cricket team Mashrafe Mortaza has come forward condemning the anti-Hindu violence taking place in various corners of Bangladesh. In a Facebook post, he said this was “not the red and green we wanted to see”.

Former captain of Bangladesh cricket team Mashrafe Mortaza has come forward condemning the anti-Hindu violence taking place in various corners of Bangladesh. In a Facebook post, he said this was “not the red and green we wanted to see”. This was an apparent reference to the colours that make the Bangladesh flag. “We witnessed two losses yesterday. One was Bangladesh cricket team’s, which was painful. The other was of the whole Bangladesh – one that has shattered my heart. This is not the red and green we wanted to see. So many dreams, so many hard-earned victories lost in a flash. May Allah guide us,” he wrote in his Facebook post written in Bangla. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation, has a huge cultural influence of Hindu festival of Durga Puja in which Goddess Durga is worshipped. This year however, the celebration of the festival has been marred by anti-Hindu violence. Also Read | Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence: Man placing Holy Quran at Comilla shrine identified as Iqbal Hossain Mortaza was apparently referring to the communal violence that took place on Sunday in the town of Rangpur where at least 29 Hindu homes were set on fire. Last week a copy of Quran was placed in a Durga Puja pandal in Nanua Dighir Par in Comilla. Spate of violence even prompted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to publicly condemn the acts. She warned that those spreading violence will not be spared. Till now, at least 72 cases have been registered and 475 persons have been arrested in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh cricketer Mashrafe Mortaza condemns anti-Hindu violence in a Facebook post

Hindus in Bangladesh are seeking Justice. Protests are being held in Dhaka to punish the culprits of recent killings. What action has the Sheikh Hasina govt taken? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: 'Give us Justice', Hindus in Bangladesh stage protests

Hindus have come under attack in Bangladesh. In the latest, at least 20 houses belonging to Hindu families have been torched. An ISKON temple has been vandalised. Are Pak proxies to be blamed? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Hindus under attack in Bangladesh

On Tuesday, Bangladesh police arrested 450 people for attacking&nbsp;Hindus in one of the worst episodes of communal unrest in over a decade.

The local media reported that at least six people have died as police tried to restrain angry mobs.

Hundreds of Muslims staged a protest against Hindus in the southeastern district of Noakhali early Friday, accusing them of blasphemous behaviour involving the holy book of&nbsp;Quran.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

In response, Hindu religious sites have been vandalized, and homes have been attacked.

As a result of the violence during the Durga Puja festival, 71 cases have been filed, a Bangladesh police spokesperson said. According to him, investigations were ongoing after 450 suspected criminals were arrested.

Bangladesh, whose constitution affirms Islam as the state religion while also emphasizing secularism, has long been plagued by communal tensions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islam-is-not-our-state-religion-will-revert-to-1972-constitution-bangladesh-minister-after-attack-on-hindus-421645">Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus</a>

Approximately 10 per cent of Bangladesh's population is Hindu.

This unrest is the worst since 2009 when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took over as leader of the ruling Awami League party.

"Recent attacks on Hindus of Bangladesh, fuelled by hate speech on social media, are against the values of the Constitution and need to stop," tweeted Mia Seppo, the United Nations' resident coordinator in Bangladesh.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hindus under attack in Bangladesh

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The rights group Amnesty International has also called for an investigation and punishment for those responsible.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh police arrested 450 people for attacking Hindus in one of the worst episodes of communal unrest in over a decade. The local media reported that at least six people have died as police tried to restrain angry mobs.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh police arrested 450 people for attacking Hindus in one of the worst episodes of communal unrest in over a decade. The local media reported that at least six people have died as police tried to restrain angry mobs. Hundreds of Muslims staged a protest against Hindus in the southeastern district of Noakhali early Friday, accusing them of blasphemous behaviour involving the holy book of Quran. Also Read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh In response, Hindu religious sites have been vandalized, and homes have been attacked. As a result of the violence during the Durga Puja festival, 71 cases have been filed, a Bangladesh police spokesperson said. According to him, investigations were ongoing after 450 suspected criminals were arrested. Bangladesh, whose constitution affirms Islam as the state religion while also emphasizing secularism, has long been plagued by communal tensions. Also read | Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus Approximately 10 per cent of Bangladesh's population is Hindu. This unrest is the worst since 2009 when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took over as leader of the ruling Awami League party. "Recent attacks on Hindus of Bangladesh, fuelled by hate speech on social media, are against the values of the Constitution and need to stop," tweeted Mia Seppo, the United Nations' resident coordinator in Bangladesh. Watch | Gravitas: Hindus under attack in Bangladesh The rights group Amnesty International has also called for an investigation and punishment for those responsible.

Bangladesh violence: Police arrests hundreds for violence against Hindus

Here we bring you the latest from Bangladesh which is reeling under the acts of communal violence. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON has now urged the government to take action against those behind the violence.

Communal violence in Bangladesh, ISKCON members demand justice

Minister of Home Affairs of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday termed the attacks on Durga Puja pavilions as 'pre-planned' and said these attacks were aimed at destroying the communal harmony in Bangladesh.

This came after multiple cases have been filed against hundreds of named and unnamed people for the attacks in Comilla on Wednesday, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-temples-durga-puja-pandals-vandalised-in-bangladesh-4-killed-420683">Hindu temples, Durga puja pandals vandalised in Bangladesh, 4 killed</a>

The alleged defamation of the Holy Quran and subsequent attacks on the Hindus in Comilla were premeditated and aimed at destroying the communal harmony in Bangladesh, the Home Minister said.

"It appears to us that it was a motivated act instigated by a vested group," he added.When he was asked about the reason behind the Comilla incident, the minister said, "We'll make it public once we get all the evidence and those who were involved in it will be given exemplary punishment."

"Not only in Comilla, but attempts were also made to destabilize the country previously through communal violence in Ramu and Nasirnagar," Khan was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.

"No incident has been reported since Saturday night. Our security forces are working patiently based on intelligence information.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

Those who are trying to destroy communal peace will not succeed," Khan added.The Home Minister's remarks came after Wednesday's communal violence that broke out in several places in Bangladesh after news broke on social media about the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran at a Durga Puja venue on the bank of Nanuar Dighi.Several puja venues were vandalized in the area of Chandpur, Chittagong, Gazipur, Bandarban, Chapainawabganj, and Moulvibazar.

The clashes resulted in several casualties, reported Dhaka Tribune.On Friday, one man named Jatan Kumar Saha was also killed and 17 others were injured in an attack in Begumganj Upazila of the country's Noakhali district during Durga puja celebrations on Vijaya Dashami, Dhaka Tribune reported.&nbsp;

Minister of Home Affairs of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday termed the attacks on Durga Puja pavilions as 'pre-planned' and said these attacks were aimed at destroying the communal harmony in Bangladesh.

Minister of Home Affairs of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday termed the attacks on Durga Puja pavilions as 'pre-planned' and said these attacks were aimed at destroying the communal harmony in Bangladesh. This came after multiple cases have been filed against hundreds of named and unnamed people for the attacks in Comilla on Wednesday, Dhaka Tribune reported. Also Read | Hindu temples, Durga puja pandals vandalised in Bangladesh, 4 killed The alleged defamation of the Holy Quran and subsequent attacks on the Hindus in Comilla were premeditated and aimed at destroying the communal harmony in Bangladesh, the Home Minister said. "It appears to us that it was a motivated act instigated by a vested group," he added.When he was asked about the reason behind the Comilla incident, the minister said, "We'll make it public once we get all the evidence and those who were involved in it will be given exemplary punishment." "Not only in Comilla, but attempts were also made to destabilize the country previously through communal violence in Ramu and Nasirnagar," Khan was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune. "No incident has been reported since Saturday night. Our security forces are working patiently based on intelligence information. Also Read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh Those who are trying to destroy communal peace will not succeed," Khan added.The Home Minister's remarks came after Wednesday's communal violence that broke out in several places in Bangladesh after news broke on social media about the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran at a Durga Puja venue on the bank of Nanuar Dighi.Several puja venues were vandalized in the area of Chandpur, Chittagong, Gazipur, Bandarban, Chapainawabganj, and Moulvibazar. The clashes resulted in several casualties, reported Dhaka Tribune.On Friday, one man named Jatan Kumar Saha was also killed and 17 others were injured in an attack in Begumganj Upazila of the country's Noakhali district during Durga puja celebrations on Vijaya Dashami, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Attacks on Durga puja pavilions 'pre-planned', says Bangladesh home minister

Bangladesh State Minister for Information Murad Hassan has stated that Bangladesh is a secular country that would revert to the 1972 constitution proposed by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh cannot be a haven for religious fundamentalists.

The state minister said, ‘We have the blood of freedom fighters in our body. At any cost, we have to go back to the constitution of '72. I will speak in Parliament to go back to the constitution that Bangabandhu went through. Even if no one speaks, Murad will speak in Parliament.' 
 
Watch | Gravitas | Bangladesh riots: Jamaat-E-Islami behind attacks on Hindus tag Sheikh Hasina, Bdesh govt

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The state minister made the remarks while speaking at the Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium on the occasion of the 57th birth anniversary of Sheikh Russell, the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

He stated, "I do not think that Islam is our state religion. We'll go back to the constitution of 1972. We'll get that bill enacted in parliament under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership." 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

"We'll soon return to the 1972 secular constitution issued by Bangladesh's founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, following independence."

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"This is a non-communal Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a secular country. Everyone will practise their faith here."

He slammed former military rulers Hussain Muhammad Ershad and Ziaur Rahman for integrating Islam as the official religion into the constitution, and he slammed the BNP-Jamaat for inciting violence and dividing the country in the name of religion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh State Minister for Information Murad Hassan has stated that Bangladesh is a secular country that would revert to the 1972 constitution proposed by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh State Minister for Information Murad Hassan has stated that Bangladesh is a secular country that would revert to the 1972 constitution proposed by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh cannot be a haven for religious fundamentalists. The state minister said, ‘We have the blood of freedom fighters in our body. At any cost, we have to go back to the constitution of '72. I will speak in Parliament to go back to the constitution that Bangabandhu went through. Even if no one speaks, Murad will speak in Parliament.' Watch | Gravitas | Bangladesh riots: Jamaat-E-Islami behind attacks on Hindus tag Sheikh Hasina, Bdesh govt The state minister made the remarks while speaking at the Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium on the occasion of the 57th birth anniversary of Sheikh Russell, the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He stated, "I do not think that Islam is our state religion. We'll go back to the constitution of 1972. We'll get that bill enacted in parliament under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership." Also Read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh "We'll soon return to the 1972 secular constitution issued by Bangladesh's founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, following independence." × "This is a non-communal Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a secular country. Everyone will practise their faith here." He slammed former military rulers Hussain Muhammad Ershad and Ziaur Rahman for integrating Islam as the official religion into the constitution, and he slammed the BNP-Jamaat for inciting violence and dividing the country in the name of religion. (With inputs from agencies)

Islam is not our state religion, will revert to 1972 constitution: Bangladesh Minister after attack on Hindus

Match 2&nbsp;of the T20 World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;edition will see the&nbsp;Mahmudullah-led Bangladesh (BAN) take on the&nbsp;Kyle Coetzer-led Scotland (SCO) on Sunday&nbsp;evening (October 17). The game will be played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat.

This match is a Round 1 match that features eight teams: Ireland, Namibia, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland. They are divided&nbsp;into two groups. They will face each other&nbsp;once, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super 12 stage.

Group A includes Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Namibia. Group B includes Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and Oman.

Bangladesh which is comparatively a stronger team would look for an easy win against Scotland. However, Bangladesh were defeated by Ireland and Sri Lanka in&nbsp;warm-up matches whereas Scotland defeated Namibia and Netherlands. Scotland would be brimming with confidence and would be looking&nbsp;to cause an upset and get closer in the race to Super 12s.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whats-the-point-of-playing-harbhajan-singh-takes-a-jibe-at-shoaib-akhtar-ahead-of-india-vs-pakistan-clash-421363">'What's the point of playing?': Harbhajan Singh takes a jibe at Shoaib Akhtar ahead of India vs Pakistan clash</a>

Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match:

Where is the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland taking place?

The T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland will take place at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat.

What time does the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland begin?

The T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland begins at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-india-vs-pakistan-to-manchester-united-vs-liverpool-could-october-24-get-any-better-420711">From India vs Pakistan to Manchester United vs Liverpool: Could October 24 get any better?</a>

Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland?

The T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup&nbsp;match between BAN&nbsp;vs SCO&nbsp;will be available on Hotstar.

The&nbsp;T20 World Cup matches will be shown on&nbsp;Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, and DD Sports.

Match 2 of the T20 World Cup edition will see the Mahmudullah-led Bangladesh (BAN) take on the Kyle Coetzer-led Scotland (SCO) on Sunday evening (October 17). The game will be played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat.

Match 2 of the T20 World Cup edition will see the Mahmudullah-led Bangladesh (BAN) take on the Kyle Coetzer-led Scotland (SCO) on Sunday evening (October 17). The game will be played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat. This match is a Round 1 match that features eight teams: Ireland, Namibia, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland. They are divided into two groups. They will face each other once, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super 12 stage. Group A includes Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Namibia. Group B includes Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and Oman. Bangladesh which is comparatively a stronger team would look for an easy win against Scotland. However, Bangladesh were defeated by Ireland and Sri Lanka in warm-up matches whereas Scotland defeated Namibia and Netherlands. Scotland would be brimming with confidence and would be looking to cause an upset and get closer in the race to Super 12s. ALSO READ | 'What's the point of playing?': Harbhajan Singh takes a jibe at Shoaib Akhtar ahead of India vs Pakistan clash Let's take a look at the means on how to live stream or view the match: Where is the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland taking place? The T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland will take place at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat. What time does the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland begin? The T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland begins at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday. ALSO READ | From India vs Pakistan to Manchester United vs Liverpool: Could October 24 get any better? Where and how to watch live coverage of the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland? The T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh vs Scotland will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the T20 World Cup match between BAN vs SCO will be available on Hotstar. The T20 World Cup matches will be shown on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD, and DD Sports.

T20 World Cup, BAN vs SCO live streaming: When and where to watch Bangladesh vs Scotland match?

Vice-President of ISKCON, Kolkata, Radharaman Das on Saturday condemned the attack on the ISKCON temple in Bangladesh and urged Prime Minister Modi to hold talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to end the cycle of violence.

While speaking to ANI, Radharaman Das, said, "We called PM residence and requested his secretary to inform PM that he should speak with Bangladesh PM to end this cycle of violence. Yesterday, around 500 mobs entered our temple premises and broke deities, brutally injured devotees. Two of them died.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

"We've written a letter to United Nations and appealed them to condemn this and send a delegation to Bangladesh," said Radharamn Das.

On Friday, a mob allegedly attacked an ISKCON temple in Bangladesh's Noakhali district and according to the community, one of its members was killed.

"It is with great grief that we share the news of an ISKCON member, Partha Das, who was brutally killed yesterday by a mob of over 200 people.

His body was found in a pond next to the temple. We call on the Govt of Bangladesh for immediate action in this regard," the official Twitter handle of the ISKCON community said.

Vice-President of ISKCON, Kolkata, Radharaman Das on Saturday condemned the attack on the ISKCON temple in Bangladesh and urged Prime Minister Modi to hold talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to end the cycle of violence.

Vice-President of ISKCON, Kolkata, Radharaman Das on Saturday condemned the attack on the ISKCON temple in Bangladesh and urged Prime Minister Modi to hold talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to end the cycle of violence. While speaking to ANI, Radharaman Das, said, "We called PM residence and requested his secretary to inform PM that he should speak with Bangladesh PM to end this cycle of violence. Yesterday, around 500 mobs entered our temple premises and broke deities, brutally injured devotees. Two of them died. Also Read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh "We've written a letter to United Nations and appealed them to condemn this and send a delegation to Bangladesh," said Radharamn Das. On Friday, a mob allegedly attacked an ISKCON temple in Bangladesh's Noakhali district and according to the community, one of its members was killed. "It is with great grief that we share the news of an ISKCON member, Partha Das, who was brutally killed yesterday by a mob of over 200 people. His body was found in a pond next to the temple. We call on the Govt of Bangladesh for immediate action in this regard," the official Twitter handle of the ISKCON community said.

'Send Delegation To Bangladesh': ISKCON to UN over attack on devotees

A minister in the Shiekh Hasina government has said that "evil groups" carried out attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh. Who are these groups? Sources tell WION that Pro-Pakistan group Jamaat-E-Islami is behind the repeated attacks. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas | Bangladesh riots: Jamaat-E-Islami behind attacks on Hindus tag Sheikh Hasina, Bdesh govt

Two Hindu men have been killed in fresh religious violence in Bangladesh, police officials said Saturday, taking the death toll to six from recent unrest in the Muslim-majority country.

Protests began on Wednesday after footage emerged of a Koran being placed on the knee of a Hindu god during celebrations for the Hindu festival Durga Puja. The minority community make up about 10 per cent of the population.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-pms-warning-iskcon-temple-vandalised-in-bangladesh-421103">Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh</a>

Police said the latest violence occurred in the southern town of Begumganj when hundreds of Muslims formed a street procession after Friday prayers on the final day of Durga Puja.

More than 200 protesters attacked a temple where members of the Hindu community were preparing to perform the last rites of the 10-day festival, local police station chief Shah Imran told reporters.

The attackers beat and stabbed to death an executive member of the temple committee, he said.

On Saturday morning, another Hindu man's body was found near a pond next to the temple, district police chief Shahidul Islam told AFP.

"Two men have died since yesterday's attack. We are working to find the culprits," he added.

Anti-Hindu violence spread to more than a dozen districts across Bangladesh this week after footage emerged on social media of the Koran incident.

At least four people were killed late Wednesday when police opened fire on a crowd of around 500 people attacking a Hindu temple in Hajiganj, one of several towns hit by the disturbances.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-temples-durga-puja-pandals-vandalised-in-bangladesh-4-killed-420683">Hindu temples, Durga puja pandals vandalised in Bangladesh, 4 killed</a>

At least 150 Hindus were injured across the country, community leader Gobinda Chandra Pramanik told AFP, and at least 80 makeshift temples had been attacked. Authorities did not confirm the figures.

Hindus have often fallen victim to communal violence in the country of 169 million.

Local authorities said they have deployed extra security including paramilitary border guards to control any further unrest.

On Friday violence broke out in the capital Dhaka and Chittagong, prompting police to fire tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of brick-throwing Muslim protesters.

High-speed mobile phone internet services were shut down in an apparent bid to prevent the violence from spreading.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met leaders of the Hindu community on Thursday and promised stern action.

"So far around 90 people have been arrested. We will also hunt down all the masterminds," Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said.

Two Hindu men have been killed in fresh religious violence in Bangladesh, police officials said Saturday, taking the death toll to six from recent unrest in the Muslim-majority country.

Two Hindu men have been killed in fresh religious violence in Bangladesh, police officials said Saturday, taking the death toll to six from recent unrest in the Muslim-majority country. Protests began on Wednesday after footage emerged of a Koran being placed on the knee of a Hindu god during celebrations for the Hindu festival Durga Puja. The minority community make up about 10 per cent of the population. Also Read | Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh Police said the latest violence occurred in the southern town of Begumganj when hundreds of Muslims formed a street procession after Friday prayers on the final day of Durga Puja. More than 200 protesters attacked a temple where members of the Hindu community were preparing to perform the last rites of the 10-day festival, local police station chief Shah Imran told reporters. The attackers beat and stabbed to death an executive member of the temple committee, he said. On Saturday morning, another Hindu man's body was found near a pond next to the temple, district police chief Shahidul Islam told AFP. "Two men have died since yesterday's attack. We are working to find the culprits," he added. Anti-Hindu violence spread to more than a dozen districts across Bangladesh this week after footage emerged on social media of the Koran incident. At least four people were killed late Wednesday when police opened fire on a crowd of around 500 people attacking a Hindu temple in Hajiganj, one of several towns hit by the disturbances. Also Read | Hindu temples, Durga puja pandals vandalised in Bangladesh, 4 killed At least 150 Hindus were injured across the country, community leader Gobinda Chandra Pramanik told AFP, and at least 80 makeshift temples had been attacked. Authorities did not confirm the figures. Hindus have often fallen victim to communal violence in the country of 169 million. Local authorities said they have deployed extra security including paramilitary border guards to control any further unrest. On Friday violence broke out in the capital Dhaka and Chittagong, prompting police to fire tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of brick-throwing Muslim protesters. High-speed mobile phone internet services were shut down in an apparent bid to prevent the violence from spreading. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met leaders of the Hindu community on Thursday and promised stern action. "So far around 90 people have been arrested. We will also hunt down all the masterminds," Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said.

Two Hindu men killed in fresh Bangladesh religious unrest

A mob attacked & vandalised an Iskcon temple in Bangladesh's Noakhali district. According to the community, one of its members had got killed. The official Twitter handle of Bangladesh's Iskcon community said, "It is with great grief that we share the news of a Iskcon member, Partha das, who was brutally killed yesterday by a mob of over 200 people. His body was found in a pond next to the temple. We call on the govt of Bangladesh for immediate action in this regard"

Mob attacks, vandalises  Iskcon temple in Bangladesh's Noakhali

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Eighteen countries, including China, Brazil and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI score of less than five, the website of the Global Hunger Index that tracks hunger and malnutrition said on Thursday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-has-started-increasing-says-delhi-cm-kejriwal-as-air-quality-index-reaches-171-419550">Pollution has started increasing, says Delhi CM Kejriwal as air quality index reaches 171</a>

The report, prepared jointly by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and German organisation Welt Hunger Hilfe, termed the level of hunger in India "alarming".

In 2020, India was ranked 94th out of 107 countries. Now with 116 countries in the fray, it has dropped to 101st rank.

India's GHI score has also decelerated -- from 38.8 in 2000 to the range of 28.8 - 27.5 between 2012 and 2021.

The GHI score is calculated on four indicators --undernourishment; child wasting (the share of children under the age of five who are wasted i.e&nbsp;who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting (children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition) and child mortality (the mortality rate of children under the age of five).

The share of wasting among children in India rose from 17.1 per cent between 1998-2002 to 17.3 per cent between 2016-2020, according to the report.

"People have been severely hit by COVID-19 and by pandemic related restrictions in India, the country with highest child wasting rate worldwide," the report said.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/locals-come-forward-in-support-of-minority-communities-to-save-kashmiriyat-420719">&nbsp;Locals come forward in support of minority communities to save Kashmiriyat</a>

Neighbouring countries like Nepal (76), Bangladesh (76), Myanmar (71) and Pakistan (92) are also in the 'alarming' hunger category, but have fared better at feeding its citizens than India, according to the report.

However, India has shown improvement in other indicators such as the under-5 mortality rate, prevalence of stunting among children and prevalence of undernourishment owing to inadequate food, the report said.

According to the report, the fight against hunger is dangerously off track. Based on the current GHI projections, the world as a whole -- and 47 countries in particular -- will fail to achieve a low level of hunger by 2030.

Food security is under assault on multiple fronts, it said, adding that worsening conflict, weather extremes associated with global climate change, and the economic and health challenges associated with the COVID19 pandemic are all driving hunger.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-conflict-arunachal-pradesh-integral-and-inalienable-part-of-india-mea-rebuffs-china-420399">India-China conflict | Arunachal Pradesh integral and inalienable part of India: MEA rebuffs China</a>

"Inequality -- between regions, countries, districts, and communities -- is pervasive and, (if) left unchecked, will keep the world from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mandate to leave no one behind," the report said.

Further, the report noted that it is difficult to be optimistic in 2021 because the forces now driving hunger are overpowering good intentions and lofty goals.

Among the most powerful and toxic of these forces are conflict, climate change, and COVID-19 three Cs that threaten to wipe out any progress that has been made against hunger in recent years, it added

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Eighteen countries, including China, Brazil and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI score of less than five, the website of the Global Hunger Index that tracks hunger and malnutrition said on Thursday. Also Read | Pollution has started increasing, says Delhi CM Kejriwal as air quality index reaches 171 The report, prepared jointly by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and German organisation Welt Hunger Hilfe, termed the level of hunger in India "alarming". In 2020, India was ranked 94th out of 107 countries. Now with 116 countries in the fray, it has dropped to 101st rank. India's GHI score has also decelerated -- from 38.8 in 2000 to the range of 28.8 - 27.5 between 2012 and 2021. The GHI score is calculated on four indicators --undernourishment; child wasting (the share of children under the age of five who are wasted i.e who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting (children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition) and child mortality (the mortality rate of children under the age of five). The share of wasting among children in India rose from 17.1 per cent between 1998-2002 to 17.3 per cent between 2016-2020, according to the report. "People have been severely hit by COVID-19 and by pandemic related restrictions in India, the country with highest child wasting rate worldwide," the report said. Also Read | Locals come forward in support of minority communities to save Kashmiriyat Neighbouring countries like Nepal (76), Bangladesh (76), Myanmar (71) and Pakistan (92) are also in the 'alarming' hunger category, but have fared better at feeding its citizens than India, according to the report. However, India has shown improvement in other indicators such as the under-5 mortality rate, prevalence of stunting among children and prevalence of undernourishment owing to inadequate food, the report said. According to the report, the fight against hunger is dangerously off track. Based on the current GHI projections, the world as a whole -- and 47 countries in particular -- will fail to achieve a low level of hunger by 2030. Food security is under assault on multiple fronts, it said, adding that worsening conflict, weather extremes associated with global climate change, and the economic and health challenges associated with the COVID19 pandemic are all driving hunger. Also Read | India-China conflict | Arunachal Pradesh integral and inalienable part of India: MEA rebuffs China "Inequality -- between regions, countries, districts, and communities -- is pervasive and, (if) left unchecked, will keep the world from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mandate to leave no one behind," the report said. Further, the report noted that it is difficult to be optimistic in 2021 because the forces now driving hunger are overpowering good intentions and lofty goals. Among the most powerful and toxic of these forces are conflict, climate change, and COVID-19 three Cs that threaten to wipe out any progress that has been made against hunger in recent years, it added

India slips to 101st rank in Global Hunger Index 2021; behind Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal

A few hours after Hindu temples were vandalised in Bangladesh, an ISKCON temple and the people inside it have also been attacked. <o:p></o:p>

As per local reports, a mob attacked devotees at an ISKCON temple in in Noakhali area of Bangladesh on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/those-attacking-durga-puja-pandals-will-be-hunted-down-punished-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-420890">Those attacking Durga Puja pandals will be hunted down, punished: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina</a>

<o:p></o:p>

The attack was confirmed by ISKCON community through a tweet from their official account.

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ISKCON temple &amp; devotees were violently attacked today by a mob in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Temple suffered significant damage &amp; the condition of a devotee remains critical. 
 
We call on the Govt of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all Hindus &amp; bring the perpetrators to justice. <a href="https://t.co/ZpHtB48lZi">pic.twitter.com/ZpHtB48lZi</a>
— ISKCON (@iskcon) <a href="https://twitter.com/iskcon/status/1449029665578831873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"ISKCON temple &amp; devotees were violently attacked today by a mob in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Temple suffered significant damage &amp; the condition of a devotee remains critical," ISKCON said in a tweet. "We call on the Govt of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all Hindus &amp; bring the perpetrators to justice."<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

This attack has come a few hours after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina assured the Hindu community that those who attacked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-temples-durga-puja-pandals-vandalised-in-bangladesh-4-killed-420683">Hindu temples</a> will be hunted down.

<o:p></o:p>

<img alt="Image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FBv8xLiUUAQfWns?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" />(Image source: Twitter)

She also assured the community that they have equal rights to celebrate their festivals and stressed that the community should treat Bangladesh as their home.<o:p></o:p>

"You are considered as citizens of this country. You live in equal rights. You will enjoy equal rights. You will observe your religion and celebrate festivals with equal rights. That`s what we want. This is the real policy of our Bangladesh and our ideal. I urge you again never to think of yourself as a minority," she said, while addressing Hindu community gathered at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka.<o:p></o:p>

"We are getting a lot of information and of course we will find out who is behind the provocation to destroy the communal harmony... strong action will be taken against those no matter which religion they belong to. I want to remind all; Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. Here, people of all faiths will live together and will practice their own religion," she added.<o:p></o:p>

The situation has been a little tense lately due to some incidents in the country. Hindu temples were vandalised during Durga Puja celebrations, which led to murder of four people and several others were injured.<o:p></o:p>

A few hours after Hindu temples were vandalised in Bangladesh, an ISKCON temple and the people inside it have also been attacked. As per local reports, a mob attacked devotees at an ISKCON temple in in Noakhali area of Bangladesh on Friday.

A few hours after Hindu temples were vandalised in Bangladesh, an ISKCON temple and the people inside it have also been attacked. As per local reports, a mob attacked devotees at an ISKCON temple in in Noakhali area of Bangladesh on Friday. Also read | Those attacking Durga Puja pandals will be hunted down, punished: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina The attack was confirmed by ISKCON community through a tweet from their official account. ISKCON temple & devotees were violently attacked today by a mob in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Temple suffered significant damage & the condition of a devotee remains critical. We call on the Govt of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all Hindus & bring the perpetrators to justice. pic.twitter.com/ZpHtB48lZi — ISKCON (@iskcon) October 15, 2021 × "ISKCON temple & devotees were violently attacked today by a mob in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Temple suffered significant damage & the condition of a devotee remains critical," ISKCON said in a tweet. "We call on the Govt of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all Hindus & bring the perpetrators to justice." This attack has come a few hours after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina assured the Hindu community that those who attacked Hindu temples will be hunted down. (Image source: Twitter) She also assured the community that they have equal rights to celebrate their festivals and stressed that the community should treat Bangladesh as their home. "You are considered as citizens of this country. You live in equal rights. You will enjoy equal rights. You will observe your religion and celebrate festivals with equal rights. That`s what we want. This is the real policy of our Bangladesh and our ideal. I urge you again never to think of yourself as a minority," she said, while addressing Hindu community gathered at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka. "We are getting a lot of information and of course we will find out who is behind the provocation to destroy the communal harmony... strong action will be taken against those no matter which religion they belong to. I want to remind all; Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. Here, people of all faiths will live together and will practice their own religion," she added. The situation has been a little tense lately due to some incidents in the country. Hindu temples were vandalised during Durga Puja celebrations, which led to murder of four people and several others were injured.

Hours after PM's warning, ISKCON temple vandalised in Bangladesh

India has taken cognisance of the deadly durga puja violence in neighbouring Bangladesh. At least three people have been killed in riots during the Hindu festival. Situation remains tense. Over 40 people have been arrested. Bangladesh has deployed its border guards to 22 districts.

Over 40 people arrested over durga puja violence in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the Hindu community on Thursday that they will continue to have equal rights and be able to openly celebrate their festivals, while also threatening those who engaged in violence and destruction at temples and Durga Puja pandals in Comilla and elsewhere.&nbsp;

"You are considered as citizens of this country. You live in equal rights. You will enjoy equal rights. You will observe your religion and celebrate festivals with equal rights. That`s what we want. This is the real policy of our Bangladesh and our ideal.I urge you again never to think of yourself as a minority," she said.

"We are getting a lot of information and of course we will find out who is behind the provocation to destroy the communal harmony... strong action will be taken against those no matter which religion they belong to. I want to remind all; Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. Here, people of all faiths will live together and will practice their own religion," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hindu-temples-durga-puja-pandals-vandalised-in-bangladesh-4-killed-420683">Also Read |&nbsp;Hindu temples, Durga puja pandals vandalised in Bangladesh, 4 killed</a>

The prime minister made the remarks while addressing members of the Hindu community at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja. 
 
She joined the event via video conference from Ganabhaban. 
 
<img alt="BAngladesh-riot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="233f6b85-9baa-48a0-9a2c-1089891db6d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_36.jpg" /> 
 
A vandalise temple is seen in Comilla on October 14, 2021. (AFP Photo) 
 
She called the vandalism of temples in Cumilla "extremely sad," adding that such actions may be carried out by individuals who lack the confidence and trust of the people and lack ideas.&nbsp;

"We are getting a large amount of information. We will definitely trace those who carried out the attacks.&nbsp;This is the age of technology," she added." They must be found. 
 
<img alt="Durga Puja festival " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54643ffb-84b2-4c53-b914-53f025fb4c70" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_28.jpg" /> 
 
Police stand guard next to a vandalised temporary place of worship set up on the occasion of Durga Puja festival in Comilla on October 14, 2021. (AFP Photo)

We have done so in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

They must face the appropriate penalty.

"Exemplary punishment would be meted out so that no one dares to engage in this sort of occurrence in the future," the prime minister stated, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

She also urged everyone to work together and be watchful in order to prevent such horrific actions from happening again.

She stated that in Bangladesh, people of all castes, creeds, and religions celebrate all holidays together, adding, "Religion is for individuals, and celebration is for everybody, and we enjoy every festival together."&nbsp;

According to Hasina, the Cumilla event came at a time when the country was going at full speed toward development, and it was intended to stymie the nation's elevation and create a crisis in the country.

On Wednesday, emotions flared among a section of Cumilla residents when reports of an alleged destruction of the Holy Quran at a Durga Puja location on the bank of Nanuar Dighi spread on social media.

At one point, the situation became out of control, and rioting extended to a number other Puja locations in the surrounding districts.

The local administration and police were attacked while attempting to restore order, according to the Dhaka Tribune.&nbsp;

Similar incidences occurred in other districts around the nation on Wednesday night and Thursday, prompting the government to deploy Border Guard Bangladesh troopers along with extra law enforcement personnel in 22 districts.

Several individuals have been reported dead during skirmishes in Chandpur, while scores of people have been injured or detained by police enforcement in several districts up to this point.

A Hindu community leader requested the government's intervention during Thursday's ceremony, citing knowledge that some individuals are intending to harm them at the immersion of goddess Durga idols on Friday.

Prime Minister Hasina stated that they are aware of the situation and that steps have already been made to address it.

She urged Hindu leaders, particularly the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Committee, to develop a policy determining how many Puja mandaps will be set up across the country to celebrate Durga Puja, while keeping in mind the limited number of security personnel available to ensure the mandaps' safety and security.&nbsp; 
 
She also asked the Hindu community not to regard themselves as a minority and to do their religious rites with the same privileges as followers of other religions because they were born and raised in the nation and fought side by side to free the country during the 1971 Liberation War.&nbsp;

"We believe that those who are born on the soil of this country and who are its children will practice their respective religions freely," she said.

She stated that her administration was devoted to promoting the wellbeing of all people, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, while highlighting several efforts done by her government to improve the Hindu population. 
 
Hasina stated that Bangladesh's dignity has been established on the world stage as it has evolved into a developing nation, adding, "We want the country to be developed and affluent by 2041 while maintaining the dignity." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the Hindu community on Thursday that they will continue to have equal rights and be able to openly celebrate their festivals, while also threatening those who engaged in violence and destruction at temples and Durga Puja pandals in Comilla and elsewhere.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told the Hindu community on Thursday that they will continue to have equal rights and be able to openly celebrate their festivals, while also threatening those who engaged in violence and destruction at temples and Durga Puja pandals in Comilla and elsewhere. "You are considered as citizens of this country. You live in equal rights. You will enjoy equal rights. You will observe your religion and celebrate festivals with equal rights. That`s what we want. This is the real policy of our Bangladesh and our ideal.I urge you again never to think of yourself as a minority," she said. "We are getting a lot of information and of course we will find out who is behind the provocation to destroy the communal harmony... strong action will be taken against those no matter which religion they belong to. I want to remind all; Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. Here, people of all faiths will live together and will practice their own religion," she said. Also Read | Hindu temples, Durga puja pandals vandalised in Bangladesh, 4 killed The prime minister made the remarks while addressing members of the Hindu community at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja. She joined the event via video conference from Ganabhaban. A vandalise temple is seen in Comilla on October 14, 2021. (AFP Photo) She called the vandalism of temples in Cumilla "extremely sad," adding that such actions may be carried out by individuals who lack the confidence and trust of the people and lack ideas. "We are getting a large amount of information. We will definitely trace those who carried out the attacks. This is the age of technology," she added." They must be found. Police stand guard next to a vandalised temporary place of worship set up on the occasion of Durga Puja festival in Comilla on October 14, 2021. (AFP Photo) We have done so in the past and will continue to do so in the future. They must face the appropriate penalty. "Exemplary punishment would be meted out so that no one dares to engage in this sort of occurrence in the future," the prime minister stated, according to the Dhaka Tribune. She also urged everyone to work together and be watchful in order to prevent such horrific actions from happening again. She stated that in Bangladesh, people of all castes, creeds, and religions celebrate all holidays together, adding, "Religion is for individuals, and celebration is for everybody, and we enjoy every festival together." According to Hasina, the Cumilla event came at a time when the country was going at full speed toward development, and it was intended to stymie the nation's elevation and create a crisis in the country. On Wednesday, emotions flared among a section of Cumilla residents when reports of an alleged destruction of the Holy Quran at a Durga Puja location on the bank of Nanuar Dighi spread on social media. At one point, the situation became out of control, and rioting extended to a number other Puja locations in the surrounding districts. The local administration and police were attacked while attempting to restore order, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Similar incidences occurred in other districts around the nation on Wednesday night and Thursday, prompting the government to deploy Border Guard Bangladesh troopers along with extra law enforcement personnel in 22 districts. Several individuals have been reported dead during skirmishes in Chandpur, while scores of people have been injured or detained by police enforcement in several districts up to this point. A Hindu community leader requested the government's intervention during Thursday's ceremony, citing knowledge that some individuals are intending to harm them at the immersion of goddess Durga idols on Friday. Prime Minister Hasina stated that they are aware of the situation and that steps have already been made to address it. She urged Hindu leaders, particularly the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Committee, to develop a policy determining how many Puja mandaps will be set up across the country to celebrate Durga Puja, while keeping in mind the limited number of security personnel available to ensure the mandaps' safety and security. She also asked the Hindu community not to regard themselves as a minority and to do their religious rites with the same privileges as followers of other religions because they were born and raised in the nation and fought side by side to free the country during the 1971 Liberation War. "We believe that those who are born on the soil of this country and who are its children will practice their respective religions freely," she said. She stated that her administration was devoted to promoting the wellbeing of all people, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, while highlighting several efforts done by her government to improve the Hindu population. Hasina stated that Bangladesh's dignity has been established on the world stage as it has evolved into a developing nation, adding, "We want the country to be developed and affluent by 2041 while maintaining the dignity." (With inputs from agencies)

Those attacking Durga Puja pandals will be hunted down, punished: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh has been urged to build a stronger health system to deal with an increase in climate-sensitive diseases. The impact of changing weather patterns due to climate change on public health is a crucial concern for vulnerable countries.

A recent World Bank study, titled 'Climate Afflictions Report' finds that changes in climatic conditions have caused an increase in cases of respiratory, waterborne, and mosquito-borne diseases in Bangladesh.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hospitals-run-out-of-beds-on-dengue-surge-419622">Pakistan hospitals run out of beds on dengue surge</a>

The study predicts that as climate change continues, Bangladesh will witness more physical health issues. According to it, the most vulnerable will be children and the elderly, as well as those living in large cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong.

According to Mercy Tembon, the World Bank's country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan: "Bangladesh has remarkably tackled climate change challenges, despite being among the most vulnerable countries. It has built resilience against natural disasters and introduced homegrown solutions to improve agricultural productivity.

"With more evidence showing a pronounced impact of climate change on physical and mental health, Bangladesh needs to build on its success in adaptations to ensure a stronger health system that averts outbreaks of emerging climate-sensitive diseases."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eco-anxiety-fear-of-environmental-damage-affecting-mental-health-of-people-418987">‘Eco-anxiety’: Fear of environmental damage affecting mental health of people</a>

Data shows that, over the past 40 years, Bangladesh's temperature has risen by 0.5 degrees Celsius, with the summer getting hotter and longer, the winter getting warmer, and the monsoon season extending from February to October.

According to the report, Bangladesh's temperature will rise by 1.4 degrees Celsius by 2050.

The report claims that erratic weather conditions were key to the outbreak of dengue in Dhaka city in 2019. At the time, 77 per cent of the country's total number of dengue-related deaths occurred there.

The city recorded more than three times the average amount of rainfall in February and high temperatures and humidity between March and July of that year.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-must-address-unprecedented-climate-crisis-pope-francis-warns-418150">COP26 must address 'unprecedented' climate crisis, Pope Francis warns</a>

Compared to the monsoon, the likelihood of contracting an infectious disease is about 20 percentage points lower in the dry season, said the report.

With rising temperatures and humidity, the risk of respiratory illness increases as well.

As per the World Bank report, for every degree Celsius climb in temperature, people are more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses by 5.7 percentage points, while every per cent rise in humidity amounts to 1.5 percentage points more chances of catching a respiratory infection.

Watch | Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina addresses UNGA; climate change, equitable vaccine distribution top focus

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-addresses-unga-climate-change-equitable-vaccine-distribution-top-focus-415741/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Going forward, by ensuring stronger data collection, Bangladesh can better track the evolution of climate-sensitive diseases," said Iffat Mahmud, World Bank senior operations officer and co-author of the report.

"Particularly by recording accurate weather data at local levels and linking it with health data, it will be possible to predict potential disease outbreaks and to establish a climate-based dengue early warning system," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh has been urged to build a stronger health system to deal with an increase in climate-sensitive diseases. The impact of changing weather patterns due to climate change on public health is a crucial concern for vulnerable countries.

Bangladesh has been urged to build a stronger health system to deal with an increase in climate-sensitive diseases. The impact of changing weather patterns due to climate change on public health is a crucial concern for vulnerable countries. A recent World Bank study, titled 'Climate Afflictions Report' finds that changes in climatic conditions have caused an increase in cases of respiratory, waterborne, and mosquito-borne diseases in Bangladesh. Also read | Pakistan hospitals run out of beds on dengue surge The study predicts that as climate change continues, Bangladesh will witness more physical health issues. According to it, the most vulnerable will be children and the elderly, as well as those living in large cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong. According to Mercy Tembon, the World Bank's country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan: "Bangladesh has remarkably tackled climate change challenges, despite being among the most vulnerable countries. It has built resilience against natural disasters and introduced homegrown solutions to improve agricultural productivity. "With more evidence showing a pronounced impact of climate change on physical and mental health, Bangladesh needs to build on its success in adaptations to ensure a stronger health system that averts outbreaks of emerging climate-sensitive diseases." Also read | ‘Eco-anxiety’: Fear of environmental damage affecting mental health of people Data shows that, over the past 40 years, Bangladesh's temperature has risen by 0.5 degrees Celsius, with the summer getting hotter and longer, the winter getting warmer, and the monsoon season extending from February to October. According to the report, Bangladesh's temperature will rise by 1.4 degrees Celsius by 2050. The report claims that erratic weather conditions were key to the outbreak of dengue in Dhaka city in 2019. At the time, 77 per cent of the country's total number of dengue-related deaths occurred there. The city recorded more than three times the average amount of rainfall in February and high temperatures and humidity between March and July of that year. Also read | COP26 must address 'unprecedented' climate crisis, Pope Francis warns Compared to the monsoon, the likelihood of contracting an infectious disease is about 20 percentage points lower in the dry season, said the report. With rising temperatures and humidity, the risk of respiratory illness increases as well. As per the World Bank report, for every degree Celsius climb in temperature, people are more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses by 5.7 percentage points, while every per cent rise in humidity amounts to 1.5 percentage points more chances of catching a respiratory infection. Watch | Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina addresses UNGA; climate change, equitable vaccine distribution top focus "Going forward, by ensuring stronger data collection, Bangladesh can better track the evolution of climate-sensitive diseases," said Iffat Mahmud, World Bank senior operations officer and co-author of the report. "Particularly by recording accurate weather data at local levels and linking it with health data, it will be possible to predict potential disease outbreaks and to establish a climate-based dengue early warning system," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

World Bank report urges Bangladesh to build stronger health system for tackling climate-sensitive diseases

The United Nations and Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together in aiding the protection and management of the Rohingya refugees on the controversial island in the Bay of Bengal. Earlier the UN and other humanitarian groups had criticized the relocation of refugees to Bhasan Char island.

UN, Bangladesh to work together to aid Rohingya refugees

Bangladesh police arrested at least 16 Rohingya refugees after a series of raids in camps in Dhaka. This comes in after the murder of a top Rohingya community leader last week.

Rights advocate Mohib Ullah was gunned down ten days ago by unidentified assailants outside his office at Kutupalong.&nbsp;

His family and fellow community leaders blame the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), which is a militant outfit behind a series of attacks on Myanmar security posts as they say that Mohib Ullah's growing popularity had enraged the group.&nbsp;

However, ARSA has denied any involvement in the murder.

Mohib Ullah had become one the most respected moderate voices advocating for Rohingya refugees after nearly 800,000 people fled Myanmar for Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ghanis-ex-bodyguard-ready-to-give-proof-of-ex-president-fleeing-with-bags-of-cash-419575">Also read |&nbsp;Ghani's ex-bodyguard ready to give proof of ex-president fleeing with bags of cash</a>

Naimul Huq, the police official in charge of the raids said, "We have arrested 16 people in the past three days as part of a special drive we have launched after the murder of Mohib Ullah."&nbsp;

Huq added that those arrested were not "involved in the murder of Mohib Ullah" and ARSA does not operate in the camps.&nbsp;

A senior leader of the slain leader's rights group, while speaking with AFP said, "ARSA has created a reign of terror in the camps."

"Since Mohib Ullah's murder, I haven't been able to go to my home. I've been hiding since the murder. ARSA members are following us and threatening us. I am helpless."&nbsp;

Another community leader said, "ARSA militants tried to kidnap one of my relatives and the son of one of our members. Now we are all scared of our life. They want to kill me".

Bangladesh police arrested at least 16 Rohingya refugees after a series of raids in camps in Dhaka. This comes in after the murder of a top Rohingya community leader last week.

Bangladesh police arrested at least 16 Rohingya refugees after a series of raids in camps in Dhaka. This comes in after the murder of a top Rohingya community leader last week. Rights advocate Mohib Ullah was gunned down ten days ago by unidentified assailants outside his office at Kutupalong. His family and fellow community leaders blame the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), which is a militant outfit behind a series of attacks on Myanmar security posts as they say that Mohib Ullah's growing popularity had enraged the group. However, ARSA has denied any involvement in the murder. Mohib Ullah had become one the most respected moderate voices advocating for Rohingya refugees after nearly 800,000 people fled Myanmar for Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district. Also read | Ghani's ex-bodyguard ready to give proof of ex-president fleeing with bags of cash Naimul Huq, the police official in charge of the raids said, "We have arrested 16 people in the past three days as part of a special drive we have launched after the murder of Mohib Ullah." Huq added that those arrested were not "involved in the murder of Mohib Ullah" and ARSA does not operate in the camps. A senior leader of the slain leader's rights group, while speaking with AFP said, "ARSA has created a reign of terror in the camps." "Since Mohib Ullah's murder, I haven't been able to go to my home. I've been hiding since the murder. ARSA members are following us and threatening us. I am helpless." Another community leader said, "ARSA militants tried to kidnap one of my relatives and the son of one of our members. Now we are all scared of our life. They want to kill me".

Bangladesh: 16 Rohingya arrested in anti-militant crackdown

Bangladesh wants to send more than 80,000 Rohingya refugees to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal after sealing an agreement for the United Nations to provide help, officials said Friday.

Some 19,000 of the Muslim refugees from Myanmar have already relocated from crowded camps on the mainland to Bhashan Char island, despite doubts raised by aid groups, officials said.

Bangladesh refugee commissioner Shah Rezwan Hayat told AFP that tens of thousands more would go once the monsoon storms that batter the Bay of Bengal each year end in November.

"We are aiming to relocate some 81,000 (Rohingya) to Bhashan Char by the end of February to complete the 100,000 quota," he told AFP.

The government has spent about $350 million building shelters on the 53 square kilometre (20 square mile) island which was formed by tidal silt deposits about 20 years ago.

On top of the inhospitable weather, the island is 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the Bangladesh mainland and some Rohingya groups say people were forced to go there.

About 850,000 Rohingya are packed into camps along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Most fled a Myanmar military clampdown in 2017 that the UN says could be genocide.

Bangladesh has been praised for taking in the refugees who poured across the border but has had little success finding them permanent homes.

UN confirms deal

While a Bangladesh security intelligence agency is responsible for relocating the refugees, the government denies that any coercion has been used.

Still, several hundred Rohingya have fled Bhashan Char only to be detained on other islands or in coastal villages. Dozens died after a fishing boat packed with Rohingya trying to flee the island sank in August.

The UN had expressed doubts about the relocations. But Bangladesh and UN officials said a deal has been agreed to give the UN a role in providing humanitarian assistance and monitoring conditions on the island.

"We can confirm that the UN will sign a memorandum of understanding with the government to protect Rohingya refugees in Bhashan Char on Saturday," a spokesperson for UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, told AFP.

Refugee commissioner Hayat said the UN would play a bigger role on the island than they do now in the mainland refugee camps, where they already have extensive operations.&nbsp;

"Bhashan Char residents will receive similar treatment, humanitarian response-wise, to what is now provided to people in the Cox's Bazar camps," he said.

He added that there would also be greater opportunities for Rohingya to work on the island than there are now in the rigidly policed camps.

But Amnesty International raised new concerns over the relocations and highlighted the attempts made by refugees on the island to get away again.

"Some refugees have drowned at sea and many are either being arrested, detained, or forcibly returned to the island," Saad Hammadi, Amnesty's South Asia campaigner, told AFP.

He said Bangladesh, the UN and donor countries should "develop a rights-respecting policy and ensure the participation of Rohingya refugees in decisions that affect their lives."

Bangladesh wants to send more than 80,000 Rohingya refugees to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal after sealing an agreement for the United Nations to provide help, officials said Friday.

Bangladesh wants to send more than 80,000 Rohingya refugees to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal after sealing an agreement for the United Nations to provide help, officials said Friday. Some 19,000 of the Muslim refugees from Myanmar have already relocated from crowded camps on the mainland to Bhashan Char island, despite doubts raised by aid groups, officials said. Bangladesh refugee commissioner Shah Rezwan Hayat told AFP that tens of thousands more would go once the monsoon storms that batter the Bay of Bengal each year end in November. "We are aiming to relocate some 81,000 (Rohingya) to Bhashan Char by the end of February to complete the 100,000 quota," he told AFP. The government has spent about $350 million building shelters on the 53 square kilometre (20 square mile) island which was formed by tidal silt deposits about 20 years ago. On top of the inhospitable weather, the island is 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the Bangladesh mainland and some Rohingya groups say people were forced to go there. About 850,000 Rohingya are packed into camps along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Most fled a Myanmar military clampdown in 2017 that the UN says could be genocide. Bangladesh has been praised for taking in the refugees who poured across the border but has had little success finding them permanent homes. UN confirms deal While a Bangladesh security intelligence agency is responsible for relocating the refugees, the government denies that any coercion has been used. Still, several hundred Rohingya have fled Bhashan Char only to be detained on other islands or in coastal villages. Dozens died after a fishing boat packed with Rohingya trying to flee the island sank in August. The UN had expressed doubts about the relocations. But Bangladesh and UN officials said a deal has been agreed to give the UN a role in providing humanitarian assistance and monitoring conditions on the island. "We can confirm that the UN will sign a memorandum of understanding with the government to protect Rohingya refugees in Bhashan Char on Saturday," a spokesperson for UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, told AFP. Refugee commissioner Hayat said the UN would play a bigger role on the island than they do now in the mainland refugee camps, where they already have extensive operations. "Bhashan Char residents will receive similar treatment, humanitarian response-wise, to what is now provided to people in the Cox's Bazar camps," he said. He added that there would also be greater opportunities for Rohingya to work on the island than there are now in the rigidly policed camps. But Amnesty International raised new concerns over the relocations and highlighted the attempts made by refugees on the island to get away again. "Some refugees have drowned at sea and many are either being arrested, detained, or forcibly returned to the island," Saad Hammadi, Amnesty's South Asia campaigner, told AFP. He said Bangladesh, the UN and donor countries should "develop a rights-respecting policy and ensure the participation of Rohingya refugees in decisions that affect their lives."

Bangladesh plans to move 81,000 Rohingya to island after UN deal: Officials

Top Rohingya leader Mohibulla was assassinated last week. He had predicted that he would be killed by hardliners multiple times. His death underlines the problem of violence in Bangladesh's Rohingya camps.

Problem of violence in Bangladesh's Rohingya camps

A militant group accused of killing a popular Rohingya leader in a Bangladesh refugee camp said on Friday it was "shocked and saddened" by his death, pointing the finger at "unidentified criminals".

Mohib Ullah was gunned down late Wednesday in one of the camps in east Bangladesh which are home to over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar.&nbsp;

He had received death threats from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), who were enraged by his growing popularity in the camps, activists told AFP. His brother has openly accused ARSA of his murder.&nbsp;

But in a Twitter statement on Friday, ARSA said Mohib Ullah was "reportedly assassinated by unidentified transnational border-based criminals".&nbsp;

"It is time for bringing the criminals to their accountability instead of finger-pointing with baseless and heavy accusations," the statement added.

AFP has contacted the group for comment.

On Friday UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called for a "prompt, thorough, and independent investigation" into the killing.

A 28-year-old Rohingya man has been arrested over the murder, Bangladesh police said Friday.

"I don't know if he is a member of ARSA," commanding officer Naimul Haque told AFP.&nbsp;

"More information will be known after interrogation."

ARSA were behind a spate of attacks on Myanmar security posts in 2017 and are also blamed for attacks on Hindus living in Rohingya villages in the country's western Rakhine province.

Mohib Ullah had set up the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, a rights group that documented atrocities allegedly committed against the Rohingya by the Myanmar military during its 2017 offensive.

The military crackdown prompted hundreds of thousands of the long-oppressed mostly Muslim minority to flee into Bangladesh, where they remain four years later in squalid refugee camps.&nbsp;

The former schoolteacher rose to prominence after his group held a grand rally on the second anniversary of the crackdown in 2019, which an estimated 200,000 Rohingya attended.

That year, Mohib Ullah also met then US president Donald Trump at the White House during a meeting on religious freedom, and spoke at a UN Human Rights meeting in Geneva.

Up to 25,000 people attended his funeral prayers at the main Kutupalong camp on Thursday, police said. Nazir Hossain, a Rohingya leader, said there were 200,000. 
&nbsp;

A militant group accused of killing a popular Rohingya leader in a Bangladesh refugee camp said on Friday it was "shocked and saddened" by his death, pointing the finger at "unidentified criminals".

A militant group accused of killing a popular Rohingya leader in a Bangladesh refugee camp said on Friday it was "shocked and saddened" by his death, pointing the finger at "unidentified criminals". Mohib Ullah was gunned down late Wednesday in one of the camps in east Bangladesh which are home to over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar. He had received death threats from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), who were enraged by his growing popularity in the camps, activists told AFP. His brother has openly accused ARSA of his murder. But in a Twitter statement on Friday, ARSA said Mohib Ullah was "reportedly assassinated by unidentified transnational border-based criminals". "It is time for bringing the criminals to their accountability instead of finger-pointing with baseless and heavy accusations," the statement added. AFP has contacted the group for comment. On Friday UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called for a "prompt, thorough, and independent investigation" into the killing. A 28-year-old Rohingya man has been arrested over the murder, Bangladesh police said Friday. "I don't know if he is a member of ARSA," commanding officer Naimul Haque told AFP. "More information will be known after interrogation." ARSA were behind a spate of attacks on Myanmar security posts in 2017 and are also blamed for attacks on Hindus living in Rohingya villages in the country's western Rakhine province. Mohib Ullah had set up the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, a rights group that documented atrocities allegedly committed against the Rohingya by the Myanmar military during its 2017 offensive. The military crackdown prompted hundreds of thousands of the long-oppressed mostly Muslim minority to flee into Bangladesh, where they remain four years later in squalid refugee camps. The former schoolteacher rose to prominence after his group held a grand rally on the second anniversary of the crackdown in 2019, which an estimated 200,000 Rohingya attended. That year, Mohib Ullah also met then US president Donald Trump at the White House during a meeting on religious freedom, and spoke at a UN Human Rights meeting in Geneva. Up to 25,000 people attended his funeral prayers at the main Kutupalong camp on Thursday, police said. Nazir Hossain, a Rohingya leader, said there were 200,000.

Militant group accused of Rohingya leader's death blame 'unidentified criminals'

Starting from October 01, foreign channels will not be allowed air content in Bangladesh, unless they broadcast a clean feed.<o:p></o:p>

The Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said that several foreign media channels have not been following rules and restrictions laid out by the government. As a result of this, it was decided that all non-clean feed will directly be banned from here onwards.<o:p></o:p>

"The channels are not transmitting clean feed&nbsp;even though we have urged them repeatedly to do so," Hasan Mahmud said. "We have decided we cannot let any more foreign channels air without the clean feed policy after September 30."

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/top-rohingya-community-leader-shot-dead-in-bangladesh-417010">Top Rohingya community leader shot dead in Bangladesh</a></o:p>

As per the policy laid out by the Bangladesh government, all foreign media channels are advised to focus their content as per the region of content airing. This would mean that the advertisements produced by and for Indian channels should not be aired in Bangladesh.

<o:p>The government will also be setting up mobile courts to ensure&nbsp;ad-free broadcasts in the country.&nbsp;"We will conduct mobile courts from October 1 all over the country. The concerned channel downlink distributors and cable operators will be responsible if they don't obey the law and actions would be taken against them," he said.</o:p>

This process will be followed for all the feed coming from the neighbouring countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan. He also said that this decision was conveyed to his Indian counterpart a few days ago.&nbsp;"I informed the matter of implementing clean feed broadcasting to my Indian counterpart during my recent visit to India," said Mahmud.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-pakistan-stop-aiding-terrorists-ever-416801">Will Pakistan stop aiding terrorists ever?</a>&nbsp;

He also took this opportunity to announce that the Bangladesh government is planning to digitise the cable networking system in capital city Dhaka and Chittagong. As a result of this, analogue system will be made redundant in these cities.<o:p></o:p>

"Broadcasting will be done through set-top boxes. The digital platform is ready,"&nbsp;he said.<o:p></o:p>

Similar digitising system will be implemented in Kumilla, Bogura, Dinajpur, Kushtia, Rangamati and Cox’s Bazar by the end of this year.<o:p></o:p>

Starting from October 01, foreign channels will not be allowed air content in Bangladesh, unless they broadcast a clean feed. The Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said that several foreign media channels have not been following rules and restrictions laid out by the government.

Starting from October 01, foreign channels will not be allowed air content in Bangladesh, unless they broadcast a clean feed. The Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said that several foreign media channels have not been following rules and restrictions laid out by the government. As a result of this, it was decided that all non-clean feed will directly be banned from here onwards. "The channels are not transmitting clean feed even though we have urged them repeatedly to do so," Hasan Mahmud said. "We have decided we cannot let any more foreign channels air without the clean feed policy after September 30." Also read | Top Rohingya community leader shot dead in Bangladesh As per the policy laid out by the Bangladesh government, all foreign media channels are advised to focus their content as per the region of content airing. This would mean that the advertisements produced by and for Indian channels should not be aired in Bangladesh. The government will also be setting up mobile courts to ensure ad-free broadcasts in the country. "We will conduct mobile courts from October 1 all over the country. The concerned channel downlink distributors and cable operators will be responsible if they don't obey the law and actions would be taken against them," he said. This process will be followed for all the feed coming from the neighbouring countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan. He also said that this decision was conveyed to his Indian counterpart a few days ago. "I informed the matter of implementing clean feed broadcasting to my Indian counterpart during my recent visit to India," said Mahmud. Also read | Will Pakistan stop aiding terrorists ever? He also took this opportunity to announce that the Bangladesh government is planning to digitise the cable networking system in capital city Dhaka and Chittagong. As a result of this, analogue system will be made redundant in these cities. "Broadcasting will be done through set-top boxes. The digital platform is ready," he said. Similar digitising system will be implemented in Kumilla, Bogura, Dinajpur, Kushtia, Rangamati and Cox’s Bazar by the end of this year.

Is Bangladesh blocking all Indian media channels? Here's the truth

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